▶ VIDEO
The Deshbhakt
· 2024-04-02
This video essay discusses political corruption allegations in India, focusing on how the BJP appears to avoid corruption charges while opposition parties face various scams and legal actions. The video then explains the 2G spectrum scam of 2008, where the Indian government allocated mobile spectrum to companies at artificially low prices through administrative allocation rather than auction, resulting in an estimated loss of 1.76 lakh crore to the national treasury—a controversy that contributed to the fall of the UPA government and led the Supreme Court to cancel 112 spectrum licenses in 2012.
**Note:** This is a political commentary/educational piece rather than a scam affecting individual elders, so it falls outside the typical scope of
▶ VIDEO
FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2024-08-22
Bait-and-switch scams on social media exploit emotional posts about missing children or lost pets by using localized Facebook groups with minimal oversight. Scammers edit these posts to redirect users to sales listings, rental scams, job opportunities, or donation requests, then manipulate victims' social networks when they share the content. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to watch for red flags including urgent emotional language, disabled comments, missing contact information, and newly created profiles, and to report suspected scams to both the BBB Scam Tracker and Facebook directly.
▶ VIDEO
NBC10 Boston
· 2024-10-22
More than half of Americans have been targeted by election-related scams ahead of the 2024 election, with young voters experiencing the highest rates of fraud involving fake polls, donation scams, and disinformation. Common scams include political donation fraud where money does not reach intended campaigns, and election survey scams where fraudsters pose as legitimate news organizations to collect personal information and voting preferences. To protect yourself, verify the legitimacy of donation requests and survey contacts before providing personal information or financial contributions.
▶ VIDEO
First Alert 6
· 2024-11-21
This educational segment highlights that older adults face increased financial scam risks during the holiday season because they typically have savings, home equity, and good credit—making them attractive targets—while also experiencing social isolation and loneliness that scammers exploit. Three common holiday scams targeting seniors include charity fraud, where scammers impersonate legitimate organizations soliciting donations via calls, emails, or texts.
▶ VIDEO
WPLG Local 10
· 2024-12-04
The FBI Miami issued a holiday season warning about the rise of online scams, which increased 22% between 2022 and 2023, with South Florida's online investment fraud losses jumping from $12 million to $300 million. Elderly individuals are particularly targeted for romance fraud, tech support fraud, and impersonation schemes, with AI increasingly used to facilitate scams; charity fraud also peaks during the holidays. The agency advises consumers to be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, as billions of dollars are lost annually to fraud schemes nationwide.
▶ VIDEO
TODAY
· 2024-12-10
During the holiday season, when Americans are expected to spend over $240 billion online, scammers are exploiting increased shopping activity through fraudulent websites and online shopping schemes. Online fraud costs approximately $12 billion annually according to the FBI, with thousands of fake websites appearing during peak shopping periods to steal personal information. Consumers should protect themselves by checking for security padlocks on websites, scrutinizing URLs and website content for typos or errors, and being cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
▶ VIDEO
WAAY 31 News
· 2024-12-11
An Athens woman was charged with seven counts of charitable fraud and three counts of tax evasion after running a multi-year scam on TikTok between 2021 and 2024, soliciting nearly $1 million in donations for a charity that did not exist and depositing the funds into her personal bank accounts. She was held on an $11.25 million bond pending prosecution by the Limestone County Sheriff's Office.
▶ VIDEO
WHNT News 19
· 2024-12-23
This educational segment from News 19 highlights increased scam risks during the holiday season when people shop online and donate to charities. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to verify website URLs carefully (scammers often alter one or two letters), use credit cards instead of debit cards for added protection, and research charities before donating to ensure legitimacy and proper fund disclosure. The BBB offers a free Scam Tracker tool with customized survival kits to help victims of identity theft and account compromise take appropriate next steps.
▶ VIDEO
KVUE
· 2024-12-23
Fake charities are a common holiday scam, particularly during the final months of the year when 40% of annual charitable donations occur. Scammers use emotional appeals featuring animals and children, fake websites, and social media messages to trick donors into giving money to nonexistent organizations. To protect yourself, verify charities using legitimate resources like Charity Navigator or GiveWell before donating, and be wary of unsolicited charity partnership offers on social media.
Gift Cards
▶ VIDEO
News4JAX The Local Station
· 2025-01-06
Following the New Orleans New Year's Day attack, scammers created fake charity websites to solicit donations, prompting the Better Business Bureau to issue warnings about charity fraud. To protect yourself, verify charities through the BBB's give.org database, research crowdfunding sites and confirm user verification, and use credit cards or checks rather than cash to enable easier refunds if fraud occurs.
▶ VIDEO
12 News
· 2025-01-20
During national tragedies like natural disasters, scammers exploit public sympathy through fake charity scams and relief fund fraud. To protect yourself, verify charities directly through their official websites or CharityNavigator.org rather than clicking links in unsolicited calls, emails, or social media messages, and never donate through unverified channels.
itbrief.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Netsafe, a New Zealand charitable organization, launched Get Set Up for Safety, a nationwide educational program designed to help senior citizens protect themselves from online fraud and shopping scams through free guides, videos, and practical resources. The program, developed with partner Chorus and senior sector organizations, addresses a significant need identified in surveys showing nearly half of New Zealanders over 70 want to learn more about online safety and many require assistance with digital devices. Resources will be freely available through the Netsafe website, public libraries, community groups, and other public organizations.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
According to Experian's 2024 fraud report, AI-generated deepfakes, identity theft, and fake charity schemes are among the year's biggest scams targeting consumers and businesses, with nearly 70% of businesses reporting increased fraud losses and over half of consumers feeling more vulnerable to fraud than the previous year. The report identifies five major fraud threats: AI scams and deepfakes, weaker in-person bank identity verification, retail return fraud, synthetic identity fraud, and fake charitable campaigns—with deepfakes particularly empowering fraudsters to conduct more accessible and convincing attacks.
thenelsondaily.com
· 2025-12-08
"Sugar dating" scams target young people seeking financial support by luring them with promises of allowances and gifts; scammers typically pay victims with fraudulent cheques and then request donations to fake charities they control, leaving victims unable to recover funds when cheques bounce. A Pitt Meadows post-secondary student was approached on Instagram by someone claiming to be a wealthy sugar momma offering $500 weekly in exchange for phone calls, but became suspicious when pressured to donate to an orphanage. The Better Business Bureau recommends potential sugar dating participants set clear boundaries, verify payment methods in advance, diversify income sources, and recognize red flags like pressure tactics and suspicious charity requests.
postindependent.com
· 2025-12-08
The Rifle Police Department held an educational session at the Rifle Senior Center on February 16, where Lt. Mike Kuper provided seniors with guidance on recognizing and avoiding common scams targeting elderly individuals. Key red flags Kuper highlighted include unsolicited calls from unknown numbers, high-pressure tactics creating urgency, requests for personal information, unrealistic offers, and unannounced visitors claiming to represent service providers or government agencies.
observernews.net
· 2025-12-08
In 2022, Americans lost nearly $9 billion to scams and fraud, with seniors being particularly vulnerable targets, according to FTC reports. The Community Foundation Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and Men's Club of Sun City Center partnered to present a free educational seminar on March 5 featuring speakers who covered common scams including charity fraud, lottery schemes, romance scams, and grandparent scams, while providing prevention strategies and resources to protect older adults from financial exploitation.
khmoradio.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI has issued a warning to Missouri residents about 13 active scams currently targeting the state, including adoption fraud, investment schemes, business email impersonation, charity fraud, elder fraud, romance scams, ransomware attacks, and skimming at ATMs and gas stations. The advisory emphasizes that elderly Missourians are particularly vulnerable targets and recommends citizens verify legitimacy before responding to unsolicited contacts, providing funds, or clicking links from unknown sources.
dallasnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This article describes common modern scams targeting older adults, including impersonation calls from fake government officials, phishing emails with malicious links, and various fraudulent schemes conducted via phone, email, and social media. The author, an attorney, provides practical prevention advice such as using strong unique passwords, freezing credit reports, verifying caller identity by independently calling businesses back, and avoiding unsolicited requests for personal information or financial details.
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
A 26-year-old New Zealand traveler reported that her mother was pickpocketed of €400 ($700) at the Louvre Museum in Paris by women posing as charity petitioners with clipboards, a scam that appears organized and targets tourists at major attractions. The victim spent a day filing a police report and was unable to recover the cash through travel insurance, as most policies do not cover cash theft due to fraud risks. The incident highlights the prevalence of pickpocketing at high-density tourist sites and underscores the difficulty of preventing or recovering losses from such crimes.
businessjournaldaily.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, fraud losses nationwide reached a record $10 billion (a 14% increase from 2022), with Ohio residents alone losing over $154 million to scammers. Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using artificial intelligence and psychological manipulation, with common tactics including imposter schemes (posing as government agencies, banks, or family members), romance-crypto scam hybrids, and employment scams; cryptocurrency investment scams averaged losses of over $3,000 per victim, while employment scams affected young adults (ages 18-44) with average losses of $2,000. Consumers can report suspected fraud to the FTC online or by calling 877-382
fox23maine.com
· 2025-12-08
Maine seniors lost $12.7 million to fraud in 2022, a dramatic increase from $2 million in 2021, with victims over 60 nationwide experiencing skyrocketing losses according to FBI data. One Maine senior fell victim to a tech support scam involving deceptive popups claiming she had a virus and requesting access to her savings account information. Experts emphasize that education and awareness are critical to protecting Maine's aging population, the oldest in the nation, from increasingly prevalent fraud schemes.
fmins.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines how increased social media usage has created opportunities for scammers to target users through phishing, identity theft, and financial fraud schemes. The piece provides 10 practical prevention tips including recognizing suspicious account activity and poor grammar, using multi-factor authentication, setting accounts to private, avoiding oversharing of personal details, and verifying sellers before making in-app purchases. The advice emphasizes that users should trust their instincts when something seems off and take proactive measures to reduce their vulnerability to social media scams.
fox23maine.com
· 2025-12-08
Maine seniors lost $12.7 million to fraud in 2022, a dramatic increase from $2 million in 2021, according to FBI data. One victim fell prey to a tech support scam involving fake virus warning popups that prompted her to call scammers who attempted to access her savings account information. Experts emphasize that education and community awareness are critical tools in combating fraud targeting Maine's elderly population, the oldest in the nation.
wgme.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraud losses among Maine seniors have surged dramatically, increasing from $2 million in 2021 to $12.7 million in 2022, with tech support scams being among the most common threats to the state's aging population. One Maine senior fell victim to a tech support imposter scam involving malicious popups claiming she had a virus, which prompted her to call a fraudulent number where scammers attempted to access her savings account information. Experts emphasize that education and awareness are critical to protecting Maine's elderly residents, who represent the nation's oldest state population and face heightened vulnerability to fraud schemes.
wrtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Following devastating storms in Delaware and Randolph County, the Better Business Bureau warned donors to verify charities before contributing, as scammers frequently exploit natural disasters through door-to-door solicitation, social media fundraisers, and pressure tactics. Red flags include vague descriptions of how funds will be used, demands for immediate donations, and charity names designed to confuse donors. The BBB recommends researching organizations through their websites, verifying nonprofit status (501c3), checking state attorney general registries, and using Give.org to confirm BBB accreditation before donating.
churchleaders.com
· 2025-12-08
**Fake Clergy Scams: Overview and Prevention**
Fake clergy scams involve individuals impersonating religious leaders to exploit victims' trust through solicited donations, requests for personal information, and fraudulent spiritual services, often targeting vulnerable people during moments of grief or spiritual seeking. Scammers use psychological manipulation tactics—including authority bias and in-group favoritism—to establish credibility through mimicked religious language, attire, and social media profiles, causing victims financial losses alongside profound emotional and spiritual trauma. Awareness of warning signs such as aggressive donation solicitation, reluctance to provide verifiable credentials, and inconsistent stories can help communities protect themselves from these deceptive practices that damage
thetimes.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Maria Woodhouse, a 34-year-old job seeker, lost £2,655 to a recruitment scam after being contacted via WhatsApp by a fake recruiter offering remote work for £13 per hour. The scammer created a false job using a cryptocurrency platform (OKX) as a payment method, tricking Woodhouse into depositing money for each "task" while the scammer redirected her funds out of the wallet. Recruitment scams are the third most commonly reported fraud type, with cases rising 156% year-over-year and averaging £3,000 in losses per victim.
ca.style.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday season, cybercriminals exploit increased smartphone use and online shopping to perpetrate various scams including malicious mobile apps, SMS phishing, counterfeit gift deals, fake travel offers, malware-laden e-cards, deceptive games, and fraudulent shipping notifications. These scams aim to steal personal information, credit card details, and compromise accounts through malware downloads or social engineering tactics. Consumers are advised to download apps only from official stores, be suspicious of unrealistically low prices, verify sender information, and monitor bills for unauthorized charges.
ca.movies.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Older adults in Modesto lost thousands of dollars to fraud in 2022, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting a 30% increase in fraud losses nationwide and 3,500 reported incidents in the county. Three prevalent scams targeting seniors locally are romance scams (exploiting social isolation), banking scams (where fraudsters pose as bank IT to gain phone access), and solar scams (linked to the unregulated PACE program). The average loss for victims age 80 and over is $1,500, more than six times the average loss for younger victims, with scammers specifically targeting vulnerable populations including the recently widowed, lonely, or isolated.
wltx.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, 277 South Carolinians lost over $11 million to romance scams, though only 29 cases were reported to state authorities, indicating significant underreporting of this growing threat. Sandra Shealy exemplified the impact when she lost approximately $85,000 after developing trust with a scammer on Facebook who used fake photos, videos, and Zoom calls; she is still repaying the debt. The FBI emphasizes that romance fraud and confidence scams are increasingly common due to easier fake persona creation with AI technology and urges victims to report incidents to improve prevention efforts.
ksnblocal4.com
· 2025-12-08
Right at Home, a home health care service in Nebraska, is warning families about common scams targeting older adults, particularly government impersonation scams (IRS, Social Security, Medicare) and charity fraud. The company advises vulnerable seniors to verify suspicious mailings with family members, be cautious of charity solicitations on social media, and allow trusted individuals to monitor bank statements, while noting that their caregivers are trained to identify and help prevent elder fraud.
highlandcountypress.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Indian nationals, Anil Mangukia, 39, and Yash Navadia, 25, were indicted on money laundering conspiracy charges for their roles in an elder fraud courier scam targeting older Americans, including a victim in Warren, Ohio. The defendants and coconspirators stole more than $127,000 and attempted to steal an additional $650,000 by posing as bank employees and government agents, falsely claiming victims' accounts were compromised and instructing them to transfer money, purchase gold, or meet in person to hand over cash and valuables. The perpetrators employed multiple deception tactics including cryptocurrency transfers, direct bank transfers, and physical courier exchanges of
deseret.com
· 2025-12-08
During election season, scammers exploit increased political communications by impersonating legitimate candidates and political action committees to solicit donations from voters, with particular targeting of older Americans. The Better Business Bureau and AARP warn against providing personal information via unsolicited emails, texts, and phone calls, and advise verifying organizations through trusted sources before donating. Suspicious activity can be reported to the BBB's Scam Tracker or the FBI.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational resource provides guidance on donating safely to charities supporting first responders, active duty military, veterans, and their families. The article emphasizes the importance of researching charities before donating to avoid scams, and covers related topics including crowdfunding platform safety, fake prize scams, and other fraud prevention strategies. Key advice includes verifying charity legitimacy and being cautious of unsolicited donation requests.
ibtimes.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans reported 2.6 million fraud cases totaling $10 billion in losses, with a median loss of $500 per person—affecting approximately one in four Americans regardless of age or financial literacy. The article identifies three primary scam types to watch for: charitable donation scams using phishing emails and fake websites, romance scams that netted scammers $1.14 billion from 64,003 victims (averaging $2,000 loss per person), and emerging AI-powered deepfake scams capable of impersonating trusted contacts. Key prevention strategies include verifying sender identity through alternate communication channels, conducting reverse image searches on photos, an
witn.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, imposter scams remain the most commonly reported fraud category, with emerging threats including AI scams, synthetic identity fraud, and fake charity schemes. One Pitt County resident lost over $12,000 after scammers posed as Microsoft support and convinced her to call a fraudulent number, highlighting how scammers use fear tactics to manipulate victims. Experts recommend staying calm when receiving suspicious emails or calls, avoiding clicking links or calling provided numbers, and contacting legitimate technology professionals for verification.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers have created dozens of fake social media accounts impersonating Powerball winner Theodorus Struyck (who won $1.7 billion in a syndicate) to solicit private information and promise fake cash donations to followers, a scheme also used against previous lottery winner Edwin Castro ($2.04 billion winner in 2022). The fraudsters use fake screenshots of payments, misspelled messages, and requests for Cash App information or personal details to victimize unsuspecting users, particularly those experiencing financial hardship. Both winners have kept low profiles on social media to avoid these scams, which experts warn pose particular risks to elderly and less tech-savvy individuals.
trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-generated deepfakes and voice cloning technology are increasingly being exploited by scammers to perpetrate fraud against unsuspecting victims. Common schemes include fake celebrity giveaways using deepfake videos, voice cloning to impersonate family members or authority figures for ransom demands and the "grandparent scam," and impersonation attacks via business platforms like Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp that have resulted in significant financial losses (including a $25 million case involving a deepfake CFO). Victims should verify collaborations through official websites and social media accounts, be cautious of unsolicited messages requesting meetings, and report suspicious activity to authorities.
news.trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines emerging AI-enabled scams targeting the public, including deepfake celebrity giveaway scams, AI voice cloning used to impersonate family members or demand ransom for kidnapped children, and deepfake video attacks on business platforms like Microsoft Teams (with one Hong Kong firm losing $25 million to fraudsters impersonating their CFO). The article advises consumers to verify collaborations through official websites and social media accounts and warns of AI-generated fake news and romance scams as additional threats.
thepointsguy.com
· 2025-12-08
Advances in technology and social engineering are enabling sophisticated scams that cost consumers billions of dollars annually. Visa's 2024 Threats Report identifies four major scams on the rise, including pig butchering (romance) scams where fraudsters use AI and deepfake technology to build trust with victims over weeks or months before convincing them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms—affecting 10% of surveyed adults and resulting in billions in losses. The report notes that beyond financial victims, these scams often involve human trafficking victims forced to participate in the fraud operations.
vox.com
· 2025-12-08
This article examines the historical roots of conservative political grifting rather than a specific elder fraud case. According to journalist Joe Conason's book "The Longest Con," right-wing scamming culture originated in the 1950s with Senator Joe McCarthy's anti-Communist fear campaigns and was systematized by lawyer Roy Cohn, who exploited paranoia to extract donations. The article traces how direct-mail scams proliferated after Barry Goldwater's 1964 campaign, establishing a normalized grifting template on the political right that eventually enabled Donald Trump's own schemes, including selling $399 gold sneakers and a $60 "God Bless the USA"
wisbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies common scams targeting small businesses, which are particularly vulnerable due to limited cybersecurity resources and accounting processes compared to larger organizations. Key scams include Business Email Compromise (BEC), phony invoices, directory fraud, identity theft, fraudulent charity solicitations, phishing attacks, and office supply scams. The article emphasizes that knowledge and awareness are the best defenses and recommends businesses stay informed about these threats and report incidents when targeted.
macaudailytimes.com.mo
· 2025-12-08
The Judiciary Police in Macau launched a WeChat-based anti-fraud initiative in response to a sharp 70-120% surge in fraud cases from January to February, which resulted in 69 million patacas in losses across 265 reported incidents, including a concerning 44% increase in student-targeted scams. The interactive program offers fraud risk analysis, reporting channels, and educational resources to help residents identify fraudulent schemes. Two women were victimized by phone scams impersonating public prosecutors and immigration officials, with one losing 41,700 patacas after being coerced into transferring funds based on false money laundering allegations.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau identifies the top 10 scams targeting small businesses, which are attractive to scammers because business owners are often distracted and lack robust cybersecurity support. Common schemes include phony invoices for unordered supplies, stolen identity/brand hijacking through fake websites, directory listing scams, phishing emails, office supply fraud, and vanity award scams (which charge fees for worthless honors). Small business owners should be aware of these tactics to protect themselves from financial losses.
wccbcharlotte.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Charlotte issued a warning about IRS imposter scams and other financial fraud schemes targeting older adults, noting that victims often suffer substantial monetary losses and emotional distress. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals aged 60 and above filed 101,068 complaints and lost $3.4 billion to fraud, with tech support scams, government impersonation, phishing, romance scams, and non-delivery schemes being the most common schemes. Federal prosecutors conducted "Fraud Bingo" education sessions at senior centers to teach older adults about fraudster tactics and encourage reporting to help identify trends and recover stolen funds.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office in North Carolina warned the public about IRS imposter scams and other financial fraud schemes targeting older adults, particularly around Tax Day. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals 60 and older filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses, with tech support scams, government impersonation, phishing, romance scams, and non-delivery schemes being the most common schemes. Federal prosecutors used an interactive "Fraud Bingo" educational tool at a senior center to help older adults, caregivers, and community workers recognize fraud tactics and report suspicious activity to help recover stolen funds and identify emerging
newstopicnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office issued a warning about IRS imposter scams and other financial fraud schemes disproportionately targeting older adults, which cause substantial monetary losses and emotional distress. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals aged 60 and above filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses, with tech support scams, government impersonation, romance scams, and non-delivery schemes being the most common schemes. Federal prosecutors conducted educational "Fraud Bingo" sessions at senior centers to help older adults recognize scam tactics and encourage fraud reporting to authorities.
iredellfreenews.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina is warning residents about IRS imposter scams and other fraud schemes that disproportionately target older adults, with the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report noting that individuals 60 and above filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses—the highest among all age groups. Common scams include government impersonation (IRS, SSA, sheriff's office), tech support scams, romance scams, grandparent scams, and non-delivery schemes, with authorities emphasizing that reporting fraud helps recover stolen funds and identify emerging criminal trends.
which.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
An Age UK survey found that nearly 4.9 million people over 50 fear answering the phone due to scam risks, with 2.8 million also anxious about opening their doors, leading some to withdraw from society by avoiding the internet, smartphones, or going outside. Analysis of ONS data indicates approximately four people over 50 are scammed every minute, with older adults particularly vulnerable to doorstep scams (90% of victims aged 65+), postal scams (average victim age 75), and phone scams involving impersonation and number spoofing technology. Age UK recommends five prevention steps: stop and avoid on-the-spot decisions, check credentials,
nhbr.com
· 2025-12-08
Gift card draining—a scam where fraudsters obtain card codes from retail displays, reseal the packaging, and drain the balance once consumers load money—resulted in $217 million in losses in 2023 as part of a broader $10 billion fraud crisis. States including New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island have enacted laws requiring retailer warnings and employee training, while Maryland recently approved legislation mandating secure packaging to conceal activation information, though retailers and manufacturers have resisted such regulations.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Sir Maejor Page, 35, of Toledo, was convicted of wire fraud and money laundering after creating a fraudulent Facebook-based charity called "Black Lives Matter of Greater Atlanta" and soliciting donations under false pretenses. Page used donor contributions—intended for social justice causes—to purchase personal items including a house and furniture, even after the organization's tax-exempt status was dissolved in 2019. The jury found him guilty following a six-day trial, though sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
kpax.com
· 2025-12-08
Aging services agencies in Montana are warning Medicare enrollees about a scam where fraudsters pose as government officials and offer free medical equipment (such as catheters) in exchange for Medicare numbers, which are then used to commit identity theft and fraud. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General reports that scammers contact victims via phone, email, or social media claiming to represent Medicare or state health departments, requesting personal information under false pretenses like settling debts or providing grants. Medicare beneficiaries are advised to hang up immediately on unsolicited offers of free equipment, never provide their Medicare number to callers, review Explanation of Benefits statements, and report suspected fraud to the H
audacy.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud schemes cost the FBI-reported $3 billion annually, with losses to victims over 60 rising 84% between 2021-2022, prompting the FBI and Highmark to launch a public awareness campaign. Common scams include romance fraud, tech support impersonation, grandparent scams, and fake sweepstakes or charity schemes that exploit seniors' trust and desire for companionship. Protective measures include verifying caller information, resisting pressure to act quickly, and never sharing personal or financial information with unverified contacts.
timberjay.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported a 14% increase in elder fraud complaints in 2023, with financial losses exceeding $3.4 billion and an average victim loss of $33,915. Over 101,000 seniors aged 60+ reported fraud to IC3, with investment scams, tech support scams, and romance scams being among the most common schemes, while cryptocurrency scams affected over 12,000 seniors. The report notes that actual fraud rates are likely higher due to underreporting, and scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create convincing deepfakes and chatbots to target elderly victims.
mcalesternews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office provided guidance on identifying charity scams that may emerge following severe weather in the state. The advisory recommends verifying charities through the IRS, Oklahoma Secretary of State's Office, Better Business Bureau, and Guidestar; avoiding recently created charities with limited public information; not clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts; and exercising caution with crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe. Suspected charity fraud should be reported to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit at 1-833-681-1904 or online.
jcnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Jeremy Cook, a security officer with Exchange Bank, presented information on financial fraud prevention to seniors at the Jones County Senior Center on April 17, covering common scams including government imposter, grandparent, charity, romance, and technical support scams. Cook advised attendees to ignore unknown callers, never share personal information or send wire transfers, verify charities before donating, and conduct transactions in person when possible, while noting that romance scams alone generated $2.1 billion nationally in 2022. The presentation materials were designed for distribution at churches and other community venues to raise awareness among seniors about financial security threats.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Following devastating Oklahoma tornadoes, MoneyGram warned consumers about fraudulent charity scams where victims average losses of $824 by sending money transfers to fake organizations with names similar to legitimate charities. The company identified five red flags including high-pressure tactics, wire-transfer-only payment demands, and lack of organizational information, and advised consumers to recognize, react to, and report suspected scams to authorities.
highlandcountypress.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Ohio residents lost over $150 million to financial scams, with those age 60 and older accounting for $3.4 billion in losses nationally according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. The Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Securities highlights rising threats including romance scams, cryptocurrency schemes, and precious metals fraud, advising consumers to investigate investment opportunities thoroughly, verify credentials through third-party sources, and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement and the SEC.
winonapost.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** U.S. Department of Justice - Elder Fraud Overview
Millions of elderly Americans lose over $3 billion annually to financial fraud schemes including romance, tech support, grandparent, government impersonation, sweepstakes, home repair, and caregiver scams. Seniors are frequently targeted because they tend to be trusting, have savings and good credit, and are often reluctant to report fraud due to shame or concerns about losing independence. The DOJ recommends protection strategies including recognizing scam attempts, verifying contact information online, resisting pressure to act quickly, avoiding unsolicited offers, never sharing personal information with unverified sources, maintaining updated security
ca.sports.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Los Angeles retirees, both in their late 70s/early 80s, lost approximately $79,500 and $75,000 respectively to tech support and cryptocurrency scams in early 2024. Neal was duped into allowing remote computer access after a fake software subscription email, while Mrs. K. was tricked by a pop-up virus alert into withdrawing cash and depositing it into bitcoin machines at multiple locations. The article notes that elder fraud is widespread and sophisticated, with the FBI reporting that victims over 60 lost $3.1 billion in 2022, and recommends disconnecting from the internet when encountering suspicious pop-ups and being cautious of uns
applevalleynewsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors in the Yakima Valley are increasingly targeted by scammers, with those over 60 reporting over $3.4 billion in losses to the FBI's IC3 in 2023, an 11% increase from the prior year. Common scams include romance schemes (such as a 75-year-old woman who lost $25,000-$30,000 in gift cards to an imposter), grandparent scams, and fake investment schemes promising quick returns in cryptocurrency. Scammers exploit seniors' vulnerabilities including loneliness, cognitive decline, and free time online, with artificial intelligence expected to make future scams more sophisticated and believable.
ghanaweb.com
· 2025-12-08
Emmanuel Quamey, a Ghanaian national, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for laundering approximately $3.3 million in proceeds from romance scams targeting over a dozen vulnerable and elderly U.S. victims between September 2019 and March 2023. The scam involved perpetrators posing as romantic partners online to trick victims into sending money, which Quamey then transferred through multiple bank accounts in the United States and Ghana. He was ordered to forfeit $3.3 million and pay restitution of approximately $3.8 million to the victims.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
Older adults, despite 88% using the internet, are increasingly targeted by scammers who exploit fears and lack of technical knowledge to steal identities and money. The author, a 50-year finance professional, fell victim twice to tech support scams that tricked him into providing sensitive information including his Social Security number and credit card details. FBI data shows elder fraud complaints rose 14% recently with victims averaging losses of $33,915, and common scams targeting seniors include fake tech support calls, Medicare/health insurance fraud, internet pop-up viruses, and telemarketing schemes.
wbiw.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud incidents rose 14% in 2023, with seniors over 60 losing over $724 million to scams in 2022—more than all other age groups combined. The article identifies five prevalent fraud types targeting seniors: impersonation scams (using AI voice technology), robocalls and phishing, the grandparent scam, sweepstakes scams (costing victims nearly $70 million in 2022), and investment/charity scams (causing $1.2 billion in losses in 2023). Key protective measures include verifying caller identity through alternative channels, hanging up on suspicious calls, confirming situations with family members, and researching
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office, along with Age-Friendly Mecklenburg and AARP-Charlotte, hosted a Walk for Awareness event on June 15, 2024, to highlight World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and increase community recognition of elder exploitation, neglect, and abuse. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals 60 and older filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses from online fraud, with tech support scams, government impersonation, phishing, and romance scams being particularly prevalent threats to older adults.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont, partnering with federal law enforcement agencies, conducted outreach events at senior centers in advance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15, 2024) to educate older adults about financial fraud and elder abuse. The outreach highlighted prevalent scams targeting seniors including government imposter schemes, tech support fraud, romance scams, grandparent scams, and lottery schemes, while emphasizing that elder abuse remains often overlooked and underreported.
wng.org
· 2025-12-08
A 96-year-old World War II veteran lost over $322,000 of his retirement savings to Ternion Group International LLC, a fraudulent Christian investment company that promised to build a vocational school and purchase homes in Chicago, with his own son (age 70) convincing him to invest; the DOJ charged five people in April 2024, including the son, after the promised projects never materialized and contact ceased in 2020. The case highlights the rising threat of investment scams targeting seniors, with Americans over 60 losing $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023, and demonstrates the particular vulnerability of elderly victims who may distrust reporting due to family involvement
theintermountain.com
· 2025-12-08
After disasters, scammers target vulnerable survivors through impersonation of government workers, fake aid offers, unlicensed contractors, and fraudulent charity solicitations. FEMA advises residents to verify the legitimacy of disaster assistance contacts by checking official ID badges, calling (800)-621-3362 to confirm personnel, and reporting suspicious activity to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866)-720-5721.
gvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report revealed that Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to fraud, an 11% increase from 2022, with Arizona seniors alone losing $128 million (a 56% jump from $82 million in 2022). The article highlights the growing severity of elder fraud and directs readers to resources like R.O.S.E. (Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly) for information on scams targeting seniors, while noting that vigilant staff at a Green Valley UPS store prevented nearly $200,000 in scammer losses over two years.
themonroetimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Phishing scam reports to the Better Business Bureau nearly doubled in 2023, reaching over 9,000 reports—a record high—with scammers increasingly using text-based (SMS) phishing tactics alongside traditional email and phone-based methods to trick victims into sharing personal information or downloading malicious software. The BBB documented phishing techniques used across multiple scam types including government impersonation, tech support fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes, with victims losing billions of dollars over the past three years. Common red flags include urgent language, requests to confirm financial information, suspicious login alerts, and messages impersonating authority figures or well-known companies.
carolinajournal.com
· 2025-12-08
North Carolina's Senior Consumer Fraud Task Force held a press conference highlighting the rising epidemic of elder fraud, with statistics showing that approximately 1 in 10 seniors becomes a victim, resulting in $3.1 billion in losses nationwide in 2022 (an 84% increase from 2021), with individual victims losing an average of $40,000. The task force identified five major scam types targeting seniors: sweetheart scams, sweepstakes scams, impostor scams, tech support scams, and grandparent scams, while warning that scammers increasingly use AI to replicate voices. Victims can report fraud to local authorities, the FBI's Internet Crime
plantcityobserver.com
· 2025-12-08
After hurricanes, scammers target disaster victims through fake contractors demanding upfront payment or using misleading Assignment of Benefits documents, fake government/utility workers requesting personal information, non-existent rental listings, and fraudulent charities. Victims should verify all contractors' credentials and insurance, avoid cash/wire transfer payments, never pay for FEMA assistance, and check charity legitimacy before donating.
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
In observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the IRS Criminal Investigation's Charlotte Field Office is promoting fraud awareness to combat the rising tide of financial crimes against seniors. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals aged 60 and above filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses from scams including tech support fraud, government impersonation, phishing, and romance schemes. The IRS employs education, criminal investigations, and public-private partnerships to combat elder fraud, with recent prosecutions including a home health care operator sentenced to 45 months for stealing over $1 million from elderly clients and an investment fraudster sentenced to
cnn.com
· 2025-12-08
Dennis Jones, an 82-year-old Virginia man, lost his entire life savings to a "pig butchering" scam after being groomed online for months by a woman claiming to be named Jessie who convinced him to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency; devastated by financial ruin, he died by suicide before his family could help him recover. Pig butchering scams, run primarily by Chinese criminal gangs operating from Southeast Asia, involve con artists building relationships with victims over months before pressuring them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms, with the FBI estimating these scams stole nearly $4 billion from American victims in the past year alone—a 53% increase from the previous year
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybersecurity researchers identified a wave of sophisticated scams targeting Trump 2024 campaign donors following the campaign's announcement of cryptocurrency donations in May 2024 and Trump's subsequent conviction in late May. Fraudsters created convincing replica websites (such as donalbjtrump.com) and phishing pages that mimicked the legitimate campaign site, strategically updating content to align with campaign messaging, and offered false opportunities like a $2,000 dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago; while the exact amount stolen is unknown, the real campaign raised over $50 million in 24 hours after the verdict, suggesting significant fraud losses. Notably, researchers confirmed that scammers are
lakeonews.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides an overview of common scams affecting Okeechobee residents, including account hacking, impersonation fraud, and romance scams. A local man reported his Facebook and Instagram accounts were hacked in June, with the perpetrator attempting to solicit money from his contacts, while another victim lost approximately $200 to someone impersonating a bank employee. The article outlines warning signs and protective measures recommended by the FBI and Federal Trade Commission, emphasizing that scammers use urgency, impersonation, and pressure tactics to obtain personal information and money.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with scammers increasingly using sophisticated tactics to steal banking information and money. The article outlines ten common banking scams—including check fraud, phishing, fake websites, automatic withdrawal schemes, and government imposter scams—and provides protective measures such as verifying URLs directly with banks, never clicking unsolicited links, and avoiding upfront fee requests. Knowing these common strategies helps consumers recognize and avoid fraudulent schemes before criminals can access their accounts and funds.
sandhillsexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers' office warned nonprofits about donation refund scams targeting charitable organizations, where fraudsters posing as donors submit large fraudulent checks (often five figures or more) and then request partial refunds, causing financial losses when the original checks bounce. Similar scams occur with stolen credit cards, where scammers request refunds to different cards and the nonprofit receives chargebacks. The Attorney General recommended nonprofits educate staff about fraud recognition, verify unusual donor requests directly, research unfamiliar donors before processing refunds, and issue card refunds only to the original card used.
todayswillsandprobate.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 survey by Re-engage of over 1,177 older people (predominantly age 75+) found that two-thirds experienced attempted scams and 8.3% were actual victims, with one-fifth facing weekly or more scam attempts. Telephone scams were the most common attack vector, and victims reported significant quality-of-life impacts, with over one-quarter experiencing high negative effects. Key recommendations include targeted support for isolated older people, increased fraud awareness education, and use of protective measures like call blockers and scam alert registration.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans lost $10 billion to fraud, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated tactics that are difficult to detect. The article identifies 10 common banking scams—including check fraud, phishing, fake prize offers, advance fee schemes, and government imposter scams—and provides protective strategies such as verifying URLs before clicking links, never sharing banking details unsolicited, and using secure check writing practices. The key defense is awareness: recognizing these common schemes and understanding that legitimate institutions rarely request sensitive information through unsolicited messages or calls.
jewishaz.com
· 2025-12-08
The National Council on Aging identifies five major scams responsible for over 65% of reported incidents targeting seniors, including government impersonation, sweepstakes/lottery schemes, robocalls, grandparent scams, and romance scams—with emerging threats like deepfake technology and pandemic-related fraud. Protection strategies include verifying caller identity, avoiding personal information sharing, and staying informed through resources like the FTC's "Pass It On" campaign and AARP Fraud Watch Network, while community education and family communication serve as the most effective defenses.
technobezz.com
· 2025-12-08
Text message scams, or "smishing" attacks, are rising in sophistication and include fake bank alerts, fake prize notifications, impersonation of friends/family requesting money, and fraudulent delivery notices. These scams exploit urgency and emotional triggers to steal personal information and funds. Protection strategies include never clicking suspicious links or providing sensitive information via text, verifying requests through official channels, enabling two-factor authentication, and contacting companies directly using verified contact information.
theindependent.sg
· 2025-12-08
Cybersecurity has become a household concern in Singapore as digital device usage increases, with common scams including phishing, tech support fraud, grandparent scams using deepfakes, romance scams, and charity fraud targeting everyday users. Industry expert Vishak Raman recommends adopting strong passwords, two-factor authentication, regular software updates, separate networks for smart devices, and household education to mitigate risks. The advice emphasizes verifying authenticity of communications, never granting remote access to unsolicited callers, and confirming identities before sending money or sharing personal information.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Following the shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, Mark Cuban warned the public about scammers exploiting the tragedy through fake fundraising pages and fraudulent solicitations on social media. AI startup founder Josh Olin identified multiple instances of fraudsters, some allegedly sponsored by foreign actors, attempting to profit from the incident, while a legitimate Trump-backed GoFundMe for victims raised over $1 million within hours.
cbs6albany.com
· 2025-12-08
The Capital District is experiencing an uptick in fraud scams targeting senior citizens since May, including bank account drains and fake prize schemes, prompting the Homeland Security Investigation Department and Schenectady Police to offer free fraud awareness courses. According to the FBI's 2023 Annual Elder Fraud report, over 101,000 U.S. adults aged 60 and older filed fraud complaints and lost more than $3.4 million, with law enforcement emphasizing the importance of reporting scams and verifying suspicious communications before responding.
highlandcountypress.com
· 2025-12-08
Casey Alexander, a 27-year-old UK national, was sentenced to three years probation after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a cold-calling scheme targeting elderly American investors. The scam promised high returns on wine and whiskey investments held in European warehouses, defrauding over 150 victims of more than $13 million collectively, with one victim losing $300,000 over 18 months; Alexander was ordered to pay $202,195.58 in restitution.
gvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is primarily a website navigation/subscription page for a local Arizona news outlet. The substantive content focuses on elder fraud awareness in Arizona, highlighting that behind FBI statistics on elder fraud are real victims with emotional and financial losses, and features stories of three Arizona victims. The piece also mentions that UPS staff in Green Valley stopped scammers from stealing nearly $200,000 over two years, and references R.O.S.E. Resources as a local organization providing senior fraud prevention information.
mynbc5.com
· 2025-12-08
State officials in Vermont warned residents to beware of scams targeting flood recovery efforts following recent flooding in Central Vermont. Attorney General Charity Clark cautioned that scammers exploit vulnerable situations by impersonating contractors and service providers, urging residents to verify the legitimacy of anyone offering relief services. Residents are encouraged to call 211 to report damage and access verified relief resources rather than responding to unsolicited offers.
newsmirror.net
· 2025-12-08
Seniors lost over $3 billion to scams in 2023, with losses reaching $1.6 billion in just the first five months of 2024, representing a significant increase year-over-year. Older adults are particularly vulnerable targets because they tend to be trusting, have financial savings, and good credit, making them attractive to con artists. Common scams targeting seniors include romance scams (where scammers pose as romantic partners to extract money) and tech support scams (where fake pop-ups trick victims into calling numbers and granting remote computer access).
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This article provides awareness and prevention tips for common tourist scams across Europe, including pickpocketing in crowded areas, inflated bar bills in Budapest, fake police officers posing as authorities to steal money or valuables, and street vendors offering unsolicited items like bracelets or flowers. The piece advises travelers to stay alert, use anti-theft bags, avoid dingy bars with unclear pricing, insist on going to police stations if approached by officers, and trust their instincts when meeting strangers.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This article outlines ten common tourist scams targeting visitors to European cities, including pickpocketing in crowded areas, bar bill fraud (particularly in Budapest), fake police officers posing as currency inspectors, unsolicited bracelet/flower sellers, counterfeit gold ring schemes, fake transportation tickets, ATM manipulation, taxi overcharges, and other street-level cons. The piece provides practical prevention advice for each scam, such as using anti-theft bags, avoiding unmarked bars, insisting on going to police stations when approached by officials, rejecting items from strangers, and purchasing tickets only from official vendors.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens lose approximately $3 billion annually to elder fraud, with scammers increasingly targeting seniors due to their financial security and trusting nature. The article identifies eight common scams affecting elderly individuals, including tech support/home repair fraud, grandchild impersonation schemes, government agency impersonation, fake sweepstakes, phishing emails (particularly fake Geek Squad invoices), overpayment scams, and unsubscribe email phishing attempts. Key prevention strategies include verifying caller identities independently, confirming stories with family members before sending money, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and researching companies before making purchases.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article describes 12 common scams targeting seniors, including government impersonation (IRS, Medicare, Social Security), fake charity donations, lottery/sweepstakes schemes, phishing emails, voice recording scams, grandchild emergency requests, computer repair scams, and romance scams. The article advises seniors to verify requests independently, never provide personal information to unsolicited callers, hang up without responding to suspicious calls, and confirm the identity of family members before sending money.
kemmerergazette.com
· 2025-12-08
Banking and law enforcement officials in Evanston, Wyoming warn that fraud is increasingly common and takes multiple forms, including wire fraud, romance scams, impersonation of lawyers and law enforcement via spoofed caller IDs, and AI-generated voice cloning. Elderly residents are particularly targeted through calls falsely claiming relatives are in jail or in trouble, with scammers using pressure and urgency to manipulate victims into sending money via wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Law enforcement advises residents to verify calls by manually dialing official numbers, never provide personal information over the phone, and recognize that legitimate deputies will never collect money by phone.
picketfencemedia.com
· 2025-12-08
Assemblymember Laurie Davies hosted two senior scam awareness seminars in Oceanside and Vista that drew over 300 participants, highlighting that seniors in San Diego County lost $97.3 million to scams in 2023. The article outlines six common elder fraud schemes—including tech support, romance, grandparent, government impersonation, sweepstakes, and home repair scams—and advises seniors to verify suspicious calls directly with institutions, never share financial information over the phone, and report scams to local police to increase recovery chances and help law enforcement stop fraudsters.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI received more than 147,000 reports of scams and fraud targeting Americans ages 60 and older in 2024, with reported losses exceeding $100,000 more than tripling since 2020. Seniors are targeted because they control over 60% of the nation's wealth, and scammers use sophisticated impersonation, phishing, vishing, and smishing tactics to steal personal and financial information. The article advises awareness of these common scam types and recommends working with financial advisors to identify and protect against fraudulent schemes.
startribune.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly one-third of surveyed veterans and military consumers lost money to scammers impersonating veterans or military-friendly organizations, exploiting the strong camaraderie within the military community to build trust before pitching fake charities or fraudulent medical equipment offers. Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families are approximately 40% more likely to fall victim to scams than civilians, with the FTC reporting that military retirees and veterans lost $66 million to fraud in 2020 at a median loss of $569 per victim.
nasdaq.com
· 2025-12-08
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, scammers are increasingly targeting Americans with election-themed donation and identity scams using evolving tactics including robocalls, text messages, social media, voice cloning, and deepfakes. Experts warn that scammers use voter data and advertising information to impersonate political candidates and parties, requesting donations through fake websites and fraudulent communications that sound official and convincing. Americans are advised to remain vigilant and learn to recognize these scams, which aim to steal personal information and money by leveraging election-related topics that are top of mind for voters.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, scammers are using evolving tactics to steal personal information and money through election-themed scams, including robocalls, text messages, social media, and fake donation pages that impersonate political candidates and parties. Scammers leverage voter records and advertiser data to target victims with convincing messages, and increasingly use AI-powered voice cloning and deepfake technology to make fraudulent communications appear authentic. Americans should remain vigilant against these tactics, which manifest across multiple platforms and are designed to sound official and convincing.
kjct8.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Scammers are exploiting Colorado wildfires by creating fake fundraising appeals for firefighting efforts and personnel. The Boulder Office of Disaster Management warns residents to avoid clicking email links from unverified sources and to research organizations before donating, directing people instead to legitimate charities like Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active, Colorado Baptist Disaster Relief, and Volunteers of America Colorado.
atlantablackstar.com
· 2025-12-08
Rebecca Adami from North Carolina lost $60,000 in an employment scam where a romantic interest connected her with a fake recruiter offering a charity finance position. The scammer obtained her banking information, made fraudulent charges on her credit cards, deposited bad checks in her name totaling $67,000, and reversed legitimate payments to trap her in debt. Employment scams surged 118% in 2023, with the FTC reporting $367 million in consumer losses in 2022, and the agency recommends verifying employers independently and never providing financial information or prepaying for legitimate job positions.
blackenterprise.com
· 2025-12-08
A North Carolina woman lost $60,000 after a romantic interest connected her to a fraudulent job opportunity posing as a charity finance position, requiring her to open bank accounts and provide all banking credentials to the scammer. The perpetrator used her accounts to make over $60,000 in unauthorized charges on her credit cards and attempted to deposit fraudulent checks, with payment reversals leaving her liable for mounting debt. The FTC reports nearly 105,000 job opportunity scams in 2023 alone with $450 million in total losses, and advises job seekers to never disclose personal information before formal employment, refuse positions requiring payment, and independently verify company legitimacy.
campaignbrief.com
· 2025-12-08
Age Concern New Zealand and ANZ bank launched an innovative scam prevention campaign featuring a reimagined version of the 1980s TV show "CHiPs" to educate older New Zealanders about fraud risks. The campaign, created by TBWA\NZ, uses nostalgic humor and messaging to empower seniors to recognize and reject common scams, with survey data showing 80% of Kiwis over 65 believe older people are too trusting; the effort includes digital literacy programs, training guides, and educational materials distributed nationwide through community centers and rest homes.
ktul.com
· 2025-12-08
The Wagoner County Sheriff's Office warns of multiple rising scams exploiting social media and artificial intelligence, including fake product listings, romance scams, and deepfake audio/video impersonations that target victims across all ages. Key threats include grandparent scams, charity fraud, peer-to-peer payment app scams, student loan forgiveness schemes, and cryptocurrency fraud, with scammers commonly requesting payment via untraceable methods like cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers. The sheriff's office recommends protecting oneself by adjusting privacy settings, verifying organizations independently, enabling multi-factor authentication, and avoiding unsolicited requests for money or personal information.
thedrum.com
· 2025-12-08
Age Concern New Zealand and ANZ Bank launched a scam prevention awareness campaign featuring the iconic 1980s TV show CHiPs to educate seniors about fraud protection. The campaign addresses findings that 80% of New Zealanders over 65 believe older people are too trusting and vulnerable to scams, using nostalgia and humor to encourage older adults to reject unsolicited calls, texts, and emails. The initiative includes TV spots, an ANZ Scam Academy website, and educational toolkits distributed through community centers and rest homes across New Zealand.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Election officials across multiple states warned about voter registration scams ahead of the 2024 presidential election, where scammers posed as get-out-the-vote groups via text messages and other communications to trick victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal information like Social Security numbers. Voter registration fraud is one of the three most common election-cycle scams, and officials recommend verifying communications directly with local election officials and reporting suspicious contacts to the FTC. No specific dollar amounts or victim counts were reported in the warnings.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, post-disaster fraud cost Americans over $9.3 billion, with scammers impersonating government, utility, and insurance workers to solicit fees and upfront deposits from disaster victims by promising federal grants, priority repairs, or faster claim processing. Legitimate FEMA agents will never request payment and carry government-issued photo badges, and consumers should verify any offers through official channels before providing money or personal information. The AARP Fraud Watch Network provides free resources to help identify and report disaster-related scams.
wsoctv.com
· 2025-12-08
This article identifies five types of political call and text scams targeting voters: fake polls, donation scams, impersonation scams, questionable petitions, and voter registration scams. Experts advise consumers not to feel pressured to provide personal information, to verify requests by contacting organizations directly, and to delete suspicious messages rather than engage with them.
lincolnparishjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece by law enforcement examines modern phone-based scams targeting Americans, highlighting how technology has enabled criminals to defraud victims without in-person contact. The article details six prevalent scams: impersonation of law enforcement demanding payment for fines, fake charity solicitations, fraudulent debt collectors, fake prize offers, and IRS impersonation schemes—emphasizing that government agencies never demand immediate payment via phone, gift cards, or wire transfers, and advising victims to hang up and verify claims directly with legitimate organizations.
newslj.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides multiple scam alerts and protective measures: residents received fraudulent PayPal invoices via email impersonation, unrealistic job offers via text promising $1,000+ daily pay for minimal work, and a fake donation request to a nonprofit seeking wire transfer details for a $7,000 "donation." A massive data breach exposed 2.7 billion individuals' Social Security numbers and personal information, with experts recommending credit freezes with major bureaus, strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and vigilance against phishing exploitation of the breach.
iid.iowa.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece identifies six common scams targeting Iowa storm victims: FEMA impersonation scams, contractor fraud (storm chasers), fake charities, insurance claim scams, phishing communications, and identity theft. The article provides preventative measures for each scam type, including verifying credentials, obtaining multiple estimates, researching charities through watchdog organizations, contacting insurance companies directly, and freezing credit. Resources provided include the Iowa Attorney General's Office, Iowa Insurance Division, and FEMA fraud hotline for reporting suspected fraud.
wftv.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
During the 2024 election season, Charlotte residents experienced increased political calls and texts, many of which were scams rather than legitimate campaign communications. Equifax's Identity Theft Protection team identified five types of political scams targeting voters: fake polls/surveys, donation scams, impersonation scams, questionable petitions, and voter registration scams. Experts recommend not providing unsolicited information, avoiding pressure to act immediately, verifying directly with official sources, and deleting suspicious messages.
indystar.com
· 2025-12-08
Taylor Swift Eras Tour ticket scams are proliferating on social media resale groups, with scammers targeting desperate fans willing to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for the limited remaining tour dates. One Missouri fan nearly fell victim after sending $200 via PayPal for a fake ticket to an Indianapolis show, but was protected by PayPal's goods and services feature, which automatically refunded her when fraudulent activity was detected. Cybersecurity experts recommend buyers use PayPal's goods and services option, meet sellers in person at safe public locations, or request venue verification to avoid these high-value ticket scams.
Payment App
newschannel5.com
· 2025-12-08
The Tennessee Attorney General's Office warns that QR code scams are rising, including phishing scams that steal personal information, payment scams using fake codes in public places, package scams directing users to malicious websites, cryptocurrency scams, and donation scams impersonating charities. The office recommends verifying QR code sources, inspecting codes for tampering, using secure scanner apps, previewing URLs before clicking, avoiding unsolicited codes from mail/email/text, and keeping device security software updated.
thecalifornian.com
· 2025-12-08
wwaytv3.com
· 2025-12-08
Election-related scams exploit voters' emotional investment in candidates and causes by mimicking legitimate campaign emails and phone calls to steal personal information, banking details, and donations. The Better Business Bureau advises verifying email links by typing official URLs directly into browsers, avoiding clicking suspicious links, being wary of pressure tactics, and researching organizations before donating or sharing personal information. Common scams include phishing emails with malicious links, fake surveys requesting Social Security numbers or credit card information under the guise of prizes, and fraudulent donation requests that divert funds to scammers rather than campaigns.
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scams have surged 900 percent since the pandemic began, with over 46,000 Americans losing more than $1 billion to crypto fraud in 2021 alone. Common scams include phishing attacks, Ponzi schemes, fake ICOs, and fraudulent exchanges that exploit crypto's decentralized and hard-to-trace nature. Consumers should exercise caution by only investing what they can afford to lose, verifying information through credible sources, using secure storage methods, and consulting state and federal watchdog organizations like California's Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
abilene-rc.com
· 2025-12-08
Detective Kevin Landers of the Abilene Police Department outlines common scams targeting seniors, including romance, lottery, sweepstakes, and government impersonation schemes where callers demand payment via gift cards or bitcoin. Seniors are frequently targeted because they tend to be trusting, have savings, own homes, and maintain good credit, though scammers prey on people of all ages. Landers recommends protecting oneself by verifying unsolicited offers online, resisting pressure to act quickly, monitoring credit reports annually, and stopping communication with suspected scammers immediately.
miragenews.com
· 2025-12-08
This awareness piece highlights sophisticated investment scams targeting Australians, particularly "pig butchering" schemes where scammers build trust over weeks or months before soliciting cryptocurrency investments. A Queensland victim lost approximately $244,000 AUD after being befriended on Facebook by a scammer who gradually encouraged increasingly larger investments in cryptocurrency, promising substantial returns; when the victim attempted to withdraw funds, the scammer blocked all contact. Recent data from the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre shows Australians lost at least $180 million to cryptocurrency investment scams in 12 months, with nearly half of all investment scam losses involving cryptocurrency and victims now more likely
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Olusegun Samson Adejorin, a Nigerian national, was extradited from Ghana in August 2024 to face federal charges for a $7.5 million business email compromise scheme targeting two charitable organizations—one in Maryland and one in New York. Between June and August 2020, Adejorin gained unauthorized access to employee email accounts, impersonated staff members, and fraudulently requested fund withdrawals, successfully diverting over $7.5 million from Victim 2's investment funds. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison on wire fraud charges, plus additional penalties for identity theft and unauthorized computer access.**
abc7news.com
· 2025-12-08
A Concord, California man lost nearly $200,000 in a sophisticated scam where perpetrators impersonated Xfinity and federal agents, claiming his personal information was used for illegal activities and convincing him to transfer funds to a "secure account" for investigation purposes. The victim made multiple cash and gold withdrawals over several weeks, using couriers (possibly rideshare drivers) to transport the money, until a CVS employee in Huntington Beach refused to release a final $8,500 package sent via UPS, which alerted authorities. Beyond the financial loss, the victim now faces over $30,000 in anticipated taxes from cashing out retirement accounts, creating additional financial har
wtov9.com
· 2025-12-08
Hancock County Savings Bank held an educational event for seniors to raise awareness about fraud and scam prevention, citing FBI data showing over 100,000 Americans aged 60+ become fraud victims annually. The bank highlighted emerging threats including charity scams, family emergency schemes, and AI-based voice cloning scams used for kidnapping hoaxes, and recommended protective measures such as not answering unknown numbers, avoiding suspicious links, hesitating before sending money, and consulting family members before responding to unexpected requests.
decripto.org
· 2025-12-08
Lise Frappier, a 62-year-old Ottawa resident on disability benefits, lost nearly $70,000 to a romance scam and subsequent recovery scams between 2022 and 2024. A scammer posing as a U.S. Army worker gained her trust via Facebook and manipulated her into sending money through gift cards and Bitcoin; after the initial fraud ended, a second scammer exploited her desperation by offering fake recovery services and extracting an additional $20,000+ before disappearing. The case illustrates a broader trend in Canada where romance scams caused over $59 million in losses in 2022 alone, with vulnerable seniors particularly targeted,
abc7.com
· 2025-12-08
A California man lost nearly $200,000 in a sophisticated impersonation scam where perpetrators posing as Xfinity and Federal Trade Commission agents convinced him his computer had been hacked and used for illegal activities, instructing him to withdraw cash and gold multiple times under the guise of securing his funds. The scam unraveled when a CVS employee in Huntington Beach refused to accept an $8,500 cash package being picked up with fraudulent identification, but the victim was unable to recover that final shipment and now faces an additional $30,000+ in tax liability from the withdrawn retirement accounts. A Concord Police detective noted that the perpetrators' detailed knowledge of the
heraldextra.com
· 2025-12-08
A Provo family lost over $1,000 in a utility scam when a fraudster impersonating a Provo Power representative called threatening service disconnection and pressured the mother to make an immediate payment via QR code at Walmart, resulting in overdraft fees that depleted their entire bank account. Provo City officials report at least 10 confirmed victims of similar scams and warn residents to verify caller identity, noting that legitimate utility companies never request payment via phone or in-person contact.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Despite increasing sophistication in online fraud, phone scams remain the most common type of financial scam, affecting nearly 49% of scam victims across all age groups according to a GOBankingRates survey of over 1,100 U.S. adults. Common phone scam tactics include business/investment schemes, impersonation of trusted entities, debt relief offers, charity fraud, and prize scams, all designed to extract money or personal information from victims. The article advises consumers to verify callers' identities, use official channels for donations and payments, and be suspicious of unsolicited offers promising quick profits or threatening legal action.
bankrate.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers employ multiple tactics to steal credit card information, particularly capitalizing on economic changes like potential Federal Reserve rate cuts. Common scams include interest rate reduction schemes, student loan forgiveness offers, grandparent emergencies, and fake charity websites—all designed to pressure victims into providing payment information. To protect yourself, contact your lender or issuer directly rather than responding to unsolicited offers, verify website URLs carefully, and be skeptical of guaranteed results and limited-time offers.
miamivalleytoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Since 2020, investment scams reported to the BBB Scam Tracker exceeded 4,000 reports, with 2023 marking a three-year high, as scammers increasingly blended romance and cryptocurrency schemes to defraud victims of large sums. Median losses surged from $1,000 in 2021 to nearly $6,000 in 2023, with scams often lasting months before detection and primarily originating from organized crime operations in Southeast Asia. The BBB advises victims to watch for red flags including unregistered investments, guaranteed returns, pressure tactics, unknown cryptocurrencies, and unsolicited friendship offers from strangers.
ireland-live.ie
· 2025-12-08
Advice NI warns that thousands of scam victims across Northern Ireland remain unreported, with only an estimated 10% of fraud victims seeking debt support despite suffering average losses of nearly £10,000 per person. Recent police data showed 5,412 fraud reports totaling £23.1 million losses (December 2022–January 2023), though actual figures are believed to be significantly higher; criminals are now using AI-driven tactics to impersonate debt collectors and financial institutions with increasing sophistication. The organization advises victims to verify identities through official channels, watch for spelling errors and urgency tactics, and seek free confidential debt advice from local support services rather than suffer in shame.
bostonherald.com
· 2025-12-08
A Vietnam veteran and cancer patient from Everett lost $20,000 in a sophisticated scam in which fraudsters impersonated Amazon and trade commission officials, pressuring him to withdraw cash under the pretense of unauthorized purchases made in his name. When the scammers returned demanding an additional $32,000, the victim contacted police instead, leading to the arrest of Hongfei Huang of New York on charges including larceny from an elderly person; authorities are continuing to pursue his accomplices. The victim's cooperation with law enforcement and willingness to speak publicly about the incident helped prevent further victims and served as a cautionary warning about email-based scams targeting older adults.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
A grandmother received a deepfake voice call from a scammer impersonating her grandson claiming to be in jail and needing $10,000 for bail, but she verified the call was fake by contacting her grandson directly. The article outlines common scams targeting seniors—including grandparent scams, government impersonation, romance scams, and spoofing—and provides protective strategies such as verifying callers through known phone numbers, establishing family safe words, taking time to think despite pressure tactics, and using unique passwords with one-time passcodes.
anz.com.au
· 2025-12-08
This educational article distinguishes between scams (where criminals manipulate victims into sharing information or money) and fraud (where criminals use stolen information without the victim's involvement), and outlines how to identify suspicious messages. The piece advises that red flags include pressure tactics, mismatched sender email addresses, and offers that seem too good to be true, emphasizing that individuals are the first line of defense against scams through reporting and awareness. In 2023, Australians lost $476 million collectively to scams, making vigilance against suspicious communications critical for protecting personal finances and sensitive information.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
During election season, scammers exploit voters' emotional investment by creating fake candidate websites and social media accounts, using robocalls with candidates' voices, and sending deceptive donation text messages—all designed to redirect funds from legitimate campaigns to fraudsters. Red flags include poor grammar, pressure for immediate donations, requests for unusual payment methods (wire transfers or prepaid cards), unsolicited personal information requests, and offers of prizes for poll participation. Voters should verify donation authenticity directly through official campaign channels and remain cautious when emotions run high.
thetimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Moira Stuart, a 75-year-old BBC News presenter, fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam where fraudsters impersonated her bank and instructed her to transfer money to catch an alleged "inside job" at her branch. A vigilant bank cashier prevented her from losing thousands of pounds by questioning the transaction and alerting the bank's anti-fraud team. Stuart publicly shared her experience to combat the shame surrounding fraud victimization and to raise awareness, noting that nearly three million instances of bank fraud costing £1.2 billion were recorded the previous year, with authorized fraud victims losing an average of nearly £2,000.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Moira Stuart, a 75-year-old veteran BBC broadcaster, nearly fell victim to an authorised push payment scam when a fraudster called claiming to be from her bank and instructed her to transfer money to intercept suspected fraud. A vigilant bank cashier intervened at the counter, questioning her activity and alerting the anti-fraud team, which confirmed the scam and prevented her loss. Stuart's experience highlights the sophistication of these scams—which totalled £459.7 million in losses across 232,429 cases in 2023—and inspired her to work with a charity promoting digital safety skills for older people.
wlos.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder financial scams increased 14% in complaints and 11% in financial impact in 2023, with criminals targeting seniors through imposter scams (IRS/Social Security), shopping fraud, grandparent scams, tech support schemes, and sweepstakes fraud. The article provides protective measures for each scam type, emphasizing that seniors should never share personal information unsolicited, verify requests through independent contact with family or organizations, be skeptical of unusual payment methods, and report suspected fraud immediately.
irishnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Veteran broadcaster Moira Stuart, 75, was nearly scammed in a phone call where a fraudster claimed money had been stolen from her account and instructed her to transfer funds, though a bank cashier intervened before any loss occurred. Research shows people aged 55-64 face the highest number of scams, with Age UK finding that 41% of people over 50 were scammed in the last five years, losing an average of £2,022, and experiencing significant psychological and social impacts beyond financial loss. Digital skills experts recommend older people verify sender details, confirm whether communications are expected, and be cautious of suspicious pop-ups to protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated scammers.
verywellmind.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide examines why scam victims face blame and shame, explaining that psychological biases—including the "just world" belief, hindsight bias, and defensive attribution—cause people to wrongly hold victims responsible for being scammed. The article emphasizes that victim blaming is harmful and counterproductive, noting that scams are increasingly common (the FTC reported $76 million lost to government impersonation scams in 2023, up 90% from 2022) and that anyone can fall victim regardless of intelligence or caution.
thecourierexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
More than 50 seniors attended a Scam Jam educational seminar in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, presented by state and local officials to teach fraud prevention and recognition of common scams targeting elders. Presenters highlighted increasingly sophisticated scams including voice cloning via AI, fake tech support calls requesting gift card payments, and impersonation schemes, emphasizing that victims should contact police immediately when suspicious and never provide personal information or payment via non-traditional means like gift cards. A recent local case was cited where timely police contact prevented a $30,000 loss to a potential victim.
wdtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Helene, West Virginia's Attorney General and the Better Business Bureau warned residents about charity and disaster scams, in which fraudsters solicit donations for fake charities that redirect funds to personal use rather than relief efforts. To protect themselves, donors should verify charities' legitimacy through established databases, avoid cash or wire transfers, pay by credit card, and research organizations independently before giving. Residents who encounter suspected fraudulent charities can report them to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 800-368-8808.
elmoreautauganews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to avoid fraudulent charity scams following Hurricane Helene, as scammers create fake donation websites, social media campaigns, and crowdfunding pages to exploit donors' generosity. The BBB recommends verifying charities through trusted sites like Give.org and Charity Navigator, donating directly through official websites using credit cards, and avoiding unsolicited requests via social media or payment apps. The advisory provides a list of verified national and state-specific relief organizations where donations can be made safely.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal officials are warning Hurricane Helene victims of an anticipated surge in fraud schemes, including fake charities, identity theft, and fraudulent contractor scams targeting vulnerable disaster survivors. The National Center for Disaster Fraud has received over 220,000 complaints since 2005, and authorities say criminals exploit disaster victims before, during, and after storms by impersonating government officials, soliciting fake donations, and committing price gouging. Experts advise survivors to verify the identities of helpers, avoid sharing sensitive information, obtain multiple repair estimates, and report suspected scams to FEMA or local authorities.
ncdoj.gov
· 2025-12-08
Following hurricane relief efforts in western North Carolina, scammers are exploiting donors' goodwill through charity fraud schemes including phishing emails, fake websites, and counterfeit crowdfunding campaigns. The article provides guidance on verifying legitimate organizations through resources like the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Navigator, avoiding unsolicited donation requests, and donating by credit card or check rather than gift cards. Victims of charity scams are encouraged to report fraud to the North Carolina Consumer Protection Division.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Helene, scammers targeted disaster victims in Asheville, North Carolina with a tree removal scam charging $280 upfront fees while falsely claiming to be "FEMA-authorized" representatives who would cover 90% of removal costs. Victims were also targeted with charity scams involving fake donations and identity theft schemes. North Carolina's Attorney General advised residents to obtain written estimates, avoid upfront payments, verify company credentials and email domains, and research any business before engaging services.
carolinapublicpress.org
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, scammers have been targeting disaster victims through multiple schemes including door-to-door fake donation collections, insurance fraud, and contractor scams. Police reported several reports of fraudsters posing as relief workers collecting donations in areas like Patton Avenue in West Asheville, while insurance adjusters may underestimate wind damage to shift liability to federal flood insurance programs, and unqualified contractors overcharge desperate homeowners for substandard repairs. Authorities advise residents to verify the legitimacy of donation solicitors and repair contractors, avoid upfront payments, and check online reviews before hiring services.
governor.ohio.gov
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Helene, Ohio's Governor DeWine and the Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions warned residents to research charitable organizations before donating to avoid storm-relief scams. The advisory recommends donating only to established charities like the American Red Cross and United Way, verifying organizations through resources like BBB's Wise Giving Alliance, and using secure payment methods such as credit cards rather than cash, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Cybersecurity experts warn that the weeks leading up to the presidential election see a surge in scams targeting voters, including donation fraud (fake campaign solicitations), voter-registration scams seeking personal information, and election survey scams. Experts advise voters to donate directly through official campaign websites, remember that voter registration cannot occur by phone, avoid providing personal information to unsolicited callers, and verify election-related information through multiple credible news sources before accepting it as true.
weny.com
· 2025-12-08
The Elmira Heights Police Department is hosting a community awareness presentation on November 11th at Village Hall to educate residents about common scams targeting older adults, including impersonator scams, tech support scams, charity scams, virtual kidnapping scams, and romance scams. The event is being organized in partnership with the Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan of Greater Rochester.
wcpo.com
· 2025-12-08
During election season, scammers target voters through political donation scams, fake surveys, voter registration scams, and phishing texts and emails designed to steal money or personal information. To protect yourself, verify the sender through official campaign websites rather than responding to unsolicited messages, never click unknown links, and avoid engaging with suspicious calls to prevent voice recording for AI fraud. Voters can enable spam filters on their phones to reduce unwanted political messages and protect themselves from financial loss.
fox11online.com
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Helene, federal authorities in Wisconsin warned the public about charity scams targeting both disaster victims and well-intentioned donors nationwide, as fraudsters create fake websites and fraudulent communications to solicit contributions. Officials provided guidance on verifying legitimate charities, avoiding unsolicited communications, donating directly to known organizations, and using non-cash payment methods to prevent fraud. The National Center for Disaster Fraud investigates such scams, and the public can report suspected fraud through their online portal or 24/7 hotline at (866) 720-5721.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins warned the public about charity scams following Hurricane Helene's September 2024 landfall, noting that fraudsters exploit disasters by creating fake charities and phishing communications to solicit donations. The advisory recommends donating directly to verified organizations, avoiding unsolicited communications and suspicious links, paying by credit card or check rather than cash, and reporting fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721 or online.
10news.com
· 2025-12-08
During election season, scammers target voters through political donation scams, fake surveys, and voter registration text messages that attempt to steal money or personal information. To protect yourself, verify the source of any political communication by calling official campaign numbers directly from their websites rather than responding to unsolicited texts or emails, avoid clicking unfamiliar links, and use spam filters or message blockers to reduce unwanted messages.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Helene's September 2026 landfall, U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison issued a public safety alert warning against disaster relief fraud schemes targeting hurricane victims and charitable donors through fraudulent emails, social media, websites, phone calls, texts, and door-to-door solicitations. The Justice Department's National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) advises the public to exercise caution before donating and offers a hotline (866-720-5721) and online complaint form for reporting suspected fraudulent activity related to hurricane relief.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Three federal agencies (Justice Department, FTC, and CFPB) warned consumers about potential fraud and price gouging schemes that exploit natural disasters and hurricanes. Common scams include fraudulent charities imitating legitimate relief organizations, scammers impersonating government officials demanding personal information or payment, fake disaster recovery businesses, and price gouging on essential goods and services. Consumers are advised to avoid wire transfers, gift cards, payment apps, and cash payments for disaster services, never pay fees to obtain relief, and research contractors thoroughly before hiring.
kplctv.com
· 2025-12-08
As elections approach, Secretaries of State nationwide are warning voters about election-related scams including political donation fraud, fake surveys and polls, and fraudulent voter registration schemes. Experts advise voters to verify campaigns by contacting local election officials or the Secretary of State's office before donating, and to contact their bank immediately if they believe they've been scammed or their financial information was compromised.
kgns.tv
· 2025-12-08
As election day approaches, Secretaries of State are warning of increased voter scams targeting the public, including political donation fraud, fake surveys and polls, and fake voter registration schemes. Scammers falsely claim voters must pay to register or receive registration certificates, when these services are available free online. Experts recommend verifying campaign legitimacy by contacting local election officials or the Secretary of State's office, and advise victims to contact their bank immediately if they've shared financial information or made fraudulent donations.
local3news.com
· 2025-12-08
**Disaster Relief Donation Fraud Prevention**
Following natural disasters like Hurricane Helene, scammers exploit donor generosity by creating fraudulent charities and fake donation campaigns. To donate safely, use official websites of established organizations (American Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse, The Salvation Army), verify charity legitimacy through Give.org or Charity Navigator, avoid debit cards and unsolicited solicitations, and use credit cards or checks for better fraud protection. When using crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, verify campaigns are reviewed by the platform and conduct reverse image searches to confirm legitimacy.
ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Federal agencies (FTC, DOJ, and CFPB) warned consumers about hurricane-related scams and price gouging, including fraudulent charities, fake government officials offering relief for fees, fake disaster recovery businesses, and inflated prices for essentials. The agencies cautioned against wire transfers, gift cards, and cryptocurrency payments, emphasized that FEMA never charges fees for disaster relief, and advised consumers to research contractors, obtain multiple estimates, and get written contracts before signing.
khak.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Iowa residents lost $42.6 million to various scams, with romance scams alone accounting for over $4 million in losses and representing nearly 30% of senior financial exploitation reports filed with the Iowa Insurance Division. Common scams affecting Iowans include identity theft, investment fraud, tech support scams, grandparent scams, and compromised business email schemes. The FBI's "Take A Beat" initiative recommends protecting against scams by being cautious of unsolicited contact, verifying senders, enabling two-factor authentication, avoiding sharing personal information, being wary of cryptocurrency or gift card payment requests, and reporting suspected fraud to the Internet Crime Complaint Center
bankingjournal.aba.com
· 2025-12-08
Four federal agencies (CISA, FTC, DOJ, and CFPB) warned consumers about post-hurricane scams following Hurricanes Milton and Helene, including fraudulent charities, impersonators offering fake disaster relief for fees or personal information, and price gouging. The agencies advised verifying information through trusted sources like FEMA and Ready.gov, avoiding wire transfers and cash payments, never paying for FEMA assistance, and getting multiple contractor estimates before signing repair contracts.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
During the 2024 election cycle, scammers are exploiting the popularity of political fundraising text messages to defraud donors, with fraudulent messages appearing for both major parties. Red flags for scam texts include pushy tones, missing "Paid for By" disclaimers, unregistered committees (verifiable at fec.gov), and unsecured URLs (http instead of https). Donors should verify legitimacy through official campaign committee names and registration before responding to or donating through political text messages.
reed.senate.gov
· 2025-12-08
U.S. Senator Jack Reed partnered with AARP Rhode Island and the Rhode Island State Police to hold an Elder Fraud Prevention Summit addressing the rising threat of scams targeting older adults. According to the FBI, elder fraud complaints rose 14 percent in 2023 with losses exceeding $3.4 billion nationally, including $7.4 million lost by Rhode Islanders over age sixty. The summit emphasized public education, awareness of common scam tactics (tech support, romance, investment, and data breach scams), and the importance of reporting fraud to authorities rather than remaining silent out of embarrassment.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Florida residents reported 151,152 fraud cases resulting in $654.5 million in losses, with imposter scams, online shopping fraud, and prize/sweepstakes scams ranking as the top three most common schemes. Common examples include IRS and grandparent imposter scams, fake retail websites, and false Publishers Clearing House notifications, with the first half of 2024 already showing 71,351 reports and $388.6 million in losses. Multiple state and federal resources are available to help victims and prevent fraud, including the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) and the National Elder Frau
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Over 100,000 elderly Americans fell victim to fraud last year, losing more than $3.4 billion, with Rhode Island seniors alone losing approximately $7.4 million. U.S. Senator Jack Reed and partners hosted an awareness event highlighting common elder scams—including tech support, grandparent, government impersonation, sweepstakes, home repair, romance, and family scams—and recommended strategies to avoid them: never volunteer personal information, be skeptical of urgent claims, avoid payments via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and don't hesitate to hang up on suspicious callers. Victims should report scams to local police or the FTC, and seniors can access
click2houston.com
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Milton, the Better Business Bureau warns that charity scams are increasingly prevalent, with fraudsters operating fake charities or impersonating legitimate organizations through slightly altered websites and contacting victims via phone, email, text, and social media. Red flags include pressure to donate immediately, requests for untraceable payment methods like wire transfers or Cash App, and unverified crowdfunding campaigns. Donors should verify charities through the BBB's Wise Giving Alliance, use credit cards for donations, and report suspected fraud to the IRS and Federal Trade Commission.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Florida experienced 151,152 fraud reports resulting in $654.5 million in losses, with imposter scams, online shopping fraud, and prize/sweepstakes scams being the most prevalent. Common examples include IRS and grandparent imposter schemes, fake retail websites, and fraudulent lottery notifications, with victims encouraged to report incidents to local law enforcement, the Florida Attorney General, or national resources like the FBI and FTC.
abc15.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece warns seniors and voters about election-themed scams targeting people during the 2024 election cycle, including fake candidate merchandise requiring upfront shipping fees, fraudulent political surveys designed to harvest personal information for future exploitation, and bogus donation websites impersonating legitimate political action committees. The article advises protecting oneself by verifying websites through the Federal Election Commission, using credit cards for donations, avoiding unsolicited communications, and remembering that legitimate pollsters never request sensitive information like Social Security numbers or birth dates.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
During the 2024 election cycle, scammers are impersonating political campaigns through fraudulent fundraising text messages, exploiting voters' desire to support candidates. Red flags for donation scams include pushy language, missing "Paid for By" disclaimers, unregistered committees, and unsecured website URLs (http instead of https). Voters can verify legitimacy by checking committee registration with the Federal Election Commission and ensuring donation pages display proper disclosures and security features.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Milton's devastation across Florida, scammers are targeting vulnerable survivors through multiple fraud schemes including fake FEMA officials requesting personal information, unlicensed contractors demanding upfront payment, and fraudulent charities and crowdfunding campaigns. Authorities warn victims to verify legitimacy directly with agencies like FEMA (1-800-621-3362), research charities before donating, and avoid contractors who pressure immediate payment or provide evasive answers. The Better Business Bureau and FEMA emphasize that official disaster assistance contacts victims proactively, never solicits sensitive financial data unsolicited, and offers multiple forms of aid beyond the initial $750 emergency assistance.
govtech.com
· 2025-12-08
**Disaster Relief Fraud Alert:** As Hurricanes Milton and Helene impacted the Southeast, the National Center for Disaster Fraud warned of scammers impersonating legitimate charities through fraudulent emails, social media, texts, websites, and door-to-door solicitations targeting both disaster victims and well-intentioned donors. This pattern repeats after major hurricanes, exploiting public generosity and lack of source verification to steal money and personal information.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in September-October 2024, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado issued a public alert warning of charity scams targeting disaster relief donations. Fraudsters exploit disasters by creating fake charities and deceptive websites through email, social media, and unsolicited communications to steal money and personal information from well-intentioned donors. The alert advises the public to donate directly to verified established charities, avoid clicking unsolicited links, use credit cards or checks instead of cash, and report suspected fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline at (866) 720-5721.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Following Hurricanes Milton and Helene, the IRS warned taxpayers about scammers operating fake charities to steal money and personal information from donors seeking to help disaster survivors. The agency advises donors to verify charities using the Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool before giving, and to avoid payment methods like gift cards or wire transfers, never share sensitive personal information, and resist pressure to donate immediately. Only donations to IRS-qualified tax-exempt organizations are tax-deductible.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using AI deepfakes, fraudulent websites, and fake donation links to target voters ahead of Election Day, with schemes ranging from charging fees to register to vote (which is always free) to installing malware through phishing emails and texts. Voters should verify voter registration deadlines and polling locations through official Illinois election boards, cross-reference suspicious images and videos with trusted news sources, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited political fundraising messages, as AI-generated content and emails now closely mimic legitimate communications.
brooklynpaper.com
· 2025-12-08
On September 30, Taeli Kim, owner of Sonbul Café in Brooklyn, lost over $5,000 to utility impostor scammers who claimed to represent his electric company, threatened service disconnection, and used personal information to appear legitimate. The scammers used a guest payment system to intercept funds before they reached his account, jeopardizing his ability to make payroll for his newly opened restaurant. Kim launched a GoFundMe that raised nearly the full amount within three days, supported by over 100 local donors.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Elderly women in Chinese communities across the UK, US, Australia, and Canada have been targeted by "blessing scam" gangs who use elaborate street theater to trick victims into surrendering cash and valuables. The scammers, typically working in groups of three, convince victims that their relatives are in mortal danger and require a spiritual blessing, persuading them to hand over jewelry and savings (one victim lost £4,000 plus family heirlooms) before swapping the valuables for worthless items like bricks and water bottles. Police in multiple countries are investigating these cases, which exploit victims' spiritual beliefs and cultural trust in traditional healers.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This article explains Zelle, a peer-to-peer payment service vulnerable to fraud because transfers are often irreversible. According to a congressional investigation, customers at Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo disputed $166 million in Zelle fraud in 2023, but only 38% was reimbursed; from 2021-2023, the three banks rejected approximately $560 million in scam disputes. The article outlines seven common Zelle scams including account takeover, employment schemes, charity fraud, marketplace and rental scams, and impersonation scams, providing awareness and protective guidance for users.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A widow in Scotland discovered that scammers created a fake Facebook page called "David Rodger Funeral Service Live Stream" the day after her husband's funeral in October, attempting to trick mourners into paying to watch a livestream of the service; over 100 people had joined the page before it was discovered and removed by Meta. Although no one fell victim to this particular scam, the funeral director confirmed multiple clients had experienced the same issue, indicating this is a widespread fraud targeting grieving families during vulnerable moments.
chronicleonline.com
· 2025-12-08
November and December's charitable giving season attracts scammers who impersonate legitimate charities through fake websites and social media accounts, use high-pressure sales tactics with payment deadlines, send fake donation thank-yous to encourage repeat giving, and exploit cryptocurrency donations to redirect funds to private wallets. Donors can protect themselves by verifying charity contact information through trusted resources like Charity Navigator, avoiding urgent payment demands or cash-only requests, maintaining donation records, and conducting online searches to confirm cryptocurrency wallet addresses before giving.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A Los Angeles man was defrauded of $25,000 by scammers who used artificial intelligence to replicate his son's voice, then posed as attorneys claiming his son needed bail money for a hit-and-accident case. The victim made two separate wire transfers via Uber drivers before realizing the scam, after which police confirmed that AI voice cloning technology is becoming an increasingly sophisticated tool in fraud schemes. Law enforcement notes that scammers need only brief audio samples from social media or voicemails to clone someone's voice convincingly.
news.sky.com
· 2025-12-08
A Thai teenager named Poom-Jai was lured to Cambodia under false employment promises and forced to work in a "fraud factory" conducting "pig butcher" romance scams, where he manipulated lonely victims into investing money in fraudulent schemes before stealing it all. Across Southeast Asia, an estimated 300,000 scammers operating in heavily guarded compounds controlled by Chinese mafia have stolen at least £34 billion worldwide, with workers often trafficked, tortured, and imprisoned when they fail to meet targets or attempt escape. Poom-Jai eventually suffered beatings with electric batons when accused of theft and attempted a desperate escape from the compound.
ironmountaindailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
Computer scams continue to evolve with increasing sophistication, affecting even experienced and intelligent computer users. This educational piece outlines eight prevalent scam types: imposter/impersonation scams, pig butchering scams (fake investment schemes), romance scams, payment app scams, online shopping scams, delivery scams, lottery scams, charity scams, and robocalls—each employing psychological tactics like creating false urgency, building trust, or exploiting guilt to manipulate victims into surrendering money or personal information. The article advises readers to remain vigilant and informed about these tactics regardless of their computer experience level.
thetimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Kirat Assi, a 44-year-old London woman, was victimized by a nine-year catfishing scam perpetrated by her cousin Simran Bhogal, who created a fake online romance using the false identity of "Bobby Jandu," a cardiologist, and fabricated elaborate excuses to prevent in-person meetings. While Assi's case was unusual in involving no financial loss, charities report a 189-200 percent increase in catfishing cases overall, where perpetrators typically use emotional manipulation to extort money from victims, with some engaging in "sextortion" targeting teenagers. Assi won a civil settlement in 2
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An Australian couple lost $1,000 from their Centrelink payments after scammers impersonating a charity deceived them into providing sensitive information including their driver's license and myGov details. The National Anti-Scam Centre warns that criminals are increasingly targeting financially vulnerable Australians by posing as legitimate charities and government assistance programs to steal personal information and divert payments. People should independently verify organizations offering financial assistance and never share personal identifying information through social media or unsolicited contacts.
wisbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Extortion, particularly sextortion scams, ranked among the top five internet crimes in the FBI's 2023 report with over 48,000 cases, according to a Better Business Bureau warning. Sextortion scams operate through two primary methods: phishing (claiming to have hacked victims' devices and recorded compromising material) and romance schemes (building trust through fake relationships before blackmailing victims for money). Victims have reported losses ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, with the scams exploiting fear of public embarrassment and loneliness to pressure victims into paying via bitcoin, gift cards, or wire transfers.
nbcboston.com
· 2025-12-08
Over half of Americans have been targeted by election-related scams, with younger voters particularly vulnerable to fake polls, political donation scams, and disinformation. Common tactics include fraudulent donation schemes where money doesn't reach intended campaigns or involves unauthorized recurring charges, survey scams that harvest personal information for phishing attacks, impersonation scams, and robocalls spreading misinformation. Voters should verify sources before donating, research organizations thoroughly, avoid clicking suspicious links, and report suspected scams to authorities.
inews.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Hundreds of pensioners lost their life savings to pension scammers in recent years, with 559 reported cases in the last year resulting in £17.75 million in losses and an average loss of £46,959 per victim. Pension scams take various forms—including fake pension reviews, unauthorized early withdrawals, and fraudulent transfer schemes—and have proliferated through social media and online advertising, exacerbated by economic uncertainty and the cost-of-living crisis. Experts argue the UK's pension fraud reporting system is inadequate and call for greater preventative measures and bank protections for vulnerable older customers.
wpsdlocal6.com
· 2025-12-08
During election season, scammers are exploiting heightened emotions to target donors through unsolicited political donation emails, calls, and social media pop-ups that request money and personal information. Local residents have reported receiving 10-20 fraudulent political emails daily from impostors posing as campaigns, with the Better Business Bureau identifying pushy donation requests, unsolicited links, and reward offers as common red flags. Experts advise researching campaigns before donating, avoiding clicking unsolicited links, and verifying requests directly with official campaign channels rather than responding to incoming communications.
consumervoice.uk
· 2025-12-08
Citizens Advice research found that approximately 9 million people in the UK (18% of the population) fell victim to financial scams in the past year, with over three-quarters of victims exposed through social media. The most common scams included fake debt advice (3 million affected), friend-in-need scams (2.5 million), pension scams (2.5 million), investment scams (2.5 million), and parking QR code fraud (2.5 million), with one cryptocurrency trading scam victim losing his savings, home, and health after being pressured into a fake trading platform.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-08
Hundreds of elderly Americans, including those with dementia, have been victimized by deceptive political fundraising tactics from both Republican and Democratic campaigns, with vulnerable donors unknowingly giving away millions of dollars through relentless text messages and emails that automatically enrolled them in recurring donations. A CNN investigation identified over 1,000 government complaints and found that elderly donors lost more than $6 million in a small sample alone, with some individuals giving away six-figure sums from their life savings, predominantly to Republican candidates and former President Donald Trump. The predatory practices exploit cognitive decline by making false urgent pleas for money appear to come directly from major candidates, draining bank accounts without donors' knowledge or consent
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece warns that AI-powered misinformation poses significant cybersecurity risks during elections, with bad actors using generative AI to rapidly create fake news, deepfakes, phishing emails, and coordinated social media campaigns. A Trend Micro study found a critical gap in consumer awareness: while 79% of U.S. respondents felt confident identifying online scams, 62% actually failed to recognize a specific scam example, suggesting people underestimate the sophistication of AI-generated election-related misinformation. The article advises readers to recognize that election-related scams and misinformation have become increasingly difficult to spot without proper awareness and skepticism of suspicious content.
legion.org
· 2025-12-08
The IRS announced tax relief for Florida residents affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, extending filing deadlines to May 1, 2025, for most individual and business returns, with automatic penalty relief for those with addresses in disaster areas. The IRS also warned taxpayers to be vigilant against charity scams that often follow disasters, recommending they verify charities through the Tax Exempt Organization Search tool and avoid donating via gift cards, wire transfers, or to solicitors requesting personal financial information.
valleybreeze.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud complaints rose 14 percent nationally in 2023, resulting in $3.4 billion in losses, with Rhode Islanders over 60 losing $7.4 million to scams. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, AARP Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island State Police held an Elder Fraud Prevention Summit to educate older adults on detecting and reporting fraud, emphasizing that tech support, romance, and investment scams are among the most common schemes targeting seniors. Experts stressed that victims should report incidents immediately and stay informed about evolving scams, noting that sophisticated criminals use artificial intelligence and psychological manipulation rather than targeting inherent vulnerabilities in older adults.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Credit card fraud affects approximately 60% of US credit card holders, with 52 million Americans experiencing fraudulent charges totaling over $5 billion last year, particularly during high-spending periods like Black Friday. Common scams include gift card fraud (where criminals pose as officials demanding payment via gift cards), fake charity websites, cloned shopping sites with nearly identical URLs, phone scams requesting card information, and credit card skimmers on unattended payment terminals. To protect themselves, consumers should monitor credit reports weekly through annualcreditreport.com, only shop on secure encrypted sites (https://), verify charity legitimacy through the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search tool, and be suspicious of unsolic
kashmirobserver.net
· 2025-12-08
India's CERT-In cyber-security agency issued a public advisory detailing over a dozen online scams targeting citizens, with particular focus on the "digital arrest" scam where fraudsters impersonate government officials via WhatsApp or Skype, threatening victims with arrest to coerce them into transferring money under false pretenses of investigations or security deposits. Prime Minister Narendra Modi simultaneously warned the public about these scams in his radio address, recommending citizens verify agency identity directly, avoid panic-driven money transfers, and report incidents to the national cyber-security helpline (1930) or www.cybercrime.gov.in. The advisory also highlighted other prevalent scams including phishing,
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
As the 2024 presidential election approached, scammers targeted voters through three main schemes: fake voter registration, fraudulent surveys and polls, and fake political donation requests, typically contacting victims by phone or email while impersonating legitimate political or government entities. Red flags include requests for personal financial information, pressure to act quickly, lack of official contact information, and unsolicited demands for Social Security numbers. Voters should verify registration through official state sources and report suspicious communications to the FTC.
timesleader.net
· 2025-12-08
During election season, scammers exploit heightened political emotions through donation fraud via emails, phone calls, and social media. A west Kentucky resident reported receiving 10-20 fraudulent political donation emails daily from imposters posing as campaigns, though she avoided falling victim. The Better Business Bureau warns voters to avoid unsolicited links, pushy requests for personal information, phony donation calls offering rewards, and pop-up donations on social media—and advises researching campaigns, avoiding rushing donations, and never sharing sensitive data like Social Security numbers or birth dates with survey takers.
fortune.com
· 2025-12-08
**Election-Related Scams Targeting Elderly Donors:** Elderly Americans are being targeted in political donation scams using payment apps like Zelle, with one survey finding 50 elderly donors scammed out of $6 million during the 2024 election cycle. The AARP reports that retirees who are victims of scams lose an average of $120,000, and payment processors including Zelle, PayPal, and Cash App are implementing additional safeguards and education campaigns to alert users—particularly those over 50—about fraudulent solicitations from fake political action committees.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
As the 2024 election approaches, the CEO of Zelle warned elderly Americans to remain on "heightened alert" against scams, noting that older political donors are being targeted with fraudulent solicitations and fake political action committee donations. According to recent reports, approximately 50 elderly political donors were scammed out of $6 million, and AARP data shows retirees lose an average of $120,000 per scam victim, costing financial institutions $1 billion annually. Payment processors like Zelle, PayPal, and Cash App have implemented friction-adding features to prompt users to verify unusual transactions, though experts recommend using these apps only for known contacts.
ajc.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals increasingly use phishing emails, text messages, and spoofed delivery notifications to steal personal and financial information from victims of all ages during the holiday season and year-round. The Federal Trade Commission advises avoiding urgency-driven scams by verifying sender identities, researching suspicious messages, not clicking unexpected links, never paying for prizes, and hanging up on callers requesting sensitive information like Social Security numbers or banking details. Taking time to verify legitimacy rather than acting on panic is the most effective protection against financial fraud.
journee-mondiale.com
· 2025-12-08
The United States observes National Slam the Scam Day on March 7th annually, an awareness campaign established by the Federal Trade Commission in 2020 to educate the public about fraud prevention. Common scams include phishing emails, fake charities, tech support schemes, romance scams, and grandparent scams targeting the elderly—such as the case of 78-year-old Martha, who lost $5,000 after receiving a fraudulent call claiming to be from her grandson. The FTC recommends protecting oneself by verifying information, never sharing personal details unsolicited, monitoring credit reports, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities.