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cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
A personal finance journalist lost $500 to an online scam involving a Facebook Marketplace furniture sale in spring 2024. The scammer posed as a buyer and impersonated Zelle representatives through fake text messages, pressuring the victim to send $500 upfront to "upgrade" their account before receiving payment. The victim ignored four critical red flags: an unusually good deal with no negotiation, using a third-party payment service instead of Facebook Pay, fake text messages that appeared legitimate, and pressure tactics from the scammer.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI reported that internet-related crime reached a five-year high in 2024, with victims losing $16.6 billion across approximately 860,000 complaints—a 33% increase from 2023. Individuals aged 60 and older suffered the largest financial losses at $4.8 billion, with the most common scams being phishing/spoofing, cryptocurrency fraud, and extortion, while investment fraud, business email compromise, and tech support fraud were the costliest schemes overall.
ksl.com
· 2025-12-08
A Utah woman received a phishing text claiming she owed a fine to the Utah Department of Transportation, with a URL designed to mimic an official state website. The scam directs victims to a fake UDOT site requesting login credentials or payment information, using a fraudulent domain that closely resembles the legitimate .gov address. The FBI advises verifying domain names carefully, as scammers can create convincing lookalike websites, and legitimate government sites only use official .gov domains.
standard.net
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies three evolving scams: a sophisticated Social Security Administration phishing email that uses image-based content to bypass filters and installs remote access malware (ScreenConnect) to steal banking and personal data; a Gmail impersonation scam using Google Sites to create fake support portals and collect account credentials; and a fake Realtek driver update targeting Mac users that installs malware to steal login credentials and browser data. The article advises users to avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails, visit official websites directly, and report suspicious messages to appropriate authorities like the FTC and Google.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans receive an average of 14 malicious messages daily and spend nearly 100 hours annually distinguishing real from fake messages, with scams costing victims over $1,400 on average. McAfee has introduced Scam Detector, a new security feature included with McAfee+ and Total Protection that automatically flags suspicious text messages, emails, and deepfake videos across devices while providing educational context to help users improve their fraud-detection skills.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
A Manitoba woman received an AI-generated phone call mimicking her son's voice asking for money without judgment, prompting her to verify by calling her son directly. This "spear phishing" scam, which uses artificial intelligence to recreate loved ones' voices from online audio clips, is an evolved version of the grandparent scam and has also targeted a Winnipeg legislator whose voice was used to solicit $5,000 from a constituent. Experts recommend verifying callers through trusted phone numbers, testing them with false information, and trusting instincts when something feels off.
wgcu.org
· 2025-12-08
Florida Power and Light provided tips for National Senior Fraud Awareness Day on avoiding utility scams, which commonly occur through fake websites, suspicious phone calls, and door-to-door solicitors. Key advice includes using only official communication channels, never providing personal information to unsolicited callers or visitors, ignoring demands for immediate payment via gift cards or banking apps, and verifying caller identity by calling the number on your FPL bill rather than searching online. Victims should report suspected scams to FPL, local law enforcement, and the Federal Trade Commission.
counterpunch.org
· 2025-12-08
The author experienced two scams: a utility impersonation scam where a caller claiming to be from Con Edison demanded $450 payment via cash transfer for a fake "conversion fee," and a phishing scheme involving unsolicited text messages from someone posing as "Elena" attempting to extract personal information through social engineering. Both scams were avoided when the author recognized the suspicious tactics and verified the claims with legitimate sources and authorities. The piece highlights that scams cost American adults an estimated $47 billion in 2024, with romance scams alone resulting in $697.3 million in losses across nearly 59,000 victims.
buckscounty.gov
· 2025-12-08
National Senior Fraud Awareness Day (May 15th) highlights the growing threat of scams targeting seniors in Bucks County and nationwide, including grandparent scams using AI technology, government impersonation schemes, tech support fraud, romance scams, and phishing attacks. The article emphasizes that seniors are vulnerable targets exploited through various channels, and recommends protective measures such as verifying information independently, resisting pressure tactics, protecting personal data, using strong passwords, and consulting trusted contacts before responding to suspicious requests.
news-shield.com
· 2025-12-08
Scam incidents are increasing dramatically—computer repair shops now report 1-2 victims daily compared to 1-2 per week previously—with AI technology making fraudulent emails, websites, and voice impersonations increasingly convincing and difficult to detect. Common scams include romance schemes (often the costliest), tech support pop-ups that trick users into granting remote access and transferring funds via untraceable payment methods, and "grandparents scams" using voice mimicry. Experts recommend verifying caller identities with family knowledge questions, avoiding rushed financial decisions, refusing unusual payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency, and immediately contacting banks or professionals rather than calling numbers on suspicious pop
liverpoolecho.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Nationwide building society has issued a warning about romance scams, where perpetrators build trust with victims through online dating platforms before requesting money through emotional manipulation. A UK Finance survey found that 29% of people who started online relationships in the past year were asked for money, with 51% of those agreeing to send it; once scammers receive funds, recovery is unlikely and victims are typically blocked. Nationwide advises customers to report suspected fraud immediately and recommends protective measures including meeting people in person before sending money, discussing relationships with trusted contacts, and avoiding scammers' requests to move conversations to unmonitored channels.
floridapolitics.com
· 2025-12-08
An Orlando hospitality business (believed to be Margaritaville Enterprises) fell victim to a business email compromise scam in which a CFO was tricked into wiring $1 million of the CEO's bonus to a fraudster's account after the CEO's email was hacked and rerouted. The scammer attempted to solicit an additional $900,000, but the request raised suspicion and led to the discovery of the fraud; the U.S. Secret Service recovered approximately $516,000 of the stolen funds by April 2025.
boston25news.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI issued a public service announcement warning of an ongoing "malicious text and voice messaging campaign" using AI-generated voice messages and fake texts impersonating high-ranking government officials to target current and former senior federal and state officials and their contacts. The scam typically directs victims to separate messaging platforms designed to harvest additional contacts for impersonation or to solicit money and information. The FBI recommends verifying sender identity through independent channels, scrutinizing communications for errors or AI artifacts, avoiding clicking links or downloading attachments, and reporting suspicious messages without engaging.
news-shield.com
· 2025-12-08
**Title:** In this technological age there is no shortage of ways a scammer might try to defraud someone.
AI-powered scams are increasing dramatically, with one computer repair business reporting a spike from 1-2 scam victims per week to 1-2 daily, as scammers now use tools like ChatGPT to create convincing phishing emails, fake websites, and deepfake voice calls. Common scams include romance fraud (which starts with small requests but accumulate over time), fake tech-support pop-ups that trick users into granting remote access and stealing banking information, and grandparent scams where AI mimics a family member's voice
jsonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Lisa Schiller, senior director of investigations for the Better Business Bureau, emphasized that scam victims should not feel embarrassed about reporting fraud and provided guidance on common scams including identity theft, phishing, and government imposter schemes. She recommended victims document all details (contact information, descriptions, dates) and use the BBB's Scam Tracker platform to report incidents, noting that while resolutions can take months or years, reporting is essential to help prevent others from becoming victims.
buckscounty.gov
· 2025-12-08
National Senior Fraud Awareness Day (May 15th) highlights the escalating threat of fraud targeting seniors in Bucks County and nationwide, with criminals increasingly using AI-powered tactics like grandparent scams, government impersonation, tech support fraud, and romance scams to exploit seniors' trust and extract money. To protect themselves, seniors should verify unexpected contact through independent channels, resist pressure tactics, safeguard personal information, use strong passwords, and consult trusted contacts before responding to requests for money or sensitive data.
cyberscoop.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned of an ongoing campaign since April targeting current and former U.S. government officials with phishing texts and AI-generated deepfake audio impersonating senior officials to gain access to personal accounts. The advisory highlights the growing use of deepfake technology in fraud schemes, exemplified by a 2024 incident where a political consultant faced a $6 million FCC fine and criminal charges for creating a deepfake of President Biden to suppress votes. The FBI recommends not assuming messages from senior officials are authentic and advises standard security measures including multifactor authentication and identity verification through official phone numbers.
kswo.com
· 2025-12-08
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a National Senior Fraud Awareness Day advisory noting that seniors lose more than $3 billion annually to fraud, including technical support and romance scams. The AG's office provided guidance to protect against fraud, recommending seniors avoid sharing personal information unsolicited, be skeptical of urgent payment demands and email links, monitor bills for unauthorized charges, and report incidents to law enforcement.
thepress.net
· 2025-12-08
The county issued a public awareness warning about ten common phone and internet scams targeting residents, including grandparent scams, government imposter schemes, technology support fraud, romance scams, charity fraud, lottery scams, investment schemes, home repair fraud, phishing emails and texts, and utility payment scams. The advisory educates the public on how to identify and recognize these fraudulent tactics to protect themselves from financial loss and identity theft.
oklahoma.gov
· 2025-12-08
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a warning on National Senior Fraud Awareness Day, noting that elder fraud causes seniors over $3 billion in annual losses nationally through schemes including fake lotteries, tech support scams, government impersonation, and romance scams. The advisory recommends protective measures such as never sharing personal information unsolicited, avoiding clicking suspicious links, rejecting high-pressure payment demands, and reporting suspicious activity to financial institutions and law enforcement.
context.news
· 2025-12-08
A 53-year-old Michigan woman was deceived in a romance scam involving deepfake technology, where a scammer posing as a French man named "Richard" used AI-generated video calls and fake photos to manipulate her into taking out loans totaling $26,000. The scam exemplifies a growing threat, with projections of 8 million deepfakes to be shared globally in 2025—approximately one-fifth of which will be used in romance scams—as scammers increasingly employ artificial intelligence to impersonate romantic interests.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
An 81-year-old widow from West Sussex, Doreen Daniel, lost £27,000 to a romance scammer who targeted her vulnerability following her husband's death, posing as a financial advisor named "Adam" and convincing her to download remote access software to transfer funds for a fake raffle scheme. Her family recovered approximately £18,000 from the bank, but Doreen suffered two mini strokes and died in November 2023, with her family attributing her health decline to the stress and trauma of the scam. Romance fraud cases reported to Action Fraud increased 27% between 2020 and 2024, with victims losing £92 million to such sc
thebusinessjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Two men were indicted on six counts of wire fraud for a $1.6 million phishing scheme targeting Fresno County between September and October 2020, in which they gained control of a nonprofit finance director's email account and fraudulently redirected ACH transfers to an account opened by suspect Jafaar September Nyangoro. The county recovered approximately $112,000 immediately and $875,000 through insurance, while the remaining funds were lost; Nyangoro and Acha face up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 fines per count if convicted. This incident prompted Fresno County to implement enhanced security measures including quarterly internal audits of all vendor electronic
san.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned of an ongoing AI-based impersonation campaign targeting U.S. government officials and their contacts through "smishing" and "vishing" attacks (text and voice phishing), where attackers use AI-generated voice messages mimicking senior officials to trick victims into divulging personal information or account access before requesting they move to alternate messaging platforms. The threat is growing as AI voice-cloning technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and accessible, with the global AI voice market reaching $5.4 billion in 2024; the FBI advises verifying caller identity through official channels, checking for suspicious details, and reporting incidents to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
dailyhodl.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI is warning of an ongoing phishing scheme active since April that uses text messages and AI-generated voice calls impersonating senior US officials to target current and former government officials and their contacts. Perpetrators employ smishing and vishing techniques to establish rapport, trick victims into clicking malicious links, and gain access to personal or official accounts, which they then use to target other government officials or harvest sensitive information and funds. The FBI advises recipients to not assume messages claiming to be from senior officials are authentic.
theregister.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned that fraudsters have been running a campaign since April using deepfake voices and text messages (smishing and vishing techniques) impersonating senior US government officials to target current and former government employees. The attackers seek to steal login credentials for official accounts to compromise government systems and harvest financial information, and advise recipients to verify authenticity by calling official department numbers and listening for unnatural speech patterns that indicate deepfakes.
fox23.com
· 2025-12-08
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond highlighted precautions against elder fraud on National Senior Fraud Awareness Day, noting that seniors lose over $3 billion annually to scams including fake lotteries, technical support schemes, government impersonation, and romance fraud. The advisory provides ten key protective measures including: not sharing personal information unsolicited, verifying email sources before clicking links, being wary of upfront payment demands, monitoring bank statements, resisting high-pressure tactics, researching offers, and reporting suspected scams to the Attorney General's Office.
cointelegraph.com
· 2025-12-08
Hackers have been operating since April 2024 using deepfake voice and text messages to impersonate senior US government officials in phishing campaigns targeting federal and state officials to steal sensitive data and compromise accounts. In separate incidents, deepfake scams also targeted cryptocurrency founders including Polygon co-founder Sandeep Nailwal, with attackers using compromised Telegram accounts to lure victims into fake video calls where they requested installation of malicious software. The FBI and crypto industry leaders advise verifying identities, avoiding clicking unknown links, using multi-factor authentication, and never installing software during unsolicited online interactions.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Google launched an AI-powered scam detection update for its Messages app on Android phones to combat toll fee text message scams that have affected thousands of drivers since April 2024. The technology uses artificial intelligence to identify fraudulent messages based on content patterns suggesting money loss or requests for sensitive information, and alerts users with options to block and report senders. Users without Android phones can report suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM).
arstechnica.com
· 2025-12-08
Since April 2025, the FBI has warned of an ongoing malicious messaging campaign using AI-generated voice deepfakes to impersonate senior U.S. government officials and target current or former federal and state officials and their contacts. The attackers send convincing deepfake audio and text messages to build trust, then trick recipients into clicking malicious links by requesting to continue conversations on alternate messaging platforms, potentially compromising personal accounts and devices. The FBI advises recipients not to assume authenticity of messages from government officials without independent verification.
m.economictimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Impersonation scams are increasingly sophisticated, exploiting digital banking and UPI apps through fraudulent calls and emails that mimic legitimate financial institutions and government agencies. Key warning signs include unsolicited requests for passwords or OTPs, pressure to act quickly, demands for secrecy, and slight variations in sender email addresses—legitimate organizations never request sensitive information via phone or email. Experts recommend never sharing private information, enabling multi-factor authentication, verifying requests by calling contacts directly, and remaining skeptical of offers promising unrealistic returns or urgent money transfers.
landline.media
· 2025-12-08
Multiple states including Kansas, New Mexico, Missouri, and Oregon have warned residents about widespread text and email scams falsely claiming unpaid toll debts and threatening license suspension or legal action to pressure victims into revealing personal and financial information. Scammers are targeting states with no toll roads, and in Indiana's case, fraudulent emails posing as the state DOT requesting payment for TxTag balances were traced to a contractor's hacked account. Authorities recommend reporting suspected scam texts and emails to the Federal Trade Commission and Internet Crime Complaint Center.
wired.com
· 2025-12-08
Researchers published 1,000 email addresses linked to North Korean IT worker scams targeting Western companies, while cryptocurrency money laundering platforms Xinbi Guarantee ($8.4 billion) and Haowang Guarantee ($27 billion in transactions) were dismantled following Telegram's crackdown. Additionally, Coinbase disclosed a data breach affecting less than 1% of its users where attackers compromised personal and financial information through bribed overseas support agents, with remediation costs expected between $180-$400 million.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** Elder fraud has reached epidemic proportions – a geriatrician explains what older Americans need to know
Americans age 60 and older lost over $3 billion to scammers in 2023, with elder fraud complaints to the FBI increasing 14% year-over-year, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. Older adults are targeted because they tend to be trusting, have financial savings and assets, and may be less comfortable with technology, making them vulnerable to tech-support scams, romance scams, investment fraud, and call-center schemes—with investment scams being the costliest category. Beyond financial losses, fraud victims often experience trauma
scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses rising scams targeting young people in Hong Kong, including fake online shopping deals, gaming account fraud, and sextortion schemes on social media platforms. Notable cases include a University of Hong Kong student who lost HK$9.2 million in a phone scam and a teenager defrauded of HK$3,000 for fake concert tickets. Experts emphasize that cybersafety education starting in primary school is essential to prevent scams, and victims should report incidents to police, block scammers, change passwords, and preserve evidence.
ciso.economictimes.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns iPhone and Android users that criminals are using AI-generated text messages and voice calls—including cloned voices of family members and government officials—to steal personal information such as banking credentials and private data. Users should watch for red flags like odd pauses in audio, grammar errors, distorted images, and unusual delays, and should verify contacts through separate channels, avoid clicking suspicious links, and use encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal. The agency recommends enabling multi-factor authentication and reporting suspicious messages to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
ntd.com
· 2025-12-08
Since April 2025, scammers have impersonated senior U.S. officials using text messages (smishing) and AI-generated voice calls (vishing) to target government officials and their contacts, then using compromised accounts to conduct follow-up impersonation scams for financial gain or personal information. The FBI and CISA warn against sharing sensitive information with unknown callers, recommend verifying new contact methods through trusted sources, and suggest families establish secret phrases to confirm identities. Tactics include fake subscription renewals, giveaways, legal threats, and AI voice cloning of loved ones requesting emergency funds.
womansworld.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
As the Real ID deadline approached in May 2025, the Better Business Bureau warned of a surge in scams exploiting public confusion about the application process, including fake DMV websites and phishing emails requesting personal information for identity theft or fraud. To stay safe, applicants should only use official state DMV websites ending in .gov, remember that Real ID applications cannot be completed entirely online, and be aware that legitimate DMV offices never request personal information via unsolicited contact. Anyone who falls victim should immediately freeze their credit with major bureaus and report the incident to the BBB and state Attorney General.
nbcnewyork.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned of a growing AI-enabled scam where hackers send text messages and voice mails impersonating government officials, using artificially generated voices to intimidate targets into revealing personal information by falsely claiming their Social Security has been hacked or that they owe money. The malicious campaign has accelerated since April, with hackers using AI tools to recreate official voices and pressure victims to switch to separate messaging platforms to extract sensitive data. The FBI recommends verifying caller identity independently, examining messages for imperfections, listening for glitches in AI-generated voices, and contacting official agencies directly rather than responding to unsolicited communications.
thegardenisland.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud is increasing on Kauai and beyond, with common scams including phishing emails, impersonation of law enforcement, cryptocurrency investment schemes, and AI-enabled fraud. AARP Elder Fraud Expert Paul Greenwood conducted a community education presentation warning of emerging threats such as deepfakes and cryptocurrency ATMs in supermarkets, where fraudsters convince victims to transfer funds. Greenwood emphasized that elderly victims often experience severe psychological harm and encouraged community members to report scams immediately and support an "Elder Justice Team" to coordinate law enforcement, social services, and financial institutions in combating fraud.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
**Elder fraud epidemic:** Americans age 60+ lost over $3 billion to scammers in 2023, with elder fraud complaints to the FBI rising 14% year-over-year. Older adults are targeted due to their financial assets, trust levels, and often limited familiarity with technology, and they experience not only financial losses but also trauma, shame, and mental health consequences from being victimized.
ktvu.com
· 2025-12-08
Two suspects were arrested in Marin County for impersonating FBI agents to defraud seniors: 38-year-old Zian Hu was arrested in May 2024 after collecting $25,000 in cash from a victim, while 24-year-old Balraj Singh was arrested attempting to pick up $50,000 from another victim before law enforcement intervened. Both faced grand theft, elder abuse, and conspiracy charges, with bail enhancements granted due to suspected connections to larger criminal operations. Authorities emphasized that legitimate law enforcement and companies never request cash pickups through couriers, and advised residents to verify suspicious communications independently before complying.
adirondackdailyenterprise.com
· 2025-12-08
A scam victim shares two personal experiences: falling for a gift card fraud when a hacker accessed a friend's email and impersonated her, resulting in financial loss, and nearly falling for an overpayment scam involving a fake certified check during an online canoe sale. The author emphasizes that gift card requests are a major red flag, verifying identity through alternative contact methods is essential, and certified checks can be fraudulent even if they appear to clear initially—requiring weeks to confirm legitimacy before returning funds.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
This curated cybercrime report highlights multiple fraud threats affecting vulnerable populations globally. Notable cases include a Karnataka senior citizen rescued from a digital arrest scam through interstate police coordination, a Himachal Pradesh bank losing ₹11 crore to hackers, and a Panchkula resident losing ₹3.5 lakh in an online trading investment scam initiated via fraudulent Facebook contact. The report also documents emerging cybercriminal techniques including fileless malware delivery, sophisticated DDoS attacks, and large-scale cryptocurrency theft operations, underscoring the need for enhanced digital security awareness and swift law enforcement response to protect citizens from evolving fraud schemes.
mobileidworld.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI issued an alert in April 2025 about malicious actors using AI-generated voice and text messages to impersonate senior U.S. officials in smishing and vishing attacks targeting government officials and their contacts. Scammers can create nearly indistinguishable voice replications from just seconds of audio and send malicious links under false pretenses, with compromised accounts potentially enabling further fraud against additional officials and associates. The FBI recommends verifying caller identities, examining contact information for inconsistencies, avoiding sharing sensitive information with unknown contacts, and organizations implementing multi-factor authentication and voice biometric systems to detect synthetic speech.
english.gujaratsamachar.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Gujarat registered over 125,000 cybercrime complaints as part of India's nationwide total of 11.21 lakh cases, with citizens defrauded of approximately ₹400 lakh crore through scams including romance frauds (15%), investment schemes (20%), and phishing (20%). To address the crisis, seven joint cyber coordination teams have been established across cybercrime hotspots in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and other states to resolve jurisdictional conflicts and strengthen inter-state cooperation, while over 100,000 police officers have received specialized training in cybercrime investigation.
dig.watch
· 2025-12-08
Since April, cybercriminals have used deepfake voice and video technology to impersonate senior US government officials and tech executives in phishing campaigns targeting current and former federal officials, attempting to steal passwords and sensitive data through fake calls and messages. The FBI warns that compromised accounts can be weaponized to target others in victims' networks and recommends verification of identities, avoiding unsolicited links, multifactor authentication, and scrutiny of media for inconsistencies. A separate incident involved deepfake impersonation of Polygon co-founder Sandeep Nailwal and colleagues via Zoom to trick crypto users into installing malicious scripts.
hackread.com
· 2025-12-08
Since April 2025, the FBI has warned of a sophisticated campaign using AI-generated voice and text messages to impersonate senior US officials and deceive their contacts through "vishing" and "smishing" techniques. Perpetrators attempt to gain access to victims' personal accounts by sending malicious links disguised as secure messaging platforms, with the goal of stealing credentials, installing malware, or conducting further social engineering attacks to extort information or funds. The FBI cautions that compromised accounts could create a cascading effect, allowing attackers to target multiple officials and associates, and emphasizes that unsolicited messages claiming to originate from government officials should not be assumed authentic.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
Website and email cloning scams—where criminals impersonate legitimate investment firms—affected consumers in the latter half of 2024, with 478 reported cases resulting in 23% success rates and £2.7 million ($3.5 million) in losses. The Investment Association warned that artificial intelligence technologies like deepfakes are enabling increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, exemplified by a Hong Kong finance worker who transferred $25 million to fraudsters using deepfake video calls. Consumers are advised to verify website and email authenticity before transferring money, as cloning remains the top investment fraud threat.
carsonnow.org
· 2025-12-08
Romance and friendship scams rank among the top three riskiest scams in 2024, with victims reporting a median loss of $6,099 after scammers build trust over weeks or months before requesting money or personal information. Phishing scams are also rising in sophistication, using personalized emails and texts enhanced by artificial intelligence to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or granting computer access. The article provides warning signs for both scam types and directs victims to the BBB Scam Survival Toolkit and Scam Tracker for reporting and recovery resources.