FCC warns of 50-state scam by fraudsters posing as mortgage lenders
Callers spoof the caller ID number of the victim's actual lending institution, swindling money from those seeking financial relief.
Scam Alert
Officials warn against price gouging, looting amid Los Angeles wildfires
California Attorney General Rob Bonta warned of bad actors who seek to use the trauma and chaos created by the wildfires in California for their own gain.
How to avoid falling victim to online ticket scams
Americans lost over $2.3 million to online ticket scams this year, according to the FBI. Lucas Gutterman from U.S. Public Interest Research Group shares tips to protect yourself.
AI grandma tool helps fend off phone scams
British phone company Virgin Media O2 has developed an AI-generated grandmother to talk to scammers all day and waste their time so you don't have to. CBS News Confirmed executive producer Melissa Mahtani has more on the "grandma" and how you can protect yourself from phone scams.
Deepfakes of Elon Musk contribute to billions in fraud losses
A study found that Elon Musk is the most common celebrity used in deepfake scams.
Report probes phone companies over robocalls
While scam phone calls have slightly decreased in the last three years, scam texts have tripled. A consumer report found that phone companies need to do more to prevent robocalls and texts for customers. CBS News correspondent Nancy Chen has more.
CBS News investigates online romance scams
A CBS News investigation looks into internet romance scams that are targeting Americans, tracking them to Ghana, where many of the scams begin. Debora Patta shows how men and women who are looking for love online are tricked into sending money.
Inside look at Ghana romance scam operations
Men and women in the U.S. looking for love online are being tricked by young men trained to scam them. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta followed the money all the way to Ghana.
An inside look at an elaborate romance scam
Operating out of underground boiler rooms across Ghana, online criminal syndicates prey on older Americans, running sophisticated scams that break hearts and empty bank accounts. Ghanaian scammers told CBS News they prefer targeting men as they are easier to trap and less likely to report the scam because of their deep shame. Debora Patta reports.
Gov. Newsom Vetoes Bill to protect California seniors from scammers
Credit card companies are responsible for fraud loss, under federal law. But there's no penalty for big banks when venerable victims wire thousands of dollars to scammers.
Inside a romance scam targeting American men
Scammers overseas are targeting Americans' hearts and their wallets. Men, who believe they're speaking with women online, are lured into sending them money -- but that money often ends up in the hands of young men in the West African nation of Ghana. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta reports on her yearlong investigation into these operations.
Scammers hire models to fool Americans
A group of romance scammers based in Ghana have been hiring models and escorts to fool Americans. Debora Patta was given an inside look at the operation.
92-year-old loses life savings in online scam
Earlier in 2024, CBS News shared a story about the growing epidemic of overseas online scammers robbing vulnerable Americans. There is now an update on the billions of dollars being taken. CBS News' Jim Axelrod spoke with a woman whose elderly mother lost her life savings.
Elderly woman becomes target of overseas gold scam
A 92-year-old Los Angeles woman became the target of overseas scammers, who convinced her to put her life savings into gold and then hand the precious metal over. Now, her daughter is looking to hold the bank that allowed the transactions responsible. Jim Axelrod reports.
How to protect yourself against blackmail email scams
A blackmail email scam relies on public information, using a person's name, address and even a street view image of where they live.
How criminals are targeting job seekers
Employment scams surged by 118% last year, costing victims over $70 million, according to the FBI. Criminals are using tactics like fake job offers and AI-generated text messages to steal personal information and money. Senior consumer investigative correspondent Anna Werner shares tips on how to avoid falling victim to these scams.
3 tips to spot misinformation online
It's more important than ever to scrutinize what you see online. These three tips from CBS News Confirmed will help you know what to trust.
Did you receive an unsolicited package? It might be a brushing scam.
Receiving a product in the mail you didn't order can indicate a scam, consumer advocates warn. Here's what to know.
OpenAI warns of foreign propaganda campaigns
ChatGPT developer OpenAI warns that state actors worldwide use generative artificial intelligence to run covert propaganda operations. The company told The Washington Post it found groups in Russia, China, Iran and Israel using its technology to build and launch social media campaigns. Gerrit De Vynck, tech reporter for The Post, joins CBS News to discuss.
Scams on TikTok targeting weight loss drugs
A joint investigation by Digital Citizens Alliance and Coalition for a Safer Web found dozens of TikTok profiles offering to ship weight loss drugs for lower prices and without a prescription. In nearly every situation, it was a scam.
Elder fraud on the rise in the U.S.
Scams targeting people over 60 are on the rise in the U.S., with $3.4 billion being stolen just last year, according to a new FBI report. Nicole Sganga reports.
Schemes targeting seniors account for $3.4 billion in reported losses, FBI says
Reports of elder fraud crimes increased by 14% in 2023, according to a new federal report.
Why the U.S. struggles to combat romance scams
Local and federal authorities face challenges in investigating and prosecuting romance scammers because the scammers are often based overseas. Jim Axelrod explains.
Widow's death highlights romance scams danger
A growing form of fraud is posing physical, emotional, and financial threats to everyday Americans. Jim Axelrod reports on a romance scam turned tragic -- when a widow was swindled out of her life savings.
Widow's scam story serves as cautionary tale
A widow looking for love was scammed out of $1.5 million before her tragic death. Her daughter is now on a mission to share her mom's story, hoping it spurs change.
Watch Live: Pam Bondi confirmation hearing for attorney general underway
Pam Bondi served as Florida's attorney general and represented President-elect Donald Trump during his first impeachment proceedings.
live updates
"Particularly dangerous" winds warning yet again for Los Angeles fires area
Fires across the Los Angeles area have killed at least 25 people. The Palisades and Eaton wildfires continue to burn out of control in Southern California.
Biden says "I have given my heart and my soul to our nation" ahead of farewell address
President Biden is addressing the nation from the Oval Office at 8 p.m.
Watch Live: John Ratcliffe faces senators at confirmation hearing for CIA director
The former Texas congressman previously led the nation's spy agencies as director of national intelligence in the last months of the first Trump administration.
FDA bans food dye Red 3, citing concern over cancer in some animals
The red food dye is used in products ranging from candies to vegetarian meats.
Dozens arrested in India over alleged 5-year sexual abuse of teen girl
Authorities in southern India have detained almost 50 men suspected of repeatedly raping and sexually abusing a girl from the age of 13.
FDA to cut nicotine from cigarettes, in plan first floated under Trump
It will be up to the returning Trump administration to decide whether to finalize the rule.
CPI edged higher in December, complicating the Fed's rate decision
Inflation is proving stickier than expected, which could cause Fed to hit pause button on more interest rate cuts.
Impeached South Korean president detained over martial law declaration
South Korea's anti-corruption agency detains impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief declaration of martial law.
U.S.
More U.S.
FDA bans food dye Red 3, citing concern over cancer in some animals
The red food dye is used in products ranging from candies to vegetarian meats.
Watch Live: John Ratcliffe faces senators at confirmation hearing for CIA director
The former Texas congressman previously led the nation's spy agencies as director of national intelligence in the last months of the first Trump administration.
FDA to cut nicotine from cigarettes, in plan first floated under Trump
It will be up to the returning Trump administration to decide whether to finalize the rule.
CPI edged higher in December, complicating the Fed's rate decision
Inflation is proving stickier than expected, which could cause Fed to hit pause button on more interest rate cuts.
In opening pitch to Congress, Pam Bondi to vow "one tier of justice for all"
In planned remarks to Congress, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the Justice Department commits that "partisan weaponization of the Department of Justice will end" under her watch.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
CPI edged higher in December, complicating the Fed's rate decision
Inflation is proving stickier than expected, which could cause Fed to hit pause button on more interest rate cuts.
SEC sues Elon Musk, accusing him of withholding info from Twitter investors
The SEC has sued billionaire X owner Elon Musk, alleging he failed to disclose his ownership of Twitter stock in a timely manner in 2022.
Capital One allegedly cheated customers out of $2 billion, CFPB says
The CFPB is suing Capital One for allegedly misleading consumers about its offerings for high-interest savings accounts.
Los Angeles residents hire private firefighters to save their homes
Private firefighters are working alongside municipal departments to battle the wildfires. Here's how much they cost.
FCC warns of 50-state scam by fraudsters posing as mortgage lenders
Callers spoof the caller ID number of the victim's actual lending institution, swindling money from those seeking financial relief.
Politics
More Politics
Pentagon watchdog: Austin's hospitalization "unnecessarily" increased risks
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized for two weeks at the start of 2024 for complications arising from surgery to treat prostate cancer.
Watch Live: John Ratcliffe faces senators at confirmation hearing for CIA director
The former Texas congressman previously led the nation's spy agencies as director of national intelligence in the last months of the first Trump administration.
In opening pitch to Congress, Pam Bondi to vow "one tier of justice for all"
In planned remarks to Congress, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the Justice Department commits that "partisan weaponization of the Department of Justice will end" under her watch.
Biden says "I have given my heart and my soul to our nation" ahead of farewell address
President Biden is addressing the nation from the Oval Office at 8 p.m.
Watch Live: Pam Bondi confirmation hearing for attorney general underway
Pam Bondi served as Florida's attorney general and represented President-elect Donald Trump during his first impeachment proceedings.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
FDA bans food dye Red 3, citing concern over cancer in some animals
The red food dye is used in products ranging from candies to vegetarian meats.
FDA to cut nicotine from cigarettes, in plan first floated under Trump
It will be up to the returning Trump administration to decide whether to finalize the rule.
3 Boar's Head plants also had unsanitary conditions, USDA records show
Several Boar's Head deli meat plants were cited for unsanitary conditions, not just the factory shut down after a deadly listeria outbreak.
More than 1 drink a day raises risk of dying, federal review concludes
The death risk goes up to 1 in 100 for those who drink alcohol nine times per week, the report found.
FDA unveils proposed rules to put nutrition facts on the front of the package
It will be up to the incoming Trump administration to finalize the rule on food labels.
World
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Major Russian missile strike forces Ukraine to shut down power grid
Russia missiles have pounded energy infrastructure across Ukraine, forcing power cuts in the dead of winter.
Dozens arrested in India over alleged 5-year sexual abuse of teen girl
Authorities in southern India have detained almost 50 men suspected of repeatedly raping and sexually abusing a girl from the age of 13.
5 shot dead in Mexican town; body parts found in Gulf coast region
Five people were gunned down on the same street where another attack left eight dead just months earlier.
Impeached South Korean president detained over martial law declaration
South Korea's anti-corruption agency detains impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief declaration of martial law.
Biden to lift Cuba's status as terror sponsor in exchange for prisoners' release
The move is likely to be reversed by the incoming Trump administration.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Gwendoline Christie on new "Severance"
The hit show "Severance" returns for season two, where office workers have been altered to forget their outside lives. Gwendoline Christie joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the intense premise and what's ahead for the series.
Princess Kate announces she's in remission from cancer
Princess Kate made the announcement on social media after visiting the London hospital where she received treatment.
Ayesha Curry on new book imprint
Chef, entrepreneur and author Ayesha Curry joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to discuss expanding her empire into publishing, uplifting diverse voices and why she selected her imprint's first novel "Honeysuckle and Bone" by Trisha Tobias.
Ayesha Curry launches book imprint
Chef, entrepreneur and bestselling author Ayesha Curry expands her empire into publishing with "Sweet July Books," an imprint dedicated to diverse voices. The first novel, "Honeysuckle and Bone" by Trisha Tobias, follows a young woman discovering dark secrets in Jamaica. They join "CBS Mornings."
Carrie Underwood to perform at Trump's inauguration
The country music star is set to perform "America the Beautiful" before Trump takes the oath of office.
Technology
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Meta is cutting 5% of its workforce, or more than 3,600 employees
Meta will cut about 5% of its workforce, focusing on getting rid of low-performing employees at the social media giant.
SpaceX to launch two lunar landers
Just after midnight Wednesday, a SpaceX rocket is scheduled to lift off, carrying a pair of lunar landers that will try to touch down on the moon in the coming months. One was built by a Japanese company and the other was built by a Texas company. Their mission is to carefully lower to the lunar surface and deliver 10 payloads for NASA.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
What would happen to TikTok on my phone if the app is banned?
A law that could ban TikTok in the U.S. is set to take effect on Jan. 19. Here's what that would mean for users of the social media platform.
Does the tech industry really need so many workers on H-1B visas?
Elon Musk claims the U.S. needs a pipeline of foreign employees working on H-1B visas because the country lacks skilled engineers. Here's what the data shows.
Science
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SpaceX launching "new generation" Starship in test flight today
The latest flight of the SpaceX Super Heavy-Starship includes multiple upgrades to improve safety and performance of the world's most powerful rocket.
Strong winds pick up in L.A. as fires burn
Officials in Los Angeles are now dealing with strengthening winds as the deadly fires continue to burn. CBS News correspondent Adam Yamaguchi has the latest from the Pacific Palisades.
How to talk to kids about the L.A. fires
California officials say the Palisades and Eaton fires are now among the most destructive in the state's history. As the country, state and individual families deal with the unprecedented tragedy, it poses the question of how to discuss wildfire losses with children and teens. Clinical psychologist Lisa Damour joins CBS News to share some best practices for having these tough conversations.
Winds threaten L.A. fire containment efforts
Emergency response teams have made progress in containing some wildfires raging in Southern California, but they still face an uphill fight. CBS News reporter Laura Haefeli is in Los Angeles in the Palisades Fire zone.
L.A. County fire captain on wildfire response
Southern California is bracing for another round of strong winds that could exacerbate the wildfires burning throughout Los Angeles County. Los Angeles County Fire Department Capt. Sheila Kelliher joins CBS News to discuss the latest on containment efforts. Then, CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano joins with more from the Golden State.
Crime
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Dozens arrested in India over alleged 5-year sexual abuse of teen girl
Authorities in southern India have detained almost 50 men suspected of repeatedly raping and sexually abusing a girl from the age of 13.
5 shot dead in Mexican town; body parts found in Gulf coast region
Five people were gunned down on the same street where another attack left eight dead just months earlier.
Chicago customs seized 1,500 Glock switches to turn guns automatic in 2024
Most of the Glock switch shipments had come from China, and were destined for various locations throughout the United States, CPB said.
Oregon man arrested for cold case murder of car salesman
David Staggs was last seen at his home in January 2022. Police said they uncovered what is believed to be his remains on Wednesday.
Texas man charged with stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark
Police found that the man was sending Caitlin Clark messages on X that contained multiple threatening and sexually explicit messages.
Space
More Space
SpaceX launching "new generation" Starship in test flight today
The latest flight of the SpaceX Super Heavy-Starship includes multiple upgrades to improve safety and performance of the world's most powerful rocket.
2 commercial landers launched for the moon
A pair of commercial landers are headed to the moon after launching early Wednesday morning from the Kennedy Space Center on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. CBS News space analyst Bill Harwood has more.
2 privately built moon landers carried into space by SpaceX rocket
Firefly's "Blue Moon" and ispace's "Resilience" are the latest in an ongoing push to gain private-sector experience exploring the moon.
Blue Origin postpones first launch of its massive new rocket
Blue Origin called off the debut launch of its massive New Glenn rocket due to technical trouble. The Jeff Bezos-founded company didn't set a new launch date.
Blue Origin preps New Glenn rocket for high-stakes test flight
Blue Origin expects the New Glenn to provide a viable alternative to SpaceX's market-dominating Falcon family of rockets.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Gwendoline Christie on new "Severance"
The hit show "Severance" returns for season two, where office workers have been altered to forget their outside lives. Gwendoline Christie joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the intense premise and what's ahead for the series.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Mornings Deals, we show you items that might just become essentials in your everyday life. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Jinger Duggar Vuolo on her journey, new book
Jinger Duggar Vuolo, once part of the reality show "19 Kids and Counting," discusses her new book, "People Pleaser," where she shares her personal story of breaking free from the pressure of unrealistic expectations.
Video shows brush fire breaking out in L.A.
Crews were able to extinguish a brush fire that broke out in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles early Wednesday morning. KCAL News assignment manager Mark Liu has more.
New recommendations to measure obesity
A group of experts says Body Mass Index, or BMI, used by doctors to measure obesity, is not a good method. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder explains the new recommendations.