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in Robocall / Phone Scam
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost a record $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, with investment scams accounting for nearly half at $5.7 billion and bank transfers and cryptocurrency being the most commonly exploited payment methods. The Federal Trade Commission data shows 38% of consumers reported losing money to fraud in 2024, up from 27% in 2023, with the number of fraud reports remaining stable at 2.6 million. Michigan consumers alone reported $204 million in losses, with seniors ages 60+ losing $45.9 million, though younger consumers are also increasingly victimized.
hamiltonpolice.on.ca
· 2025-12-08
Hamilton Police issued a warning about a phone scam targeting seniors in which fraudsters impersonate bank representatives, claim account compromise, and trick victims into surrendering personal information and bank cards to fake couriers, who then use the stolen credentials to withdraw funds or purchase electronics. Victims are urged to hang up on such calls, contact their bank directly, and report incidents to Hamilton Police through their online reporting system or non-emergency line.
signalscv.com
· 2025-12-08
Twenty-five Canadian nationals were arrested for operating a "grandpailer scam" that defrauded elderly Americans across more than 40 states of over $21 million between summer 2021 and June 2023. The defendants, operating from call centers near Montreal, posed as grandchildren needing bail money and convinced victims to hand cash to fake bail bondsmen; the money was then laundered to Canada using cryptocurrency and other methods while victims were threatened with gag orders. The indictment includes five alleged call center managers facing up to 40 years in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering, while other defendants face up to 20 years.
luxtimes.lu
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational piece providing advice on protecting oneself from online scams. The expert outlines common scam types—including phishing emails, fake websites, investment schemes, romance scams, tech support scams, lottery scams, and job scams—and recommends protective practices such as being cautious with personal information, verifying requests directly with service providers, using strong passwords, and remaining skeptical of unexpected messages. The key message is that staying informed and vigilant about evolving fraud tactics significantly reduces the risk of falling victim to online fraud.
securityweek.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, consumers filed 2.6 million fraud reports totaling over $12.5 billion in losses—a $2 billion increase from 2023—with investment scams ($5.7 billion) and imposter scams like romance and government fraud ($2.95 billion) being the largest loss categories, according to FTC data. The majority of scammers contacted victims via email, followed by phone calls and text messages, while bank transfers and cryptocurrency were the most common payment methods used in fraudulent transactions. The FTC is actively pursuing enforcement actions and refunding victims, including sending over 736,000 PayPal payments to consumers scammed by computer repair service companies.
law.georgia.gov
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr's Consumer Protection Division secured nearly $80 million for Georgia taxpayers and consumers combined, including $3.3 million in restitution for nearly 500 older and disabled adults who were defrauded into purchasing unproven stem cell products. The division assisted over 26,755 consumers and conducted extensive education and outreach efforts, reaching more than 980,000 people through speaking engagements, webinars, and educational resources to help Georgians recognize and avoid scams and fraud.
wpsdlocal6.com
· 2025-12-08
While younger adults (ages 20-30) are more than twice as likely to fall victim to scams than those over 60, older adults lose significantly more money per incident, accounting for approximately $61 billion of the estimated $158 billion in total consumer fraud losses last year. Scammers tailor their tactics by age group, targeting seniors with tech support and gift card scams while exploiting younger people through romance, shopping, employment, and sextortion schemes. The persistence of the misconception that older adults are the primary victims masks the reality that vulnerability to fraud affects all age groups, requiring vigilance across demographics.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI has warned of a widespread "smishing" campaign using fraudulent text messages to steal personal and financial information from iPhone and Android users across the United States. Cybercriminals have registered over 10,000 malicious domains impersonating toll services and delivery companies (like DHL and FedEx), initially targeting victims with fake unpaid toll notifications and later expanding to fake delivery alerts; Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Orlando report the highest incident rates, with a fourfold increase in scams since January. The FTC advises recipients to delete suspicious messages, verify claims through legitimate company websites, and report incidents to the Internet Crime Complaint Center,
vol.at
· 2025-12-08
A 66-year-old woman in Vienna was defrauded of a six-figure sum in cash and jewelry on November 3rd after being approached by an unknown woman of Chinese origin who offered a "blessing ritual" for her valuables. The victim was lured to a park in downtown Vienna where two accomplices distracted her while stealing her belongings. Vienna police suspect the organized fraud ring specifically targeted Chinese victims and are seeking public assistance to identify the perpetrators.
corkbeo.ie
· 2025-12-08
Residents of Cork were warned about a text message scam in which fraudsters impersonate Revenue to trick users into sharing personal information by directing them to fake websites mimicking the official Revenue domain. The scammers use the stolen data to commit identity theft, open fraudulent credit lines, or sell the information online, though users can protect themselves by verifying texts come from the official "Revenue.ie" contact and checking that links end in ".ie" rather than ".com."
azfamily.com
· 2025-12-08
A man in his 90s fell victim to a romance scam that began on WhatsApp, with scammers posing as a romantic interest and subsequently soliciting money for purported investment opportunities. According to the Federal Trade Commission, fraud losses totaled $12.5 billion in 2024, with "pig butchering" investment scams accounting for $5.7 billion of that total. The article provides guidance on how family members can help victims by approaching with empathy rather than criticism, validating their feelings, and using trusted sources to demonstrate the scam patterns.
housingwire.com
· 2025-12-08
A real estate agent was nearly victimized by a property listing scam when a fraudster posed as the out-of-state owner and provided a seemingly legitimate contract, only to be exposed seven hours after the listing went live when the actual owner called to report the fraud. The scammer had previously attempted the same scheme on the property during its last listing, which the prior agent had failed to report to authorities. The article identifies listing scams as increasingly common in land transactions due to the lack of in-person verification requirements, and provides red flags including unlisted phone numbers, spoofed seller email addresses, and suspicious urgency around remote closings.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS released its 2025 "Dirty Dozen" tax scam list warning taxpayers about schemes targeting the tax season, including fake emails and texts impersonating tax agencies, fraudulent social media advice encouraging the creation of fake W-2 forms, and scammers posing as helpers to steal personal information and file fraudulent returns. Victims risk identity theft, bank account fraud, and significant delays in legitimate tax refunds, while those knowingly filing fraudulent returns face civil and criminal penalties.
wdsu.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission reported 2.6 million fraud cases in 2024, resulting in a record $12.5 billion in losses—a 25% increase from 2023, with more than one-third of reporters losing money (median loss of $497). Investment fraud led in per-victim losses at $9,196 median, followed by job scams ($2,250) and debt relief fraud ($1,500), while older adults reported losing significantly more money than younger age groups despite filing fewer reports. The FTC recommends protecting against fraud by remaining cautious of unsolicited contact, avoiding untraceable payment methods like wire transfers and gift cards, and reporting suspected scams to
postguam.com
· 2025-12-08
Docomo Pacific issued a public warning about sophisticated AI-driven scam calls targeting elderly residents in Guam, prompted by an incident where the company's CEO's mother received a call from a scammer impersonating a federal agent demanding personal information and threatening home visits. The warning highlights how artificial intelligence now enables scammers to clone voices of family members and gather personal details from social media to pressure seniors into revealing information or sending money. The advisory recommends residents verify callers through trusted contacts, maintain skepticism of unexpected communications, and report suspected scams to the FCC.
chestnuthilllocal.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP Pennsylvania issued a consumer alert about increasingly sophisticated phishing scams designed to steal personal and financial information, noting that phishing was the most commonly reported cybercrime in 2023 with nearly 300,000 complaints and losses exceeding $18.7 million. The advisory recommends protective measures including verifying sender information, avoiding suspicious links, using strong passwords with multi-factor authentication, and reporting suspicious messages to authorities or AARP's fraud helpline at 1-877-908-3360.
cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired IT professional in northeast Ohio, known as "Eastside Eddie," combats robocall and text scams by posing as a victim to waste scammers' time and expose their tactics on YouTube and in community educational classes. Cuyahoga County residents lost over $3.4 million to various scams last year, with two victims losing their homes, prompting both Eddie's vigilante efforts and an official county awareness campaign highlighting common schemes (romance, grandparent, company/government, and lottery scams) and warning signs like requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or remote computer access.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
A 91-year-old Victorian woman lost $130,000 in a phone scam on September 19 when a caller impersonating her bank convinced her to surrender her bank card, which was then used 130 times to purchase gift cards before being cancelled. Police identified a suspect through CCTV footage and are appealing for public information to assist with the investigation, while cautioning the community about unsolicited bank calls.
hola.com
· 2025-12-08
A 63-year-old woman from Los Angeles, Guadalupe Cepeda, was defrauded of over $3,000 by a scammer impersonating Latin pop star Enrique Iglesias through a fan group on social media. Over two years, the impostor used romantic manipulation and convinced her to send money via gift cards before her family traced the scammer to Nigeria. The real Enrique Iglesias responded by warning fans to only connect with verified accounts and cautioning against celebrity impersonation scams.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old woman lost $130,000 of her life savings to a lottery scam operated by Darien Deventon Smith and Sheniece Elaine Smith of Connecticut, who convinced her in March 2024 that she had won a jackpot and car but needed to pay various "taxes" and "processing fees" to claim the prize. Over months of manipulation, the victim opened multiple bank accounts and purchased money orders at the scammers' direction before becoming suspicious and contacting authorities; both suspects were arrested in February 2025 and face charges of obtaining money by false pretenses and conspiracy to commit a felony.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
A 61-year-old personal assistant, Catalina Corona, was indicted on wire fraud, bank fraud, and identity theft charges for stealing approximately $10 million from an elderly New York couple between 2017 and 2024. Corona forged checks made out to cash and impersonated the victims to bank representatives, using the stolen funds to purchase luxury items including over $1 million in Louis Vuitton merchandise, designer goods from Cartier and Gucci, and pay personal expenses. The fraud was discovered in April 2024 when a suspicious $1,500 check prompted a bank representative to contact the victims, who confirmed they had not authorized numerous "
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Digital payment apps like Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal are increasingly exploited by scammers, with customers at three banks losing over $870 million to Zelle fraud since 2017 according to a CFPB lawsuit. Common scams include cash flipping schemes, phishing expeditions, fake item sales, counterfeit tickets, software glitch fraud, and security deposit schemes, all of which exploit the irreversible nature of digital transfers. Users should verify requests through official channels, never pay sight unseen, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails to protect themselves from these threats.
seattletimes.com
· 2025-12-08
State officials are warning Americans about a surge of "smishing" scams—SMS text messages impersonating toll collection agencies—that attempt to trick recipients into revealing financial information like credit card or bank account details. A cybersecurity firm identified a threat actor who registered over 10,000 domains to conduct these scams across at least 10 U.S. states and Ontario, Canada, with messages falsely claiming unpaid tolls and threatening fines or suspended driving privileges. Authorities advise recipients not to click suspicious links or reply to these texts and to report them to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers, likely Chinese criminal gangs operating overseas, have launched a widespread toll road scam sending threatening text messages to millions of Americans claiming unpaid FastTrak, E-ZPass, or similar tolls with threats of fines and license revocation. The scam is highly effective because it is cheap to execute, targets personal information for further fraud, and exploits security gaps in both Apple and Android phones; cybersecurity researchers have identified 60,000 domains used in the attacks and documented a 900% increase in searches for "toll road scams" in recent months.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
As the 2025 tax season begins, cybercriminals are launching a surge of tax-related scams targeting taxpayers, with malicious domains using tax-related terms seeing a 693% traffic increase in the 30 days before the 2024 filing deadline. Common scam tactics include phishing emails impersonating tax software providers like TurboTax, fake charities, unlicensed tax preparers, and misleading fuel tax credit offers (which increased 121% from 2024 to 2025), with fraudulent activity persisting even after the April 15 deadline. Experts advise taxpayers to verify all websites and email requests before
mastercard.com
· 2025-12-08
U.S. consumers lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, with investor scams causing the most financial damage ($5.7 million) while imposter scams remain most frequently reported, according to the FTC. Cybercriminals increasingly exploit human emotions through social engineering tactics via email, phone, and text, using sophisticated tools like deepfakes and generative AI to create convincing false identities and communications. The article emphasizes that even trained employees can be deceived, citing a $25.6 million loss by a Hong Kong financial firm whose employee was tricked by a computer-generated deepfake video conference
wxii12.com
· 2025-12-08
A surge of smishing scams impersonating toll road agencies like NC Quick Pass is targeting North Carolina and other states, with the FBI reporting over 2,000 complaints since March of the previous year. The scams use text messages claiming unpaid tolls and threatening fines, license suspension, or legal action to pressure victims into clicking malicious links that can result in losses ranging from $100 to hundreds of thousands of dollars and potential theft of personal information like bank account and Social Security details. Authorities have traced the scams' origin to Canada in early 2024 and believe operations have since moved to the U.S., with NC Quick Pass reporting thousands of daily inquiries about the fraudulent texts
npr.org
· 2025-12-08
Smishing (SMS phishing) scams have surged significantly, with Americans receiving 19.2 billion spam texts in February alone, often impersonating toll agencies, utilities, and financial institutions to trick victims into clicking malicious links or providing payment information. Scammers quickly adapt their tactics to current events—such as NYC's congestion pricing launch in January 2025—to exploit confusion and urgency among consumers. To protect themselves, consumers should register with the National Do Not Call Registry, never click links in unsolicited texts, verify requests by independently calling companies, and report scams to the FBI's IC3 or by forwarding messages to 7726.
ca.style.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Canadians lost $638 million to scams in 2024, with impersonation and investment fraud being the costliest types, as fraudsters increasingly use sophisticated technology including AI to create convincing deepfakes and pose as legitimate organizations or celebrities. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports that while fewer cases were processed in 2024 compared to 2023, authorities estimate 90-95% of fraud cases go unreported, and recommend Canadians verify unexpected calls or messages and be aware of red flags such as requests for personal information or unsolicited payment demands. Key prevention strategies include trusting instincts, questioning suspicious communications, and educating seniors about evolving scam tactics.
41nbc.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, scams extracted a record $12.5 billion from consumers—a 25% increase from 2023—despite the number of scam reports remaining relatively flat, according to the Better Business Bureau citing FTC data. The BBB highlighted two prevalent scams: cryptocurrency investment scams involving unknown coins and promises of guaranteed returns, and imposter scams where fraudsters pose as government agencies demanding immediate payment via gift cards or crypto while threatening arrest. Consumers should verify agency contact information independently, watch for ".gov" or ".mil" email addresses, and be wary of urgent demands, threats, and requests for unusual payment methods or wallet access.
bransontrilakesnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Stone County Sheriff's Office is partnering with Branson Bank to offer a free educational presentation on identifying and preventing senior scams, with the first class scheduled for April 9 at the Galena Branch Library. Sheriff Doug Rader will instruct the class on recognizing scam callers and taking preventive action, targeting seniors 65 and older, with plans to bring the presentation to other locations and organizations upon request. This initiative responds to the growing problem of elder fraud in the county—seniors in Stone County have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to scams—and aligns with FBI data showing that people 60 and older lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 91-year-old Victorian woman lost $130,000 after receiving a phone call from a scammer impersonating her bank, who claimed fraudulent charges had occurred on her card and arranged to collect it in person. The scammer used the card over 130 times across multiple Melbourne locations over five days before it was cancelled. Bank impersonation scams have surged 25% in Australia's first nine months of 2024, with over 8,200 reports recorded, though the overall losses decreased to $9.35 million compared to $14.98 million the previous year.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Twenty-five Canadians were arrested in a joint Canadian-American law enforcement operation and charged with operating a grandparent scam from call centers in Montreal that defrauded elderly victims in 45 American states of $21 million between 2021 and 2024. The scammers used voice-over-internet protocol technology to mask their locations and employed a multi-step operation where "openers" called elderly victims claiming a grandchild needed bail money, then passed them to fake attorneys and sent couriers or mail-based collection schemes to retrieve funds, which were laundered through cryptocurrency conversion. The article notes that scammers exploit psychological vulnerabilities in older adults and advises families to
wbay.com
· 2025-12-08
A Suamico, Wisconsin woman was targeted by an elaborate phone scam in which scammers impersonating Medicare, pharmacies, and her doctors convinced her that her Medicare benefits had been terminated and coerced her into providing her Medicare number. The scammers then instructed her to accept unnecessary medical equipment (back braces, knee braces, and wrist braces), which were subsequently mailed to her; she refused the packages and obtained a new Medicare number after contacting the real Medicare to verify the fraud. The Wisconsin Senior Medical Patrol warns that Medicare never contacts people unsolicited to request personal information or Medicare numbers and does not terminate benefits in this manner.
mininggazette.com
· 2025-12-08
The Michigan State Police urge residents to recognize and avoid common scams transmitted through phone calls, text messages, and social media, including romance scams that manipulate victims into sending money through fake emergencies, tech support scams offering fake virus solutions, and toll payment scams. Key warning signs include unsolicited contact, artificial urgency, unusual payment demands (cryptocurrency or gift cards), and requests for personal or financial information. Authorities recommend trusting instincts, consulting trusted contacts or law enforcement if something seems suspicious, and not feeling ashamed to report suspected fraud.
nbcboston.com
· 2025-12-08
Daniele Gonsalves lost over $2,500 after meeting "David" on a dating app who posed as a wealthy cryptocurrency investor and convinced her to transfer money to a fraudulent trading platform. This scam tactic, known as "pig butchering," involves scammers building romantic trust with victims before encouraging them to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes that ultimately disappear. Cybersecurity experts advise verifying the identity of anyone offering investment advice, never investing based on online-only relationships, and reporting suspected fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
kbzk.com
· 2025-12-08
Bozeman Police Detective Jake Ahmann reports that scam calls and texts are widespread, with he himself receiving two to three per week, often using emotional manipulation tactics like promises of free items, threats of legal consequences, or appeals for help with family members in trouble. Ahmann advises the public to avoid clicking links from unknown numbers, never share personal or financial information over the phone, request payment via gift cards or bitcoin as red flags, and to contact police and financial institutions immediately if scammed. He also notes that scam reports are likely under-reported due to victim embarrassment, and recommends simply not answering calls from unknown numbers when in doubt.
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies four common types of tax-related fraud and scams: identity theft (where stolen SSNs are used to file fraudulent returns), ghost preparers (unlicensed tax preparers who charge fees but disappear without filing or file inaccurate returns), phishing/smishing attempts (fraudulent emails and texts impersonating the IRS), and social media scams (misinformation about tax laws and services). The article recommends protecting yourself by filing early, using electronic filing through secure channels, employing professional tax services with verified credentials, and enabling two-factor authentication on accounts.
redding.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS released its 2025 "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams that proliferate during tax season, including fake emails and texts impersonating the IRS, misleading tax advice on social media (particularly encouraging fraudulent W-2 forms), scammers posing as helpers to create IRS online accounts to steal personal information, and promotion of non-existent tax credits like bogus self-employment credits claiming payouts up to $32,000. Victims of these scams risk identity theft, unauthorized bank account access, and significant delays to legitimate tax refunds, with those knowingly filing fraudulent returns facing civil and criminal penalties.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Chinese-speaking cybercriminals operating on Telegram are distributing phishing kits that enable widespread text message scams claiming victims owe unpaid tolls or E-ZPass fees, with links to fake payment websites designed to steal credit cards and personal information. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center has received over 60,000 reports of the scam, which rapidly escalated starting in early February as operators copy each other's tactics and target bulk datasets of hacked phone numbers. The scammers exploit the tactic's effectiveness by requesting small fees that appear reasonable, and victims' stolen information is used to compromise payment methods and digital wallets.
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams, also known as relationship or confidence scams, are among the top five online scams in the U.S., resulting in over $650 million in losses in 2023. Scammers use fake profiles and emotional manipulation through dating apps, social media, and email to build trust before requesting money, personal information, or investments, with common tactics including impersonation ("catfishing"), long-term trust-building schemes, and platonic friendship scams. To protect yourself, avoid sharing personal information with unknown contacts, research and verify all information before making financial decisions, take time before acting on requests, and report suspected scams to authorities.
dailyrecord.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Stephen and Karen Ratchford from Grimsby fell victim to a SIM-jacking scam while on a cruise in October, during which fraudsters gained control of their mobile numbers and used two-step verification to access their accounts, resulting in attempted loans totaling £25,000 and unauthorized charges of £150 on their mobile accounts. Although the banks canceled the fraudulent loan and overdraft applications before any money was lost, the couple experienced significant stress and psychological impact from the incident. Their mobile provider, iD Mobile, apologized and strengthened security measures in response.
kwch.com
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old Wichita woman lost her entire life savings of $36,000 in a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam when a caller impersonating a Coinbase representative convinced her that her account had been compromised. The scammer used fear-based tactics to pressure her into transferring her funds to a fraudulent wallet controlled by the criminals, from which the money cannot be recovered. The article advises verifying any account security claims by independently calling official customer service numbers rather than responding to unsolicited calls or clicking provided links.
rcmp.ca
· 2025-12-08
Canadian fraud and cybercrime losses exceeded $638 million in 2024, a significant increase from $578 million in 2023, with investment scams accounting for $311 million of losses, according to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre. Beyond financial damage, victims report severe emotional and psychological harm including feelings of betrayal, shame, anxiety, and depression, which can be compounded by victim-blaming from others. Experts emphasize that fraud's impact extends across all demographics and fraud types, and that supportive responses from those victims confide in are critical to their healing.
dl-online.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the 2024 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, investment and cryptocurrency scams remain the most prevalent fraud type, with romance and friendship scams climbing to third place. Both often employ "financial grooming" tactics where scammers build trust over weeks or months before encouraging victims to invest in fraudulent platforms, resulting in a median loss of $5,000-$6,099 per victim. People ages 65 and older reported the highest median losses ($160), and overall reported median losses increased 30% from 2023 to 2024, with emotional impacts including anger, loss of trust, and anxiety affecting nearly 30% of victims.
hackaday.com
· 2025-12-08
A researcher analyzed romance scam emails using technical investigation methods, tracing stolen Facebook photos and fake profiles back to Russian-based scammers operating on monthly cycles. The scam targets vulnerable individuals by establishing fake romantic relationships and eventually requesting money transfers for fabricated emergencies or relocation assistance. The analysis revealed that while scammers use hacked email accounts and VPNs to hide their location, they often leave clues in image metadata and occasionally fail to activate VPN protection, underscoring that human awareness and critical thinking—rather than technological solutions—remain the most effective defenses against these schemes.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season 2025 has become a prime target for AI-powered fraud, with cybercriminals using generative AI, deepfakes, and voice cloning to create highly convincing phishing emails, fake IRS calls, and impersonations of tax professionals and agents. The IRS identified over $37 billion in tax and financial crimes in fiscal year 2023, with fake IRS calls using voice cloning jumping 150% in 2025, affecting individuals, small businesses, tax professionals, and large firms through personalized attacks that bypass traditional security defenses. Criminals are also creating synthetic identities to file fraudulent returns and claim illegitimate refunds, while deepfake videos
lockhaven.com
· 2025-12-08
This is a community announcements section, not an elder fraud case. However, it includes a relevant notice: A free senior scams prevention seminar will be held at the Castanea Township Building on Tuesday, May 20, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., offering education on fraud threats to seniors, prevention strategies, and resources for safety concerns.
nbcbayarea.com
· 2025-12-08
Smartphone users are being targeted by a widespread smishing scam in which cybercriminals impersonate state toll collection agencies and send text messages claiming unpaid tolls or E-ZPass charges are due immediately, then request sensitive financial and personal information through fraudulent links. The Federal Trade Commission and Federal Bureau of Investigation have both issued warnings about the scam, which is designed to enable identity theft and financial fraud. Users should avoid clicking links, verify toll agency claims directly through official websites, report suspicious texts, and contact their financial institutions if they have already shared personal information.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybersecurity experts warn of a surge in tax-related scams, particularly in the weeks before Tax Day, with scammers increasingly using AI to create realistic fake IRS websites, phishing emails, and text messages to steal personal information—the average victim lost $8,199 in 2024. Common scams include phishing texts requesting personal data, fake tax preparation websites, "ghost preparers" who don't provide required credentials, and misleading social media tax advice that leads people to claim ineligible credits. The IRS advises taxpayers to verify legitimate websites end in .gov, ask tax preparers for their PTIN, and avoid unverified tax tips from social media platforms