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newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
The Palm Springs Police Department is warning senior residents in the Coachella Valley about increasingly sophisticated online scams that target older adults through phone calls, emails, text messages, and QR codes to steal personal and financial information. The Joslyn Center in Palm Desert is combating the problem by offering weekly "Teach Tech" classes that educate seniors about common scams and how to identify warning signs, with the center seeking additional volunteers to expand the program and address a waiting list of interested seniors.
asianjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Nevada officials warned seniors about rising SSA impersonation scams, following an FTC report showing Americans lost a record $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, with adults aged 70 and older heavily targeted. Scammers use spoofed numbers and fear tactics—claiming suspended Social Security numbers or unpaid taxes—to extract personal information, with Filipino-American seniors particularly vulnerable due to language barriers and cultural factors. Authorities recommend hanging up on suspicious calls, never providing personal information unsolicited, and reporting incidents to the FTC or Nevada Attorney General's office, while community groups advocate for multilingual prevention resources.
ic3.gov
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of discount medical insurance scams that promise reduced rates but provide no actual coverage, resulting in millions in annual losses and primarily targeting people seeking affordable healthcare through unsolicited contact. Washington state issued a cease-and-desist order against one fraudulent company after over 100 complaints, with victims reporting misrepresented coverage, denied refunds, and unauthorized charges; specific cases included Pennsylvania residents pressured into plans with no actual coverage, a Texas senior deceived into unwanted dental insurance, and a Maryland man left responsible for $7,000 in surgery costs after his purchased plan was not accepted by his hospital. To protect themselves, consumers should verify that insurance companies are licensed in their state through the state
news.vt.edu
· 2025-12-08
Virginia Tech experts caution that AI-enhanced scams using tools like ChatGPT 4o can create convincing fake documents, images, and deepfake voices, making fraud increasingly accessible and sophisticated. They recommend safeguards including verifying source authenticity, checking documents for mathematical or logical errors, enabling two-factor authentication, and potentially using blockchain technology to verify digital file integrity. While AI tools themselves are not fundamentally different from previous fraud methods, experts emphasize the need for continuous public education, updated detection policies, and digital literacy to combat these evolving threats.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The article highlights economic anxiety-driven scams targeting Americans facing recession fears and inflation concerns. Two prevalent scams are detailed: fraudulent "subsidy card" schemes on social media falsely promising government assistance for groceries and rent (legitimate programs like SNAP exist but aren't advertised online), and fake federal grant scams that contact unsuspecting victims claiming they've won free money—real grants are free to claim and rarely awarded to individuals. The article advises verifying opportunities through official channels like 211.org for assistance programs and Grants.gov for legitimate grants.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of sophisticated scams where fraudsters impersonate doctors, police, and bank officials using spoofed numbers and "smishing" texts, often targeting previous fraud victims through social media with promises of fund recovery. These schemes employ AI and deepfakes to appear legitimate, with scammers posing as recovery experts or FBI officials to steal personal information and money a second time. The article recommends staying calm when contacted by suspected scammers, avoiding unknown contact numbers, refusing remote access or software downloads, using strong antivirus protection, and considering personal information removal services as defensive measures.
fhtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers tailor their fraud tactics by age group, targeting Gen Z with employment and crypto scams on social media, millennials with investment fraud via text and email, Gen X with retirement-focused investment schemes, and seniors with romance, home improvement, and crypto scams that often result in losses of $10,000 to $100,000 or more. Seven key warning signs of scams include unsolicited contact from strangers, requests for money or wire transfers, artificial urgency, coaching about what to tell financial institutions, and discouragement from trusting banks. The article advises verifying suspicious offers through Google searches, consulting trusted contacts and financial institutions, and recognizing that fraudsters use
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office for Southern Illinois partnered with the Du Quoin Public Library to host a fraud prevention seminar educating seniors on common scams targeting them via phone, text, email, and online platforms, including schemes where fraudsters impersonate federal agents to extort money. Prosecutors from the Southern District of Illinois presented information on fraud schemes, federal cases, and tips for detecting scams, noting that local scammers have previously defrauded seniors in the region of substantial portions of their life savings.
oswegocountytoday.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, more than 4,300 older New Yorkers were defrauded, losing over $200 million, as older Americans nationwide lost $3.4 billion to scams. The Trump administration is attempting to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) by firing approximately 90% of its staff, including nearly all employees of the Office of Financial Protection for Older Americans, which provides fraud education and counseling to seniors. This action threatens to leave vulnerable older adults without critical protections and resources, despite the CFPB having returned over $21 billion in compensation to Americans harmed by financial fraud since its creation.
keyt.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired caregiver in Fresno, California discovered her identity had been stolen for a cryptocurrency investment scam on Facebook, where scammers posed as her offering "Expert Crypto Trader" services with falsified certificates. California has reported over 190,000 cases of alleged financial abuse against seniors from January 2022 to February 2025, with cryptocurrency, phishing, romance, and government impersonation scams being prevalent, particularly in Fresno and Madera counties. Experts recommend seniors avoid sending money to unknown individuals, verify claims through official sources, and report suspected fraud to the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.
gasa.org
· 2025-12-08
The Global Anti-Scam Summit in London (March 26–27, 2025) showcased how artificial intelligence is being deployed to combat fraud across multiple sectors. Key speakers demonstrated AI applications including real-time scam detection through behavioral analysis, automated identification of fraudulent websites and ads, specialized AI agents targeting different scam types, and public-facing tools like chatbots that help users recognize scams. The consensus emphasized using AI to support human fraud investigations and law enforcement rather than merely automating responses, while maintaining transparency and privacy in threat detection systems.
koaa.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, scammers stole $243.5 million from Colorado victims and over $16 billion nationwide, according to FBI data—a $56 million increase in Colorado compared to 2023. Seniors aged 60 and older reported 3,125 complaints involving $74.5 million in losses, with the most costly schemes being investment fraud ($90 million), business email compromise ($48 million), and personal data breaches ($23 million). The FBI warns that scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using social media, dating sites, and text messages to build trust before pitching fraudulent cryptocurrency and other investment schemes, with recovery of stolen funds typically
khou.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
The FBI has issued a warning about fraudulent discount medical insurance schemes that cost victims millions annually, targeting people seeking affordable healthcare with misleading offers that promise coverage but provide none. Scammers use unsolicited contact and high-pressure tactics to pressure victims into quick sign-ups, with documented cases including a Pennsylvania couple and Maryland resident who discovered their policies provided no coverage after medical events, leaving them responsible for thousands in bills. The FBI recommends verifying insurance through state commissioners or the Better Business Bureau, reviewing policy documents carefully, and avoiding upfront payments to protect against these scams.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using advanced tools like generative AI to defraud mobile consumers, with annual losses exceeding $1 trillion globally according to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance. Google is rolling out AI-powered scam detection features for Android users, including real-time warnings in Google Messages and phone call analysis, while experts recommend supplementing these tools with additional security measures like strong antivirus software to stay ahead of evolving fraud tactics.
theregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Generative AI has significantly enhanced phishing and fraud schemes by producing grammatically correct, localized content in regional languages and dialects that previously escaped scammers' reach, making traditional red flags like poor spelling obsolete. AI chatbots now effectively initiate romance scams and impersonation fraud, while AI-generated audio deepfakes are already being used in real-time to target company employees, though video deepfakes remain less convincing despite high-profile cases like the $25 million Hong Kong fraud.
mississauga.com
· 2025-12-08
A 28-year-old Toronto man was charged with defrauding two victims of over $610,000 through a romance scam conducted between June 2021 and July 2023, in which he posed as an oil rig owner seeking urgent financial assistance while communicating only electronically and never meeting the victims in person. The suspect, who faces multiple fraud and money laundering charges, was previously accused of using the same method to steal over $250,000 from another victim in November 2023, and police believe he is part of a larger criminal network targeting vulnerable users on dating websites.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired caregiver in Fresno, California discovered her identity had been stolen in a cryptocurrency investment scam when friends congratulated her on launching a crypto business; the fraudulent Facebook post falsely claimed she was a certified "Expert Crypto Trader" and garnered 160+ responses, though the actual number of victims who sent money remains unknown. California's Department of Social Services received over 190,000 reports of financial abuse against seniors between January 2022 and February 2025, with experts noting that older adults are particularly vulnerable to sophisticated scams involving cryptocurrency, phishing, impersonation, and romance fraud, especially as AI technology makes these schemes more convincing.
robesonian.com
· 2025-12-08
Wesley Pines Retirement Community is hosting its second annual Scam Jam awareness event on May 7, targeting seniors 60+ who are particularly vulnerable to fraud schemes including cryptocurrency, romance, and Medicare card scams. According to the National Council on Aging, individuals over 60 lost over $3 billion to fraud in 2023, affecting more than 100,000 people. The free event will feature educational speakers from financial institutions, Social Security, and law enforcement, along with a document shredding service to help attendees safely dispose of personal information.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article Type:** Educational/Awareness piece on elder fraud prevention
Kerry Tomlinson, a cybersecurity expert and former TV reporter, presented research at RSAC 2025 on why older adults (60+) are vulnerable to online scams and fraud. Older adults lost an average of $83,000 per scam in the past year, primarily through social engineering attacks that exploit stress, fear, and urgency by impersonating authority figures. Tomlinson emphasizes that retirement, cognitive changes, physical limitations (vision and hearing loss), and loss of self-efficacy contribute to vulnerability, and recommends approaching elder protection with empathy rather than frustration or removing
rmpbs.org
· 2025-12-08
An 86-year-old Colorado resident named Beverly Russman has been repeatedly targeted by multiple scams over several years, including fake urgent payment demands, ATM withdrawal schemes, and the "Grandparent Scam," which nearly cost her thousands of dollars before bank tellers and family intervention stopped her. According to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report, Colorado ranks seventh nationwide in senior fraud complaints, with scammers stealing over $54 million from seniors that year, with perpetrators often using personal information gleaned from social media and obituaries to target victims. Experts note that seniors are prime fraud targets due to their financial assets, and victims can report fraud to the FTC but
fox6now.com
· 2025-12-08
Finance professor Dan Roccato provides guidance on blocking spammers and job scams, noting that consumers lost $60 million in job offer scams last year. The segment covers how to identify and block spam texts, particularly those offering employment opportunities.
cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of a rapidly spreading scam involving fake discount medical insurance plans that have cost victims millions of dollars. Fraudsters posing as insurance representatives use unsolicited contact and false urgency to convince people to pay for non-existent coverage, often promising full medical/dental benefits, preferred doctor access, and bonus benefits like grocery or gas aid. Documented cases include a Pennsylvania couple who received emergency room bills they thought were covered and a Texas senior who had to cancel his credit card to stop unauthorized charges after enrolling in a fraudulent dental plan.
lifehacker.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission and FBI warn consumers about discounted services scams where fraudsters posing as utility companies or health insurance providers use high-pressure tactics and promises of steep discounts to trick victims into paying upfront via gift cards or signing up for fake plans they cannot cancel or use. To protect yourself, avoid rushed decisions, independently verify company legitimacy through direct contact, never pay upfront, and research insurance providers through your state insurance commissioner and Better Business Bureau before committing to any plan.
wmur.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using AI voice-cloning technology to create convincing deepfake calls impersonating family members and demanding money, with minimal legal restrictions currently preventing unauthorized voice cloning. Consumer Reports found that four of six tested voice-cloning apps lacked meaningful consent safeguards, making the scam increasingly difficult for victims to detect. Protection measures include enabling two-factor authentication on financial accounts, verifying unexpected calls through alternative contact methods, and remaining skeptical of unsolicited requests for personal or financial information.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI has issued a nationwide warning about fake discount medical insurance scams that have defrauded victims across the country out of millions of dollars. These scams target vulnerable individuals seeking affordable healthcare through unsolicited contact (calls, texts, emails) promising low premiums and comprehensive coverage, but deliver no actual insurance, leaving victims responsible for medical bills and unable to cancel charges. The FBI urges victims to report suspected fraud to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated "wrong number" text messages with innocuous content to trick recipients into engaging and confirming active phone numbers for future fraud schemes. In 2024, consumers lost $470 million to text-based scams, according to the FTC, which notes a 98% text message open rate. Consumers should avoid replying to unexpected texts, clicking links, or assuming unverified messages from companies are legitimate—instead contacting organizations directly using known contact information.
bucyrustelegraphforum.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of an escalating "smishing" scam targeting E-ZPass users and other toll service customers with fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid tolls of $3.95-$12.55, designed to trick recipients into clicking malicious links and surrendering personal and financial information. Similar scams are circulating about undelivered packages, unpaid taxes, and overdue bills, with scammers increasingly using AI and spoofing techniques across multiple states. The FBI advises recipients to delete suspicious texts immediately without clicking links, verify account status through official channels, and report incidents to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
whec.com
· 2025-12-08
A widespread phishing scam targeting Facebook users, which the Better Business Bureau reports has significantly increased since 2022, tricks victims into clicking malicious links by falsely claiming their accounts will be permanently deleted for violating community or trademark standards. The scammers use deceptive URLs that appear to be from Meta but actually redirect to fraudulent domains like rebrand.ly, atplink.com, and my-review-checker.xyz; once victims click the links, scammers gain account access and impersonate them to solicit money from their friends and contacts. The key warning sign is the artificial urgency of the message threatening immediate account deletion, which victims should recognize as a red flag and ignore.
wired.com
· 2025-12-08
Researchers disclosed multiple vulnerabilities in Apple's AirPlay platform that could allow attackers on the same Wi-Fi network to take over third-party devices like speakers and TVs, though patches have been released with uncertain adoption rates among manufacturers. The article also reports that three major British retailers—Co-op, Marks & Spencer, and Harrods—were recently hit by cyberattacks, with ransomware group Scattered Spider allegedly responsible for at least the Marks & Spencer breach that began in February and disrupted online orders and store operations.
koco.com
· 2025-12-08
Oklahoma seniors lost approximately $50 million to scams in 2024, more than doubling the $22 million lost in 2023, according to FBI data. The most common scams targeting seniors include tech support, investment, romance, and phishing schemes, often delivered via cellphone. The FBI advises seniors to stop and walk away from any situation involving pressure for financial transactions, and to contact trusted loved ones or institutions through independently verified channels.
dispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors are frequently targeted by scammers through multiple channels including impersonation, tech support fraud, romance scams, and AI deepfakes, often resulting in significant financial losses including entire life savings. Columbus police and banking experts identify seniors as especially vulnerable due to lower tech literacy and greater trust in communications, and recommend protective measures such as verifying unexpected contacts independently, avoiding unsolicited links, and using video calls to confirm romantic connections. Families should discuss specific scam examples with seniors to help them recognize and prevent fraud.
today.rtl.lu
· 2025-12-08
A Luxembourg physiotherapist lost nearly €30,000 to an "alloteur" phone scam in which fraudsters impersonated his bank's fraud department, convinced him his accounts were compromised, and manipulated him into providing login credentials and authorizing account transfers under the guise of recovering stolen funds. The scammers exploited a banking vulnerability by having the victim remove security safeguards, ultimately draining his accounts while the fake advisor provided false reassurances about fund recovery. Though his bank reimbursed €17,000, the victim was denied recovery of the remaining €10,000 on grounds that he had "facilitated" the fraud, and the case remained un
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
An 83-year-old Tampa woman lost $4,500 to a phishing scam after clicking a link in a text message impersonating Florida's SunPass toll system, which led to 25 fraudulent charges at stores in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The scam exemplifies a national surge in toll-related phishing fraud, where scammers send mass texts threatening license suspension or credit damage to pressure victims into entering payment information on fake portals. To protect yourself, avoid clicking unsolicited text links, verify messages directly with agencies through official websites, be skeptical of urgent threats, enable bank alerts, and report suspicious messages to 7726 (SPAM).
signalsaz.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraud affects all age groups but scammers tailor tactics to exploit generation-specific vulnerabilities: Gen Z faces employment and crypto scams via social media, Millennials encounter investment fraud through spoofed communications, Gen X targets investment schemes, and Seniors are most susceptible to romance, investment, and home improvement scams resulting in losses of $10,000 to $100,000 or more. Desert Financial Credit Union advises recognizing red flags such as unsolicited contact, requests for money or wire transfers, urgency, and coaching about what to tell financial institutions, recommending victims pause to research claims and consult trusted contacts before authorizing any transactions.
theeagleonline.com.ng
· 2025-12-08
Two Ghanaian women—Anastasia Arthur (aka Baidoo), 48, and Amaseerwaa Konadu—were kidnapped in Nigeria after falling victim to a Facebook romance scam and were successfully rescued by the Nigeria Police Force's Intelligence Response Team in May 2025. The investigation led to the arrest of four suspects operating an international kidnapping syndicate across Ghana and Nigeria, including Peter Okoye (the prime suspect) and Emeka Christian, who received GH10,000 Cedis in ransom money. The police have urged the public to remain vigilant against online romance scams and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
The "Hi Mum" WhatsApp scam, which targets parents by impersonating their children to solicit money for emergencies, has caused £226,744 in losses to UK victims between 2023-2025 and is evolving rapidly, including the use of AI voice impersonation technology to increase authenticity. Fraudsters typically claim to have lost their phone or need money urgently for bills or rent, and request transfers to unfamiliar bank accounts. Experts recommend verifying requests by calling the person directly on their known number, asking security questions only they would know, or establishing family passwords, and advise reporting suspected scams immediately to banks and relevant authorities.
pulse2.com
· 2025-12-08
Scamnetic, a digital fraud prevention company, secured $13 million in Series A funding led by Roo Capital to expand its AI-powered scam detection and intervention services, bringing total investment to $16 million. The funding will support growth in marketing, sales, and customer support, as well as accelerate product development for services including email/message scanning, identity verification, victim assistance hotlines, and scam education resources. The company aims to address the growing global scam problem as fraudsters increasingly use AI-enhanced tactics to target consumers and businesses.
independent.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
The "hi mum" WhatsApp scam, where fraudsters impersonate children or close relatives to request emergency money transfers, is rapidly evolving with the use of AI voice impersonation technology to make deceptions more convincing. Between 2023 and 2025, UK victims lost £226,744 to this scam, with sons being the most successfully impersonated relatives according to Santander UK data. Experts recommend verifying unexpected money requests by calling the person directly, asking security questions only they would know, or waiting to see them in person.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An 83-year-old Tampa woman lost $4,500 after clicking a link in a text message impersonating Florida's SunPass toll system, which led her to enter her debit card information on a fake payment portal; scammers then made 25 fraudulent purchases at Staples stores over three days. This case exemplifies a national surge in toll-related phishing scams, with the FTC reporting Americans lost $470 million to text-message scams in 2024—five times the 2020 total—and older adults facing particularly high vulnerability. To protect themselves, consumers should avoid clicking unsolicited links, verify messages directly with official agencies, be w
mashable.com
· 2025-12-08
Pig-butchering scams—where fraudsters build trust through fake relationships before soliciting money for crypto investments—are surging due to AI-enabled personalization, with text message scams costing Americans $470 million in 2024 alone, five times the 2020 amount. According to McAfee, 25 percent of Americans have received these "wrong number" opening messages, often originating from Southeast Asian operations that exploit forced labor. The most effective defense is to ignore unsolicited messages from unknown contacts, block the number, and avoid engaging.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns adults ages 55 and older that investment/cryptocurrency scams, online purchase scams, romance scams, and home improvement scams pose the greatest risks to this demographic. The BBB recommends protecting oneself by being skeptical of unsolicited calls (especially those impersonating government agencies), recognizing common scam red flags like pressure to act quickly or requests for unusual payment methods, researching investments carefully, and avoiding clicking links in unsolicited emails or messages.
indeonline.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau alerts adults 55 and older that investment/cryptocurrency scams, online purchase scams, and romance scams pose significant risks to this demographic. The BBB recommends protecting yourself by avoiding unsolicited calls and unverified callers, researching investments thoroughly, recognizing red flags like pressure tactics and requests for unusual payment methods, and being cautious of too-good-to-be-true offers for home improvement, medical equipment, and charities. Specific threats include phone fraud where scammers impersonate government agents or banks, Medicare fraud involving fake durable medical equipment, and malware from suspicious links in emails or social media.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated scam targets older adults through WhatsApp and text messages, with fraudsters impersonating family members or close friends claiming to have lost their phone and urgently needing money for various reasons. According to Santander data, scammers posing as sons are most successful, with schemes evolving to include AI voice impersonation technology to increase credibility. Victims are advised to verify requests by contacting the person directly on their known number, establish family passwords, and report suspicious messages through their bank, the messaging app, or Action Fraud.
newtondailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
The "Pig Butchering Scam" combines romance fraud with cryptocurrency schemes, where scammers build trust with victims over weeks or months before pitching fake investment opportunities and stealing their money. The FTC reported record losses of $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024 (a 25% increase), with investment scams alone accounting for $4.7 billion in losses and a median loss of $9,196 per victim. Protection involves blocking unsolicited contacts, verifying investment opportunities through research and trusted advisors, and immediately reporting suspected scams to law enforcement and financial institutions.
eagletimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Comcast partnered with the Claremont Senior Center to provide digital literacy training and cybersecurity awareness to 15 local seniors, covering online safety, phishing prevention, and other scam avoidance strategies. The program included laptop donations to participants as part of Comcast's Project UP initiative, which aims to improve digital access and economic opportunity in underserved communities.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A 21-year-old Indian student, Kishan Kumar Singh, was arrested in North Carolina for impersonating a federal agent and attempting to defraud a 78-year-old woman by convincing her that her bank accounts were compromised and pressuring her to withdraw cash for "safekeeping"; he was apprehended when arriving to collect the money. This marks the third arrest of an Indian student in two weeks for targeting elderly Americans through similar government impersonation scams, with Singh now facing felony charges including attempted theft and elder exploitation under a $1 million bond.
pinellassheriff.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece highlights key safety concerns for Florida's large senior population during Older Americans Month. While younger people report more scam incidents overall, seniors lose significantly more money per scam—those over 80 lose a median of $1,650 compared to $189 for those under 19—and should be wary of unsolicited contacts demanding urgency, crypto payments, or gift cards. The article also provides guidance on safer driving practices, fall prevention through fitness programs, personal safety awareness, and available local resources to support seniors' health and security.
northpennnow.com
· 2025-12-08
A 69-year-old Philadelphia woman narrowly avoided losing money to a sophisticated tech support scam that impersonated Norton antivirus, Microsoft, and her bank to pressure her into purchasing cryptocurrency, claiming she faced arrest due to child pornography on her computer. The Federal Trade Commission reported Americans lost between $23.7 billion and $158.3 billion to financial scams in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, with experts citing artificial intelligence, dark web data access, and lack of federal oversight as enabling factors that make scams increasingly convincing and difficult to report or recover from.
9news.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybersecurity experts are warning of an increase in REAL ID-related scams as the federal enforcement deadline approaches on May 7, 2025. Scammers are impersonating DMVs via email, text, phone calls, and spoofed websites to trick people into providing personal information such as names, Social Security numbers, and addresses by claiming they can expedite the REAL ID process for a fee. The Colorado DMV clarifies it never contacts individuals directly requesting payment or personal information, and advises people to report suspicious messages to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center or Federal Trade Commission rather than clicking links or sharing details.