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As New York rolls out inflation rebate checks to help residents deal with rising living costs, scammers are taking advantage of the situation. These one-time payments—ranging from $150 to $400—are being sent based on income and tax filings, with no action needed from the public. However, fake messages pretending to be from the state are being sent through texts, emails, phone calls, and even letters. They ask people to "verify" their personal or banking info, which is a trick to steal identities or money. Officials are warning everyone to stay alert and remember that these payments are automatic—you don’t have to sign up, share your info, or click any links to get them.

Cryptocurrency romance scams are becoming more common, especially during times of economic uncertainty when people are looking for new ways to make money. These scams often begin on dating apps or social media, where scammers build fake relationships to gain their victim’s trust. They may even use video calls, fake investment apps, and fake websites to appear legitimate. Once the victim feels confident, the scammer convinces them to invest large sums of money in supposed cryptocurrency opportunities. However, when the victim tries to withdraw their profits, they discover the money is gone. This type of scam, often called "pig butchering," highlights how easily people can be tricked when both their emotions and finances are targeted. Law enforcement agencies are now warning people to be cautious when mixing online relationships with money matters.