fraud



Navigating the risks: Understanding Zelle scams

Date: July 23, 2025

Business Insider outlines the dangers of Zelle scams, where users are tricked into sending money via the Zelle app, often under false pretenses. Scammers typically create urgency—posing as trusted contacts or claiming suspicious activity—and pressure victims into making instant transfers. Once sent, Zelle payments are usually irreversible, offering no fraud protection for authorized transactions. Common red flags include unexpected requests, impersonation of known contacts, and emotionally manipulative scenarios like emergency pleas. Victims are encouraged to pause, verify the request independently (e.g., via a friend’s known number), and only send money to trusted individuals . Unfortunately, recovering funds is often difficult or impossible once the money is gone....

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Scammers Are Using This Low-Tech Tactic to Access People’s Bank Accounts

Date: July 23, 2025

The article discusses how social engineering tactics are increasingly used in bank account fraud. Criminals manipulate individuals into divulging personal information, such as passwords or account details, by exploiting human psychology rather than hacking systems. Common methods include phishing emails, phone scams, and fake websites that appear legitimate. To protect against these threats, the article advises vigilance and skepticism toward unsolicited communications. It recommends verifying the legitimacy of requests by contacting institutions directly and using multi-factor authentication for added security. Awareness and education are crucial in preventing fraud, as these scams rely heavily on human error and trust....

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Tech scams drain Arizona bank accounts within hours, officials warn

Date: July 23, 2025

Romance scams and bank fraud are increasingly prevalent in Arizona, with con artists exploiting online relationships to deceive individuals out of their money. Scammers often create fake profiles on dating sites or social media to gain victims' trust before requesting financial help under false pretenses. Experts advise several protective measures to avoid falling victim to these scams. They recommend being cautious about sharing personal information online and advise against sending money to people you haven't met in person. Additionally, maintaining skepticism about online relationships and verifying the identity of individuals are crucial steps. Awareness and vigilance are key to safeguarding oneself against such fraudulent activities....

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New bill calls for better fraud protections after Olympia woman loses life savings in scam

Date: July 23, 2025

A new bill is being proposed to enhance fraud protections following a case where an Olympia woman lost her life savings to a scam. The victim, 81-year-old Phyllis, was deceived by fraudsters posing as Amazon and law enforcement representatives. They convinced her to transfer her savings into a Bitcoin ATM, promising it was for safeguarding her funds. The incident highlights the growing issue of sophisticated scams targeting vulnerable individuals. Lawmakers aim to introduce measures that would require financial institutions to implement stronger safeguards and educate the public about recognizing and avoiding scams. The bill seeks to prevent similar tragedies and protect consumers from financial exploitation....

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7 Scams That Target Your Bank Account

Date: July 23, 2025

U.S. News highlights several bank-targeting scams draining consumers’ funds, including check-overpayment schemes, charity frauds, online lending scams, and those exploiting peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms like Zelle and Venmo. Check-overpayment fraud involves scammers sending fake checks, asking victims to refund overpayments before the check bounces. Charity scams exploit goodwill, while malicious lending offers lure people into hidden fees from fraudulent services. P2P scams use urgency and impersonation to coax victims into sending money that can’t be reversed. Experts suggest pausing, verifying requests via trusted channels, and closely monitoring account activity....

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FBI Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Day and Warns Americans About Elder Fraud

Date: July 23, 2025

The FBI's Cleveland Field Office highlights World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, emphasizing the growing issue of elder fraud. Elder fraud involves scams targeting older adults, often resulting in significant financial losses. Common schemes include romance scams, lottery scams, and tech support fraud. The FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. They stress the importance of educating elders and their families about these scams to prevent victimization. Additionally, the FBI collaborates with various organizations to combat elder fraud and provide resources for victims. Awareness and proactive measures are crucial in protecting the elderly from fraud....

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7 On Your side has tips on how to spot online fraud, text scams

Date: July 23, 2025

The article from ABC7NY discusses tips to identify and avoid online fraud and text scams. It highlights the increasing prevalence of scams targeting individuals through emails, texts, and social media. One key tip is to be cautious of unsolicited messages asking for personal information or money. Scammers often impersonate reputable companies or government agencies to gain trust. Another important point is to verify the authenticity of messages by checking official websites or contacting companies directly. Additionally, the article advises against clicking on suspicious links and emphasizes using strong, unique passwords for online accounts to protect personal data....

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5 new frightening cyber scams to look out for in 2025

Date: July 23, 2025

The TechRadar article highlights five emerging cyber scams to be wary of in 2025. First, "Deepfake Deception" involves using AI-generated videos to impersonate individuals, leading to fraudulent transactions and misinformation. Secondly, "AI-Powered Phishing" sees cybercriminals employing sophisticated AI tools to craft highly convincing phishing emails, making it harder for recipients to spot scams. Another threat is "IoT Device Hijacking," where hackers target smart home devices to gain unauthorized access to personal data. The article also warns of "Ransomware Evolution," with attackers using more advanced encryption techniques. Lastly, "Cryptocurrency Cons" exploit the growing popularity of digital currencies, tricking users into fake investments....

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I scammed my bank

Date: July 23, 2025

The article from Business Insider discusses the growing threat of AI-driven scams targeting bank accounts. Criminals are increasingly using AI voice generators and deepfake technology to impersonate individuals and deceive bank employees or customers into transferring money. These advanced tools can mimic voices with alarming accuracy, making it difficult to detect fraud. The piece highlights several instances where people fell victim to these scams, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and stronger security measures. As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, experts warn that such scams could become more prevalent, urging individuals and financial institutions to stay vigilant and adopt new protective strategies....

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5 common types of bank account fraud and how to protect yourself

Date: July 23, 2025

Bank account fraud involves unauthorized activities aimed at accessing or manipulating someone’s bank account. Common types include identity theft, where fraudsters use stolen personal information to open new accounts or access existing ones, and phishing scams that trick individuals into revealing sensitive information through fake communications. Check fraud involves altering or forging checks, while card fraud includes unauthorized transactions using stolen debit or credit card details. To protect against fraud, individuals should regularly monitor their accounts, use strong passwords, and be cautious about sharing personal information. Banks also offer tools like alerts and two-factor authentication to enhance account security....

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