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This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here. Robocalls, texts and phishing emails from scammers are up this tax season compared with previous years, with arti...

Maine is poised to stop collecting income tax on money stolen from victims of certain types of scams under legislation that moved forward Thursday with strong bipartisan support. LD 714 would align s...

FBI officials at the Seattle Field Office say there is a concerning trend among financial scams: artificial intelligence components. Seattle Special Agent in Charge Mark Herrington tells us that in W...

Mar 16, 2026, 6:00 AM | Updated: 9:19 pm FILE - The Internal Revenue Service 1040 tax form for 2022 is seen on April 17, 2023. (Jon Elswick, File, AP Photo) (Jon Elswick, File, AP Photo) BY CORA LE...

NEW YORK (AP) — Robocalls, texts, and phishing emails from scammers are up this tax season compared to previous years, with artificial intelligence likely increasing fraud attempts, according to the c...

NEW YORK — Robocalls, texts, and phishing emails from scammers are up this tax season compared to previous years, with artificial intelligence likely increasing fraud attempts, according to the consum...

Home » Crypto News Share: Share: Illicit activity accounts for only a small fraction of Australia’s cryptocurrency ecosystem, even as digital asset adoption continues to expand. According to the a...

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com. You open your inbox and see a message that instantly makes your stomach drop. Someone claims they have your passwords,...

Scammers can clone almost anyone’s voice by using artificial intelligence and then use it to fake emergencies, kidnappings or making pleas for money. Tania Luviano Hurwitz with NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 ...

Online scams and identity theft are widespread problems affecting 73% of U.S. adults, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics like AI-generated phishing emails and cloned voices to trick victims. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying website security by checking that URLs begin with "https://" rather than "http://," adjusting browser settings to only allow secure connections, and carefully checking website spellings and domain extensions before sharing personal information. Taking these preventive steps can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a scam victim.

Scammers are using fake warning messages on computers and smartphones that impersonate Apple to trick people into calling fraudulent "tech support" numbers, where they gain remote access to steal personal and financial information. If you fall victim and grant them access, these criminals can encrypt your files with ransomware and demand payment to unlock them. To protect yourself, ignore any unexpected pop-up warnings claiming to be from Apple or other companies, and never call numbers provided in these messages—instead, contact the company directly using the official number on their website.

A malicious browser extension called NexShield, disguised as a legitimate ad blocker, deliberately crashes Chrome and Edge browsers to trick users into running dangerous commands that infect their computers. The scam falsely claimed to be from the creator of the popular uBlock Origin extension and was promoted through ads before being removed from the Chrome Web Store. To protect yourself, only download extensions from official sources, be skeptical of pop-ups claiming security problems, and never copy-paste commands into your command prompt without verifying their legitimacy.

Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to clone the voices of loved ones in phone scams, as demonstrated when a CBS News anchor received a call appearing to be from her daughter demanding ransom money. These AI-powered voice scams are becoming more common and accessible, as inexpensive apps readily available online allow criminals to spoof phone numbers and create convincing voice replicas without requiring technical expertise. Experts recommend that people verify unexpected calls asking for money by hanging up and calling their loved ones directly through known contact information, and staying informed about these evolving tactics.

# Scam Alert Summary Scammers are sending fake "Microsoft Important Mail" emails designed to look official and urgent, claiming your email access will be suspended to pressure you into clicking a malicious link. The email contains multiple red flags including a generic greeting ("Dear User"), a free AOL email address posing as Microsoft, artificial urgency with a deadline, and suspicious attachments—none of which legitimate Microsoft communications would include. To protect yourself, slow down and scrutinize unexpected security warnings, verify sender addresses match official company domains, and never click links in unsolicited emails; instead, log into your account directly through the official website.

An Ohio Uber driver named Lo-Letha Toland-Hall was shot and killed in March 2024 after being lured to a home by a scammer; the homeowner, who had received threatening calls from the scammer, mistakenly believed Toland-Hall was there to rob him and fatally shot her. The case highlights the dangers of AI-powered voice scams, which can have real-world violent consequences beyond financial loss. To protect yourself, be cautious about unexpected requests for pickups or deliveries, verify requests through official app channels, and never respond to threatening calls by confronting strangers—contact authorities instead.

A woman named Abigail was defrauded of over $81,000 and her paid-off home by scammers who used AI-generated deepfake videos and messages impersonating actor Steve Burton to build a fake romantic relationship with her on Facebook and WhatsApp. The scam escalated over time as the perpetrators manipulated her into transferring money and eventually taking out loans against her home before her daughter discovered the fraud. To protect yourself, be suspicious of romantic contact from celebrities, avoid moving conversations to encrypted messaging apps with people you've just met online, and verify identities through official channels before sharing personal or financial information.

Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared and a ransom note demanding bitcoin payment with deadlines of Thursday 5 p.m. or Monday emerged. Despite bitcoin's semi-anonymous reputation, law enforcement experts confirm that all blockchain transactions are publicly recorded and traceable, with the ability to track wallet addresses, identify exchanges used for cashing out, and subpoena customer information from regulated U.S. crypto exchanges—providing potentially better investigative leads than traditional ransom payment methods like cash or valuables.

# Tax Season Scams Surge in 2026 Tax scams are increasing this year as confusion grows following the discontinuation of the government-free filing system, with scammers impersonating the IRS through fake emails, texts, and fraudulent tax services to exploit anxious taxpayers rushing to file. The scammers target people's uncertainty about new filing rules and create urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly without verifying legitimacy. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS never initiates contact via email or text message demanding immediate action, and verify any tax-related communication directly with the IRS before responding or providing personal information.

Small businesses and freelancers are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams that exploit their limited resources and busy schedules, with cybercriminals using AI tools to create more convincing schemes at scale. These scams can result in financial loss, data theft, and reputational damage, affecting everyone from solo entrepreneurs to micro-businesses. To protect themselves, small business owners should invest in affordable cybersecurity solutions designed for small offices and take time to learn about common scam tactics to implement preventive measures.

Cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence to clone people's voices and call family members claiming their loved ones have been kidnapped, pressuring them to send money—a scam that has caused both financial losses and emotional trauma. One mother believed her college-aged daughter was kidnapped for nearly two hours before discovering it was a fraudulent call. To protect yourself, be skeptical of urgent calls demanding money from loved ones and verify their safety through an independent method, such as calling them directly on a known phone number.

A computer engineer trapped in a Southeast Asian "pig butchering" scam compound contacted a journalist to expose the operation, which uses romance and investment promises to defraud victims of their life savings. These scams, which generate hundreds of billions of dollars annually across compounds in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, exploit both victims and hundreds of thousands of trafficked laborers forced to operate them. People should be wary of unsolicited romantic contacts offering investment opportunities, verify relationships before discussing finances, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement or fraud hotlines.

A journalist received an encrypted message from an insider at a Southeast Asian scam compound who was being forced to work as a computer engineer for a major "pig butchering" operation—where scammers pose as romantic interests to trick victims into investing money they never see again. The operation, staffed by hundreds of thousands of trafficked laborers in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos and controlled by Chinese organized crime groups, generates tens of billions of dollars annually by devastating victims worldwide who lose their life savings. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious about online romantic relationships that quickly pivot to investment opportunities, verify investment advice through independent channels, and report suspected romance scams to authorities immediately.

Criminals are using AI voice cloning technology to impersonate loved ones in fake kidnapping scams, exploiting families' emotions to extract money. According to a 2023 McAfee survey, about 10% of people received calls from AI voice clones, and 77% of those victims lost money—one mother lost $3,270 after receiving a convincing call appearing to be from her daughter claiming she'd been kidnapped. To protect yourself, verify emergencies through a separate call or contact to the person directly, never wire money based on phone calls alone, and be aware that scammers need only a brief voice sample to create realistic audio impersonations.

"Pig butchering" scams—where criminals trick victims into investing money on fake platforms—are becoming more prevalent and profitable, with criminals now using ready-made "as-a-service" kits that make it easier for anyone to launch these attacks, particularly from Southeast Asia. Cryptocurrency scams of this type resulted in $17 billion in theft in 2025, with experts noting that low law enforcement action and minimal risk for perpetrators enable the rapid expansion. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities and platforms, verify investment opportunities through official channels, and report suspicious activity to authorities—though experts say the U.S. government needs to do more to combat this growing threat.

Organized crime groups based in Southeast Asian compounds (particularly in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos) have scaled up elaborate fraud operations that generate up to $60 billion annually, with specialized service providers now offering "pig butchering-as-a-service" tools that enable scammers to rapidly deploy romance, investment, and sextortion schemes targeting victims worldwide. These operations exploit tens of thousands of trafficked workers and have expanded beyond Southeast Asia to Africa and South America. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited romantic advances or investment opportunities from online contacts, verify investment opportunities through official channels, and report suspicious activity to local authorities or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Email scams targeting seniors have become a major theft method, with a single click potentially exposing bank accounts, personal data, and lifetime savings. North Korean agents are reportedly posing as IT workers in phishing scams to steal funds, while AI-generated scams are also increasing in sophistication. To protect older adults, families should limit device access to online banking, create separate checking accounts with minimal funds linked to email devices, keep primary savings accounts offline or view-only, and require in-branch verification for large transfers.

Four major crime families operating scam factories along Myanmar's border with China—allegedly running multibillion-dollar operations involving internet fraud, illegal gambling, and human trafficking—have been arrested and imprisoned in China, with some members facing death sentences. The suspects' confessions, broadcast on Chinese state media, revealed horrific abuses including human trafficking, torture, and murder within their organizations. While the article doesn't provide specific advice for the general public, it underscores the dangers of online scams and the importance of reporting suspicious activity to authorities, as these criminal networks often target victims through internet-based schemes.

# Fraud Alert Summary Scammers are using a clever typosquatting trick where they replace the letter "m" in "microsoft.com" with "rn" (rnicrosoft.com), which appear nearly identical in most fonts, to create fake phishing emails that steal login credentials from unsuspecting users. The attack is particularly effective on mobile phones where URLs are shortened and hard to read carefully, and the fraudulent emails mimic Microsoft's legitimate branding to build false trust before tricking victims into entering passwords or downloading malware. To protect yourself, carefully examine domain names in the address bar before entering any login information, be suspicious of unexpected Microsoft emails asking for credentials, and consider enabling multi-factor authentication on your accounts.

In 2025, organized international crime syndicates caused an estimated $10.5 trillion in global cybercrime damages—more than any single country's GDP except the US and China—marking a dramatic shift from individual hackers to industrialized criminal operations. The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence has made sophisticated fraud accessible to low-level criminals, who now create convincing deepfakes and execute psychological attacks like "digital arrests" that exploit human trust rather than just technical vulnerabilities. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unexpected communications from authority figures or executives, verify requests through independent channels before sharing sensitive information, and stay informed about AI-generated deepfakes and social engineering tactics.

A new cybersecurity study reveals that most parked domains (unused or expired websites) now redirect visitors to scams, malware, and fake security warnings—with over 90 percent containing malicious content. Anyone can be affected by simply mistyping a web address by just one letter, which instantly exposes their device to these dangers without requiring any clicks. To protect yourself, carefully verify URLs before typing them manually, consider using bookmarks or search results instead of direct navigation, and be cautious of any unexpected security warnings or login pages that appear after typing an address.

Scammers are targeting new iPhone owners with fake calls impersonating major carriers, claiming a shipping error requires immediate return of the phone and pressuring victims to leave their devices on their porch for pickup. The scam exploits the vulnerable window right after activation when owners are least suspicious, and relies on urgency and repeated calls to override logical thinking—red flags include unrealistic offers like gift cards and pressure tactics. To protect yourself, always verify unexpected caller claims directly by calling the carrier's official number independently, ignore pressure to act immediately, and remember that legitimate companies won't ask you to ship unopened products or offer suspicious compensation.

Criminals are using "ghost tapping" scams to steal money from credit and debit cards without permission, either by bumping into victims in crowded spaces with special devices or by setting up fake charity collections that exploit contactless payment systems. The scams have affected shoppers at legitimate stores and can result in single charges or recurring unauthorized payments. To protect yourself, monitor your bank transactions regularly, use credit cards instead of debit cards when possible, consider an RFID-blocking wallet, always verify merchant names before tapping, and sign up for fraud alerts with your bank.

# Fraud Surge in 2024 Americans lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year, with phone-based scams being particularly prevalent as criminals exploit the constant connectivity of mobile devices to target consumers anytime and anywhere. Older adults are disproportionately affected because they hold significant wealth, making them attractive targets for scammers who use texts, emails, social media, and even fake QR codes to deceive victims. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact on your phone or other devices, verify requests through official channels before sharing information or money, and report suspected scams to the FTC or local authorities.

Scammers are sending fake Netflix suspension emails that exploit holiday confusion about billing and subscriptions to trick people into clicking malicious links or revealing personal information. The fraudulent emails mimic Netflix's legitimate branding but contain telltale spelling errors like "valldate" instead of "validate" that reveal them as scams. To protect yourself, verify any account suspension alerts by calling the company directly rather than clicking links in emails, and stay alert to these phishing attempts especially during busy holiday seasons.

The FBI is warning about virtual kidnapping scams where criminals steal photos from social media, digitally alter them, and use them as fake "proof of life" to demand ransom payments from victims. These scams rely on fear and urgency—scammers typically text claiming they've kidnapped a loved one and threaten violence if payment isn't made immediately, using timed messages to prevent victims from examining the fake images closely. To protect yourself, slow down and scrutinize any suspicious messages; look for warning signs like missing tattoos or scars, unusual body proportions, or details that don't match reality, and verify claims by contacting loved ones through a known phone number rather than responding to the message.

Scammers in India are increasingly exploiting Telegram's encrypted channels to run fake investment schemes, lottery scams, and job offer frauds, resulting in over ₹1,100 crore in losses during the first half of 2025. The fraudsters use pressure tactics, deepfake videos, and "pig butchering" schemes to build trust before stealing money through fake trading apps and QR code redirects. Users should be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities on Telegram, avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes or downloading apps from private chats, and remember that private channels offer no guarantee of safety.

Florida authorities seized $1.5 million in cryptocurrency from a Chinese national involved in an internet investment scam that defrauded a Citrus County resident of $47,421. The case, investigated by the state's Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit, resulted in charges of money laundering, grand theft, and organized fraud scheme against Tu Weizhi. To protect yourself, report suspected investment scams immediately to local law enforcement, be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities online, and remember that legitimate investments never pressure you or guarantee unrealistic returns.

Telegram scams are surging in India, with fraudsters using the platform's encrypted channels to promote fake investment schemes, lottery wins, and job offers that have cost Indians over ₹1,100 crore in the first half of 2025 alone. Scammers typically start by flooding public channels with promises of quick profits, then move victims to private chats where they use deepfakes and psychological pressure to extract money through UPI payments or malware-infected apps. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches on Telegram, never share personal details with unknown contacts, and avoid clicking links or downloading files from untrusted sources.

A new report reveals that half of small and medium-sized businesses fell victim to scams in the past year, with scammers deliberately bypassing technical security by targeting employees through social engineering, phishing, and deception rather than sophisticated cyber attacks. Despite 64% of businesses reporting increased scam activity, 45% don't prioritize cybersecurity training, leaving staff vulnerable to manipulation when rushed or distracted. Businesses should implement employee training programs and use available security tools like two-step authentication and dual-approval payment processes to protect themselves, as victims lose an average of over $5,000 per scam incident.

Half of New Zealand's small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) fell victim to scams in the past year, losing an average of $5,000 per incident, with some experiencing additional costs including data loss and personal financial damage. The Bank of New Zealand warns that despite business owners feeling prepared, nearly half of SMEs don't prioritize cyber security training for staff, leaving them vulnerable as scammers increasingly bypass technology to manipulate employees directly. To protect themselves, business owners should invest in regular staff education on recognizing scam tactics rather than relying solely on technological defenses, since scammers are exploiting the human element—busy employees clearing invoices or answering phones—rather than breaking through security systems.

Scammers are impersonating local law enforcement officials in a jury duty fraud scheme, calling victims with claims of missed jury duty and threatening arrest warrants to extort payment via wire transfers or gift cards. The scam targets vulnerable individuals by using personal information and blocked numbers to appear credible, though legitimate jury summonses are always delivered by mail. Key protections include never trusting unknown callers demanding payment, verifying claims directly with official court or police numbers, and recognizing that government agencies never request payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Phishing scams are increasingly using fake DocuSign emails impersonating major companies like Apple to trick victims into calling fraudulent support numbers. These convincing emails include fabricated receipts, order IDs, and DocuSign links with security codes, but scammers use the provided phone numbers to steal personal information, banking details, or convince victims to download remote access software. Users can protect themselves by verifying sender email addresses, knowing that legitimate companies do not send receipts through DocuSign, and avoiding clicking suspicious links or calling numbers in unsolicited emails.

A study of cyber-criminals in Ghana found that members of the "Sakawa Boys" romance scam network deliberately target lonely British women, with some fraudsters justifying their crimes as "reparative justice" for colonialism by claiming they are reclaiming wealth taken during British colonial rule. The scammers use social media to emotionally manipulate victims into sending money while posing as men with stable careers, and show little remorse for their actions despite the significant financial and psychological harm caused. Ghana ranks 13th globally for online fraud, and a recent Interpol-coordinated operation arrested over 1,200 cyber-criminals across 18 African countries and the UK, recovering $97.4 million

Task scams are fraudulent employment schemes advertised through social media and text messages that promise easy remote work (like liking videos or writing reviews) with attractive compensation and benefits. Scammers use social engineering and psychological manipulation—including fake professional websites and initial small payouts—to build trust before escalating financial demands, ultimately trapping victims in a cycle of deposits to access their claimed earnings. The Federal Trade Commission reported increased task and employment scam complaints in 2024, with victims targeting a range of demographics but most commonly those seeking easy online income from home.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and the Better Business Bureau issued a public awareness campaign alerting residents to cryptocurrency scams, where criminals use Bitcoin and other digital currencies to defraud victims through investment schemes, romance scams, impersonation fraud, and ransomware demands because crypto lacks protections and is difficult to trace. The campaign recommends verifying caller information independently, being skeptical of unsolicited financial requests, recognizing that legitimate businesses never demand cryptocurrency payment upfront, and consulting trusted individuals before making digital currency transactions.

The Government of Pará launched the "Protect+ the Elderly and Disabled Person in the Virtual Environment" project to educate seniors and disabled individuals about cyber scams and digital safety through discussion circles, lectures, and informational materials. The initiative addresses increasingly common scams on WhatsApp, social media, email, and phone calls—including extortion schemes and financial fraud—while providing information about reporting channels and victims' rights. Participants shared experiences including a successful scam avoidance and cases where prior education could have prevented financial losses, highlighting the project's focus on digital empowerment and harm prevention.

AI voice cloning scams involve criminals using short audio clips to replicate voices and make fake emergency calls to family members, with elderly individuals frequently targeted into transferring large sums of money before discovering the deception. Warning signs include robotic-sounding voices, long pauses, avoided personal details, and pressure for quick payments; protective measures include using family code words, avoiding posting voice messages online, verifying calls through alternate contact methods, and staying calm to resist manipulation. Cybersecurity experts recommend families discuss these risks in advance, as all age groups—including students, professionals, and seniors—face targeting from scammers exploiting increasingly convincing AI technology.

A sophisticated "online kidnapping" scam has targeted young people across Vietnam, particularly university students, where scammers impersonating police officers threaten victims with false money laundering accusations and instruct them to obtain money from family members under pretexts like study abroad applications, isolate themselves in hotels, and cut off contact with loved ones. Since March, approximately five such scams occur monthly in Ho Chi Minh City alone involving billions of Vietnamese đồng, with victims falling prey due to lack of awareness about current scam trends and the scammers' use of authentic personal information to create credibility. The scam exploits young people's limited life experience combined with their cyber-savviness,

This article describes a sophisticated phishing scam impersonating banks like Chase, where deceptive emails warning of unauthorized login attempts trick users into clicking malicious links that install malware (HTA and DLL files) capable of keystroke monitoring, credential theft, and system backdoor access. The article provides guidance on identifying phishing emails by checking sender addresses, spotting grammar errors, recognizing generic greetings, and avoiding suspicious links, while recommending protective measures including antivirus software, two-factor authentication, and manually navigating to official websites rather than clicking email links.

In the first half of 2025, WhatsApp removed 6.8 million accounts linked to global scam networks, including operations run by criminal groups and forced labor camps in Southeast Asia. Scammers increasingly use multiple platforms (text, dating apps, WhatsApp, Telegram, crypto exchanges) to execute schemes, with a recent operation using ChatGPT to generate fake job offers that ultimately solicited cryptocurrency deposits. WhatsApp is countering these threats with new safety features including group safety overviews for unknown contacts and alerts for messages from non-contacts, while experts recommend a three-step prevention approach: pause before responding to unknown contacts, question suspicious requests for money or personal