Technology

TV host Andy Cohen swindled in costly bank scam: How to avoid becoming a victim yourself

Published

2 years ago

January 25, 2024

TV host Andy Cohen swindled in costly bank scam: How to avoid becoming a victim yourself

Andy Cohen, the host of Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” recently revealed he was scammed out of a large sum of money by an imposter who pretended to be from his bank.

He shared his story on TV, social media and on his Sirius XM “Andy Cohen’s Daddy Diaries Podcast,” hoping to raise awareness and prevent others from falling into the same trap.

What is an imposter scam?

An imposter scam is when someone contacts you pretending to be someone you trust, such as a government official, a bank employee, a family member or a friend.

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They may use fake names, phone numbers, email addresses, or websites to trick you into giving them your money or personal information. They may also use threats, promises or emotional appeals to pressure you into acting quickly.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), imposter scams are the most common type of fraud reported by consumers in the U.S.

How did Andy Cohen get scammed?

Cohen said that his ordeal started when he lost his bank card and reported it lost. The next day, he received an email that looked like it was from his bank’s fraud alert system. The email asked him to click on a link and sign in to his bank account to verify some suspicious transactions. This is how it all went down from there.

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Andy Cohen (Getty Images for Sirius XM)

The fake email that started it all

Cohen said he clicked on the link and entered his username and password, thinking that the email was legitimate. However, he later realized that the link was fake and that he had given the scammers access to his bank account.

The Apple ID request that gave them access

The scammers then asked him to sign in to his Apple ID, which he said was a red flag. He said he closed the browser and ignored the request, but it was too late. The scammers had already gained control of his phone and his bank account.

Apple ID on iPhone (Apple)

The text and phone call that confirmed the scam

The next day, he received a text message from what appeared to be his bank, asking him if he was trying to use his card. He replied that it was not him, and then he received a phone call from someone who claimed to be from his bank’s fraud department.

The caller asked him to confirm some recent charges on his account, which he said were accurate because the scammers could see his transactions. The caller then said they would send him some codes to verify his identity and asked him to read them back.

The codes that were actually wire transfers

Cohen said he received three codes, which he later learned were actually wire transfers from two of his accounts to the scammers. He said he thought he was talking to his bank and that the codes were part of the security process.

The call-forwarding trick that blocked the real bank

The scammers then did something even more sneaky. They asked him to enter some numbers, which they gave him, on his phone’s keypad, which activated the call-forwarding feature. This meant that any incoming calls to his phone would be redirected to the scammers, including the calls from his real bank.

Call forwarding on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Cohen said he tried calling his bank’s fraud number but never received a callback. He said his phone was silent all night, which he found strange. The next day, a visit to his bank revealed that a significant sum of money had been wired out of his account, the exact amount of which he did not reveal. Cohen highlighted the harsh reality that once money is wired out, it’s generally not recoverable.

The discovery of the loss and the report to the police

He said he reported the incident to the NYPD Cyber Security Unit and that the case was still under investigation. He said he wanted to share his experience to warn others.

MORE: PROTECT YOURSELF FROM TECH SUPPORT SCAMS

How can you avoid imposter scams?

Andy Cohen shared some tips on how to avoid imposter scams based on what he learned from his experience. Here is his advice, along with some additional suggestions.

1) Check the email address

If you receive an email that claims to be from your bank, your government, or any other organization, always check the sender’s email address. It may look official, but if you click on it, you may see that it is not from the domain you expect. For example, it may say “Bank of America,” but the email address may be something like “bankofamerica@gmail.com” or “bankofamerica@fraud.com.” Do not click on any links or attachments in the email, and do not reply to it. Instead, contact the organization directly using a phone number or a website that you know is genuine.

2) Avoid the sense of urgency

Many imposter scams rely on creating a sense of urgency or panic in the victim. They may tell you that your account has been hacked, that you owe money to the IRS, that your loved one is in trouble, or that you have won a prize. They may ask you to act quickly and send money, provide personal information, or buy gift cards. Do not let them rush you or pressure you. Take a breath and think twice before you respond. If you are not sure, talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, a family member, or a financial advisor. Remember, legitimate organizations will never ask you to pay them with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

3) Verify the caller’s identity

If you receive a phone call from someone who claims to be from your bank, your government, or any other organization, do not trust them blindly. They may use fake names, phone numbers, or caller ID information to fool you. They may also have some information about you, such as your name, your address, or your account number, to make you think they are real. However, this does not mean they are who they say they are. They may have obtained this information from public sources, data breaches, or previous scams. Do not give them any more information, such as your password, your PIN, your social security number, or your credit card number. Do not agree to any requests, such as sending money, buying gift cards, or entering codes. Instead, hang up and call the organization directly using a phone number that you know is genuine. You can also check the organization’s website for any alerts or warnings about scams.

4) Protect your devices: Have good antivirus software on all your devices

Imposter scammers may try to access your devices, such as your computer, your phone, or your tablet, to steal your information or money. They may send you fake emails, texts, or pop-ups that ask you to click on a link, download a file, or install software. Do not do it.

They may also ask you to sign in to your online accounts, such as your email, your bank, or your Apple ID. Do not fall for these tricks. They may infect your devices with malware, spyware, or ransomware, or they may lock you out of your accounts.

The best way to protect yourself from these types of cyberthreats or having your data breached is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. Having good antivirus software actively running on your devices will alert you of any malware in your system, warn you against clicking on any malicious links in phishing emails, and ultimately protect you from being hacked. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

5) Use strong and unique passwords

Create strong passwords for your accounts and devices, and avoid using the same password for multiple online accounts. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords. It will help you to create unique and difficult-to-crack passwords that a hacker could never guess. Second, it also keeps track of all your passwords in one place and fills passwords in for you when you’re logging into an account so that you never have to remember them yourself. The fewer passwords you remember, the less likely you will be to reuse them for your accounts.

6) Perform regular software updates

Developers frequently release updates to patch vulnerabilities and improve overall security. Both Apple and Android issue updates regularly, so check for and install them often.

Scam alert illustration (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: THE ‘UNSUBSCRIBE’ EMAIL SCAM IS TARGETING AMERICANS

I’ve been scammed like Andy. What to do next?

Below are some next steps if you find you or your loved one is a victim of identity theft from an imposter scam.

1) Change your passwords. If you suspect that your phone has been hacked or that someone is impersonating you, they could access your online accounts and steal your data or money. ON ANOTHER DEVICE (i.e., your laptop or desktop), you should change your passwords for all your important accounts, such as email, banking, social media, etc. You want to do this on another device so the hacker isn’t’ recording you setting up your new password on your hacked device. Use strong and unique passwords that are hard to guess or crack. You can also consider using a password manager to generate and store your passwords securely.

2) Look through bank statements and check account transactions to see where outlier activity started.

3) Use a fraud protection service. Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number, and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

Some of the best parts of using an identity theft protection service include identity theft insurance to cover losses and legal fees and a white glove fraud resolution team where a US-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

4) Report any breaches to official government agencies like the Federal Communications Commission.

5) You may wish to get the professional advice of a lawyer before speaking to law enforcement, especially when you are dealing with criminal identity theft and if being a victim of criminal identity theft leaves you unable to secure employment or housing

6) Alert all three major credit bureaus and possibly place a fraud alert on your credit report.

7) Run your own background check or request a copy of one if that is how you discovered your information has been used by a criminal.

8) Alert your contacts. If hackers have accessed your device through SMS spoofing, they could use them to send spam or phishing messages to your contacts. They could impersonate you and ask for money or personal information. You should alert your contacts and warn them not to open or respond to any messages from you that seem suspicious or unusual.

9) Restore your device to factory settings. If you want to make sure that your device is completely free of any malware or spyware, you can restore it to factory settings. This will erase all your data and settings and reinstall the original version. You should back up your important data BEFORE doing this, and only restore it from a trusted source.

If you are a victim of identity theft, the most important thing to do is to take immediate action to mitigate the damage and prevent further harm.

MORE: ALL NEW TRICKY THREAT OF THE FAKE BROWSER UPDATE SCAM

Kurt’s key takeaways

Imposter scams are a serious threat that can cost you a lot of money and stress. Andy Cohen learned this the hard way, but he decided to share his story to help others avoid the same mistake.

By following his tips and the FTC’s advice, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from imposter scammers. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, or too bad to be true, it probably is. Be smart, be vigilant, and be safe.

How do you think the authorities and the banks should handle imposter scams and help the victims recover their losses? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

I’ve been waiting years for Animal Crossing’s best new features

Published

39 minutes ago

December 16, 2025

Press Room

I’ve been waiting years for Animal Crossing’s best new features

I never felt done with my Animal Crossing: New Horizons island. Despite playing every day for two years, and racking up 1,700 hours of playtime, I somehow never finished decorating. I had plenty of ideas for my island, sure, but actually implementing them was another story: The decorating and terraforming systems that helped make New Horizons a huge success are also slow, manual, and cumbersome, and my patience for decorating and redecorating had finally worn thin.

Fast-forward a few years, and a very much unexpected update is coming to finally fix some of those pain points. Update 3.0 is launching on January 15th, 2026, alongside the Switch 2 Edition of New Horizons. And while the paid Switch 2 upgrade has some nice-to-haves (like Joy-Con 2 mouse controls for indoor decorating), it’s the free update that brings all the key new features.

I recently attended a virtual preview for the New Horizons upgrade and update, and there are two caveats: I have not yet played either the Switch 2 version or the new free content myself, and it’s hard to gauge the quality of the Switch 2 version’s visual and performance improvements over a Zoom call. (I still have some unanswered questions about the biggest performance issues on the original Switch, like the choppy frame rate on more densely decorated islands.) But seeing the 3.0 additions in action, it was easy to imagine myself finishing my island — or at least an island.

As shown in the October announcement trailer, update 3.0 makes much-needed quality-of-life fixes. You’ll finally be able to craft multiple items at once, and crafting will pull materials from your overall storage instead of your pockets, meaning you won’t have to do a bunch of inventory management just to craft some decor. Then there’s Resetti’s Reset Service, which can help you clean up entire sections of your island instantly so you don’t have to pick everything up individually in order to redecorate. Some players also noticed a very subtle but potentially impactful change to movement while terraforming that should hopefully make it a smoother process. And then, as if to show off those decorating improvements, Nintendo also added Slumber Islands.

Not to be confused with dreams, New Horizons’ online island-sharing feature, Slumber Islands are extra sandboxes for you to decorate and play with, where you can set the time of day and the weather and magically conjure up any item you have in your in-game catalog to decorate with, similar to the Happy Home Paradise DLC. You can build bridges and inclines instantly by talking to Lloid, rather than going through Tom Nook and waiting (or time traveling) a day. And while it seems like terraforming works the same on Slumber Islands, the apparent addition of strafing while terraforming — instead of having to constantly reorient yourself manually — should help at least a little bit. (It’s the first thing I’m going to test on January 15th, that’s for sure.)

For me, the worst part of decorating in New Horizons was having an idea, ordering all the furniture I’d need for it over the course of days, testing out the design, realizing it did not look the way I envisioned, and facing the tedious process of breaking it all down and starting over again brick by brick — or, at the very least, having to push and pull objects around for a while to see if I could make it work. The design process I saw on Nintendo’s Slumber Island during the preview, meanwhile, seemed quicker and smoother. Trying out an idea or aesthetic in that environment doesn’t sound like such a tall order.

Without any hands-on time, I can’t say if it will actually be noticeably easier to design and decorate with the 3.0 update. But I’m excited by the idea that I can go to my Slumber Island scratch pad and try out my designs before committing to them (and the cost in bells to get it all done) on my main island. And maybe, if I really like how it feels to decorate, I’ll make an entire Halloween-themed Slumber Island — the kind of island I’ve wanted to make for years but never did on my main island, where the seasons continue to change and actively ruin the vibe.

Technology

Password manager fined after major data breach

Published

1 hour ago

December 16, 2025

Press Room

Password manager fined after major data breach

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Any data breach affecting 1.6 million people is serious. It draws even more attention when it involves a company trusted to guard passwords. That is exactly what happened to LastPass.

The UK Information Commissioner’s Office has fined LastPass about $1.6 million for security failures tied to its 2022 breach. Regulators say those failures allowed a hacker to access a backup database and put users at risk.

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CHECK IF YOUR PASSWORDS WERE STOLEN IN HUGE LEAK

Why the LastPass breach still matters

LastPass is one of the most widely used password managers in the world. It serves more than 20 million individual users and around 100,000 businesses. That popularity also makes it an attractive target for cybercriminals.

The UK Information Commissioner’s Office fined LastPass for security failures tied to its 2022 breach. (LaylaBird/Getty Images)

In 2022, LastPass confirmed that an unauthorized party accessed parts of its customer information through a third-party cloud storage service. While the incident initially raised alarms, the long-term impact has taken time to fully surface.

The ICO now says the breach affected about 1.6 million UK users alone. That scope played a major role in the size of the fine.

What regulators say went wrong

According to the ICO, LastPass failed to put strong enough technical and security controls in place. Those gaps made it possible for attackers to reach a backup database that should have been better protected.

The regulator added that LastPass promises to help people improve security, but failed to meet that expectation. As a result, users were left exposed even if their passwords were not directly cracked.

Were passwords exposed or decrypted?

There is still no evidence that attackers decrypted customer passwords. That point matters.

Despite the breach, security experts continue to recommend password managers for most people. Storing unique, strong passwords in an encrypted vault is still far safer than reusing weak passwords across accounts.

As one expert noted, modern breaches often succeed after identity access rather than password cracking alone. Once attackers get a foothold, the damage can spread quickly.

Although attackers accessed a backup database, there is no evidence that customer passwords were decrypted. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why the LastPass fine is a wake-up call for cybersecurity

The ICO called the LastPass fine a turning point. It reinforces the idea that security is about governance, staff training and supplier risk as much as software.

Users have a right to expect that companies handling sensitive data take every reasonable step to protect it.

Breaches may be inevitable, but weak safeguards are not.

LastPass on the UK data breach

We reached out to LastPass for comment on the UK fine, and a spokesperson provided CyberGuy with the following statement:

“We have been cooperating with the UK ICO since we first reported this incident to them back in 2022. While we are disappointed with the outcome, we are pleased to see that the ICO’s decision has recognized many of the efforts we have already taken to further strengthen our platform and enhance our data security measures. Our focus remains on delivering the best possible service to the 100,000 businesses and millions of individual consumers who continue to rely on LastPass.”

MASSIVE DATA BREACH EXPOSES 184 MILLION PASSWORDS AND LOGINS

How to protect yourself after a password manager breach

Breaches like this are a reminder that security requires layers. No single tool can protect everything on its own.

1) Use a strong password manager correctly

Keep using a reputable password manager. Set a long, unique master password and enable two-factor authentication. Avoid reusing your master password anywhere else.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.

2) Rotate sensitive passwords

Change passwords for financial accounts, email accounts and work logins. Focus on services that could cause real damage if compromised.

3) Lock down your email

Your email account is the key to password resets. Use a strong password, two-factor authentication and recovery options you control.

4) Reduce your exposed personal data

Data brokers collect and sell personal information that criminals use for targeting. A data removal service can help reduce what is publicly available about you. 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.

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

The fine sends a warning to the entire cybersecurity industry. Companies that handle sensitive data must protect it with strong safeguards and oversight. (REUTERS/Andrew Kelly)

5) Watch for phishing attempts and use strong antivirus software

After major breaches, scammers follow. Be cautious of emails claiming urgent account problems or asking for verification details. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

6) Keep devices updated

Install updates for your operating system, browser and security tools. Many attacks rely on known vulnerabilities that updates already fix.

Kurt’s key takeaways

The fine against LastPass is about more than one company. It highlights how much trust we place in tools that manage our digital lives. Password managers remain a smart security choice. Still, this case shows why you should stay alert even when using trusted brands. Strong settings, regular reviews and layered protection matter more than ever. In the end, security works best when companies and we share the responsibility. Tools help, but habits and awareness finish the job.

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Do you believe companies are doing enough to protect user data, or should regulators step in more often? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Silksong is getting a free expansion next year

Published

13 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Press Room

Silksong is getting a free expansion next year

It’s still hard to believe that Hollow Knight: Silksong actually came out this year, but now, we all have a new thing to wait for: the game is getting a free expansion in 2026, titled Sea of Sorrow. Team Cherry calls it the game’s “first big expansion.”

“New areas, bosses, tools, and more!” Team Cherry says in a blog post. “Hornet’s adventures continue in our nautically themed expansion, coming free for all players next year. We’ll keep further details a secret for now, but expect additional info shortly before Hollow Knight: Silksong – Sea of Sorrow releases.”

More than 7 million people bought Silksong, according to Team Cherry, and “millions more” played on Xbox Game Pass.

The original Hollow Knight is getting updated, too. Team Cherry is working on a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game that “incorporates all the updates and enhancements that Silksong received on the platform: High frame-rate modes, higher resolutions, and many additional graphical effects.” Players who own the Switch version of the game will get the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition as a free update when it’s available in 2026.

Ahead of that launch, Team Cherry says it will be “updating all versions of the original game for current platforms, adding features and fixing bugs.” Those changes include “full 16:10 and 21:9 aspect ratio support for those of you with Steam Decks or ultrawide monitors,” and PC players can try the new updates in public beta.