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WENY TV NEWS
· 2024-04-25
This is an educational interview featuring Sheila Brewer-Montero, a scams prevention coordinator from Lifespan of Greater Rochester, discussing fraud schemes targeting older adults. The conversation introduces the top scams affecting seniors in the Southern Tier area, with government impersonator scams (Social Security Administration and IRS) identified as a primary threat, though the full details of prevention strategies and other scam types are cut off in the provided transcript.
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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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CBS Miami
· 2024-05-05
Florida ranks second-highest in the nation for elderly fraud, with adults over 60 reporting nearly $3.5 billion in losses nationally and approximately $300 million in Florida losses, according to FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center data. Tech support scams led fraud cases in 2023, with scammers increasingly using artificial intelligence to disguise their identities. Law enforcement advises seniors not to answer calls from unknown numbers and to be aware that legitimate authorities will not call ahead to warn of warrants or missed jury duty.
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10 Tampa Bay News
· 2024-05-06
According to an FBI report, Florida seniors over age 60 lost more than $290 million to fraud in 2023, ranking the state second worst in the nation, with scams targeting this age group increasing 11% from 2022 and averaging nearly $34,000 per victim. The most common fraud schemes include investment scams, fake tech support, online romance scams, and law enforcement impersonation schemes, with many cases going unreported due to victim shame.
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wgaltv
· 2024-05-15
FBI reports on elder fraud increased 14% last year with actual losses rising 11% to $3.4 billion, with tech support scams being the number one threat targeting seniors. In this scheme, scammers send fake emails claiming computer protection charges (such as $549) and gain remote access to victims' computers and bank accounts when they call seeking refunds. Key protective measures include resisting pressure to act quickly, avoiding unsolicited communications and requests for gift cards or wire information, not opening unknown email attachments, and having open conversations with elderly family members about their online and phone interactions.
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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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FOX59 News
· 2024-05-24
Elder fraud scams targeting seniors in Indiana have increased in sophistication, with over 1,100 victims age 60 and older reporting approximately $26 million in losses last year. Scammers are leveraging evolving technology—including AI-generated voices and deepfakes—alongside traditional techniques to make frauds more convincing, with common red flags including artificial urgency and unsolicited requests for personal information like Social Security numbers or bank account details. The FBI Indianapolis and Citizens Academy Alumni Association are hosting a free workshop on June 10th at Westfield High School to educate the public on recognizing and preventing these scams.
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First Alert 6
· 2024-05-24
A Nebraska eighth grader partnered with the Better Business Bureau to raise awareness about senior scams after his grandmother fell victim to fraud. The student wrote an essay on the topic and created prevention flyers, which he distributed to local senior centers, inspiring a collaboration aimed at preventing others from experiencing similar scams.
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KTSM 9 NEWS
· 2024-06-17
The FBI El Paso office reports a double-digit increase in elder fraud cases, with the most common schemes involving tech support scams, romantic/confidence scams, investment fraud, and government impersonation. The agency recommends elders verify unknown contacts through independent online research, be wary of unsolicited phone calls and mailings, and never share personally identifiable information.
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FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2024-06-20
This educational piece from the Better Business Bureau provides prevention strategies for older adults and caregivers to protect against scams. Key recommendations include verifying requests with trusted contacts before sharing personal information, never voluntarily providing Social Security or Medicare numbers to unsolicited callers, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and being cautious of urgent language designed to pressure quick decisions. Caregivers should watch for warning signs such as increased junk mail, secretive behavior, unexpected account charges, or sudden financial difficulties, while also helping reduce solicitations by registering on do-not-call and do-not-mail registries and screening incoming calls.
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NBC 7 San Diego
· 2024-07-11
San Diego seniors lost approximately $100 million to scams in the past year, with the District Attorney's office tracking nearly $98 million in elder-related fraud across the county—a figure that excludes unreported cases. Common scams target seniors' lifetime savings through tactics like fake tech support pop-ups on computers, and scammers exploit seniors' vulnerability and lack of technical knowledge. The San Diego County Elder Task Force reports a 70% increase in elder fraud cases and emphasizes that these scams devastate victims' ability to pay basic living expenses like rent, mortgage, and food.
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KRQE
· 2024-07-17
This New Mexico news podcast episode features an educational discussion on avoiding financial scams, hosted by Gabrielle Burkhart with guest Brian Watson, a former federal law enforcement officer who spent 28 years investigating financial crimes, including work as an IRS criminal investigator. The segment addresses how scams—particularly phishing and online fraud—affect people across demographics, including older adults, and aims to help listeners and their families recognize red flags and protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated scams.
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Central Florida Public Media
· 2024-07-19
Volusia County Sheriff's Office partnered with a free community screening of the film "Thelma"—which depicts a 93-year-old grandmother being scammed—to raise awareness about elder fraud, which costs older Americans billions of dollars annually and significantly affects Central Florida seniors. Law enforcement officers provided prevention advice to attendees, emphasizing strategies such as not answering unknown phone numbers, ignoring unfamiliar text messages, and contacting police or trusted neighbors when uncertain.
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Breakfast Television
· 2024-08-01
Phishing scams are currently targeting Microsoft Windows and CrowdStrike users, particularly following a recent global outage. Phishing occurs when cybercriminals impersonate legitimate organizations (such as banks or government agencies) via text messages or emails to trick users into clicking malicious links, downloading malware, or divulging personal information. Individuals of all ages should remain vigilant and employ cybersecurity awareness to protect themselves against these scams.
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Lawfare
· 2024-08-07
This is a podcast introduction featuring Arun Rao, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the DOJ's Consumer Protection Branch, discussing the growing sophistication of fraud schemes targeting consumers and elders. Rao explains how technological advances such as robocalls, text, email, and social media have enabled fraudsters to refine their tactics and target victims with greater precision. The discussion covers the DOJ's consumer protection work, cybercrime, elder fraud, and data privacy issues.
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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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CNBC
· 2024-08-18
A growing "pig butchering" scam scheme targets victims through dating apps and text messages, with scammers spending weeks building trust before directing them to fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms designed to mimic legitimate exchanges. One victim lost $152,000 after being lured through Bumble; the FBI reported $4.5 billion in investment fraud losses in 2023, with 86% involving cryptocurrencies. These scams employ sophisticated social engineering tactics and fake investment apps that have prompted tech companies like Google to take legal action against developers distributing fraudulent apps on their platforms.
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WGN News
· 2024-08-31
Federal Trade Commission data shows American consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with digital platforms making it easier for scammers to target victims. Common scams include romance/relationship scams on Facebook where perpetrators build trust before requesting money, "pig butchering" investment schemes promising fake returns, and grandparent scams, with reported losses ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Protection strategies include verifying urgent requests by hanging up and calling back the person directly, avoiding quick money transfers, researching websites and investment opportunities, and reporting scams to law enforcement and platforms to help track and recover stolen funds.
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WYFF News 4
· 2024-09-09
Bill Vickery, owner of Just Call, provides elder fraud prevention advice, emphasizing that most scams begin with phone calls, texts, or emails targeting seniors unfamiliar with modern technology. Key prevention strategies include not answering calls from unknown numbers, hanging up immediately if feeling suspicious, avoiding saying "yes" (which scammers may record and manipulate), and never verifying personal information over the phone with unknown callers. Vickery advocates for a proactive, educational approach to help seniors and their families recognize and avoid scams before they occur.
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NBC Bay Area
· 2024-09-14
Scammers are impersonating local police officers in phone calls using spoofed caller IDs that appear legitimate, soliciting donations by appealing to people's respect for first responders. Law enforcement agencies across the Bay Area, including county, city, and university police departments, report being targeted in these scams and are warning the public not to send money through unsolicited police calls. The key defense is to remember that legitimate police agencies do not solicit funds over the phone.
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NBC10 Boston
· 2024-09-17
Bitcoin ATM scams are increasing at an alarming rate, with fraud losses exceeding $65 million in the first half of 2024 according to the Federal Trade Commission. Scammers use government impersonation, business impersonation, and tech support tactics to trick consumers into depositing cash into Bitcoin ATMs by claiming it will protect their money or resolve fake security problems, with one victim losing $34,000. Consumers should hang up suspicious calls, verify contacts independently, and be cautious of these sophisticated schemes.
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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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KFOR Oklahoma's News 4
· 2024-09-29
In 2023, nearly 1,000 Oklahomans aged 60 and older lost over $22 million to fraud, with scams targeting seniors increasing 15% in Oklahoma compared to 11% nationally. Tech support scams and sweepstakes prize frauds are among the most common schemes, with one Oklahoma couple nearly falling victim to a $500,000 sweepstakes scam before becoming suspicious of personal questions. The FBI emphasizes the importance of reporting scams without shame and advises seniors to be cautious about unsolicited contacts and requests for personal financial information.
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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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WFSB 3
· 2024-10-13
Detective Matthew Hogan of the Connecticut State Police discusses internet scams and their increasing sophistication, with a particular focus on cryptocurrency fraud. While crypto is often perceived as untraceable, it is actually traceable through blockchain technology; scammers favor it because wallet ownership is pseudo-anonymous, transactions move quickly, and assets can be easily co-mingled. The discussion emphasizes recognizing red flags to help people avoid falling victim to these evolving online schemes.
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FTCvideos
· 2024-11-04
Tech support scammer pop-ups are impostor scams designed to trick victims into calling fake support numbers. Scammers use these deceptive alerts to gain remote access to devices and steal personal information and money from victims. The FTC advises consumers to recognize these pop-ups as fraudulent and avoid calling any numbers displayed on suspicious alerts.
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WIRED
· 2024-11-05
This WIRED article features "Scammer Payback," a YouTube scam-baiting channel, answering audience questions about common fraud tactics and red flags. The content identifies three major warning signs of scams: scammers pressuring victims to make quick decisions (especially involving gift cards or Cash App transfers), requests for remote access to computers or phones, and demands for untraceable payment methods like Bitcoin or wire transfers. The educational piece emphasizes that time pressure is a deliberate tactic scammers use to prevent victims from consulting family members or others who might intervene.
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News 19 WLTX
· 2024-11-19
During the holiday season, scammers increase their fraudulent activities by posing as charities, delivery services, and government agencies to prey on people's generosity and inattention. Common tactics include using localized phone numbers and names of trusted community figures, along with fake offers, urgent payment demands, and prize promises to trick victims into revealing personal information or money. South Carolina residents should be aware of prevalent scams including purchase fraud, warrant scams, lottery/sweepstakes schemes, tech support scams, debt collection fraud, service repair scams, job scams, subscription fraud, loan scams, and warranty scams.
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CBS Miami
· 2024-11-28
As the holiday shopping season begins, cybersecurity experts warn consumers about increased scam activity targeting online shoppers. Scammers use copycat websites, unsolicited emails with malicious links, unrealistically low prices, and fake delivery company text messages to steal personal information, email addresses, and financial data. Consumers should navigate directly to legitimate company websites rather than clicking email links and be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true.
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12NewsNow
· 2024-12-03
The FBI warned the public about an increase in holiday season scams, including cryptocurrency investment schemes, tech support fraud, social media scams with fake contests, and charity scams targeting older adults. According to FBI official Connor Hagen, seniors are particularly vulnerable during the holidays when they are more likely to give gifts and donate to charities, though scammers also target younger people through social media ads and fake contests. Victims are advised to contact local law enforcement if they believe they have been defrauded.
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WPLG Local 10
· 2024-12-04
The FBI Miami issued a holiday season warning about the rise of online scams, which increased 22% between 2022 and 2023, with South Florida's online investment fraud losses jumping from $12 million to $300 million. Elderly individuals are particularly targeted for romance fraud, tech support fraud, and impersonation schemes, with AI increasingly used to facilitate scams; charity fraud also peaks during the holidays. The agency advises consumers to be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, as billions of dollars are lost annually to fraud schemes nationwide.
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KVUE
· 2024-12-06
As holiday shopping moves online, fraud experts warn consumers—particularly older adults with significant assets—to be vigilant against scams, as approximately one-third of consumers fall victim to online fraud during this season. Key risks include fraudulent social media ads, fake package delivery texts with links to copycat websites, and tech support scam pop-ups; experts recommend shopping only at trusted retailers, avoiding suspicious links, and going directly to carrier websites to check package status rather than clicking links in messages.
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ABC11
· 2024-12-09
Fraud experts warn consumers that approximately one-third of online shoppers fall victim to scams during the holiday shopping season, with older adults at particular risk despite being statistically less likely to be defrauded than younger adults—a concern because seniors typically have more assets to lose. Key scam tactics include fraudulent social media ads, fake package delivery texts from carriers like UPS and FedEx that direct users to copycat websites, and tech support scam alerts that appear on computer screens. Experts recommend shopping directly from trusted retailers' websites, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and going directly to carrier websites to check package status rather than clicking notification links.
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News 5 Cleveland
· 2024-12-18
Monica Roose lost $4,000 to an online contractor scam while seeking help with a home improvement project in Northeast Ohio. FBI Special Agent Edgar Kobe reports that elder populations are especially vulnerable to scams perpetrated by organized crime groups operating from West Africa and India, and he is working to prevent victims from losing money to these international fraudsters who operate remotely.
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Scripps News
· 2024-12-22
In 2024, scammers are targeting all demographics with increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, as reported losses reached $10 billion—the highest annual total on record. The most common scams include impostor schemes, online shopping fraud, fake job opportunities, and investment scams, with 80% of investment scam victims losing money. The piece highlights how scammers exploit personal information and worst fears, noting that artificial intelligence is making these schemes even more difficult to detect and avoid.
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ABC11
· 2025-01-01
**Summary:**
Experts warn that scammers are increasingly using generative AI in 2025 to create more realistic fraudulent websites, deepfake videos and audio, and fake social media content, making scams harder to detect. According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, consumers lost over $1 trillion to scams in 2024, and the FBI has issued alerts about criminals exploiting AI to commit fraud at larger scales and increase the believability of their schemes. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant in protecting their money and personal information as scam tactics continue to evolve.
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NBC10 Boston
· 2025-01-09
Hundreds of Massachusetts residents received fraudulent text messages impersonating E-ZPass (Easy Drive MA), requesting payment for tolls, in what authorities are investigating as a "smishing" scam with FBI involvement. One victim clicked the malicious link and was directed to a fake payment page; the scam messages originated from a Philippines phone number and contained spelling errors that revealed their fraudulent nature. Cybersecurity experts advise users not to click links in unsolicited text messages and to verify directly with official sources before providing payment information.
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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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12 News
· 2025-01-20
During national tragedies like natural disasters, scammers exploit public sympathy through fake charity scams and relief fund fraud. To protect yourself, verify charities directly through their official websites or CharityNavigator.org rather than clicking links in unsolicited calls, emails, or social media messages, and never donate through unverified channels.
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Good Morning America
· 2025-02-12
Meta announced new protections against romance scams across Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp, restricting accounts engaging in suspicious behavior such as messaging numerous users with fake profiles, impersonating dating agencies, or posing as military members. The move addresses the $1 billion in losses Americans suffered from romance fraud in 2023, with Meta having already removed over 500,000 fraudulent accounts and pages; users will now receive warning popups when potentially suspicious accounts or links are detected in messages.
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KHOU 11
· 2025-02-14
**Romance Scams Rising with AI-Enhanced Deception**
The Better Business Bureau warns that romance scams are increasing, particularly around Valentine's Day, with scammers creating fake profiles on dating apps and social media to build romantic connections for financial exploitation. Advances in AI technology are making these scams harder to detect, as criminals can now create convincing fake images, voices, videos, and social media accounts to impersonate real people or celebrities, making anyone vulnerable to victimization.
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NBC Chicago
· 2025-03-01
Naperville police warned residents of scams targeting the community, reporting that residents lost $5.5 million to scammers in one year, with victims ranging in age from 15 to 91 years old. Common scams included cryptocurrency fraud, fake warrant phone calls, tech support scams, online retail scams, and phishing, with scammers often impersonating the IRS, Medicare, tech companies, or financial institutions and pressuring immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers. Police advised residents to block unwanted calls, resist pressure to act immediately, consult trusted contacts before responding to strangers, and contact their bank and credit bureaus if they believe they've been scammed.
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CBS 13 News
· 2025-03-04
Financial losses from scams in Maine are rising significantly, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated and relentless tactics that have intensified since the pandemic, according to AARP Maine experts. Common scam types affecting Maine residents include door-to-door scams and romance scams, among others, and anyone can become a victim regardless of demographics. Experts emphasize that knowledge and vigilance are critical to protecting oneself from these evolving fraud schemes.
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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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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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11Alive
· 2025-03-27
A woman named Chandler Rogers lent her phone to a stranger claiming he was stranded and needed to contact friends, but the man used the unsecured device to steal nearly $7,000 total from her Venmo and Cash App accounts. The phone borrowing scam, which typically occurs in public places where scammers claim emergencies like dead batteries, also allows criminals access to emails, personal data, and authentication codes; experts warn never to lend phones to strangers and recommend using app security protections.
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11Alive
· 2025-03-28
A woman named Chandler Rogers lost nearly $7,000 after lending her phone to a stranger who claimed to be stranded without a phone; the scammer used the brief access to transfer funds via Venmo and Cash App before she discovered the theft. This phone borrowing scam, where thieves pose as people in emergency situations to gain temporary phone access, has been flagged as an ongoing threat by organizations including the American Bankers Association and Microsoft, particularly in public places.
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Eyewitness News ABC7NY
· 2025-03-28
**Cryptocurrency Scam Awareness**
Scammers stole approximately $9.9-$10 billion in cryptocurrency in 2024, exploiting the 72 million American crypto users through low-tech methods including phishing (impersonating trusted firms), romance scams (building fake relationships to encourage crypto investment), and rugpulls (fraudsters promoting fake tokens then disappearing with funds). Understanding these common scam tactics helps protect investors from becoming victims.
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NEWS CENTER Maine
· 2025-03-30
A woman in Atlanta lost nearly $7,000 after lending her phone to a stranger who claimed to need it for an emergency after losing his phone in an Uber. The scammer used the borrowed phone to transfer funds via Venmo and Cash App without the victim's knowledge. Police departments, the American Bankers Association, and Microsoft warn that phone borrowing scams are ongoing, with scammers typically claiming emergencies like dead batteries or lost devices in public places to gain access to victims' phones and financial accounts.
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WFRV Local 5
· 2025-04-06
The Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office received multiple complaints about a jury duty scam in which callers used caller ID spoofing to impersonate the sheriff's office and threatened victims with fines or jail time for allegedly missing jury duty. The sheriff's office clarified that they never solicit personal or financial information by phone, and warned that any call demanding money is likely a scam.
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Click On Detroit | Local 4 | WDIV
· 2025-04-08
A Macomb County senior citizen lost over $30,000 in a Bitcoin internet service scam after receiving an email about home internet security protection she did not sign up for. When she called to cancel, scammers posing as customer service representatives gained access to her personal and banking information, ultimately tricking her into sending money via Bitcoin. The scam targeted seniors looking to save money and appears to have affected multiple victims in the local area.
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NBC10 Boston
· 2025-04-08
The FBI warns of a widespread scam targeting iPhone and Android users in which scammers impersonate law enforcement officials via text messages and voicemails to demand money or personal information under the pretense of a supposed offense. Consumers should be alert to fraudulent messages impersonating legitimate organizations like USPS, banks, and utility providers, which use urgent language and suspicious links to trick recipients into providing personal or financial information.
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News Channel 3-12
· 2025-04-08
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department held a community presentation in Carpinteria to warn residents about a dramatic increase in scams, including prize/giveaway scams, romance fraud, and other schemes designed to extract money or personal information from victims. While scams affect people across all demographics, seniors are disproportionately targeted, and attendees learned to recognize red flags and protect themselves from various fraud tactics.
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THV11
· 2025-04-08
Modern scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics that are difficult to distinguish from legitimate contacts, including impersonating law enforcement and court officials through voicemails claiming victims have missed court dates or been served papers. These emotionally manipulative scams attempt to pressure victims into providing sensitive information or money by creating a false sense of urgency and legal jeopardy. Authorities recommend vigilance in verifying the legitimacy of unexpected calls and texts before responding with personal or financial information.
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NBC10 Boston
· 2025-04-08
The FBI is warning of a scam where criminals impersonate law enforcement officials via text message to demand money or personal information from iPhone and Android users. Common scams include fake USPS package delivery notices, fraudulent job recruiter messages, fake bank alerts, and utility company discount offers—all designed to trick users into clicking malicious links or providing sensitive information. The reporter documenting these scams lost over $5,000 to a utility provider impersonation scheme before recognizing the fraudulent pattern.
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LOCAL 12
· 2025-04-15
A 73-year-old woman from Greater Cincinnati lost approximately $35,000-$42,000 in a cryptocurrency scam after a fake Microsoft pop-up on her computer directed her to call a number, where scammers convinced her to convert funds to Bitcoin to "fix" her compromised computer. Law enforcement was able to recover more than $35,000 because the case was reported early, demonstrating the importance of quick action in cryptocurrency fraud cases.
Cryptocurrency
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Al Jazeera English
· 2025-04-18
Romance scams are rising significantly, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting that approximately 70,000 people across the US fell victim to fake virtual romances in 2022 alone, resulting in $1.3 billion in losses. Scammers use fake profiles with AI-generated images to pose as attractive individuals on social media platforms like Facebook, targeting victims emotionally before requesting money. Gen Z is among the biggest targets of these scams, yet victims are often blamed and reluctant to speak openly about their experiences.
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ABC 6 News - KAAL TV
· 2025-04-27
Online scams surged in 2024, with over 859,000 complaints to the FBI resulting in $16.6 billion in losses—a 33% increase from 2023. People over age 60 were disproportionately affected, losing $2.5 billion, with investment scams, business email compromise scams ($2.7 billion), and tech support scams ($1.4 billion) among the leading fraud types. Tech support scams remain particularly prevalent, using fake virus warnings to trick victims into providing computer access and sensitive financial information.
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WBNS 10TV
· 2025-04-30
Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors with fake text messages and calls impersonating banks and the FDIC to steal social security numbers and bank account information. Columbus police, Chase Bank, and local housing authorities held an awareness event for seniors to educate them on protecting their identities and money, emphasizing that victims should file police reports to help investigators track patterns and determine if criminals are operating locally or overseas.
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CBS Pittsburgh
· 2025-05-09
This educational piece highlights key strategies to protect against increasingly sophisticated scams that target people of all ages. Common scams include grandparent scams, fake tech support, and gift card scams, all designed to steal money or personal information. Experts from law enforcement and the FBI recommend pausing before acting on urgent requests, verifying caller identity through independent family contacts, and remembering that legitimate creditors never demand payment via gift cards.
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CBS4 Indy
· 2025-05-16
Indiana State Police report a surge in AI-enhanced romance scams targeting Hoosiers, with victims losing up to $200,000 per case. Scammers use artificial intelligence to improve their language skills and create realistic profile photos, making them harder to detect as they build relationships over weeks or months before requesting money through untraceable payment methods. Police advise victims to watch for red flags such as requests for gift cards, scrutinize AI-generated photos for imperfections, and trust their instincts, as romance scams have become the third riskiest scam type according to the Better Business Bureau.
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FOX59 News
· 2025-05-16
Indiana State Police are reporting a sharp increase in romance scams on dating websites where criminals use artificial intelligence to create more convincing fake profiles and messages, with victims losing up to $200,000 in some cases. The AI technology allows scammers to improve their English and create realistic photos, making it harder for people to detect fraudulent accounts, and perpetrators typically spend weeks or months building relationships before requesting money through untraceable payment methods like gift cards. Police advise potential dating app users to watch for red flags such as requests for money, unusual photo details (asymmetrical faces, incomplete glasses, odd fingers), and to verify profiles independently before engaging with matches.
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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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23ABC News | KERO
· 2025-06-19
Romance scams targeting California seniors increased significantly in 2024, with seniors statewide losing nearly $833 million—a 43% increase from 2023. The FBI reports that romance and technology scams are the two largest fraud schemes affecting local seniors, with perpetrators exploiting emotional vulnerabilities through fake online personas to manipulate victims into sending money. In one documented case, a retired educator in his late 60s was defrauded after being contacted by someone posing as an attractive woman with a puppy, demonstrating how scammers use emotional triggers to bypass victims' logic and establish trust.
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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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Eyewitness News ABC7NY
· 2025-07-18
Text message scams impersonating the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles are increasing, threatening recipients with driver's license revocation or prosecution unless they pay outstanding fees. Red flags include checking the sender's phone number country code (the example showed +63 from the Philippines, when legitimate DMV messages would come from domestic numbers) and avoiding clicking suspicious links that request payment or personal information. Recipients should delete such messages rather than engage with them, as the links may contain malware or be designed to steal credit card and personal data.
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WBIR Channel 10
· 2025-07-28
The Knox County Sheriff's Office hosted an educational event called "Scam Smart" in partnership with Minet Funeral Home, attracting over 70 community members to learn about technology-based scams targeting seniors. Officers provided prevention tips and covered various scam types, emphasizing that anyone with a cell phone can become a victim regardless of age. Residents were encouraged to report scams to the Knox County Sheriff's Office or submit tips via knoxsheriff.org.
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CBS 8 San Diego
· 2025-08-01
In the first half of 2025, over 700 senior citizens in San Diego County lost nearly $70 million to financial scams, with losses on track to exceed last year's total of $98 million, though actual figures are likely higher due to underreporting. The FBI reported that seniors accounted for more than one-third of the $16 billion in nationwide fraud losses last year, with scammers targeting vulnerable elderly people who are often deceived by professional-sounding perpetrators. Local law enforcement and prosecutors are working to combat these crimes and bring scam artists to justice.
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FOX59 News
· 2025-08-04
Phishing scammers are increasingly using recognizable brand names—including EZPass, Microsoft, Steam, Facebook, Coinbase, Netflix, American Express, and others—to trick victims into clicking malicious links or visiting fake websites. Scammers exploit familiarity and artificial urgency to prompt impulsive action, with AI making fraudulent emails and websites look increasingly realistic; fake DMV scams saw a 700% increase in one quarter. The best defense is to never click links in unsolicited messages and instead navigate directly to official websites through your own search to verify any account issues.
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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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KJRH -TV | Tulsa | Channel 2
· 2025-08-25
Scammers are using text and email messages impersonating package delivery services and toll collection agencies, creating false urgency to pressure recipients into clicking malicious links or providing payment information. The Better Business Bureau reports that toll payment scams are among the fastest-growing threats currently. To protect yourself, ignore unexpected delivery or toll messages, verify sender information (legitimate companies don't use Gmail accounts), and avoid engaging with suspicious communications by hanging up and blocking numbers.
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CBS4 Indy
· 2025-09-02
According to a new report, Indiana ranks second in the nation for senior fraud rates, with fraudulent scams against seniors increasing 240% over the last three years—the highest increase in the country. The article highlights a recent case in Parke County where a woman and accomplice nearly defrauded an 80-year-old man out of over $100,000 through a hacking scam, but the victim became suspicious and reported it to authorities, leading to the suspect's arrest.
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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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CHEK Media
· 2025-09-20
Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors with medical fraud using deepfake technology and artificial intelligence to create convincing but fake advertisements. One notable scam used deepfaked videos of a CBC journalist and doctor endorsing a supplement claiming to cure type 2 diabetes in 14 days, exploiting seniors' trust in recognized media figures and medical professionals.
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ABC News
· 2025-09-25
**Grandparent Scam - Voice Technology Fraud**
Scammers are using advanced voice technology to impersonate grandchildren in what the FBI identifies as an escalating problem targeting older adults. A 91-year-old victim (Shirley Morrow) was convinced by a call mimicking her grandson's voice that he was in legal trouble and needed $9,000; older adults collectively lost $4.9 billion to these scams, which typically involve fraudsters posing as family members in supposed emergencies to pressure immediate payment.
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Arizona’s Family (3TV / CBS 5)
· 2025-10-06
This podcast segment from "On Your Side" features hosts Gary Harper and Susan Campbell discussing the evolving nature of scams targeting vulnerable populations. The hosts highlight how scams have become increasingly sophisticated and believable over time, using technology to deceive victims—exemplified by Susan's personal anecdote about her grandmother falling for a classic Microsoft pop-up scam that prompted her to call a fraudulent number and potentially compromise her financial accounts. The hosts emphasize that scams are becoming more prevalent and convincing, affecting even intelligent and vigilant people, and stress the importance of family awareness and intervention to protect loved ones from fraud.
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KGW News
· 2025-10-10
Oregon is experiencing a growing crisis affecting its expanding senior population, with scams and housing insecurity among the pressing issues. AARP estimates that within five years, one in five Oregonians will be 65 or older, and seniors already outnumber those 18 and younger in the state. The discussion highlights how many elders are overlooked, isolated, and in need of community support and solutions to help them thrive safely.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Four California men have been indicted for operating a nationwide tech support fraud scam targeting elderly victims, with one indictment originating from a case involving a 78-year-old Missouri man and his 76-year-old wife who were defrauded of $88,000. The scheme involved scammers posing as tech support workers who convinced victims their computers were infected or compromised, then used recruited couriers to collect cash payments; approximately $7 million in fraudulent transactions occurred between March 2020 and July 2023. Two defendants have been arrested, one remains in custody, and one is still being sought.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, consumers lost a record $10 billion to fraud, with imposter scams being the most prevalent, affecting nearly 854,000 people and resulting in $2.7 billion in losses at an average of $800 per victim. Imposter scams involve criminals posing as trusted entities (government agencies, companies, relatives, or romantic interests) via email, phone, text, or social media to steal money or personal information, with emerging technologies like AI and voice cloning making these frauds increasingly convincing. Older adults, particularly those 80 and over, experience significantly higher median losses ($1,450) and are particularly vulnerable to "phantom hacker" tech-
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
Four California men were indicted in a nationwide tech support scam targeting elderly victims, with one serving as a courier collecting cash from victims under false pretenses of criminal prosecution. The scheme defrauded victims of millions of dollars between 2020-2023, including an $88,000 loss from a Missouri couple who became suspicious and alerted police; Yu-Chieh Huang (the courier) has been arrested, Liang Jin and Tsz Yin Kan have been apprehended, and Kaiyu Wen remains at large.
cbs2iowa.com
· 2025-12-08
Steve Deines of Marion, Iowa lost thousands of dollars to overseas scammers who used phone harassment and pressure tactics to convince him to send money via gift cards and grant remote computer access. Local police emphasize that recovered funds are virtually impossible once transferred overseas, and they stress public education as the best prevention, advising people to avoid paying anyone with gift cards, ignore scare tactics and urgency demands, and verify requests through trusted contacts before taking action.
vancouver.citynews.ca
· 2025-12-08
Port Moody police reported three "grandparent" scams in a single day in February 2024, resulting in $12,000 in losses, where callers impersonated grandchildren claiming to need money for car repairs or legal fees. Victims were instructed to withdraw cash from banks and meet the suspects in person to exchange money, with police noting an additional incident the previous week where an elderly couple lost $21,000 under similar circumstances. Law enforcement warned that these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers using artificial intelligence to alter voices and impersonate family members more convincingly.
scdemocratonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Jeff Bank leaders discussed the rising prevalence of fraud and scams targeting their customers, particularly elderly individuals who are being defrauded of substantial sums of money. The bank has increased staff training on scam detection and conducted community outreach to vulnerable populations, while noting that scams often go undetected until money has already been sent. Common scams include the Microsoft pop-up scam, lottery fee schemes, the "grandma scam" involving emergency situations, and unsolicited requests for money through electronic channels or phone calls.
kttn.com
· 2025-12-08
Four California men have been indicted for operating a nationwide tech support fraud scheme targeting elderly victims, with Yu-Chieh Huang arrested as a courier after attempting to pick up $88,000 from a Missouri couple who were told their computer contained evidence of a crime. The scam, which operated from 2020 to 2023, involved Liang Jin and Kaiyu Wen directing couriers and recruiting individuals to fraudulently open bank accounts, resulting in approximately $7 million in fraudulent transactions before authorities intervened. One suspect, Kaiyu Wen, remains at large.
wcnc.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2022, 70,000 Americans lost a record $1.3 billion to romance scams—nearly double the $547 million lost in 2021—with scammers increasingly using AI, deepfakes, and voice cloning to deceive victims. North Carolina ranked 9th nationally, with 422 victims losing $18 million that year, including a Hickory therapist who sent $50 to a scammer posing as an African man seeking help before recognizing manipulation tactics like emotional appeals, requests for money, and guilt-tripping. Key warning signs include requests for unorthodox payments, emotionally manipulative pitches, false urgency, an
collegiatetimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Virginia Tech has experienced an influx of phishing scams targeting university email accounts, primarily using social engineering tactics rather than system vulnerabilities to trick recipients into sharing personal information, money, or clicking malicious links. While misinformation claims the scams are new or that Outlook's security is ineffective, officials report the scams have persisted for years and Outlook has strong protective tools; notably, most victims have been students rather than older individuals. University officials recommend marking suspicious emails as phishing, verifying sender addresses through official staff lists, and reporting compromised accounts immediately.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
The Orange County Sheriff's Department issued a February 2024 awareness advisory warning residents about romance scams and various other fraud schemes, noting that scammers manipulate victims into believing they're in committed relationships to steal money and that criminal tactics evolve constantly. The advisory identified eight common scam types including text phishing, online employment fraud, tech support scams, and impersonation schemes (involving fake tax, utility, warrant, and arrest claims), and advised victims of financial fraud to immediately report incidents to their financial institutions and request new accounts.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Singapore reported a record high of 46,563 scam cases with victims losing $651.8 million, marking a 46.8 percent increase in cases from 2022 despite public warnings. Job scams were the most prevalent fraud type, followed by e-commerce scams (which more than doubled), with 73 percent of victims aged below 50, contrary to assumptions that elderly people are most vulnerable. The police attributed most scams to organized criminal groups operating transnationally and noted that 19 scam syndicates were dismantled in 2023 through international cooperation.
businesstimes.com.sg
· 2025-12-08
Singapore reported a record 46,563 scam cases in 2023, representing a 46.8% increase from 2022, with victims losing S$651.8 million. Job scams were the most prevalent (9,914 cases; S$135.7 million lost), primarily targeting those aged 30-49 through WhatsApp and Telegram offers of work-from-home tasks, while fake friend call scams surged to 6,859 cases (S$23 million lost), disproportionately affecting adults aged 50-64. Contrary to common assumptions, 73% of victims were under age 50, with malware scams
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A 58-year-old Kolkata man lost Rs 20 lakh after enrolling in a free online stock trading course advertised on Facebook, which turned out to be a cyber fraud scheme. The scammers added him to WhatsApp and Telegram groups, provided fake stock tips and a counterfeit certificate, and convinced him to invest through a fraudulent platform called "Zoksa" that falsely showed profits of Rs 1 crore; when he attempted withdrawal, they demanded Rs 13 lakh in taxes before blocking further access. The victim, who needed funds for his and his son's cancer treatment, lost his entire savings and existing stock investments before filing a police complaint
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Two older Pittsburgh women lost a combined $29,000 in a tech support scam where fraudsters impersonated Apple customer service representatives and convincing them their devices were hacked, pressuring them to purchase Bitcoin at local convenience stores. A 70-year-old victim withdrew $22,000 and a 72-year-old victim purchased $7,000 in Bitcoin after being transferred between scammers posing as Apple and bank fraud specialists. Pittsburgh police are investigating and warn the public that legitimate tech companies never contact customers about device problems or ask them to call numbers or click links, recommending victims report incidents to local police or the FTC.
949whom.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses prevalent scams affecting New Hampshire residents, with the author highlighting how scam artists exploit older adults who lack technological training. The piece opens with a personal anecdote about the author's father nearly falling victim to a phishing scam impersonating the post office that attempted to steal banking information, noting that such fraud costs people millions of dollars annually across the state.
candgnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will host a free educational presentation on February 26 at the Madison Heights Active Adult Center to address common scams targeting senior citizens. The discussion covers imposter scams where con artists pose as relatives, utility workers, government officials, or romantic interests, often using artificial intelligence and creating false urgency to pressure victims into sending money via untraceable methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Authorities recommend seniors verify caller identities through independent contact information, never share personal financial details without confirmation, and report suspected scams to local police or the Federal Trade Commission.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A South Hills woman lost $10,000 in a sophisticated Bitcoin scam after receiving a fake "hacking alert" pop-up that directed her to call a number where scammers impersonating Microsoft and bank representatives claimed her account was compromised and threatened her with child pornography charges. Pittsburgh police reported at least three victims in total, including two women in their 70s who lost $22,000 and $7,000 respectively through the same scheme, which exploited urgency and fear to pressure victims into withdrawing cash and purchasing Bitcoin. Police warned that scammers use legitimate-sounding company names and call transfers to appear credible, and advised that once cryptocurrency money is transferred, recovery
hard-drive.net
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
This is a satirical piece using the video game Animal Crossing as an allegory for financial manipulation and debt. The author describes how the character Tom Nook lured them to a virtual island paradise with promises of meaning and escape from capitalism, then systematically trapped them in escalating debt (over 500,000 bells) through housing costs and merchant fees while they performed all the labor. The piece serves as humorous commentary on how emotional vulnerability and desire for a better life can make anyone susceptible to manipulation, regardless of intelligence.
shrm.org
· 2025-12-08
**Deepfake Scams Expose Employers to Big Risks**
Employers face significant fraud risks from AI-generated deepfake technology, which is already being used in workplace scams. Organizations need to implement awareness and protective measures against AI-powered fraud to safeguard employees and company assets.
afr.com
· 2025-12-08
Tinder is expanding its identity verification program across the US, UK, Brazil, and Mexico to address rising crime on dating apps and combat AI-generated fake profiles. The verification feature, already tested in Australia and New Zealand, showed that verified users received 67% more matches than unverified users. The expansion aims to help users distinguish authentic profiles from fraudulent ones in an era of increasingly sophisticated deepfakes and AI impersonation.
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.
tahawultech.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Romance scammers increasingly target online dating and social media users by creating fake profiles to build relationships and extract money through manipulation. In 2021 alone, approximately 24,000 Americans lost nearly $1 billion to romance fraud, while the UK reported £92 million in losses; scammers use increasingly sophisticated tactics including deepfake technology and AI-generated content. Key warning signs include love bombing, persistent excuses to avoid in-person meetings, escalating money requests, and requests for explicit photos; individuals should verify contacts through reverse image searches, use privacy settings, and avoid sharing personal information or money with online contacts.
etnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 58-year-old man in Kolkata lost Rs 20 lakh in an online investment scam after responding to a Facebook advertisement for a free stock trading course, which led him through a WhatsApp group to a fraudulent trading platform called Zoksa. The article outlines common online investment fraud tactics including pump-and-dump schemes, phishing, Ponzi schemes, unlicensed platforms, and fraudulent robot trading software. Key protection measures include researching platforms thoroughly, using only licensed and regulated services, avoiding sharing personal information, and consulting certified financial advisors before making large investments.
acamstoday.org
· 2025-12-08
FinCEN issued an advisory in June 2022 highlighting the rising trend of elder financial exploitation (EFE), noting that at least 10% of older adults in the U.S. are affected annually, with losses exceeding $3 billion as of 2019. Common EFE schemes include government imposter scams, romance scams, emergency scams, lottery scams, and tech support scams, though most cases go unreported due to fear, embarrassment, and lack of resources. Financial institutions and analysts are encouraged to identify red flag indicators of suspicious activity and report potential cases of elder financial exploitation.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
A YouTube content creator operating under the pseudonym "Neld Harris" poses as an elderly, tech-illiterate widow to infiltrate and expose scam operations targeting vulnerable seniors. Through his ScamSandwich channel, which has garnered over 8 million views since launching in January 2023, he lures scammers into elaborate traps, takes control of their computers, and publicly reveals their identities, locations, and tactics. This "scambaiting" effort addresses a significant problem: the AARP reports Americans over 60 lose $28.3 billion annually to scams, with only 1 in 10 cases reported to authorities.
marketrealist.com
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old Taiwanese immigrant lost approximately $720,000 in a cryptocurrency investment scam after being approached on WeChat by a scammer who built her trust and convinced her to invest her life savings and retirement funds into a fraudulent trading app. She subsequently sued Chase Bank, claiming the bank failed to alert her or her daughter (joint account owner) to the suspicious transactions that deviated from her normal spending patterns, though the bank disputed this account and stated it had provided warnings about fraud risks. The case highlights the vulnerability of seniors to investment scams, with Americans losing over $3 billion to such schemes in 2022 alone.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office partnered with Winchester and Waltham Police Departments to host financial fraud awareness seminars for older adults, featuring presentations from federal prosecutors, the IRS, and U.S. Postal Service on common scams and protective measures. According to FBI data, victims over 60 experienced an 84% increase in losses from 2021 to 2022, totaling over $3 billion, with nearly 5,500 victims losing more than $100,000 each to schemes including tech support, romance, and sweepstakes scams.
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
A YouTuber operating the "ScamSandwich" channel poses as an elderly widow to expose and disrupt online scammers, gaining over 90,000 subscribers since January 2023. By gaining remote access to scammers' computers, he reveals their locations (primarily in India and West Africa), deploys disruptive viruses, and publicly humiliates them on camera, sometimes prompting expressions of remorse and reports to authorities. While his videos provide entertainment and awareness, they highlight the serious problem of elder fraud, with Americans over 60 losing billions of dollars annually to scams.
montereyherald.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational column outlines four prevalent scams targeting seniors: elder financial abuse (where trusted individuals gain unauthorized access to finances), romance scams (where online/phone relationships lead to requests for money), tech support scams (fraudulent calls claiming computer or banking problems), and bereavement scams (scammers targeting grieving family members by posing as funeral homes). The article estimates that over 10% of U.S. elderly are victimized annually and recommends protective measures including adding trusted contacts to financial accounts, establishing estate plans, verifying unexpected calls by contacting organizations directly, and reporting fraud to law enforcement.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Online scams in the United States reached record losses of $6.9 billion in 2021, nearly doubling since 2019, with Pennsylvania ranking fifth among most-scammed states at $207 million in losses affecting 17,262 victims who lost an average of $11,991 each. Romance, cryptocurrency, and investment scams are increasingly sophisticated and affecting educated individuals across all socioeconomic levels, with teens experiencing the highest percentage increase in losses (1,125% over five years) and seniors seeing a 390% increase. The article recommends avoiding money transfers to strangers met online, refusing requests for personal information, performing reverse image searches to verify identities,
theconversation.com
· 2025-12-08
A Hong Kong company lost HK$200 million (A$40 million) when an employee was deceived by scammers using deepfake technology to impersonate senior officials in a video conference call and direct a funds transfer. The article explains that current legislation does not clearly establish liability for deepfake fraud victims seeking compensation from social media platforms, banks, or AI tool providers, though regulatory frameworks in jurisdictions like Australia and the UK are beginning to address these gaps. Legal responsibility remains unclear, with potential future requirements for platforms to remove fraudulent deepfakes, banks to reimburse victims, and AI providers to implement safeguards against misuse.
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.
healthjournalism.org
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud schemes—including grandparent scams, romance scams, and government impersonation scams—have become increasingly sophisticated through AI technology like deepfake videos and robocalls, making them difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications. In 2022 alone, approximately 88,000 people aged 60 and older lost $3.1 billion to fraud, with victims over 70 losing an average of nearly $42,000; scammers typically exploit emotions rather than intelligence, and experts advise victims and their families to watch for financial requests as the key indicator of fraud. The AARP Fraud Watch Network received nearly 100,000 calls last year from victims of all
springfieldnewssun.com
· 2025-12-08
Betty Jane Gardner organized a "seniors helping seniors" cybersecurity education event at the Springfield Masonic Home, where career and technical education students taught elderly residents how to protect themselves from scams, identity theft, and other technology-related dangers. The initiative addressed seniors' vulnerability to fraud due to unfamiliarity with technology, while providing students with valuable hands-on training and the opportunity to prevent harm to vulnerable populations.
amp.scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
Hong Kong police reported record fraud losses of HK$5.49 billion in the previous year, with a new victim being defrauded every 13 minutes, prompting an upgrade to their Scameter app that now sends automatic pop-up alerts when users encounter suspicious phone numbers, websites, emails, and accounts. The enhanced application relies on public reports of fraudulent contacts to expand its database and help prevent future scams, with authorities aiming to use artificial intelligence technology to deter fraud more effectively.
uk.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Generation Z falls for online scams at more than three times the rate of baby boomers, with a 2023 Deloitte report highlighting younger adults' vulnerability to social media-based investment scams and get-rich-quick schemes tailored to their platforms. Consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023—a 14% increase from 2022—with experts warning that risks will intensify as scammers employ more sophisticated tactics, including AI-generated impersonations and exploitation of younger adults' greater trust in online information and reliance on digital banking.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Philadelphia tech professional named Shreya Datta lost approximately $450,000 in savings and retirement funds to a "pig butchering" romance scam, in which a man posing as a French wine trader named "Ancel" built trust over months using deepfake videos and manipulated screenshots before convincing her to invest in cryptocurrency through a fraudulent trading app. The scammer used emotional manipulation, gifts, and fabricated investment profits to gradually increase her investment until she attempted withdrawal and discovered the scheme; the FBI reported that over 40,000 people lost more than $3.5 billion to dating scams in 2023.
ksdk.com
· 2025-12-08
St. Louis County residents fell victim to an AI-generated phone scam where callers impersonated their children in distress, claiming a car accident occurred and demanding money (up to $2,000) or threatening kidnapping, with scammers using as little as 3 seconds of voice samples from social media to synthesize convincing audio. One victim avoided losing money when police arrived at a Walmart before she could wire funds, though authorities noted other local cases resulted in thousands of dollars in losses. Experts recommend families establish safe words or questions to verify identity, and victims should contact the threatened family member directly, report to police, and file a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General's Office.
wired.com
· 2025-12-08
Elderly and vulnerable adults often overpay for utilities, internet, mobile services, and subscriptions due to lack of digital literacy, difficulty navigating cancellations, and targeted predatory marketing—with an estimated $8-28 billion stolen annually from people 60+ through scams and exploitative business practices in the US alone. The article provides guidance for family members to help protect elderly relatives by opening non-judgmental conversations about finances, shopping around for better deals, and reporting suspicious activities, while noting that pushy sales tactics often mirror scam tactics used to create false urgency.
m9.news
· 2025-12-08
Shreya Datta, a 37-year-old Indian-American tech professional in Philadelphia, lost $450,000 to a sophisticated "pig butchering" romance scam in which a fraudster posing as a French wine trader named Ancel used deepfake videos and emotional manipulation on the dating app Hinge to lure her into a fake cryptocurrency investment scheme. The scammer requested increasing investments and ultimately asked for a "tax" when Datta attempted to withdraw profits, revealing the fraud. Dating scams accounted for over $3.5 billion in losses in 2023, and victims often experience significant emotional distress compounded by social stigma and shame that disc
gmanetwork.com
· 2025-12-08
A 37-year-old Philadelphia tech professional lost $450,000 in a "pig butchering" romance scam involving a fake online suitor who used deepfake videos and sophisticated social engineering to build romantic trust before directing her to a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment app. The scammer, operating from Southeast Asia as part of an organized crime syndicate, convinced the victim to invest her savings and retirement funds by showing fake profitable trades and gradually escalating pressure to invest more. This type of romance-based cryptocurrency fraud has resulted in billions of dollars in losses across the United States with minimal victim recovery options.
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.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Video call scams are fraudulent schemes conducted via platforms like WhatsApp where scammers use impersonation, deepfakes, and emotional manipulation to target victims through four main methods: blackmail (threatening to release recorded calls), investment fraud, tech support deception, and romance schemes. India's CERT-In recommends safeguards including avoiding video calls from unknown contacts, not sharing personal information, verifying identities, using secure platforms, and maintaining restricted privacy settings on social media.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece warns that gift cards are exclusively for gift-giving occasions; if someone is pressuring you to buy gift cards to pay for taxes, tech support, prizes, or other non-gift purposes, it is a scam. Scammers use various tactics including impersonating government officials, tech support, family members (via AI voice cloning), or prize notifications to create urgency and extract money. The article advises victims to immediately report the scam to the gift card company and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov to potentially recover funds and help protect others in their community.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are creating fake social media ads featuring false endorsements from Shark Tank investors like Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban to fraudulently promote products, particularly keto gummies and weight-loss supplements. The Shark Tank producers confirm that none of the show's investors have ever endorsed weight-loss supplements, and the fake ads sometimes use doctored photos and false credentials to deceive consumers into purchasing these products or investing in fraudulent schemes. The scammers exploit the show's reputation and investors' public images to lend false credibility to their schemes.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Generation Z is more than three times as likely to fall for online scams compared to baby boomers, according to a 2023 Deloitte report. Younger adults are particularly vulnerable to social media-based scams and get-rich-quick schemes because they tend to trust online information more, lack financial vetting skills, and conduct more of their finances online, making them susceptible to credential spoofing and account breaches. In 2023, consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud—a 14% increase from the prior year—with experts warning that AI-enhanced scams will likely increase victimization rates among younger generations.
taipeitimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 37-year-old Philadelphia tech professional lost $450,000 in a "pig butchering" romance scam after being wooed for months on a dating app by someone posing as a French wine trader using deepfake videos and sophisticated manipulation tactics. The fraudster gained her trust through romantic attention, then convinced her to invest in cryptocurrency through a fake trading app, with initial fake gains encouraging larger investments including her retirement funds and loans. The scam, run by Southeast Asian crime syndicates, has caused billions in losses across the US with little recourse for victims to recover their money.
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.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Government imposters posing as "Agent John Williams" scammed thousands of Facebook users out of nearly $67 million by offering fake federal grants that required upfront payment in gift cards. A suburban Chicago man lost over $2,000 after being lured by the promise of a $200,000 grant, falling for fabricated videos of supposed winners and photos shared by family members, though at least 575 Facebook accounts used the same scammer name. The FTC confirmed the widespread fraud, and Meta removed the accounts after being alerted, though the company acknowledged failures in catching multiple accounts using identical photos and information.
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 50-year-old dairy farmer from Gurgaon, India lost Rs 22,000 in an online cow purchase scam after finding a fraudulent website advertising four cows at Rs 35,000 each. The scammers sent photos via WhatsApp, convinced him to pay in installments by citing transport and formality fees, then went silent after extracting the full advance amount. Police froze the associated Axis Bank account and filed a case of cheating and breach of trust while investigating.
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.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the FTC reported over 2 million fraud cases in the U.S. resulting in $10 billion in losses, with the most common scams being imposter calls, online shopping fraud, prize/sweepstakes scams, investment schemes, and fake job listings. The FTC advises consumers to watch for red flags such as unsolicited requests for money, promises of guaranteed or unusually high investment returns, and notifications about winnings from contests never entered, and recommends verifying contacts by calling them directly rather than using numbers provided by callers.
decrypt.co
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" romance scams using cryptocurrency surged 85 times higher from 2020 to 2023, with revenue doubling between 2022-2023, according to Chainalysis research. These scams involve fraudsters building fake romantic relationships before tricking victims into cryptocurrency investments they don't understand, resulting in an average loss of $4,593 per victim in 2023—the highest financial impact of any scam type. The scammers, often organized criminal groups, frequently operate through human trafficking networks in Southeast Asia and use sophisticated money laundering techniques to hide their activity, though a December 2023 Interpol operation arrested 3,500
northfortynews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece describes the widespread "scam-demic" of computer fraud, emphasizing that intelligent, trusting people fall victim to scams daily through sophisticated social engineering rather than technical hacking. Common scams include fake refund/receipt emails (impersonating companies like Amazon) and fraudulent tech support calls (posing as HP, Microsoft, or other companies), where scammers trick victims into providing financial information or remote computer access. The author stresses that scammers succeed by manipulating human psychology rather than exploiting computer security, comparing their tactics to convincing someone to unlock their front door rather than picking the lock.
todayonline.com
· 2025-12-08
A Philadelphia tech professional named Shreya Datta lost $450,000 in a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency romance scam after being targeted on a dating app by a scammer posing as a French wine trader named "Ancel," who used deepfake videos and sophisticated manipulation tactics to build trust over months before convincing her to invest in a fake crypto trading app. The scam, orchestrated by crime syndicates operating out of Southeast Asia, drained Datta's savings, retirement funds, and left her with debt, with victims collectively losing billions of dollars in the United States and having little recourse for recovery. The fraud works by using romantic manipulation and false investment promises to gradually
castanet.net
· 2025-12-08
**Fraud Landscape and Impact:**
Canadian fraud and cybercrime losses reached $530 million in 2022, a 40% increase from 2021, with AI and emerging technologies enabling criminals to create personalized scams and voice replications. While young adults (20-29) report fraud most frequently, older adults suffer substantially larger financial losses, exemplified by cases including a 68-year-old losing $3,000 to cryptocurrency fraud and an 80-year-old losing $5,000 in a grandparent scam.
**Key Prevention Strategy:**
Experts recommend four protective measures: remain alert to red flags and share scam awareness with
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Wayne County, Ohio is launching a free scam education and awareness program for residents ages 60 and older through a partnership between the Gilcrest Center, county commissioners, and Job and Family Services, funded by an Ohio Department of Aging grant. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to online financial scams due to declining cognitive abilities, lower technology familiarity, and susceptibility to tactics using fear or urgency, with common 2023 scams including COVID-19 fraud, fake medical equipment sales, and bogus genetic testing. The program emphasizes protective measures such as verifying sender identity, avoiding suspicious links, and protecting personal information to help seniors safely navigate digital transactions.
the-daily-record.com
· 2025-12-08
Wayne County, Ohio has launched a free scam education and awareness program for residents ages 60+ with incomes below 300% of the poverty line, partnering the Gilcrest Center with county commissioners and Job and Family Services through an Ohio Department of Aging grant. The initiative addresses the growing vulnerability of older adults to sophisticated online scams, including COVID-19 fraud, medical equipment sales, and phishing schemes, by providing mentoring and practical safety tips such as verifying sender identity, avoiding suspicious links, and protecting personal information.
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.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-powered scams, including deepfakes and robo-calls, are increasingly targeting older Americans, with government agencies moving slowly to address the threat. Financial institutions are deploying chatbots and AI customer service tools that can provide inaccurate information, cause consumer harm, and potentially violate federal consumer protection laws. To protect yourself, seek human customer service representatives when resolving financial problems rather than relying on chatbots or AI-driven interactions.
thenational.scot
· 2025-12-08
A Glasgow "Willy Wonka Experience" event was revealed to be a scam that used AI-generated promotional material and scripts to advertise a largely empty warehouse instead of the themed attraction promised to attendees. Parents paid £35 per ticket and described the experience as fraudulent, leading to the event's cancellation and refund promises. Cybersecurity experts note that while AI is relatively new technology, scammers are using it with traditional deceptive tactics that exploit people's impulse decisions and lack of scrutiny.
nationalpost.com
· 2025-12-08
An RBC poll found that 75% of Canadians are increasingly concerned about AI-powered fraud, with 88% believing AI will increase scam prevalence. Despite these concerns, only 28% of Canadians are taking proactive protective steps, revealing a dangerous gap between awareness and action. Recent cases illustrate the threat: a man in Ontario lost $8,000 to voice-mimicking AI impersonating a friend, a Newfoundland fraudster used AI to trick eight people out of nearly $200,000 by mimicking grandchildren's voices, and a Hong Kong company lost over $3.4 million in a deepfake video conference scam.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A 43-year-old man was defrauded of $22,000 by an AI-generated chatbot posing as a wealthy 24-year-old woman on Tinder who promised cryptocurrency investment returns. The scammer used deepfake video calls and phone conversations to build trust over a month before convincing the victim to send two payments ($10,000 and $12,000), which the victim only discovered were fake after reverse-image searching the profile photos. This case illustrates the growing threat of AI-powered romance scams on dating apps, where increasingly sophisticated deepfakes make fraudulent profiles difficult to distinguish from genuine users.
sinardaily.my
· 2025-12-08
A Philadelphia tech professional was defrauded of $450,000 in a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency romance scam after meeting a fake "French wine trader" on the dating app Hinge who used deepfake videos, emotional manipulation, and a fraudulent crypto trading app to gradually convince her to invest her savings and retirement funds. The scam, commonly run by Southeast Asian crime syndicates, has resulted in billions of dollars in losses across the United States, with victims reporting little recourse for recovery.
spacecoastdaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Launch Credit Union's Fraud Manager provided educational guidance on current fraud trends and protective measures for consumers. Key advice includes recognizing spoofed calls impersonating legitimate organizations, never sharing digital banking credentials or personal information with unsolicited callers, refusing remote access requests, and remaining skeptical of phishing emails and AI-generated scam communications, with particular emphasis on educating seniors about fraud risks including romance scams and unsolicited offers.
bankingjournal.aba.com
· 2025-12-08
In January 2024, a federal district court dismissed Jody Kanter-Doud's lawsuit against Wells Fargo, in which she alleged the bank facilitated elder abuse after she fell victim to a Microsoft impersonation scam in 2021 that resulted in unauthorized wire transfers from her account. The court found that while Wells Fargo employees may have had reason to suspect fraudulent activity, the bank did not meet the legal standards for direct or indirect elder abuse under California law because it neither took property from Kanter-Doud nor had actual knowledge of the third-party scammers' conduct. The court also dismissed her Unfair Competition Law claim, though Kanter
oudtshoorncourant.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece provides ten practical strategies for avoiding romance scams on the internet. Key advice includes: not engaging with unknown online contacts, using reverse image lookups to verify identities, recognizing manipulation tactics (excessive terms of endearment, avoidance of video calls), never sending money to people you haven't met, and avoiding sharing personal information or intimate photos that could be used for sextortion or extortion. The article emphasizes trusting friends and family who recognize warning signs, as scammers often exploit emotional manipulation and create false scenarios to extract money or sensitive information.
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
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax identity theft is surging, with the IRS receiving 294,138 identity theft complaints last year as criminals exploit stolen personal data to file fraudulent tax returns. Experts recommend filing taxes early, enrolling in the IRS IP PIN program for extra security, and recognizing scams where fraudsters impersonate the IRS via unsolicited calls, emails, or texts requesting personal information. Recovery from tax identity theft is lengthy, averaging 19 months, underscoring the importance of prevention measures.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A female IT engineer in Noida was defrauded of Rs 3.75 lakh ($4,500 USD) in a digital arrest scam on February 28, where scammers posing as courier and police officials falsely claimed a drug-containing parcel had been seized in her name, then held her in a seven-hour fake "digital arrest" via Skype to extract banking details and money. This incident reflects a broader surge in similar scams across India using the "fake parcel trick" to intimidate victims into payments by threatening legal consequences. Key protective measures include verifying unknown official calls independently, never sharing banking credentials over phone or video, and reporting
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting people with elaborate fraud schemes involving fake claims of suspicious account activity, pressuring victims to transfer money to "protect" their savings and requesting verification codes—tactics that result in significant financial losses. Key protective measures include never transferring money based on unsolicited calls, never sharing verification codes, independently verifying caller identity using official account statements, and reporting incidents to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, as banks typically do not reimburse funds lost to these scams.
shu.edu
· 2025-12-08
March 7 marks the 5th annual National Slam the Scam, a awareness campaign by the Social Security Administration and partners to educate consumers about government imposter scams, which cost Americans over $10 billion in reported losses last year—a 14% increase from 2022. The article outlines how imposter scams typically operate (contact, problem notification, pressure to act, payment demand) and advises people to hang up on unsolicited requests, verify through official channels, and report suspected fraud to help law enforcement identify trends and take action.
housingwire.com
· 2025-12-08
A survey by Ipsos and HomeEquity Bank found that baby boomers are no more likely than other generations to fall victim to online fraud and are actually more vigilant about online safety, yet two-thirds of Canadians incorrectly perceive seniors as most vulnerable to scams. FTC data on U.S. fraud reports shows that while younger adults (ages 20-29) report losing money more frequently, seniors aged 70 and older experience significantly higher median losses when victimized, with the 80-and-over group reporting the largest dollar amounts despite having the lowest reported fraud rate overall.
aboutamazon.com
· 2025-12-08
Amazon reports that scammers impersonating the brand cost consumers billions globally—with the FTC finding American consumers lost $8.8 billion to scams in 2022 and global losses exceeding $1 trillion in 2023. The company employs machine learning scientists and investigators to detect fraudulent websites and phone numbers, achieving a 15% decrease in victims in 2023, with over two-thirds of reported Amazon scams involving false claims about orders or account issues. Amazon advocates for cross-sector and government collaboration to combat scams, which exploit consumer trust through unsolicited contact via email, phone, text, and social media.
welivesecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2022, seniors over 60 reported $3.1 billion in cybercrime losses to the FBI across 88,262 incidents, representing an 82% year-on-year increase, though many cases remain unreported. Digital fraudsters increasingly target senior citizens, believing they have more savings but less digital awareness to recognize scams. Common schemes include phishing, romance scams ($734 million in 2022), Medicare impersonation, tech support fraud, online shopping scams, robocalls, government impersonation ($1 billion in combined losses in 2022), and lottery fraud.
fcpdnews.wordpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Fairfax County police reported over a dozen cryptocurrency ATM scams since early 2024, with victims losing between $3,000 and $31,100 per incident. Scammers impersonated law enforcement, banks, and government agencies via phone calls to pressure victims into depositing money into Bitcoin ATMs or purchasing gift cards. The Fairfax County Police Department advises seniors to hang up on unsolicited calls, verify caller identities through official contact information, and consult trusted family members before making financial decisions involving unfamiliar technologies or large sums.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
During National Consumer Protection Week, FBI Cleveland warned the public about phishing scams, which accounted for over 298,000 reported crimes in 2023. In that year, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center received 880,418 total complaints with losses exceeding $12.5 billion—a nearly 10% increase in complaints and 22% increase in losses from 2022—with Ohio ranking fifth nationally in complaint volume and seventeenth in victim losses at $197 million. The FBI provided recommendations for both workplace and personal protection, including employee education on phishing identification, use of multi-factor authentication, strong spam filters, and cautious handling of suspicious emails and links.
wibx950.com
· 2025-12-08
A phishing scam is targeting New York drivers through text messages that impersonate the NYS Thruway Authority and direct victims to a fraudulent website (NYTollServices.com) to steal toll payment information. The scam has no connection to the legitimate New York State Thruway Authority or E-ZPass, and recipients are advised to delete the messages without clicking links. The article emphasizes that phishing techniques are increasingly sophisticated and warns the public to remain vigilant against evolving scam tactics.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI Cleveland are warning about a sophisticated scam targeting Northeast Ohio residents where fraudsters send fake court documents via email, mail, text, or pop-ups claiming victims are being investigated for PPP fraud and must pay cryptocurrency to lift an arrest warrant. The scam combines government impersonation with tech-support fraud tactics, with criminals also posing as law enforcement or federal agencies to pressure victims into sending money, and authorities urge the public to verify communications directly with official agency phone numbers and report suspected scams to the FBI at ic3.gov or the National Elder Fraud Hotline.
elkhornmediagroup.com
· 2025-12-08
Eastern Oregon is experiencing an uptick in scams targeting older adults and tech-illiterate individuals, with scammers increasingly impersonating law enforcement, the IRS, banks, and retailers to create panic and pressure victims into sending money or revealing personal information. According to Kai Nichols, an Older Adult Behavioral Specialist, these scams are becoming more sophisticated and widespread, with common tactics including phone calls claiming legal action, account compromises, or utility shutoffs, as well as fraudulent links and voice-sampling schemes. Residents are advised never to rely on caller ID, to resist being rushed, and to remember that legitimate law enforcement and the IRS do not demand immediate payment over the phone
ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission will hold an online meeting of the Scams Against Older Adults Advisory Group on April 2, 2024, to review progress from four committees focused on consumer education, industry training, scam detection technology, and effective messaging to prevent elder fraud. The advisory group, established under the Stop Senior Scams Act of 2022, comprises representatives from government agencies, advocacy organizations, and private industry working collaboratively to combat scams targeting older adults. The public webcast begins at 2 p.m. Eastern Time and will be available on ftc.gov without registration required.
dojmt.gov
· 2025-12-08
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen warned residents during National Consumer Protection Week about three prevalent website-based scams: law enforcement imposters demanding immediate payment via wire transfer or cryptocurrency to resolve fake arrest warrants, cryptocurrency investment scams that show false gains before stealing funds deposited into crypto ATMs, and tech support scams using fake pop-up alerts to gain computer access and demand payment for bogus virus removal. The advisory emphasized that legitimate law enforcement and courts never demand immediate payment by untraceable methods, and urged Montanans to verify requests before sending money and report suspected fraud to the Office of Consumer Protection.
nyc.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
New York's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection issued a warning during National Consumer Protection Week about AI-enabled scams targeting consumers, including voice-cloning technology used to impersonate family members and deepfake technology to alter images or videos of loved ones. The agency advised New Yorkers to remain vigilant against these evolving fraudulent schemes and provided resources for reporting scams to the FTC and accessing free financial counseling through NYC Financial Empowerment Centers.
krtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen warned the public during National Consumer Protection Week about three prevalent scams: law enforcement impersonation (using spoofed phone numbers to demand immediate payment for fake arrest warrants), cryptocurrency investment and ATM scams (where fraudsters show fake gains to convince victims to deposit large sums, then steal the funds), and technical support scams (where pop-up alerts trick users into calling numbers that give scammers computer access). Knudsen advised avoiding third-party payment apps, wire transfers, gift cards, and cryptocurrency ATMs, and urged Montanans to verify suspicious requests with trusted contacts before sending money.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans aged 30-49 reported the most investment fraud complaints to the FBI in 2023, with over 13,000 cases, contradicting the assumption that older adults are most susceptible to investment scams. Total losses from investment fraud reached $4.57 billion in 2023—a 38% increase from the previous year—with cryptocurrency scams accounting for $3.94 billion of that total. Scammers typically lure victims through social media and online ads by promising high returns with minimal risk, using fake investment strategies, phony training products, and impersonation of public figures.
kwch.com
· 2025-12-08
A sextortion scam has resurged, wherein cybercriminals send threatening emails claiming to have installed screen-recording software and possess compromising photos, demanding $1,506 in Bitcoin or threatening to release the images. The scam exploits stolen credentials from the dark web and preys on victims' fear, though the criminals typically lack actual access to victims' devices unless malware was installed through phishing or pirated software downloads. Individuals should verify suspicious emails through Google searches, avoid clicking malicious links, and report threats to the FBI cyber tip line.
democratandchronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
Online purchase scams were the top fraud affecting upstate New York residents in 2023, with nearly 30,000 reported cases resulting in over $525 million in losses, according to the Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York. Overall, scams cost Rochester-area residents and those in Albany, Buffalo, and Syracuse a combined $653 million in 2023, with employment scams, phishing schemes, sweepstakes/lottery scams, and tech support scams among the other major fraud types reported. The scams employed various tactics including fake checks, impersonation of trusted entities and government agencies, and promises of unearned prizes or loans.
wrdw.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece explains a recurring sextortion scam in which cybercriminals email victims claiming to have installed screen-recording software and threatening to release compromising images unless Bitcoin payment is made, typically around $1,506. The article clarifies that while scammers may purchase stolen credentials from the dark web, they cannot remotely install software without victim action, and alleged compromising images often come from pirated software downloads rather than actual surveillance. The piece recommends verifying suspicious emails through Google searches and reporting threats to the FBI cyber tip line.
gridinsoft.com
· 2025-12-08
**Phantom Hacker Scams Target Seniors**
Phantom hacker scams, a variant of tech support fraud, have increased 40% year-over-year and resulted in over $542 million in losses from nearly 19,000 victims during the first half of 2023, with seniors over 60 accounting for 66% of financial losses. Scammers use a three-stage social engineering approach: posing as tech support to claim malware threats, then impersonating financial institutions or government officials to convince victims to transfer funds to "safe accounts" that the criminals control. To protect against these scams, seniors should avoid unsolicited calls,
elkhornmediagroup.com
· 2025-12-08
An uptick in phone and online scams targeting older adults in Eastern Oregon uses sophisticated impersonation tactics—including fraudulent claims from law enforcement, the IRS, banks, and retailers—to pressure victims into sending money or sharing personal information. According to Kai Nichols, an Older Adult Behavioral Specialist, scammers exploit elderly individuals' unfamiliarity with technology and bureaucracy by creating panic through threats of legal action or account compromise. Key protections include never trusting caller ID, refusing to be rushed, and remembering that legitimate law enforcement and the IRS do not demand phone payments or threaten immediate action.
dailydot.com
· 2025-12-08
An auto repair technician on TikTok explains that a common "scam" in the car repair industry involves shops misdiagnosing vehicle problems—such as incorrectly identifying a faulty oxygen sensor—and then charging customers for multiple service visits when the initial repair doesn't fix the issue. The technician attributes this to inadequate training and insufficient diagnostic time rather than intentional fraud, and advises that customers should not be charged for shops' diagnostic mistakes and should request error codes to verify the actual problem. Commenters shared additional repair scams they've experienced, including unnecessary transmission flushes, cabin filter replacements with inflated labor fees, and overpriced warranties and brake services.
abc27.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the Better Business Bureau's 2023 Scam Tracker report, investment and cryptocurrency scams are the riskiest fraud type, with a median loss of $3,800, exploiting victims' lack of understanding about digital assets by promising unrealistic returns before demanding hidden fees to access nonexistent earnings. Employment scams and romance scams are also growing threats, targeting younger adults and those over 65 respectively, with victims losing not only money but also time and personal information. The BBB recommends avoiding quick financial decisions, being cautious with unknown contacts, and ignoring unsolicited links to protect against these increasingly sophisticated schemes.
krocnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using AI-generated deepfakes to target real estate transactions in Minnesota, impersonating agents, lenders, and other professionals to trick buyers and sellers into revealing sensitive information that allows them to redirect funds. The National Association of Realtors is urging industry professionals to increase cybersecurity training and implement verification protocols, including confirming communications through known contact information, using encrypted channels, and adding watermarks to documents. A recent survey found that 60% of home buyers and sellers received little to no education about wire fraud threats from their real estate professionals.
wvlt.tv
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Tennesseans lost $161 million to scammers, with tech support fraud, investment fraud, and business email compromise being the most prevalent schemes. The FBI reported this represented a significant increase from previous years, part of a nationwide trend where Americans lost $12 billion to fraud in 2023. Experts advise heightened vigilance, recommending that people verify company information independently and report suspected scams to the Better Business Bureau, FTC, or FBI.
ottplay.com
· 2025-12-08
**"Bogus Phone Operators" Documentary**
A 44-minute documentary investigates call center scams operating from India (particularly Thane, Ahmedabad, and Gujarat) that target elderly people in the United States by impersonating government officials and IRS agents. In 2022 alone, these scams defrauded approximately 15,000 US citizens of $800 million, with perpetrators using various payment methods including cryptocurrency, gift cards, NFTs, and Hawala transfers to extract funds and inflict severe psychological harm on victims, including cases leading to suicide.
mustangnews.net
· 2025-12-08
A college student's parents nearly fell victim to a voice cloning scam in which scammers used AI technology to imitate their son's voice, claiming he had been in a car accident and needed $15,000 for bail. The scam involved fake audio of the student, followed by impersonators posing as a police officer and public defender who instructed the parents to withdraw cash for a courier pickup. While voice cloning technology is becoming increasingly common in scams, experts note that scammers cannot replicate a person's unique speaking style and vocabulary, and recommend verifying callers' identities by asking personal questions or calling back at known phone numbers.
interpol.int
· 2025-12-08
INTERPOL's Global Financial Fraud Assessment reveals that organized crime groups are increasingly using AI, large language models, cryptocurrencies, and phishing-as-a-service models to conduct sophisticated fraud campaigns targeting vulnerable people worldwide at relatively low cost. Key fraud trends include investment fraud, romance baiting (which combines romance and investment schemes), advance payment fraud, and business email compromise, with human trafficking networks increasingly forced into call centers to execute these schemes. The report emphasizes the urgent need for international law enforcement cooperation, data sharing, and public-private partnerships to combat this escalating global threat; since 2022, INTERPOL's I-GRIP mechanism has helped intercept over $500 million in criminal proceeds
southeastiowaunion.com
· 2025-12-08
Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen conducted a statewide "Stop the Scammers" educational tour in Mt. Pleasant to inform older residents about common fraud schemes including romance scams, grandparent scams, investment scams, and pig butchering scams. Ommen emphasized that scammers exploit emotional vulnerabilities and target older Iowans by conducting personal research and creating deceptive relationships to extract thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars. The campaign aimed to educate residents so they could share protective information with family and friends to help prevent fraud victimization.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
A Truecaller survey of 2,000 Americans found that Gen Z and millennials (ages 18-44) are three times more likely to fall victim to phone scams than Baby Boomers, with Americans losing $25 billion to phone scams in 2023 and scam victims losing an average of $450 each. Latino and Black Americans were twice as likely as white Americans to be scammed, and younger adults lost proportionally more money—three times the amount older adults lost—partly due to their higher risk-taking behavior with emerging technologies like cryptocurrency and their less developed skepticism about offers that seem too good to be true. Experts warn that advancing AI technology will enable
qns.com
· 2025-12-08
Fei Liang, 39, of Flushing, Queens, was arrested and charged with scamming over $628,000 from six seniors across the United States between October 2022 and March 2023. Working with a co-conspirator, Liang used spoofed calls impersonating Social Security Administration officials, banks, Microsoft, Amazon, and other entities to trick victims into wiring money to bogus corporate bank accounts he opened in Queens; the stolen funds were then transferred to accounts in Hong Kong and China, with some proceeds allegedly used for gambling. The victims ranged from Connecticut to California and lost between $48,000 and $190,000 each
clickorlando.com
· 2025-12-08
The Titusville Police Department held an educational scam seminar at the public library to warn seniors about common frauds including IRS scams, utility fraud, fake prizes, tech support scams, and impersonation schemes. The city's Criminal Investigations Division receives approximately 15 new fraud cases per week involving thousands of dollars, with seniors being the primary targets; police emphasized that scammers exploit vulnerabilities and continuously update their tactics, and advised seniors to safeguard personal information and verify callers' identities before engaging further.
publicnewsservice.org
· 2025-12-08
According to a recent Federal Trade Commission report, older adults in North Carolina and across the country lost $1.6 billion to scammers in the past year, with nearly half of those losses attributable to bogus investment schemes. Common tactics include impersonation scams initiated through text messages and AI-based schemes, which scammers use to build false relationships before requesting money or investments. Experts recommend that seniors and their financial caregivers monitor accounts for suspicious activity, report suspected fraud to their financial institution and police, use strong password practices, and stay informed through resources like the FTC and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
brooklyn.news12.com
· 2025-12-08
New York City seniors attended an educational session at the Brooklyn Public Library where NYPD's Crime Prevention Division provided information on recognizing common scams targeting older adults, including jewelry scams, purse snatching, ATM fraud, and phone/email schemes that evolve with technology. Officers warned seniors to watch for red flags such as urgent demands, spelling errors, suspicious attachments in emails, and callers impersonating law enforcement or the IRS requesting payment via apps, wire transfers, or gift cards. The department emphasized that tech-enabled scams cause significant financial harm to seniors' life savings and recommended contacting 311 for assistance if victims suspect fraud.
mcafee.com
· 2025-12-08
Text message scams defrauded Americans of $330 million in 2022, according to FTC data, as scammers increasingly impersonate legitimate brands through SMS, email, and social media. To protect themselves, consumers should familiarize themselves with how organizations say they'll contact them, verify message sources by checking sender information and logging into accounts directly, stay informed about current scam trends through resources like the FTC and AARP, and use protective software with AI-powered text scanning features.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
Organized "pig butchering" scam operations in Southeast Asia force tens of thousands of trafficked individuals to conduct romance and cryptocurrency investment fraud targeting foreign nationals, with scammers building trust over weeks before stealing victims' money through fake investment websites and deepfake technology. Federal authorities seized nearly $9 million in one such scheme, and financial institutions are increasingly deploying AI and machine learning solutions to combat these evolving threats, with nearly 70% of large banks now using these technologies to detect fraud.
markets.businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts filed a civil forfeiture action to return $2.3 million in cryptocurrency to 37 victims of online scams, including a "pig butchering" scam where one Massachusetts resident lost $400,000. The cryptocurrencies were seized from two Binance accounts in January following an investigation that traced funds from multiple victims to the same scammers. This action follows a similar recovery by the Chicago U.S. Attorney's Office, which seized $1.4 million in cryptocurrency tied to tech support scams targeting elderly victims.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission refunded $4.1 million to 27,584 consumers who were defrauded by student debt forgiveness scams operated by Mission Hills Federal and Federal Direct Group since 2014. The scammers charged illegal upfront fees, falsely promised to lower monthly payments or eliminate balances, and often intercepted consumers' loan payments after claiming to take over loan servicing. To protect themselves, borrowers should recognize red flags like urgency, unrealistic promises, and requests for personal information, and instead use legitimate free assistance programs such as income-driven repayment plans offered by the Department of Education.
businessjournaldaily.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, fraud losses nationwide reached a record $10 billion (a 14% increase from 2022), with Ohio residents alone losing over $154 million to scammers. Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using artificial intelligence and psychological manipulation, with common tactics including imposter schemes (posing as government agencies, banks, or family members), romance-crypto scam hybrids, and employment scams; cryptocurrency investment scams averaged losses of over $3,000 per victim, while employment scams affected young adults (ages 18-44) with average losses of $2,000. Consumers can report suspected fraud to the FTC online or by calling 877-382
arabianbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" romance scams, where criminals build fake romantic relationships to defraud victims of money and cryptocurrency, have surged 85-fold in revenue since 2020, generating approximately $75 billion in illicit gains with victims losing roughly $1 billion to related approval phishing scams since May 2021. These scams exploit loneliness by using messaging apps and social media to establish trust before directing victims toward fraudulent investment schemes, while a single scam address stole an estimated $44.3 million and a U.S. bank CEO lost $47 million to such a scam. The scam ecosystem is compounded by a humanitarian crisis, as many
glasgowcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen warned residents during National Consumer Protection Week (March 3-9) about three rising scams: law enforcement impersonation scams where fraudsters call claiming victims have arrest warrants and demand immediate payment via wire transfer or gift cards; cryptocurrency investment scams that use threats of arrest to convince people to deposit money into crypto ATMs, which cannot be recovered; and tech support scams involving fake pop-up alerts that trick users into calling scammers who then take control of computers and demand payment. The state's Office of Consumer Protection advises Montanans to avoid third-party payment apps and cryptocurrency ATMs, verify business information, and consult trusted contacts before sending money.
fox23maine.com
· 2025-12-08
Maine seniors lost $12.7 million to fraud in 2022, a dramatic increase from $2 million in 2021, with victims over 60 nationwide experiencing skyrocketing losses according to FBI data. One Maine senior fell victim to a tech support scam involving deceptive popups claiming she had a virus and requesting access to her savings account information. Experts emphasize that education and awareness are critical to protecting Maine's aging population, the oldest in the nation, from increasingly prevalent fraud schemes.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-powered voice cloning is being used in increasingly sophisticated tax season scams, with fraudsters impersonating the IRS or tax professionals to steal personal information and money. McAfee reported over one million suspicious tax-related URLs clicked in February alone, with scammers using realistic American-accented AI voices and phishing through calls, texts, and emails threatening back taxes or offering fake tax forgiveness. The IRS never initiates contact by phone or email and will not demand payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps—legitimate tax notices arrive by mail first.
scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
Hong Kong police arrested 122 suspects (80 men and 42 women, ages 19-80) during a 25-day operation targeting money laundering networks linked to scams totaling HK$91.5 million. The suspects, including unemployed individuals, domestic helpers, drivers, and housewives, were accused of providing "stooge accounts" and SIM cards to fraud syndicates in exchange for hundreds or thousands of dollars to collect and launder scammed funds. Police warned residents never to lend, rent, or sell their bank accounts to others, as doing so facilitates fraud and money laundering operations.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Police in the Philippines raided a scam centre north of Manila on Thursday and rescued 658 people (383 Filipinos, 202 Chinese, and 73 other foreign nationals) who were being forced to operate "love scams" or "pig butchering" schemes. The victims were trafficked under false job promises and coerced into posing as romantic partners online to manipulate targets into financial fraud, with the raid triggered by a tip from a Vietnamese man who escaped by climbing a wall and crossing a river, bearing signs of torture and electrocution.
law360.com
· 2025-12-08
I don't have access to the full article content—only the header and subscription information is visible. To provide an accurate summary for the Elderus database, I would need the complete article text detailing the specifics of the case, including the scam methodology, number of victims affected, sentencing outcome, and other relevant details beyond what's shown in the title and subscription prompt.
Could you please provide the full article text?
fox23maine.com
· 2025-12-08
Maine seniors lost $12.7 million to fraud in 2022, a dramatic increase from $2 million in 2021, according to FBI data. One victim fell prey to a tech support scam involving fake virus warning popups that prompted her to call scammers who attempted to access her savings account information. Experts emphasize that education and community awareness are critical tools in combating fraud targeting Maine's elderly population, the oldest in the nation.
wgme.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraud losses among Maine seniors have surged dramatically, increasing from $2 million in 2021 to $12.7 million in 2022, with tech support scams being among the most common threats to the state's aging population. One Maine senior fell victim to a tech support imposter scam involving malicious popups claiming she had a virus, which prompted her to call a fraudulent number where scammers attempted to access her savings account information. Experts emphasize that education and awareness are critical to protecting Maine's elderly residents, who represent the nation's oldest state population and face heightened vulnerability to fraud schemes.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Between January 1 and March 12, 2024, at least 960 people in Singapore lost over $538,000 to Taylor Swift concert ticket scams, with victims primarily being women aged 30 and below who purchased fake tickets from resellers or were contacted by scammers who disappeared after receiving payment. Police identified e-commerce ticket scams as a growing threat, noting that scammers operated across multiple platforms including Carousell, Facebook, X, Telegram, and Xiaohongshu, and expressed concern that this trend could become the top scam type in Singapore for the first half of 2024 as more major concerts are hosted.
tribuneindia.com
· 2025-12-08
This article presents recommendations from Chandigarh Tricity residents and police officials on protecting elderly citizens from crime and fraud. Key proposals include: maintaining police databases of seniors living alone with regular contact, forming dedicated senior citizen cells, creating community WhatsApp groups, establishing toll-free helplines, increasing CCTV surveillance and police patrols, conducting tech-literacy workshops to prevent online scams, and streamlining crime reporting procedures. The Panchkula police department confirmed they have already implemented a senior citizen cell with designated officers maintaining regular contact with elderly residents in their jurisdictions.
qns.com
· 2025-12-08
A Flushing man, Fei Liang, 39, was charged with scamming more than $600,000 from seniors across the country by impersonating Social Security Administration officials and bank representatives, convincing victims to wire money to accounts he controlled for "safekeeping." Following the charges, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and elected officials held community presentations at senior centers to educate older adults about common scams including government impersonation, sweepstakes schemes, tech support fraud, and the grandparent scam, emphasizing the importance of never sharing personal information with strangers and contacting authorities if contacted by potential fraudsters.
theregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Filipino police rescued 875 workers—including 504 foreigners from Vietnam, China, the Philippines, Rwanda, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Kyrgyzstan—from a forced labor operation disguised as an online gaming company that trafficked enslaved people to conduct romance scams. The victims were lured with false job promises, had their passports confiscated, and were forced to adopt fake identities to extract money from romance scam targets through schemes involving cryptocurrency wins and business investment promises; those who failed to meet quotas faced physical abuse, sleep deprivation, and confinement. Nine individuals were arrested and charged with anti-trafficking violations, with the operation run by Zun Yuan Technology