Gay OnlyFans creators are being targeted by crypto scams on X, where hackers steal their accounts, demand ransom in crypto, and post political propaganda or crypto-related content. Patrick Bewley's account was hijacked and filled with MAGA posts, while others faced similar threats and financial repercussions.
Investment scams involving gold, crypto, and wine have surged, with over £220m lost in the past year. UK banks reported nearly 15,000 such scams in 2025, fueled by AI's ability to create sophisticated, large-scale deceptions. Overall fraud losses reached £1.28bn.
Fraud cases in the UK have surged to over 4 million last year, with nearly £1.3bn stolen. Criminals are increasingly using AI for voice manipulation and fake profiles on dating sites, leading to romance scams and significant financial and emotional harm to victims.
Fraud cases in the UK have risen dramatically, with over 4 million instances reported last year, leading to nearly £1.3 billion in losses. Criminals are increasingly using AI for voice manipulation and sophisticated social media tactics, while romance scams involve victims being married to facilitate further theft.
Fraud cases in the UK have dramatically increased, with criminals exploiting AI and romance scams to steal nearly £1.3bn in 2025. Over four million cases were reported, highlighting the need for tech companies to enhance platform security.
As the FIFA World Cup begins in the US, Mexico, and Canada, fans face high ticket prices and a surge in online scams. The FBI warns of spoofed websites designed to steal personal information and money, while official tickets remain expensive, driving fans to resale sites.
Google has filed a lawsuit against Outsider Enterprise, a Chinese cybercrime network, for allegedly using Gemini AI to automate fraudulent text messaging and phishing campaigns. The operation reportedly targeted hundreds of thousands of U.S. victims, stealing millions of credit card numbers and causing billions in losses.
Vladimir Vasenin, head of the press service for the Moscow Main Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, explained that teenagers involved in crimes are often patriotic and readily agree to tasks from scammers, believing they are helping the state. He called this the "pioneer syndrome" and emphasized the importance of parental and adult guidance.
A man in his 40s was sentenced to 8 months in prison for defrauding two individuals he met on a dating app out of approximately 46 million won. The court found that the defendant, A, falsely claimed to need money for hospital and car rental expenses, but used the funds for living expenses while having no intention or ability to repay.
Google has filed a lawsuit against Outsider Enterprise, an alleged Chinese cybercrime network using AI to send mass scam texts and create fake websites. The operation, which impersonates brands like Google, has defrauded hundreds of thousands of victims, with estimated losses in the millions and potentially billions from stolen credit cards.
Google has filed a lawsuit against a Chinese group, Outsider Enterprise, for allegedly using its Gemini AI to power a massive scam campaign. The group offered phishing-as-a-service, creating fake websites and sending millions of scam texts to Android users. Google is working with law enforcement and mobile carriers to combat these AI-enabled threats and is advocating for new legislation.
Google has filed a lawsuit against a Chinese cybercrime network, "Outsider Enterprise," for allegedly using its Gemini AI to create convincing financial scams. The group, operating from China, generated over a million malicious internet addresses and 9,000 counterfeit websites, targeting hundreds of thousands of users, primarily in the US, with millions of dollars in losses.
Google removed 8.3B ads in 2025, flagging AI's critical role in combating escalating fraud. New blockchain-based verification models from Hakuhodo/LG and Coinbase/Spindl aim to ensure ads reach real humans and drive genuine actions, addressing billions in projected ad fraud losses.
TRM Labs warns crypto scammers are targeting FIFA World Cup fans with fake ticketing sites, fixed-match betting, and event-themed promotions. The FBI and FIFA have also issued warnings about fraudulent websites and unofficial ticket sales ahead of the 2026 tournament.
French authorities DGCCRF and ANJ are warning bettors about proliferation of betting advice scams during the World Cup. Influencers, known as 'tipsters,' promote luxury lifestyles to lure people into paying for fake winning tips. Several legal cases are ongoing, with one influencer fined €150,000.
Un projet de loi bipartisan aux États-Unis vise à créer une force spéciale fédérale pour combattre les vols de cryptomonnaies, offrant un interlocuteur unique aux victimes.
Scammers are increasingly using AI, particularly deepfakes, to create sophisticated scams in Vietnam. Experts advise users to watch for time pressure tactics and unusual communication patterns to avoid becoming victims.
Eine europaweite Umfrage der Organisation GASA zeigt, dass organisierte Betrügerbanden zunehmend auf Künstliche Intelligenz setzen, was zu einem Milliardenschaden führt. Viele Betroffene glauben, die Kontrolle zu haben, reichen aber dennoch Geld an Kriminelle weiter.
US lawmakers introduce legislation to create a DOJ-led task force coordinating federal, state, and local investigations into cryptocurrency theft, scams, and digital asset crimes, amid over $11 billion in reported crypto-related losses in 2025.
Multi-stage social engineering scams, parcel delivery fraud, utility payment scams with fake QR codes, and dating site schemes were the most common in early 2026. Scammers use tactics like number spoofing and impersonation to coerce victims into transferring money or granting access to sensitive accounts.
Valve is phasing out physical Steam gift cards by the end of 2026 due to persistent scams. The company is ending the program as scammers adapt to new restrictions, impacting customers. Digital gift cards and redemption of existing physical cards will continue.
A new study by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) found 75% of European adults encountered a scam in the past year, with €50 billion lost. Southeast Asia is a major hub for cyberscamming, with syndicates stealing billions annually. Europe lags behind the US in anti-scam actions.
Valve is discontinuing its physical Steam gift card program, citing ongoing struggles with scammers who exploit the payment method to launder funds. While existing stock will be sold, new production is ceasing.
Blockchain security firm Chainalysis has signed an MOU with the Korean National Police Agency to enhance crypto crime investigations, including those linked to North Korea. The partnership will provide training and tools to combat illicit fund flows.
