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Retirees lose millions to fake holiday charities as scammers exploit seasonal generosity

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Retirees lose millions to fake holiday charities as scammers exploit seasonal generosity

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The holidays are supposed to be a season of generosity, family and giving back. For many retirees, October through December is the time to support causes close to their hearts, whether it’s helping veterans, feeding families or donating to disaster relief. But there’s a darker side to this generosity. Scammers know that retirees are among the most generous members of our communities, and they exploit that kindness to line their own pockets.

Millions of dollars are stolen through fake “charities” that pop up just before the holidays. Their calls, letters and emails look legitimate, but the money never reaches those in need. Instead, it funds criminals who are ready to strike again.

Here’s what every retiree (and their loved ones) should know about holiday charity scams and how to protect their money, identity and peace of mind.

HOW RETIREES CAN STOP FAKE DEBT COLLECTOR SCAMS

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Scammers mimic real charities to pressure retirees into quick donations. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why retirees are prime targets for fake charities

Retirees often give more generously than other groups. Scammers know this, and they know how to tailor their pitch.

  • Emotional appeals: Fraudsters will mention children, veterans or natural disaster victims to tug at heartstrings.
  • Polite persistence: Retirees tend to answer calls and engage longer on the phone, which scammers see as an opportunity.
  • Data exposure: Your name, age, phone number and even donation history can already be found online through data brokers. That means scammers don’t need to guess; they target you because they know you’ve donated before.

When you combine generosity with publicly available data, scammers see retirees as the “perfect donors.”

HOW SCAMMERS TARGET YOU EVEN WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA

Fake charity red flags

How do you know if a charity request is real or just a scam dressed up for the holidays? Look for these warning signs:

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  • Pressure to act fast: If a caller insists you donate “right now” or tries to guilt you into giving before you hang up, it’s likely a scam. Real charities welcome donations anytime.
  • No details about how money is used: Authentic charities can explain where funds go. Scammers use vague promises like “helping the needy” without specifics.
  • Untraceable payment methods: Requests for gift cards, wire transfers or peer-to-peer app transfers (like Venmo or Zelle) are instant red flags.
  • Lookalike names: Fraudsters often invent names that sound similar to well-known charities, like “Veterans Hope Relief” or “Children’s Aid International.”
  • Caller ID tricks: Scammers can spoof numbers to make it look like they’re calling from a local area code or even a real charity office.

How to safely check a charity before donating

Here’s how to protect yourself while still supporting the causes that matter to you:

  • Research the charity’s name: Before donating, search it on sites like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance at give.org/. If it doesn’t appear there, that’s a red flag.
  • Ask for written information: Real organizations will happily mail or email details about their mission, budgets and how donations are used.
  • Verify tax-exempt status: Use the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search at Irs.gov/charities-and-nonprofits to confirm the charity is legitimate.
  • Check how much goes to the cause: Some charities are real but inefficient, spending more on salaries than programs. Make sure your donation actually helps.

REMOVE YOUR DATA TO PROTECT YOUR RETIREMENT FROM SCAMMERS

Protecting your payment details

Even if the charity itself is real, you need to protect how you give:

  • Use a credit card rather than a debit card because credit cards offer stronger fraud protection.
  • Never give payment info over the phone if you didn’t initiate the call.
  • Donate through the charity’s official website instead of clicking links in unsolicited emails.
  • Keep records of your donations for tax purposes and to spot anything suspicious later.

The elderly must stay vigilant as holiday charity scams target older donors. (iStock)

Why removing your data online reduces charity scam calls

Here’s something most people don’t realize: many charity scams start with data brokers. These companies collect your personal details, such as age, phone number, donation history and even religious or political leanings, and sell them to anyone who asks. That means fraudsters can buy a ready-made list of “generous retirees who donate to veterans’ causes” and start calling immediately. The more information out there about you, the more personalized and convincing scam calls become. That’s why removing your data from broker sites is one of the most powerful defenses available to you.

The easy way to do it

Manually contacting hundreds of data brokers is a never-ending task. Each one has its own forms, emails and hoops to jump through, and many will re-add you months later. That’s where a data removal service comes in. They automatically reach out to data brokers on your behalf, demand the removal of your personal info and keep following up so it doesn’t creep back online.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

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Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

HOW SCAMMERS EXPLOIT YOUR DATA FOR ‘PRE-APPROVED’ RETIREMENT SCAMS

Protect your personal information by donating only through verified official websites. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The holidays should be about joy, generosity and giving back, not about lining the pockets of fraudsters. By spotting the red flags of fake charities, double-checking where your money goes and removing your personal information from online databases, you can keep your donations safe and make sure they reach the people who truly need them. Remember: protecting your generosity is just as important as sharing it.

Have you ever been contacted by a fake charity during the holidays? What tipped you off? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.  

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Dyson’s powerful 360 Vis Nav robovac is down to $279.99 for a limited time

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Dyson’s powerful 360 Vis Nav robovac is down to 9.99 for a limited time

If you’re tired of running your vacuum multiple times just to get the dirt and debris out of the carpets in your living room, Dyson’s 360 Vis Nav is worth a look. It’s one of the more powerful robot vacuums currently available, and now through May 11th (or while supplies last), it’s on sale at Woot for an all-time low of $279.99 ($919 off) with a full two-year warranty.

The last-gen 360 Vis Nav offers a whopping 65 air watts of suction, allowing it to pull dirt, dust, and pet hair from carpets impressively well. In her brief time testing the robovac, my colleague Jennifer Pattison Tuohy said the Dyson “demolished a pile of dry oatmeal in seconds,” adding that she briefly worried it might even suck up the tassels on her large rug (it didn’t). By comparison, many robot vacuums — including Dyson’s new $1,200 Spot + Scrub AI — require multiple passes to fully eradicate the same kind of mess on your floor.

What’s more, the robovac’s small, D-shaped design and the location of its ultra-fluffy brush allow it to dig into edges and corners more effectively than many of the more roundish robot vacuums, while its lower profile lets it easily get under most beds and sofas. The roomy 500ml dustbin also means you likely won’t need to empty it too often, while Dyson’s built-in handle and terrific quick-release button make removing said bin a relatively simple task when it’s time to do so.

While it is undeniably powerful, it’s worth noting that the 360 Vis Nav lacks a few features found on some of its more modern rivals. Although its navigation worked well enough during our testing, it lacks AI-powered obstacle avoidance and doesn’t come with a self-emptying dock. Battery life is also relatively short at around 65 minutes per charge. Nonetheless, if your top priority is quickly removing dust, dirt, and pet hair from carpets without multiple passes, the Dyson remains an option worth considering, especially at this discounted price.

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Global scam crackdown leads to 276 arrests

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Global scam crackdown leads to 276 arrests

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We’ve often warned you about romance scams and crypto “investment” opportunities that feel too good to pass up. Now, there’s a major update that shows just how organized these operations have become.

The Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation announced a sweeping international operation that led to at least 276 arrests and the shutdown of multiple scam centers tied to cryptocurrency fraud. These networks targeted Americans and drained millions of dollars from victims.

The operation spanned continents and involved coordinated efforts by law enforcement and tech companies.

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TOP 5 SCAMS SPREADING RIGHT NOW

The Department of Justice and FBI say international scam networks used romance and fake crypto investment schemes to steal millions from victims. (Helena Dolderer/Picture Alliance)

How the cryptocurrency scam crackdown unfolded

Authorities worked with partners around the world, including the Dubai Police and law enforcement agencies in Thailand and beyond. Together, they dismantled at least nine scam centers linked to large-scale crypto fraud.

Several suspects now face federal charges in the United States, including wire fraud and money laundering. Investigators say these operations functioned like businesses, with recruitment, management layers and structured systems designed to deceive victims.

Officials made it clear that this effort sends a message. Fraud crosses borders, and enforcement is now doing the same.

How crypto investment scams target victims

These schemes often follow a pattern known as “pig-butchering.” It is a slow, calculated tactic that builds trust before any money is involved.

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A scammer may reach out through social media or a messaging app and start a casual conversation. Over time, that interaction turns more personal. In some cases, it feels like a real relationship. Once trust is established, the topic shifts toward investing, often framed as a unique crypto opportunity.

Victims are guided through setting up accounts and transferring funds to platforms that appear legitimate. The dashboards may even show fake gains to build confidence. At that point, control of the money is already gone. Funds are quickly moved through multiple accounts and eventually end up with the scammers.

Many victims are encouraged to keep going, sometimes borrowing money or taking out loans to invest more. By the time the truth becomes clear, the losses can be devastating.

How Meta Platforms, Inc. helped track scam networks

Meta Platforms, Inc. played a key role in the investigation by providing data that helped law enforcement identify and track these networks.

The company says it has taken aggressive action across its platforms. In 2025 alone, Meta removed more than 159 million scam ads and shut down 10.9 million accounts linked to scam centers. More recently, it disabled over 150,000 accounts connected to these networks as part of a coordinated enforcement effort.

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“Meta is committed to combatting online fraud and scams, and we are proud to partner with law enforcement in these efforts,” Chris Sonderby, Meta’s vice president and deputy general counsel, said. “We applaud the DOJ and FBI for their leadership in holding criminal scammers accountable and protecting American consumers.”

FROM FRIENDLY TEXT TO FINANCIAL TRAP: THE NEW SCAM TREND

Federal authorities announced a sweeping international crackdown that led to at least 276 arrests tied to cryptocurrency scam centers targeting Americans. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

New tools to stop cryptocurrency scams in real time

Meta is also rolling out new protections across its apps to help users spot scams before they get pulled in.

On Facebook, users may see alerts tied to suspicious friend requests, especially when an account shows unusual behavior such as limited connections or inconsistent location details. 

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On WhatsApp, new warnings are designed to prevent scammers from linking their own devices to someone else’s account, giving users a chance to pause before approving a risky request.

Messenger is also expanding its scam detection tools. When a conversation shows patterns linked to common fraud tactics, users may receive prompts that explain the risk and suggest actions like blocking or reporting the account.

Why this cryptocurrency scam crackdown matters to you

This operation highlights how organized these scam networks have become. These are not random messages from a single person. They are coordinated groups running structured operations designed to build trust, create urgency and move money quickly.

Even with hundreds of arrests, the threat remains. New networks continue to emerge, often using the same playbook with slight changes. That means staying informed is still one of the most effective ways to protect yourself. 

Ways to stay safe from cryptocurrency scams

Scammers follow familiar patterns, which means there are clear warning signs you can watch for and simple steps you can take to protect yourself. 

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1) Slow down unexpected connections

If someone you do not know reaches out and quickly builds a personal connection, slow things down and question the situation. Scammers rely on momentum, so taking a pause can help you spot inconsistencies. 

2) Verify investment platforms before sending money

Before sending money to any investment platform, take time to verify that it is legitimate. A professional-looking website or app does not guarantee it is real. Look for independent reviews and official registration details.

3) Avoid sending crypto to unknown sources

Avoid sending cryptocurrency to individuals or platforms you cannot confirm. Once those transactions go through, they are extremely difficult to recover.

4) Watch for pressure and urgency

Be aware of pressure. If someone pushes you to act quickly or invest more, that urgency is often a warning sign.

5) Use strong antivirus protection

Strong antivirus software can help block malicious links, fake investment sites and other threats before they reach you, adding another layer of defense against scam attempts. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

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THE ONE THING SCAMMERS CHECK BEFORE TARGETING YOU ONLINE

Meta said it removed more than 159 million scam ads in 2025 and helped investigators track networks tied to cryptocurrency fraud. (Halfpoint/Getty Images)

6) Limit your personal data exposure

Scammers often rely on publicly available information to build trust. Reducing how much of your personal data appears online by using a data removal service can make it harder for them to target you in the first place. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.

7) Strengthen your account security

It also helps to strengthen your digital security. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts and use trusted security tools to reduce exposure to malicious links and messages.

8) Report scams as soon as possible

If you believe you have been targeted or defrauded, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov as soon as possible.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

This global crackdown is a meaningful step forward. It shows what can happen when law enforcement, tech companies and international partners work together. At the same time, these scams are not going away. The tactics will continue to evolve, and new networks will take the place of those that were shut down. Awareness and caution remain your strongest defenses.

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We report a lot about scams but not so much about scammers getting caught. Does this make you feel like real progress is being made in stopping them? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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  • For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Asus chases Elgato with its own secondary touchscreen display

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Asus chases Elgato with its own secondary touchscreen display

Asus’s latest gaming monitor is a little smaller than usual. The ROG Strix XG129C, announced on Friday, is a 12.3-inch touchscreen IPS display that’s intended to be a sidekick for a larger main monitor, similar to the 14.1-inch secondary display in the 2020 Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15. It’s a slightly smaller competitor to Corsair’s Xeneon Edge, which has a 14.5-inch display, but the same 720p resolution.

Asus says the XG129C covers 125 percent of the sRGB color gamut and 90 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. It also comes with a one-year subscription for the hardware monitoring tool AIDA64 Extreme, which would usually cost $65. Besides acting as a performance monitor for your PC, sidekick displays like this can also be handy as an extension for streaming or editing setups, much like Elgato’s Stream Deck.

Along with the little XG129C, Asus also announced the ROG Strix OLED XG34WCDMS, a 34-inch RGB Tandem QD-OLED gaming monitor. It features a 280Hz refresh rate and a 3440 x 1440p resolution, and, according to Asus, covers 99 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. Asus has not yet officially announced pricing for either display.

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