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Scam Watch
Scammers are using the 2026 election to sell fake shirts and fake donations, because apparently democracy needed a checkout-page ambush
The FBI warned that election-season fraud includes political merchandise that never arrives and donation requests that route money to impostors, according to reporting b…
READ STORY ↗Hackers stole about $6.3 billion from Binance in roughly 20 minutes, because apparently the world’s biggest crypto exchange needed a speedrun category
Reuters reporting carried by USA Today says analysts blamed North Korean hackers for a record theft from Binance, with most of the digital assets moved in about 20 minut…
READ STORY ↗DOJ says fake “ghost students” stole financial aid with stolen identities, because apparently FAFSA needed a supernatural fraud department
Operation Ghostbusters charged five people and seized more than $750,000 in cryptocurrency in an alleged scheme that created fake student-aid accounts and redirected ref…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says a debt-relief operation impersonated banks and government agencies, because apparently the scam needed a uniform
A federal court permanently shut down an alleged operation accused of targeting seniors and veterans, charging illegal advance fees and promising to reduce debts by 75% …
READ STORY ↗The FTC is sending $9.8 million to Walmart wire-transfer customers, because the scam already came with a receipt
The agency says 65,022 consumers are getting payments after alleging Walmart failed to stop scammers who used its money-transfer services to take hundreds of millions of…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says a sextortion “relief” company charged victims up to $20,000 and sometimes just blocked the scammer
Digital Forensics Corporation allegedly promised tracking, investigations and law-enforcement help while collecting at least $60 million from people already being threat…
READ STORY ↗Cleo AI promised “hundreds of dollars” and delivered refunds instead, because the cash advance needed a plot twist
The FTC is sending more than $15.8 million to consumers who paid Cleo AI for eligible cash advances after alleging deceptive amount, timing and subscription claims.
READ STORY ↗The FTC is sending GOAT customers refunds, because the online sneaker marketplace apparently left shipping and refunds in the same box
The FTC says more than $100,000 is going to consumers who were allegedly misled by GOAT’s shipping, cancellation and refund policies.
READ STORY ↗Four people allegedly altered a multinational company’s vendor checks and laundered the money, because apparently accounts payable needed a crime thriller
Federal prosecutors charged four people in an eight-count multistate bank-fraud and money-laundering case involving checks issued to corporate vendors.
READ STORY ↗Three people were sentenced after checks stolen from the mail allegedly went shopping through business accounts, because apparently the mailbox needed an accounting department
The DOJ says the defendants admitted intending to cause at least $581,123 in losses by depositing stolen checks into unauthorized business accounts.
READ STORY ↗Tour guides allegedly reused Louvre tickets for different visitors, because apparently the Mona Lisa needed a ticket-sharing economy
AP reports that two Chinese tour guides are accused of fraudulently reusing the same Louvre tickets for multiple tourists, allegedly with help from museum employees.
READ STORY ↗A man allegedly used a federal-officer costume to sell a luxury-watch scam, because apparently a Rolex needed a badge
The Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office charged John Afriyie with wire fraud, impersonating a federal officer and aggravated identity theft in an alleged scheme involving l…
READ STORY ↗A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty to using government seals in a fraud scheme, because apparently the scam needed an official seal of approval
The Justice Department says Mario Cesar Dos Santos Jr. used FEMA, DHS and FBI seals to portray a private organization as a federal agency and charge people to attend its…
READ STORY ↗The FTC sued Lens.com over allegedly misleading search-ad prices, because apparently even your eyeballs need to comparison-shop the fine print
The FTC and two states allege Lens.com advertised contact lenses at prices that did not clearly include required fees and recurring charges.
READ STORY ↗Three people were sentenced in a bank-fraud scheme involving fake military IDs, because apparently the checking account needed a uniform
The DOJ says counterfeit Army IDs, passport cards and stolen checks helped drive a multi-state scheme targeting federally insured banks.
READ STORY ↗A website allegedly sold millions of fake postage labels for $2 each, because apparently package weight was just a suggestion
Federal prosecutors charged a Pakistani man in an alleged counterfeit-postage operation that sold more than 5.1 million labels and caused over $126 million in losses.
READ STORY ↗A St. Louis man tried to buy a postal carrier’s truckload of mail and route for $20,000, because apparently the mailbox was not ambitious enough
The DOJ says Ty-Hunter Collins admitted offering a postal carrier $20,000 for the mail in her truck and access to her route.
READ STORY ↗The FTC is asking whether platforms help scam ads find victims, because apparently “we only optimized it” is the new fraud disclaimer
The agency is considering new rules on ad-optimization tools after consumers reported nearly $3.5 billion in impersonation-fraud losses in 2025.
READ STORY ↗A business-email scam moved $375,000 through checks labeled “Mack Truck,” because apparently fraud needed a vehicle-themed filing system
The DOJ says the United States recovered $375,000 in fraud proceeds after a business-email-compromise scam routed money through an account using suspicious check descrip…
READ STORY ↗Maryland prosecutors say a man stole more than $1 million from seniors, because apparently retirement savings needed a pickpocket with a spreadsheet
The DOJ says a Hyattsville man was arrested in a fraud scheme that targeted dozens of senior citizens and moved more than $1 million out of their accounts.
READ STORY ↗Four people allegedly arranged more than $7.3 million in fake FHA and VA loans, because apparently the American dream needed a forged floor plan
Federal prosecutors say the defendants orchestrated more than 20 fraudulent home loans by using false information and unqualified borrowers.
READ STORY ↗A man allegedly submitted more than 100 fake voter registrations to build fake financial identities, because apparently democracy needed a credit-card application
The DOJ says Dmitry Shushlebin used a voter-registration scheme to help create synthetic identities that were then used for fraudulent credit cards and loans.
READ STORY ↗DOJ says more than $10 million meant for childcare went to bogus providers, because apparently the children were optional but the paperwork was not
Federal prosecutors charged 12 people after an investigation allegedly found childcare subsidies for low-income families being funneled to providers that did not provide…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says a payment processor handled more than 1,000 sham merchants, because fraud apparently needed a merchant-services department
Humboldt Merchant Services agreed to pay $12 million and accept a permanent ban from processing payments for high-risk merchants to settle FTC allegations.
READ STORY ↗DOJ says a California bookkeeper spent more than $4 million on a company card, because apparently the expense report was a cry for help
Prosecutors allege Kelly Lynn Brown used cards tied to her employer for personal purchases including a motorcycle, a truck and clothing for an online boutique.
READ STORY ↗The DOJ restrained $52 million in crypto tied to scam centers, because apparently fraud needed a global supply chain and a treasury department
The Justice Department says its Scam Center Strike Force took coordinated action against Southeast Asian scam organizations, including restraining roughly $52 million in…
READ STORY ↗A Chinese national got 46 months for laundering more than $36.9 million from a crypto investment scam, because the blockchain ledger apparently still has a memory
The DOJ says Jingliang Su was sentenced to 46 months for laundering more than $36.9 million from victims of a digital-asset investment scam run through Cambodia-based sc…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says scammers are covering parking meters’ QR codes, because apparently paying for a space needed a digital mugging
The agency warns that fake QR stickers can send drivers to lookalike sites built to steal money, passwords and personal information.
READ STORY ↗Americans reported a record $15.9 billion in scam losses, because apparently the national economy needed a criminal side hustle
An AP and FRONTLINE investigation says consumers reported $15.9 billion in losses to the FTC last year, a 25% jump from 2024 and likely a major undercount.
READ STORY ↗The FTC says Doxo will pay $2.1 million over allegedly misleading bill-payment search ads, because even paying the electric bill needed a decoy website
The Federal Trade Commission says online bill-payment firm Doxo and two co-founders used search ads and websites that could mislead consumers into thinking they were pay…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says scammers are mailing people cheap junk to fake product reviews, because apparently unsolicited toothpaste is now a marketing department
The FTC warns that an unexpected package may be part of a brushing scam: a seller sends a cheap item, uses the delivery to create a believable transaction, and posts a f…
READ STORY ↗The FTC is sending Grubhub drivers and diners $23.8 million, because the app apparently delivered the bill to everyone else
The FTC says 640,038 drivers and diners will receive payments after alleging Grubhub made deceptive earnings claims and engaged in other misleading or unlawful conduct.
READ STORY ↗The FTC says a credit-repair network took nearly $200 million, because apparently bad credit needed a subscription service and a fake creditor
The FTC says a federal court temporarily halted Credit Glory, a 17-company network accused of false promises, illegal upfront fees, impersonation and recurring charges.
READ STORY ↗A Florida man admitted creating $14 million in fake checks, because apparently “unauthorized debit” needed a small-business model
The Justice Department says Eri Guzman Ortiz used lists of thousands of people and businesses to create fraudulent checks that moved money into sham-company accounts. He…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says refund scammers target people who already got scammed, because apparently fraud now offers a loyalty program
The Federal Trade Commission warns that refund and recovery scammers buy lists of people who already lost money, then promise to get it back for a fee. The “help” is usu…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says TruHeight sold kids supplements with height claims and paid-for praise, because apparently puberty needed a subscription box
The FTC finalized an order against Vanilla Chip LLC, doing business as TruHeight, over allegedly unsupported claims that supplements could help children and teens grow t…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says a ticket broker used 75 accounts to buy 277 Metallica tickets, because apparently one person needed a small army to hear Enter Sandman
Elite Events allegedly used fake identities, virtual cards, proxy IP addresses and multi-session browsers to blow past ticket limits at more than 2,400 events. The FTC s…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says Hims may have charged people before a medical consult and shared health data with ad platforms, because the checkout button apparently wanted to be a doctor
The FTC, Utah and California sued Hims & Hers, alleging deceptive billing, difficult cancellations and the sharing of sensitive health information with third-party adver…
READ STORY ↗DOJ says a Medicare fraud fugitive with a fake passport got hauled back over a $547 million genetic-test scheme, because apparently cancer tests became a jackpot button
Khalid Satary, indicted in 2019 and wanted since 2022, was arrested overseas and returned to the United States to face charges tied to allegedly unnecessary genetic test…
READ STORY ↗DOJ says stolen gift cards became warehouse electronics bound for China, because romance scams apparently needed a shipping department
A Chinese national living in Massachusetts was indicted in New Hampshire over an alleged conspiracy that turned stolen gift cards from romance fraud, elder fraud and hac…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says Celsius founders promised crypto deposits were safer than a bank, right before reality introduced itself with bankruptcy paperwork
Celsius Network's founders agreed to pay $16.5 million to resolve FTC charges that they deceived users about crypto deposits, withdrawals, reserves, insurance and high-y…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says health-insurance search ads can lead to government impersonators, because apparently even scrolling is now fraud prevention
The FTC warned that people searching for ACA coverage, Medicare or health insurance can land on paid lookalike sites designed to collect personal information, fees or mi…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says fake lawyers are mailing people about mystery life-insurance fortunes, because apparently your last name is now a lottery ticket for fraud
The pitch is simple: someone with your surname died, millions are waiting, and this helpful "lawyer" wants to split the money. The FTC's shorter version: no, they do not.
READ STORY ↗DOJ says a telehealth company turned Adderall refills into a subscription growth engine, because apparently "move fast and prescribe stimulants" was the business plan
Done Global's founder got six years, its former clinical president got two, and prosecutors say the platform pushed more than 37 million Adderall pills while chasing a b…
READ STORY ↗The FTC warned pet lovers: scammers are stealing animal photos and using AI deepfakes to sell you fake puppies, because apparently even your love of animals can be weaponized
Scammers are using stolen pet images, manipulated videos, and AI-generated deepfakes to trick people into giving them money or personal information, exploiting the one t…
READ STORY ↗A Miami man known as Bitcoin Rodney pleaded guilty in a $1.8 billion HyperFund crypto fraud case, because the nickname was apparently not enough of a warning siren
DOJ says Rodney Burton, a Miami man connected to HyperFund, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge tied to a global wire-fraud scheme that allegedly took $1.8 billion fro…
READ STORY ↗World Cup fans bought resale tickets that never arrived, because apparently the beautiful game now includes arguing with an app outside the stadium
AP reports World Cup fans have been stranded by resale tickets that failed to transfer, canceled orders, technical glitches and possible speculative sellers who may not …
READ STORY ↗The FTC warned summer travelers about fake hotel ads, toll texts and bargain vacations, because apparently even your beach trip now needs fraud detection
The FTC says scammers are using paid search ads, fake airline and hotel sites, unpaid toll texts and too-good-to-be-true vacation offers to separate travelers from their…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says one subscription empire hid recurring charges inside fitness apps, PDF tools, horoscopes and psychic chats, because apparently every app wanted to be a haunted gym membership
The Federal Trade Commission says a federal court temporarily halted the Genesis Tech enterprise, a network of 15 corporations and eight individuals accused of deceptive…
READ STORY ↗40+ fake FIFA World Cup 2026 ticketing websites linked to Chinese cybercriminals stealing payment info from football fans worldwide
Cybersecurity researchers at CloudSEK uncovered a large-scale fraud operation involving at least 40 fake FIFA World Cup 2026 ticketing websites designed to steal sensiti…
READ STORY ↗Scammers are running sponsored ads on Reddit impersonating BBC, Financial Times, and The Guardian to promote fake AI coins, because platform moderation is aspirational
Cybersecurity researchers uncovered a campaign where scammers buy Reddit ads, impersonate major news outlets, and link to cloned websites promoting fictitious AI coins l…
READ STORY ↗Police warn of AI-powered scams targeting people searching for lost pets, because criminals now have a tool that makes fake pet photos in seconds
Pennsylvania State Police and consumer protection agencies across the U.S. are warning about a rise in AI-powered missing pet scams, where criminals monitor social media…
READ STORY ↗The FCC launched a "Never, Ever" campaign to tell Americans that the government will never call to demand payment, because $3.5 billion in losses last year proved that yes, actually, we need to spell this out
The Federal Communications Commission partnered with the Elder Justice Coordinating Council to launch the "Never, Ever" campaign, a public awareness effort reminding Ame…
READ STORY ↗Google sued a Chinese cybercrime ring for using Gemini AI to send 2.5 million phishing text messages, because apparently the first thing scammers ask AI is "help me commit wire fraud"
A Chinese cybercrime operation called Outsider Enterprise asked Google's Gemini AI to help generate phishing websites and scam messages. Gemini complied. The criminals s…
READ STORY ↗Americans lost $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025, because apparently nobody learned that real banks don't demand immediate money transfers
The FTC just released devastating data: Americans reported losing nearly triple what they lost in 2020 to people pretending to be government agencies and businesses. And…
READ STORY ↗The FBI warned that crypto scammers are using couriers to collect cash, because direct bank transfers were apparently too convenient for fraud
In what might be the most on-brand scam evolution of 2026, criminals have figured out how to bypass fraud detection by sending actual humans to your door to pick up enve…
READ STORY ↗The FTC warned about fake CAPTCHA requests that look legit but actually install malware on your computer, because apparently security theater needed method acting
The Federal Trade Commission is reporting phishing scams that mimic CAPTCHA verification screens and trick people into running hidden commands that download malware to s…
READ STORY ↗The FTC is warning childcare providers about scammers pretending to be desperate parents who "accidentally" send checks for more than the agreed price, because fraud has a customer service department
Scammers are contacting childcare providers by email, text, social media, and gaming platforms, offering to send advance payment checks that are always for more than quo…
READ STORY ↗The FTC is getting new reports daily of fake CAPTCHA screens asking people to type malware commands, because protecting yourself from bots apparently now requires becoming one
Scammers created phishing pages that look like legitimate security checkpoints but ask you to run Windows commands that install malware. Real CAPTCHAs never ask for keyb…
READ STORY ↗Cybersecurity researchers found 40 fake FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket websites designed to steal payment information before the tournament even started, because apparently 2026 is the year of strategic fraud planning.
The fake sites mimic official FIFA ticketing portals with card skimming, OTP interception, and real-time credential theft. Scammers linked to Chinese-origin threat actor…
READ STORY ↗The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts Friday, and scammers have already built fake websites, fake job offers, and fake urgency to drain your bank account, because apparently excitement is the best time to commit fraud
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department warned that cybercriminals are exploiting World Cup enthusiasm with copycat FIFA websites, fraudulent ticket sales, and fake …
READ STORY ↗Google's June 2026 fraud advisory confirms that crypto node scams, police impersonation deepfakes, and mobile banking trojans are the gift that keeps on stealing
Google released a comprehensive fraud and scams advisory documenting the latest tactics being used to steal money and data, including fake cryptocurrency mining guides t…
READ STORY ↗Virginia police are warning drivers about the gas pump screw scam, where thieves disable pumps so they can drain your account later, because apparently stealing fuel now requires mechanical engineering
The Timberville Police Department warned of a new scam where criminals place a screw or object in a fuel pump handle cradle to keep the pump active after you leave, allo…
READ STORY ↗The FTC is sending $3 million in refunds to mortgage relief scam victims, which is good news if you got defrauded in 2015 and are still waiting to get your money back in 2026
The Federal Trade Commission is mailing refund checks totaling nearly $3 million to 1,821 homeowners who fell victim to the Golden Home Services (also known as Home Matt…
READ STORY ↗Researchers say over 4,000 fake FIFA websites are already live, because apparently June 11 kickoff needed a criminal head start
Security researchers tracking FIFA World Cup 2026 scams found over 13,000 fraudulent domains, thousands of fake FIFA accounts, banking malware hidden in streaming apps, …
READ STORY ↗The FTC is returning nearly $3 million to people who got scammed by fake mortgage relief companies, because apparently desperation is a renewable scam resource
The Federal Trade Commission is mailing refund checks to 1,821 homeowners victimized by the Golden Home Services mortgage relief scheme, which falsely promised to reduce…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says scammers are texting fake employee IDs to prove they work there, because apparently fraud now comes with visual aids
The FTC warned that con artists are impersonating Federal Trade Commission employees and sending photos of fake ID badges via text message to gain trust before running r…
READ STORY ↗The Bank of England warned the public about AI deepfakes of Nigel Farage punching its governor—and yes, people were actually falling for it as a scam
Somewhere in the intersection of British politics, artificial intelligence, and financial fraud, someone made fake videos of Nigel Farage and Bank of England Governor An…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says fake CAPTCHAs are asking you to run device commands, because proving you're human now requires becoming a malware vector
Someone designed a phishing scam where a fake CAPTCHA page tells you to execute keyboard commands that paste and run hidden malware. And people are falling for it.
READ STORY ↗The FTC says fake CAPTCHAs are telling people to run malware commands, because apparently proving you are human now includes self-owning your laptop
The FTC warned that scam CAPTCHA screens are asking people to press Windows+R, paste hidden commands and hit Enter, which can install malware instead of verifying anythi…
READ STORY ↗The FTC is warning about a new CAPTCHA scam where fake security screens trick you into typing commands that install malware on your device
Real CAPTCHAs prove you're human. Fake ones prove you're gullible—and then steal everything.
READ STORY ↗The FBI warned about dozens of fake FIFA websites selling World Cup tickets, because apparently buying a $1,000 ticket from seatgaekes.com instead of seatgeeks.com sounded like a great idea to people.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, scammers have flooded the internet with spoofed ticket retailer websites, and they're betting on people not noticing a single missin…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says real employees will not text badge selfies, because apparently scammers discovered government cosplay
The FTC warned that scammers are pretending to be FTC agents, texting fake employee IDs and claiming they can recover money lost in earlier scams.
READ STORY ↗The FTC says mortgage-relief mailers used CARES Act bait, because apparently foreclosure panic needed junk mail
The FTC says a federal court temporarily halted an alleged mortgage assistance relief operation accused of charging illegal upfront fees and falsely promising lower paym…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says a mortgage-relief outfit used CARES Act bait, because apparently foreclosure panic needed junk mail cosplay
The FTC says a federal court temporarily halted an allegedly deceptive mortgage-assistance operation that promised lower rates and payments tied to supposed CARES Act re…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says fake parents are targeting childcare providers, because apparently babysitting needed an overpayment trap
The FTC warned childcare providers about scammers posing as parents, sending advance checks for too much money, then asking providers to send the extra cash back.
READ STORY ↗DOJ says scam-fighting week disrupted 1.4 million accounts, because apparently fraud had a platform stack
The Justice Department says government and private-sector partners disrupted more than 1.4 million social media and email accounts tied to Southeast Asia scam networks.
READ STORY ↗DOJ says Ohio fraud cases came with Mercedes, a Bentley and a McLaren, because apparently Medicaid needed valet parking
The Justice Department announced an Ohio fraud partnership, charges against nine defendants tied to more than $42 million in alleged fraud, and a new FBI Most Wanted Fra…
READ STORY ↗DOJ says lab executives and marketers paid doctors for referrals, because apparently blood tests needed a commission plan
The Justice Department says former lab executives, marketers and a physician will pay more than $2 million to settle allegations involving illegal kickbacks for laborato…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says tax-relief scammers impersonated government agencies, because apparently debt help needed fake badges
The FTC and Nevada say American Tax Service operators misled consumers with government impersonation, threats and tax-debt relief promises before pocketing millions.
READ STORY ↗The FTC says scammers are texting fake FTC photo IDs, because apparently fraud now has cosplay credentials
The FTC warned that impersonators are pretending to be agency employees, texting fake badges and claiming they can recover money lost in earlier scams.
READ STORY ↗DOJ says a green fintech co-founder faked revenue and cash, because apparently sustainability needed imaginary money
DOJ says Aspiration Partners co-founder Joseph Sanberg was sentenced to 14 years for a five-year scheme that caused at least $248 million in losses.
READ STORY ↗The FTC sued a supplement MLM over kids health claims, because apparently Happy Juice needed a legal chaperone
The FTC says Amare Global and three principals misrepresented that supplements for children and adults could treat or cure depression, anxiety and ADHD.
READ STORY ↗The FTC says hurricane season brings scammers too, because apparently disasters needed a fraud forecast
The FTC opened hurricane season by reminding people that weather emergencies attract government impersonators, fake helpers and anyone asking for money or personal infor…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says fake party invites are phishing scams, because apparently even brunch needed a login ambush
The FTC says scammers are sending fake Evite-style and Paperless Post-style invitations that ask people for email passwords or phone verification codes.
READ STORY ↗DOJ says a bank insider sold out customers for bribes, because apparently fraud got concierge service
DOJ says former TD Bank employee Cheungkin Lam pleaded guilty after using insider access and bribes to help schemes that caused more than $3.4 million in losses.
READ STORY ↗DOJ says a data broker sold 7 million elderly Americans to lottery scammers, because apparently fraud needed a mailing list department
DOJ says a North Carolina man got 121 months in prison for selling lists of elderly Americans to Jamaican lottery fraud scammers.
READ STORY ↗CNN says AI voice-cloning scams are rising, because apparently panic calls now come with a synthetic family plan
CNN reports scammers can use short audio clips to mimic loved ones, and Americans lost more than $893 million to AI-related scams last year, according to the FBI.
READ STORY ↗The FTC says Medicare fraud costs about $60 billion a year, because apparently the fake back brace economy is thriving
The FTC warned that Medicare fraud, errors and abuse cost taxpayers about $60 billion each year and can lead to medical identity theft and higher costs.
READ STORY ↗DOJ says 276 scam-center arrests hit crypto pig-butchering crews, because apparently romance fraud had middle management
The Justice Department says international authorities dismantled at least nine scam centers and arrested at least 276 people tied to cryptocurrency investment fraud sche…
READ STORY ↗DOJ says an insurance mogul used policyholder money for jets and a yacht, because apparently premiums needed a marina
The Justice Department says Greg Lindberg was sentenced to 12 years in prison in a bribery and multibillion-dollar fraud case involving insurance companies and policyhol…
READ STORY ↗New York and New Jersey are investigating FIFA tickets, because apparently stadium seats needed surge pricing and teleportation
AP says New York and New Jersey officials are investigating whether FIFA ticketing practices for World Cup matches violated consumer protection laws.
READ STORY ↗The FTC says fake party invites are stealing logins, because apparently even graduation season needed phishing
The FTC warned that unexpected party-invite texts and emails may impersonate invitation platforms and ask for email passwords or passcodes.
READ STORY ↗Labor told banks to freeze pandemic unemployment debit-card funds, because the fraud leftovers were apparently headed to lost-and-found
The Labor Department and its inspector general demanded that financial institutions preserve prepaid debit-card accounts linked to fraudulent pandemic unemployment claim…
READ STORY ↗NHTSA warned about fake traffic-ticket texts, because scammers apparently promoted themselves to federal speed trap
NHTSA says scammers are pretending to be the agency and demanding payment for traffic violations, even though NHTSA does not issue traffic tickets.
READ STORY ↗DOJ says three men laundered Medicare brace money through shell companies, because apparently knee supports needed a spin cycle
DOJ says three Florida men were sentenced for laundering more than $2.2 million from fraudulent Medicare orthotic-brace claims.
READ STORY ↗The FTC says scammers now reach people by text more than any other way, because apparently every phone became a fraud mailbox
The FTC says last year's fraud reports showed more people reporting scam contact by text than by any other method.
READ STORY ↗DOJ says the Feeding Our Future boss got 500 months, because stealing child meal money apparently needed a fraud vortex
DOJ says Aimee Bock was sentenced to 500 months for her lead role in a $250 million fraud scheme exploiting a federal child nutrition program.
READ STORY ↗DOJ says a $2 billion telemedicine fraud ring used ghost visits and Moscow billers, because apparently health care needed a heist desk
DOJ says three members of a Moscow-based criminal organization were sentenced in an approximately $2 billion telemedicine health care fraud conspiracy.
READ STORY ↗DOJ says Minnesota fraud defendants billed autism care like a slot machine, because vulnerable kids were apparently a revenue model
DOJ announced charges against 15 defendants in Minnesota health care fraud cases involving more than $90 million in intended loss, including alleged autism-services frau…
READ STORY ↗DOJ says a crypto trader promised no-risk Bitcoin returns, because apparently gravity was unavailable for comment
DOJ says an Ohio man was sentenced to nine years for a $10 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme built around guaranteed principal and expert-trader claims.
READ STORY ↗The FCC wants phone companies to know their upstream providers, because apparently scam calls had a velvet rope
The FCC proposed enhanced Know-Your-Upstream-Provider requirements and tougher STIR/SHAKEN rules aimed at cutting illegal robocall enablers out of the phone network.
READ STORY ↗The FTC says a payment processor helped scammers dodge fraud alarms, because apparently chargebacks needed witness protection
The FTC says a federal court held payment processor Cliq and two executives in contempt and ordered $6.5 million in sanctions for violating a 2015 anti-fraud order.
READ STORY ↗DOJ says Minnesota Medicaid fraud hit $90 million, because apparently care programs came with a billing pinata
DOJ announced charges against 15 defendants in Minnesota health care fraud cases involving more than $90 million in alleged intended loss, including autism-services and …
READ STORY ↗The FTC warned about business-coaching scams, because "proven system" still means magic beans with a webinar
The FTC says ads promising easy money through crypto, forex, ecommerce or real estate coaching can be scam funnels dressed up as entrepreneurship.
READ STORY ↗Shutterstock will pay $35 million over subscription traps, because apparently stock photos came with escape-room billing
The FTC says Shutterstock agreed to pay $35 million to settle allegations that it used illegal subscription, renewal and cancellation practices.
READ STORY ↗The FCC is probing potential E-Rate fraud in Minnesota, because even school internet money needs a scam smoke alarm
The FCC says it sent three Letters of Inquiry to Minnesota educational institutions as a first step in investigating potential fraud in the federal E-Rate program.
READ STORY ↗DOJ says a health software boss ran a billion-dollar Medicare fraud machine, because fake doctor orders are apparently a business model now
The Justice Department says a federal jury convicted HealthSplash founder Brett Blackman over a platform that generated false doctors' orders and helped bill more than $…
READ STORY ↗Santa Clara County sued Meta over scam ads, because apparently Facebook fraud came with a revenue lane
Reuters says Santa Clara County alleges Meta profited from scam ads on Facebook and Instagram while misleading users about anti-scam efforts.
READ STORY ↗The FTC says IM Mastery ringleaders must surrender mansions, cars, watches, and a yacht, because apparently forex guru cosplay had inventory
The FTC says lead IM Mastery Academy defendants will surrender nearly $90 million in assets to resolve claims tied to a trading-training MLM scheme.
READ STORY ↗Consumers sued Amazon over tariff costs, because apparently illegal tariffs became a customer-service scavenger hunt
Reuters says a proposed class action accuses Amazon of keeping tariff-related price hikes after the Supreme Court struck down Trump's tariffs.
READ STORY ↗Shutterstock will pay $35 million after the FTC said canceling was a maze, because apparently stock photos came with a trap door
The FTC says Shutterstock agreed to pay $35 million over allegations that it used illegal subscription and cancellation practices.
READ STORY ↗DOJ announced another $1 billion fraud crackdown, because apparently the fraud buffet has unlimited refills
The Justice Department says its new National Fraud Enforcement Division announced more than $1 billion in fraud enforcement actions for the second straight week.
READ STORY ↗The FTC says a home-repair outfit created thousands of fake local listings, because apparently your “nearby plumber” was a call-center mirage
The FTC and Illinois sued Premium Home Service, alleging the company used fake local business profiles, fake five-star reviews, and routed calls to representatives far f…
READ STORY ↗The FTC warned Canvas users that scammers follow hacks, because apparently school data breaches come with a souvenir phishing booth
The FTC says the Canvas parent-company cyberattack may put student personal information at risk, and scammers often pile on with fake texts and emails after a breach hit…
READ STORY ↗DOJ opened a $400 million AirBit Club victim fund, because fake crypto mining finally met a very real clawback bucket
The Justice Department says victims of AirBit Club, a purported virtual-currency mining and trading company that was actually a pyramid scheme, can seek compensation fro…
READ STORY ↗Imposter scams were No. 1 for the ninth straight year, because apparently fraud has a dynasty now
The FTC says imposter scams were the top scam category for the ninth year in a row, with more than 1 million reports in 2025 and reported losses rising nearly 20% to $3.…
READ STORY ↗DOJ rolled out nearly $1 billion in fraud cases, because apparently every benefits program came with a complimentary crowbar
The Justice Department announced a national fraud-enforcement roundup covering Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, Treasury checks, student aid, PPP loans, payroll taxes, a…
READ STORY ↗DOJ says a former NFL player got 16 years for a $197 million brace scam, because apparently Medicare fraud needed a depth chart
The Justice Department says Joel Rufus French was sentenced to 196 months in prison for a scheme involving unnecessary orthotic braces, sham doctor orders, overseas call…
READ STORY ↗DOJ says two Americans hosted laptops for fake remote workers tied to North Korea, because apparently the office is now a sanctions tunnel
The Justice Department says two U.S. nationals were sentenced to prison for helping DPRK IT workers appear to be working from American homes while generating more than $…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says imposter scams hit $3.5 billion, because apparently fake toll collectors and fake soulmates both found quarterly growth
The FTC says imposter scams were the top reported scam for the ninth straight year, with more than 1 million reports in 2025 and reported losses up nearly 20% to $3.5 bi…
READ STORY ↗DOJ says a global scam-center takedown led to 276 arrests, because apparently fraud now needs international zoning enforcement
The Justice Department says law enforcement partners dismantled at least nine scam centers tied to cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes and arrested at least 276 peop…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says fake recruiters now just want you to text YES, because apparently job hunting needed a trap door with emojis
The FTC warns that fake job recruiters are sending slick texts and WhatsApp messages for remote work, asking targets to reply YES before steering them into fake-check or…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says social media scams cost people $2.1 billion in 2025, because apparently the feed is now a shopping mall run by raccoons
New FTC data says nearly 30% of people who reported losing money to a scam in 2025 said it started on social media, with reported losses hitting $2.1 billion.
READ STORY ↗The FTC says MLM recruiters promised a 'buttload' of money while 79% earned nothing, because apparently the income disclosure was the jump scare
The FTC accused senior LifeWave participants of using inflated earnings claims to recruit workers, including talk of $25,000-a-week dreams that met a 79%-earned-zero rea…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says a health-plan scheme impersonated government and big insurers, because apparently fake bureaucracy now sells fake peace of mind
The FTC says a federal court temporarily halted a nationwide operation accused of deceiving people into buying supposedly comprehensive PPO health plans that did not del…
READ STORY ↗Scammers are reportedly selling fake safe passage through Hormuz for crypto, because even maritime crisis now has phishing DLC
Reuters reports a maritime risk firm warned shipping companies about fraudulent messages promising safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for cryptocurren…
READ STORY ↗A crypto billionaire is suing Trump's family crypto venture over frozen tokens, because apparently the snake oil has started suing the bottle
Reuters, CBS, and The Guardian report Justin Sun alleges World Liberty Financial froze his token holdings, with CBS saying the assets were worth as much as $1 billion.
READ STORY ↗Treasury sanctioned a Cambodian senator over alleged scam compounds, because apparently fraud now has office parks and political protection
Treasury says Kok An and a network of 28 people and entities helped run scam centers that stole from Americans through crypto-investment and romance-style fraud.
READ STORY ↗StubHub buyers are getting refunds after the FTC went after hidden ticket fees, because apparently the revolutionary business model of "surprise, it costs way more now" finally met resistance
An FTC consumer update says some customers who bought tickets during a specific 2025 window may get money back after allegations that StubHub hid mandatory fees until la…
READ STORY ↗The FTC says a student-loan relief operation pretended to be tied to the government and collected millions, because apparently scam math still begins with "what if we cold-call desperate people"
According to the FTC, the operation posed as the Department of Education or real loan servicers, promised forgiveness that did not exist, and pulled in at least $8.8 mil…
READ STORY ↗The FTC had to remind people that strangers promising huge investment returns on social media are probably scammers, because apparently even fake wealth now comes with coaching
The agency says people reported more than $7.9 billion in losses to investment scams in 2025, with a median loss above $10,000, while scammers keep using WhatsApp, socia…
READ STORY ↗Federal prosecutors say an AI company faked “virtually all” its customers and revenue, because apparently the hottest AI product was still just lying
Reuters reports former iLearningEngines executives were charged after prosecutors said the company fabricated customer relationships and at least 90% of its 2023 revenue…
READ STORY ↗No, your boss does not need you to buy gift cards right now
Someone impersonates your boss, creates fake urgency, tells you to go buy gift cards. This works by short-circuiting common sense.
READ STORY ↗Deepfake fraud went industrial in 2026, which is a sentence that should bother everybody
Voice cloning and video deepfakes now let scammers convincingly impersonate real people. Operating on an industrial scale means a production line of theft.
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