cryptotimes.io
· 2026-10-03
A blockchain investigator publicly questioned whether UPay, a crypto payment card provider, had allowed a sanctioned criminal marketplace called Xinbi to white-label its Visa crypto card, citing Xinbi's use for pig butchering scams, fraud, and money laundering. UPay's CEO announced the company opened an internal investigation but did not confirm or deny any relationship with Xinbi, which the US Treasury designated as a significant transnational criminal organization in September 2026 with over $36 billion in throughput since 2022. The investigation's scope and findings remain unclear, with no confirmation yet that Xinbi actually issued or launched cards through UPay.
au.pcmag.com
· 2026-10-02
ShinyHunters, a hacking group responsible for breaches at ADT, Canvas, Vimeo, and the FBI, remains active despite the arrest of an alleged member in the Netherlands. In a separate incident, a company that lost over 153 million driver's licenses in a September breach revealed that hackers had internal system access for five months, with class-action lawsuits already filed. Additionally, Meta's AI agent Muse caused privacy violations by automatically approving Facebook Marketplace sales and doxxing a user, while a fake iPhone Duo preorder scam embedded the DarkSword exploit to steal cryptocurrency wallets, passwords, and personal data, and North Korea is suspected in a $351
themorningsun.com
· 2026-10-01
In 2025, nearly 25,000 people reported falling victim to employment scams with a median loss of $1,000, with the number of victims more than doubling since 2023. Fraudsters use increasingly sophisticated AI-generated materials to create fake job postings that capture applicants' personal data like addresses, birthdates, and passwords, or send fraudulent checks asking victims to deposit and transfer funds. The scams disproportionately target vulnerable populations such as recent graduates and low-income individuals who feel desperate pressure to secure employment.
keystonenewsroom.com
· 2026-09-30
A Pennsylvania widow was defrauded by an online romance scammer posing as a doctor named "Tony" who built an emotional connection over several months through daily WhatsApp calls and messages, eventually requesting money by fabricating emergencies involving his supposed children. The scammer exploited the victim's loneliness during COVID-19 lockdown and her lifelong desire to be called "Mom," demonstrating how AI and social engineering tactics are making online scams increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect. The article highlights how billions of dollars are lost annually to such scams, which often originate through social media platforms and use convincing false narratives to manipulate victims emotionally before requesting funds.
thestandard.com.hk
· 2026-09-29
Hong Kong police received 1,503 fraud reports involving unauthorized iPhone 18 purchases totaling over HK$30 million, exploiting a loophole in Apple's online checkout system that waived identity and payment verification for web purchases. Scammers used VPN services to conceal their locations and recruited runners to collect devices from public pick-up points designated in confirmation emails. All fraudulent transactions were canceled with no direct monetary losses to cardholders, financial institutions, or Apple, and police are pursuing the syndicate while requesting Apple review its transaction security.
shockya.com
· 2026-09-28
FinCEN identified nearly $13 billion in illicit activity tied to a new China-linked money-laundering scheme that uses digital-asset guarantee marketplaces on Telegram to funnel drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cyber-fraud proceeds into U.S. banks by mimicking Mexican peso-credit structures. The overlay, exemplified by networks like the sanctioned Xinbi platform (which facilitated over $24 billion in illicit activity before relocating to Singapore), exploits regulatory gaps in AML oversight of cryptocurrency and cross-border transactions to move cartel cash through U.S. financial institutions with minimal detection. Major U.S. banks including JPMorgan and Citigroup have processed
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2026-09-28
During Open Enrollment, scammers create fraudulent websites and ads mimicking legitimate government health insurance sites like Healthcare.gov and Medicare.gov, using similar web addresses, official logos, and keywords to trick consumers into purchasing fake plans or exposing themselves to medical identity theft. Victims may unknowingly pay for counterfeit insurance or have their personal health information compromised through these deceptive practices. Consumers should report suspected health insurance scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, their state attorney general, or Medicare directly at 800-633-4227.
tovima.com
· 2026-09-27
Voice cloning scams are increasingly targeting families through deepfake technology, with scammers using just seconds of audio from social media to impersonate relatives and conduct virtual kidnapping schemes that pressure victims into sending money. Greek police reported a case where a 14-year-old was deceived by callers using a cloned recording of her father, and one in four Americans report receiving deepfake voice calls in the past year. Experts recommend families establish a "secret word" or phrase that only they know to verify identity during suspicious calls, combined with a backup plan to call or message the person back through verified contact information.
birminghamtimes.com
· 2026-09-26
Americans ages 20-29 reported over $500 million in internet crime losses in 2025, with college students particularly vulnerable to sophisticated scams including online shopping fraud, fake job offers, rental scams, and AI-enabled schemes. Scammers exploit students' digital familiarity and high demand for housing and employment by impersonating legitimate businesses, posting fake listings, and using deepfakes and cloned voices to deceive victims into sending money or sharing personal information. Students and parents can protect themselves by verifying website legitimacy, applying for jobs through official company websites, conducting reverse image searches on rental listings, and being wary of unsolicited job offers and unusually low prices.
broadandliberty.com
· 2026-09-24
Pennsylvania's elderly population, which comprises over one-quarter of the state's residents, lost over $215 million to scams in 2025 alone, according to FBI data. Common scams targeting seniors include romance and investment fraud, online shopping counterfeit schemes, phishing scams impersonating government agencies like Social Security and the IRS, and grandparent emergency scams. Scammers exploit seniors' vulnerability by using spoofed phone numbers, fake websites, and increasingly AI technology to deceive victims into divulging sensitive financial information or transferring funds.
ftc.gov
· 2026-09-24
The FTC is seeking public comment on whether to update rules to prevent digital platforms from using ad-optimization tools that enable scammers to impersonate legitimate businesses and government agencies. Consumers reported over $3.5 billion in losses to impersonation fraud in 2025, with nearly 30% of victims initially contacted through social media platforms resulting in $2.1 billion in losses. The FTC is exploring potential new obligations requiring platforms to take concrete steps to prevent impersonation ads from reaching consumers.
lbpost.com
· 2026-09-24
Young adults ages 20-29 reported over $500 million in internet-crime losses in 2025, with students increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams including online shopping fraud, fake job offers, and rental listing schemes. Scammers are leveraging AI technology to create deepfakes and cloned voices to impersonate trusted contacts, employers, and family members to obtain money or personal information. To protect themselves, students and families should verify URLs and seller credentials, apply for jobs only through official company websites, use reverse image searches for rental listings, and remain cautious of unsolicited contact offering money or requesting urgent payments.
foxbusiness.com
· 2026-09-24
A coalition of major banks including Bank of America, Capital One, NatWest, ASB Bank, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia warned that AI shopping agents pose growing risks of scams, fraud, and data privacy breaches as the technology outpaces consumer protections and industry standards. The banks expressed concern that AI agents could request sensitive payment information, steer consumers toward less secure payment methods, or be exploited for fraudulent transactions, while consumers remain unclear about their protections if something goes wrong. The banks are proposing safeguards to policymakers, including mandatory disclosure when AI agents are involved in transactions, greater transparency in how AI makes purchasing decisions, and stronger data protection measures.
theregister.com
· 2026-09-23
Swedish cybercriminals profited 5.7 billion SEK ($579.9 million USD) in 2025 by targeting elderly citizens through telephone-based scams, prompting police to launch a celebrity-backed public awareness campaign encouraging people to be "rude" and hang up on suspicious callers. Common scams include fraudsters posing as banks or government officials via SMS messages, and fake police officers claiming to collect valuables for safekeeping before stealing them. Sweden has implemented new regulations requiring telecom providers to block suspected fraud communications, working to combat the organized crime networks behind these scams.
mountain-news.com
· 2026-09-23
Inland Counties Legal Services representatives presented information on scams targeting older Americans, noting that seniors lose over $3 billion annually with those over 80 experiencing the highest median losses. The presentation covered multiple scam types including phone fraud, caller ID spoofing, phishing text messages, social media scams (which grew from $19 million in 2019 to $380 million in 2023), and tech support scams that stole $587.8 million from victims over 60 in 2022. Attorneys emphasized that many scams go unreported due to seniors' reluctance to admit victimization, and advised the audience to pause before responding to suspicious contacts, avoid clicking links, and
theguardian.com
· 2026-09-22
Fashion scams targeting online shoppers involve fake websites and marketplace listings offering nonexistent items or cheap counterfeits, often using pressure tactics around limited-time deals and scarcity to rush buyers into purchases. Scammers create increasingly sophisticated replicas of legitimate retailer sites and use stolen product images with professional-sounding descriptions, with victims either receiving inferior dupes or nothing at all. The article provides guidance on spotting these frauds, including checking for red flags like suspicious URLs, broken links, reverse image searching products, and verifying seller legitimacy through independent reviews.
pymnts.com
· 2026-09-22
In July 2026, 21% of consumers reported being scam victims in the past five years, with romance scams rising 22% and identity theft remaining the costliest at an average loss of $6,050, though travel scams top individual losses at $35,272 per victim. Scammers are shifting tactics, increasing SMS/text contact by 35% while reducing emails, and tailoring approaches by generation—Gen Z faces more text and social media scams while seniors are targeted through fraudulent links and fake ecommerce schemes. Millennials and Gen Z experience the highest victimization rates at 26% and 24% respectively, with these younger generations accounting for an estimated $314
amac.us
· 2026-09-22
Social media scams exploit trusted platforms and personal details shared online to deceive users into sending money, revealing personal information, or downloading malware, with older adults facing heightened risk due to unfamiliarity with newer tactics and accumulated savings. Common scams include impersonation schemes like the "grandparent scam," where fraudsters pose as family members in distress requesting urgent money, and fake product offers within trusted community groups. Users can protect themselves by creating strong, unique passwords, being cautious about what personal details they share online, and verifying requests through independent contact with known family members or organizations.
impactpr.co.nz
· 2026-09-20
New Zealand consumers and businesses are being warned about AI search scams where ChatGPT and similar tools direct users to unsafe websites including fake online stores, cryptocurrency scams, and malicious sites, despite users trusting AI recommendations more than unsolicited messages. Cybersecurity researchers found that AI-generated links may appear credible within legitimate-looking responses, and criminals exploit this by using fake login pages to steal business credentials, potentially leading to financial theft through intercepted payment communications. The threat is escalating as AI also helps attackers develop exploits faster, reducing the window for businesses to patch security vulnerabilities from 771 days in 2018 to zero days by 2026.
1075thefan.com
· 2026-09-18
Imposter scams cost Americans $3.5 billion in 2025, with victims often receiving no reimbursement because fraudulent transfers are legally authorized even when obtained through deception. Unlike many countries, the U.S. has no federal mandate requiring banks to refund scam victims, though regulatory pressure, lawsuits (including against Zelle, which lost over $1 billion to fraud between 2017-2023), and voluntary bank policy changes are gradually shifting the industry toward better consumer protection.
fox40.com
· 2026-09-17
A family in Placer County was defrauded of $12,000 after purchasing a stolen vehicle from three brothers—Gabi, Ionut, and Marius Tanase—who operated a vehicle scam scheme in May. The scam involved the suspects posing as buyers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, then tampering with vehicles by adding oil to create false mechanical problems during test drives. The brothers pleaded guilty to vehicle fraud and elder fraud charges, and authorities recovered the $12,000 and returned it to the victims along with seizing $33,000 in additional evidence.
ibtimes.co.uk
· 2026-09-17
OpenAI and AARP launched a free AI training program in September 2025 to teach 1,000 older adults across 10 US communities how to use ChatGPT to identify scams and suspicious messages. The initiative addresses a critical problem: Americans aged 60 and over filed 201,266 fraud complaints in 2025, resulting in $7.748 billion in losses—a 59% increase from 2024, with investment scams alone accounting for over $3.5 billion. The workshops teach older adults to recognize warning signs in suspicious communications such as urgent language, demands for secrecy, and suspicious links, while emphasizing that ChatGPT should be combined
theverge.com
· 2026-09-16
Thousands of users, mostly men in their mid-to-late 30s, were catfished on a network of approximately 28 fraudulent dating apps that used AI personas and hired gig workers to impersonate real women seeking connections. The scam, uncovered by Anthropic researchers, involved AI chatbots generating most conversations while occasional interactions with real paid workers created false credibility, with the apps falsely marketed as platforms for meeting genuine people. While the specific financial losses were not detailed in the available reporting, the scheme represented an industrial-scale operation using multiple AI providers to deceive users over an extended period.
prevention.com
· 2026-09-15
Approximately 73% of U.S. adults have been targeted by online scams, with email phishing being a primary attack method, according to Pew Research Center data. Common email scam tactics include impersonating government agencies or legitimate companies, using suspicious sender addresses, creating artificial urgency, requesting personal or financial information, and employing spelling errors or AI-generated text that appears robotic or overly formal. The FTC and CISA recommend carefully scrutinizing unexpected emails for red flags such as generic greetings, requests to claim prizes or refunds, and threats of account closure or action consequences.
bitcoinke.io
· 2026-09-14
The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Xinbi Guarantee, a Chinese-language cryptocurrency marketplace that processed over $24 billion since 2022 and served as a financial hub for cyber scams, fraud, and money laundering involving networks linked to North Korean hackers and other sanctioned criminal groups. The Justice Department seized Xinbi's Telegram infrastructure and restrained over $52 million in cryptocurrency across multiple wallets. The marketplace operated as an escrow platform connecting scam operators with vendors offering money laundering services, including "Black U" launderers who converted stolen funds into stablecoins to obscure their criminal origins, particularly from pig butchering and romance scams.
techlicious.com
· 2026-09-14
Anthropic discovered that over 20 fake dating apps used its Claude AI chatbot to scam at least 25,000 people through AI-generated romantic personas, with 75% of profiles being bot-created and undisclosed to users. A China-based app studio operated the scheme using three AI personas per human worker, who exchanged 2.36 million messages over two weeks while users paid in-app coins for the deceptive interactions. The fraudulent apps employed tactics like fake profile visitors, phony likes, and pre-recorded videos, and deliberately showed clean versions to Apple and Google during app store approval before activating deceptive features.
tech.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-14
MetaMask is launching new security features including AI-powered scam detection, warnings for lookalike wallet addresses, and protections against investment and romance fraud to help users avoid sending cryptocurrency to scammers. The wallet provider is implementing contextual alerts and an "Added Protection" feature that automatically reverts transactions that don't match their previews, with priority support access for uncertain users. This comes as U.S. authorities recently seized over $25 million in cryptocurrency tied to investment and romance schemes that defrauded thousands across the U.S. and Canada.
tulsaflyer.org
· 2026-09-14
Senior citizens in the Tulsa area are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams, particularly on platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, with scammers often exploiting trusted relationships and legitimate legal tools such as power of attorney and guardianship. Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma warns that seniors, who hold the most wealth in the country, are the easiest demographic to victimize, though many scams are preventable. Seniors can contact Legal Aid free of charge at 1-888-534-5243 or the SPLASH helpline at 855-488-6814 for assistance and legal advice.
retailnews.asia
· 2026-09-13
Nearly half of all scam cases across six Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) remain unresolved, with 82% of victims recovering no money and only 10% achieving full reimbursement. Messaging applications account for 41% of fraudulent outreach, with AI-enabled schemes including deepfakes and voice cloning accelerating scams targeting investment, cryptocurrency, job opportunities, and fake e-commerce. The high fraud rates are causing consumers to abandon digital service providers at twice the rate of unaffected users, creating significant commercial losses for merchants and operators.
startupfortune.com
· 2026-09-13
The U.S. Department of Justice froze over $52 million in cryptocurrency held by Xinbi Guarantee, a major Telegram-based marketplace facilitating scams, money laundering, and human trafficking through custom fraud tools and services, with critical assistance from stablecoin issuer Tether which used its central control to blacklist wallets. Since 2022, Xinbi processed at least $24 billion in illicit transactions and represented the second-largest identified online marketplace for criminal activity, with vendors offering everything from fake investment websites to stolen personal data to pig butchering recruitment services. The case highlights the centralized power of stablecoins like USDT to freeze assets at the protocol level
crowdfundinsider.com
· 2026-09-12
The US Department of Justice credited Tether for helping disrupt Xinbi Guarantee, a Chinese-language cryptocurrency marketplace that allegedly facilitated fraud and money laundering, resulting in $52 million in frozen digital assets. Xinbi operated primarily on Telegram and connected scam operators with vendors providing money-laundering services, fake investment websites, and recruitment for overseas scam compounds, often involving "pig-butchering" romance and investment fraud schemes targeting US victims. Tether's ability to freeze tokens at the contract level enabled rapid action once investigators identified the wallets involved in the operation.
coingeek.com
· 2026-09-10
U.S. Bancorp launched its dollar-backed stablecoin (USBDC) on the Stellar network following a successful pilot cross-border payment transaction between North America and Europe, positioning it for institutional use cases in treasury operations and asset tokenization. Meanwhile, Circle acquired Singapore-based B2B payments firm Tazapay for $400 million in an all-stock deal to expand stablecoin payment infrastructure across Asia, where Tazapay already processes over $25 billion in annualized payment volume with approximately 60% involving stablecoins.
gulfnews.com
· 2026-09-10
US authorities are escalating efforts to combat scam operations based in Southeast Asia that steal billions of dollars annually from Americans, with the Treasury Department sanctioning Xinbi Guarantee, a Chinese-language financial platform that facilitated money laundering and cryptocurrency scams. American losses to Southeast Asia-based scams totaled at least $10 billion in 2024, with schemes including "pig-butchering" romance and investment frauds operated from Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos through transnational criminal networks. The crackdown involves coordinated Treasury sanctions, Justice Department infrastructure seizures, and a multi-agency Scam Centre Strike Force targeting criminal leaders, recruitment networks, and the financial infrastructure enabling these operations.
therecord.media
· 2026-09-10
Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network released a study analyzing over 33,000 cyber fraud reports filed between September 2023 and December 2025, revealing that approximately $12.7 billion was stolen from Americans through cryptocurrency investment scams involving overseas criminal organizations. The scams, which employ manipulative tactics like romantic deception and fake financial advice, disproportionately targeted victims who liquidated retirement accounts and took out loans to invest in fictitious digital asset schemes, with cryptocurrency firms detecting $5.5 billion and traditional banks detecting $6.4 billion in suspected fraud. The Treasury urged financial institutions to improve reporting and vigilance as scam activity rates increased nearly 11% monthly, with victims spanning
altcoinbuzz.io
· 2026-09-10
The U.S. Department of Justice restrained $52.8 million in cryptocurrency linked to Xinbi Guarantee, a Chinese-language illicit marketplace that facilitated scams, money laundering, and fraud operations generating at least $24 billion in transactions since 2022. The action included seizure of Xinbi's Telegram infrastructure, Treasury sanctions designating it as a transnational criminal organization, and freezing of 52 cryptocurrency wallets used by the marketplace and its vendors. Xinbi reportedly responded by converting approximately $2.8 million into USDD stablecoin to avoid centralized asset freezes, highlighting how blockchain analytics enabled authorities to target the financial infrastructure supporting industrialized online
vinnews.com
· 2026-09-09
Federal authorities shut down Xinbi Guarantee, a Chinese-language Telegram marketplace with over 650,000 users that sold tools and services to support "pig butchering" cryptocurrency fraud schemes, money laundering, and human trafficking operations targeting Americans. The enforcement action froze more than $52 million in cryptocurrency across multiple wallets and resulted in coordinated international operations that dismantled 13 scam compounds in Madagascar, arrested nearly 400 people, and seized over 3,200 devices. Americans lost $8.65 billion to cryptocurrency investment scams in 2025, with many operations relying on trafficked workers held in Southeast Asian compounds forced to run romance and investment cons.
cryptobriefing.com
· 2026-09-09
On September 9, 2026, the DOJ's Scam Center Strike Force froze approximately $52 million in cryptocurrency laundered through Xinbi Guarantee, a Chinese-language Telegram marketplace for fraud infrastructure, while simultaneously dismantling 13 scam compounds in Madagascar operated by traffickers running "pig butchering" schemes. The operation resulted in 400-500 arrests and involved forced labor victims coerced into executing fraud scripts after being trafficked under false employment promises. The restraint represents part of the Strike Force's ongoing efforts, which have accumulated $938 million in frozen or seized scam-related assets since its launch in November 2025.
therecord.media
· 2026-09-09
The U.S. government disrupted Xinbi Guarantee, a Chinese-language Telegram marketplace that processed at least $24 billion in illicit transactions facilitating cyber scams, money laundering, and human trafficking. The Treasury Department sanctioned the platform and two supporting businesses while seizing $52.8 million from 52 wallets connected to the marketplace, which offered crime-as-a-service vendors tools ranging from stolen data to deepfake technology. The action represents a major blow to Southeast Asian cybercriminal networks, though authorities expect the platform may attempt to rebuild on alternative blockchain systems.
finance.biggo.com
· 2026-09-09
Tether froze approximately $39.3 million in USDT across 10 Tron addresses linked to Xinbi Guarantee, a Chinese-language escrow platform that has processed billions in transactions tied to pig-butchering scams and stolen funds, on September 8. The action mirrors Tether's previous enforcement against similar illicit platforms like Huione Guarantee and comes as regulatory pressure intensifies, including a UK asset freeze imposed on Xinbi in March. Despite these enforcement efforts, Xinbi has demonstrated resilience, processing an estimated $17.9 billion in total volume since its launch, making the frozen funds represent less than one percent of its transaction history.
thehackernews.com
· 2026-09-09
The U.S. Department of Justice disrupted Xinbi Guarantee, an illicit Telegram-based marketplace that facilitated "pig butchering" romance scams and fraud services run by Chinese organized crime syndicates, freezing $52.8 million in cryptocurrency across 52 wallets. The Scam Center Strike Force deployed to Madagascar and dismantled 13 scam compounds, bringing the total amount of cryptocurrency restrained to approximately $938 million since the task force's inception. Xinbi, which has processed approximately $30 billion in illicit transactions since its inception around 2022, served as an intermediary for scammers to purchase services including fake investment websites, money laun
decrypt.co
· 2026-09-09
The U.S. Secret Service froze $52.8 million in cryptocurrency associated with Xinbi Guarantee, a Chinese-language Telegram marketplace that facilitates global scams by providing tools and escrow services for criminals. Since 2022, Xinbi has processed at least $24 billion in illicit transactions, including funds from "pig butchering" romance scams and money laundering operations, making it the second-largest criminal marketplace ever tracked. The Treasury designated Xinbi as a transnational criminal organization on September 9, 2026, with $12 million of the frozen funds seized outright by the Department of Justice.
foxbusiness.com
· 2026-09-09
Xinbi Guarantee, a Chinese-language online marketplace operating on Telegram, facilitated cryptocurrency investment scams targeting Americans by providing tools like fake investment websites and money laundering services to cybercriminals. U.S. authorities seized the platform and froze $52 million in cryptocurrency, with one Virginia resident losing $800,000 in such a scheme. The Treasury Department designated Xinbi a transnational criminal organization allegedly linked to North Korean hackers, effectively cutting it off from the U.S. financial system.
news5cleveland.com
· 2026-09-07
Experts warn that fall and winter months see a surge in fraud targeting seniors, holiday shoppers, and online buyers, with scammers particularly exploiting Medicare open enrollment in October and romance scams around the holidays. The FBI recommends consumers pause before purchasing and verify website addresses carefully, as legitimate-looking sites with slightly altered URLs are typically fraudulent. No specific dollar amounts or individual victims were mentioned in this warning about seasonal fraud trends.
news5cleveland.com
· 2026-09-07
During the "ber" months (September through December), fraudsters intensify scams targeting seniors and consumers, including Medicare impersonation schemes demanding fees or personal information during October's open enrollment period, romance scams on dating apps and social media that exploit lonely individuals and extract life savings, and holiday shopping phishing scams with fake storefronts using deceptive URLs. The FBI and Federal Trade Commission warn that romance scam victims often lose hundreds of thousands of dollars or their entire retirement savings, while fake online retailers capitalize on holiday discounts and seasonal deals that appear legitimate but never deliver purchased goods.
coingabbar.com
· 2026-09-05
FinCEN identified approximately $12.7 billion in suspected digital asset scams operated by organized networks based in Southeast Asia, reviewing 33,904 Bank Secrecy Act filings from September 2023 to December 2025. The schemes primarily used fake identities and fraudulent investment platforms to deceive victims of all ages through romance baiting and pig butchering tactics, with stolen funds laundered through money mules, stablecoin transfers, and overseas exchanges. Victims were found across nearly every U.S. state and territory, prompting FinCEN to alert banks to monitor suspicious activity and coordinate with international financial intelligence units to intercept fraudulent transfers.
cryptotimes.io
· 2026-09-04
The US Treasury's FinCEN identified nearly $13 billion in suspected illicit activity linked to "pig butchering" cryptocurrency investment scams operated by transnational criminal organizations based in Southeast Asia, based on analysis of 33,904 suspicious transaction reports filed between September 2023 and December 2025. These scams use fake personas and social engineering to deceive victims across all US states into fraudulent crypto investments, with proceeds laundered through money mules, shell companies, and stablecoin transfers to offshore exchanges. FinCEN is urging financial institutions to report suspicious transactions and notes that many scam operations in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos employ trafficked workers coerced into
hutchpost.com
· 2026-09-04
Financial scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated using artificial intelligence, caller ID spoofing, and impersonation tactics targeting people of all ages in Hutchinson, Kansas. Common schemes include impersonation of law enforcement, courts, and government agencies claiming warrants or injuries to create urgency and pressure victims into sending money or sharing personal information. Hutchinson Police Detective Pearson Schrag advises residents to slow down, verify caller information independently, and avoid providing personal details to unsolicited callers, with victims encouraged to contact their financial institutions and law enforcement immediately if money is stolen.
waff.com
· 2026-09-03
The Better Business Bureau and Madison County medical experts are warning consumers about a surge in online GLP-1 weight loss drug scams, which have generated 170 reports nationally since January, often involving fake pharmacies, deepfake celebrity endorsements, and unauthorized subscription charges exceeding $600. Scammers exploit high demand for these medications by offering counterfeit or diluted products through realistic fake storefronts, putting victims at risk of financial loss, severe infections, and ineffective treatment due to lack of legitimate medical oversight. Red flags include suspiciously low prices (under $100/month), requests for wire transfers or Cash App payments, and any offers bypassing prescription requirements and clinical screening.
sg.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-02
Malwarebytes research reveals that scammers tailor attacks to specific platforms, with toll and romance scams favoring text/email and social media respectively, while MrBeast is the most impersonated person and Google the most impersonated brand. Peak scam text volume occurs at noon ET on Fridays, with roughly 50% more fraudulent texts sent by week's end compared to Sunday. The study analyzed over 20 scam types and found that one in five flagged sessions poses high-risk threats potentially resulting in losses exceeding $1,000 or personal harm.
apnews.com
· 2026-09-02
An AP/FRONTLINE investigation reveals that scams have reached record levels in the U.S., with Americans reporting $15.9 billion in losses to the FTC in 2024 (a 25% increase from 2023), though actual losses are estimated near $200 billion annually. The investigation interviewed 58 victims aged 32 to 90 who lost amounts ranging from several thousand dollars to $4 million in various scams including romance scams and cryptocurrency fraud, yet found that victims have little recourse and often face additional hardships such as tax penalties and bank account closures. Unlike the U.K., EU, and Australia, the U.S. provides minimal consumer protections,
messenger-inquirer.com
· 2026-09-02
An AP/FRONTLINE investigation found that scam victims in the U.S. have little legal recourse despite record losses of $15.9 billion reported to the FTC in 2024, with actual losses estimated near $200 billion annually. The 58 victims interviewed, ranging from ages 32 to 90 and losing thousands to $4 million each, faced additional hardships including tax penalties, frozen bank accounts, and denied liability claims, while the U.S. lags significantly behind countries like the UK, EU, Australia, and Singapore in consumer protections and mandatory bank reimbursements. Key barriers to victim recovery include provisions eliminating personal fraud loss tax deductions, limited bank accountability
nvdaily.com
· 2026-09-02
An AP/FRONTLINE investigation found that despite record scam losses of $15.9 billion reported to the FTC in 2024 (with estimates suggesting actual losses near $200 billion), victims have little legal recourse and often face additional hardships including tax penalties, frozen bank accounts, and limited reimbursement protections compared to other developed nations. The 58 victims interviewed ranged from ages 32 to 90, lost thousands to $4 million each, and some experienced severe psychological trauma; notably, only one victim recovered funds from her bank. The U.S. lags significantly behind countries like the United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, and Singapore in consumer protections, as American
dailygazette.com
· 2026-09-02
An AP/FRONTLINE investigation reveals that despite record fraud losses of $15.9 billion reported to the FTC in 2024 (with actual losses estimated near $200 billion), American scam victims have little recourse and often face additional hardships including tax penalties, frozen bank accounts, and bank liability denials. The 58 victims interviewed lost between several thousand to $4 million each, with ages ranging from 32 to 90, and only one recovered funds; the U.S. lags significantly behind countries like the UK, EU, Australia, and Singapore, which have implemented stronger consumer protections and financial institution liability for scam-related losses.
hamiltonnews.com
· 2026-09-02
Americans lost a record $15.9 billion to scams in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year, with the FTC estimating actual losses could reach $200 billion, affecting nearly all demographics from IT professionals to retirees. An AP/FRONTLINE investigation of 58 victims found that scam survivors face additional hardships including tax penalties on stolen funds, bank account freezes, and limited legal recourse, while the U.S. lags significantly behind countries like the UK, EU, Australia, and Singapore in consumer protections and financial institution accountability. Romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and phishing schemes have proliferated due to weak regulations and minimal bank liability for authorized transactions,
wral.com
· 2026-09-02
An AP/FRONTLINE investigation found that Americans lost a record $15.9 billion to scams in 2024 (with FTC estimates of actual losses near $200 billion), affecting people across all demographics from ages 32 to 90, yet victims have little legal recourse and often face additional hardships including tax penalties, frozen bank accounts, and denied reimbursements. Unlike the United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, and Singapore, the U.S. provides minimal consumer protections, leaves financial institutions largely unaccountable, and lacks safeguards around cryptocurrency transfers that enable scammers to hide stolen funds.
foxnews.com
· 2026-08-31
A Chrome extension called "Enable Right Click & Copy - Smart Unlock + OCR" with approximately 70,000 users was compromised by threat actors and used to deliver fake browser update warnings and malicious payloads, including credential theft and cryptocurrency wallet draining. The malicious extension was part of a larger campaign involving 19 Chrome and Edge extensions and was delisted from the Chrome Web Store on August 14 after security researchers flagged it as dangerous. Users are advised to avoid suspicious update pop-ups and instead update Chrome through the browser's built-in update feature rather than clicking on web-based alerts.
bankinfosecurity.com
· 2026-08-27
Australia's new Scams Prevention Framework, taking effect in March 2027, contains significant regulatory gaps that leave scammers largely unpunished while banks face penalties up to $52.7 million per violation. Dating apps, digital wallets, crypto exchanges, and non-bank payment providers are excluded from the framework, allowing romance scams and cryptocurrency investment scams to proliferate unchecked—with crypto scams up 30% year-over-year—while liability and reimbursement mechanisms across these unregulated platforms remain undefined. Despite industry warnings and multiple requests for clarification, the Australian Treasury has shown no indication of revising the exclusions or providing guidance on how victims will recover funds once scams cross
moaa.org
· 2026-08-26
Over 201,000 Americans age 60 and older lost approximately $7.7 billion to cyber-enabled crimes in 2025, with an average loss of $38,000 per victim and military retirees accounting for over half a billion dollars in fraud losses. Scammers increasingly target older adults through impostor schemes, romance fraud, and tech-support scams, exploiting vulnerabilities including loneliness, financial assets, unfamiliarity with technology, and cognitive decline, with artificial intelligence tools making these scams more sophisticated and effective. The FBI reported a 37% spike in complaints from 2024 to 2025, though experts believe actual losses are significantly higher due to underre
merrillfotonews.com
· 2026-08-25
During back-to-school season, scammers target both general consumers and college students through fake online ads, phishing schemes, and textbook scams. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection advises shoppers to verify website URLs, use credit cards for online purchases, check for inconsistencies in emails, and avoid acting on urgent offers without verification. No specific dollar amounts of losses were reported in this advisory article.
premierchristianity.com
· 2026-08-25
A data breach at Beacon CRM compromised personal information of donors and volunteers from over six Christian charities, including names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, and donation records. The breach is particularly concerning because scammers can now target high-value donors with tailored fraud schemes after purchasing the stolen data on the dark web. Fraud experts advise affected individuals to remain vigilant against targeted scams and to verify contact from banks or authorities by independently calling official numbers rather than using contact information provided by callers.
radioiowa.com
· 2026-08-24
Fake employment scams are targeting Iowa college students and young adults, with con artists requesting bank account and routing numbers under the guise of job payments to steal money and identities. Scammers are increasingly using social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram to find victims, with employment scams now ranking as the second most common fraud type. The Better Business Bureau advises job seekers to research employers thoroughly and protect personal financial information, as young adults are particularly vulnerable due to inexperience.
zinc96.com.au
· 2026-08-24
Young Australians, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are increasingly targeted by scammers due to their high volume of online financial activities including early investing, side hustles, frequent online shopping, and use of AI for financial advice, creating multiple touchpoints for fraud. While younger generations are digitally confident, this comfort can breed complacency and make them vulnerable to scams designed to blend into everyday digital interactions. Experts recommend slowing down and returning to basic security practices to protect against fraud.
startsat60.com
· 2026-08-24
Approximately 4.9 million Australians (23% of those surveyed) reported losing money to scams, with online shopping fraud being the most common type affecting an estimated 2.1 million people through fake retailers and fraudulent websites. Other prevalent scams include cryptocurrency fraud (5%), investment/property scams (4%), and romance, impersonation, and insurance scams (3% each), with Australians reporting over $2.18 billion in combined losses across 481,000 scam reports in 2025. Even financial experts are vulnerable to these increasingly sophisticated scams that exploit trust, emotion, and artificial urgency to manipulate victims into acting without proper verification.
sarawaktribune.com
· 2026-08-24
Sarawak has experienced a surge in sophisticated financial scams powered by artificial intelligence and social engineering, with commercial crime cases rising 41.79% to 2,134 cases in the first five months of 2024, resulting in losses exceeding RM71 million. Recent victims include a Kuching woman who lost RM145,247 to a fake job offer, a Miri man who lost RM367,300 to a fraudulent investment scheme, and another individual who lost RM287,000 to a fake stock investment scam. Nationally, Malaysians lost RM2.8 billion to financial scams in 2024, with experts warning that AI-enabled
anz.com.au
· 2026-08-23
Between October 2025 and June 2026, ANZ customer scam losses decreased by 24% compared to the previous year, while the bank prevented and recovered over $100 million in scam and fraud-related funds. Despite the reduction, scammers continue to evolve their tactics, with Goods and Services scams, Impersonation, Investment, Romance and Friendship, and Bank Impersonation scams remaining the most common types targeting ANZ customers. ANZ's First Responders team resolved 94% of scam-related calls at first contact and handled nearly 170,000 calls during the period, while over 476,000 payments were abandoned after Confirmation of
nationaltribune.com.au
· 2026-08-23
Between October 2025 and June 2026, ANZ customer scam losses fell by 24 percent while the bank prevented and recovered over $100 million in scam-related funds, demonstrating the effectiveness of their prevention and detection investments. The most common scams affecting ANZ customers were goods and services scams, followed by impersonation, investment, romance, and bank impersonation schemes. ANZ's First Responders team resolved 94 percent of scam-related calls at first contact and processed nearly 170,000 calls during the period.
salon.com
· 2026-08-22
Columbia House, a mail-order music club that closed in 2024, operated a negative-option billing scam where customers agreed to buy products at full price after receiving 8-12 CDs for a penny, with automatic charges if they failed to return rejection forms each month. The company faced widespread complaints for allegedly ignoring payments, manipulating purchase thresholds, and making subscriptions difficult to cancel, while also underpaying artists through reduced royalties. Despite its unethical practices that made it notorious for customer service abuses, Columbia House attracted nostalgic social media tributes upon closure, with the scam now seeming quaint compared to modern fraud schemes.
thestar.com.my
· 2026-08-22
A Malaysian immigration operation arrested 21 people involved in a syndicate that smuggled blacklisted Chinese nationals into the country and operated online love scams and counterfeit goods fraud schemes from luxury homes. The syndicate used fake passports, social media platforms, and targeted overseas victims with prepared scripts, generating approximately US$50,000 (RM202,275) since early 2024. Authorities seized 28 Chinese passports, 40 mobile phones, 11 computers, and RM4,800 in cash during raids at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and a residential property in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.
thevibes.com
· 2026-08-21
Malaysian authorities arrested 21 people, including four suspected masterminds, in a crackdown on an online romance scam syndicate operating from a luxury residence near Kuala Lumpur that targeted victims overseas. The operation uncovered the scam ring had generated approximately US$50,000 (RM202,280) since early 2026 by using Telegram and WhatsApp to deceive victims through romance scams and counterfeit goods sales, with members paid commissions based on successful deceptions. The arrests also revealed the syndicate had been smuggling blacklisted foreign nationals into Malaysia using altered passports and recruited them as scammers.
moneymag.com.au
· 2026-08-19
In the first half of 2026, Australians reported $157 million in scam-related losses across 91,767 reports, down from $210 million the previous year, according to the National Anti-Scam Centre. Scammers are increasingly exploiting emotions like loneliness, greed, and impatience while using new technologies like AI to create more convincing messages, and they're adapting tactics to target Australians during vulnerable times such as tax season and periods of high online shopping activity. Common current scams include fake delivery notifications designed to steal login credentials and impersonation schemes where scammers pose as trusted organizations or family members to extract money or personal information.
wgnsradio.com
· 2026-08-19
Investment and cryptocurrency fraud remains the highest-risk scam category with a median loss of $5,000, followed by employment scams ($1,000 median loss) and online purchase scams, according to the BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report. While overall scam susceptibility dropped 10% and monetary losses decreased 28%, scammers continue exploiting digital payment platforms, social media, and text messaging to target consumers, particularly those aged 25-34 and 65 and older. The report highlights PayPal as the most impersonated brand and recommends using prepaid cards or isolated payment portals to protect primary bank accounts.
wilx.com
· 2026-08-19
Facebook Marketplace sellers are targeted by scammers who fake payment through apps like Venmo and Zelle, claiming the money was sent but requesting the seller pay hundreds of dollars to "upgrade" their account to receive it. The scammers send fake emails impersonating payment services, and any money the seller sends back is real money stolen from their account, while the original payment never existed. Sellers should verify payments directly through official apps, check buyer profiles for red flags, and never send money to receive money from buyers.
wrcbtv.com
· 2026-08-17
The Better Business Bureau reports that employment scams top the list for ages 18-34, while investment and cryptocurrency scams lead for those 35 and older, with romance and online shopping scams also prevalent among seniors. Social media and unsolicited text messages are common vectors for these scams, with cryptocurrency elements increasingly appearing in employment fraud schemes. Additionally, the BBB warns of test-prep material scams targeting families back-to-school shopping, with one local resident reporting being charged $250 upfront by a company that refused to cancel the unauthorized transaction.
forbes.com
· 2026-08-16
Anthropic's introduction of watermarks in Claude AI-generated text has sparked a surge of fraudulent watermark removal apps that exploit users seeking to remove these digital signatures. Scammers are making false claims about these apps' capabilities and some contain malware, capitalizing on the high demand from people wanting to hide AI-generated content. The problem is expected to escalate as more AI providers adopt watermarking, creating additional opportunities for deceptive practices and scams targeting unsuspecting users.
osagenews.org
· 2026-08-16
Osage County and Osage Nation officials are warning residents about hundreds of electronic scams reported between 2021 and 2025, including government imposter scams, online shopping fraud, lottery scams, and romance schemes. Sheriff Bart Perrier reports frequent calls from residents impersonating deputies demanding payment for missed jury duty, while Police Chief Nicholas Williams documented a particularly devastating romance scam involving an Osage elder who lost all his financial resources before his death. Both agencies are conducting public outreach to educate residents that legitimate officials never request payments or personal information by phone, text, or email.
cnet.com
· 2026-08-16
Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated emails to target authors and other professionals with personalized phishing messages that impersonate legitimate book clubs, services, and authority figures, exploiting natural language processing to bypass spam filters by personalizing content and delaying suspicious requests until victims are invested. AI-powered scams have made fraud more efficient and convincing through deepfakes, multi-step attacks using legitimate platforms, and social engineering tactics that exploit trust and urgency, potentially leading to financial loss, identity theft, and extortion. Experts recommend pausing before clicking links or sharing information and confirming the legitimacy of senders, as these AI scams are harder to detect than traditional fraud attempts.
realnewsmagazine.net
· 2026-08-14
The EFCC chairman warned Nigerian youth against internet fraud during a church conference in Port Harcourt, explaining that such crimes include romance scams, fake investments, identity theft, and cryptocurrency fraud. He cautioned that perpetrators face arrest, prosecution, imprisonment, and asset forfeiture, attributing youth involvement to peer pressure and desire for quick wealth. The EFCC official urged young people to develop marketable skills, seek mentors with integrity, and use technology to create value rather than deceive others.
en.ilsole24ore.com
· 2026-08-13
As e-commerce shopping in Europe grows, online fraud has surged dramatically, with approximately 45% of EU consumers falling victim to scams in 2024. In Italy alone, documented losses in the first half of 2024 reached 114 million euros—a 71% increase year-over-year—with one in five Italians victimized by online shopping fraud. Scams typically employ fake shops, fake reviews (cited by 66% of victims), and unrealistic discounts to lure consumers, then defraud them through non-delivery, counterfeit goods, payment credential theft, or refused refunds.
newsbreak.com
· 2026-08-11
Scammers are targeting retirees with an "overpayment" scheme where they deposit fake checks or funds that initially appear in victims' accounts, then request the "excess" be returned via untraceable methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. The fake deposits bounce days later after victims have already sent real money back, leaving them with depleted savings accounts. The Federal Trade Commission warns this scam is particularly effective because it disarms suspicion by framing the request as an honest mistake requiring a small favor rather than a threatening demand.
turnto23.com
· 2026-08-10
Bakersfield residents are experiencing multiple scams, with investment fraud being the costliest, involving scammers building trust via text or social media before directing victims to fake cryptocurrency or gold trading platforms. Online purchase scams featuring counterfeit products and home improvement upfront payment schemes are also prevalent and taking significant amounts of money. The Better Business Bureau advises checking businesses at bbb.org, avoiding urgent links, and being wary of high-pressure sales tactics demanding immediate payment.
mbiz.heraldcorp.com
· 2026-08-09
A business owner fell victim to a "no-show scam" after receiving a call from someone impersonating a city hall employee requesting he purchase vehicle radios and wire payment to a designated account; the promised commission never materialized. No-show scams, where fraudsters impersonate government or public institution officials to pressure victims into proxy purchases, have surged dramatically, with 1,376 cases reported in South Korea between June and October, representing 37% of all phishing fraud reported during that period. The government warns that legitimate public institution employees never solicit contracts or financial transactions via personal mobile phones.
coingeek.com
· 2026-08-06
A Hong Kong insurance agent lost HK$26 million ($3.3 million) in a "pig butchering" romance scam involving a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment app, after a man posing as a car trader built trust with her over six months and promised returns exceeding 800% before disappearing when she requested a withdrawal. Hong Kong police reported 25 investment scam cases involving online dating in a single week with total losses approaching HK$70 million ($8.9 million), warning that even financially experienced individuals are vulnerable to these schemes that use fake digital asset platforms to facilitate fraud.
nbcchicago.com
· 2026-08-06
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to be cautious of fraudulent QR codes, which scammers are placing over legitimate codes on parking meters, public transit, packages, and other public surfaces to steal credit card information and personal identity data. These fake QR codes direct users to malicious websites or counterfeit payment sites designed to capture financial and personal information. The BBB recommends avoiding scanning codes from unknown sources, unsolicited messages, or codes that appear tampered with.
ky3.com
· 2026-08-06
College students are frequent targets for scammers and identity thieves because many are managing finances independently for the first time and have clean credit records that fraudsters find attractive. A BBB Institute study found that people ages 18-24 reported higher median financial losses from scams than any other age group, making employment scams particularly risky for this demographic. The Better Business Bureau recommends students protect themselves by securing sensitive documents, monitoring financial accounts, researching companies before purchasing online, and using secure payment methods like credit cards.
aol.com
· 2026-08-05
This article provides safety tips from the Better Business Bureau on how parents can protect their children's personal information when sharing first-day-of-school photos on social media. Scammers can use details visible in photos—such as the child's name, age, grade, school name, house number, and location—to build profiles for identity theft and fraud. The BBB recommends keeping signage minimal, checking photo backgrounds for identifying information, adjusting privacy settings to limit sharing to trusted contacts only, and being cautious about social media friend requests.
wfxg.com
· 2026-08-04
Solid Rock Baptist Church and three partner churches are hosting a fraud prevention workshop on August 15, 2026, in Appling, Georgia, to educate seniors about common scams including impostor fraud, online shopping scams, and cryptocurrency investment schemes. Presenters from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, AARP, and other agencies will discuss how scams have escalated dramatically—government impostor scams alone increased from $171 million in losses in 2023 to $789 million in 2024—and how emerging AI technology is making fraudulent schemes harder to detect. The workshop aims to help community members protect themselves and their families from scammers who target seniors' life savings.
yahoo.com
· 2026-08-04
Americans lost a record $16 billion to fraud in 2025, a 25% increase from the previous year, with imposter scams being the most reported category, generating $3.5 billion in losses as scammers impersonate police officers, bank employees, and government officials to create urgency and fear. Illinois reported over $535 million in losses from 5,436 internet-crime complaints in Iowa, while Davenport police warn that legitimate law enforcement never demands payment via phone, gift cards, or cryptocurrency and encourage victims to report crimes despite potential embarrassment.
kdsm17.com
· 2026-08-02
Young people aged 13-28 are targeted by scammers who exploit their heavy social media use through fake product ads at unrealistic prices, counterfeit giveaways, and personality quizzes designed to steal personal and financial information. Additional threats include fake online storefronts with poor quality photos and vague policies that trick users into sharing payment information. Parents should teach children to verify URLs, avoid clicking suspicious links, and only shop on trusted, verified websites.
gulfcoastnewsnow.com
· 2026-07-30
"Pig butchering" scammers build fake romantic relationships over weeks or months to gain victims' trust before directing them to invest in cryptocurrency, often through fake websites or digital wallets where the money becomes inaccessible. The scam targets people via texts, dating apps, and social media, with warning signs including constant availability, rapid declarations of love, and quick introduction of investment opportunities. Digital forensics experts report that victims recover their money in fewer than 10% of cases.
abc-7.com
· 2026-07-30
"Pig butchering" scams involve criminals building fake romantic relationships through texts, dating apps, and social media over weeks or months before convincing victims to invest in cryptocurrency, often directing them to fraudulent websites where their money becomes inaccessible. Red flags include constant availability, quick declarations of love, and sudden investment proposals, with digital forensics experts noting that victims recover their stolen funds in fewer than 10% of cases. Victims are advised to document all cryptocurrency transactions and file complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
ppc.land
· 2026-07-30
HUMAN Security research reveals that AI-powered phone farms have dramatically lowered the barrier to entry for large-scale scams, with threat actors able to launch romance scams, investment fraud, and fake-account campaigns for as little as $5,000 upfront or rent 25 virtual phones for approximately $2,970 monthly. The "FunFoneFarm" ecosystem combines cheap secondhand phone circuit boards, orchestration software like Auto.js, and AI tools to create fleets that mimic human behavior and evade platform detection. This technological infrastructure enables fraudsters to capitalize on an estimated $27.8 billion lost annually to romance and investment scams.
miningjournal.net
· 2026-07-29
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection warned consumers about back-to-school scams targeting students and shoppers during peak shopping season, including online shopping fraud, fake discount ads, textbook scams, and phishing schemes. The agency recommended verifying website URLs, using credit cards for online purchases, shopping only on trusted platforms, and avoiding urgency-driven offers that seem too good to be true. No specific dollar amounts or individual victims were mentioned in the advisory.
wpbf.com
· 2026-07-29
"Pig butchering" scams target victims through social media, dating apps, and text messages, where scammers build trust over weeks or months before directing them to fake cryptocurrency investment schemes. Victims are guided to convert cash into cryptocurrency and deposit it into fraudulent digital wallets or fake investment websites, after which their money becomes inaccessible. Digital forensics experts warn that approximately 90% of victims never recover their funds, and advise reporting such scams to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
malwarebytes.com
· 2026-07-29
Cybersecurity researchers identified a network of over 120 fake Walmart domains designed to deceive shoppers with heavily discounted liquor (40-70% off) and steal their credit card information at checkout. The fraudulent sites mimic Walmart's branding and layout to exploit consumer trust in the familiar retailer name, with victims who enter card details facing the risk of financial compromise. The scam operates on a simple model using identical WordPress/WooCommerce templates with swapped contact information and fabricated business addresses across all domains.
markets.businessinsider.com
· 2026-07-28
HUMAN Security identified FunFoneFarm, a fraud-enabling ecosystem combining physical and virtual phone farms with AI-enhanced software that allows scammers to automate and scale common fraud schemes including pig-butchering, romance scams, and fake account creation. The hardware and software are sold through open and dark web marketplaces, with operators able to manage large numbers of devices through AI-assisted interfaces, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for fraudsters. The operation represents a growing threat in the "agentic era" where AI automation enables bad actors to conduct sophisticated scams at scale with minimal overhead.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-28
HUMAN Security identified FunFoneFarm, a fraud-enabling ecosystem that combines AI-enhanced management software with physical and virtual phone farms sold through dark web marketplaces, allowing threat actors to easily scale common scams including pig-butchering operations, romance scams, and fake account creation. The system lowers the barrier to entry for fraudsters by automating device management and victim engagement through natural language interfaces, enabling small numbers of operators to control large device fleets without requiring extensive teams or infrastructure. The technology demonstrates how AI agents can operate at greater scale and autonomy in the agentic era, making fraud schemes as accessible as paying an upfront hardware cost.
techcrunch.com
· 2026-07-28
Three users collectively lost $1.8 million after downloading a fraudulent cryptocurrency wallet app called Sparrow Wallet from Apple's App Store, with individual losses ranging from $120,000 to $875,000. The plaintiffs are suing Apple for negligence, arguing the company failed to adequately review apps despite marketing the App Store as secure and trustworthy, and citing previous complaints that Apple allowed fake Sparrow Wallet apps to remain on the platform. The lawsuit challenges Apple's core competitive argument that its tight control over the App Store makes it safer than competitors and requests a jury trial to recover lost funds and damages.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-28
Three users filed a lawsuit against Apple claiming they lost over $1.8 million after downloading a fraudulent crypto wallet app called Sparrow Wallet through the App Store, with individual losses of $875,000, $840,000, and $120,000. The plaintiffs allege Apple failed in its App Store review process by allowing the fake app to pass security screening, contradicting Apple's marketing claims that its platform offers superior safety compared to competitors. The lawsuit challenges Apple's primary competitive argument that its exclusive control over the App Store makes it inherently more secure than rival platforms.
dailypress.net
· 2026-07-28
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection warns consumers to be vigilant against back-to-school scams, which increase during this busy shopping season. Common scams include fraudulent online ads with steep discounts, fake websites mimicking legitimate retailers, textbook scams targeting college students, and phishing attempts. The agency recommends verifying website URLs, using credit cards for online purchases, avoiding suspicious social media ads, and pausing before responding to urgent offers that seem too good to be true.
record-bee.com
· 2026-07-28
In 2023, elder fraud targeting individuals aged 60 and older resulted in over $3.4 billion in losses, with the average victim losing $33,915, according to FBI data. More than 101,000 seniors reported scams to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, with investment scams being the costliest type at over $1.2 billion in losses, followed by tech support scams, romance scams, and government impersonation scams. The author shares her experience nearly falling for a fake Bill Gates video promoting fake Alzheimer's cure supplements, illustrating how professionally designed scams can deceive even cautious consumers.
it-online.co.za
· 2026-07-27
South Africa recorded the highest rate of suspected digital fraud in Africa, with 3% of consumer transactions flagged as potentially fraudulent and digital banking fraud surging 86% year-on-year with R1.9 billion in losses, driven by scams like SIM-swap fraud, investment schemes (including one that defrauded 2,000 South Africans of R492 million), and AI-enabled impersonation schemes operating on trusted social platforms. A third of fraud victims report the scams originated on legitimate e-commerce or social platforms rather than fake sites, with 46% encountering fraud first on social media, while 88% of South Africans believe they can spot scams
qz.com
· 2026-07-27
Facebook Marketplace has become a target for scammers using tactics like fake listings, fraudulent payments, identity theft, and impersonation schemes to exploit buyers and sellers. The article provides five expert-backed tips to reduce fraud risk: verify seller profiles for legitimacy, be wary of unusually low prices or rushed deals, stay within Facebook's messaging system and use secure payment methods, avoid overpayment refund scams and requests for sensitive information, and take precautions when meeting in person. Following these safety practices can help protect both money and personal information on the platform.
thestar.com.my
· 2026-07-26
Youth in Malaysia are increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated scams including fake job offers, phishing campaigns, romance scams, and money mule recruitment, with young adults aged 21-30 recording the highest number of telecommunications fraud victims at 8,789 individuals in 2025. Malaysians lost RM2.97 billion to scams last year, with criminals now using AI-generated deepfakes, voice cloning, and personalized messages to deceive victims. Experts emphasize the need for tailored cyber safety education teaching verification literacy, AI literacy, and privacy awareness to help youth recognize and resist these increasingly sophisticated threats.
cpapracticeadvisor.com
· 2026-07-24
In 2025, approximately 15 million Americans (6% of the population) lost about $68 billion to financial scams, with the median loss being $500 and nearly half of victims experiencing severe or moderate financial hardship. Scams disproportionately affected lower-income adults, people of color, and those without a bachelor's degree, with most scams originating through online purchases, phone calls, and social media. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact through these channels, verify requests before sharing personal information or money, and report suspected scams to authorities.
witn.com
· 2026-07-23
The Kinston Police Department held a fraud prevention forum for seniors after seeing an increase in scam attempts targeting older adults in their community. Common schemes include spoofed phone calls from fake bank representatives, romance scams, and marketplace fraud, with Americans 60 and older losing over $7.7 billion to fraud in 2025. Police advise seniors to verify requests before sharing personal information or money, avoid gift card payments, trust their instincts by hanging up on suspicious calls, and report scams within the first 72 hours when recovery is still possible.
chase.com
· 2026-07-23
Nearly 50% of scams reported to Chase in late 2025 originated on social media, affecting business owners through fake ads, spoofed websites, and marketplace schemes that can disrupt cash flow and operations. Scammers create urgency and build false trust through professional-looking profiles and offers before disappearing after receiving payment via Zelle or wire transfers. Business owners should be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, verify seller and buyer legitimacy before payment, and avoid sending money through untraceable payment methods to unknown or unverified recipients.
fox19.com
· 2026-07-17
Scammers have been exploiting Shopify's Shop app to send fake invoice notifications to users, tricking them into calling fraudster phone numbers to dispute charges they never made (such as fake Geek Squad subscriptions). While no money has actually been stolen, the scammers' goal is to get users on the phone where they can use social engineering tactics to steal personal financial information and computer access. To protect yourself, avoid calling any phone numbers listed in suspicious notifications and instead report the fake store directly within the Shop app.
thestar.com.my
· 2026-07-15
A 56-year-old housewife in Ipoh lost RM10,500 after scammers posing as customer service officers from an online shopping platform tricked her into providing access to her phone and bank details via a WhatsApp call claiming she had won a prize. The scammers used her credentials to make unauthorized charges—RM4,500 through a "pay later" account and RM6,000 through the platform's loan facility (which was set up as a 24-month repayment plan she never agreed to). Victims should be cautious of unsolicited calls claiming prize winnings, never grant remote access to their phones or share banking information, and immediately contact their bank and file police reports if they suspect fraud, as quick action may help freeze accounts and reverse unauthorized transactions.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-07-09
During summer sales season, scammers create fake online stores impersonating major brands like Samsung, Nike, and Amazon, using professional-looking websites, deep discounts, and fake urgency tactics to trick shoppers into purchasing counterfeit products or stealing their payment information. These fraudulent sites appear through social media ads, search results, and messaging apps, and scammers continuously register new domains to replace shut-down sites. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unusually steep discounts, verify retailer URLs directly on official websites rather than clicking ads, and watch out for pressure tactics like countdown timers and artificial scarcity claims.
dallasnews.com
· 2026-07-08
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create convincing fraud schemes, including cloned voices, fake websites, and realistic emails that impersonate banks and trusted companies—affecting an estimated 15 million U.S. adults who lost $68 billion to scams in 2025. To protect yourself, experts recommend slowing down before responding to unexpected money or personal information requests, verifying website URLs carefully, avoiding clicking links in unsolicited messages, being suspicious of urgent demands, and independently confirming the identity of callers claiming to be from companies or your personal contacts.
zelle.com
· 2026-07-08
Ticket scams occur when fraudsters sell fake or counterfeit tickets for sold-out or high-demand events, often pressuring buyers to pay through untraceable methods like Zelle that can't be refunded. To protect yourself, purchase tickets directly from venue box offices or authorized sellers, avoid suspiciously cheap deals, and be wary of sellers demanding direct payment methods. If you've already been scammed, contact your bank immediately using the official number on the back of your card or through your banking app.
forbes.com
· 2026-07-06
During a severe 2026 heatwave, scammers are using AI-powered tactics to defraud consumers desperately seeking air conditioners, creating fake retail websites and social media ads that mimic legitimate stores and rank high in search results. A particularly dangerous tactic involves falsely claiming a buyer's first credit card was declined to trick them into entering a second card, giving criminals access to multiple payment methods. Consumers should be cautious when shopping online for AC units, verify retailers are legitimate before purchasing, and use credit cards rather than debit cards for online transactions since credit cards offer better fraud protection.
yahoo.com
· 2026-07-05
Scammers are exploiting America's 250th anniversary by selling counterfeit merchandise, fake event tickets, and fraudulent charity campaigns primarily through social media and fake websites, according to a Better Business Bureau alert. The scams have affected consumers nationwide who are seeking anniversary-related products and experiences. To protect yourself, the BBB recommends buying only from verified retailers, verifying charities and rental listings before donating or booking, and using credit cards for purchases to have buyer protections.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-07-04
Social media platforms have become a major scam distribution channel, with 36% of users who encounter scams on these sites actually interacting with them, according to Bitdefender's 2026 report. Unlike suspicious emails, scams on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok blend seamlessly into feeds users trust for entertainment, making them more effective—particularly lifestyle scams focused on health, beauty, and entertainment that exceed 50% interaction rates. To stay safe, users should approach social media content with the same skepticism they apply to emails, verify influencer endorsements independently, and be cautious of promoted posts and lifestyle products that seem too good to be true.
americascreditunions.org
· 2026-07-02
A credit union employee in Ohio stopped a $9,000 scam targeting a member who was tricked by someone impersonating Apple and falsely claiming to be calling from a TruPartner branch in California. The employee's suspicion about the member's nervous behavior and vague answers led him to alert management, preventing the victim from losing money before the scammer realized they'd been discovered. With fraud losses reaching a record $15.9 billion in 2025, credit unions are scaling up prevention efforts, including awareness campaigns across New Mexico that encourage customers to stop, verify, and report suspicious requests.
news.gallup.com
· 2026-07-01
In 2025, approximately 15 million U.S. adults (6%) fell victim to scams, with an additional 4% having household members scammed, totaling about $68 billion in losses. Vulnerable populations—including those with lower incomes, less education, and Black and Hispanic Americans—face higher victimization rates, while the average loss per scam reached $5,578, with some reaching tens of thousands of dollars. To protect yourself, remain cautious with unfamiliar requests for money or personal information, verify identities through official channels, and report suspected scams to authorities and the Federal Trade Commission.
gallup.com
· 2026-07-01
A joint study by Stop Scams Alliance and Gallup found that scams affected millions of Americans in 2025, with online purchases, phone calls, and social media being the most common methods used by scammers. Beyond financial losses, victims reported significant emotional harm, with nearly three-quarters experiencing negative impacts on their mental health and wellbeing. The research reveals that many victims fail to report scams to federal authorities, and Americans are increasingly concerned about the growing threat of fraud.
statepress.com
· 2026-07-01
More than one in three Americans have fallen victim to online shopping scams, which range from fake copycat websites and apps mimicking trusted retailers to fraudulent social media ads on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. To protect yourself, watch for red flags such as deals that seem too good to be true, suspicious URLs, urgent messaging designed to rush your decision, and unverified sellers on auction sites like eBay and Poshmark. Before making any purchase, verify the company's legitimacy, check seller reviews and ratings, and take time to carefully examine the offer rather than clicking impulsively.
yahoo.com
· 2026-06-30
A fraud ring operating across Florida stole over $3.5 million from at least 40 victims, primarily elderly residents, by having scammers pose as government agents and then sending couriers to collect cash from victims' homes. The investigation led to the arrest of Xin Liu and others, with Liu receiving a federal prison sentence of just over two years for her role as a courier collecting money from victims. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited calls or visits from people claiming to represent government agencies like the FTC, and should verify such claims directly with official government agencies before sending money.
lancs.live
· 2026-06-30
Scammers are increasingly targeting travelers by compromising legitimate hotel booking accounts and sending fake payment requests through official-looking emails and chat messages, making these scams harder to detect. Travelers should be wary of unexpected payment requests from hotels, especially those arriving through email or in-app messages, and should verify any requests directly with the hotel through their official phone number or website rather than clicking links in suspicious communications. The scams have evolved beyond obvious fake websites to exploit people's trust in established travel platforms and verified communication channels.
legends1063.fm
· 2026-06-29
As the Fourth of July approaches, the Harrison Police Department warns of seasonal scams targeting holiday shoppers and travelers, including fake event tickets, vacation rentals, patriotic sales ads, and charity frauds requesting payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. People should verify events through official websites, book rentals only on trusted platforms, research charities independently, and be wary of anyone pressuring them for immediate payment through untraceable methods. If you suspect a scam, report it to local law enforcement rather than sending money to unknown parties.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-06-29
A sophisticated cryptocurrency scam targeting elderly Floridians resulted in losses exceeding $3.5 million from more than 40 victims, with scammers impersonating government officials (FTC and FBI) and pressuring victims to send cash immediately. A 79-year-old woman lost $200,000, and remarkably, the scammers called her back to arrange another pickup while police detectives were in her home—leading to an undercover sting that arrested multiple couriers involved in the scheme. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies, never send cash or cryptocurrency based on phone pressure, and contact police immediately if you suspect fraud rather than following the caller's instructions.
escudodigital.com
· 2026-06-29
With over 5.3 billion social media users worldwide, cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok through schemes such as fake giveaways, identity theft, fraudulent stores, and phishing messages—using social engineering tactics and AI-generated content to make scams more convincing. Anyone can fall victim to these scams, which spread rapidly across networks and often target personal data or financial information. To protect yourself, verify giveaways through official channels, never click links from unknown sources, check seller legitimacy before purchasing, and be cautious of messages claiming to be from social media platforms asking you to confirm account information.
yahoo.com
· 2026-06-27
Manatee County authorities uncovered a major elder fraud ring that stole over $3.5 million from at least 40 victims across Florida, with scammers posing as government officials to trick seniors into sending money. One courier, Xin Liu, was sentenced to over two years in federal prison after being caught collecting cash from victims at multiple locations. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls or visits from people claiming to represent government agencies, never send money to unknown parties, and contact local authorities if you suspect you're being targeted.
256today.com
· 2026-06-25
Social media scams cost Americans $2.1 billion last year, with fraudsters using fake investment schemes, phishing attacks disguised as party invitations, and counterfeit shopping ads to steal money and personal information across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited friend requests, investment promises offering "guaranteed" returns, and suspicious links in messages or texts—verify requests directly with contacts and use strong, unique passwords for your accounts.
wifr.com
· 2026-06-24
As Amazon Prime Days approach, the Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are creating fake websites and impersonating Amazon to target bargain hunters, with online shopping scams accounting for 30 percent of BBB complaints in 2025 and resulting in losses for nearly 90 percent of victims. Criminals created over 120,000 malicious websites ahead of major Amazon sales designed to steal passwords, financial information, and personal data, exploiting consumers' excitement about deals and sense of urgency. To protect yourself, shop directly through Amazon's official website or app, verify URLs carefully before entering payment information, and be suspicious of unsolicited messages or deals that seem too good to be true.
wbko.com
· 2026-06-23
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about online shopping scams during Amazon Prime Day, noting that Amazon is the most impersonated company by scammers and that one-third of scam reports in 2025 involved online shopping, with 90% resulting in financial losses. Common scams include fraudulent social media ads and fake emails claiming delivery or payment problems. To protect yourself, avoid paying with gift cards or wire transfers on unfamiliar websites, verify you're on legitimate sites before sharing personal information, use credit cards for purchases (which offer dispute protection), and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
cnet.com
· 2026-06-21
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to generate personalized, convincing emails and phishing campaigns that exploit urgency and trust—particularly targeting authors with fake book club offers, though the tactics affect people across all industries. These AI-powered scams can lead to stolen funds, identity theft, malware infections, and extortion, making them harder to spot than traditional scams. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited emails with suspicious praise or job offers, watch for red flags like all-caps text and generic personalization, verify organizations directly through official websites before clicking links, and never provide personal or financial information to unverified sources.
aol.com
· 2026-06-20
Young adults are increasingly targeted by scammers using fake job offers and investment schemes, particularly on platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and social media. Common tactics include requesting upfront fees or personal information for bogus jobs, using fake checks for "training costs," and promising unrealistic investment returns (especially in cryptocurrency), with employment scams accounting for 30% of reported fraud among 18-24 year-olds. To protect yourself, verify job offers directly through official company websites, never pay upfront fees for employment, be skeptical of promises of high returns, and avoid sending money or personal information to unverified sources.
staysafeonline.org
· 2026-06-17
Facebook Marketplace and similar online platforms are frequently targeted by scammers who use fake payment screenshots, overpayment schemes, and phishing links to defraud both buyers and sellers. To stay safe, be alert to red flags like requests to "upgrade" your account before receiving payment, refund requests for overpayments, and suspicious links—and simply stop communicating with anyone exhibiting these behaviors. Trust your instincts: if something feels off, don't send money or items, and verify any payments directly with your bank rather than relying on messages from the other party.
fijisun.com.fj
· 2026-06-14
Smartphones have become prime targets for cybercriminals because they now function as digital wallets, banks, and repositories of personal information, making them attractive entry points for attacks. The article warns that criminals exploit people's trust through deceptive text messages and fake websites designed to trick users into clicking malicious links or downloading harmful software. To protect yourself, be cautious about unsolicited messages claiming urgent action is needed, verify links before clicking, and avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources.
valdostatoday.com
· 2026-06-12
The IRS is warning seniors about a surge in financial fraud, with losses reaching $7.748 billion in 2025—a 59% increase from the previous year. Older adults are targeted through various schemes including government impersonation, fake investments, identity theft, and romance scams across phone calls, email, and social media. To protect themselves, seniors should verify any unexpected contact through official phone numbers and never send money via gift cards or wire transfers to unknown parties.
tech-ish.com
· 2026-06-12
Kenyan consumers lost significant money to digital fraud in 2025, with nearly 40% of reported losses coming from scams on legitimate shopping platforms where fraudsters pose as third-party sellers and disappear after taking payment. While Kenya's overall fraud rate (2.3%) is below the global average, victims here suffer the highest median losses in Africa at over 108,000 Kenyan shillings. Consumers should be cautious when buying from individual sellers on trusted platforms—verify seller credentials, use secure payment methods, and check reviews before completing transactions.
blog.google
· 2026-06-09
Global fraud losses reached an estimated $580 billion in 2025, with about one in five adults falling victim to scams, according to Google's latest fraud advisory. The most concerning threats include sophisticated phishing attacks like Adversary-in-the-Middle (AITM) and "Quishing" (QR code phishing) that can bypass multi-factor authentication, as well as scammers abusing trusted cloud services like Google Calendar and Docs to hide malicious content from security filters. To stay safe, users should be cautious of unexpected calendar invitations and document shares, verify login pages before entering credentials, and avoid clicking QR codes from untrusted sources.
wbaltv.com
· 2026-06-06
Scammers are impersonating parents seeking childcare services and sending fake checks for more than the agreed-upon amount, then requesting providers return the "overpayment" via wire transfer or payment app before the checks bounce. Childcare providers are being targeted through email, text, social media, and caregiving platforms, with scammers often claiming to be relocating and needing immediate care arrangements. To protect yourself, the FTC advises being suspicious of overpayment requests, waiting for checks to fully clear before sending any money, and reporting suspected scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
thestandard.com.hk
· 2026-06-01
A man in Hong Kong lost over HK$47,000 (approximately $6,000 USD) to ticket scammers on the marketplace app Carousell while trying to buy sold-out concert tickets, with police reporting nearly 70 similar scams in just one week totaling HK$1.3 million in losses. Scammers typically use fake payment links, request upfront deposits, or circulate counterfeit tickets and fake screenshots to trick buyers. To protect yourself, avoid clicking suspicious links, conduct face-to-face transactions when possible to verify tickets immediately, never share banking passwords or security codes via external links, and use verification tools like Scameter+ to check seller credentials before paying.
welivesecurity.com
· 2026-05-23
Scammers are creating fake FIFA and World Cup websites that mimic official ticket and merchandise platforms to steal money and personal data from eager soccer fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America. Victims are finding these fraudulent sites through sponsored search results, social media ads, and deceptive emails, often falling for them because they're impatient about securing tickets before they sell out. To protect yourself, verify you're on the official FIFA website by carefully checking the URL, avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or ads, and use trusted payment methods rather than direct bank transfers.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-21
A woman in Arizona lost nearly $10,000 after scammers impersonated law enforcement officials and convinced her she had missed jury duty and owed a fine. The fraudsters used real names of local judges and officers, created a false sense of urgency about potential arrest, and instructed her to withdraw cash and convert it to Bitcoin through an ATM to pay the supposed penalty. To protect yourself, be aware that legitimate courts never demand immediate payment via cryptocurrency or cash, and always verify official claims by independently contacting the actual government agency using publicly listed phone numbers rather than calling back the number provided by the caller.
stories.td.com
· 2026-05-21
Fraudsters are targeting ticket buyers by selling fake or invalid tickets on resale websites, exploiting fans' urgency and emotional desire to attend sold-out concerts and sporting events. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like suspiciously low prices, unfamiliar websites, and requests for unusual payment methods—and stick to verified resale platforms. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is, so take time to verify the seller's legitimacy before completing your purchase.
nltimes.nl
· 2026-05-19
Dutch police have warned that Meta's Facebook and Instagram platforms are failing to adequately prevent online shopping scams, with over half of the 535 fraudulent websites they've identified since June 2025 advertised on these platforms. Scammers lure consumers with fake storefronts offering steep discounts on well-known brands, and customers who make purchases receive nothing while their money is transferred to accounts abroad. Authorities advise consumers to be skeptical of unusually high discounts, verify they're on a legitimate website before purchasing, and exercise caution when clicking on shopping ads across social media platforms.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-05-17
Scammers are increasingly targeting Pinterest with fake ads impersonating Amazon clearance sales, redirecting users to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal information and credit card details. These coordinated scam campaigns exploit Pinterest's shopping-focused environment and the difficulty users have distinguishing ads from legitimate content, often using extreme discounts (90% off or more) to create urgency. To protect yourself, verify brand authenticity before clicking ads, avoid clicking on suspiciously steep discounts, and never enter payment information on unfamiliar websites—stick to official brand sites or established retailers instead.
Check/Cashier's Check
wbay.com
· 2026-05-14
College graduates entering the job market are increasingly targeted by scammers, particularly through fake job listings offering unrealistic high salaries and remote work, as well as moving scams during relocation—according to the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau. Job scams rank as the third most reported type of fraud, while moving scams commonly involve no-show movers, hidden fees, and overcharges. To protect themselves, graduates should be skeptical of offers that sound too good to be true and can use the Better Business Bureau's scam tracker tool to verify opportunities and report suspicious activity in their area.
livenowfox.com
· 2026-05-12
Financial scams targeting older Americans are increasing at an alarming rate, with Arizona reporting the highest number of fraud cases among residents age 60 and older at seven reports per 1,000 people, followed by Delaware and Colorado. Business imposter scams are the most common fraud type nationwide, though government imposter scams are more prevalent in six states including Alaska and Iowa. Experts warn that as digital banking and online payments become more common, older Americans should be vigilant about verifying the identity of anyone requesting financial information and consider reporting suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission.
waka.com
· 2026-05-07
Contrary to common assumptions, younger adults—particularly Gen Z and millennials—are actually more vulnerable to scams than seniors, with 43% of Gen Z and 39% of millennials engaging with scam attempts compared to just 14% of Baby Boomers. Younger people fall victim to scams tailored to their online behavior, including shopping scams (fake storefronts and deals), employment scams (fake job listings with training fees), romance scams, and deceptive text messages, while seniors are more targeted by tech support scams, imposter scams, and gift card demands. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages and job offers, verify web addresses carefully before clicking links, never give remote access to your computer to unknown parties, and remember that legitimate companies will never demand payment via gift cards.
ketv.com
· 2026-05-07
Americans lost $2.1 billion to scams on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp in 2025—eight times more than in 2020—with investment scams ($1.1 billion) and romance scams ($298 million) being the most costly, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Scammers use fake profiles, hacked accounts, and fraudulent ads across all age groups, though adults over 80 experienced increased losses. The FTC advises consumers to be cautious of unsolicited investment advice and romantic connections on social media, verify seller legitimacy before purchasing, and report suspicious activity, though the agency warns actual losses are likely much higher since many scams go unreported.
flagstaffbusinessnews.com
· 2026-05-07
The Better Business Bureau launched its Scam Survival Toolkit to help fraud victims recover, addressing the fact that many scam survivors never report their experiences due to embarrassment or uncertainty about next steps. The toolkit provides practical guidance on financial recovery, account security, and emotional healing, while also offering a scam prevention guide with warning signs to help people avoid future fraud. Those affected by scams are encouraged to report them through BBB Scam Tracker and seek support through the toolkit rather than suffering in silence.
theregister.com
· 2026-05-06
Romance fraudsters stole £102 million from UK victims in 2025, averaging £280,000 per day, with individual losses sometimes reaching £1 million, according to City of London Police figures. The scams disproportionately affected people aged 55-74, with criminals using fake social media profiles to build fake relationships before requesting money for invented emergencies or investments. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited online affection, requests to avoid video calls, sudden investment pitches, and always seek a second opinion from trusted friends or family before sending money to anyone you've only met online.
rte.ie
· 2026-05-01
Online purchase scams have become Ireland's most common form of fraud, accounting for nearly half of all fraud cases and reaching €160 million in reported losses in 2024—a 24.5% increase from the previous year. Scammers create fake websites mimicking legitimate Irish businesses and use AI-generated imagery, stolen content from real people (including Irish content creators), and social media advertising to trick shoppers into paying for goods that never arrive. To protect yourself, verify websites carefully before purchasing, check social media accounts for red flags, avoid clicking ads from unfamiliar brands, and use secure payment methods that offer fraud protection.
globaldatinginsights.com
· 2026-04-30
Americans lost a record $2.1 billion to scams originating on social media in 2025, with Facebook being the primary platform, according to the FTC. The most common scams involved fake shopping ads (40% of cases), investment fraud ($1.1 billion in losses), and romance scams that exploited trust to solicit money. To protect yourself, the FTC recommends limiting your personal information visibility, avoiding unsolicited investment advice from online contacts, and thoroughly researching products and sellers before making purchases.
rd.com
· 2026-04-30
Scammers are exploiting Google's sponsored advertising system to place fraudulent websites at the top of search results that appear legitimate, tricking users into clicking on fake sites impersonating trusted brands like American Airlines, department stores, and luxury retailers. These scams either sell counterfeit products or use phishing tactics to steal personal and credit card information for identity theft and account hacking. To protect yourself, verify website URLs carefully, avoid clicking sponsored links without checking the source, and use official apps or phone numbers directly from company websites rather than those found through search results.
au.pcmag.com
· 2026-04-29
Americans lost $2.1 billion to scams in 2025, with nearly 30% of fraud attempts originating on social media platforms—primarily Facebook ($745 million in losses), followed by Instagram and WhatsApp. The most common scams involve fake shopping sites where victims pay for products that never arrive or are counterfeit, investment schemes where fraudsters pose as advisors and show fake profits before disappearing, and romance scams that exploit emotional connections to request money. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities and shopping ads on social media, verify seller legitimacy before purchasing, and never send money to someone you haven't met in person, especially if they ask for help with financial emergencies or investment opportunities.
1440wrok.com
· 2026-04-23
During the first four months of 2026, the Rockford BBB reports that online purchase scams and identity theft are the top threats affecting residents across Northern Illinois and Chicago, with scammers using fake websites, suspicious text messages, and a "brushing" scheme (sending unsolicited packages to create fake verified buyer reviews) to compromise personal information. To protect yourself, avoid responding to vague text messages asking personal questions, be cautious of too-good-to-be-true online deals and social media ads, and monitor for suspicious packages arriving at your address that you didn't order.
wmur.com
· 2026-04-23
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to impersonate people, create fake videos, and target consumers with personalized fraud schemes, with the FTC reporting over $5 billion lost to investment scams alone, plus hundreds of millions more lost to job and shopping scams. Pastor Alan Beauchamp experienced this firsthand when his hacked Facebook account was used to create a deepfake video promoting cryptocurrency in his likeness. To protect yourself, experts recommend enabling two-factor authentication, ignoring unsolicited urgent requests via email or phone, verifying contact through official channels before responding, and never sharing passwords or personal information with unknown contacts.
bbc.com
· 2026-04-19
Romance scams have surged dramatically, with a woman named Kirsty losing £80,000 after being deceived by someone posing as a wealthy British businessman on a dating website who was actually a Nigerian scammer using sophisticated fake banking websites and voice disguisers. Romance scam reports rose 20% year-over-year in early 2025, with UK victims losing £106 million in 2024 alone, as scammers operate internationally across multiple countries and use money transfer services to hide stolen funds. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating matches who quickly ask for money, verify financial claims independently, avoid sending money to people you haven't met in person, and report suspicious activity to local police and your bank immediately.
wisn.com
· 2026-04-18
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology to create fake videos, voices, and impersonations to trick people into sending money, with consumers losing over $5 billion to investment scams and $750 million to job scams in recent years. Common schemes include fake bank calls, IRS emails, cryptocurrency promotions using deepfake videos, and fraudulent job listings where scammers ask for upfront equipment payments. To protect yourself, avoid responding to unsolicited communications via email, text, or phone calls, and verify requests directly with the organization using official contact information.
koat.com
· 2026-04-17
As people spring clean and sell items online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist, scammers are targeting sellers with fake profiles, overpayment schemes using bad checks, and attempts to move transactions off-app. To protect yourself, Consumer Reports recommends meeting buyers in public places with a friend, using cash instead of payment apps, avoiding oversized checks, and limiting personal information shared with buyers. If you fall victim to a scam, report it to your state Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to help protect others, even if you're unlikely to recover your money.
wesh.com
· 2026-04-17
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology to impersonate people through fake videos, voices, and photos in order to trick victims into sending money, with Americans losing a record $12.5 billion to fraud schemes in recent years. The most common scams involve investment fraud (costing over $5 billion), job scams ($750 million), and impersonation of banks and government agencies. To protect yourself, avoid responding to unsolicited communications, hang up and independently call companies/agencies to verify requests, and never send money or personal information to unknown contacts—especially when they pressure you to act immediately.
jdsupra.com
· 2026-04-17
Americans lost over $20 billion to cybercrime in 2025, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Report, with criminals increasingly using cryptocurrency for money laundering and generative AI tools to create sophisticated scams like deepfakes and voice cloning. Older adults were hit particularly hard, experiencing dramatic increases in romance scams (up 30%), phishing attacks (up over 100%), and government impersonation schemes (nearly doubled). To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contacts requesting money or personal information, verify requests through official channels before responding, and be especially wary of AI-generated audio or video that seems suspicious.
technologyreview.com
· 2026-04-16
Cyberscammers operating from money-laundering centers are using illicit hacking tools sold on Telegram to bypass banks' facial recognition security checks, allowing them to open fraudulent accounts and launder money by replacing live camera feeds with static images or deepfakes. Researchers identified dozens of Telegram channels selling these "bypass kits" and stolen biometric data designed to circumvent Know Your Customer (KYC) safeguards at major banks and crypto platforms worldwide. To protect yourself, use strong authentication beyond facial recognition where available, monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity, and be cautious about sharing identity documents online—report any suspicious account access attempts to your bank immediately.
tradingview.com
· 2026-04-16
A fake Ledger cryptocurrency wallet app on Apple's App Store scammed over 50 investors out of $9.5 million between April 7-13 by using a "bait-and-switch" tactic to trick users into sharing their security seed phrases. Apple has since removed the fraudulent app and terminated the developer, though the company notes it removed over 17,000 apps for similar deceptive practices in 2024 alone. Crypto investors are advised to verify apps through third-party platforms and be cautious of apps that suddenly change their appearance or descriptions, as scammers increasingly use sophisticated impersonation tactics to steal digital assets.
wishtv.com
· 2026-04-14
AI-powered scams cost Americans $12.5 billion in 2024, with criminals using deepfakes and impersonation technology to target people through fake investment schemes ($5 billion lost), job listings ($750 million lost), and fraudulent messages from banks and government agencies. Victims of all ages and backgrounds were affected, from social media users to job seekers. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited urgent requests via email, text, or phone; hang up and call organizations directly using verified numbers; and never share passwords or personal information with unknown contacts.
clickondetroit.com
· 2026-04-11
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology to impersonate banks, the IRS, and employers, causing consumers to lose over $12.5 billion annually—with investment scams alone accounting for $5 billion and job scams costing $750 million. The scams use AI-generated deepfakes and personalized messages to trick people into sending money or sharing personal information. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited calls, emails, or texts requesting urgent action; hang up and contact institutions directly using official numbers, and never send money or passwords to unknown callers.
sfchronicle.com
· 2026-04-11
Scammers are using artificial intelligence to create highly convincing fake IRS messages with perfect grammar, authentic-looking logos, and spoofed phone calls, making it increasingly difficult to spot fraudulent tax communications during filing season. The IRS primarily communicates through mailed letters, so any unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from the agency are likely scams, and criminals are also using AI to target specific individuals who've recently made major financial changes like buying a home. To protect yourself, verify any IRS communication by contacting the agency directly through its official website or phone number, never provide personal or financial information in response to unsolicited messages, and remain skeptical of communications that create urgency or threaten legal action.
livenowfox.com
· 2026-04-10
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Louisville seized over 1,500 pieces of counterfeit jewelry worth $9.2 million in retail value that arrived from Hong Kong destined for New York in April 2024. The fake items bore luxury brand names including Cartier, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, and were verified as counterfeit through collaboration with trademark holders. To protect yourself, authorities urge consumers to only purchase authentic products from reputable retailers to avoid counterfeit goods that can pose health and safety risks while supporting illegal trade.
allhiphop.com
· 2026-04-10
Scammers impersonating musicians stole over $12 million from more than 527 people in romance scams between January 2024 and September 2025, with additional losses from fake record deals, social media hacks, and ticket fraud bringing total music-related fraud to $13.4 million. The FBI warns that criminals are targeting music industry professionals and fans alike—particularly people over 60—using AI-enhanced tactics and operating from overseas "fraud factories" in countries like Cambodia. To protect yourself, pause before acting on unsolicited offers from musicians, be skeptical of high-pressure tactics, and verify identities through official channels before sharing money or personal information.
whiskeyriff.com
· 2026-04-08
Between January 2024 and September 2025, scammers posing as musicians and industry professionals stole over $12 million from both music fans and industry workers, according to FBI Nashville. The most common scheme was romance scams, where 527 victims lost over $12 million to criminals impersonating musicians, while other tactics included fake ticket sales, industry job scams, and extortion threats. The FBI advises people to be wary of high-pressure sales tactics and verify identities before sending money, especially when dealing with unsolicited music industry or musician-related offers.
en.sedaily.com
· 2026-03-22
A Cambodia-based criminal organization has been caught running scams on a domestic secondhand trading platform. Police have announced a seven-month intensive crackdown on such fina...
mexc.com
· 2026-03-18
BitcoinWorld
US Secret Service Launches Crucial Operation Atlantic with UK and Canada to Crush Crypto Fraud Networks
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Secret Service announced a ground...
cnet.com
· 2026-03-18
Modern online scams operate across multiple platforms, perhaps spanning social media, messaging apps, email and online marketplaces. Google, Meta and Amazon are among 11 tech, reta...
newsweek.com
· 2026-03-14
Newsletter Reporter/Producer
With spring in full swing, shoppers are diving into seasonal sales, from Mother’s Day gifts to fresh wardrobe updates. But as consumers hunt for barga...
newsroom.paypal-corp.com
· 2026-03-10
PayPal and Venmo take our commitment to protect our customers very seriously, and we want to arm you with the information you need to stay safe. Scammers are getting smarter, but s...
insidehalton.com
· 2026-03-10
A new Scotiabank poll has found that while young Canadians are confident about their ability to spot AI scams, they are also the most vulnerable.
While many young Canadian adults ...
theindependent.sg
· 2026-03-10
SINGAPORE: Singapore saw fewer scams and cybercrime cases in 2025, but the threat remains serious. Police say scammers are still finding ways to reach victims, especially through c...
indiatechnologynews.in
· 2026-03-07
New Delhi, 6th March, 2026: Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, today announced the results of its 2025 Security Initiative, highlighting t...
khon2.com
· 2026-03-05
HONOLULU (KHON2) — National Consumer Week is a time to get all the latest information on how to stay safe. The Better Business Bureau has got several tips on how to avoid scams.
A...
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2026-02-28
Last updated: Mar 4, 2026 @ 11:14 am
It may seem daunting to keep up with technology these days. As it evolves, it seems to create more opportunities for criminals to exploit cons...
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-27
Romance scams targeting seniors generate over $1B in annual losses according to the FTC.
Retirees are primary targets due to available funds and lower technological proficiency.
...
aol.com
· 2026-02-27
Romance scams targeting seniors generate over $1B in annual losses according to the FTC.
Retirees are primary targets due to available funds and lower technological proficiency.
...
channelnewsasia.com
· 2026-02-26
Singapore
Government officials impersonation scam cases jumped 123.6 per cent last year, however.
There were 37,308 scam cases in 2025, a 27.6 per cent drop from the 51,501 cases...
asiaone.com
· 2026-02-26
In 2022, Nurul Shifa found a focus group discussion on Telegram that promised rewards for simply sharing her thoughts.
However, she soon found herself embroiled in an investment s...
ksl.com
· 2026-02-25
Online scams and identity theft are widespread problems affecting 73% of U.S. adults, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics like AI-generated phishing emails and cloned voices to trick victims. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying website security by checking that URLs begin with "https://" rather than "http://," adjusting browser settings to only allow secure connections, and carefully checking website spellings and domain extensions before sharing personal information. Taking these preventive steps can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a scam victim.
thehill.com
· 2026-02-23
The European Commission is investigating major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft for failing to prevent financial scams on their platforms, as online fraud losses reached $12.5-$16.6 billion in the U.S. in 2024. The article warns that while regulatory action targeting large platforms is a step forward, it may not adequately address rapidly evolving fraud tactics like deepfakes and voice cloning, which are increasingly being used to deceive consumers. To protect yourself, be cautious of unfamiliar banking apps and hotel listings, verify unexpected communications through official channels, and remain skeptical of urgent financial requests—especially those involving voices or videos you haven't independently confirmed.
cedirates.com
· 2026-02-22
# Romance Fraud Summary
Romance scams are costing Ghanaian women hundreds of thousands of dollars as fraudsters create fake online identities to build trust and then manipulate victims into sending money for fabricated emergencies or investments. A 2025 pan-African cybercrime operation across 14 countries resulted in 260 arrests, with 68 in Ghana alone and 108 identified victims who lost approximately $450,000, though authorities recovered $70,000. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly ask for money, verify identities through video calls, never send funds to strangers or for unexpected emergencies, and report suspicious activity to local authorities.
abc11.com
· 2026-02-21
The Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolinas reported over 2.6 million dollars in scam losses across the region in 2025, with online purchase scams being the most common threat, followed by phishing and employment scams. Consumers are urged to research online purchases carefully (especially those from social media ads), verify financial communications by calling their bank directly using numbers on official cards, and avoid clicking unexpected links or responding to urgent messages. Legitimate employers will never ask you to pay upfront, and being cautious about where you shop and whom you communicate with online can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these prevalent scams.
vintontoday.com
· 2026-02-20
Iowa's Attorney General reported over 4,000 consumer complaints in 2025, with used auto fraud, imposter scams, and internet-related issues topping the list of consumer complaints affecting residents. Scammers are increasingly targeting vulnerable people through deceptive practices via text, phone, email, and social media, with used car sales accounting for the largest share of complaints (783). Iowans are advised to research purchases carefully, verify seller information, be skeptical of unsolicited contacts claiming to be from government agencies or offering unexpected opportunities, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General's office immediately.
kcrg.com
· 2026-02-20
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is warning residents about a surge in fraud and scams, with the state's Consumer Protection Division receiving over 4,000 complaints in 2025—the second consecutive year of increases. The most common scams include auto-related fraud (783 complaints), imposter scams like fake job offers and IRS schemes (398 complaints), and internet-related issues such as hacked accounts and phishing (319 complaints), along with complaints about home improvement, housing, and personal services. Consumers are advised to be cautious when dealing with auto repairs and sales, job offers from unknown sources, and unsolicited contact from government agencies, while verifying contractor credentials before hiring and protecting their online accounts with strong passwords.
abcnews.go.com
· 2026-02-15
Amazon is warning customers about a surge in holiday scams, including fake order confirmations and phishing websites that trick people into sharing credit card numbers and personal information. The Federal Trade Commission has received over 3 million impersonation scam reports since 2018, resulting in more than $6 billion in consumer losses. To stay safe, customers should verify orders through their official Amazon account rather than clicking links or calling numbers in unsolicited messages, and should be cautious of emotional manipulation tactics used by scammers.
securitymagazine.com
· 2026-02-14
# Valentine's Day Romance Scam Summary
Over 630,000 organized cybercriminals are running industrial-scale romance scams targeting millions of Americans on dating apps, with U.S. losses exceeding $1.3 billion annually and individual victims losing an average of $10,000 to $50,000 (often their entire life savings). Unlike the small-time catfishers of the past, these are professional operations with shift workers, quotas, and specialized roles that use fake personas, cryptocurrency exchanges, and VPNs to launder stolen money. To protect yourself, be cautious of anyone you meet online who quickly professes affection, asks for money or financial information, or avoids video calls—and report suspected scams to the FTC and your dating app platform.
aol.com
· 2026-02-14
# Scams Targeting Older Adults
Elder fraud is a growing problem, with individuals aged 60 and over losing $3.4 billion in 2023—an 11% increase from the previous year—with an average loss of $33,915 per victim. The most common scams targeting older adults include tech support scams (fake calls claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple), personal data breaches, romance scams, and investment fraud, with scammers typically initiating contact through calls, emails, or texts before requesting money or access to devices. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact from companies or strangers, never give remote access to your devices or personal information to callers you didn't initiate contact with, verify any claims by contacting companies directly using official phone numbers, and report suspicious activity to the FBI or local authorities.
wamc.org
· 2026-02-13
# Fraud Prevention Summary
Millions of Americans fall victim to fraud each year, with elderly citizens particularly vulnerable to scams including romance schemes, tech support fraud, grandparent scams, and government impersonation plots. New York State Police Investigator Kurt Strassberger highlighted that common fraud tactics also include money mule schemes, cryptocurrency investment fraud, and business email compromise attacks. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact offering financial opportunities or tech support, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the FBI.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2026-02-12
A Chinese national named Daren Li was sentenced to 20 years in prison for orchestrating a $73.6 million cryptocurrency investment fraud scheme that defrauded thousands of victims globally. The scam used multiple tactics including romance baiting (building fake relationships on social media and dating apps) and fake tech support calls to trick victims into depositing money into fraudulent crypto trading platforms. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact from strangers online asking you to invest in cryptocurrency, verify the legitimacy of websites before entering financial information, and remember that legitimate companies will never pressure you to wire money to fix computer problems.
kait8.com
· 2026-02-09
Arkansas residents are losing millions to financial fraud through phone calls and text messages, with Americans losing over $16 billion in 2024 according to the FBI, though actual losses are believed to be much higher since many victims don't report crimes. Common scams include lottery and tax schemes that trick victims into sending money upfront, with affected individuals losing an average of $80,000 or more. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages claiming you've won money or owe taxes, and report suspected scams to authorities and your bank immediately—Arkansas passed Act 1015 in 2021 to help financial institutions identify and stop fraudulent transactions targeting vulnerable residents.
salisburypost.com
· 2026-02-08
Rowan Public Library is hosting a free educational program on February 12th at 2 p.m. to help community members protect themselves from consumer fraud and identity theft, with a SECU representative sharing information about common scams, warning signs, and recovery steps. Financial scams and identity theft are rising nationwide, affecting consumers of all ages through phishing emails, fake calls, data breaches, and online shopping scams. The library recommends staying informed about evolving fraud tactics as one of the best defense strategies, and offers additional resources like books, databases, and staff assistance to help patrons understand consumer protection and financial literacy.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-02-05
Congressional Democrats are warning Americans about a surge in Super Bowl-related scams expected to coincide with record $1.8 billion in wagering this year. Criminals are deploying fake gambling websites using AI-enhanced graphics to mimic legitimate platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings, while scammers also target consumers through counterfeit ticket sales (cheapest seats ~$5,000) and fraudulent merchandise, with authorities having seized over $120 million in fake Super Bowl goods in recent years. Consumers are advised to verify sportsbooks are U.S.-based and state-licensed, purchase tickets only through official NFL channels or verified resellers, and use secure payment methods like credit
bpi.com
· 2026-02-04
# Fraud and Scams in America: A Growing Crisis
Fraud and scams cost Americans $12.5 billion in 2024—a 25% increase from the previous year—with nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults experiencing some form of online scam or attack, and one in five Americans losing money to these crimes. Most fraud originates outside the traditional banking system through social media, telecom platforms, and overseas scam centers in Southeast Asia, where U.S. law enforcement has limited reach. To combat this crisis, experts recommend that consumers stay vigilant against impersonation tactics and suspicious communications, while calling for greater accountability and coordination between government, banks, social media platforms, and telecom companies to prevent fraud before it reaches consumers.
techpolicy.press
· 2026-02-02
"Pig-butchering" scams—where criminals gradually extract money from victims before abandoning them—are surging in the US, with Americans losing an estimated $10 billion in 2024 alone (a 66% increase from 2023), prompting Congress to introduce multiple bills including the Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act to combat these transnational operations. The scams, primarily run by Southeast Asian syndicates that have diversified away from Chinese targets following local crackdowns, are becoming increasingly sophisticated with AI tools, while critics argue the proposed legislation doesn't adequately address tech platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges that enable the fraud. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited romantic or investment opportunities online, verify requests for money through independent channels, and report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
wwlp.com
· 2026-02-01
# Berkshire County Rolex Scam Summary
The Berkshire County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a Facebook Marketplace scam where fraudsters impersonate community members using stolen photos and spoofed phone numbers, claiming they need to sell items to pay for family medical expenses. Multiple residents have already reported falling victim to the scheme, which targets vulnerable populations including the elderly. To protect yourself, avoid sharing financial or personal information with unfamiliar accounts on Facebook Marketplace and verify the legitimacy of sellers before conducting any transactions.
news.va.gov
· 2026-01-29
# Online Shopping Fraud Alert for Veterans
Scammers are targeting Veterans and their families during post-holiday sales by creating fake websites, impersonating legitimate sellers, and offering steep discounts on items that never arrive or are counterfeit—they may also steal credit card information in the process. To protect yourself, watch for pressure tactics and suspicious deals, safeguard your personal and financial information, and practice safe online shopping habits. If you suspect fraud or notice suspicious activity with your VA benefits, contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or file a report at vsafe.gov.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-01-28
Instagram scammers use social engineering tactics like fake urgency messages, impersonation, and phishing links to trick users into revealing login credentials or personal information, with victims often being redirected to fraudulent sites before realizing the deception. Common scams range from quick phishing schemes to long-running romance and financial fraud, exploiting Instagram's informal messaging style and the platform's scale to create a sense of trust and plausible deniability. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected urgent messages requesting account verification or personal favors, verify requests through official channels before responding, and never click links or enter credentials on unfamiliar pages.
wbaltv.com
· 2026-01-27
A Facebook Marketplace seller nearly fell victim to an overpayment scam involving a fake Zelle email that promised a "verification" payment before releasing funds for an online couch sale. In this common scheme, scammers pose as buyers and send fake payment confirmations, then ask sellers to refund the "overpayment," which causes the victim to lose money when the original payment never actually goes through. To protect yourself, verify any unexpected payment issues directly through the payment app's official website or customer service, never through links in emails, and be especially cautious of urgent requests to send money back.