Explore the Archive

Fraudsters attempted a fake president scam targeting a Luxembourg bailiff's office, impersonating a French lawyer and manager to pressure an accountant into transferring a five-figure sum for a supposed company acquisition. The scheme involved fake emails from spoofed accounts and escalating phone calls designed to bypass internal safeguards, but staff became suspicious of the aggressive tactics and halted the transfer. This incident reflects a broader pattern of such scams in Luxembourg, following the high-profile €60 million Caritas charity fraud.

Social media scams exploit trusted platforms and personal details shared online to deceive users into sending money, revealing personal information, or downloading malware, with older adults facing heightened risk due to unfamiliarity with newer tactics and accumulated savings. Common scams include impersonation schemes like the "grandparent scam," where fraudsters pose as family members in distress requesting urgent money, and fake product offers within trusted community groups. Users can protect themselves by creating strong, unique passwords, being cautious about what personal details they share online, and verifying requests through independent contact with known family members or organizations.

A 64-year-old Pennsylvania man lost $42,700 in March 2026 to a scammer impersonating WWE star Rhea Ripley, with few details available about how contact was made or the victim's persuasion. This incident is part of a broader pattern of celebrity impersonation scams targeting older adults, including a 2024 case where a 74-year-old lost nearly $1 million to someone posing as WWE star Alexa Bliss. No arrests have been made, and the victim has refused to cooperate with police investigating the fraud.

Ogechi Urenna Udunka of Decatur, Georgia was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in laundering $158,000 stolen through a Business Email Compromise (BEC) scam targeting an agricultural company. The scam occurred when criminals sent fraudulent emails impersonating an Oregon seed company, tricking the victim into wiring funds that Udunka then received and disbursed to conceal their origin. Udunka was ordered to pay full restitution and perform 200 hours of community service.

The Better Business Bureau reports that over $68 billion was lost to financial fraud in the past year, with more than half of Americans encountering scams daily and over 433,000 scam reports tracked since 2022. The BBB's International Investigations Initiative analyzed these reports using artificial intelligence to identify patterns and tools used by scammers across North America, publishing findings in a study called "Blueprint of a scam" to highlight how lax regulations enable fraud and suggest ways to strengthen consumer protections.

A Government Accountability Office report found that disaster assistance scams targeting millions of people affected by hurricanes, floods, and wildfires represent a significant but largely unmeasured threat, with the true prevalence and financial impact unknown due to widespread underreporting and data limitations. Victims often fail to report scams due to shame, lack of awareness about reporting procedures, or belief that reporting won't help, while federal enforcement is hampered by resource constraints and the sophistication of international scam operations. Federal agencies rely primarily on consumer education and awareness campaigns at disaster recovery centers and through online channels to prevent victimization, as reliable estimates of losses remain impossible to calculate.

Scammers exploit natural disasters and emergencies by creating fake charities or impersonating legitimate relief organizations to steal donations intended for victims of hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and other disasters. Donors can protect themselves by verifying charities through the FTC before contributing and should report suspected charity scams to the FTC's fraud reporting website.

Over 201,000 Americans age 60 and older lost approximately $7.7 billion to cyber-enabled crimes in 2025, with an average loss of $38,000 per victim and military retirees accounting for over half a billion dollars in fraud losses. Scammers increasingly target older adults through impostor schemes, romance fraud, and tech-support scams, exploiting vulnerabilities including loneliness, financial assets, unfamiliarity with technology, and cognitive decline, with artificial intelligence tools making these scams more sophisticated and effective. The FBI reported a 37% spike in complaints from 2024 to 2025, though experts believe actual losses are significantly higher due to underre

A data breach at Beacon CRM compromised personal information of donors and volunteers from over six Christian charities, including names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, and donation records. The breach is particularly concerning because scammers can now target high-value donors with tailored fraud schemes after purchasing the stolen data on the dark web. Fraud experts advise affected individuals to remain vigilant against targeted scams and to verify contact from banks or authorities by independently calling official numbers rather than using contact information provided by callers.

A Washington man received a 30-month federal prison sentence for stealing a Vietnam veteran's identity to fraudulently obtain VA benefits over decades, while a New Hampshire man was indicted for defrauding an older veteran of $225,000 through bank and mail fraud. According to the FTC, fraud reports from servicemembers, veterans, and their families totaled approximately $584 million in 2024, with scammers exploiting veterans' trust in VA institutions and their predictable benefit payments through schemes including disability benefit fraud, VA home loan scams, and job scams.

Meta removed 6.8 million WhatsApp accounts associated with cybercrime and digital scams in the second half of 2025, though attacks continue due to low costs and automated execution. Common WhatsApp scams rely on social engineering rather than sophisticated hacking, with the most dangerous being account takeover schemes where attackers trick victims into sharing verification codes, then impersonate them to extort money from their contacts. Users can protect themselves by enabling two-step verification, never sharing verification codes, and verifying urgent money requests through direct phone calls using known contact numbers.

A California woman was conned out of $300,000 by a scammer impersonating country singer Kenny Chesney and sued the artist, claiming he had a duty to warn fans about imposters; however, a California appeals court dismissed the case, ruling Chesney was not liable. In a separate incident, a Fresno news anchor lost $72,000 to a phishing scam when she called a fake number provided in a text claiming to be from the stock trading app Robinhood.

A network of fraudulent Democratic PACs, orchestrated by consulting firm Mothership Strategies, extracted approximately $282 million from donors during the 2024 election cycle while delivering only $11 million to actual Democratic campaigns, with data showing that for every dollar donated—often by elderly and small-dollar donors—98 cents went to consultants and operational costs rather than campaigns. The scam involved high-pressure fundraising tactics through texts and emails from PACs with names like "Progressive Turnout" and "Stop Republicans," with one example, Retired Dems 2024 PAC, raising $10.6 million but keeping $6.5 million in profit while delivering minimal benefit to the

Romance scams have become one of the fastest-growing forms of online fraud, costing victims billions annually while causing significant emotional harm through tactics like catfishing and celebrity impersonation. Scammers employ increasingly sophisticated methods including deepfake videos, AI-cloned voices, and stolen photos to build trust quickly before fabricating urgent crises to extract money from victims. Protection strategies include requesting spontaneous video calls, reverse-image searching photos, verifying details, and maintaining firm financial boundaries while using identity-verified dating platforms.

Florida's Department of Elder Affairs has issued a warning about scammers creating fake military charities to exploit generous donors supporting veterans and active-duty military members in the state. The scams use emotional appeals on social media, fake fundraising campaigns, and high-pressure tactics requesting payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps. Citizens are advised to verify charities through legitimate sources before donating and to avoid unusual payment methods.

Police in Napa Valley's American Canyon are warning residents of a surge in fraud targeting personal information and money, including grandparent scams, government imposter scams, tech support scams, romance scams, and utility scams. Law enforcement emphasized that legitimate authorities will never call demanding money to resolve legal matters and urge residents to hang up immediately on such calls. Anyone who believes they've been targeted should contact American Canyon police at (707) 253-4451.

Financial scams exploit consistent psychological levers—trust, urgency, reward, fear, and confusion—that criminals adapt to new technologies rather than fundamentally reinvent. Historical schemes like George C. Parker's bridge sales and Charles Ponzi's investment fraud demonstrate that modern scams are often traditional confidence tricks delivered through faster, more anonymous digital channels such as spoofed communications, fake websites, and synthetic identities. Financial institutions must anticipate how technology and social behavior evolve together to manage fraud risk proactively rather than merely responding after losses occur.

Scammers are using AI voice-cloning tools to impersonate OnlyFans creators in direct messages, fabricating medical emergencies and requesting irreversible payments via CashApp, Venmo, or cryptocurrency. The scheme exploits parasocial relationships between creators and fans, with one documented victim losing nearly $300,000 to a fake online partner. Any payment request routed outside OnlyFans' official billing system is a fraud indicator, as legitimate creator transactions occur only through the platform.

Scammers targeting Lake Tahoe vacation rentals steal legitimate listings and photos from platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, then repost them on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace at below-market prices while posing as property owners or managers. They request payment through Cash App, PayPal, or Venmo, making it nearly impossible for victims to recover funds once transferred. Experts recommend booking only through established platforms or verified local property management companies and paying exclusively with credit cards to ensure buyer protection.

Following tornado damage in the Fox Cities, scammers are targeting both disaster victims and donors through fraudulent contractors and fake fundraising campaigns. Out-of-state contractors may collect down payments and disappear without completing repairs, while fake online fundraisers solicit donations under false pretenses. Experts recommend using local, established contractors and verifying fundraisers through platforms like GoFundMe before donating.

Human trafficking networks lure victims abroad with fraudulent job offers and force them to conduct online scams including romance fraud and cryptocurrency schemes from compounds under threat and violence. Several ministries including Atlas Free, A21 Campaign, Love Justice International, and The Exodus Road work across prevention, investigation, repatriation, and survivor recovery to combat this trafficking cycle, with recent rescues including survivors from Uganda, Thailand, Sierra Leone, and Brazil. One scam type alone—"pig butchering" fraud—has stolen an estimated $3 trillion worldwide according to Interpol.

Fraudulent animal "rescue" accounts on social media, particularly those claiming to operate in Uganda, use graphic videos of sick or injured dogs and cats to solicit donations from viewers, with some scammers allegedly deliberately harming animals to stage dramatic rescues. These schemes exploit donors' sympathy and the ease of creating new accounts after removal, with money collected through direct donations and fundraisers that never reach actual animal welfare. PETA has urged Interpol to investigate these operations and recommends supporting only legitimate, vetted animal rescue organizations.

Following devastating flooding in Texas's Hill Country that killed two people and destroyed homes and infrastructure, the Texas Attorney General warned of scammers posing as FEMA agents, fake charities, and businesses price gouging essential goods—practices that are illegal during declared disasters. The alert comes as relief efforts intensify, with the Attorney General's office encouraging residents to report suspected fraud at 1-800-621-0508 and noting that after Hurricane Harvey, the state pursued 127 businesses accused of price gouging, some charging up to $99 for a case of water.

In 2025, over 201,000 Americans aged 60 and older lost more than $7.7 billion to cyber criminals, often through phone scams impersonating Social Security Administration, Medicare, or bank representatives. Scammers use specific high-pressure phrases—such as claiming benefits are suspended, accounts have been compromised, or immediate payment is required—designed to trigger fear and bypass rational thinking. The article identifies 12 common scam phrases and advises victims to hang up, contact official organizations directly through verified channels, and never share personal information or passwords in response to unsolicited calls.

Scammers increase their activity during summer months by targeting vacation planning and recreational spending, exploiting opportunities when people share personal information and make purchases online. Common summer scams include vacation rental fraud and impostor schemes, with Americans losing $3.5 billion to impostor scams alone in 2025. To protect yourself, stay vigilant about verifying the legitimacy of vacation rental hosts, avoid making impulse purchases, and be cautious about sharing personal details during summer travel planning.

Organized crime networks operating "scam factories" in Southeast Asia are forcing workers to conduct romance and financial fraud schemes targeting British victims, while subjecting female workers to systematic rape and violence as "rewards" for successful scams. More than 10,000 UK residents lost an average of £9,500 each to romance scams last year, with many unknowingly funding these operations. To protect yourself, verify unexpected romantic interests through independent research, be skeptical of requests for money or financial information, and report suspected scams to Action Fraud or local authorities.

The Department of Homeland Security is launching a major investigation into immigration scams that have doubled in complaints, with victims losing over $94 million in the past five years. Scammers target immigrants and visa holders through social media, fake court proceedings, and impersonation of government officials, sometimes causing victims to miss court dates and face deportation. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited immigration assistance offers on social media, verify any government communication directly with official agencies, and never wire money or share personal information based on threats of deportation.

In 2024, scammers exploited lonely men—particularly conservative men with higher disposable incomes—through AI-generated "girlfriend" chatbots that offer endless validation and agreement while extracting money from users. The scam works by targeting men starved for emotional connection and validation, using algorithms that identify vulnerabilities like tribalism and predictability to maximize profits. To protect yourself: be skeptical of online relationships that seem too perfect, never send money to digital companions or strangers online, and recognize that any entity offering unconditional agreement without real relationship dynamics is likely exploitative.

Scammers are exploiting America's 250th anniversary by selling counterfeit merchandise, fake event tickets, and fraudulent charity campaigns primarily through social media and fake websites, according to a Better Business Bureau alert. The scams have affected consumers nationwide who are seeking anniversary-related products and experiences. To protect yourself, the BBB recommends buying only from verified retailers, verifying charities and rental listings before donating or booking, and using credit cards for purchases to have buyer protections.

Fraudsters are taking advantage of America's 250th anniversary by selling fake merchandise, creating bogus rental listings, and promoting fake charities, primarily through social media platforms. The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning as complaints about counterfeit commemorative products surge ahead of the holiday. To protect yourself, shoppers should be skeptical of deals on social media, verify seller legitimacy before purchasing, and research any charity organizations before donating.

Martin Lewis, a trusted financial expert whose name and image are being stolen by scammers to promote fake investments, says he receives constant reports of vulnerable people—including an elderly woman who lost her life savings—falling victim to deepfake videos and fraudulent schemes bearing his endorsement. Lewis emphasizes that he never advertises anything and that the government could easily stop these scams, yet he feels helpless against the "constant, ongoing deluge" of fraud using his identity. To protect yourself, be skeptical of any investment offers appearing to come from celebrities or trusted figures, verify endorsements directly through official channels, and never invest based solely on social media posts or videos.

As the Fourth of July approaches, the Harrison Police Department warns of seasonal scams targeting holiday shoppers and travelers, including fake event tickets, vacation rentals, patriotic sales ads, and charity frauds requesting payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. People should verify events through official websites, book rentals only on trusted platforms, research charities independently, and be wary of anyone pressuring them for immediate payment through untraceable methods. If you suspect a scam, report it to local law enforcement rather than sending money to unknown parties.

The IRS Criminal Investigation agency reports a sharp rise in fraud schemes targeting seniors, with 97 new elder fraud cases initiated in fiscal year 2025 alone and over $885 million in alleged fraud losses documented since 2021. Scammers use various deceptive tactics including impersonating government officials, claiming emergencies involving loved ones, building fake romantic relationships, and falsely promising lottery winnings or investment returns to steal money and personal information from older adults. Seniors should be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages demanding immediate payment, verify requests through official channels, and never send money to unknown parties—especially those claiming to be government officials or attorneys.

The IRS Criminal Investigation agency has warned of a significant surge in fraud schemes targeting older Americans, with 97 new elder fraud cases initiated in 2025 alone and over $885 million in alleged fraud losses documented from 2021-2026. Scammers use various tactics including impersonating government officials, claiming emergencies involving loved ones, and lottery scams to steal money and personal information from seniors, with a recent operation called Silver Shores targeting timeshare owners and resulting in over $30 million in losses from 372 victims. Older adults should be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages demanding immediate payment, verify requests through official channels before sending money, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.

Scam texts targeting older adults, particularly those with memory issues like dementia, are causing significant financial losses—one 81-year-old woman was charged over $5,000 by a political campaign after clicking malicious links, though the charges were eventually refunded. The article provides guidance on protecting vulnerable seniors by adjusting phone settings, carrier account controls, and payment restrictions to make risky texts and unauthorized purchases harder to complete while still allowing them to use their phones normally. Key steps include enabling text filters, restricting contacts to known numbers, setting up bank alerts, and tightening payment settings to prevent surprise charges.

The IRS Criminal Investigation division reports a significant surge in fraud targeting seniors, with 97 new elder fraud cases opened in fiscal year 2025 alone and $885.86 million in alleged fraud uncovered between 2021-2026. Common schemes include criminals impersonating government officials or attorneys, claiming emergencies involving loved ones, or building fake romantic relationships to extract money and personal information from older adults. Seniors should be wary of unsolicited contact demanding immediate payment, verify caller identities through official channels, and consult trusted family members or authorities before sending money.

Fraudsters are increasingly targeting older Americans through various elaborate schemes including fake timeshare settlements, romance scams, lottery scams, and emergency impersonation tactics, with scammers defrauding seniors of over $885 million in the last five years. The IRS recently arrested more than 20 people in "Operation Silver Shores," a scheme where criminals posed as attorneys and government officials to trick timeshare owners into sending money, which was then laundered through shell companies. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact claiming you've won money or are entitled to settlements, verify caller identities independently, and report suspected fraud to the National Elder Fraud Hotline.

Following the Nippon Dynawave paper mill disaster in Longview, Washington's Attorney General is warning residents about fraudulent charity scams that criminals may use to exploit people's desire to help victims. Donors should research charities before giving, verify they have a legitimate history of disaster relief work, and be cautious of suspicious solicitations—reporting any suspicious activity to the Attorney General's Office. Taking time to vet organizations and using official crowdfunding platforms can help protect donors from becoming victims of charity scams.

Consumers lost over $12.5 billion to fraud last year—a 25% increase from the previous year—with social media account takeovers being the top threat, affecting an estimated 35% of the public in 2025. Fraudsters use increasingly sophisticated tactics including password theft, impersonation scams, and identity theft to steal money and personal information from victims and their contacts. To protect yourself, experts recommend being alert to suspicious messages from contacts who seem "off," verifying requests through alternative channels before sharing personal information, and reporting compromised accounts immediately to the platform.

Arizona is experiencing an epidemic of scams targeting seniors, with the state having the highest rate of senior fraud victims in the nation at 289 per 100,000 people, according to Attorney General Kris Mayes. Scammers are using various tactics including romance scams on social media, fake charities, sweepstakes claims, and cryptocurrency ATMs to steal money from seniors, with some victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited contact on social media, requests for untraceable payments (gift cards, wire transfers, Bitcoin), and should verify any claims about winnings or legal fines through official channels before sending money.

An elderly couple in California, Don and Karen Whitaker, were found dead in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide after Karen fell victim to a romance scam where a fraudster impersonating actor Tom Selleck convinced her to send thousands of dollars. Karen, who was in early stages of dementia, initially met the scammer on Facebook and despite warnings from family and friends, continued sending money as the scam escalated from $80 donations to much larger sums. To protect yourself from similar scams, be especially vigilant with elderly relatives—verify requests for money through independent channels, be skeptical of celebrity contact on social media, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.

Romance scammers are using AI-generated images of attractive women to target attendees of the XRP Las Vegas cryptocurrency conference, attempting to lure them into "pig butchering" scams where fraudsters build fake emotional connections and then pressure victims to send cryptocurrency or invest in fraudulent platforms. Conference attendees, who have already spent significant money on tickets and travel, are particularly vulnerable targets for these schemes. To protect yourself, be cautious about unsolicited messages from strangers on social media, avoid sharing personal or financial information with new contacts you meet online, and be especially skeptical of anyone trying to steer conversations toward cryptocurrency investments or donations.

Moving scams are on the rise in Wisconsin, with over 21,000 inquiries and 50+ complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau in 2025, with victims losing a median of $532 each. Common scams include hidden fees, massive price hikes, missing items, and goods being held hostage for additional payment. To protect yourself, research moving companies thoroughly before hiring, verify their legitimacy on BBB.org, and be cautious of red flags like requests for large upfront deposits via informal payment methods like Zelle or payment requests sent to personal names without official company information.

According to a Federal Trade Commission report, people lost $2.1 billion to scammers operating on social media platforms in recent years, with criminals using tactics like deepfakes created from public photos and impersonation of celebrities or acquaintances. Anyone can fall victim to these scams, which exploit trust and familiarity across major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. To protect yourself, stay skeptical of unsolicited messages, take time before responding, and think critically—especially when money or personal information is requested, as legitimate contacts typically won't pressure you for either.

Social media scams cost Americans $2.1 billion in 2025, with Facebook alone accounting for $794 million in losses, according to the FTC—marking an eight-fold increase since 2020. Military-connected consumers were particularly vulnerable, reporting $548 million in losses during 2024, primarily through investment scams and impostor schemes where fraudsters pose as VA officials or military members to steal personal data. To protect yourself, learn to recognize common scam tactics, verify the identity of anyone requesting personal information or money, and report suspected fraud to the FTC website.

Scammers are exploiting the Iran conflict to conduct fraud through imposter calls pretending to be banks or government agencies, romance scams involving military personnel supposedly deployed to Iran, and fake charities soliciting donations. These scams aim to steal money and personal information from victims by creating false urgency and credibility. To protect yourself, remember that government agencies never ask for financial information over the phone, be suspicious of online contacts asking for money, verify charities through ftc.gov/charity before donating, and report any suspected scams immediately to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Scammers are exploiting the Iran conflict to perpetrate imposter, romance, and fake charity scams, attempting to trick victims into sending money or sharing personal information by weaving the conflict into their deceptive stories. The Federal Trade Commission is warning the general public about this tactic and advises anyone who suspects they've fallen victim to these scams to immediately report them at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and take action to protect their financial and personal data.

Women are increasingly targeted by AI-powered scams on social media and dating platforms, with criminals using fake personas, deepfakes, and voice cloning to perpetrate romance scams and sextortion schemes that combine emotional manipulation with financial or reputational harm. According to Bitdefender's 2025 survey, over 70% of people encountered a scam in the past year, with 37% citing AI-powered scams as their biggest concern. To protect yourself, remain cautious of requests for money or personal information from online connections, verify identities through video calls, and report suspicious accounts immediately to the platform.

Judge Lori Vaughan: 'As you can imagine, a big portion of our presentation is how to recognize and avoid financial scams; they’re everywhere now. I feel like every time we identify something and get t...

A large “beware of scams” sign on display at a gift card aisle in a store. SARATOGA — In 2024, Wyoming residents lost $43 million to scams, Bank of Commerce and CEO Copper France told Saratoga senior...