Category Protection

Fake News, Real Losses: How Investment Scams Imitate Trusted News Websites

Online investment scams are increasingly tricking people by creating fake websites which imitate popular news outlets like CNN and BBC. Scammers copy the branding, logos, and layouts of these trusted news sites and use them to advertise fake investment opportunities, especially involving cryptocurrencies. These fake websites convince individuals that these investments are safe and approved by respected organizations. Scammers rely on people's economic worries about inflation and their desire to quickly make money, using social media to rapidly spread these schemes. Experts advise carefully checking links and website addresses to avoid falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.

Pennsylvania Takes On Deepfake Scams With Groundbreaking “Digital Forgeries” Law

Pennsylvania recently enacted a groundbreaking law, Act 35 of 2025, to tackle the growing dangers posed by deepfake scams. Signed by Governor Josh Shapiro and sponsored by Senator Tracy Pennycuick, this new law targets scammers who use advanced artificial intelligence technology to create realistic but fake images, videos, and audio clips. Criminals have increasingly used deepfakes to deceive people—especially older adults—into giving away their money or personal information, and to manipulate people's views on politics and public figures. The law labels these fraudulent deepfake creations as "digital forgeries" and makes their creation and distribution illegal when intended to harm, trick, or scam others, while still protecting free speech rights for satire and parody.

Pennsylvania Warns Seniors of New Inheritance Scam Targeting Trust and Savings

In July 2025, Pennsylvania officials warned residents about a new inheritance scam targeting older citizens. Scammers pretend to be government officials or financial agents in emails, telling victims they have inherited money from a distant relative. These scammers create a sense of urgency and secrecy, pushing their targets to pay large "release fees" upfront, often totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. Victims are persuaded by convincing emails designed to look official, and they are misled into trusting non-existent overseas financial companies. Officials emphasize that this scam is part of a larger rise in digital fraud that exploits economic uncertainty and people's trust in legitimate institutions.

Social Insecurity: Retirees Under Attack by SSA Imposters

Amid economic worries and uncertainty, phishing scams targeting retirees have increased significantly. Scammers are pretending to represent the Social Security Administration (SSA), sending emails or making calls warning people that their Social Security numbers are involved in serious criminal activities like drug trafficking. These scammers use fear tactics, such as threatening to suspend benefits, to push retirees into quickly giving out personal details or sending money. Because many older adults rely heavily on Social Security payments to cover basic needs, the possibility of losing these benefits can cause panic, making this vulnerable group especially likely to fall victim to the scam. Authorities advise retirees to be cautious and always verify information directly with official government agencies.

Prime Day Alert: Cyber Scammers Target Bargain Hunters

As Amazon Prime Day nears, cybersecurity experts warn that scammers are increasingly targeting online bargain hunters. Over 120,000 fake websites have appeared, closely imitating Amazon’s official site to trick shoppers into giving away personal details or downloading harmful software. Scammers frequently use major online sales events and people's financial anxieties to exploit consumers searching for good deals in tougher economic times. To address this growing threat, Amazon has already shut down more than 55,000 scam websites and removed approximately 12,000 fake phone numbers over the past year, highlighting the company's ongoing fight against cybercriminals.

Stimulus Scam Surge: Fake Checks Spark Financial Confusion

Amid widespread economic worry, Americans are seeing a sharp rise in scams related to fake stimulus payments. Recently, social media conversations have spread confusion over unexpected $1,400 IRS direct deposits, making many people think another round of stimulus checks is underway. This confusion grew partly because some delayed tax credit payments arrived just as online influencers discussed unapproved proposals for big government checks. Scammers took advantage of this uncertainty by sending out fake text messages, emails, and calls promising stimulus payments or asking victims for personal information to "confirm" eligibility. Authorities are warning people to stay cautious, verify information directly with official sources, and avoid clicking on unknown links that could lead to theft of their financial data.

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