The scams making the rounds right now.
New scripts land every week: fake toll texts, cloned voices, government impersonators, prize "winnings" that cost you money. Here is what is circulating, from FTC and FBI alerts and reporting by newsrooms across the country. Every one of these is the kind of message Scam Sentinel checks in seconds, before you act.
10 of the advisories below specifically target older adults.
What we are warning people about this week.
Woman loses more than $400K of retirement savings to gold courier scam
Scammers posing as federal agencies convince people that their accounts were hacked and that they must buy gold to protect their savings. In one reported case, a woman lost more than $400,000 of her retirement money this way.
FBI warns Hawaii residents of fake law enforcement scam calls
Scammers pose as federal law enforcement agents to frighten or pressure people into giving money or personal information. The FBI's Honolulu office reports the scheme is growing among Hawaii residents.
Victims lose thousands of dollars in ‘cereal box scam’
Callers pose as bank fraud staff and pressure older adults to withdraw cash for a supposed fingerprint check. Victims in one Florida county lost nearly $70,000 in two weeks.
More advisories
They were told they won $850,000. The scammer wanted money first
A caller tells the target they won a large sweepstakes prize, then demands fees before the prize can be released. The fees grow with each request and must be paid with gift cards.
Pasadenans Warned of Scammers Posing as Public Health Officials
Scammers pretend to be public health officials to collect personal and financial information from residents. Local officials issued the warning after the California Department of Public Health received many reports of this pattern.
The scary side of job hunting: Ghost jobs, fake listings and AI scams
Fake job listings, some made convincing with AI, target people looking for work. Other postings are "ghost jobs" that stay online with no real opening behind them.
North Korea targeting cash-strapped Americans in expanding job scam: FBI
Overseas workers pose as remote job applicants using stolen identities to get hired by U.S. companies, and they recruit ordinary Americans to help. The FBI warns that the scheme is growing and that its profits fund a foreign government's weapons programs.
Is your bank really calling? How to spot a bank scam before you lose money
Scammers pose as your bank on the phone, sometimes using AI-generated voices that sound like real bank staff. They try to pressure you into moving money to a "safe" account.
Cyber Threat Actors Use a Variety of Techniques to Target Election and Campaign Officials
Criminals send fake emails and text messages that look like real ones to steal logins and sensitive information from election officials, campaign staff, and the public. The FBI and CISA warn that AI now makes these messages more convincing and can produce fake audio and video to support them.
SF retiree loses $500,000 in pig butcher scam, then falls for the same scam again
A retiree lost $500,000 to a 'pig butcher' scam, a fake romance that leads to a fake investment. The victim then fell for a second scam before the fraud was exposed.
Scammers Exploit 2026 U.S. Midterm Election to Perpetrate Multiple Fraud Schemes
Scammers use the names, images, and slogans of candidates and political committees to take campaign donations, sell merchandise that never ships, and steal personal information. Some use AI-generated voices and messages to impersonate candidates and officials.
Michigan officials warn seniors about Medicare scams ahead of open enrollment
Scammers pose as Medicare representatives to steal personal information or money from seniors. The warning comes ahead of the fall open enrollment period.
North Korean IT Workers Expanding Use of Facilitators, Broadening Recruitment
Foreign state-controlled remote IT workers use paid local helpers to get and keep jobs at U.S. companies. The workers hide their identities and locations behind stolen documents and the people they recruit.
Scammers are stealing checks from the mail. Here’s how to protect yours
Thieves steal paper checks from mailboxes, chemically wash off the ink, and rewrite them to new payees. The Postal Service reports this check fraud has been rising.
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The annoying scam that may be hiding in your work calendar
Scammers send fake calendar invites to work email accounts to steal passwords and sensitive information. A security firm reported that these attacks rose more than tenfold from July to August, and criminals now use AI to make them convincing.
A scammer has your name, phone number and address. What can they actually do?
Scammers use basic personal details like your name, phone number, and address to build believable fake stories. They use these details to pose as real companies on calls or to send fake invoices by mail.
Ohio woman loses nearly $2M in scam that has prompted warnings nationwide
Scammers are targeting older relatives and friends and taking large sums of their money. One Ohio victim lost nearly $2 million, which prompted warnings across the country.
York County Sheriff warns of FBI impersonation scam
Scammers pose as FBI agents to take money or sensitive personal information from residents. A local sheriff's office has warned that this scam is active in its area.
How a hidden scam plaguing college campuses has racked up a multimillion-dollar price tag
Criminals enroll in colleges using fake or stolen identities to collect federal student aid without attending classes. These fake enrollments, called ghost students, drain millions from the federal aid system.
What to know ahead of Open Enrollment to avoid health insurance scams
Scammers pose as health insurance providers or brokers during Open Enrollment, using paid search ads to trick you into clicking fake websites where they steal your personal information or money.
Scammers Impersonating Law Enforcement and Government Officials in Fraud Schemes
Scammers call, text, or email pretending to be law enforcement or government officials. They accuse you of a crime, unpaid jury duty, or an expiring license, then demand immediate payment.
Scammers are coming for your money. Here’s the one thing you must never do
Scammers use AI and phone spoofing to pretend to be banks and other legitimate companies. They contact you by phone or message to trick you into giving them money or information.
New Jersey social media influencer helps expose sophisticated arrest warrant scam
Scammers call people claiming to be law enforcement with a fake arrest warrant. They pressure victims to pay money immediately to avoid arrest.
Gaston County police warn parents, teens after scammers impersonate officers demanding cash
Scammers call pretending to be police officers and demand money to release a family member. They ask for payment through Cash App or Venmo.
Kauai police warn of scams following Hurricane Lowell
Scammers are targeting people affected by Hurricane Lowell, posing as recovery workers or charities to steal money or personal information.
Travel scams are getting harder to spot. Here's how to stay safe
Scammers use fake websites and AI-generated messages to trick travelers into giving up money or personal information for flights and hotels. They steal real reservation details or send fake cancellation notices that look authentic.
One Tech Tip: How to avoid Celine Dion ticket scams as she makes her grand concert comeback
Scammers are selling fake tickets to Celine Dion concerts, taking advantage of fans eager to buy admission for her comeback shows.
Looking for last-minute BTS tickets? Beware of scammers
Scammers are selling fake or non-existent BTS concert tickets to fans looking for last-minute deals before stadium shows this weekend.
See a QR code parked somewhere? Don’t scan it…yet!
Scammers cover legitimate QR codes on parking meters with their own codes. Scanning the fake code sends you to a site that steals your money or personal information.
'It was panic': Scammers use frantic phone call to drain Oakland woman's investment account
Scammers call pretending to be security staff from a major investment firm. They create panic by claiming fraud on your account, then pressure you to move money to a fake safe account.
Chesapeake Police warn residents of scams
Scammers impersonate government or authority figures and trick people into sending money via cryptocurrency ATMs or QR codes by claiming unpaid court fines, jury duty fees, or bail for a jailed relative.
Washtenaw County Sheriff warns of increase in AI impersonation scams
Scammers use AI to fake calls, emails, and texts from the sheriff's office and threaten arrest unless you send money immediately.
Malicious Cyber Actors Gain Access to Victim Accounts Through Consent Phishing
Scammers trick you into giving them permission to access your online accounts by pretending to be a trusted service. Once you grant access, they take over your accounts and steal your data or money.
Scammers are spoofing car dealership websites: What you need to know
Scammers set up fake car dealership websites that look like real ones. Buyers think they are ordering from a legitimate dealer but are actually sending money to criminals.
‘I almost got ate’: Woman reports new twist on old jury duty scam
A scammer calls claiming you missed jury duty and owe money or will be arrested. They use fake court documents to look official.
Honolulu police warn of scam involving fake ankle monitoring fees
Scammers call pretending to be police officers and demand money for a fake ankle monitoring fee. They threaten legal consequences if you do not pay.
When donating, support those in need, not a scammer
Scammers set up fake charities or impersonate real relief organizations after disasters to trick you into donating money that never reaches victims.
State unemployment agency warns of phone scam promising unpaid benefits
Scammers call pretending to be from the state unemployment agency and demand a fee to release your unpaid benefits.
How to spot a postcard scam targeting veterans
Scammers mail postcards to veterans claiming they qualify for extra monthly benefits through a fake Veterans Savings Program. The postcards are designed to trick veterans into sharing personal or financial information.
Chesapeake warns of new email scams impersonating the Planning Department
Scammers send fake emails pretending to be from a city Planning Department, asking recipients to pay fake development fees.
90-year-old reunites with officer who kept her from losing nearly $10,000 to crypto scam
A scammer texted an older adult and convinced her to withdraw cash to buy cryptocurrency. A police officer stopped her at an ATM and prevented the loss.
LA County Superior Court Warns Against Recent Jury Duty Scam
Scammers call or text claiming you missed jury duty and have an arrest warrant. They demand money or personal information to avoid arrest.
Kupuna urged to be weary of disaster relief scams
Scammers pose as disaster relief charities after Hurricane Lala to steal money from elders. They use the urgency of the disaster to pressure victims into sending cash quickly.
The family group chat is a goldmine for scammers
Scammers monitor family group chats and public social media to gather details that make fake messages from a family member seem real. They use this information to impersonate relatives and trick people, especially seniors, into sending money or revealing personal information.
That unexpected package you got could be a brushing scam
A scammer sends you an unrequested package using your name and address, then posts fake positive reviews under your account to boost a product's ratings.
Amazon job scam texts are spreading again with a new twist
Scammers text job seekers pretending to be Amazon recruiters and offer high-paying remote work without needing to apply first.
'The Odyssey' streaming scam could steal your bank info
Scammers set up fake movie streaming websites to trick you into entering your credit card number. They claim to offer a free trial but actually steal your financial information and may infect your computer with malware.
Searching Online: Bill Pay Impersonators
Scammers buy search ads that impersonate legitimate bill-payment websites. When you search for a company or utility to pay a bill, a fake site appears at the top of results and collects your payment and personal information.
Struggling with tax debt? Here’s what to know
Scammers pose as tax relief companies and promise to erase your back taxes for a fraction of what you owe, but they pocket fees and do nothing.
Sexual Exploitation Actors Stealing and Leaking Explicit Content
Criminals steal explicit images and videos from social media and personal accounts, then post or sell them without permission on illegal marketplaces, often along with the victim's personal information.
Apple Pay text scam threatens $8,250 loss in 35 minutes
Scammers send a text claiming your Apple Pay account was charged a large amount and threatening a duplicate charge within minutes to rush you into calling a fake support number.
Are ads on social media vetted or checked for scams? Here’s what to know
Scammers place fake ads on social media offering steep discounts on designer goods. The ads look legitimate but lead to fraudulent websites that steal your money and personal information.
Pasadena Water and Power Warns of Scam Calls Demanding Payment Within 30 Minutes
Scammers call pretending to be utility workers and threaten to shut off your water or power unless you pay immediately.
Isle of Wight County Sheriff's officials warn of jury duty scam targeting citizens
Scammers call pretending to be sheriff's deputies and demand cryptocurrency payment for missed jury duty. The calls create fake legal pressure to extract money.
TN sheriff’s office warning of scammers calling parents, claiming to have abducted their children
Scammers call parents claiming they have abducted their child and demand money or an in-person meeting. The callers use personal information to sound credible.
Douglas County assessor warns seniors about viral AI property tax scam on YouTube
AI-generated videos on YouTube trick seniors by making false claims about property taxes and relief options. The videos are clickbait designed to harvest personal information.
How to spot investment training scams on social media
Scammers post flashy lifestyles on social media and claim you can get rich by taking their trading course or following their methods. They hide the fact that trading is risky and you can lose your money.
NYPD warning: Gold bar scam targeting older New Yorkers, stealing $100 Million+
Scammers trick older New Yorkers into buying fake gold bars. Victims hand over cash thinking they are buying real gold.
Social media 'influencer' scams cost Hawaii residents thousands
Scammers pose as social media influencers to sell fake products or promote fraudulent offers using AI-generated content and undisclosed ads. Hawaii residents have lost thousands of dollars.
A new kind of rental scam strikes SF: He lost $18,000 to a dupe listing
Scammers post fake rental listings on housing platforms and collect deposits or fees from renters before handing over keys or access.
Toll scammers are now asking for less money; here's why that makes them more dangerous
Scammers send fake texts, emails, or mail about unpaid tolls and ask you to pay small amounts like 99 cents. They use these tiny charges to confirm your phone number works so they can target you with bigger scams later.
Ongoing Threats of Swatting and Indicators for Community Members
Scammers make fake emergency calls to send armed police to your home or business. This is called swatting.
Have you lost money to a scam? Watch for scammers who say they can help
Scammers pose as recovery services or helpers to victims of prior scams and steal additional money by promising to return lost funds.
Tiempo: Preventing insurance scams that target the Latino community
Fraudsters target Spanish-speaking people with fake insurance offers, exploiting language barriers and financial stress to steal money or personal information.
Colorado victims warn of fake Evite, Paperless Post phishing scam after email accounts compromised
Scammers send fake event invitation emails pretending to be Evite or Paperless Post. They steal your login credentials when you click the link.
Lancaster County officials warn residents about email scam
Scammers are sending emails that pretend to be from the county planning department and ask you to pay invoices. The real department does not email invoices.
Broward Sheriff’s Office warns residents about resurfacing jury duty scams
Scammers call claiming you missed jury duty and have an arrest warrant. They demand thousands of dollars and try to video conference with someone pretending to be a judge.
Troy teen loses bank account access after falling for job scam disguised as school email
Scammers send fake job offers disguised as school emails to trick teens into cashing counterfeit checks and giving up bank details. The victim loses access to his bank account.
Crypto kiosks linked to $56.8M in losses for Texans, lawmakers examine scams
Scammers trick people into using cryptocurrency kiosks to send money that cannot be recovered. These ATM-like machines are positioned in stores and gas stations, and victims are often directed there by someone posing as a legitimate authority or romance interest.
Berkley Public Safety warns of PayPal impersonation scams on Facebook Marketplace
Scammers pose as PayPal on Facebook Marketplace and trick sellers into calling fake customer service numbers during payment disputes.
‘Pig butchering’ scam leaves Florida man heartbroken and asking for help
A scammer poses as a romantic interest, builds trust over messages, then convinces the victim to invest money in fake cryptocurrency or gold schemes. The attacker gradually increases pressure for larger deposits.
Davidson County sheriff warns of rise in government impersonation scams
Scammers are impersonating government officials to trick people into giving up money or personal information. The Davidson County Sheriff's Office has reported a rise in these calls and messages.
Tourists at SF hotels scammed by booking websites: city attorney
Fake hotel booking websites charge tourists hundreds of dollars in hidden fees and overpriced rates for San Francisco hotels.
California’s billionaire playground on edge as new vacation scam steals tens of thousands from tourists
Scammers post fake vacation rental listings on Craigslist offering deals that seem too good to be true, then steal money from tourists who book them.
Scammers target families of Dallas County inmates, demanding payment for fake early release
Scammers call relatives of jail inmates and claim they can arrange early release for a fee. The release never happens and the money disappears.
Deerfield Beach woman targeted by ‘brushing’ scam involving unwanted packages
Scammers send unwanted packages containing QR codes designed to steal your personal information or install malware when you scan them.
Criminal gangs increasingly lure people to work in online scam centers, UN migration agency warns
Criminal networks use fake job advertisements to traffic people into forced labor at online scam centers. Victims are coerced through violence and threats to commit fraud against others.
Veterans: Don’t pay to apply for VA benefits
Scammers pose as VA employees and charge fees to help you apply for veterans benefits, even though the VA processes all applications for free.
Storm chasers target flood victims: BBB warns of contractor scams after severe storms
Storm chasers pose as contractors and target flood victims by demanding cash upfront and pressuring them to sign contracts immediately.
West suburban woman recovers nearly $4K after fake airline support scam
Scammers pretended to be airline customer support and convinced a victim to send nearly $4,000.
Legal aid scam targets border residents
Scammers call pretending to be a legal aid nonprofit and demand payment from people seeking legal help. The fake operators pose as staff from the real organization to steal money.
A way to spot scams: how someone asks you to pay
Scammers contact you unexpectedly claiming you owe money or are owed a prize, then insist you pay using untraceable methods like wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
Source: The Nexus (https://thenexus.news).
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