scams
16 stories related to this topic, newest first.
crowdfundinsider.comFTC issues alert on fake online party invitations
The Federal Trade Commission has issued an alert about fraudulent digital invitations tied to graduation and summer events. The notices warn that recipients may lose money if they respond to the fakes.
techcentral.co.zaAustralia Considers Automatic Reimbursement for Scams Under $3,000
Officials are reviewing rules that would require banks, telecommunications companies and digital platforms to automatically repay victims of smaller scams. A separate ombudsman report found complaints about financial hardship rose substantially in the past year.
The IndependentCalifornia Couple Found Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide After Financial Scam
Donald Whitaker, 80, and Karen Whitaker, 79, were found dead on May 15 at their Bermuda Dunes home. Riverside County investigators determined Karen Whitaker had been the victim of financial elder abuse involving an online impersonator.
japantimes.co.jpThai Police Arrest Six Nigerians in Romance Scam Investigation
Thai police detained six Nigerian nationals accused of operating a romance scam that used AI-generated images and video calls. The suspects allegedly posed as professionals to solicit fees from Thai women.
ABC NewsCalifornia Couple Found Dead After Sending Money to Tom Selleck Impostor
Donald and Karen Whitaker were found with traumatic injuries inside their home on May 15. Riverside County Sheriff's Department officials reported the deaths after the couple had sent money to an individual posing as actor Tom Selleck.
phonearena.comScammers Send Emails From Microsoft Notification Address
Scammers have used a loophole to send messages from a Microsoft email address normally reserved for account alerts. The activity has continued for several months, and Microsoft has not yet responded to inquiries about stopping the abuse.
New York PostFormer Hawaii TV Anchor Loses $60,000 in Sweepstakes Scam
Linda Coble, 79, a former Hawaii television news anchor, reported losing nearly $60,000 after scammers posed as officials from U.S. Customs, the IRS, and the U.S. Marshals Office. The scammers used phone calls, letters, and a fake $5.5 million cashier’s check to convince her she…
Nbc NewsMeta Allows Repeat Scam Ads Targeting Seniors on Facebook and Instagram
A report released Tuesday by the Center for Countering Digital Hate found that scam ads targeting seniors generated an estimated 215 million impressions on Facebook over the past year, with 73 percent viewed by users over 65. The ads often used fake images or videos of celebritie…
ww2.kqed.orgSanta Clara County Sues Meta Over Scam Advertisements
Santa Clara County, California, filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc. alleging the company knowingly facilitates and profits from scam advertisements on Facebook and Instagram. The county counsel said the ads targeted seniors and families with fraudulent financial products,…
bleedingcool.comBloomberg News Wins 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Illustrated Reporting
Bloomberg News received the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Illustrated Reporting and Commentary for its graphic novel “trAPPed.” The work depicts the experience of a woman in India held under “digital arrest” as part of a widespread scam. The Pulitzer board recognized the piece for its…
sixthtone.comScams Target Relatives of Detained Migrants with Fake Legal Services
Relatives of migrants in ICE detention are being scammed by individuals posing as immigration lawyers and officials, according to law enforcement. Victims have lost significant sums paying for nonexistent services, with some scams using AI-generated fake court proceedings. Offici…
lifehacker.comPhishing Scam Uses Spoofed Invitations from Paperless Post, Evite, and Punchbowl
A phishing scam involves fake digital invitations mimicking services from Paperless Post, Evite, and Punchbowl to deliver malicious content. The New York Times reported that these spoofed invitations aim to gain unauthorized access to users' hard drives. Users who interact with t…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewU.S. Lawmaker Describes AI as Double-Edged Sword in Financial Services
A U.S. lawmaker stated that artificial intelligence offers both opportunities and risks in financial services. The statement highlighted potential benefits for access and opportunity alongside concerns about its use in sophisticated scams. This was reported during an event covere…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewWoman Falls Victim to Search Result Scam Involving Fake Allianz Phone Number
A woman named Rosette encountered a scam after searching for Allianz travel insurance contact information on Google and calling a listed phone number. The caller obtained her Citicard number and date of birth before disconnecting when questioned. This incident highlights search r…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewChinese Authorities Target Domestic Fraud as Syndicates Shift to International Victims
Chinese authorities are increasing efforts to combat fraud within the country, according to researchers. Crime syndicates are redirecting their operations to target victims outside China, including in the United States. This shift occurs amid Beijing's domestic crackdown on scams…
thesouthafrican.comWinnipeg Woman Reports Scammers Emptied Her Bank Account
A 62-year-old woman in Winnipeg, living in subsidized housing, lost nearly $5,000 to scammers impersonating her bank. CBC reported that the incident involved fraudulent phone calls and repeated cheque deposits, leaving her with a negative balance. She is awaiting a decision on he…