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wbckfm.com
FBI warned Gmail users nationwide, including in Michigan, of sophisticated AI-powered phishing scams impersonating Google support staff who contact victims by phone (with spoofed caller ID) and follow up with emails requesting account recovery codes that grant scammers access. The scam is particularly dangerous because it uses AI technology to create highly believable impersonations, with even tech-savvy victims describing it as "the most sophisticated phishing attack" they've encountered. The FBI advises never responding to unsolicited contact from companies claiming to be Google, banks, or other support services, and instead independently contacting those companies to verify any suspicious communications.
medicinehatnews.com
Medicine Hat is experiencing rising reports of scams targeting seniors, including the Grandparent Scam, romance scams, and phishing schemes, with 78% of adults aged 65 and older having encountered at least one fraud attempt. The Veiner Centre partnered with Reality Bytes Inc. to offer a February 13 presentation on identifying and preventing fraud, and highlighted its Elder Abuse Outreach team that provides assessment, support, and case management to seniors experiencing financial abuse, some of whom have lost their life savings.
news.clemson.edu
The Clemson University Police Department warns of multiple scam tactics targeting people around Valentine's Day, including romance scams (where scammers quickly profess love and request money), fake gift/flower websites that steal credit card information, phishing emails with malware, fraudulent dating app profiles, and counterfeit event ticket sales. The department recommends never sending money to online contacts you haven't met in person, purchasing only from reputable retailers, avoiding suspicious links and attachments, enabling two-factor authentication, and verifying all communications before responding. Victims should report suspected scams to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.
abc7ny.com
A Connecticut woman lost nearly $1 million in a romance scam after meeting someone on the dating app BLK who posed as a widower and eventually convinced her to invest in cryptocurrency. The scammer used a stolen photo, love-bombed the victim over months of phone calls (never video chatting), and showed fake screenshots of profitable crypto investments to encourage larger deposits, ultimately draining her 401K. Experts warn that staying on dating platform messaging systems, never sending money to unmet contacts, and requesting video verification are key ways to avoid such scams.
mynews4.com
The U.S. Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service issued a Valentine's Day alert about romance scams, which involve fraudsters creating fake identities online to build trust with victims before requesting money through mail, wire transfers, or gift cards for fabricated emergencies. The agencies recommend victims avoid relationships that escalate quickly or involve avoidance of video calls, never send money to online contacts, and report suspected scams to USPIS, local law enforcement, or the FTC.
news.uthsc.edu
Smishing attacks use deceptive text messages—featuring spoofed numbers, urgent language, and shortened links—to trick recipients into revealing personal information or downloading malware, mimicking the tactics of phishing emails but through SMS instead of email. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unexpected texts, verify requests directly with organizations, use strong passwords with two-factor authentication, and report suspicious messages to your mobile carrier and the FTC.
kstp.com
During tax season, scammers pose as tax preparers and IRS agents to steal personal information, refunds, and identities, with some fraudsters filing returns to collect refunds of thousands of dollars in victims' names. To protect yourself, hire accredited local tax preparers with verifiable credentials and Preparer Tax Identification Numbers, be aware that the IRS initiates contact by mail (never by phone or email), and file your return early using trusted software or free IRS resources to prevent identity theft. Red flags include unsolicited IRS contact, pressure to pay immediately, or offers of instant refunds with high fees.
nbcchicago.com
The Better Business Bureau issued a warning about an advanced fee loan scam in which callers, often posing as "Jessica" from fake loan processing companies, contact consumers to verify personal information such as Social Security numbers and bank account details. Between November and January, the BBB received over 500 reports of this scam operating nationwide, with victims reporting multiple daily calls from different numbers using nearly identical scripts. The BBB advises consumers to verify company legitimacy through their free online portal, never disclose personal information to unknown callers, watch for red flags like vague details and urgent demands, and report suspected scams to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
nj1015.com
A jury duty scam is resurfacing in New Jersey, where con artists contact people via phone, text, or email claiming they failed to appear for jury duty and threatening arrest unless they pay a fine immediately. The actual judiciary never requests payment, personal financial information, or identification numbers to resolve jury duty issues; legitimate communications may only request date of birth and residential address. Residents should hang up, avoid clicking links, and report suspected scam communications to their county jury management office and local law enforcement.
express.co.uk
A 16-year-old girl in Glasgow was scammed out of £125 after clicking on a fake social media advert for clothing brand Lucy & Yak that offered items at unusually low prices; she entered her debit card details but the items never arrived, though her bank successfully recovered the funds. The scam mimicked the legitimate brand with authentic logos and product images, with only a subtle dollar sign instead of a pound symbol as a red flag. The incident highlights that teens are vulnerable to social media fraud, with research showing a quarter of British teens are likely to fall for scam texts, prompting warnings to verify sources and check official websites before making purchases.
coasttv.com
A Millsboro nurse with 20 years of experience was targeted by employment fraud scammers posing as recruiters from IBSA Pharma on LinkedIn in November 2024; the scammers used nearly identical email addresses and the real names of actual company employees to convince her to deposit a check and purchase a MacBook Pro. After contacting the real company's HR department, Katrina discovered the deception and did not lose any money, though she was left without employment and emotionally distressed about her family's financial security. The scammers attempted to target her again two weeks later with a Walmart secret shopper scheme, which she recognized and avoided.
futurescot.com
Jordan Reid co-founded SENGUARD, a cybersecurity service designed to protect people over 50 from online fraud, after his grandfather Ian Gardner fell victim to a ransomware attack that wiped his files and left him isolated and anxious in his final years. The Glasgow-based start-up offers scam surveillance, account security, and privacy protection with accessible features like voice-guided navigation, and has secured £75,000 in funding to expand pilot programs across UK cities. According to cited research, scams cost older UK adults an average of nearly £4,000 each, with 1.2 million older adults reporting anxiety about online fraud.
thesenior.com.au
Qantas frequent flyer members were targeted by a phishing email scam falsely claiming unauthorized account access and requesting recipients click a suspicious link to "cancel the operation." An unknown number of emails were sent, and a small number of Qantas members fell victim and are now working with the airline to secure their accounts. The National Anti-Scam Centre confirmed this is a common tactic using well-known brands to steal personal information and commit fraud, and advised Australians to report scams to Scamwatch and notify their banks if compromised.
da.lacounty.gov
A 27-year-old man in Lancaster, California was charged with stealing over $4,000 and attempting to steal over $13,000 in public benefits using fraudulent EBT cards obtained through skimming devices at an ATM. The suspect allegedly used nine different cloned cards and possessed multiple skimming devices, pinhole cameras, and re-encoded gift cards in what authorities describe as a sophisticated operation targeting vulnerable benefit recipients. The case highlights California's broader EBT fraud crisis, with over $100 million in stolen funds reported statewide in the past year, primarily in Los Angeles County.
wifr.com
The Better Business Bureau warns of a rising scam in which fraudsters pose as loan-processing company representatives, often using the name "Jessica," and contact consumers via unsolicited phone calls and voicemails claiming to discuss loan applications the victims never submitted. The BBB received over 500 reports of this scam between November 2024 and January 2025, and advises consumers to verify company legitimacy, never share personal information with unknown callers, and avoid calling back unfamiliar numbers.
25newsnow.com
The Better Business Bureau warned the public about a rising phone and voicemail scam in which fraudsters impersonated loan-processing company representatives, often using the name "Jessica," to trick consumers into sharing personal information by claiming they needed final details on loan applications the victims never submitted. The BBB received over 500 reports of this scam between November 2024 and January 2025, and recommends consumers verify company legitimacy, avoid sharing personal information with unknown callers, refrain from calling back unfamiliar numbers, and report suspicious activity.
forbes.com
Sandra Bullock warned fans that she has no social media presence and that any accounts claiming to be her are scams, following similar warnings from Brad Pitt after cybercriminals used his likeness in a confidence scheme that defrauded a French woman of $850,000. The article explains how modern celebrity impersonation scams have evolved from traditional "Spanish Prisoner" cons, now facilitated by AI-generated content and paid social media verification badges that allow scammers to easily pose as famous people. Experts warn that paid verification systems have replaced authentication requirements, making it increasingly difficult for users to distinguish legitimate accounts from fraudulent ones.
da.sonomacounty.ca.gov
Scammers impersonated Costco by sending phishing emails offering a free Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker in exchange for survey completion, attempting to steal financial information or gain computer access. The fraudulent emails used a fake sender domain (@handtoneed.net) and created artificial urgency to prevent recipients from verifying authenticity. Consumers should verify sender email addresses against official company lists and contact businesses directly through official websites rather than clicking email links.
wccbcharlotte.com
The Better Business Bureau in North Carolina identified the top five scams of 2024, with online purchase fraud, phishing/imposter schemes, employment scams, debt collection fraud, and sweepstakes/lottery scams ranking as the most prevalent threats in the region. These scams increasingly employ sophisticated technology and social engineering tactics, with fraudsters either delivering no products after payment, impersonating trusted entities to steal personal information, or collecting upfront fees for non-existent prizes or jobs. The BBB emphasizes consumer education and vigilance as critical tools to combat these schemes and maintain marketplace trust.
freepressjournal.in
The Maharashtra Cyber Police issued a public alert warning senior citizens about four prevalent scam types targeting them: digital arrest scams (where fraudsters impersonate police demanding online payment), investment frauds (promising unrealistic returns), sextortion (extorting money after obtaining private photos), and phishing scams (using suspicious links and OTP theft). The alert emphasizes that legitimate authorities never demand online payments or threaten arrest via phone, and advises seniors to verify investments with trusted advisors, avoid sharing personal information online, and report suspicious activity to the Cyber Crime Helpline.
kdsm17.com
**Summary:**
Romance scams are increasing, with fraudsters exploiting emotional vulnerabilities to manipulate victims into sending money. Key protective measures include being cautious of rapid declarations of love, watching for red flags like requests for personal information or avoidance of in-person meetings, remaining vigilant against AI-generated fake personas, never sending money to strangers, and consulting trusted friends or family before making financial decisions.
wisbusiness.com
With Valentine's Day spending projected to reach nearly $26 billion, the Better Business Bureau warns consumers about four common scams: impostor websites offering counterfeit jewelry and fake dating platforms, romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals who can lose thousands of dollars, wrong number text scams designed to harvest personal information, and fake florist schemes that deliver nothing or substandard arrangements. Consumers should watch for red flags such as extreme discounts, requests for cash transfers or cryptocurrency, fast-moving relationships, and unverifiable business credentials, and should report suspected scams to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
theguardian.com
This educational article outlines common fraud tactics and prevention strategies, emphasizing that scammers use urgency and panic to manipulate victims into sharing financial or personal information quickly. Key advice includes: taking time to verify requests before acting, being cautious of online shopping deals and "Hi Mum" impersonation scams on social media, scrutinizing emails for subtle fraudulent indicators, and hanging up on unexpected calls to verify identities independently.
tripwire.com
Allen Giltman, a 59-year-old California man, was sentenced to seven years in prison for operating a scheme involving at least 150 fraudulent websites impersonating legitimate financial institutions between 2012 and October 2020. The scam defrauded over 70 victims—many elderly investors protecting their retirement savings—of approximately $50 million by luring them through search engine results and falsely promising higher investment returns. Giltman impersonated real FINRA brokers and funneled stolen funds to international accounts while using VPNs and encrypted communications to evade detection; he was ordered to forfeit $100,000 and various assets.
pcmag.com
This educational article explains how phishing scams work and provides guidance on detecting them. The author, a security software tester with 30+ years of experience, describes how fraudsters create fake websites that mimic legitimate ones (banks, PayPal, Facebook, etc.) to steal login credentials, which they then use to access victims' accounts and drain funds or commit identity theft. Key detection strategies include scrutinizing the address bar for suspicious URLs, checking for poor website design that doesn't match the authentic site, and remaining vigilant for subtle tricks like misspelled domain names or lookalike characters.
ladailypost.com
The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) launched the Scam Awareness for Elders (S.A.F.E.) initiative with a kickoff event on January 29, 2025, attended by 85 people, featuring a screening of the film "Thelma" and a scam prevention presentation by FBI Special Agent Ryan Davis. The spring 2025 program includes workshops on romance scams, AI literacy, and a book club focused on scam prevention, all offered free to the community through funding from the Non-Metro New Mexico Area Agency on Aging.
thesenior.com.au
Qantas frequent flyer members received phishing emails claiming unauthorized access to their accounts and directing recipients to click a suspicious link to "cancel the operation," though the Qantas database was not hacked. A small number of members fell for the scam and are working with Qantas to secure their accounts; the airline confirmed the scam and reported it to authorities. Authorities advise Australians to avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails, report scams to Scamwatch, and notify their bank if personal information has been compromised.
northfortynews.com
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office warns Northern Colorado residents about 13 emerging scams in 2025, including cryptocurrency investment fraud, fake security warnings, rental and car buying scams on online marketplaces, romance schemes, and impersonation of law enforcement or government agencies. Common tactics involve pressure, secrecy, and requests for untraceable payments via Bitcoin, wire transfers, or gift cards. The advisory recommends verifying all financial transactions with official sources, never sending money to unknown parties, and treating urgent demands with skepticism.
monaco-tribune.com
Phishing attacks are increasing in Monaco, with scammers impersonating trusted organizations via email and SMS to steal passwords and personal financial information. Monaco Telecom and the Monegasque Digital Security Agency warn residents to watch for red flags like suspicious sender addresses, urgent language, and suspicious links, and recommend using strong passwords, never clicking unknown links, and contacting the company directly if unsure about a message's authenticity. Monaco Telecom has implemented protective measures including temporarily suspending email account creation and increased password change monitoring to combat the threat.
theindependent.sg
A Singapore product trading company employee transferred S$300,000 to a fraudulent bank account after falling for a phishing scam where fraudsters impersonated the company's supplier by slightly altering the supplier's email address (changing "gmail.com" to "asia.com"). The employee discovered the fraud on January 14 when the real supplier confirmed it had not changed its banking details, and thanks to coordinated efforts between Singapore police, UAE authorities, and Interpol, the full amount was recovered and returned to the company.
stocktitan.net
A Norton study reveals that while 60% of online daters encounter AI-generated responses and many welcome AI tools for dating profiles, AI also enables increasingly sophisticated scams. Dating app users face significant threats: 40% have been targeted by scams with 41% of those becoming victims, including catfishing (55%), romance scams (34%), and sextortion (31%), while only 46% of users can identify fake AI-generated images and 27% have had their photos stolen without permission. Norton launched Genie, a free AI-powered scam detection app, to help users identify fraudulent profiles and protect themselves against these evolving threats.
newsweek.com
Scammers have been sending phishing text messages impersonating the IRS to request personal information from taxpayers in exchange for Economic Impact Payments (up to $1,400), though the IRS automatically deposits these payments without requiring any action or personal data from recipients. The fraudulent texts aim to trick victims into disclosing sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, and passwords, which can lead to identity theft and financial fraud. Taxpayers should be aware that legitimate IRS payments arrive automatically via bank deposit or paper check with an accompanying official letter, and the IRS never requests personal information via unsolicited text messages.
azag.gov
Attorney General Kris Mayes warned Arizona sports bettors ahead of Super Bowl Sunday to avoid illegal sportsbooks that lack regulatory oversight, fair play testing, security standards, and anti-money laundering compliance. Red flags include sportsbooks based outside the U.S., deceptive bonus offers, suspicious ads, and "risk-free" bet claims, while consumers should verify licensed operators through the Arizona Department of Gaming website and avoid sharing personal information with unapproved services. Those who fall victim to sports betting scams can report activity to the Department of Gaming or file complaints with the Attorney General's Office.
jcpost.com
Social Security imposter scams remain widespread in the United States, with scammers using deceptive tactics to obtain sensitive information or money through suspicious letters, texts, emails, or calls. The Social Security Administration clarifies that it will never text/email ID images, suspend Social Security Numbers, threaten arrest, demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers, or promise benefit increases for payment. Victims should report suspected scams to the OIG's website at oig.ssa.gov/report and remember that legitimate SSA contact typically occurs via mail or calls only to those who recently applied for benefits or requested agency contact.
finance.yahoo.com
Between December 2024 and January 2025, Coinbase users lost over $65 million to social engineering scams, with scammers impersonating Coinbase through spoofed emails and fake websites to trick victims into transferring funds to attacker-controlled wallets. The actual losses are likely higher, as this figure excludes cases reported only to Coinbase support or law enforcement, with estimated yearly losses from these scams exceeding $300 million. Investigators criticized Coinbase for inadequate security measures and called for urgent improvements including stronger protections against social engineering attacks and restricted account types for new users.
theguardian.com
Fraudsters are increasingly impersonating TikTok employees via text messages to deceive teenagers into fake jobs, claiming they can earn £300-800 per day by liking videos on the platform. Virgin Media O2 reported a sharp increase in these scam messages and found that 23% of surveyed teenagers aged 13-16 did not realize criminals could impersonate their favorite brands, with half failing to identify fraudulent messages when tested. Other common scams targeting this age group include false gambling winnings and fake package delivery notifications.
lfpress.com
**Summary:**
Three seniors in Huron County, Ontario fell victim to ATM scams on January 18: two victims in Exeter (ages 64 and 67) lost $900 and $1,400 respectively when an unknown person swapped their real bank cards for fake ones and obtained their PINs, while a 95-year-old woman in Goderich had her card retained by a tampered ATM and subsequently lost $1,500 in withdrawals and $2,000 in fraudulent purchases. Police advise seniors to be aware of their surroundings at ATMs, never share PIN numbers with anyone, and report suspicious activity to the OPP or Canadian
chicoer.com
I cannot provide a summary of this content. The text appears to be a header or metadata for an audio player and editorial information rather than an actual article about a scam, fraud, or elder abuse incident.
Please provide the full article text or transcript about a specific scam or fraud case, and I'll be happy to summarize it according to the Elderus database format.
wwaytv3.com
The Better Business Bureau warns taxpayers of common tax season scams, including IRS impersonation schemes where fraudsters call demanding immediate payment via prepaid cards or wire transfers, tax identity theft involving fake returns filed with stolen Social Security numbers, and phishing emails/mail directing victims to fraudulent websites. The BBB advises filing taxes early, verifying that the IRS never initiates contact by phone or email, using trusted tax professionals, and monitoring financial accounts for suspicious activity.
12news.com
Arizona banking customers are experiencing a surge in sophisticated tech scams, with victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars to fraudsters who use alarming text messages about account fraud to trick people into revealing account credentials. The Better Business Bureau also reports a spike in romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, with victims averaging $126,000 in losses per person in early 2024, typically initiated through social media or dating websites with warning signs including rapid friendships, quick money discussions, and reluctance to video chat. Banks emphasize that contacting financial institutions within 24 hours of suspected fraud is critical, as scammers typically transfer funds overseas quickly, making recovery difficult after that window closes.
financial-planning.com
An elderly widow lost approximately $8.4 million over four years when her son, Brett Thomas Graham—a securities industry-barred individual—moved money from her accounts at multiple financial firms (JPMorgan Securities, Schwab, and Francis Financial) without proper detection or intervention. The woman, who had memory loss and was living in assisted care, had invested nearly $9 million from the sale of her Upper East Side townhouse, but the financial institutions failed to implement adequate safeguards such as flagging suspicious large withdrawals, conducting proper due diligence, or contacting trusted family members to verify the transactions. Her family only discovered the fraud after she was evicted from her assiste
cbsnews.com
Pennsylvania widow Kate Kleinert lost nearly $40,000 to a romance scam perpetrated by a man posing as "Tony," a surgeon working in Iraq, whom she met via Facebook. The financial devastation left her unable to afford home repairs, which led to a fire that destroyed her house and killed six foster dogs. According to the FBI and FTC, romance scams affected tens of thousands of people in 2023, costing consumers $1.14 billion that year, with scammers exploiting social media information and stolen photos to build trust before requesting money under various pretexts.
ky3.com
The Better Business Bureau warns that romance scams are increasingly dangerous, with 532 reports in 2024 showing a median loss of $6,125, and seniors over 65 particularly at risk. Scammers are now using AI tools to create more realistic fake profiles and chatbots that eliminate grammatical errors, while also targeting victims through cryptocurrency investment schemes. The BBB recommends online daters watch for red flags such as excuses to avoid meeting, moving conversations to other apps, requests for money, and suspicious photos—and to verify profiles through reverse image searches and consult trusted friends and family before sending any money.
cmu.edu
This guidance document provides travel and scam prevention advice for international students and scholars. It covers domestic and international travel documentation requirements and recommends monitoring official government websites for policy changes. A scam alert warns of IRS impersonators targeting people during tax season through unsolicited communications, along with alerts about fake delivery, SSN, and pyramid scheme scams, emphasizing that legitimate U.S. government agencies never request gift cards, checks, or wire transfers by phone.
securitymagazine.com
Tax-related phishing scams increased globally from December through April, with malicious campaigns in the U.K. impersonating HM Revenue & Customs and in the U.S. targeting users with fake financial services and tax filing websites designed to harvest credentials. Threat actors exploit the urgency of tax deadlines and authority of government agencies, often combining email phishing with phone calls and text messages, making verification critical before clicking links or submitting payment information.
coinbase.com
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting cryptocurrency owners through social engineering scams, with scams causing $4.6 billion in losses across the crypto industry in 2023. Threat actors impersonate legitimate companies like Coinbase via unsolicited texts and phone calls, using publicly available personal information to appear credible while tricking victims into transferring funds to fraudulent self-custody wallets. The article advises users to ignore unsolicited communications, never share seed phrases or personal information with callers, and recognize that legitimate financial institutions will never request fund transfers or sensitive information via phone.
kclyradio.com
The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging and Kansas Legal Services launched a free "Scam Scan" seminar series beginning January 24th to educate older Kansans about recognizing and avoiding common scams involving theft, fraud, and financial exploitation. The educational seminars, presented by managing attorney Corinne Petrik, provide prevention tips to help attendees protect themselves, their money, and personal information from email, phone, and text-based scams, with sessions continuing through April due to high demand.
patch.com
**Summary:**
Stonington Police Department issued a warning about increasingly sophisticated scam attempts affecting both residents and businesses in the area, which involve callers or emailers requesting personal information, remote computer access, or threatening to shut off services. The scams often impersonate family members in distress or claim urgent situations, demanding payment via money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, and typically involve scammers building rapport with victims before making requests. Police advise residents to verify phone numbers independently online, remain skeptical of unsolicited contacts, and consult family members or law enforcement if situations seem suspicious.
hindustantimes.com
A 42-year-old man in Bengaluru lost ₹70,000 after downloading a malicious APK file disguised as the "Vahan Parivahan" app, which he accessed through a WhatsApp message falsely claiming he had a traffic violation. The malware compromised his phone, enabling unauthorized credit card transactions, though his wife's linked accounts were protected before fraudsters could access them. Police registered charges under the Information Technology Act and cheating statutes, and authorities advised the public to avoid downloading APK files from unknown sources.
mb.com.ph
In the Philippines, over 8,000 people lost more than PHP 155 million to online scams in the first eight months of 2023, prompting Senator Mark Villar to champion the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act—legislation designed to address emerging digital fraud threats including phishing, smishing, vishing, and quishing. The proposed law creates specific penalties for financial account fraud and money muling schemes while empowering the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to investigate suspicious transactions more swiftly and without traditional banking secrecy constraints.