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KTLA 5
· 2024-02-18
Scammers in Southern California are impersonating LA County Sheriff's deputies to extort money from residents by claiming they have arrest warrants and threatening immediate arrest or jail time. The scammers use caller ID spoofing technology to display official law enforcement numbers, obtain personal information from public voter records and online data brokers, and pressure victims to pay bogus fines via cryptocurrency or wire transfers, with at least one victim losing $1,200 before realizing the fraud. Law enforcement warns that legitimate agencies never call to demand payment and advises residents to hang up and verify claims by contacting the actual agency directly.
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CNN
· 2024-02-19
A financial columnist for New York magazine fell victim to an elaborate multi-stage scam in which fraudsters impersonating Amazon, the Federal Trade Commission, and a CIA investigator convinced her to withdraw $50,000 and hand it to them in cash over the course of a five-hour phone call. The scammers exploited her vulnerability by threatening her family and creating a false sense of urgency, using isolation tactics to prevent her from seeking help or verification. She came forward with her story to highlight that scam victims span all demographics and professions, and that sophisticated scammers are skilled at identifying and exploiting individual vulnerabilities.
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Milan Art Institute
· 2024-02-21
This is an introduction to a free educational workshop on art scams, hosted by artists who aim to share their personal experiences and knowledge of common scams targeting artists. The workshop covers various types of scams that artists encounter regularly, with plans for a live Q&A session to address participant questions and concerns. No specific scam details or victim information is provided in this excerpt.
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FOX 5 San Diego
· 2024-02-22
A couple fell victim to a spoofing scam when scammers impersonated Chase Bank, claiming suspicious account activity and convincing them to provide access codes to their accounts. Despite the victims' attempts to verify the caller and quickly seek help at multiple bank branches, a $49,500 wire transfer was initiated before their account was frozen 4.5 hours later; the couple is now working with the FBI and lawyers to recover the funds.
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LastWeekTonight
· 2024-02-29
**Pig Butchering Scams Overview**
"Pig Butchering" is a romance/investment scam that typically begins with unsolicited text messages appearing to be sent to the wrong person, establishing false familiarity and trust. Scammers then gradually build relationships with victims and persuade them to invest money in fraudulent cryptocurrency or trading schemes, often resulting in significant financial losses. The scam gets its name from the process of cultivating ("fattening") victims before extracting ("butchering") their money.
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8 News Now — Las Vegas
· 2024-03-01
Multiple women have accused Las Vegas reality TV star Liel Birch (also known as "Mocha Blast") of romance scamming them after initiating contact via Facebook with charming messages and promises of monogamous relationships. Birch, who appeared on the show "Life After Lockup," allegedly deceived these women out of money; the investigation emerged following a 2023 incident in which he fatally shot a man during a live YouTube interview, which prosecutors ruled self-defense in a love triangle dispute.
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CBS Chicago
· 2024-03-04
A Glenwood, Illinois man named Elliot Lawson Henderson defrauded multiple people through discounted travel deals advertised on social media and a dedicated website. One victim, Pinky Jackson, paid Henderson for flights, a hotel room, and Broadway tickets for a New York City trip, but upon arrival discovered the hotel booking was never actually paid for, forcing her family to pay full price on the spot. Multiple individuals report that Henderson takes payment for travel packages and then fails to complete the bookings, leaving customers stranded without accommodations.
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19 News
· 2024-03-04
Kayoga County Prosecutor Michael Mali is conducting public education meetings during National Consumer Protection Week to warn seniors about increasingly common scams, particularly government impersonation schemes where fraudsters pose as law enforcement and claim a grandchild needs bail money. Mali, whose own mother was targeted by such a scam, emphasizes the widespread nature of the problem, noting that dozens of residents per hundred fall victim to these schemes. The educational initiative aims to help seniors recognize warning signs and stop scams before losing money.
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CityNews
· 2024-03-05
Fraudulent activity in Canada increased 133% in 2023, with common scams including Interac e-Transfer fraud, job scams, fake credit card transaction calls, and fraudulent Canada Post delivery messages that are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Those aged 18-24 are more vulnerable to online scams, while people over 45 are more susceptible to email and phone call fraud, with women reporting scams more frequently than men. The scams vary seasonally, with fraudsters adapting their tactics throughout the year.
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Good Morning America
· 2024-03-05
Janice Swafford fell victim to a "malicious tagging" scam on Facebook when she clicked a link in what appeared to be a message from a friend about someone's death. After clicking the fake link, scammers gained access to her account and sent messages to her contacts claiming she had been hacked, then an unknown person offered to secure her account for $100. Security experts warn this type of emotionally manipulative scam is on the rise on Facebook, using provocative posts and artificial intelligence to create convincing fraudulent messages that trick users into clicking malicious links.
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FOX31 Denver
· 2024-03-11
Scams increased 34% year-over-year leading up to tax season, with the Colorado Public Interest Research Group warning consumers to remain vigilant. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics including calls, texts, and impersonation of family members, with an 81% of Americans expressing concern about personal data misuse. Consumer protection experts advise sharing minimal personal information, ignoring unsolicited urgent money requests, and placing credit freezes with the three major credit bureaus to prevent identity theft and fraudulent account creation.
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FOX59 News
· 2024-03-12
Americans lost $10 billion to scams in 2023, a $1 billion increase from 2022, with investment scams being the costliest at $4 billion (averaging $7,000 per victim), followed by imposter scams at $2.7 billion and social media scams at $1.4 billion. The FTC is responding with increased enforcement actions, including 180 actions against telemarketers and new rules being drafted against impersonation fraud with tougher penalties. Consumers can protect themselves by guarding personal information, avoiding unsolicited links, and using unique passwords across accounts.
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NewsNation
· 2024-03-18
"Pig butchering" scams are on the rise, with Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel and other organized crime groups using artificial intelligence, large language models, and cryptocurrencies to execute sophisticated fraud campaigns. Hundreds of victims have been lured through social media and messaging apps, with some trafficked and forced to commit fraud; the scam typically begins with a random contact offering investment opportunities before the victim is manipulated into sending money. These AI-enabled financial crimes and human trafficking schemes are expanding globally across European, Asian, and African criminal organizations.
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NBC10 Boston
· 2024-03-22
Scammers are targeting high school students and parents preparing for the SAT by making unsolicited calls claiming to represent the College Board or test prep companies, using stolen personal information to establish credibility. The fraudsters request credit card information and deposits for prep materials, falsely claiming charges will be refunded once materials arrive. Parents and students should verify any SAT prep offers directly with legitimate organizations before providing payment or personal financial information.
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The Deshbhakt
· 2024-04-02
This video essay discusses political corruption allegations in India, focusing on how the BJP appears to avoid corruption charges while opposition parties face various scams and legal actions. The video then explains the 2G spectrum scam of 2008, where the Indian government allocated mobile spectrum to companies at artificially low prices through administrative allocation rather than auction, resulting in an estimated loss of 1.76 lakh crore to the national treasury—a controversy that contributed to the fall of the UPA government and led the Supreme Court to cancel 112 spectrum licenses in 2012.
**Note:** This is a political commentary/educational piece rather than a scam affecting individual elders, so it falls outside the typical scope of
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ABC News
· 2024-04-04
As tax day approaches, IRS Commissioner Danny Worle warns the public about increased tax scam activity and identifies common red flags in fraudulent emails impersonating the IRS. Key warning signs include references to expired programs (like 2021 economic impact payments), claims of first-time contact via email (the IRS initiates contact by mail), suspicious formatting, and requests to click links that are designed to steal personal information and funds.
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12 News
· 2024-04-10
A Valley woman lost nearly $20,000 in an impostor scam where a fraudster impersonated Wells Fargo, sending her a fake fraud alert text about an unauthorized charge and then calling from a spoofed bank number to convince her to wire money from her savings account. The victim notes that despite knowing common scam red flags, the scammer's convincing approach—creating what appeared to be "green flags"—manipulated her judgment when large sums of money were at stake. Experts warn that scams are constantly evolving with increasingly sophisticated tactics designed to exploit vulnerable targets.
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NBC10 Boston
· 2024-04-11
Suffolk County DA's office conducted a multi-agency fraud prevention presentation at the Boston Elks Lodge in West Roxbury to educate seniors about common scams, including romance, home repair, and government impersonation fraud schemes that cost consumers $8.8 billion in 2022. The "Fraud Fighters" workshop, led by DA Kevin Hayden, aimed to help older adults identify and avoid scams before they occur, emphasizing that prevention is more effective than intervention after fraud happens.
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Eyewitness News WTVO WQRF (MyStateline)
· 2024-04-12
The L's Park Police Department held a free educational session warning Illinois seniors about tax refund scams and other fraud schemes, including the grandchild scam where criminals impersonate relatives to extract money. Police emphasized that scammers are particularly active during tax season and encouraged victims to report fraud to local authorities and the Better Business Bureau for current scam alerts in their area.
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CTV News
· 2024-04-12
An Ontario woman lost $86,000 in a CRA impersonation scam after receiving a call from someone claiming to be a government investigator who said her bank accounts were being used in a money laundering operation. The scammer convinced her she needed to cooperate with an RCMP investigation and directed her to withdraw cash from two banks and deposit it into a Bitcoin machine, falsely promising it would be returned once the investigation concluded. This scam is particularly sophisticated as it uses the victim's personal information and creates urgency through claims of government authority and potential financial loss.
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CBS News
· 2024-04-17
An 81-year-old Ohio man, William Brock, was charged with murder after shooting Uber driver Itha Hall multiple times at his home. Brock had been targeted by scammers who made threatening calls claiming his family was in danger and demanding money; the same scammers then contacted Hall via the Uber app to pick up a package from Brock's residence, leading Brock to believe she was connected to the threats. Hall was killed while attempting to flee after Brock confronted her with a gun.
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ABC11
· 2024-04-16
An 81-year-old Ohio man, William Brock, was charged with murder after fatally shooting 61-year-old Uber driver Lola Hall in a tragic case involving coordinated scams. Scammers called Brock demanding $112,000 in fake bail money and instructed him a driver would arrive to pick up a package, while simultaneously directing Hall through the Uber app to pick up a package at his home; when Hall arrived unaware of the circumstances, Brock confronted her at gunpoint and shot her three times when she attempted to leave. The incident illustrates how scammers can simultaneously victimize multiple people with fatal consequences.
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WFMY News 2
· 2024-04-19
This educational piece from the Better Business Bureau discusses phone spoofing scams, where fraudsters manipulate caller ID to display legitimate business numbers (banks, the IRS, Sheriff's Office) to trick recipients into believing they are legitimate callers. The article explains how spoofing works and advises consumers to be cautious when receiving calls from seemingly recognizable numbers, as scammers can now spoof real phone numbers from trusted institutions to increase the likelihood that victims will comply with their requests.
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WCPO 9
· 2024-04-22
Impersonation scams via text messages and emails are increasingly common, with the U.S. Postal Service being the most impersonated organization in 2023, followed by Amazon, Publishers Clearing House, Geek Squad, and Norton. The Federal Trade Commission received over 330,000 reports of business impersonation scams and nearly 160,000 government impersonation scams last year, with fraudulent messages about package delivery delays and expired subscriptions designed to trick recipients into providing personal information.
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CBS Mornings
· 2024-04-23
Online romance scams are costing victims over $1 billion annually—double the amount from four years prior—affecting people of all ages and genders, not just retirees. The article highlights a new twist where scammers employ victims as "money mules" and features the case of Laura Cole, a 57-year-old retired healthcare executive and widow, who fell victim to a romance scammer she met entirely online and over the phone, losing her life savings. Shame and embarrassment cause many victims to go unreported, likely making actual fraud numbers significantly higher than official statistics.
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12 News
· 2024-04-24
The FBI Phoenix office has warned Arizona residents about the "Phantom Hacker" scam, in which victims are manipulated into draining their bank accounts and depositing cash into Bitcoin ATMs, resulting in permanent loss of funds. Scammers use sophisticated tactics, including impersonating trusted companies like Microsoft and keeping victims on the phone for extended periods to build trust. Local law enforcement has limited ability to recover the stolen money or apprehend the criminals responsible for this scheme targeting vulnerable people.
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WENY TV NEWS
· 2024-04-25
This is an educational interview featuring Sheila Brewer-Montero, a scams prevention coordinator from Lifespan of Greater Rochester, discussing fraud schemes targeting older adults. The conversation introduces the top scams affecting seniors in the Southern Tier area, with government impersonator scams (Social Security Administration and IRS) identified as a primary threat, though the full details of prevention strategies and other scam types are cut off in the provided transcript.
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CBS News
· 2024-04-29
**Romance Scam Epidemic**
CBS News investigated a national epidemic of romance scams involving victims who are manipulated into emotional relationships with scammers over dating sites, sometimes in as little as 12 days, resulting in financial losses totaling approximately one billion dollars. The investigation documented tragic cases where victims lost not only money but also their lives, including an Illinois woman whose death raised questions about whether she had been coerced into working for the scammers. Romance scams rob families of far more than financial resources, causing devastating emotional and psychological harm to victims and their loved ones.
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ABC News
· 2024-05-01
The Department of Justice charged 16 suspects in a multinational "grandparent scam" operating between the Dominican Republic and the United States, in which scammers called senior citizens claiming a loved one needed thousands of dollars for emergency expenses like car accidents, then collected cash via couriers or mail. Senior citizens lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, up from $3.1 billion in 2022, with this particular scheme stealing millions of dollars and highlighting the FBI's warning about the explosion of fraud targeting elderly Americans.
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CBS News
· 2024-05-01
A CBS News investigation explored romance scams targeting vulnerable adults on dating platforms. The report featured the case of Laura Coal, a 57-year-old retired hospital executive who fell victim to a scammer posing as "Frank," a Swedish businessman with a fake profile photo on Match.com; within days of initial contact, she professed deep emotional attachment to someone she had never met in person. The story illustrates how lonely individuals seeking companionship can be manipulated by sophisticated scammers who exploit emotional vulnerabilities through online dating platforms.
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CBS Evening News
· 2024-05-01
The FBI reported that elder fraud complaints among Americans over 60 jumped 14% last year with total losses ballooning 11%, resulting in $3.4 billion stolen across more than 100,000 complaints filed to federal law enforcement. Scammers use tactics such as fake computer warning messages to trick victims into transferring thousands of dollars, with organized criminal networks operating from West Africa and Asia driving much of the fraud. AARP estimates the actual annual losses from elder fraud may exceed $28 billion, prompting a nationwide public awareness campaign to protect seniors.
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NBC10 Philadelphia
· 2024-05-02
Tracy Davidson was contacted via social media in late February by a man posing as "James Williams," a military orthopedic surgeon working for the United Nations in Syria, who quickly professed romantic feelings and attempted to build trust by sharing personal details and photos. This case exemplifies a classic romance scam romance scams follow predictable scripts designed to earn victims' trust before eventually requesting money. The Secret Service investigative analyst confirms these scams are prevalent and typically escalate from relationship-building to financial exploitation.
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NBC4 Washington
· 2024-05-03
A Montgomery County man posing as a federal agent scammed a senior citizen into converting nearly $250,000 in retirement savings into gold bars under the pretense of protecting him from identity theft. Police arrested the suspect (identified as Raingo Maton, a German citizen) as he picked up a box containing $23,000 in gold bars that was actually filled with tools; a vigilant friend's intervention prevented the victim from handing over the full amount.
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NBC4 Columbus
· 2024-05-07
According to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Annual Report, seniors over 60 lost $3.4 billion to fraud and scams in that year, a nearly 11% increase from the previous year, with Ohio seniors alone reporting over $64 million in losses across nearly 3,300 cases. Tech support fraud emerged as the leading scam targeting older Americans, exploiting their increasing use of technology and computers.
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Hawaii News Now
· 2024-05-09
Dan Machewski of Makaha lost $34,000 in March to a sophisticated phone scam in which a caller impersonated his bank Fidelity's fraud department. The scammer gained credibility by displaying specific details about Machewski's recent transactions and providing a legitimate-looking caller ID, ultimately convincing him to share a security code that allowed the thieves to transfer funds to fake accounts and cash them out through PayPal within hours. Machewski, who believed he was well-protected against such scams, is sharing his experience to warn others about this particularly convincing fraud scheme.
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4 News Now
· 2024-05-11
Police departments are warning the public about rising cryptocurrency scams where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers, claiming victims missed court appointments and owe money, then direct them to Bitcoin kiosks to deposit funds. Authorities emphasize they will never call or text requesting money and are conducting widespread community education to help residents recognize and avoid these scams, which have resulted in victims losing their life savings.
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WETM 18 News
· 2024-05-10
This educational piece highlights that scams disproportionately target older Americans and provides key protective strategies. Authorities recommend not sending money to anyone without verification, avoiding urgency-based pressure tactics, and hanging up on suspicious callers, while local law enforcement and aging departments use social media to alert the community about prevalent scams.
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FOX NASHVILLE
· 2024-05-11
In Tennessee, 1,577 seniors over age 60 lost a combined $43 million to fraud in one year, according to the FBI. A retired insurance salesman fell victim to a sophisticated impersonation scam where fraudsters posing as Amazon and Social Security Administration officials convinced him his identity had been compromised and involved in money laundering. Remarkably, this victim recovered his stolen money—an extremely rare outcome in elder fraud cases.
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FOX 5 New York
· 2024-05-12
Scammers are using artificial intelligence to clone voices and create fake audio and video impersonations to defraud victims, with AI impostor scams becoming the leading form of fraud in the past year, affecting over 850,000 people and causing $2.7 billion in losses. A common variant involves victims receiving frantic calls from AI-cloned voices of family members claiming to be kidnapped and demanding ransom money, as exemplified by an Arizona mother who testified before Congress after receiving a convincing call from her daughter's cloned voice begging for help. Experts warn this emerging fraud threat requires increased awareness and caution, as voice cloning technology has become easily accessible to bad actors worldwide
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CBS New York
· 2024-05-17
Voice cloning technology powered by artificial intelligence is enabling a growing scam where fraudsters impersonate loved ones—such as a son in jail needing bail money—to trick victims into sending cash. One fraud-experienced attorney nearly fell victim when scammers using a cloned voice of his son convinced him to withdraw $9,000 for bail, though he was warned by his daughter-in-law before losing money. Victims who don't lose funds face challenges in obtaining legal recourse, and law enforcement is working to address this emerging threat as the technology continues to evolve rapidly.
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CBC News
· 2024-05-24
Job offer scams are being distributed via text message to numerous recipients, with scammers posing as recruiters offering high-paying or flexible work-from-home positions and directing victims to messaging apps like WhatsApp. Toronto Star reporter Alex Boyd investigated these scams by responding to multiple unsolicited job offers to understand what scammers gain from the interaction and how the scheme operates. The article highlights this as a widespread fraud targeting mobile phone users who receive these deceptive recruitment messages.
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NBC News
· 2024-05-24
Debbie Casey lost $2,000 after receiving a fake Geek Squad refund email, calling the scammer's number, and granting remote computer access. According to FTC data, Americans reported over $660 million in losses from impersonation scams last year, with scammers most frequently impersonating Best Buy, Geek Squad, Amazon, PayPal, Microsoft, and Publishers Clearing House. Experts advise never responding to phone numbers, email addresses, or links in unsolicited messages and instead contacting companies directly through official channels.
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FOX59 News
· 2024-05-24
Elder fraud scams targeting seniors in Indiana have increased in sophistication, with over 1,100 victims age 60 and older reporting approximately $26 million in losses last year. Scammers are leveraging evolving technology—including AI-generated voices and deepfakes—alongside traditional techniques to make frauds more convincing, with common red flags including artificial urgency and unsolicited requests for personal information like Social Security numbers or bank account details. The FBI Indianapolis and Citizens Academy Alumni Association are hosting a free workshop on June 10th at Westfield High School to educate the public on recognizing and preventing these scams.
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First Alert 6
· 2024-05-24
A Nebraska eighth grader partnered with the Better Business Bureau to raise awareness about senior scams after his grandmother fell victim to fraud. The student wrote an essay on the topic and created prevention flyers, which he distributed to local senior centers, inspiring a collaboration aimed at preventing others from experiencing similar scams.
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News 5 WCYB
· 2024-05-27
According to the FBI, financial scams targeting senior citizens are rising, with 80,000 seniors losing $3.1 billion in 2022. The Smyth County Chamber of Commerce hosted an educational event where Virginia's Attorney General and local law enforcement warned seniors about common scams (phone, computer, and mail-based) and emphasized the importance of never sharing personal or financial information unsolicited, as legitimate institutions like banks and the Social Security Administration will never request such details over the phone.
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WGN News
· 2024-05-30
A YouTube content creator known as "Skip" operates a scam-baiting channel with over 3 million followers that exposes online scams targeting vulnerable people. The creator deliberately engages with scammers through fake scenarios (such as fake cryptocurrency and gift card redemption schemes) to waste their time and reveal their tactics, preventing them from targeting actual victims. This educational approach demonstrates common scam methods and how scammers attempt to manipulate people into believing they can easily access free money or cryptocurrency.
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10 Tampa Bay News
· 2024-06-05
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 556 into law to protect seniors and vulnerable adults from scams, which allows banks to delay money transfers if employees suspect fraud is occurring. The legislation addresses a rising problem in senior communities, including romance scams, tech support scams, and sweepstakes fraud that have financially drained many elderly residents. The law empowers financial institutions to intervene and potentially prevent losses before money leaves accounts.
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CBC News
· 2024-06-17
This article is not about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It discusses Tesla shareholders voting to reinstate Elon Musk's $45 billion compensation package after a judge had previously nullified it. As this content falls outside the scope of elder fraud research, it cannot be summarized for the Elderus database.
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FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2024-06-20
This educational piece from the Better Business Bureau provides prevention strategies for older adults and caregivers to protect against scams. Key recommendations include verifying requests with trusted contacts before sharing personal information, never voluntarily providing Social Security or Medicare numbers to unsolicited callers, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and being cautious of urgent language designed to pressure quick decisions. Caregivers should watch for warning signs such as increased junk mail, secretive behavior, unexpected account charges, or sudden financial difficulties, while also helping reduce solicitations by registering on do-not-call and do-not-mail registries and screening incoming calls.
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FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2024-06-28
Gino Reaves was convicted of defrauding an elderly woman of over $1 million for a home remodel that was never properly completed, exploiting her loneliness and medication-induced confusion to manipulate her into the scheme. Evidence revealed minimal work was done despite the massive payment, and the victim eventually lost control of her assets after being moved to a nursing home, where a public administrator discovered the fraud. The judge sentenced Reaves, calling his actions "evil, callous and egregious," while prosecutors work to recover the stolen funds.
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WCBD NEWS 2
· 2024-07-09
The City of Charleston is hosting educational workshops to protect seniors from phone and online scams, which generate $36 billion annually in the United States with older adults as primary targets. The initiative focuses on teaching seniors to recognize common scams—such as lottery/prize winnings requiring upfront payments—and know what steps to take if targeted, as demonstrated by one senior who avoided losing money to a fake lottery scheme promising half a million dollars.
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WCBD NEWS 2
· 2024-07-09
The City of Charleston is working to protect senior citizens from phone and online scams through educational workshops that teach seniors to recognize common fraud tactics and warning signs. Scams targeting elderly people cost the United States $36 billion annually, with seniors being particularly vulnerable due to their trusting nature; the city's initiative focuses on raising awareness about scam types and advising victims on appropriate responses.
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FOX23 News Tulsa
· 2024-07-10
A scam targeting seniors uses fake romantic relationships to manipulate victims into making fraudulent investments. According to cybersecurity experts, crimes against seniors increased 11% in the past year, resulting in $3.4 billion in losses, with victims averaging $34,000 lost each; scammers pose as wealthy individuals on dating sites, build trust over time, and eventually pressure victims to invest in fake schemes.
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CBS4 Indy
· 2024-07-16
During Amazon Prime Day, scammers use over 1,200 fake Amazon copycat websites and fraudulent emails to steal login credentials and payment information from shoppers. To protect themselves, consumers should verify URLs carefully, use strong passwords, avoid sharing unnecessary personal information, and use credit cards instead of debit cards for online purchases due to stronger fraud protections.
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KRQE
· 2024-07-17
This New Mexico news podcast episode features an educational discussion on avoiding financial scams, hosted by Gabrielle Burkhart with guest Brian Watson, a former federal law enforcement officer who spent 28 years investigating financial crimes, including work as an IRS criminal investigator. The segment addresses how scams—particularly phishing and online fraud—affect people across demographics, including older adults, and aims to help listeners and their families recognize red flags and protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated scams.
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KOAA 5
· 2024-07-18
Seniors are increasingly vulnerable to scams delivered through suspicious texts and calls, with police noting that the high volume of daily attempts contributes to successful fraud. Some seniors have lost their entire savings to scams impersonating Microsoft, banks, law enforcement, and retailers like Amazon, with loneliness and a generational tendency to trust authority figures making older adults particularly susceptible to manipulation.
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KOIN 6
· 2024-07-23
An Oregon couple in their early 70s lost $44,000 in a Facebook customer service scam after searching Google for help resetting a forgotten password and landing on a fraudulent website. Scammers posing as Facebook support convinced them their credit card had been hacked, then instructed them to click malicious links and ultimately wire $44,000—an irreversible transfer. The victims, who had previously watched reports about similar scams, decided to share their story to warn others about the dangers of unsolicited customer service contacts.
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WAAY 31 News
· 2024-07-30
The Alabama Regional Council of Governments is hosting an educational event to help senior citizens protect themselves from online scams, which affect thousands of Alabama seniors annually. The event will feature presentations from the Huntsville Police Department, Better Business Bureau, and Alabama Securities Commission discussing current fraud schemes and practical prevention strategies, designed to be accessible to seniors regardless of their technology proficiency level.
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CBS News
· 2024-07-31
Romance scams have become a national epidemic affecting victims across the country, with CBS News investigating a billion-dollar online fraud operation. The report features the tragic case of an Illinois woman who fell victim to a romance scam, developing an intense emotional attachment to a scammer in just 12 days, which ultimately had devastating consequences for her family. These scams exploit the emotional vulnerabilities of victims—often causing psychological harm and financial devastation that extends far beyond monetary losses.
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WGN News
· 2024-07-31
A Chicago widow lost over $100,000 in an online romance scam after meeting a man named "Gregory" on a dating site who gradually requested increasing amounts of money under various pretexts, eventually stopping contact once she ceased sending funds. The victim, living on a fixed income, cashed out an annuity to meet his escalating demands despite growing suspicions, driven by fear of losing the promised relationship and money. The case highlights how romance scams—which reported nearly 1.3 billion in losses nationally in 2022—use emotional manipulation and increasingly sophisticated AI-altered photos and videos to deceive victims, with arrests remaining rare and funds rarely recovered.
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WRAL
· 2024-07-31
**Job Scam Alert: Fake Online Listings**
Scammers post fake job listings online to collect personal information from job seekers, with one Durham woman losing over $3,000 after responding to a fraudulent job offer. Red flags include unrealistic qualifications (no experience required), implausibly high pay ($155,000+ monthly for minimal work), non-functional company websites, and requests for personal information through unofficial channels rather than legitimate company sites.
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News 5 Cleveland
· 2024-07-31
Strongville United Methodist Church in Ohio became a target of phishing scams when cybercriminals impersonated Reverend Abby Almond in emails sent to congregation members, requesting money and gift cards. Phishing scams have nearly doubled to over 9,000 reports annually in the Better Business Bureau's Northeast Ohio region, ranking as the second-most common scam type locally.
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WHNT News 19
· 2024-08-02
The Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments is hosting a Senior Fraud and Scam Summit on Thursday, August 8th at the Bob Harrison Wellness Center in Huntsville to educate seniors about common scams and fraud prevention strategies. The event features speakers from the Alabama Securities Commission, Huntsville Police Department, the Better Business Bureau, and a local attorney, with limited seating for 150 participants available by calling 256-830-0818. This educational initiative addresses the rising prevalence of identity theft and scams targeting seniors in the Tennessee Valley region.
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WFMY News 2
· 2024-08-02
A recent global cyber glitch that disrupted flights and businesses served as a reminder to protect against online scams, according to money expert Jana Adams. Phishing scams—fraudulent emails with malicious links—are among the most common threats, with scammers now impersonating banks, family members, friends, social media platforms, and employers to gain access to personal information and money.
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Newzroom Afrika
· 2024-08-05
Law enforcement has reported a rise in romance scams targeting unsuspected women seeking love online through dating apps like Tinder. Scammers build relationships with victims through messaging and video calls, providing false information about themselves and their origins, before eventually requesting money. Victims have come forward to share their experiences of being financially exploited through these deceptive romantic schemes.
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VICE
· 2024-08-05
A Northern Irish digital marketing entrepreneur discovered that scammers had created dozens of fake profiles impersonating him across multiple social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Bumble, Tinder, and others) using his photos and personal information to deceive people. After investigating the fraudulent accounts, he uncovered a larger criminal enterprise operating the identity theft and catfishing scheme, which involved fabricating romantic relationships and divorce scenarios to manipulate victims.
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Lawfare
· 2024-08-07
This is a podcast introduction featuring Arun Rao, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the DOJ's Consumer Protection Branch, discussing the growing sophistication of fraud schemes targeting consumers and elders. Rao explains how technological advances such as robocalls, text, email, and social media have enabled fraudsters to refine their tactics and target victims with greater precision. The discussion covers the DOJ's consumer protection work, cybercrime, elder fraud, and data privacy issues.
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WHNT News 19
· 2024-08-08
Elder fraud reports to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center rose 14% in 2023, with the trend continuing upward. The Alabama Securities Commission held a fraud and scam summit to educate community members about common scams targeting seniors in the state, including utility scams offering discounts before requesting financial information and phone scams that have compromised bank accounts at alarming rates. Experts and law enforcement emphasized the importance of seniors sharing their experiences to help prevent others from becoming victims.
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WHNT News 19
· 2024-08-08
The Alabama Securities Commission held a Fraud and Scam Summit in Huntsville to educate seniors about common scams targeting older adults, with elder fraud reports rising 14% in 2023. A local woman, Theresa Hazard, shared her experience of losing $700 after clicking on a fraudulent Netflix phishing email and providing her credit card information, though her bank recovered the funds. The summit covered topics including cybersecurity, consumer fraud definitions, and legal implications, emphasizing the importance of seniors reporting scams to law enforcement to help authorities track perpetrators.
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FOX54 News Huntsville
· 2024-08-09
Elderly individuals remain primary targets for scams delivered through digital means including emails, text messages, phone calls, and computer popups. Law enforcement officials recommend avoiding clicking suspicious links, refusing to share personal information over the phone, and reporting incidents to police without embarrassment or delay.
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ABC 7 News - WJLA
· 2024-08-12
Maryland authorities arrested five people for operating a gold bar scam that targeted elderly residents in Montgomery County, with at least 20 victims losing millions of dollars combined. Notable victims include an 81-year-old woman who lost over $900,000 and a 74-year-old man who lost $240,000, with some victims now at risk of losing their homes. Law enforcement believes this organized criminal enterprise has affected many more cases beyond those identified so far.
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NBC4 Washington
· 2024-08-13
Scammers impersonating law enforcement are targeting seniors in Montgomery County and the DC area, convincing them to convert large sums of money into gold bars and surrender them for "safekeeping." Authorities have charged four men in connection with these scams, which have affected approximately 20 victims ranging from 61 to 94 years old, with losses totaling millions of dollars and a single largest loss of $2.3 million.
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KCENNews
· 2024-08-13
The Better Business Bureau reports that three major scams are currently prevalent and have stolen millions of dollars since the start of the year: employment scams that promise work-from-home jobs with easy money but steal personal information or demand upfront payments; online purchase and rental scams involving unreliable merchants who access credit card data; and cryptocurrency/investment scams that exploit people seeking quick wealth. The BBB offers a Scam Tracker tool to report fraudulent businesses and scams affecting specific areas.
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This Morning
· 2024-08-14
Scam expert Nick Stapleton discusses the growing sophistication and prevalence of fraud in the UK, where scams account for over 40% of all crimes but result in conviction in only 1 in 1,000 cases. Stapleton, who has spent 11 years investigating fraud through undercover work and ethical hacking, emphasizes the importance of personal awareness and education in protecting oneself from increasingly organized scam operations.
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WFMY News 2
· 2024-08-16
A Better Business Bureau representative discusses data breach protection and warns about a debit card scam where fraudsters spoof bank phone numbers and use personal details like addresses and bank account information to convince victims of fake recent transactions. The segment provides guidance on contacting credit bureaus separately to request credit freezes and advises viewers on protecting themselves from these schemes through awareness and proper verification procedures.
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WFMY News 2
· 2024-08-16
This educational piece from the Better Business Bureau advises on protecting against common scams. The primary warning addresses tax scam calls claiming people owe back taxes—recipients should verify directly with the IRS or county tax authority, as scam hallmarks include vague caller identification, threats, and claims of delinquency. Additionally, the resource recommends proactively unfreezing credit before applying for loans or cards rather than attempting to do so at the point of sale.
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Forbes Breaking News
· 2024-08-18
Senator Hassan questions bank executives during a congressional hearing about the rising threat of AI-generated voice cloning scams, in which fraudsters impersonate family members to trick victims into sending money. She emphasizes that financial institutions have greater resources than individual consumers to combat these emerging AI-enabled fraud tactics and asks how banks are working to stay ahead of these scams.
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WWLTV
· 2024-08-21
A 76-year-old woman from Lafourche Parish was defrauded of approximately $30,000 after clicking a "read more" link on a Facebook post about Hollywood actors, which triggered a fake security warning. A scammer impersonating Microsoft security convinced her that hackers had compromised her computer and bank accounts, instructing her to withdraw cash and deposit it into a cryptocurrency ATM while keeping the call secret. The victim is now warning others about the scam after losing her money to the fraudsters.
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FOX Carolina News
· 2024-08-22
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are increasingly using QR codes to execute fraud schemes, particularly by placing them in public locations like parking meters or including them in official-looking mail (such as fraudulent IRS letters) to deceive victims into scanning them and visiting malicious websites. Consumers should be cautious of unsolicited QR codes in public places or suspicious correspondence, as these codes can be easily tampered with or designed to redirect users to fraudulent sites. Awareness and verification of QR code legitimacy before scanning are key to protecting oneself from QR code-based scams.
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FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2024-08-22
Bait-and-switch scams on social media exploit emotional posts about missing children or lost pets by using localized Facebook groups with minimal oversight. Scammers edit these posts to redirect users to sales listings, rental scams, job opportunities, or donation requests, then manipulate victims' social networks when they share the content. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to watch for red flags including urgent emotional language, disabled comments, missing contact information, and newly created profiles, and to report suspected scams to both the BBB Scam Tracker and Facebook directly.
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ABC7 News Bay Area
· 2024-08-24
The FBI launched a "Take a Beat" awareness campaign to educate the public about common fraud and scam tactics that exploit people's emotions through urgent phone calls, texts, and emails requesting money or passwords. The campaign highlights scams such as impersonation of bank fraud departments, with one victim losing $950 after a caller claiming to be from her bank convinced her to transfer funds and disclose banking information.
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NEWS CENTER Maine
· 2024-08-27
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is warning the public about emerging scam tactics including "smishing" (fraudulent text messages claiming to be from USPS requesting address confirmation through malicious links) and "vishing" (spoofed voicemails impersonating government employees with fake callback numbers). To protect themselves, recipients should avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages and instead call official government phone numbers directly rather than using numbers provided in suspicious communications.
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11Alive
· 2024-08-27
The US Postal Inspection Service warns of emerging scams including "smishing" (fraudulent text messages impersonating USPS requesting address confirmation via malicious links) and "vishing" (spoofed voicemails from fake government employees asking consumers to call back). These scams aim to steal personal information and financial data from victims who interact with the fraudulent messages or call back the scammers' numbers rather than official government lines.
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CTV News
· 2024-08-26
A Gatineau senior lost $112,000 in July after falling victim to an elaborate fake Amazon phone scam. Scammers called claiming fraudulent charges on her account, then transferred her to a fake "legal department" where they convinced her to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin machine to resolve the issue. The victim expressed doubt about the scam but not enough to prevent the loss.
Cryptocurrency
Crypto ATM
Cash
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FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2024-08-29
The FBI warns that scammers are targeting older adults by posing as police, the FTC, or bank representatives and convincing them to cash out retirement accounts like 401(k)s and convert the funds into gold or bitcoin. From May to December 2023, this scheme resulted in over $55 million in losses, with scammers either claiming to hold the gold for safekeeping or pressuring victims to convert it into cryptocurrency. Authorities advise verifying any urgent financial requests by independently contacting your bank and discussing suspicious calls with trusted family members.
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NBC Bay Area
· 2024-08-30
This news segment covers two separate topics: (1) Nearly two dozen suspects tied to Oakland gangs were charged with burglaries at marijuana dispensaries across Northern California counties, stealing approximately $1 million in combined cannabis products including edibles, gummies, and plants, which they then resold on social media; (2) A brief mention of text message scams targeting consumers with unwanted communications from unknown numbers.
**Note:** This article contains limited elder fraud-specific content; only the text message scam reference may be relevant to the Elderus database.
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WGN News
· 2024-08-31
Federal Trade Commission data shows American consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with digital platforms making it easier for scammers to target victims. Common scams include romance/relationship scams on Facebook where perpetrators build trust before requesting money, "pig butchering" investment schemes promising fake returns, and grandparent scams, with reported losses ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Protection strategies include verifying urgent requests by hanging up and calling back the person directly, avoiding quick money transfers, researching websites and investment opportunities, and reporting scams to law enforcement and platforms to help track and recover stolen funds.
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Denver7
· 2024-09-02
"Brushing" is a scam where fraudsters order unwanted packages to consumers' addresses to artificially inflate sales numbers and write fake positive reviews, boosting their online sales. The Better Business Bureau advises recipients to contact the retailer, monitor credit cards for unauthorized charges, and change passwords in case their account information was compromised.
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WFMJ
· 2024-09-03
U.S. seniors lost over $3 billion to scammers in the past year. Common scams targeting elderly individuals include relationship scams where fraudsters impersonate family members (grandchildren, nieces, nephews) claiming urgent financial needs such as bail, rent, or tuition, often using personal information gathered from social media to appear credible. Experts recommend awareness and education to help protect seniors from these emotionally manipulative schemes.
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FOX8 WGHP
· 2024-09-03
An elderly woman in Asheboro was defrauded of $25,000 after scammers used fear tactics and impersonation of law enforcement to manipulate her into withdrawing cash and purchasing gift cards. The suspect met the victim at a gas station to collect a large cash withdrawal before fleeing in a white van, and Detective Marcus Pierce is actively investigating the case while advocating for awareness of common red flags like requests for gift card payments.
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ABC11
· 2024-09-05
"Pig butchering" cryptocurrency scams involve fraudsters grooming victims over months through social media to build trust before directing them into fake investment schemes promising high returns. Victims reported losing substantial sums—including Pamela Magnum who lost $70,000 and Jim Wilkerson who lost $790,000—after scammers disappeared when victims attempted to withdraw their supposed profits. The FBI has identified this as a widespread scheme stealing billions of dollars from Americans.
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WYFF News 4
· 2024-09-09
Bill Vickery, owner of Just Call, provides elder fraud prevention advice, emphasizing that most scams begin with phone calls, texts, or emails targeting seniors unfamiliar with modern technology. Key prevention strategies include not answering calls from unknown numbers, hanging up immediately if feeling suspicious, avoiding saying "yes" (which scammers may record and manipulate), and never verifying personal information over the phone with unknown callers. Vickery advocates for a proactive, educational approach to help seniors and their families recognize and avoid scams before they occur.
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WYFF News 4
· 2024-09-09
This segment from WYFF News Four's "For the Record" series features Anderson County Sheriff Chad McBride discussing the growing scam problem affecting community members of all ages, though elderly victims are particularly targeted. The sheriff highlights multiple prevalent scam types including Facebook Marketplace deposit schemes (where sellers request $250-$1,000 deposits for vehicles that don't exist), fake jury duty calls falsely claiming to be from law enforcement demanding payment or gift cards, and other phone and internet-based fraud tactics that exploit personal information obtained from legitimate people-search websites.
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Dare County
· 2024-09-09
The Dare County Sheriff's Office presented an educational overview of common scams affecting their community, including an explanation of "pig butchering" scams that operate through dating apps. In this scam type, perpetrators use VPNs to hide their location, create fake glamorous personas, and systematically contact potential victims through dating platforms with the goal of manipulating them into financial schemes. The presentation aims to help community members recognize and avoid falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics.
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WJZ
· 2024-09-12
Cryptocurrency scams cost Maryland residents nearly $94 million in 2023, according to an FBI report, with romance-based schemes being particularly prevalent. Though representing only 10% of financial fraud complaints to the FBI, cryptocurrency scams account for 50% of total money stolen, with approximately 1,400 Maryland complaints among nearly 58,000 nationwide. The scams exploit emotional manipulation and leverage the online nature of cryptocurrency to easily access victims' financial and personal information.
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Which?
· 2024-09-15
I cannot provide an accurate summary of this article. The text appears to be a garbled or poorly OCR-scanned transcript of a consumer advice program introduction that repeatedly duplicates phrases and lacks coherent content about specific scams or fraud prevention tips. While it mentions that scams are becoming more sophisticated and references a discussion about ticket scams, the actual substantive advice or details about scams are not clearly present in the provided text. A proper summary would require a clearer, complete version of the source material.
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News 4 Tucson KVOA-TV
· 2024-09-19
The FBI launched a "Take a Beat" awareness campaign in response to a sharp increase in scams, reporting a 25% rise in fraud cases and $300 million in additional victim losses compared to the previous year. The campaign targets various schemes including romance scams, phishing calls, and cryptocurrency fraud, with particular concern for retirees and fixed-income individuals in the Tucson and Phoenix areas who suffer severe financial harm from losses ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.
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WQAD News 8
· 2024-09-19
Federal investigators are raising alerts about "pig butchering" scams, which have reached crisis levels, with victims often losing their life savings. Scammers use dating apps and text messages to build trust with victims over months before convincing them to invest in cryptocurrency schemes, with $4 billion lost to these scams last year alone. Law enforcement is calling on Congress for increased funding to disrupt these operations, as victims typically cannot recover their money once locked out of fraudulent investment accounts.
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Forbes Breaking News
· 2024-09-19
Senator Bob Casey led a Senate Aging Committee hearing on fraud targeting older Americans, during which the committee released its annual "Fighting Fraud" resource book. The hearing addressed multiple scam types affecting seniors including grandparent scams, investment fraud, government impostor schemes, lottery scams, and tech support scams, while noting that scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in their tactics over recent years. The committee discussed both fraud prevention strategies and how federal law enforcement agencies respond to fraud reports.
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We Are Iowa Local 5 News
· 2024-09-19
"Pig butchering" scams have reached crisis levels nationwide, with victims losing their life savings after fraudsters build trust through dating apps or text messages before directing them to invest in cryptocurrency schemes. Law enforcement and Congress are pushing for increased funding and action to combat these scams, which cost victims $4 billion in the past year alone, as fake investment accounts lock victims out when they attempt to withdraw funds.
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CBS 8 San Diego
· 2024-09-20
A Harris poll report reveals that Hispanic Americans are being disproportionately targeted by phone scams and are twice as likely to fall victim compared to other populations, contributing to the $25 billion in annual losses Americans collectively suffer from communications fraud and robocalls. The report highlights this emerging trend alongside the continued vulnerability of seniors, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and protective measures across vulnerable communities.
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WTVC NewsChannel 9
· 2024-09-22
"Pig-butchering" scams have reached crisis levels in the United States, with victims often losing their entire life savings after scammers build trust through dating apps or text messages before directing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Law enforcement reports $4 billion was lost to these scams last year alone, with victims unable to recover funds when they attempt to withdraw from fake investment accounts that appear legitimate initially but lock them out once money is deposited.
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WTRF
· 2024-09-24
Senior Services of Belmont County created "Fraud Bingo" as an innovative educational program to raise awareness about common scams targeting seniors, after residents in the area lost significant amounts of money, property, and in one case, a home to fraud. The program used bingo cards featuring different fraud and scam scenarios to engage hundreds of attendees in a format more appealing than traditional lectures. Local vendors donated prizes and participated in the event to increase both awareness and attendance.
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KEZI 9
· 2024-09-26
A Springfield couple lost $110,000 in an artificial intelligence voice cloning scam in which they received a call from someone using AI-recreated audio of their son's voice claiming he was in jail and needed money for bail following a car accident. The scammers used the convincing deepfake audio combined with a woman posing as a public defender to pressure the parents into sending money, though their actual son was not involved in any incident. This case demonstrates how AI technology can be weaponized to create highly convincing impersonation scams targeting vulnerable family members.
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CBS Evening News
· 2024-09-27
A U.S. man lost $700,000 in an elaborate romance scam orchestrated by criminal syndicates operating from underground "boiler rooms" in Ghana. The scammers pose as romantic partners to gain the trust of elderly Americans and convince them to send money, devastating victims both emotionally and financially. The investigation revealed that unemployed youth in Ghana are recruited into these operations, viewing the scams as an alternative to other forms of theft or crime.
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KFOR Oklahoma's News 4
· 2024-09-29
In 2023, nearly 1,000 Oklahomans aged 60 and older lost over $22 million to fraud, with scams targeting seniors increasing 15% in Oklahoma compared to 11% nationally. Tech support scams and sweepstakes prize frauds are among the most common schemes, with one Oklahoma couple nearly falling victim to a $500,000 sweepstakes scam before becoming suspicious of personal questions. The FBI emphasizes the importance of reporting scams without shame and advises seniors to be cautious about unsolicited contacts and requests for personal financial information.
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KHON2 News
· 2024-10-02
Employment scams in Hawaii have cost job seekers over $86,000 in losses since the beginning of 2027, with the Better Business Bureau warning of fake job opportunities that increasingly impersonate legitimate companies. Common scam tactics include fake onboarding processes that steal personal information, fraudulent reshipping jobs involving stolen goods, and "task optimization" schemes where victims pay upfront fees for tasks and are tricked into depositing increasingly larger amounts before losing access to their accounts. To protect themselves, job seekers should avoid any employer requesting payment, verify company legitimacy through official websites and BBB.org, and be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
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NewsChannel 9 WSYR Syracuse
· 2024-10-03
This interview with Police Sergeant Ken Hatter addresses the "hello pervert" sextortion scam, in which fraudsters claim to have spied on victims through webcams and demand payment in Bitcoin. Hatter explains that these are mass-template emails sent to multiple recipients and are definitively scams, as actual hackers with computer access would steal money directly rather than request it via email.
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CBS News
· 2024-10-04
Overseas scammers defrauded a 92-year-old woman in Los Angeles of her life savings by impersonating IT experts and government officials, convincing her that her computer had been hacked and pressuring her to withdraw funds to purchase gold as a "safer investment." The scammers instructed the victim to keep the scheme secret, and despite her daughter's attempts to alert her bank (Charles Schwab) to the suspicious large transactions and wire transfers, the funds were lost. This case exemplifies a widespread epidemic affecting tens of thousands of Americans who fall victim to similar overseas fraud schemes operating through impersonation and deception tactics.
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NBC 7 San Diego
· 2024-10-07
**2024 Election Scams Warning**
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, scammers are exploiting the heightened electoral activity and voter engagement to target people through phone calls, emails, and texts. Common scams include fraudulent donation requests impersonating political campaigns, with scammers targeting voters regardless of political affiliation. Cybersecurity experts advise voters to verify requests directly with campaigns rather than responding to unsolicited contact.
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11Alive
· 2024-10-10
Thousands of people are being targeted by "grandparent scams" where callers impersonate distressed family members claiming to need emergency money. One grandmother nearly lost $99,000 after receiving a frantic call from someone claiming to be her grandson who said he was in a car accident and needed bail money, though she later realized it was a scam. Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to mimic loved ones' voices by extracting audio from social media and other online sources, making these frauds more sophisticated and convincing.
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CBS Evening News
· 2024-10-11
A 92-year-old woman in Los Angeles lost her life savings to overseas scammers who impersonated IT experts and government officials, convincing her that her computer had been hacked and pressuring her to withdraw funds to purchase gold as a "safer investment." The scam involved large wire transfers from her Charles Schwab investment account, and the perpetrators instructed her to keep the scheme secret from her family. This case exemplifies a broader epidemic of multi-million-dollar fraud targeting Americans by overseas criminals operating tech support and investment scams.
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Atlanta News First
· 2024-10-10
Investigator Brendan Keefe uncovered a romance scam operation that uses AI-generated photographs of fake military personnel to target victims on social media platforms like Facebook. The scammers create convincing but flawed fake images (such as veterans with anatomical impossibilities) of patriotic military figures to build false romantic relationships and extract money from victims.
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WPRI
· 2024-10-10
According to the FBI, scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from over 100,000 seniors in 2023, with Rhode Islanders age 60+ losing $7.4 million. Common tactics include creating a sense of panic or urgency, impersonating government agencies like the IRS, and using AI technology to clone the voices of loved ones. State leaders emphasize that public education and awareness are key prevention strategies, advising seniors to verify unexpected calls independently rather than responding to urgent requests.
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KFDM YouTube
· 2024-10-14
Texas reported 13,000 allegations of financial exploitation of elderly residents in fiscal year 2023, with over 500 cases from Jefferson County alone. Adult Protective Services is hosting a "Your Money Matters" awareness event on October 16th at the Lakeside Center to educate seniors about fraud and exploitation through vendor presentations and community engagement.
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News 5 Cleveland
· 2024-10-15
A 70-year-old woman in Berea was scammed out of approximately $20,000 in a tech support fraud scheme that began with a fake Microsoft pop-up warning on her computer. After calling the number provided, a scammer gained remote access to her laptop and then coordinated with a accomplice who convinced her that her money was in jeopardy, directing her to withdraw cash from multiple bank locations while remaining on the phone with her throughout the process. The case illustrates how scammers systematically manipulate vulnerable seniors by creating false urgency and overriding their judgment.
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Forbes Breaking News
· 2024-10-16
The IRS warned taxpayers against scams targeting hurricane relief seekers in the aftermath of Hurricanes Milton and Helen in the Southeast. Scammers are exploiting disaster victims seeking charitable assistance, with variations targeting both those affected by the storms and unaffected taxpayers attempting to claim fraudulent charitable deductions. Consumers should verify relief organizations' legitimacy and be cautious of unsolicited aid offers.
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This Morning
· 2024-10-16
This awareness segment identifies five increasingly sophisticated scams targeting consumers, with fraud cases rising 235% year-over-year. Two particularly predatory text message scams impersonate government agencies offering winter heating subsidies and living expense assistance, exploiting vulnerability and creating false urgency to trick victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal information.
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Arizona’s Family (3TV / CBS 5)
· 2024-10-17
Real estate fraud is at an all-time high, with fraudsters using tactics such as recording false deeds to squat in properties and passing bad checks to take control of homes. According to Tanner Herrick, Executive Vice President of Premier Title Company, his firm handles approximately 500 transactions monthly and encounters fraud cases every single week, leaving legitimate owners unable to remove fraudulent occupants. Common schemes include filing fraudulent deeds on properties and attempting to complete transactions with counterfeit cashier's checks.
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NBC4 Washington
· 2024-10-17
"Pig butchering" is a cryptocurrency confidence scam where fraudsters build trust with victims over months through social media or dating apps before introducing fake cryptocurrency investment opportunities. Scammers send victims links to fraudulent trading websites and convince them to send hundreds or thousands of dollars, which actually goes directly into the scammers' pockets; the fake friend, website, and investment returns are all fabricated.
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WKRN News 2
· 2024-10-17
Senior fraud represents a $3 billion problem, with scammers primarily targeting individuals aged 55-64 through contractor scams, Medicare fraud, Bitcoin investment schemes, romance scams, phone fraud, and phishing attacks. Phishing scams work by casting a wide net through texts, emails, and social media to trick victims into clicking malicious links or participating in fake surveys and contests that download malware and compromise personal information.
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NOLA.com
· 2024-10-17
AARP Louisiana hosted an educational presentation titled "Unmasking Fraud" featuring nationally recognized fraud expert and former prosecutor Paul Greenwood to address senior fraud targeting older adults in Louisiana. The event emphasized that fraud against seniors impacts not only financial security but also causes lasting emotional and psychological harm, and provided practical strategies for protection. AARP directs people to its Fraud Watch Network resource for current scam information and personal data protection guidance.
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NOLA.com
· 2024-10-17
AARP Louisiana hosted a fraud awareness townhall event featuring nationally recognized fraud expert and former prosecutor Paul Greenwood to educate seniors about scams targeting older adults. The event aimed to provide practical protection strategies and highlight how fraud impacts seniors beyond financial loss, including emotional and trust-related consequences. AARP encourages seniors to utilize resources like their FraudWatch Network to stay informed about emerging scams and safeguard personal information.
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WPLG Local 10
· 2024-10-18
A Pinecrest woman received a threatening extortion email from a scammer who claimed to have compromising photos and videos of her and demanded payment. The scammer demonstrated access to personal information including her address, phone number, family members' names, and a photo of her neighborhood, which alarmed her into contacting police. The FBI is encouraging victims of this extortion scam to report it to them.
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Forbes Breaking News
· 2024-10-20
Senator Sherrod Brown questioned a witness about the human impact of financial scams, citing Ohio data showing 18,000 reported scams and $100 million in losses in the past year. The witness testified that scam victims—often vibrant, independent people—experience life-altering consequences including depleted retirement savings and family strain, with adult children forced to drain their own college funds and savings to support defrauded parents.
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NBC10 Boston
· 2024-10-22
More than half of Americans have been targeted by election-related scams ahead of the 2024 election, with young voters experiencing the highest rates of fraud involving fake polls, donation scams, and disinformation. Common scams include political donation fraud where money does not reach intended campaigns, and election survey scams where fraudsters pose as legitimate news organizations to collect personal information and voting preferences. To protect yourself, verify the legitimacy of donation requests and survey contacts before providing personal information or financial contributions.
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Arizona’s Family (3TV / CBS 5)
· 2024-10-30
Impostor scams are intensifying as the holiday season approaches, with scammers posing as trusted entities like banks to steal money through deceptive tactics. A common scheme involves fraudsters calling or texting victims claiming fraudulent card activity, then convincing them to hand over debit cards to supposed bank representatives or mail cards to fraudulent addresses. Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to enhance their deception tactics, making these scams more sophisticated and harder to detect.
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FOX31 Denver
· 2024-10-31
Halloween spending reached a record $12.2 billion last year, but experts warn consumers to beware of scams including fake sweepstakes texts and deceptive giveaways that trick people into sharing personal information. When purchasing costumes, consumers should buy from reputable retailers that verify products meet safety standards and are non-flammable, and should check tags for material listings to avoid allergen exposure, particularly latex allergies.
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NBC10 Boston
· 2024-11-01
During Medicare open enrollment season, scammers impersonate Medicare representatives and insurance agents to trick people into revealing personal information such as Social Security numbers, banking details, and Medicare ID numbers through unsolicited calls, texts, and phishing emails. The BBB has received frequent reports of these fraudulent schemes, which target millions of people seeking insurance plans and can result in identity theft or sale of personal data on the black market. Consumers should verify contacts by hanging up and calling official numbers directly, be wary of anyone offering limited-time enrollment offers, and avoid sharing personal information with unsolicited callers.
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WWLTV
· 2024-11-03
Lafourche Parish authorities reported a record number of cryptocurrency ATM scams, with over 160 residents defrauded of nearly $1.6 million in a single year. Scammers impersonated law enforcement officers, falsely claiming victims had active fines or warrants, then pressured them to withdraw cash and deposit it into cryptocurrency ATMs. Sheriff Craig Weber emphasized that legitimate government agencies never accept cryptocurrency as payment and urged residents to report suspected scams to his office.
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FTCvideos
· 2024-11-04
Tech support scammer pop-ups are impostor scams designed to trick victims into calling fake support numbers. Scammers use these deceptive alerts to gain remote access to devices and steal personal information and money from victims. The FTC advises consumers to recognize these pop-ups as fraudulent and avoid calling any numbers displayed on suspicious alerts.
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WIRED
· 2024-11-05
This WIRED article features "Scammer Payback," a YouTube scam-baiting channel, answering audience questions about common fraud tactics and red flags. The content identifies three major warning signs of scams: scammers pressuring victims to make quick decisions (especially involving gift cards or Cash App transfers), requests for remote access to computers or phones, and demands for untraceable payment methods like Bitcoin or wire transfers. The educational piece emphasizes that time pressure is a deliberate tactic scammers use to prevent victims from consulting family members or others who might intervene.
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FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2024-11-07
**Summary:**
Scammers target veterans by impersonating government representatives and fraudulently offering loan forgiveness, mortgage aid, or grants in exchange for upfront processing fees. Veterans and their spouses experience higher median losses to scams than average consumers, particularly through employment scams that exploit frequent military relocations. The BBB advises veterans to never pay upfront for loans or grants, never share personal information with unsolicited callers, and remember that the government communicates via mail only—never by phone, email, or social media.
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4 News Now
· 2024-11-10
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) warned the public about a phone scam in which fraudsters impersonate CBP and Border Patrol agents to solicit personal information from victims nationwide. The CBP advises that legitimate federal agencies do not request money or personal information over the phone, and recipients should hang up on any such calls.
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CTV News
· 2024-11-12
A Brampton woman lost $230,000 in a Facebook romance scam after being contacted by a man who built a relationship with her over a year, eventually convincing her to send money by claiming he needed funds while working in Texas and expecting a large payment. Romance scams cost Canadians over $52 million in losses last year, with scammers using social media platforms to establish trust before requesting money from victims.
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Hawaii News Now
· 2024-11-13
State officials warned of a real estate scam in which fraudsters sent letters impersonating government entities to individuals and businesses, using false information to solicit investments in non-existent properties. The scammers also impersonated actor Jason Momoa to obtain funds, prompting the actor to publicly deny any association with the schemes. The state's consumer protection agency urged the public to report suspected scams by calling 808-587-4272.
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WREG News Channel 3
· 2024-11-13
Three Nigerian men in their 40s were sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating romance and investment scams that targeted victims across America from 2017 to 2021, including a Western Tennessee resident who lost $400,000. The perpetrators used fake identities on social media and dating sites, posing as romantic partners and repeatedly requesting emergency financial assistance from victims. Law enforcement urges scam victims to report incidents to police, as victims of romance scams often face additional risks including identity theft when they unknowingly share personal information with fraudsters.
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moneycontrol
· 2024-11-16
**Cybercrime Risk During Diwali Shopping Season**
India's National Crime Record Bureau reported over 1.1 million cyber fraud cases last year, with incidents rising significantly during high-spending periods like Diwali, particularly targeting elderly individuals. Common scams include customer support fraud (using screen-sharing apps to hijack mobile devices), virtual arrest scams (impersonating law enforcement to extort payments), and Aadhaar-enabled payment system fraud. To protect oneself, stay vigilant during shopping seasons, verify legitimacy of support contacts independently, avoid sharing remote access to devices, and be skeptical of unsolicited law enforcement threats.
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FOX43 News
· 2024-11-21
Fox 43's consumer awareness segment examines how much personal information is publicly available online and discusses whether consumers should pay companies to reduce their digital footprint. Cybersecurity experts advise monitoring your own online presence by searching your name and using tools like ChatGPT to identify what information exists about you, noting that significant personal data is sold behind the scenes and impacts daily life.
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First Alert 6
· 2024-11-21
This educational segment highlights that older adults face increased financial scam risks during the holiday season because they typically have savings, home equity, and good credit—making them attractive targets—while also experiencing social isolation and loneliness that scammers exploit. Three common holiday scams targeting seniors include charity fraud, where scammers impersonate legitimate organizations soliciting donations via calls, emails, or texts.
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News 4 Tucson KVOA-TV
· 2024-11-23
The Pima County Sheriff's Department warns of a "family emergency scam" targeting residents, in which scammers call claiming a family member has been kidnapped or injured and demands money be sent immediately without contacting authorities. Scammers use AI technology to synthesize victims' family members' voices by harvesting audio from social media platforms, and often call at odd hours to catch victims off-guard. Authorities recommend verifying callers by independently contacting family members directly from your phone rather than using the number provided by the caller.
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Atlanta News First
· 2024-11-27
This educational piece advises consumers on avoiding online shopping scams during the holiday season, particularly on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Key recommendations include using credit cards rather than debit cards or payment apps (Venmo, Zelle, PayPal linked to bank accounts) for online purchases, as debit transactions offer no fraud protection if merchandise is not received. The article warns of red flags such as steep discounts, unfamiliar retailers, social media influencer sales, and fraudulent ads offering fake beauty products and counterfeit gifts.
Payment App
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FOX31 Denver
· 2024-11-27
A Denver man lost thousands of dollars after scammers gained access to his Venmo account by using a phishing email to change his password, exploiting his recent grief over his father's death. The hackers transferred funds from his linked checking account before he regained access, and while PayPal later confirmed the breach and pledged to make things right, the incident highlights vulnerabilities across cash transfer apps including Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App. Experts recommend users enable two-factor authentication, transfer money to bank accounts promptly, change passwords regularly, and remain vigilant against common scams like "paid by mistake" schemes and pyramid schemes on these platforms.
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CityNews
· 2024-11-28
Edmonton Police reported four e-transfer scam incidents in November resulting in over $6,700 in losses, primarily targeting buyers on online marketplaces like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. From January to August, the police received more than 600 e-transfer scam reports totaling $10.8 million, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated fake websites and pop-ups to trick victims into sending payments.
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Inside Edition
· 2024-12-01
Virgin Media2, a London-based company, deployed an AI-generated answering machine named "Daisy" that mimics an elderly woman to waste scammers' time and gather information about their tactics. Since launch approximately one month prior, Daisy has intercepted about 1,000 robocalls, with the longest call lasting 40 minutes, and is designed to keep potential fraudsters on the line as long as possible to discourage future scam attempts.
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Good Morning Britain
· 2024-12-02
Television personality Linda Robson nearly fell victim to the "Hi Mum" scam when a fraudster impersonating her daughter Bobby contacted her via WhatsApp, claiming to have dropped her phone and requesting £150 for bills. Robson became suspicious when the scammer couldn't answer her call and provided incorrect information about her dog's name, ultimately avoiding financial loss. The incident highlights that approximately 40% of British adults have been targeted by scams in the past year, prompting Robson to work with BT and charity AB Ability Net to raise awareness about this common fraud tactic.
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WFAA
· 2024-12-08
Plano Police warned residents about an impersonation scam in which scammers spoofed the police department's phone number and claimed to be Sergeant James Babb, requesting Bitcoin or gift cards from callers. At least one victim lost $10,000 to the scheme. Police emphasized that legitimate officers never solicit money by phone and advised residents to hang up and call the department directly to verify any suspicious calls.
Cryptocurrency
Gift Cards
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Inside Edition
· 2024-12-11
A Miami doctor's photos were stolen and used in a "pig butchering" romance scam to fraudulently lure wealthy single men on dating sites, resulting in victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. The doctor discovered the identity theft when strangers began sending flowers to her workplace and showing up in person, prompting her to publicly warn others on social media about the sophisticated scheme.
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FOX 5 New York
· 2024-12-13
Amazon Prime customers are being targeted by increasingly sophisticated lookalike scams during the holiday season, with scammers impersonating Amazon through text messages and emails that are difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications. Over 1,000 Amazon scam sites were registered in just two months, and cybersecurity experts report that one in five adults are clicking on these fraudulent messages. Consumers are advised to be cautious of unsolicited Amazon communications and delete suspicious messages immediately.
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KHON2 News
· 2024-12-18
The Better Business Bureau identified 12 common holiday scams, with misleading social media ads and imposter websites being the most prevalent. The list includes phishing emails, fake charities, puppy scams, unsafe holiday apps, and counterfeit product sales. To protect themselves, consumers should avoid interacting with unsolicited messages, only shop from trusted businesses, verify website authenticity, report scams to the BBB and financial institutions, and contact local law enforcement if money is lost.
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13 ON YOUR SIDE
· 2024-12-18
Law enforcement agencies are warning the public about "brushing" scams, where victims receive unexpected packages with QR codes prompting them to scan and discover the sender's identity. While authorities warn that scanning these codes can lead to drained bank accounts, cybersecurity experts clarify that the scams typically involve sellers shipping cheap items to random addresses to post fake positive reviews, with QR codes more commonly directing users to phishing websites that steal personal information rather than directly accessing phone data. Authorities recommend recipients of unsolicited packages verify their existing accounts and change passwords as a precaution.
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FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2024-12-19
Scammers target gift cards by tampering with them in stores using handheld scanners to capture card information, then checking balances and either creating counterfeit cards or using the information for unauthorized purchases. Consumers can protect themselves by inspecting packaging for signs of tampering (stickers on barcodes, opened packaging, scratched security codes), purchasing cards with minimal identifying information, buying directly from official retailer websites, and avoiding discounted gift card offers on social media that may direct them to fraudulent sites.
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WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore
· 2024-12-19
Delivery scams are the most prevalent business impersonation fraud, with over 330,000 cases reported nationwide last year, half involving shipping. Scammers send fraudulent emails and texts impersonating delivery companies like USPS, FedEx, or DHL, claiming package delivery problems and requesting payment or personal information, with tactics becoming more convincing due to AI. To protect yourself, verify communications by visiting carrier websites directly rather than clicking links, watch for urgent language and suspicious email addresses, and if compromised, reset login credentials and place a fraud alert on your credit report.
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FOX4 News Kansas City
· 2024-12-20
During open enrollment season, scammers are targeting people with unsolicited robocalls and text messages offering free incentives like groceries or housing to enroll in health insurance, then requesting personal and financial information to "confirm eligibility." KC Care warns consumers to avoid these scams by only initiating enrollment themselves and working with licensed, trained insurance navigators rather than responding to unsolicited contacts, with free navigator services available through official channels like GetCovered.org (Kansas) and ShowMeCoverage.org (Missouri).
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FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2024-12-20
Local police departments in Bridgeton and Kirkwood issued warnings about an evolving "brushing scam" that combines unsolicited package shipments with QR codes included in the packaging. In brushing scams, online sellers ship random products to real addresses and post fake positive reviews to boost sales, but this new variation includes QR codes that, when scanned, may direct recipients to malicious websites designed to steal personal and financial information. Authorities advise consumers to avoid scanning QR codes on unsolicited packages, monitor credit annually, and exercise caution with any unexpected shipments requesting online engagement.
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Scripps News
· 2024-12-22
In 2024, scammers are targeting all demographics with increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, as reported losses reached $10 billion—the highest annual total on record. The most common scams include impostor schemes, online shopping fraud, fake job opportunities, and investment scams, with 80% of investment scam victims losing money. The piece highlights how scammers exploit personal information and worst fears, noting that artificial intelligence is making these schemes even more difficult to detect and avoid.
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CBS Mornings
· 2024-12-23
**Summary:**
The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers that scammers can steal gift card numbers and PINs before purchase, with gift cards being the most requested holiday item at 53% of shoppers' wish lists. Shoppers should inspect gift cards for signs of tampering such as removed protective stickers or scratched barcodes, and alert store managers if found, as scammers may tamper with cards in batches and drain funds loaded onto them.
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WHNT News 19
· 2024-12-23
This educational segment from News 19 highlights increased scam risks during the holiday season when people shop online and donate to charities. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to verify website URLs carefully (scammers often alter one or two letters), use credit cards instead of debit cards for added protection, and research charities before donating to ensure legitimacy and proper fund disclosure. The BBB offers a free Scam Tracker tool with customized survival kits to help victims of identity theft and account compromise take appropriate next steps.
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FOX 32 Chicago
· 2024-12-24
Police departments nationwide are warning consumers about "brushing scams," in which recipients receive unsolicited packages containing small items and QR codes. Scammers use these QR codes to phish for personal information such as bank account details, credit card numbers, and login credentials. Authorities advise recipients not to scan unknown QR codes and to discard suspicious packages rather than investigate them.
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CNN-News18
· 2024-12-26
Cyber crimes in India surged dramatically in 2024, with the tech-driven region of Hyderabad experiencing a 64% rise in overall crime and an 882% increase in digital arrest scams, reaching losses of 80 crores compared to 6.2 crores the previous year. Cyber fraud cases accounted for 11,900 incidents (23% of all crimes in the region), with citizens losing over 700 crores to fraudsters through job scams, trading frauds, and SMS phishing schemes. The segment emphasizes the importance of avoiding calls from unidentified numbers and highlights ongoing efforts to combat the escalating digital crime problem across the nation.
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Hawaii News Now
· 2024-12-26
Honolulu police warn that romance scams are increasingly targeting elderly seniors, particularly during the holiday season when isolation increases vulnerability. Scammers create fake dating or social media profiles to build emotional connections with seniors, eventually claiming to be in love while requesting money. The scheme became especially prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic when seniors were homebound and lonely.
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KVUE
· 2024-12-27
The FBI is warning of an emerging AI-powered "kidnapping scam" where criminals use artificial intelligence to mimic the voices of loved ones—typically claiming they've been in an accident or arrested—to pressure victims into sending money for bail or emergency assistance. A victim named Anthony received a call from what sounded exactly like his son claiming he needed bail money for a drunk driving accident, with a follow-up call from a fake attorney to arrange payment. Law enforcement notes that criminals only need a few seconds of audio from social media to clone someone's voice and create convincing fake conversations, making these scams increasingly difficult to detect.
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ABC11
· 2024-12-28
Federal authorities warn that AI-powered impostor scams are on the rise, with criminals using artificial intelligence to replicate the voices of loved ones claiming to be in emergencies (such as drunk driving accidents requiring bail) to pressure victims into sending money. The scams, also known as "grandparent scams" or "kidnapping scams," require only seconds of audio from social media to generate convincing fake conversations that sound nearly identical to real family members. Experts caution that victims should independently verify emergencies by contacting family members directly rather than responding to urgent calls requesting immediate payment.
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KPRC 2 Click2Houston
· 2024-12-30
The Better Business Bureau warns homeowners in disaster-affected areas to be cautious of home repair scammers who exploit vulnerable property owners seeking contractor services. Residents are advised to research contractors thoroughly through online reviews and the BBB website (bbb.org), verify BBB accreditation to ensure the business is required to respond to complaints, and confirm proper licensing and insurance before hiring.
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wgaltv
· 2024-12-30
Sweepstakes and lottery scams rank as the #5 most common fraud scheme of 2024, claiming hundreds of thousands of victims annually through letters, phone calls, and emails that falsely claim they've won a prize. Scammers use tactics including fake checks (which bounce after victims deposit them), requests for gift card payments for taxes and fees, or demands for cryptocurrency, but victims can avoid this scam by remembering they cannot win a lottery they never entered.
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ABC11
· 2025-01-01
**Summary:**
Experts warn that scammers are increasingly using generative AI in 2025 to create more realistic fraudulent websites, deepfake videos and audio, and fake social media content, making scams harder to detect. According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, consumers lost over $1 trillion to scams in 2024, and the FBI has issued alerts about criminals exploiting AI to commit fraud at larger scales and increase the believability of their schemes. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant in protecting their money and personal information as scam tactics continue to evolve.
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FOX 17 WXMI
· 2025-01-03
The Better Business Bureau identified online purchase scams as the top scam type in 2024, where victims visit fraudulent websites that either fail to deliver purchased items or steal their information, with individual losses typically ranging from $20-$50 but affecting hundreds of people across the state. Phishing scams, which doubled in West Michigan last year, are also increasingly prevalent, with scammers sending deceptive text messages claiming packages are late or toll fees are owed to trick victims into providing payment or personal information.
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PBS NewsHour
· 2025-01-04
Pig-butchering investment scams have cost victims worldwide an estimated $75 billion over the past four years, with Americans alone losing $4.6 billion in 2023, through fake romantic relationships that manipulate targets into investing in cryptocurrency on fraudulent platforms. The scams typically begin with a wrong-number text leading to conversation with a fake attractive persona who builds trust over 90 days before pressuring victims to invest increasingly large sums until they lose their life savings. Beyond the financial victims, the scammers themselves are often human trafficking victims forced by Asian organized crime syndicates (primarily Chinese, but including Yakuza and Korean groups) operating from compound cities built specifically to run these
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IRSvideos
· 2025-01-06
This is an educational webinar presented by the IRS and FTC during National Tax Security Awareness Week that covers common identity theft and tax-related scams, methods for identifying and reporting fraud, the IRS Identity Protection PIN program, and resources for protecting against identity thieves. The 75-minute presentation includes technical guidance for participants and a live Q&A session to address audience questions about fraud prevention and recovery.
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25 News KXXV
· 2025-01-06
Woodway Public Safety Department is warning residents about a rising number of scams in the community, including imposter scams where callers pose as bank representatives to steal personal information and money, bank jugging (where criminals rob people leaving banks), and Facebook Marketplace fraud involving fake items. The department notes that scam frequency is increasing, particularly during the holiday season, with AI technology making imposter scams more sophisticated and harder to detect.
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FOX Carolina News
· 2025-01-06
Laurens County Sheriff's deputies are warning residents of resurgent phone scams in which callers impersonate law enforcement or court officials, claiming victims have missed jury duty or have outstanding warrants and using spoofed caller IDs and real deputy names to appear legitimate. Deputies advise residents to hang up immediately without providing personal or banking information, as the sheriff's office does not conduct business this way.
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ET Now
· 2025-01-06
Digital arrest scams are rapidly proliferating in India, with victims including influencer Ankush Bahuguna (held virtually for 40 hours), a 50-year-old businesswoman (lost 1.6 crore rupees), and a 65-year-old woman (lost 46 lakh rupees). In 2024 alone, Indians lost approximately 120 crore rupees across multiple states, with Karnataka reporting 109 crore rupees in losses from 641 cases. The scam operates through video calls where criminals impersonate authorities and coerce victims into believing they are under digital arrest, demanding payment to resolve fabricated legal issues.
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WGN News
· 2025-01-07
The Better Business Bureau released its top 10 local scams of 2024, with online purchases through fake websites ranking as the #1 threat, followed by phishing scams, employment scams, debt collection scams, and social media shopping scams involving counterfeit products. Consumers are advised to verify companies through the BBB before providing personal or financial information, avoid clicking suspicious links in emails or social media ads, be wary of unsolicited urgent requests, and recognize that legitimate debt collectors must notify in writing before taking action.
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WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7
· 2025-01-08
Jury duty phone scams are increasing across Oakland County, Michigan, with scammers impersonating law enforcement and claiming victims owe money for missed jury duty to frighten them into paying. A Birmingham resident nearly fell for the scam after receiving a realistic voicemail from a local number with prompts mimicking the sheriff's department, though the Oakland County Sheriff's Department warns the public to recognize these calls as fraudulent schemes.
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NBC10 Boston
· 2025-01-09
Hundreds of Massachusetts residents received fraudulent text messages impersonating E-ZPass (Easy Drive MA), requesting payment for tolls, in what authorities are investigating as a "smishing" scam with FBI involvement. One victim clicked the malicious link and was directed to a fake payment page; the scam messages originated from a Philippines phone number and contained spelling errors that revealed their fraudulent nature. Cybersecurity experts advise users not to click links in unsolicited text messages and to verify directly with official sources before providing payment information.
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ABC News 4
· 2025-01-11
A Mount Pleasant woman nearly fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam in which a caller impersonated law enforcement, claiming she had a failed jury duty summons and a flag on her driver's license for arrest. The scammer, speaking politely and calmly, instructed her to withdraw $5,000 in cash and deliver it to a specific address under the guise of placing it in a safety deposit box. The woman did not complete the transaction, and police are warning residents about this detailed and convincing scam targeting the public.
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Irish Independent
· 2025-01-14
Romance scams (also called "pig butchering") are surging in Ireland, primarily targeting middle-aged women through dating apps where scammers build emotional relationships over time before requesting money for bills, fees, and expenses. Detective Superintendent Michael Crry of Ireland's National Economic Crime Bureau explains that these online fraud schemes rely on social engineering, manipulation, and exploitation, with recent arrests highlighting law enforcement efforts to combat the crime, which is particularly prevalent during vulnerable winter months when people seek connection.
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KELOLAND News
· 2025-01-14
Three people in San Francisco fell victim to a scam involving spoofed caller IDs impersonating Sioux Falls Credit Union and Levo Federal Credit Union, losing a total of approximately $17,000 ($5,000, $11,000, and $1,000+ respectively). The scammers obtained personal information from victims during calls and used it to access their bank accounts. Police advise never providing personal information over the phone and instead independently verifying calls by using a known phone number to contact your financial institution directly.
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Mint
· 2025-01-15
A 53-year-old French interior designer named Anne was scammed out of €830,000 (approximately ₹8 crore) in an elaborate romance fraud scheme that began in February 2023 when a scammer impersonating Brad Pitt contacted her via Instagram. The fraudster used AI-generated videos, poetry, declarations of love, and a marriage proposal to build trust before exploiting her emotionally and financially, ultimately leading her to transfer substantial sums and divorce her wealthy husband before the deception was exposed on French television.
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KTVE
· 2025-01-16
The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers about "brushing scams," in which scammers send unsolicited packages containing fake luxury items like rings, beauty products, and Bluetooth speakers to obtain personal information. The scammers use victims' addresses and information to write fake online reviews under their names, potentially leading to identity theft that costs victims time and money to remediate. Victims are advised to change passwords, monitor credit scores, and report incidents to the FTC.
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NBC10 Philadelphia
· 2025-01-17
A victim lost over $137,000 in life savings after receiving an email falsely claiming her social security number was used for drug trafficking, demonstrating how sophisticated social engineering scams exploit fear and panic rather than relying solely on cyber tactics. According to the FTC, Americans lost $10 billion to scams in 2023—the highest amount ever recorded—with scammers increasingly using organized crime networks, technology, and social manipulation to target victims through emails, texts, and social media.
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WHNT News 19
· 2025-01-21
Utility scammers pose as energy companies and create urgency by threatening immediate power shutoffs unless customers pay bills over the phone, a tactic that increases during cold winter months when people fear losing heat. Legitimate utility providers never demand immediate phone payments and will confirm account issues if you call them directly using a number you know; if forced to pay a scammer, use a credit card rather than debit or gift cards to make fraud charges easier to dispute.
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WBNS 10TV
· 2025-01-21
"Mule scams" targeting job seekers are rising in central Ohio, with scammers posing as legitimate companies to recruit workers for fake remote positions. A 30-year-old single mother in Toledo lost nearly $5,000 after being hired by a fraudulent company called "Skyline Deliveries" that promised $4,000+ monthly for shipping label work, then failed to pay her after four weeks of labor. The Better Business Bureau warns consumers applying for online remote work to verify company legitimacy before providing personal information or completing unpaid work.
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KETV NewsWatch 7
· 2025-01-23
Nebraska's Attorney General announced that the Consumer Affairs Response Team recovered $1.4 million for scam victims in 2024. The Better Business Bureau warns that modern scams increasingly use friendly, helpful messaging to target consumers aged 18-24, who experience more scams than other demographics but are least likely to report them, with experts recommending victims trust their instincts and consult trusted contacts before sharing money or personal information.
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13WMAZ
· 2025-01-26
This educational segment from the Better Business Bureau of Central Georgia provides fraud prevention advice for 2025, emphasizing identity theft as a persistent threat. The key recommendation is to monitor credit reports two to three times per year (utilizing the free weekly access available since COVID-era policy changes) to quickly detect unauthorized accounts and address identity theft before significant damage occurs.
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Channel 3000 / News 3 Now
· 2025-01-27
A scam targeting parents of University of Wisconsin-Madison students involved fraudsters impersonating UWPD officers, calling at night (between 2-3 a.m.) and claiming their child had been detained, demanding money for release. Madison Police Department received at least three reports of the scam calls, which used real officer names to appear credible, exploiting the fear and disorientation of parents awakened in the middle of the night.
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WHO13
· 2025-01-29
During tax season, the IRS expects to process over 140 million returns while scammer activity increases significantly; the IRS received nearly 300,000 identity theft complaints in 2023. Experts recommend organizing tax documents as they arrive, being cautious of unsolicited IRS contacts, and verifying any IRS communication by calling the agency directly rather than responding to potentially fraudulent calls or messages.
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WLKY News Louisville
· 2025-02-02
Jefferson County law enforcement officials warned about a rise in scam calls impersonating government agencies, claiming recipients have missed jury duty or have arrest warrants outstanding. Scammers are using local area codes and official names to appear legitimate, but legitimate agencies contact people by mail first and never request credit card or banking information over the phone. The Kentucky Court of Justice launched a website to help residents identify scams and report them to authorities.
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CBS4 Indy
· 2025-02-04
LinkedIn users face increasing fake job offer scams that impersonate legitimate companies and direct victims to fraudulent websites requesting personal information like Social Security numbers. Common red flags include requests to pay for background checks, training, or equipment upfront, which legitimate employers never require. Users should verify job postings on company websites, use the WHOIS tool to check website legitimacy, and conduct reverse image searches on profile pictures to identify scams.
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WHNT News 19
· 2025-02-04
The Huntsville Police Department warned of a dating app scam where criminals pose as government investigators and claim victims face arrest warrants, then pressure them to pay money to avoid prosecution. Police documented two cases of this scam and advise potential victims to hang up, independently verify any claims by calling local police directly, and never pay money to resolve alleged warrants.
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Lakeland PBS
· 2025-02-05
Law enforcement in Grand Rapids arrested an out-of-state suspect accused of running bail scams targeting three residents, including an elderly couple who lost $17,000 after being told their grandson was arrested and needed immediate bail payment. The suspect was found with over $42,000 in cash during the investigation.
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WTNH News8
· 2025-02-04
The FBI and DEA are investigating a widespread impersonation scam targeting healthcare professionals, pharmacists, and veterinarians in Connecticut, with victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in some cases. Scammers impersonate federal agents (DEA, FBI) and state/local police to steal money and personal information from licensed professionals by using partial information to build credibility and extract additional details. The agencies are raising public awareness as criminals operate from boiler rooms conducting research on specific targets to refine their fraudulent schemes.
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KCRG-TV9: Your Trusted Local News Source
· 2025-02-05
Romance scams, also known as catfishing, occur when scammers use dating websites to build false relationships and extract money or credit card information from victims. The Better Business Bureau warns that these scams escalate around Valentine's Day and can result in significant financial losses, sometimes requiring legal intervention such as conservatorships to protect victims' assets. Red flags include unsolicited contact and requests for money or personal financial information.
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KPRC 2 Click2Houston
· 2025-02-05
Scammers exploit Valentine's Day shopping—when consumers are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion—through various fraudulent schemes, with fake jewelry websites being a primary concern. These fraudulent sites imitate legitimate jewelry retailers by copying logos and promotional materials while using nearly identical web addresses (differing by just one letter) to trick consumers into purchasing jewelry they never receive. Consumers are advised to carefully verify website addresses and watch for common Valentine's Day scams that exploit the holiday shopping season.
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FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2025-02-06
Romance scams are prevalent and increasingly sophisticated, with the Better Business Bureau reporting a median loss of $6,000 per victim. Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites and social media to build trust over weeks or months before requesting money or pushing cryptocurrency investment schemes, and they now use AI to generate realistic photos and communicate with multiple victims simultaneously. To protect yourself, verify profile photos using reverse image search, trust your instincts if something seems too good to be true, independently research any investment opportunities, and avoid clicking links or sharing financial information provided by potential romantic contacts.
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Eyewitness News ABC7NY
· 2025-02-07
Romance scammers are targeting people seeking relationships online, with the FTC reporting these scams cost Americans $1.3 billion annually. Scammers employ "love bombing" tactics, building emotional connections over months or even a year before requesting money, increasingly through cryptocurrency to remain untraceable. One Connecticut woman lost nearly $1 million to this type of fraud.
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NBC Bay Area
· 2025-02-08
A Bay Area woman lost her entire life savings of $400,000 to a scam that began with a text message claiming someone was making fraudulent purchases on her accounts. The scammer, posing as a Federal Trade Commission agent, convinced her to withdraw money from her bank accounts over several transactions, exploiting her fear and trust in authority. The victim, who had recently sold her home and was debt-free for the first time, fell for the scheme despite her bank's initial warning about the suspicious withdrawal.
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Sky News
· 2025-02-11
This educational piece features reformed scammer Elliot Castro, who at age 16 began defrauding people by obtaining their personal information to make unauthorized credit card purchases at restaurants, hotels, and shops, ultimately stealing approximately £2.5 million before being caught and imprisoned. Castro now works with companies on fraud prevention, reflecting on how his criminal activity escalated from a single stolen train ticket to international luxury purchases, and emphasizing that scammers persist relentlessly wherever there is value to exploit. The key takeaway is that awareness of scam tactics and understanding scammer behavior are essential to protecting oneself from fraud.
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WLUK-TV FOX 11
· 2025-02-12
As Valentine's Day approaches with consumers expected to spend $26 billion on gifts, the Better Business Bureau warns of common scams including fraudulent online retailers, romance scams targeting vulnerable people, and phishing emails. To protect themselves, shoppers should verify seller legitimacy by calling businesses, checking for poor grammar on websites, and verifying website creation dates through tools like GoDaddy, while avoiding unrealistically cheap deals.
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ABC11
· 2025-02-13
As Americans prepare to spend $27.5 billion on Valentine's Day, scammers are launching phishing emails and malicious websites to steal money and personal information. Checkpoint software identified over 18,000 Valentine's Day-related websites since early 2025, with approximately 1 in 72 identified as malicious, often impersonating well-known brands to appear legitimate. Consumers should protect themselves by verifying sender email addresses, avoiding suspicious links, and checking URLs before clicking to ensure they're on legitimate company websites.