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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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Tamron Hall Show
· 2024-02-21
Charlotte Kohls, a financial advice columnist for New York Magazine, fell victim to an elaborate scam that began with a fake Amazon call claiming $8,000 in fraudulent charges on a non-existent business account. The scammer then posed as an FTC agent investigating her for money laundering and financial crimes, ultimately convincing her to withdraw and hand over $50,000 in cash to a stranger. Kohls's experience serves as a warning that even financially knowledgeable individuals are vulnerable to sophisticated social engineering scams.
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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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News 19 WLTX
· 2024-03-21
The FBI warned South Carolinians about romance scams after 277 victims lost over $11 million in the previous year, though only 29 cases were reported to the State Department of Consumer Affairs. One victim, Sandra Sheely, was contacted on Facebook by a scammer who developed a fabricated relationship using photos and videos before defrauding her, and she continues working to repay the losses. The FBI emphasized the need for increased reporting of romance and confidence fraud, which are becoming an increasing threat in South Carolina.
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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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ABC News (Australia)
· 2024-04-27
Journalist Deborah Vanin discovered fake obituaries about her death circulating online in an AI-generated death hoax scam. The "pirate obit" scams are designed to serve as clickbait that generates advertising revenue for scammers, and Vanin learned of the fraudulent posts when her father and aunt alerted her after seeing the fake obituary. Multiple friends subsequently contacted her with screenshots of the false reports, which included fabricated details about her career and personal relationships.
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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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WLOS News 13
· 2024-05-04
According to an FBI report, elder fraud targeting people aged 60 and older increased by 14% in 2023, resulting in over $3 billion in losses with an average victim loss of $33,900. The five most common fraud types against seniors include personal data breaches, confidence and romance scams, non-payment or non-delivery scams, and investment scams, with non-payment scams being particularly prevalent in the Asheville area, where the police department received 48 elder abuse or fraud cases from Adult Protective Services in the year to date.
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wgaltv
· 2024-05-05
Tech support fraud is the most commonly reported scam targeting older Americans, where scammers impersonate tech support to gain access to sensitive information, though investment scams result in the greatest financial losses (over $50 million reported annually). In Pennsylvania specifically, common scams include tech support fraud, personal data breaches, and delivery scams. To protect yourself, avoid unsolicited contacts, never download attachments from unknown sources, refuse to share personal information or money with unverified people, and resist pressure to act quickly, as scammers use urgency to manipulate victims.
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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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CBS 17
· 2024-05-11
An FBI report revealed that elder fraud complaints increased 14% and financial losses to seniors rose 11% in the previous year, with people over 60 disproportionately targeted by scammers. In response, Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Garner hosted a community shredding day to help seniors safely dispose of documents containing personal information that could be used for identity theft and fraud.
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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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News4JAX The Local Station
· 2024-05-17
In 2022, older Americans lost over $1.6 billion to fraud, with investment impersonation and tech scams being the most common schemes. The FTC recommends that family members help victims recover funds by contacting banks/credit card companies to reverse fraudulent charges, contacting gift card issuers, and securing compromised accounts by changing passwords. To prevent future victimization, family members should consider helping install password managers, monitor for identity theft, and prepare loved ones in advance about common scams.
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News 4 (WOAI) San Antonio
· 2024-05-18
The FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report reveals that Texas has the third-highest rate of elder fraud in the nation, with over 7,000 complaints from seniors age 60+ resulting in nearly $300 million in losses. One elderly couple lost approximately $170,000-$200,000 to a computer popup scam, and local authorities report that in the prior year nearly 300 elderly residents in Bexar County fell victim to various scams including identity theft, wire fraud, and forgery, with 91 additional cases reported in the current year.
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FOX31 Denver
· 2024-05-19
A Denver family had their bank account completely drained after their credit card information was stolen, though the method of theft remains unknown. Colorado law enforcement warns that scammers are using increasingly sophisticated skimming devices—including pinhole cameras and barely visible overlays on payment terminals—to capture card and PIN information at gas pumps and public payment stations. To protect themselves, consumers should shield their PIN when entering it, use contactless payment methods like Apple Pay or Google Pay, pay at staffed customer service desks rather than unattended terminals, and regularly monitor accounts for unauthorized charges.
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CBC News
· 2024-05-27
A New Brunswick woman's Facebook account was hacked and used to post a fake ad selling her deceased father's belongings, resulting in multiple friends losing thousands of dollars through e-transfer payments. Despite Lisa Lowry and her friends repeatedly reporting the scam to Facebook, the company took no action to stop it, and investigators found numerous identical scams running on the platform simultaneously. The incident highlights a broader problem: Canadians lost $174 million to social media scams in the previous year, prompting calls for Meta to strengthen its fraud prevention measures.
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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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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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WFXR NEWS
· 2024-07-18
In May 2023, a 72-year-old Lynchburg, Virginia woman named Marsha Burks had over $8,000 stolen from her credit card by her in-home caregiver. The incident highlights a broader problem: Virginia reported over 2,000 complaints of elder financial fraud in 2023 with victims losing over $90 million. The case prompted the family to advocate for "Larry's Law," which took effect in the state to prevent elder financial abuse by allowing financial institutions to contact emergency contacts when fraudulent charges are suspected.
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WESH 2 News
· 2024-07-24
The IRS flagged nearly 2 million tax returns for potential identity theft during the tax season and warned about ongoing impersonation scams targeting vulnerable populations, including the elderly. Scammers impersonate IRS agents via calls, emails, and texts, threatening non-existent tax debts and demanding payment via credit cards or prepaid debit cards, while also using social media to promote fake "life hacks" for obtaining non-existent IRS credits. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel advised the public that the IRS communicates by mail, never demands immediate payment by credit card, and does not threaten repossession or deportation.
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WFMY News 2
· 2024-07-24
This is an educational awareness segment featuring James E. Lee, Chief Operating Officer of the Identity Theft Resource Center, discussing the rising threat of AI-enhanced scams and identity theft. Key findings indicate that artificial intelligence has dramatically improved the quality and believability of scams through emails and text messages, with fewer grammatical errors and misspellings, resulting in higher success rates than ever before, with a notable surge in job scams designed to collect personal information from unsuspecting applicants.
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Eyewitness News ABC7NY
· 2024-07-29
**Social Security Scams Rise with New Account Access Option**
As the Social Security Administration launches a new way for people to access their accounts, scammers are exploiting the change using common tactics like phishing emails and threatening phone calls claiming Social Security numbers have been compromised or suspended. The SSA warns that legitimate access to Social Security is always free; any solicitation for payment, threats of arrest, account freezing, or demands for personal information are scam indicators and the agency will never contact citizens in this manner.
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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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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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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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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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ABC 7 Chicago
· 2024-08-15
A woman in Fox Lake responded to a fake work-from-home job posting that appeared legitimate, complete with a professional website, job offer letter, and Zoom interview. After she quit her current job, the scammers sent her an $8,950 counterfeit check for equipment purchases and instructed her to deposit it and return a portion of the funds, a common work-from-home scam tactic designed to lead to identity theft. She avoided financial loss by recognizing the check was fraudulent, but the scammers remain unidentified.
Check/Cashier's Check
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NewsNation
· 2024-08-16
**Graceland Fraud Scheme**
A Missouri woman, Lisa Janine Finley, was arrested by the Department of Justice for allegedly attempting to defraud Elvis Presley's family of millions of dollars and steal their ownership interest in Graceland. Finley falsely claimed that Elvis's daughter Lisa Marie had pledged the Memphis home as collateral for a $3.8 million loan, and she forged loan documents, a deed of trust, and filed false claims in California court in an attempt to foreclose on the property while posing as multiple fictitious lenders.
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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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WBIR Channel 10
· 2024-08-16
A Missouri woman, Lisa Finley, was arrested for an elaborate estate fraud scheme in which she used multiple aliases and falsified documents to claim that Elvis Presley's daughter had pledged the Elvis Presley estate as collateral for a $3.8 million loan that was never repaid. When the scheme became public, Finley blamed a Nigerian identity thief, and she now faces charges of mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.
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Eyewitness News WEHT WTVW
· 2024-08-26
Crimes against senior citizens totaled over $3.4 billion in the past year, with family scams and identity theft being among the most common schemes. Family scams exploit seniors' emotions by impersonating relatives and requesting urgent money for car repairs, rent, tuition, or bail, while fishing scams use deceptive emails posing as legitimate vendors to steal personal 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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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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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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FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth
· 2024-09-11
"Sextortion" scams are targeting victims nationwide by claiming spyware has been installed on their computers, allowing scammers to capture webcam footage and screenshots of their online activity. The scammers threaten to send this alleged evidence to the victim's contacts unless they pay a ransom, using personalized details like names, addresses, and photos to appear credible. The FBI recognizes this as an extortion scheme that relies on volume and fear to pressure victims into paying.
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CBS Chicago
· 2024-09-13
Job scams targeting seekers have increased 118% in 2023, with fraudsters using text messages, encrypted apps like WhatsApp, and fake postings on legitimate employment sites to lure victims with promises of work-from-home positions paying up to $1,000 daily. Red flags include recruiters requesting communication through encrypted messaging apps rather than official channels, and scammers are using AI technology to make their pitches sound more legitimate. The identity theft resource center reports this is one of their biggest concerns as con artists continue to refine their tactics to deceive job seekers.
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Forbes Breaking News
· 2024-09-17
Senator Helmy discusses the urgent problem of elder fraud with committee experts, noting that New Jersey seniors reported over $1 million in losses to scams and fraud according to the FBI's IC3 Elder report. He raises concerns about a major data breach at background company National Public Data that exposed approximately 2.9 billion personal records containing names, addresses, and Social Security numbers, which he believes was underreported and could facilitate further fraud targeting vulnerable elderly populations.
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Forbes Breaking News
· 2024-09-18
The House Financial Services Committee held a hearing on romance confidence scams (also called "pig butchering"), examining this multi-billion dollar fraud scheme that targets everyday Americans. The scam operates by building trust with victims over weeks or months before exploiting that confidence to extract money, with text-based contact attempts increasing dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic.
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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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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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WKBN27
· 2024-09-23
The Better Business Bureau warns of "brushing" scams where unsolicited packages—typically containing small electronics—are delivered to recipients who didn't place orders. Scammers include QR codes or instructions asking victims to scan them, directing them to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal information, money, or commit identity theft. The BBB recommends monitoring credit reports and bank statements for suspicious activity and changing passwords for online accounts as precautions.
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WKBW TV | Buffalo, NY
· 2024-09-24
Phishing scams are reaching record numbers, with reports doubling between 2022 and 2023, according to the Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York. Common scams include fraudulent text messages about unpaid tolls (the "Throughway text scam") that trick victims into providing credit card information, and extortion emails claiming to have compromising pictures and threatening to release them unless payment is made. Victims are advised to verify requests directly with official sources, never click links in unsolicited messages, and report suspicious communications to authorities.
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WPRI
· 2024-09-30
This educational piece advises consumers on protecting themselves from increasingly sophisticated cyber scams, including phishing emails, text messages, and phone calls where bad actors impersonate legitimate companies to steal personal information. Key protection strategies include never responding to unsolicited contact attempts, hanging up and calling companies directly using verified phone numbers to validate any account issues, and being cautious of contact from unknown sources including phone calls, emails, texts, and in-person visitors.
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CFPBLive
· 2024-10-09
This is an introductory webinar hosted by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau on payments industry practices for combating elder financial exploitation. The session provides participants with access to slides, resources, and a discussion platform to explore strategies and tools for preventing elder financial abuse within the payments sector.
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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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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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ABC7 News Bay Area
· 2024-10-23
An East Bay woman's Facebook account was hacked, and the scammer used it to impersonate her, deceiving her friends into sending money for fake items and services for months. Meta refused to help recover the account through standard support channels, forcing the woman to pay Meta's premium verification service before the company would assist in removing the hacker and restoring access to her account and years of personal memories.
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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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SABC News
· 2024-11-03
Sophisticated attackers are using AI-powered deepfake technology and fake mobile applications to bypass facial recognition security systems and gain unauthorized access to victims' accounts and sensitive information. Cybersecurity experts recommend using multi-factor authentication (such as combining Face ID with passwords), keeping software and applications updated, and understanding the current limitations of facial recognition technology to protect against these evolving threats.
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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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11Alive
· 2024-11-09
**Article:** Ways to protect veterans from scams
**Summary:** Veterans reported losing over $350 million to fraud in the past year, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The article recommends veterans protect themselves by enrolling in free credit monitoring services to detect identity theft early, consulting official sources for current scam alerts, and utilizing the National Veterans Financial Resource Center for guidance on asset protection and financial stability.
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11Alive
· 2024-11-10
Veterans Day provides scammers an opportunity to target service members and veterans through financial fraud, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting over $350 million in losses to veterans from fraud in the past year alone. To protect veterans, recommendations include enrolling in free credit monitoring services to detect identity theft early, using official sources for scam alerts, and consulting the National Veterans Financial Resource Center for financial guidance and protection strategies. Those suspecting scams should report them to the Federal Trade Commission.
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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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NBC 7 San Diego
· 2024-11-26
Holiday fraud increases significantly in December, with scammers targeting busy shoppers through identity theft, credit card fraud, package theft, and fake social media ads selling counterfeit goods. Law enforcement and the Better Business Bureau warn that common holiday scams have become more sophisticated and high-tech, including fake toll collection texts and counterfeit items sold online, and advise consumers to remain vigilant during the busy shopping season.
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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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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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NBC4 Columbus
· 2025-01-02
The Better Business Bureau recommends several fraud prevention resolutions for 2025 to combat the significant money and personal information losses people experienced in 2024. Key precautions include: being cautious with emails and links from unknown senders, never sending money to strangers especially via untraceable payment methods like gift cards or money transfer apps, and researching retailers before making purchases.
Gift Cards
Payment App
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NBC 6 South Florida
· 2025-01-02
Scammers across the country, including South Florida, are sending sophisticated phishing text messages and emails claiming recipients owe unpaid tolls (often for amounts like $35) and directing them to click links to pay. Experts warn these messages are designed to look legitimate and, if clicked, can allow scammers to steal credit card details, passwords, and device access, with the FBI having received thousands of reports about these resurfacing toll road scams.
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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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Arizona’s Family (3TV / CBS 5)
· 2025-01-07
Robert Giuliano, a multi-state romance scammer wanted out of New York for forgery, grand larceny, and identity theft, was arrested in Scottsdale but released on parole supervision by a Bronx Supreme Court Judge after extradition to New York. His victims expressed disappointment at his release, feeling "victimized twice," though legal experts note that judges often release defendants facing nonviolent crimes without substantial criminal histories pending trial.
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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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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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ABC11
· 2025-01-27
Filing taxes early helps prevent identity theft and tax scams, with experts recommending people gather documents and work with reputable, established CPAs or tax preparers who remain available year-round. Consumers should be wary of tax preparers promising unrealistically large refunds and verify credentials, as one Raleigh tax preparer was charged and pleaded guilty to multiple counts of tax fraud after illegally claiming thousands in deductions on clients' returns without their knowledge.
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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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midday india
· 2025-02-06
A 78-year-old retired bank manager in Mumbai lost 2.3 lakh rupees (approximately $2,760 USD) to a digital arrest scam in which fraudsters impersonated police officers, falsely claiming he was involved in an illegal hawala case and under house arrest. The victim was instructed to transfer money via RTGS to "verify" his bank details; once the funds were sent, the scammers became unresponsive. Digital arrest scams have been increasing in India, with victims pressured to make immediate payments under the threat of legal action.
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ABC 7 Amarillo
· 2025-02-18
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is seeking access to Social Security Administration data, claiming significant fraud exists in the system, with White House adviser Elon Musk alleging potential savings of over $1 trillion over a 10-year period by addressing fraud and waste. Musk cited irregularities such as Social Security numbers assigned to individuals with ages ranging from 0 to 369 and claims of more eligible Social Security numbers than U.S. citizens, though previous SSA audits in 2023 had already identified substantial fraud cases. The push for access reportedly led to the exit of SSA acting commissioner Michelle King.
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KY3 News - Springfield, Mo.
· 2025-02-20
This educational piece warns about common tax season scams targeting filers. Key threats include: fake IRS agents calling to steal refunds or identities, scammers filing fraudulent returns to claim refunds (sometimes thousands of dollars), fraudulent tax settlement schemes on social media charging steep fees with false promises, and exploitation of the IRS Offer in Compromise program. The article advises filing early to prevent tax ID theft, obtaining an IRS identity protection PIN (a six-digit number) if you've experienced identity theft, and avoiding suspicious tax settlement offers.
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FOX5 Las Vegas
· 2025-02-22
The FBI charged 43-year-old Aurora Phelps of Las Vegas with operating a "sinister" romance scam targeting older men aged 60-70 whom she met on dating sites. Phelps lured her victims, drugged them with dangerous amounts of sedatives, and stole from them by accessing their bank and brokerage accounts, using credit cards, and attempting to withdraw millions in one case; authorities believe she may have killed at least one victim and are seeking the public's help to identify additional victims.
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WHNT News 19
· 2025-02-22
Tax scammers are actively targeting taxpayers during the 2025 tax season by filing fraudulent returns using stolen Social Security numbers to claim refunds. The Better Business Bureau warns that identity theft through tax fraud is particularly prevalent during tax season, with one example involving a scammer filing a fraudulent return using a victim's SSN for thousands of dollars—though the IRS flagged the duplicate filing and sent notice. To protect against this scam, experts recommend using the IRS Identity Protection PIN (issued annually in December/January), filing taxes early once W-2s arrive, and remembering that the IRS never contacts taxpayers by phone, text, or email.
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5NEWS
· 2025-02-24
The FBI is seeking additional victims of Aurora Phelps, a 43-year-old Las Vegas woman arrested in Mexico and charged with a years-long romance scam targeting older men between 2021 and 2022. Using aliases on dating apps like Tinder and OkCupid, Phelps lured at least four elderly victims, accessed their bank accounts, and allegedly drugged one victim into a coma while three others died; she faces 21 counts including bank fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping, with one charge involving transporting a heavily sedated victim across the U.S.-Mexico border in a wheelchair.
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ABC News
· 2025-02-24
Las Vegas resident Aurora Phelps, 43, is charged with a sophisticated romance scam targeting older men she met through online dating services, in which she drugged victims and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars by accessing their bank accounts, brokerage accounts, and credit cards. One victim died after Phelps allegedly sedated and transported him across the US-Mexico border to a Mexico City hotel room, and another victim had approximately $3.3 million in Apple stock fraudulently sold; Phelps is currently in custody in Mexico, and the FBI is seeking additional victims to come forward.
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THV11
· 2025-02-26
Aurora Phelps, a 43-year-old from Las Vegas, faces multiple federal charges including fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping resulting in death for crimes committed between July 2021 and December 2022. Prior to these charges, Phelps was accused in a 2019 Arkansas case of drugging a woman and stealing her credit card, and has an additional case from 2017 related to filing a false police report. She is currently in custody in Mexico on murder charges and authorities are pursuing extradition while coordinating with local law enforcement on the Arkansas cases.
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5NEWS
· 2025-02-26
Aurora Phelps, 43, of Las Vegas is charged with federal crimes including fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping resulting in death for romance scams conducted between July 2021 and December 2022, where she allegedly drugged victims and stole from them. Phelps has a prior 2019 Arkansas case where she was accused of drugging a woman and stealing her credit card, as well as a separate 2017 Benton County case involving a false police report; she is currently in custody in Mexico on murder charges and faces extradition proceedings.
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CTV News
· 2025-03-01
March marks Fraud Prevention Month across Canada, during which law enforcement and community groups collaborate to educate the public about fraud prevention. According to Edmonton police and the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association, current fraud trends include investment fraud, online employment scams, and romance fraud, with scammers becoming increasingly sophisticated in targeting both money and personal identity. Key prevention advice includes being skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true and verifying whether you initiated contact with the person or organization reaching out.
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National Geographic
· 2025-03-02
Investigative journalist Mariana Van Zeller explores cryptocurrency "rug pull" scams, where fraudsters create fake crypto tokens to steal investor money—a scheme that victimized people of nearly $3 billion in 2021 alone. The episode follows Van Zeller's investigation into young, wealthy scammers who exploit cryptocurrency's unregulated decentralized finance space, and features interviews with victims like Xavier, who lost money across multiple rug pull schemes with no recourse in the largely lawless crypto market.
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WFAA
· 2025-03-03
The IRS issued a warning about tax scams to watch for this year, with phishing scams topping the list where fraudsters impersonate legitimate tax and financial organizations through unexpected texts or emails to steal personal and financial information. The agency also cautions consumers against trusting tax information on social media and following bogus tax avoidance strategies, which can result in identity theft.
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WREG News Channel 3
· 2025-03-12
The IRS is warning consumers about multiple tax scams active this season, including fraudulent preparers who disappear after filing, phishing emails and texts impersonating the IRS or tax software companies that threaten account holds or offer fake refunds, and unreliable social media advice urging people to misuse W-2s. Consumers should only work with tax preparers who sign returns and never deposit refunds into preparers' accounts, and should verify tax information through official IRS channels rather than social media or unsolicited communications.
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CNBC
· 2025-03-15
Toll text scams are proliferating as scammers exploit the shift to electronic tolling systems and mobile phone usage, sending deceptive messages claiming unpaid tolls are due and threatening fines or license suspension. Clicking links in these texts can result in malware installation or credential theft, as legitimate toll operators never contact customers via text requesting payment through links. Federal agencies including the FTC and FBI have warned the public that these scams have become increasingly sophisticated and widespread across the country.
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KVUE
· 2025-03-17
During tax season, the IRS warns of a spike in tax-related scams targeting Americans filing their returns. Common schemes include "ghost preparers" who pose as tax professionals, promise inflated refunds or unqualified credits, falsify documents, and pocket portions of refunds, as well as phishing scams using tax-specific language to steal identities. To protect themselves, people should verify tax preparers' credentials on the IRS website, never sign blank or partial returns, and avoid trusting unsolicited emails, texts, or calls claiming to be from tax authorities.
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FOX59 News
· 2025-03-18
Americans lost a record $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from $10 billion in 2023, according to the FTC's annual report. While the number of fraud reports remained stable at 3.7 million, the percentage of reports resulting in actual financial loss increased from 27% to 38%, and median losses per victim rose significantly since 2020. The rise in fraud losses is attributed partly to AI-enabled scams, with government imposter scams, online shopping fraud, and email-based schemes being particularly prevalent, though notably young people are now losing more money than senior citizens.
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WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7
· 2025-03-19
A tax expert warns taxpayers to protect themselves against tax scams as the filing deadline approaches, recommending the IRS's Identity Protection PIN—a unique code issued annually that prevents fraudulent returns filed using someone's Social Security number without authorization. The expert also advises caution with "ghost tax preparers" who use tax software but don't officially sign returns with their tax identification number, which can make fraudulent filings appear legitimate.
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CBC News
· 2025-03-21
Three prominent online fraud fighters—Jim Browning, Kitboga, and Pleasant Green—collaborated to infiltrate and disrupt scammer call centers targeting North American victims. Through real-time interception, they successfully prevented multiple fraud attempts including one targeting a woman threatened with legal trouble, coordinating with banks and law enforcement to protect victims from losing thousands of dollars. The operation demonstrated tactics used by scammers and highlighted how these vigilantes have collectively disrupted hundreds of scam centers and prevented hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses over nearly a decade.
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60 Minutes
· 2025-03-23
This 60 Minutes segment examines why investment fraud and Ponzi schemes continue to thrive despite public awareness of high-profile cases like Bernie Madoff's multi-billion dollar fraud. The piece features expert Ricky Jay discussing how con artists exploit human psychology—including greed and excessive trust—and identifies key warning signs such as dealings with well-established figures who rely on exclusive affiliations to build credibility. The segment highlights that despite financial disasters and skepticism, investors remain vulnerable to sophisticated scams, a phenomenon regulators refer to as "ponzi-monium."
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CNBC Television
· 2025-03-25
Tax season is a prime time for fraud, with Americans losing $9.1 billion to tax fraud and financial crimes in 2024 according to the IRS. Scammers target individuals filing taxes to steal identities, usernames, passwords, and access to financial accounts and tax prep software. To protect yourself, the IRS recommends setting up an identity protection PIN, using strong unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly monitoring or freezing your credit.
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This Morning
· 2025-03-31
Ian Fin and his wife lost thousands of pounds from their bank account while on holiday in Australia when scammers performed a SIM swap fraud on their phone. A SIM swap scam occurs when fraudsters fraudulently transfer a victim's phone number to a SIM card under their control, intercepting texts and calls used for two-factor authentication to access bank accounts and steal funds. The segment explains this increasingly common scam affects nearly everyone and provides information on how the legitimate SIM card swap service can be exploited by criminals for financial theft.
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WTNH News8
· 2025-04-02
Connecticut residents are receiving fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid toll fees are owed to EZPass, with scammers spoofing the Connecticut Department of Transportation website to steal credit card and personal information. The Connecticut DOT warns that there are no tolls in Connecticut and advises recipients to delete suspicious messages, avoid clicking links, and report the scams rather than responding.
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ABC News (Australia)
· 2025-04-04
Cyber criminals targeted multiple Australian superannuation funds using stolen usernames and passwords obtained from the dark web, successfully stealing at least half a million dollars from four members of Australian Super after compromising 600 passwords. Other funds including Rest Host Plus, Insignia, and Australian Retirement say they stopped the attacks before funds were taken, though the incident highlighted security vulnerabilities in retirement savings systems protecting Australia's $4.2 trillion in superannuation assets.
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CTV News
· 2025-04-14
Identity theft is increasing due to advanced AI tools and dark web activities, with the Canadian Anti-fraud Task Force receiving over 40,000 reports of attempted identity theft over the past three years. Stolen personal information is being extracted using AI and screen-scraping technology, then sold on the dark web. Red flags include unsolicited emails and texts from unknown numbers requesting personal information or account access.
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Graham Cluley
· 2025-04-16
This is a transcript excerpt from the Smashing Security podcast (Episode 413) featuring hosts Graeme Cluey and Carol Tero discussing cybersecurity topics, including a mention of a Swiss cybersecurity company launching a "CIS initiative" and references to Nigerian fraud schemes (419 scams). The transcript appears to be a partial, auto-generated recording with significant repetition and unclear audio quality, making it unsuitable for detailed summarization of specific fraud cases or elder abuse incidents.
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CBS Chicago
· 2025-04-18
The Better Business Bureau warns of a surge in Real ID scams targeting consumers rushing to meet the May 7th federal deadline. Scammers impersonate government officials through fraudulent alerts and emails, claiming problems with applicants' Real IDs or warning about the deadline to steal personal information, a tactic previously seen during the 2021 deadline extension.
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WPDE ABC15
· 2025-04-25
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported over 850,000 suspected internet crime complaints nationally, with South Carolina experiencing $146 million in losses—a $27 million increase from the prior year. The top cybercrimes in South Carolina were extortion, phishing, spoofing, and personal data breaches, with cryptocurrency scams particularly targeting retirees through phishing schemes that use advanced AI monitoring techniques.
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10 Tampa Bay News
· 2025-05-02
**Summary:**
A 92-year-old Tampa Bay-area man was defrauded of $800,000 in an elaborate romance scam involving 37-year-old Otis Swinton Jr., who posed as a woman online to gain the victim's trust before manipulating him into transferring funds to accounts under the scammer's control. The stolen funds were accessed through forged checks, ATM withdrawals, credit cards, cryptocurrency, and identity theft. Swinton Jr., a career criminal recently released from prison in March after serving seven years for similar crimes targeting over 50 people, was arrested in Orlando and now faces fraud charges; authorities indicate there may be additional victims.
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CBS 8 San Diego
· 2025-05-09
San Diego County seniors lost $100 million to scams in the past year, with one victim paying $1,700 in gift cards after a phone scammer impersonated a court official threatening arrest. A seminar in North County drew 250 seniors and local officials to educate the community on increasingly sophisticated scam tactics including fake court documents and deceptive pop-ups, as FBI data shows seniors nationally lost $4.8 billion to internet scammers in 2024—a 43% increase from the prior year.
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WFMY News 2
· 2025-05-09
Scammers send fake toll payment notices via text claiming vehicle registration will be suspended and credit scores damaged if payment isn't made, with the goal of obtaining credit card numbers rather than the small fee itself. If victims provide credit card information, scammers use it for unauthorized charges such as internet gambling, potentially costing thousands of dollars. Legitimate toll texts come from non-phone number sources, while fraudulent texts originate from 10-digit phone numbers or email addresses and include links or phone numbers for payment.
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NBC 7 San Diego
· 2025-05-16
Carlsbad Police shut down an elaborate fraud scheme targeting elderly residents that stole over $145,000 in cash and gold bullion. Scammers used fake computer popups and impersonated Apple and Wells Fargo representatives to convince victims to liquidate assets, which were then packed into shoebox parcels for courier pickup; in one case, a victim lost $130,000 before police made an arrest during a second pickup. A separate incident involved an elderly resident losing $10,000 to someone impersonating an FTC investigator using authentic-looking agency letterhead and logos.
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therhodeshow
· 2025-05-20
This educational segment discusses common senior scams affecting millions of Americans annually, including identity theft schemes, grandparent scams (falsely claiming a relative needs bail money), tech support scams, and romance scams. Key prevention strategies include educating seniors about scam tactics, maintaining regular involvement in their financial affairs, and reporting suspected fraud to state police or adult services, while noting that many scams go unreported due to victim embarrassment.
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CBS Evening News
· 2025-06-01
A 26-year-old U.S. Navy electrician named Thomas Xiao admitted to passing sensitive military documents to a Chinese intelligence officer who posed as an investor and researcher on the Chinese social media app WeChat between 2021 and 2023. Chinese intelligence operatives are increasingly using social media and virtual contact to recruit U.S. military personnel and extract classified information, as traditional in-person espionage has become more difficult.
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KPRC 2 Click2Houston
· 2025-06-10
A 65-year-old Vietnamese American man in Houston lost his entire life savings of $500,000 in an elaborate elder fraud scheme that began with a legitimate IRS identity theft letter. Scammers posing as Vietnamese embassy officials then contacted him via phone calls in Vietnamese, claiming his identity was being used to launder money overseas, and convinced him over nearly five months to send money by using AI-generated videos and fake documents impersonating government officials. The victim, now forced to continue working past retirement age, is seeking assistance to recover from the fraud.
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Forbes Breaking News
· 2025-06-20
Senator Chuck Grassley presented a video highlighting the scope and sophistication of scams targeting older Americans, noting that transnational organized crime networks stole $62 billion from seniors in 2023 alone—part of a larger $158 billion in total fraud losses across the U.S. These organized crime groups exploit technology and leverage stolen funds for drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms trafficking, with over 57,000 Americans falling victim to scams daily according to FTC data and 2023 Gallup polling.
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ABC24 Memphis
· 2025-06-24
The "unsubscribe scam" is a long-standing fraud where criminals disguise malicious links as legitimate unsubscribe buttons in deceptive emails. Clicking the unsubscribe button can give scammers access to personal information or full computer control, affecting victims across the country including the Memphis area. People should be cautious of suspicious emails and avoid clicking unsubscribe buttons on unsolicited messages.
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FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2025-06-27
A new Better Business Bureau report examines sophisticated business scams where fraudsters impersonate vendors, access computer systems, and obtain sensitive data through breaches. The FBI reports $1.4 billion in losses from data breaches over three years, with IBM estimating average breach costs of nearly $5 million per business in 2024. The BBB recommends businesses implement multi-factor authentication, conduct cybersecurity training for employees, and establish unique passwords across all devices to protect against these increasingly complex attacks.
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WION
· 2025-07-12
Tyron Alexander was charged with wire fraud, identity theft, and fraud against multiple airlines after fraudulently booking over 120 free flights across six years by impersonating pilots and flight attendants. He obtained credentials from 30 actual airline employees, including badge numbers and personal details, and used Spirit Airlines' internal travel portal to book flights on multiple airlines through their reciprocal employee arrangements. Alexander was arrested and faces federal charges for exploiting the airlines' systems to obtain free air travel.
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FOX5 Las Vegas
· 2025-07-15
Joe Fitzpatrick, a retired data security professional living in a Las Vegas senior community, created the Silera Community Scam Guide after noticing neighbors were regularly targeted by scammers, with some losing money to tech support and other common fraud schemes. He and fellow residents compile easy-to-read guides identifying various scams to help educate their community about fraud prevention, addressing what Fitzpatrick describes as a daily epidemic affecting seniors in the area.
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WENY TV NEWS
· 2025-07-25
Pennsylvania State Representative Tina Picket held an annual senior expo in Athens, Bradford County, to educate elderly residents about protecting themselves from scams targeting their finances and identities. The event featured speakers on topics including healthcare benefits, secure banking, and Medicare, along with booths offering information on local services and a free document shredding service to reduce identity theft risk.
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News10NBC
· 2025-08-12
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology to commit fraud, including voice cloning of relatives and deepfakes of celebrities, with deepfake attempts increasing by 3,000% in 2023 alone. Common tactics include frantic calls impersonating family members claiming emergencies and chatbots posing as customer service representatives. To protect yourself, never trust unsolicited calls claiming to be from relatives or official sources—always verify by independently contacting the person or organization directly rather than using the phone number provided in the suspicious call.
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Eyewitness News ABC7NY
· 2025-08-15
Gen Z ages 20-29 reported losing money to fraud and scams more frequently than older adults ages 70-79 in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission. While Gen Z possesses strong digital skills, this fluency can become a blind spot, leaving them vulnerable to scams such as phishing emails and fake websites, particularly as they head to college and make independent financial decisions. Experts advise young consumers to verify the legitimacy of online merchants and be cautious about unsolicited communications to protect themselves from fraud.
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WHNT News 19
· 2025-08-19
Scammers are tricking consumers into paying fees for passport renewal forms that are actually free downloads from the U.S. government website. These fraudulent sites mimic the official government website (ending in .com instead of .gov) and may trick victims into providing personal and financial information, potentially leading to identity theft. Consumers should verify they are using the official site (travel.state.gov) and avoid clicking sponsored search results, while monitoring their bank accounts if they suspect they've been victimized.
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FOX 17 WXMI
· 2025-08-21
Scammers in West Michigan are targeting residents with tech support scams, posing as representatives from major companies like Microsoft or Dell and claiming to have detected computer issues. Once victims grant remote access to their computers, scammers either steal money directly or install malware to harvest sensitive data including banking information and social security numbers, which can then be used for identity theft, credit fraud, and unauthorized loans.
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ABC10
· 2025-09-04
California seniors lost $1.7 billion to fraud in 2024, with scammers increasingly targeting older adults through digital devices using evolving tactics like spoofing and gift card scams. Experts from AARP and Chase Bank conducted educational workshops in Sacramento to help seniors recognize common scams and protect their identities, emphasizing that awareness and vigilance are key to prevention.
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WDEF News 12
· 2025-09-04
Phishing scams have become increasingly sophisticated since the 1990s, with fraudsters now using emails, text messages, phone calls, QR codes, and AI-generated voices to deceive victims into sharing sensitive information like bank accounts, passwords, and social security numbers. Notably, younger adults aged 18-30 are now falling victim to these scams more frequently than older Americans, particularly through online shopping schemes, while businesses and consumers collectively face millions in losses annually from stolen funds, identity theft, and malware infections.
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CBS Mornings
· 2025-09-06
This educational piece outlines warning signs and protection strategies against modern scams, particularly AI scams and romance scams. It highlights that scammers stole a record $16.6 billion through internet crimes like identity theft and online impersonation in 2024—a 33% increase from the previous year—by exploiting personal data left behind through online activity. The article recommends protective measures including investigating your digital trail through Google searches, managing social media profiles, and being aware of how data brokers collect and sell personal information to third parties.
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Bangkok Post
· 2025-09-08
This episode from the Bangkok Post examines Thailand's growing cyber scam epidemic, which has expanded into a trillion-dollar industry over the past three years as both scammer and victim numbers have surged. The content outlines common scam tactics including advance-fee schemes (fake Nigerian prince emails), phishing attacks impersonating banks and government agencies to steal identity and funds, and tech support scams where fraudsters pose as Microsoft to gain computer access. The episode illustrates how modern cyber scams are adaptations of centuries-old swindle techniques now conducted through digital channels.
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23ABC News | KERO
· 2025-09-08
A 2025 identity theft survey shows impersonation scams are on the rise, with scammers impersonating banks, law enforcement, and trusted contacts via text, calls, and emails—often using AI to target victims more precisely. Victims are increasingly sharing sensitive personal information including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, passport numbers, financial account details, and passwords, putting them at risk for financial and identity fraud. The Better Business Bureau and Identity Theft Resource Center urge consumers to be cautious about unsolicited contact and not share personal information, even if the message appears to come from someone they know.
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WFMY News 2
· 2025-09-11
Deed fraud has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, involving the unauthorized transfer of real estate through forged documents with false signatures, identity theft, and fraudulent mortgage information filed in public records. Guilford County and other counties have issued property tax fraud alerts to protect homeowners from losing their homes to scammers, and state lawmakers are working to draft legislation to address this costly and complex problem.
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FOX Carolina News
· 2025-09-13
South Carolina ranks disproportionately high in scam calls and texts compared to other states and previous months, according to TrueCaller's monthly data tracking. Scam activity shows seasonality patterns, with increased fraud attempts during severe weather events like hurricanes and coastal damage. The caller ID and spam-blocking service provider attributes the targeting to both predictable seasonal trends and state-specific vulnerabilities.
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13WHAM ABC News
· 2025-09-17
Eight suspects were charged federally for operating fraud schemes targeting over 139 senior citizens across Western New York, resulting in approximately $11 million in losses. The schemes employed multiple tactics including romance scams, account hacking, and identity theft, and were dismantled by a newly formed Department of Justice task force based in Rochester.
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CNBC
· 2025-09-19
An investigation into Walmart's online marketplace revealed at least 43 instances where fraudsters stole legitimate businesses' names and addresses to create fake seller accounts, including a Chicago pizza restaurant and biotechnology company Thermo Fisher Scientific. Lab testing confirmed that counterfeit beauty and personal care products were being sold through these fraudulent accounts at steep discounts, with many displaying fake positive reviews that collapsed when filtered to verified purchases only. Walmart stated it has zero tolerance for prohibited products and is investing in new tools to prevent counterfeits, though it declined to share specific vetting details publicly.
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FTCvideos
· 2025-09-22
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) encourages consumers to report fraud and scams, including deceptive business practices, identity theft, sweepstakes fraud, unauthorized charges, and phishing schemes. Reporting these incidents to the FTC helps the agency identify and stop scammers and fraudsters who victimize consumers.
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ABC 7 News - WJLA
· 2025-12-09
A DC-area jet pilot's identity was stolen and used in romance scams targeting vulnerable women seeking love online for years after 2018. Scammers posed as the real Pat Marsh to build relationships and request money from victims; one victim nearly lost $37,000 before the real Marsh intervened. The FBI estimated these fake online romance schemes have stolen over $1 billion, with scammers continuing to use Marsh's identity across multiple states to defraud unsuspecting victims.
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9NEWS
· 2025-10-02
A Greenwood Village real estate agent's Facebook account was hacked in January, and the scammer used it to impersonate her by posting about Bitcoin certification to her 3,000+ friends. The victim received numerous calls from concerned contacts and spent significant time and money attempting to recover the account herself before ultimately seeking help. The article highlights the difficulty of getting Facebook to restore compromised accounts, even for identity theft experts.
Cryptocurrency
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Yahoo Finance
· 2025-10-04
An educational alert reports that 73% of US adults have experienced online scams, with reported fraud losses reaching $12.5 billion in 2024 according to FTC data. The article highlights common scam types, including dating scams where fraudsters pose as romantic interests and trick victims into clicking malicious "verification" links that capture payment information and enroll them in unauthorized recurring billing services.
lafocusnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the FTC reported nationwide fraud losses reached an all-time high of $10 billion—14% more than 2022—driven primarily by larger per-victim losses rather than increased report volume, with a median loss of $500 per consumer. The top scam categories were imposter schemes (particularly business and government imposters), online shopping fraud, prizes/lotteries, investment fraud, and job opportunities, with investment scams generating the highest total losses at $4.6 billion despite being ranked fourth in frequency. The FTC warned that scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence for voice cloning and deepfakes to impersonate trusted contacts, and advised consumers to be
thecut.com
· 2025-12-08
A journalist who lost $50,000 to an imposter scam in October shares lessons learned about sophisticated fraud tactics, interviewing victims and experts to understand how scams work. The article explains that anyone can be vulnerable to scams regardless of prior caution, and details how scammers use tactics like spoofed calls from government agencies, appeals to authority, and publicly available personal information to establish credibility and manipulate victims. Key prevention strategies include not answering calls from unknown numbers, recognizing fear-based and opportunity-based scam categories, and understanding that scammers exploit hardwired instincts to trust authority figures.
yakimaherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams have increasingly targeted younger age groups (people in their 20s and 30s) across dating apps and social media platforms, with reported losses reaching $469.9 million in 2023—a 104% increase from 2019. Scammers use fake profiles and AI-generated photos to build romantic connections before requesting money or personal information, exploiting victims' emotional vulnerability. To avoid romance scams, people should be wary of requests for money or banking details, watch for requests to switch communication platforms, and verify suspicious requests before responding.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
A financial advice columnist for New York Magazine was scammed out of $50,000 in October by a con artist posing as a CIA agent who claimed her identity had been stolen and she faced arrest warrants for money laundering and drug trafficking. The scammer, who obtained personal information including her Social Security number and family details, instructed her not to contact authorities and directed her to place $50,000 cash in a shoe box and hand it to a courier in a white Mercedes SUV. After the handoff, Cowles realized the scam when attempts to follow up on promised government checks and Social Security assistance went nowhere.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial columnist Charlotte Cowles lost $50,000 to an elaborate scam that began with a fake Amazon customer service call in October 2023, escalating through impersonation of FTC and CIA officials who convinced her that her identity had been stolen and she faced arrest warrants. The scammers persuaded her to withdraw cash from her savings account and hand it to an undercover "agent" by creating an increasingly elaborate false narrative with fabricated evidence. Cowles' experience serves as a cautionary tale that fraud targets people across all demographics and education levels, countering the stereotype that only vulnerable populations fall victim to such schemes.
thecut.com
· 2025-12-08
In October, the author—a financially literate journalist and New York Times columnist—fell victim to an elaborate impersonation scam that cost her $50,000 in savings. After an initial fraudulent Amazon customer service call, she was transferred to a scammer posing as a federal agent who claimed her identity had been compromised and her home was being monitored, pressuring her to withdraw cash and leave it on the street in a shoebox without telling anyone. The article challenges common stereotypes about scam victims, noting that younger adults are actually 34% more likely to report fraud losses than seniors, and that intelligence, education, and financial literacy provide no protection against sophisticated psychological manipulation tactics.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
A 40-year-old man from Roseville was arrested in Novato after scamming an elderly resident by impersonating a data breach investigator and convincing the victim to withdraw large sums of cash. Police staked out the victim's home and arrested Volodymyr Pipskyy on February 9 when he arrived to collect additional money, and evidence suggests he conducted similar scams across Northern California. Pipskyy was booked into Marin County Jail on suspicion of conspiracy and theft by false pretenses and is being held without bail.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Novato police arrested 40-year-old Volodymyr Pipskyy after he allegedly defrauded an elderly resident in a phone scam involving a fake "data breach" that convinced the victim to withdraw large sums of cash. When the victim's family alerted police and detectives learned a pickup was planned, they conducted surveillance and arrested Pipskyy at the victim's home on February 9. Seized electronics linked Pipskyy to scams throughout Northern California, and he is being held without bail on suspicion of conspiracy and theft by pretenses.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
A New York Magazine financial advice columnist lost $50,000 to a vishing scam in which a fraudster impersonated an FTC investigator, falsely claiming she was wanted for arrest and needed to pay cash to restore her identity. Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan used the incident to warn the public that Americans lost $2.7 billion last year to voice phishing scams, emphasizing that legitimate government officials never request personal information, badge numbers, or cash transfers via phone.
wired.com
· 2025-12-08
A freelance finance writer fell victim to an elaborate impersonation scam in which scammers posing as an Amazon employee, FTC official, and CIA agent convinced her to withdraw and hand over $50,000 in cash to a stranger, using threats of arrest warrants and asset freezes to manipulate her into isolation and compliance. Security experts note that professional scammers use sophisticated social engineering tactics—including fear for family safety, appeals to emotion, and knowledge of personal details like Social Security numbers—to override victims' skepticism, and that anyone, regardless of sophistication, can be targeted by such schemes.
gulfcoastmedia.com
· 2025-12-08
The North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau are hosting a free "Protect Yourself Against Scammers Summit" on March 7 for senior citizens in Bay Minette, Alabama. The educational event will cover major fraud schemes including government impostor scams, romance scams, identity theft, investment fraud, cryptocurrency scams, and Medicare fraud to help seniors recognize and avoid becoming victims.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
Imposter scams are rising sharply, with people losing $2.7 billion to this fraud type in 2022 (up 14% overall from the previous year), as exemplified by financial columnist Charlotte Cowles who was scammed out of $50,000 by imposters posing as Amazon and CIA officials. The FTC has proposed new protections against impersonation fraud and warned that AI-generated deepfakes are making these scams increasingly sophisticated and convincing. Consumers are advised to monitor accounts regularly, never confirm personal information over unsolicited calls, and report suspected scams to the FTC.
ca.style.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A New York Magazine personal finance writer fell victim to a phone scam in which she was deceived into believing she was speaking with the FBI and was a victim of identity fraud, ultimately withdrawing $50,000 in cash, placing it in a shoebox, and handing it to a stranger. The scam demonstrates how sophisticated fraud schemes can deceive even knowledgeable individuals about financial matters, and the incident generated significant social media discussion about the vulnerability of smart people to well-crafted scams.
securityboulevard.com
· 2025-12-08
Online dating platforms are increasingly vulnerable to AI-driven romance scams, with cybercriminals using generative AI to create ultra-realistic fake personas with convincing messages, images, and audio to deceive users and steal money and personal information. Research from Darktrace shows a 135% increase in novel social engineering attacks, particularly around Valentine's Day when online dating activity peaks. Both individual users and dating platforms should implement protective measures, including limiting personal information sharing, recognizing signs of AI-generated content, refusing money requests from online contacts, and utilizing identity verification and fraud detection tools.
seattletimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Charlotte Cowles, a finance advice columnist at New York Magazine, fell victim to a $50,000 scam involving fraudsters impersonating Amazon, the Federal Trade Commission, and the CIA who convinced her to withdraw money for "safekeeping" due to alleged identity theft and fraudulent accounts. The article debunks the scammers' tactics by confirming that Amazon never transfers customers to the FTC, the FTC never provides badge numbers or asks for financial information, and the CIA does not conduct domestic fraud investigations. The piece serves as an educational guide highlighting red flags and advising consumers to hang up on suspicious calls and contact companies directly through official channels.
ago.mo.gov
· 2025-12-08
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey issued a tax season fraud warning, advising residents to protect their personal information from scammers posing as the IRS through unsolicited calls, emails, and phishing schemes. The advisory emphasizes that the IRS never initiates contact via phone or email requesting personal data, and recommends filing taxes early, using credentialed preparers, and securely handling sensitive information to prevent identity theft. Consumers who believe they are victims of scams can contact the Missouri Attorney General's consumer hotline at 800-392-8222 or ago.mo.gov.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
According to Experian's 2024 fraud report, AI-generated deepfakes, identity theft, and fake charity schemes are among the year's biggest scams targeting consumers and businesses, with nearly 70% of businesses reporting increased fraud losses and over half of consumers feeling more vulnerable to fraud than the previous year. The report identifies five major fraud threats: AI scams and deepfakes, weaker in-person bank identity verification, retail return fraud, synthetic identity fraud, and fake charitable campaigns—with deepfakes particularly empowering fraudsters to conduct more accessible and convincing attacks.
kttn.com
· 2025-12-08
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey issued a warning to residents about tax season scams, advising vigilance against fraudsters attempting to steal personal information, particularly Social Security numbers. The advisory highlights that scammers impersonate the IRS through fake phone calls and phishing emails, and recommends consumers file taxes early, use reputable preparers, protect sensitive documents, and verify credentials to prevent identity theft. Those who suspect fraud can contact the Missouri Attorney General's consumer hotline at 800-392-8222 or visit the office's website for assistance.
krcgtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey issued a warning to residents about tax season scams, where fraudsters impersonate the IRS via phone calls, emails, and phishing schemes to steal personal information and social security numbers. The advisory provides protective measures including filing taxes early, using reputable preparers, being suspicious of unsolicited IRS contact, and securing personal documents. Consumers who suspect they are victims of scams are encouraged to contact the Missouri Attorney General's consumer hotline at 800-392-8222 or ago.mo.gov.
wtop.com
· 2025-12-08
A financial planner in Prince George's County, Maryland, warned about tax season fraud scams, noting that scammers impersonate the IRS by phone to steal money, and that the IRS flagged over one million tax returns for identity fraud last year with 12,617 confirmed identity theft cases. Key advice includes protecting Social Security numbers and sensitive information, filing taxes early to prevent identity theft, organizing tax forms in advance, and verifying dependent eligibility before filing to avoid losing credits.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, consumers reported losing a record $10 billion to fraud and scams—a 14% increase from 2022—according to FTC data, with 2.6 million fraud reports filed nationwide and approximately 700,000 people reporting financial losses. Common scams included romance fraud, fake bank and tech support calls, and impersonation schemes, with criminals exploiting digital payment methods including bank transfers ($1.86 billion) and cryptocurrency ($1.41 billion). Michigan consumers alone lost $151.7 million to fraud in 2023, with a median loss of $410 per victim.
marketrealist.com
· 2025-12-08
In October 2023, Charlotte Cowles, a New York Times financial columnist, was scammed out of $50,000 by perpetrators posing as Amazon customer service, FTC, and CIA officials who convinced her that her identity had been stolen and used to purchase vehicles and properties, with warrants allegedly issued for her arrest. The scammers used social engineering tactics including spoofed government phone numbers, fake badge numbers, and threats of home raids to build credibility and pressure her into withdrawing cash. Cowles ultimately handed over $50,000 in a shoe box to a stranger, despite her professional expertise in personal finance and skepticism about the claims.
atlantanewsfirst.com
· 2025-12-08
A 62-year-old man in Haralson County, Georgia was charged with exploitation of an elder person, identity theft, and financial transaction card fraud after investigators discovered he had made unauthorized credit card purchases and transactions in the victim's name without consent. The investigation was initiated in September 2023 following a report from the victim's family, who provided financial records documenting a pattern of fraudulent activity.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
A Joliet family lost access to a $10,000 federal tax refund after scammers gained access to their H&R Block online account and filed a fraudulent tax return in their names, using the family's personal information and their children's Social Security numbers. The scammers filed early online after obtaining credentials from a previous year's tax filing, and despite the family reporting suspicious access attempts to H&R Block, the company failed to prevent the fraudulent filing. The IRS instructed the family to file a paper return to resolve the issue, but the process is lengthy, forcing the family to take out personal loans to cover expenses they expected the refund to cover.
6abc.com
· 2025-12-08
A Brooklyn-based financial advice columnist for New York Magazine lost $50,000 to an elaborate phone scam in October in which fraudsters impersonated Amazon, the FTC, and a CIA agent over a five-hour call, ultimately convincing her to withdraw cash and hand it to a stranger. The scammers used personal details about her and her family to build credibility and pressure her into believing she faced arrest and identity fraud. According to the FTC, such government impersonation scams are widespread, with Americans losing $2.7 billion annually to these schemes.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Charlotte Cowles, a financial columnist for New York Magazine's The Cut, lost $50,000 in a sophisticated phone scam that began with a fraudulent Amazon customer service call on October 31, 2023. The scammers used personal details about her family and threats of surveillance to manipulate her over five hours, employing the tactic of "blocking the exits" to prevent her from reaching out to trusted contacts. Cowles publicly defended her story by emphasizing that scam victims come from all walks of life—including financial professionals, doctors, and lawyers—and advised others to identify trusted people to contact and create exit strategies when feeling pressured.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Charlotte Cowles, a New York financial columnist, lost $50,000 in an elaborate phone scam in October where scammers impersonated Amazon, the FTC, and a CIA agent, using fear tactics and personal information about her and her family to convince her that her identity had been compromised and a warrant was out for her arrest. The scammers kept her on the phone for five hours and instructed her to withdraw cash and hand it to a car that pulled up to her apartment building. According to the FTC, such government impersonation scams are increasingly common, with Americans losing $2.7 billion to these schemes in 2023.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A 44-year-old former Wells Fargo branch manager in Battle Ground, Washington, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for stealing over $1.2 million from eight elderly and vulnerable customers through unauthorized withdrawals, transfers, and cashier's checks between 2014 and 2019. Davie deliberately targeted seniors with dementia or limited English skills who were less likely to monitor their accounts, with one victim losing more than $566,000 from her retirement accounts. Wells Fargo partially reimbursed victims for their losses, and the court will determine final restitution amounts in March 2024.
fox5atlanta.com
· 2025-12-08
A 28-year-old business manager at Countryside Healthcare in Buchanan, Georgia, Johnna Hannah, was arrested and charged with 78 counts of fraud and elder abuse after stealing over $53,000 from at least 39 patients' accounts between June 2023 and February 2024. Hannah used fraudulent invoices, company checks, debit cards, and mobile banking to drain patient accounts, including those of eight deceased residents; police discovered the scheme after a questionable $880 withdrawal was reported, prompting a forensic audit. She was released on a $50,000 bond, and authorities indicate additional charges are likely pending a second audit.
news.caloes.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
California emergency officials warn that disaster survivors should remain vigilant against common post-disaster fraud schemes, including fake repair contractors, fraudulent aid offers, and price gouging on essential goods. Key protective measures include using only licensed contractors with written guarantees, never paying money to anyone claiming to offer federal or state disaster aid, and verifying charities before donating. Residents should report suspected fraud to local law enforcement, FEMA's fraud division, or the Department of Justice hotline.
columbian.com
· 2025-12-08
Brian Davie, a former Wells Fargo branch manager in Battle Ground, was sentenced to 3½ years in federal prison for stealing $1,279,840 from eight customers' accounts between 2014 and 2019 through unauthorized withdrawals, forged cashier's checks, and forged signatures. Davie specifically targeted elderly customers, including those with dementia or limited English proficiency, deliberately avoiding detection by preventing relatives from monitoring the accounts. Wells Fargo reimbursed all victims for their losses, and Davie faces additional restitution to be determined at a future hearing.
skepchick.org
· 2025-12-08
Charlotte Cowles, a financial advice columnist for The Cut, lost $50,000 to a government impersonation scam in which she received a phone call spoofed to appear from Amazon, was transferred through fake FTC and CIA contacts, and was instructed to withdraw cash, place it in a shoebox, and hand it to an "undercover agent." The scam succeeded despite being transparently fraudulent—involving obvious red flags like being told not to inform her husband and to conduct the handoff immediately—partly due to Cowles' lack of financial literacy despite her advice columnist role and her apparent overconfidence that she was not a typical scam victim.
messengernews.net
· 2025-12-08
Iowans lost nearly $30 million to fraud in 2022, with older adults disproportionately targeted because they tend to have more assets, may be less tech-savvy, and are more trusting. People ages 70-79 lost an average of $43,000 per scam incident, though many cases go unreported due to victim embarrassment and fear. Common red flags include promises of something free, pressure to act quickly, requests for personal information or money transfers, vague details, and unsolicited contact.
tryondailybulletin.com
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old woman named Donna lost $34,000 in a romance scam after seven months of communication with someone she met on a dating site who promised to buy a house with her but disappeared after receiving her money. The article highlights that the FTC reported over $10 billion in losses from scams last year, with elderly individuals particularly vulnerable to sweetheart scams, fake prize winnings, grandparent scams, contractor fraud, and phishing emails. The article recommends protective measures including frequent password changes, two-factor authentication, monthly credit monitoring, antivirus software, limiting personal information on social media, and recognizing red flags like pressure to send money immediately.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Latron Earl Williams, 24, of Miami was arrested and indicted on February 21 on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft after fraudulently obtaining personal information from approximately 50 bank account holders nationwide between April 2022 and March 2023. Using stolen identifiable information, debit card numbers, and bank account details, Williams illegally accessed victims' accounts and orchestrated over $2 million in fraudulent wire transfers into accounts he controlled, with accomplices withdrawing the funds to conceal his involvement. If convicted, Williams faces up to 30 years in prison per bank fraud count, plus a mandatory minimum two-year consecutive sentence for aggravated identity theft
cavazossentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
Military personnel, veterans, and their families can protect themselves from scams by using strong passwords, password managers, two-factor authentication, and separating work and personal accounts. The most rapidly growing scams targeting this population are confidence and romance scams, along with online impersonation accounts (often impersonating high-ranking officials), credit repair schemes, cryptocurrency fraud, social media account takeovers, and extortion attempts involving compromised photos. Awareness of common tactics—such as requests for gift cards or money from supposed military officials via text, fake investment opportunities posted from hacked accounts, and suspicious website URLs—can help individuals avoid becoming victims.
travelpulse.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides consumer awareness advice on recognizing and avoiding travel scams. Travel industry expert Byrd Bergeron identifies six common warning signs including last-minute vacation deals, suspiciously cheap airline tickets, risky vacation rental listings (noting Airbnb removed 59,000 fraudulent listings), requests for personal documents or confidential information, and bogus fees. The article advises travelers to verify legitimacy before booking, guard personal information, and report any scams to authorities while documenting interactions.
fox13seattle.com
· 2025-12-08
Brian Davie, a former Wells Fargo branch manager in Battle Ground, Washington, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison after stealing $1,279,840 from elderly and vulnerable customers between March 2014 and June 2019 through unauthorized withdrawals, transfers, and checks. One victim lost $566,000 from her retirement accounts, and Wells Fargo partially reimbursed victims while a federal judge will determine additional restitution amounts. Law enforcement and fraud prevention experts urge victims to report incidents immediately to banks and law enforcement, and recommend seniors use online banking, set up account alerts, and monitor transactions to prevent similar exploitation.
valdostatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Georgia residents lost $234.3 million to fraud in 2023 across 65,825 reported incidents to the FTC, ranking the state 15th most defrauded nationally. The three most common scam types were Credit Bureaus/Information Furnishers (25% of reports), Identity Theft (23%), and Imposter Scams (9%), with victims advised to monitor credit reports, avoid sharing personal information unsolicited, and never send money to unknown parties.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued a tax identity theft alert in February 2024, urging residents to file taxes early to prevent criminals from using stolen personal information to claim fraudulent refunds. The alert provides guidance on protecting Social Security numbers, using secure filing methods, and recognizing IRS scams, while advising victims of tax-related identity theft to contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit and file an FTC complaint.
islandssounder.com
· 2025-12-08
The Orcas Senior Center is hosting National Consumer Protection Week (March 3-9, 2024) in partnership with the Federal Trade Commission, featuring an in-person discussion on March 6 at 1:00 pm led by FTC Assistant Director Jennifer Tourjé about avoiding scams and recovering from identity theft. The center also offers free consumer education materials and resources through the FTC website to help individuals learn to spot, report, and avoid fraud and scams.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
Medical billing scams trick consumers into paying fake or fraudulent bills by impersonating legitimate medical providers or collection agencies and using scare tactics about credit damage or legal consequences. To protect yourself, verify claims directly with your doctor or hospital, look up official customer service numbers, ignore pressure tactics, and never share personal information with unexpected callers. Report suspected scams to BBB.org/ScamTracker to help raise awareness.
mashable.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season scams commonly target vulnerable people through three main schemes: criminals impersonating the IRS via phone, email, or mail to steal personal information like Social Security numbers and bank details; fraudsters filing fake tax returns in victims' names to claim their refunds; and scammers offering fraudulent tax preparation services. The IRS advises people to never click links in unsolicited communications, avoid sharing personal data over the phone, file taxes early to prevent refund theft, and verify any IRS contact directly through official channels like 1-800-829-1040 or the IRS website.
menafn.com
· 2025-12-08
A Bengaluru woman lost Rs 48,199 in a phishing fraud after clicking on a fake online egg seller's website offering eggs at Rs 49 per order. After entering her credit card details on the fraudulent site, the scammers debited Rs 48,199 from her account before she could complete the OTP verification, transferring the funds to an account named 'Shine Mobile HU'. The victim's bank's fraud detection call prevented further losses, and a case has been filed under the IT Act with investigations ongoing and the fraudster's account frozen.
pennwatch.org
· 2025-12-08
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities is hosting multiple educational presentations throughout March 2024 to help seniors and the public protect themselves from financial fraud and identity theft. Topics include recognizing elder financial abuse (which is the #1 reported issue to Adult Protective Services), avoiding identity theft, cybersecurity best practices, investment fraud awareness, and common scam tactics, with sessions offered both in-person and virtually across the state.
netnewsledger.com
· 2025-12-08
The Thunder Bay Police Service warned of persistent grandparent scams targeting seniors in the community, with one victim losing $3,000 after receiving a call from someone impersonating a lawyer representing her grandson who allegedly needed bail money. The scam typically involves fraudsters calling from private numbers, sometimes playing background voices to create credibility, and requesting urgent fund transfers via email or gift cards. The police recommend protective measures including hanging up on suspicious calls, independently verifying claims with family members, being alert to pressure tactics, reporting suspicious activity, and staying informed through resources like the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
abcmoney.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides guidance on protecting oneself from delivery scams, which exploit the prevalence of online shopping and home deliveries. Common delivery scam tactics include fraudulent emails or messages impersonating delivery services (with phishing links), fake delivery personnel demanding payment for non-existent packages, and credit card data breaches. The article recommends four key protective measures: verify delivery notifications through official tracking information, use official communication channels to confirm suspicious messages, request and validate official identification from delivery personnel, and shop only on reputable online marketplaces with robust security measures.
wmar2news.com
· 2025-12-08
The "Phantom Hacker" scam has cost Marylanders millions of dollars through a multi-layered scheme where scammers pose as government officials (CIA, FBI, Treasury, etc.) and convince victims their identities have been stolen and accounts compromised. Victims are instructed to withdraw large sums of cash or purchase precious metals to "protect" their assets, which are then handed over to couriers; between May and December 2023, the FBI's IC3 received reports of over $55 million in losses nationwide, including $3.8 million from 7 Maryland victims, with one individual losing over $2 million.
khou.com
· 2025-12-08
A financial advice columnist lost $50,000 to a scam, illustrating that fraud victims span all demographics and expertise levels. According to Deloitte research, Gen Z actually reports higher rates of identity theft, romance scams, phishing, and social media hacking than older generations, likely due to their comfort with online engagement and reduced exposure to internet safety warnings compared to earlier generations.
primepublishers.com
· 2025-12-08
The Middlebury Senior Center (located at 1172 Whittemore Rd., open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Friday) is hosting an Elder Fraud Prevention Lunch & Learn at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, presented by Brandon Ross, Financial Crimes Officer at Ion Bank. The free program will cover elder financial exploitation, common scams, identity theft safeguards, and prevention strategies, with registration required by calling 203-577-4166.
palmcoastobserver.com
· 2025-12-08
The Ormond Beach Police Department reported 246 fraud cases in 2024, with victims losing thousands of dollars in schemes including fake investments (Belgian mine), romance scams (Gaza war), and tech support fraud using gift cards and cryptocurrency. Elderly victims over 60 are disproportionately targeted, with national data showing losses increased 84% and cryptocurrency-related losses surged 350%, with victims averaging $35,101 in losses. Police note that cryptocurrency fraud cases have grown from roughly one per month to several per week, as criminals increasingly exploit digital payment methods and cryptocurrency ATMs to evade detection.
nbcboston.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams have nearly tripled since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with the FTC receiving nearly 61,000 complaints in the first nine months of 2023 alone, resulting in losses exceeding $186 million. Scammers create fake LinkedIn accounts and job listings to impersonate recruiters and steal personal or banking information from job seekers. Red flags include requests for upfront payment, pressure to move conversations off LinkedIn, unrealistic job offers, immediate job offers without interviews, and receiving checks before employment begins.
gobankingrates.com
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated phone scam cost journalist Charlotte Cowles $50,000 after scammers impersonating Amazon customer service, an FTC investigator, and a CIA agent convinced her that her identity had been compromised and linked to illegal activities. The perpetrators manipulated her through fear and urgency, instructing her to withdraw cash and hand it over to an unknown individual, falsely promising it would be secured and returned as a Treasury check. The article emphasizes the importance of skepticism toward unsolicited calls, verifying caller identities through official channels, and resisting pressure tactics commonly used by scammers.
kpmg.com
· 2025-12-08
Canadian organizations of all sizes face evolving fraud risks driven by technological advances like generative AI, cryptocurrency, and digital payment systems, with SMBs particularly vulnerable due to limited fraud prevention resources and awareness. Fraudsters employ increasingly sophisticated tactics including crypto scams, online payment fraud, social engineering attacks targeting elders, and ESG misrepresentation, with 88% of victimized Canadian SMBs experiencing internal fraud and 75% experiencing external fraud over the past five years. Organizations must strengthen their fraud prevention strategies through risk assessment, robust controls, and cross-sector partnerships to effectively counter these threats.
aithority.com
· 2025-12-08
GetSetUp, an educational platform for older adults, launched a Cyber Safety and Fraud Hub in response to rising AI-driven scams targeting seniors, including voice cloning and deepfake fraud. The initiative, developed with support from the White House National Security Council and federal agencies, provides educational classes, articles, checklists, and resources accessible to millions of older Americans through partnerships with healthcare plans and government websites. The program aims to equip seniors with skills to recognize and avoid AI-powered fraud while protecting their personal information in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
thebamabuzz.com
· 2025-12-08
Alabama college students are vulnerable to common fraud schemes including fake apartment listings, online marketplace scams, dating app fraud, and credit card loan scams that specifically target their lifestyle needs and desires. A banking fraud expert emphasizes that scammers use phishing via email and text to initiate contact, then tailor their approach based on publicly available personal information, making password management, multi-factor authentication, and privacy settings critical defensive measures.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Dr. Osama Nahas and medical assistant Isabel Pruneda were convicted of healthcare fraud, kickback conspiracy, and identity theft for operating a multimillion-dollar scheme at an adult daycare in the Rio Grande Valley from 2016-2017, in which they ordered unnecessary lab tests and prescriptions for elderly patients, forged consent forms, and misappropriated medications while receiving tens of thousands in kickbacks from testing companies and bribing daycare facility owners. Both face up to 10 years in federal prison, with Pruneda facing an additional mandatory two-year consecutive sentence for aggravated identity theft, plus potential fines up to $250,000 each.
ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
During National Consumer Protection Week (March 2-8, 2024), the Federal Trade Commission and partner organizations hosted multiple virtual and in-person events across the United States to educate consumers about avoiding scams, identity theft, and fraud. The events included webinars, podcasts, social media outreach, and community presentations targeting specific populations such as college students, older adults, small business owners, and multilingual communities, with free educational materials distributed at various locations.
thetimes.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Lauren McEwen, a 70-year-old Missouri woman, fell victim to a romance scam using stolen photographs of Dr. Christian Boving, a Danish doctor and television personality, who was impersonated by scammers on Facebook under the alias "Ace Swift." The article reveals that an estimated 140,000 people lose money annually on Meta platforms, with romance scams causing £18.5 million in losses in the first half of the prior year, and notes that Meta has failed to remove numerous fake profiles using Boving's images despite repeated reporting and complaints about inadequate identity verification measures.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
An identity fraud victim lost $11,300 when someone impersonated them at a bank branch and withdrew funds from their checking account. Despite taking standard security precautions—strong passwords, credit freezes following the Equifax breach, and account alerts—these safeguards did not prevent the fraud, as the perpetrator used personal information already circulating on the dark web from past data breaches. The victims recovered their full loss within 36 hours, filed a police report (resulting in a Class D felony classification due to the amount stolen), and learned that recovering from identity fraud requires significant time and effort beyond prevention alone.
khmoradio.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI has issued a warning to Missouri residents about 13 active scams currently targeting the state, including adoption fraud, investment schemes, business email impersonation, charity fraud, elder fraud, romance scams, ransomware attacks, and skimming at ATMs and gas stations. The advisory emphasizes that elderly Missourians are particularly vulnerable targets and recommends citizens verify legitimacy before responding to unsolicited contacts, providing funds, or clicking links from unknown sources.
kiow.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece promotes Iowa State University Extension's "Spot, Stop and Avoid Fraud" workshop, which teaches adults 60+ and caregivers how to identify and protect themselves from common scams and financial crimes. The workshop emphasizes that older Americans face heightened fraud risk, with elder financial fraud being the most common form of elder abuse affecting over 50 million Americans aged 62+. Free resources and community workshops are available through local Extension offices and the Federal Trade Commission.
theorcasonian.com
· 2025-12-08
The Orcas Senior Center, in partnership with the Federal Trade Commission, is offering educational resources and an in-person workshop during National Consumer Protection Week (March 3-9, 2024) to help seniors protect themselves from fraud, identity theft, and scams. FTC Northwest Region Assistant Director Jennifer Tourjé, an Orcas resident and former prosecutor, will lead a discussion on March 6 at 1:00 pm about avoiding scams and recovering from identity theft, with free consumer education materials available through the FTC website.
dallasnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This article describes common modern scams targeting older adults, including impersonation calls from fake government officials, phishing emails with malicious links, and various fraudulent schemes conducted via phone, email, and social media. The author, an attorney, provides practical prevention advice such as using strong unique passwords, freezing credit reports, verifying caller identity by independently calling businesses back, and avoiding unsolicited requests for personal information or financial details.
english.khabarhub.com
· 2025-12-08
Three individuals were arrested in Kathmandu for impersonating a senior police official by fraudulently using his photo on WhatsApp to threaten victims and extort money. The scammers defrauded victims of 1.3 million rupees through this impersonation scheme, and authorities are investigating the full scope of the fraudulent operation.
observer-review.com
· 2025-12-08
Schuyler County declared the week of March 3-9 as National Consumer Protection Week, with the County Office for the Aging and County Attorney distributing educational materials about scams, fraud, and identity theft to vulnerable residents. County officials highlighted that seniors are especially susceptible to scams, with the FTC reporting 5.2 million fraud reports totaling $8.8 billion in losses in 2022, with investment scam losses doubling year-over-year to $3.8 billion.
wdio.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the Federal Trade Commission, older adults are increasingly targeted with scam calls and texts, with those aged 70 and older experiencing significantly higher median losses compared to younger adults, despite young adults reporting fraud losses more frequently. Experts recommend that older adults protect themselves by recognizing emotional manipulation tactics in messages (such as urgent language or threats), verifying sender identities, and having conversations about financial management, as awareness of scams helps reduce vulnerability. The Senior Linkage Line is offering free online classes on detecting and reporting Medicare fraud and healthcare scams targeting seniors.
atlantafed.org
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission reported over 850,000 imposter fraud complaints in 2023, resulting in approximately $2.7 billion in losses—a 60 percent increase over five years. Business and government imposters account for nearly 80 percent of these complaints, with phone calls generating the highest median losses per victim at $1,500. While older adults are frequently targeted, younger people also fall victim to phone-based imposter scams involving fake government agencies, tech support, or romantic partners using emotional manipulation to extract money.
thepointsguy.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the FTC received 2.6 million fraud reports totaling $10 billion in losses, with imposter scams being the most common type, and AI technology is rapidly enabling new fraud methods including voice cloning, deepfakes, email spoofing, and credential stuffing attacks. Scammers use AI to impersonate loved ones, clone voices, generate fake images, mimic writing styles, and create convincing fraudulent communications to steal money and loyalty points, with the technology expected to advance further to include convincing deepfake video calls. Protection strategies include awareness of these AI-enabled tactics, verification procedures beyond video calls, and regulatory efforts like the FTC's
ajc.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece outlines six key warning signs of travel scams to help consumers avoid fraud when planning vacations. Travel industry expert Byrd Bergeron identifies red flags including last-minute deals, suspiciously cheap airline tickets, vacation rental properties listed at multiple price points, unsolicited requests for personal documents or information, and bogus service fees. The article advises travelers to verify legitimacy through official channels, protect personal information, and report any suspected scams to authorities while maintaining documentation of fraudulent interactions.
idahobusinessreview.com
· 2025-12-08
At a February 2024 cybersecurity conference in Boise, industry experts discussed the rising threat of digital fraud as financial technology adoption has surged—with 88% of Americans now using fintech services, up from 60% pre-COVID. The FBI reported 800,944 cyber-crime complaints in 2022 with $10.2 billion in losses, while the FTC received 5.4 million complaints in 2023, with Idaho alone losing $40.6 million to fraud across 9,829 reports. Experts emphasized that younger generations (ages 20-29) filed 44% of fraud complaints due to lower financial literacy and less skepticism