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.
Scam Alert
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.
Widow's tragic story highlights scam epidemic
Laura Kowal was looking for love online and ended up being conned out of $1.5 million before her mysterious death. A year-long CBS News investigation found that experts believe law enforcement isn't keeping pace with romance scammers like the ones who victimized Kowal. Correspondent Jim Axelrod reports the first of a four-part series, "Anything for Love," a look inside the nation's romance scam epidemic. [Don't miss Part 2 of the investigative series "Anything for Love" on the "CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell," Monday, April 22.]
Americans lose millions to wire transfer fraud. Could banks do more to stop it?
"Their job is to protect our investments," said one man whose bank account was drained of $15,000. "Otherwise, what's the point of putting it with a bank?"
Congress veers toward government shutdown after GOP revolt
After a Republican revolt led by Elon Musk and Donald Trump torpedoed a plan to fund the government, a new path forward remains unclear as Congress lurches toward Friday night's deadline.
Breaking
UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect waives extradition, returning to NYC
UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect Luigi Mangione is returning to New York City after waiving extradition in Pennsylvania.
Gisèle Pelicot's ex-husband, over 40 others convicted in rape, drugging trial
Gisèle Pelicot said she had no regrets, but hope for the future after a judge sentenced her ex-husband to 20 years in prison for drugging and raping her for years.
Georgia appeals court removes Fani Willis from Trump 2020 election case
President-elect Donald Trump was charged in a sprawling racketeering case related to the 2020 election.
Wisconsin shooter was in contact with California man plotting his own attack
A California judge issued a restraining order against a 20-year-old man who told FBI agents he'd been messaging with the Wisconsin shooter, authorities and court documents say.
Amazon workers, led by Teamsters, on strike in multiple cities
Teamsters union says Amazon workers at seven warehouses plan to walk off the job Thursday morning in multiple states.
FAA bans drones over several New Jersey towns. See the list.
Drones have been banned from flying over nearly two dozen New Jersey towns until Jan. 17, the FAA says.
Oklahoma set to execute man who killed girl during cannibalistic fantasy
Oklahoma is preparing to execute Kevin Underwood, who killed a 10-year-old girl during a cannibalistic fantasy. It would be the 25th and last scheduled U.S. execution this year.
Senate set to vote on bill that would expand Social Security to millions
Senators advance bill that would expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, including teachers, firefighters and others with public pensions.
U.S.
More U.S.
How Trump and Elon Musk derailed bipartisan plans for a funding bill
"My phone was ringing off the hook," Republican Rep. Andy Barr said. "The people who elected us are listening to Elon Musk."
Congress veers toward government shutdown after GOP revolt
After a Republican revolt led by Elon Musk and Donald Trump torpedoed a plan to fund the government, a new path forward remains unclear as Congress lurches toward Friday night's deadline.
Stocks rise, a day after disappointing forecast from Fed triggers sell-off
U.S. stocks are stabilizing following one of their worst days of the year.
Breaking
UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect waives extradition, is returning to NYC
UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect Luigi Mangione is returning to New York City after waiving extradition in Pennsylvania.
Georgia appeals court removes Fani Willis from Trump 2020 election case
The Georgia Court of Appeals ruled that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis must be removed from the 2020 election case against President-elect Donald Trump.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Stocks rise, a day after disappointing forecast from Fed triggers sell-off
U.S. stocks are stabilizing following one of their worst days of the year.
Amazon workers, led by Teamsters, on strike in multiple cities
Teamsters union says Amazon workers at seven warehouses plan to walk off the job Thursday morning in multiple states.
Stock market plummets after Fed forecasts fewer rate cuts in 2025
The stock market is down sharply today after the Federal Reserve forecast fewer interest rate cuts in 2025 than expected.
U.S. Mint announces 5 historical women on new quarters for 2025. Here's who.
It's the last year the American Women Quarters Program will put historical female figures on reverse side of coins.
U.S. mulls ban on Chinese-made TP-Link routers over national security concerns
TP-Link routers could be banned in the U.S. over national security concerns, according to a report.
Politics
More Politics
How Trump and Elon Musk derailed bipartisan plans for a funding bill
"My phone was ringing off the hook," Republican Rep. Andy Barr said. "The people who elected us are listening to Elon Musk."
Congress veers toward government shutdown after GOP revolt
After a Republican revolt led by Elon Musk and Donald Trump torpedoed a plan to fund the government, a new path forward remains unclear as Congress lurches toward Friday night's deadline.
Georgia appeals court removes Fani Willis from Trump 2020 election case
The Georgia Court of Appeals ruled that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis must be removed from the 2020 election case against President-elect Donald Trump.
Biden sets new climate goal for slashing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions
The new goal is part of the Paris Agreement, under which member nations must update their emission cut targets every five years.
O'Malley, in bid for DNC chair, says Democrats need to learn from "very bad loss"
Democrats elect a new party chair on Feb. 1, following the loss of the presidency and the Senate and the narrow failure to win the House in 2024.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
Latest on H5N1 bird flu outbreak
A Louisiana patient is critically ill with severe respiratory symptoms from H5N1 bird flu, marking the 61st U.S. human case this year. California has declared a state of emergency. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder explains the public health risks.
Health insurers limit coverage of prosthetic limbs
Advocates say it is discrimination and are arguing for "insurance fairness" on the grounds that people who have joints surgically replaced typically don't face the same kinds of coverage challenges.
What are seed oils and do they pose health risks? Here's what to know
Seed oils are making headlines, prompting fears around whether they can have negative effects on your health. Here's what to know.
CDC confirms first severe bird flu case in the U.S.
A person in Louisiana has the first severe illness caused by bird flu in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.
Congo says mysterious disease killing dozens of kids finally identified
"The mystery has finally been solved," Congo's health ministry says, after an unidentified disease outbreak started killing mainly women and children in a remote region.
World
More World
Putin laments top general's killing, says he'll meet Trump "any time"
Russia's Vladimir Putin, in his annual marathon news conference, laments "serious blunders" by his security forces and says he'll meet Trump "any time" about Ukraine.
2 highway crashes in Afghanistan leave dozens dead, dozens more hurt
Two highway crashes in southeastern Afghanistan killed a combined total of 50 people and injured 76, a government spokesman says.
Mayotte cyclone survivors plead with visiting French president for help
"Mayotte is demolished," an airport security agent told President Emmanuel Macron as he arrived in the remote French territory five days after Cyclone Chido.
Google Maps shows suspected corpse, helps solve murder mystery
Officers arrested a woman who was the missing male's partner and another man who was her ex-partner, police said.
2 soldiers killed by landmine day after troops killed by booby trap
The incident happened one day after a blast caused by another improvised landmine killed two Mexican soldiers and wounded five others.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Apollo Theater honored by Kennedy Center
For 90 years, the Apollo Theater has shaped American culture, launching icons like James Brown and Aretha Franklin. This year, it became the first institution honored by the Kennedy Center, cementing its legacy as a hub of innovation.
Alicia Keys surprises students at alma mater
Sixteen-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys celebrates her Broadway musical "Hell's Kitchen" earning a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. In an exclusive interview, she revisits her alma mater to honor the teacher who inspired her and surprises students.
Inside Variety's acclaimed "Actors on Actors"
Since 2014, Variety's "Actors on Actors" has showcased one-on-one conversations between Hollywood stars, offering unique insights into their craft. Co-editor-in-chief and executive producer Ramin Setoodeh joins us to discuss the series' impact.
Extended interview: Grateful Dead
The three surviving core members of the Grateful Dead, Bobby Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart, talk to Anthony Mason about becoming Kennedy Center honorees, the band's legacy and loyal fans, and the magic of music and songwriting.
The Grateful Dead, Kennedy Center honorees, reflect on the band's legacy
Surviving members of the Grateful Dead, Bobby Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart, revisit the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Supreme Court agrees to hear case about TikTok ban
The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will hear an appeal from TikTok over a federal law that would ban the social media giant if it is not sold by its Chinese parent company. Jan Crawford has more.
Teen victim of deepfake porn urges Congress to pass "Take It Down Act"
Elliston Berry's life was turned upside down after a photo she posted on Instagram was digitally altered online to be pornographic.
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.
Supreme Court to decide on future of TikTok
The Supreme Court plans to hear arguments in January on a challenge to a new law that could lead to the popular social media app TikTok being banned in the U.S. The Biden administration and lawmakers say the Chinese government's ability to collect data from TikTok poses a significant national security risk, while the app and its Chinese parent company ByteDance argue that the law is unconstitutional. CBS News Supreme Court producer Catherine Cole has more.
FAA: Lithium battery fires on flights now occur nearly twice a week
FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.
Science
More Science
"Murder hornets" eradicated in the U.S., agriculture officials say
Giant hornets, dubbed "murder hornets," have been eradicated in the U.S., five years after the invasive species was first detected in Washington state.
Coal use hitting record in 2024, which is likely hottest year yet, report says
World coal use is set to reach an all-time high in 2024, the International Energy Agency says, in a year all but certain to be the hottest in recorded history.
How climate change impacted 2024
From record-breaking temperatures to devastating disasters, 2024 brought the world closer to the reality of what climate change looks and feels like. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter reports.
Bronze-Age Britons were cannibalized after massacre, research shows
Researchers determined that dozens of men, women and children were violently killed and cannibalized in Bronze Age-era England.
ClimateWatch: Looking back on 2024’s extreme weather
In this episode of “ClimateWatch,” CBS national environmental correspondent David Schechter looks back at the devastating hurricanes, landslides, flooding and more that impacted the U.S. this year.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Luigi Mangione waves extradition
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the UnitedHealthcare CEO murder case, has waived extradition and is being transported from Pennsylvania to New York. CBS News' Nicole Valdes has more.
Breaking
UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect waives extradition, is returning to NYC
UnitedHealthcare CEO murder suspect Luigi Mangione is returning to New York City after waiving extradition in Pennsylvania.
Luigi Mangione's extradition coming
Luigi Mangione's lawyer says the suspect in the UnitedHealthcare CEO killing is expected to waive extradition back to New York from Pennsylvania. CBS News' Nicole Valdes reports.
Google Maps shows suspected corpse, helps solve murder mystery
Officers arrested a woman who was the missing male's partner and another man who was her ex-partner, police said.
2 soldiers killed by landmine day after troops killed by booby trap
The incident happened one day after a blast caused by another improvised landmine killed two Mexican soldiers and wounded five others.
Space
More Space
Discovery of "tipped over" black hole surprises NASA scientists
New analysis techniques and decades-old research helped NASA scientists identify an unusual black hole in a distant galaxy.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Boeing Starliner crew's return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck in space since June will have to wait until at least the end of March to come home after NASA on Wednesday again pushed back their return date. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what's causing the delays.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Amazon workers strike at peak season
Amazon workers in several cities are striking to protest wages in the U.S. Jason Miller, a supply chain management professor at Michigan State University, joins CBS News with more on the demands.
Musk comments on spending bill
Elon Musk spoke out against House Speaker Mike Johnson's bipartisan spending bill that would have averted a government shutdown. Now, President-elect Donald Trump is opposing the measure. CBS News' Taurean Small and Caitlin Huey-Burns have more.
Apollo Theater honored by Kennedy Center
For 90 years, the Apollo Theater has shaped American culture, launching icons like James Brown and Aretha Franklin. This year, it became the first institution honored by the Kennedy Center, cementing its legacy as a hub of innovation.
Alicia Keys surprises students at alma mater
Sixteen-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys celebrates her Broadway musical "Hell's Kitchen" earning a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. In an exclusive interview, she revisits her alma mater to honor the teacher who inspired her and surprises students.
More fallout from Assad regime
Imtiaz Tyab tours a Syrian facility linked to the production of a street drug popular in the Middle East. The operation allegedly funded the exiled dictator's regime, adding to the legacy of pain left behind.