PhishFoe | Aware A curated look at what scammers are doing right now — and what you can do about it.
Minnesota banned cryptocurrency ATMs effective August 1 after logging 134 scam complaints and nearly $1 million in losses between 2023 and 2025. Scammers keep victims on the phone while sending them to nearby crypto kiosks to convert cash into irreversible crypto payments. Nationwide, the FBI recorded over 13,400 crypto kiosk complaints in 2025 with losses topping $388 million.
Scammers pose as VA representatives and offer to help military veterans apply for benefits for a fee. The FTC warns that applying through the VA is always free, and accredited Veterans Service Organizations also help at no cost. Never pay someone to file your VA claim.
The FBI warns that criminals are impersonating IC3 recovery staff, using AI deepfake videos of real FBI officials and spoofed IC3 websites to re-target people who have already lost money to scams. First contact comes through Facebook Messenger, Telegram, or other chat apps.
The FCC updated its warning on bank impersonation scams, noting that victims often lose everything in their accounts. Scammers call or text with fake fraud alerts, then pressure you to confirm account details, move funds, or convert money to gold or cryptocurrency to "protect" it. Banks will never ask you to move your money to protect it.
The FTC warns that scammers buy paid search ads using the names of real substance use disorder clinics. When you search for a treatment center by name, the top result may look legitimate but link to an impersonator's website and phone number. Telemarketers then try to redirect you to their own facility.
The FTC warns that scammers create fake rental listings specifically targeting military members dealing with last-minute permanent change of station (PCS) orders. Below-market rent, excuses for why you cannot see the unit in person, and demands for payment via gift cards or wire transfers are the key red flags.
People are receiving letters in the mail from law firms claiming a client with their last name died and left them millions in life insurance proceeds. The FTC warns the letters are from scammers, not lawyers, and the policies do not exist. Responding puts your personal and financial information at risk.