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FTC Warns Consumers About Unordered Packages Signaling Potential Scams

FTC Warns Consumers About Unordered Packages Signaling Potential Scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a new bulletin alerting consumers to 'brushing scams,' which involve receiving packages that were never ordered. The FTC indicates that these unsolicited deliveries could be a sign that an individual's personal information has been compromised. A newer tactic associated with these scams involves packages containing QR codes that prompt recipients to 'scan to return' or 'scan to find out who sent the package.' The agency warns that scanning these QR codes could lead consumers to phishing websites designed to steal sensitive data, such as credit card numbers, usernames, and passwords. The FTC advises anyone who receives an unordered package to change online shopping passwords, review credit card statements for unauthorized charges, and understand that they are not legally obligated to return the item or pay for it.

International Criminal Organizations Circumvent Biometric Authentication in Online Transactions

International Criminal Organizations Circumvent Biometric Authentication in Online Transactions

International criminal organizations are developing sophisticated tools to bypass biometric authentication safeguards used in online transactions. This development is occurring alongside the increasing use of deepfake technology, which generates AI-manipulated videos, images, and voices to impersonate individuals for scams. These scams often involve criminals posing as executives or family members to demand urgent money transfers. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable targets due to their limited cybersecurity resources. Criminals are encrypting SME data for cryptocurrency ransoms or using fake tax and electricity notices to steal account credentials. The shift towards mobile platforms for cybercrime is also noted, as users tend to be less vigilant and less likely to install security software compared to desktop users. In Vietnam, over 200 foreigners linked to online fraud operations have been arrested, highlighting the global nature of these criminal activities.

UnitedHealth Group Issues Fraud Alert Regarding Impersonation Scams

UnitedHealth Group Issues Fraud Alert Regarding Impersonation Scams

UnitedHealth Group has issued a fraud alert concerning recent reports of fraudulent LinkedIn messages and emails. These deceptive communications falsely claim to originate from UnitedHealth Group, UnitedHealthcare, or Optum Executives. The scams involve conducting fake interviews via Zoom, offering work-from-home positions at Optum, sending fraudulent application forms, and mailing counterfeit checks. Recipients are then asked to pay a vendor a significant sum of money, which is a common tactic in counterfeit-check cashing schemes. UnitedHealth Group explicitly states that it will never request individuals to pay a vendor or any fee to explore employment opportunities with the company. They advise individuals to verify the legitimacy of any suspicious communications by calling their dedicated assistance line.

Cumberland County Sheriff's Office Warns Public of Jury Duty Scam

Cumberland County Sheriff's Office Warns Public of Jury Duty Scam

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office has issued a public warning regarding a jury duty scam targeting residents. Scammers are reportedly posing as law enforcement officials, specifically claiming to be lieutenants from the sheriff's office. They contact individuals, informing them that they have either missed or are scheduled for jury duty. The perpetrators then attempt to solicit payments or sensitive personal information, often threatening targets with penalties such as fines if they do not comply. Multiple law enforcement agencies within Cumberland County, including the Portland Police Department, have received reports of this scam. The Sheriff's Office explicitly stated that they and other law enforcement agencies are not responsible for the selection, scheduling, or appearances related to jury duty. They advise anyone receiving such calls, texts, or social media messages to immediately hang up and under no circumstances transfer funds, gift cards, or any other form of monetary payment, nor should th...

WHYY's 'Fresh Air' Host Terry Gross Impersonated in Catfishing Scams Targeting Celebrities and Media Personalities

WHYY's 'Fresh Air' Host Terry Gross Impersonated in Catfishing Scams Targeting Celebrities and Media Personalities

A series of catfishing scams are using the identity of WHYY's 'Fresh Air' host Terry Gross to target celebrities and media personalities. Comedy writer Bruce Vilanch reported being a victim, stating he received an email from someone purporting to be Gross, inviting him for an interview on NPR's 'Fresh Air.' The scammer requested money for NPR's nonprofit public radio efforts, which Vilanch paid. He was then prepped for a virtual interview, only to find Gross absent and a man identifying himself as 'Mike' as the interviewer. Vilanch eventually realized it was a scam. Other public figures, including figure skater Adam Rippon and psychologist Steven Pinker, have reported similar experiences, with some scams also targeting social media credentials. WHYY confirmed awareness of these fraudulent emails, stating that cohost Tonya Mosley has also been impersonated. The organization emphasized that it never requests payment for interviews nor pays guests.

AI-Powered Celebrity Podcast Scams Target Industry Professionals, Compromising Accounts and Soliciting Funds

AI-Powered Celebrity Podcast Scams Target Industry Professionals, Compromising Accounts and Soliciting Funds

AI-Powered Celebrity Podcast Scams Target Industry Professionals, Compromising Accounts and Soliciting Funds

Georgia Officials Warn Public About Fraudulent '2026 GATE Atlanta Vendor Artisan Market' Scam

Georgia Officials Warn Public About Fraudulent '2026 GATE Atlanta Vendor Artisan Market' Scam

The Georgia Department of Agriculture has issued a public warning regarding a fraudulent event being promoted on Facebook under the name '2026 GATE Atlanta Vendor & Artisan Market.' The fake event was advertised to take place from August 21–23 at the Atlanta State Farmers’ Market in Forest Park. Department officials have confirmed that this market will not occur as advertised and have identified the promotion as a scam. According to Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper, the scam is designed to solicit payment and business information from unsuspecting Georgians. A cease-and-desist letter has been sent to the alleged organizer of the event. State officials are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and refrain from providing any payment, personal, or business information to individuals promoting or soliciting vendors for this market, emphasizing that if something appears too good to be true, it likely is.

AI-Powered Scams Impersonate Lake Charles Car Lots, Defrauding Colorado Buyer of $60,000

AI-Powered Scams Impersonate Lake Charles Car Lots, Defrauding Colorado Buyer of $60,000

A sophisticated scam utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) has impersonated two car dealerships in Southwest Louisiana, leading to a Colorado woman losing over $60,000. The scammers created fake websites using the real business names and addresses of Bobby LaFleur Auto Sales (now closed) and 171 Sales. They even incorporated AI-generated vehicle photos placed in front of the actual dealership buildings. Bobby LaFleur, former owner of Bobby LaFleur Auto Sales, discovered the fraud when his name was implicated in a Colorado investigation. Donald Shillow, owner of 171 Sales, also found his business targeted, with a fake website displaying a Mercedes G-Wagon in front of his building, a vehicle he does not own. The photos of the buildings themselves were real, suggesting someone physically visited the locations to capture images before AI was used to add vehicles. The phone number for the fake Bobby LaFleur Auto Sales website has since been deactivated, and its inventory removed, but the fraudulent site for 17...

Chinese National Sentenced to 20 Years for Hacking BTS Member Jungkook and Business Executives

Chinese National Sentenced to 20 Years for Hacking BTS Member Jungkook and Business Executives

A Seoul court has sentenced a Chinese national, identified as Chun, to 20 years in prison for orchestrating a hacking scheme that targeted K-pop group BTS member Jungkook and several South Korean business executives. The Seoul Central District Court found Chun guilty of fraud and violating the information network act. The scheme involved the theft of over 38 billion won (approximately $27.2 million) from the victims. Chun was part of a criminal ring operating internationally, including in Thailand, from August 2023 to January 2025. The group's method involved collecting personal information, activating mobile phones in the victims' names, and subsequently transferring assets from their accounts. While the hacking group attempted to steal 8.4 billion won worth of Jungkook's shares in HYBE, his agency BigHit Music took immediate action to prevent any losses.

North Huntingdon Police Warn Residents of Cryptocurrency Scam Involving Fake Arrest Warrants

North Huntingdon Police Warn Residents of Cryptocurrency Scam Involving Fake Arrest Warrants

North Huntingdon Township police are investigating multiple reports of a scam where individuals impersonate law enforcement officers and demand cryptocurrency payments for fabricated arrest warrants. On August 17, 2026, two residents reported being contacted by an unknown individual claiming to be an Allegheny County Sheriff’s Deputy. The caller informed them they had missed a court date as witnesses in an identity theft case, resulting in charges and an arrest warrant. Victims were instructed to withdraw funds and deposit them into a kiosk, then received Bitcoin wallet QR codes via text for the deposit. The scammers kept victims on the phone throughout the process, advising them not to contact anyone else or hang up. Two additional similar incidents were reported on August 18, 2026. Authorities noted that AI-generated images of arrest warrants were also sent to victims, along with explanations for the kiosk payment method.

New York State Warns of Fraudulent Website Targeting Holocaust Survivors

New York State Warns of Fraudulent Website Targeting Holocaust Survivors

Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) have issued a warning to Holocaust survivors and their families regarding a potential fraud scheme. The alert follows unsolicited fraudulent correspondence from an entity calling itself the 'Jewish Holocaust Claims Center,' which urged recipients to submit claims for compensation. The DFS was unable to verify the identity, services, or legitimacy of this entity. Consequently, the DFS referred the scam to law enforcement authorities and reported the entity's website to its hosting provider, leading to the website's removal. The DFS has also issued a consumer notice advising Holocaust survivors and their families to exercise caution when contacted about potential eligibility for compensation or restitution and to independently verify any such outreach before providing personal or financial information. The DFS has coordinated with local government and other organizations to publicize this alert.

Wildfire Smoke to Impact Montana Amid Hot, Dry Conditions

Wildfire Smoke to Impact Montana Amid Hot, Dry Conditions

High pressure is building over Montana, bringing hot, dry, and windy conditions that are expected to persist through the end of the week. These weather patterns are intensifying fire activity in the region, particularly in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, and are pushing smoke into Montana. Satellite imagery from Wednesday morning shows significant smoke over the northern half of the state. Air quality has deteriorated in several areas, with particulate levels reaching moderate levels in cities such as Missoula, Great Falls, and Helena. The Rapid Refresh Forecast System predicts increased smoke production from regional wildfires, with light surface smoke expected across parts of the state.