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.
Scam Alert
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?"
10 lies scammers tell to separate you from your money
Rip-off artists often use the same phrases to sow confusion and induce panic among their victims. Here's what to watch out for.
Romance scammers stole his photo. Now he and a victim are speaking out.
Liza Likins lost more than $1 million in a romance scam to a man she met online. The photo she initially fell for was not what it seemed.
Poll: Trump starts on positive note as most approve of transition handling
Democrats say they're concerned or scared Trump will threaten their rights, but fewer than half feel motivated to oppose him.
Potential winter storms forecast across the U.S. on Thanksgiving week
Forecasters have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel around the Thanksgiving holiday.
GOP senator blocks promotion of general involved in Afghanistan withdrawal
Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue was slated to be promoted to a four-star rank and take command of the U.S. Army in Europe.
Israel says, rabbi killed in the UAE in "heinous antisemitic terror incident"
Zvi Kogan, 28, an ultra-Orthodox rabbi who went missing on Thursday, ran a Kosher grocery store in the futuristic city of Dubai.
Hyundai, Kia recall more than 208,000 electric vehicles over power loss issue
Car dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed, as well as update software.
Singer-songwriter Khalid comes out as gay after being outed
The Grammy nominee, 26, posted a rainbow flag emoji and short statement, then added in another post that he had been "outted."
Trump picks former White House aide Brooke Rollins to lead the USDA
The sprawling U.S. Department of Agriculture controls policies, regulations and aid programs related to farming, forestry, ranching, food quality and nutrition.
Fred Harris, former senator and presidential candidate, dies at 94
It fell to Fred Harris, chair of the Democratic National Committee in 1969 and 1970, to help heal the party's wounds from the tumultuous national convention in 1968 when protesters and police clashed in Chicago.
2 killed in U.S. Civil Air Patrol plane crash in Northern Colorado
Two people were killed and a third was injured when a U.S. Civil Air Patrol plane crashed in Colorado's Front Range Saturday morning.
U.S.
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Popular tortilla strips recalled over undeclared wheat allergen
Tortilla strips sold in grocery stores across the U.S. have been recalled due to concerns about an undeclared wheat allergen.
Serving up home-cooked dog food
In the U.S., commercially-produced pet food is a $50 billion a year industry. But some advocate for healthier meals for your beloved dog – food that's in line with what canines have eaten for thousands of years. How about some venison with squash?
Poll: Trump starts on positive note as most approve of transition handling
Democrats say they're concerned or scared Trump will threaten their rights, but fewer than half feel motivated to oppose him.
Potential winter storms forecast across the U.S. on Thanksgiving week
Forecasters have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel around the Thanksgiving holiday.
Hyundai, Kia recall more than 208,000 electric vehicles over power loss issue
Car dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed, as well as update software.
MoneyWatch
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Hyundai, Kia recall more than 208,000 electric vehicles over power loss issue
Car dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed, as well as update software.
Who is Scott Bessent? What to know about Trump's Treasury secretary pick.
If confirmed, Bessent would runn the department that manages the nation's finances as well as its tax agency, the Internal Revenue Service.
Trump selects Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary
Scott Bessent, the founder of the Connecticut-based hedge fund Key Square Group, had been making a full-court press for the post.
Walmart must pay driver it accused of fraud $35 million, jury says
A jury ruled that Walmart must pay a former employee almost $35 million after finding that the retailer defamed him.
Eggs are getting scarcer and pricier ahead of the holidays. Here's why.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza — also known as bird flu — is killing layer hens and reducing the nation's egg supply.
Politics
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Transcript: H.R. McMaster on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
The following is a transcript of an interview with Ret. Gen. H.R. McMaster, national security adviser in the first Trump administration, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that aired on Nov. 24, 2024.
Transcript: Sen. Chris Van Hollen on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
The following is a transcript of an interview with Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that aired on Nov. 24, 2024.
Transcript: Sen. Rand Paul on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
The following is a transcript of an interview with Sen. Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that aired on Nov. 24, 2024.
Transcript: Sen. Tammy Duckworth on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
The following is a transcript of an interview with Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Democrat of Illinois, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that aired on Nov. 24, 2024.
Poll: Trump starts on positive note as most approve of transition handling
Democrats say they're concerned or scared Trump will threaten their rights, but fewer than half feel motivated to oppose him.
HealthWatch
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A study to devise nutritional guidance just for you
When it comes to eating healthy, all of us respond to foods differently. The National Institutes of Health's new nutrition study hopes to finally provide Americans a personalized answer to the question: "What should I eat?"
A study to personalize nutrition guidance just for you
From the four food groups to the Food Pyramid, the U.S. government has long offered guidance to Americans hoping to eat a healthier diet. But there's growing scientific consensus that when it comes to eating healthy, all of us respond to foods differently. And to prove it, the National Institutes of Health has embarked on the most ambitious nutrition study ever, hoping to finally provide Americans a personalized answer to the question: "What should I eat?" Correspondent Lee Cowan reports.
New treatments offer hope for older patients with a deadly cancer diagnosis
Glioblastoma typically kills within 18 months, but a new type of treatment has kept Nadya El-Afandi's scans clear 17 months after diagnosis.
1 infant dead in California, 9 hospitalized in latest listeria outbreak
Laboratory findings show that Yu-Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products were making people sick, the CDC said.
E. coli outbreak in St. Louis sickens 106, hospitalizes 2
More than half of the cases involve students, parents and guests of Rockwood Summit High School who attended events where food from Andre's Banquets and Catering was served.
World
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Gazan chefs cook up hope and humanity for online audience
Ten-year-old Chef Renad (who's gained a following on Instagram) and Hamada Shaqoura (who relies on humanitarian aid and crude cooking arrangements) educate while preparing meals in war-torn Gaza.
U.S Air Force says drones spotted near 3 bases in England last week
The drones were spotted between Wednesday and Friday near RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell.
Israel says, rabbi killed in the UAE in "heinous antisemitic terror incident"
Zvi Kogan, 28, an ultra-Orthodox rabbi who went missing on Thursday, ran a Kosher grocery store in the futuristic city of Dubai.
Nations at COP29 climate talks agree on $300 billion a year for poor countries
The $300 billion will go to developing countries who need the cash to wean themselves off coal, oil and gas.
Russia bans child adoption from countries that allow gender transition
The adoption ban would apply to at least 15 countries, most of them in Europe, and Australia, Argentina and Canada.
Entertainment
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What makes a martini a martini?
There are very few American inventions more American than the martini – a classic cocktail of gin and vermouth, garnished with lemon. But today, a martini's ingredients may be up for debate.
Mick Fleetwood plays to the future in Maui
Last year's horrific wildfires turned Lahaina into a disaster zone, and destroyed the Fleetwood Mac founder's club, Fleetwood's on Front Street. Today, Mick Fleetwood is determined to rebuild, saying, "There has to be music."
Mick Fleetwood plays to the future in Maui
As a young man, Fleetwood Mac founder Mick Fleetwood dreamed of a place – a club – where he could get his friends together. Twelve years ago, he made it happen in the west Maui city of Lahaina: Fleetwood's on Front Street. But last year's horrific wildfires turned Lahaina into a disaster zone, and destroyed his treasured club. Today, Fleetwood says he's determined to rebuild. Correspondent Tracy Smith reports.
"Sandwiches of History": Resurrecting sandwich recipes that time forgot
Every week on his blog, "Sandwiches of History," Barry Enderwick rescues sandwich recipes from the dustbin of history. He's now collected some of the unlikeliest (and even amazing) historical recipes in a cookbook.
Taste-testing "Sandwiches of History"
Every week on his blog, "Sandwiches of History," Barry Enderwick rescues sandwich recipes from the dustbin of history. Some of the unlikeliest (and even amazing) historical recipes are now collected in a cookbook. Enderwick is even traveling the country, workshopping sandwiches in front of a live audience. Correspondent Luke Burbank gets a taste.
Technology
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Technology
A new generation of shopping cart, with GPS and AI
At a Price Chopper outside Kansas City, shoppers are test driving the new Caper Cart, featuring digital screens, GPS, cameras equipped with artificial intelligence, and packaging scanners that spit out coupons. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti looks at the technology used to "reinvent the wheel" of the shopping cart.
Who has the best Black Friday tech prices?
Black Friday is almost here, but some of the hottest tech items are already on sale. CNET senior editor Lisa Eadicicco joins CBS News to discuss high-demand gifts and what retailers offer the best prices.
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.
AI grandma fights back against scammers
Daisy's mission is two-fold: To waste scammers' time so they can't speak to real people and to draw attention to fraud by warning consumers to be vigilant.
Australia could ban social media for kids
Australian legislators introduced a landmark bill Thursday to ban social media for children under 16. CBS News London's Leigh Kiniry reports on what this could mean for social media companies.
Science
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Science
Dishing up space food
At the Johnson Space Food Systems Laboratory in Houston, NASA scientists develop dishes – freeze-dried, heat-stabilized, or irradiated – to serve on the International Space Station. Correspondent David Pogue checks out what's on the menu in Earth orbit.
How are U.S. winters permanently changing?
This winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted above-average temperatures throughout the U.S. because of a "slowly developing" La Niña pattern. CBS News Sacramento meteorologist Tracy Humphrey reports on the changing winter conditions.
Emperor penguin found on Australian beach released at sea after 20 days of care
The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia was released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach.
Iceland volcano flares in region's 7th eruption in one year
A volcano erupted in southern Iceland, near the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon spa, marking the region's seventh eruption in a year.
How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Crime
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Fugitive Kaitlin Armstrong caught after answering ad for a yoga instructor
When cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson was murdered in Texas, U.S. Marshals assigned to the case used a unique tactic to track down her suspected killer in Costa Rica and bring the fugitive to justice.
$20 million settlement reached in death of woman fatally shot by officer
Teresa Gomez, 45, was fatally shot in 2023 after a Las Cruces police officer on a bicycle approached her while she sat in a parked car with another person, authorities said.
Police chief kills himself as troops close in to arrest him in Mexico
The police chief killed himself with his own weapon as marines, National Guard and soldiers closed in to try to arrest him, prosecutors said.
U.S. accuses former Colombia general of extrajudicial killings
Former general Mario Montoya and his family are barred from traveling to the U.S., Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
4.78 tons of cocaine, $193,000 in cash found in shipping containers
Prosecutors said eight people were detained following searches carried out in Belgium and the Netherlands earlier this month.
Space
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Blue Origin launches 6 tourists to the edge of space
Marc and Sharon Hagle, both making their second space flight, were among the passengers for the NS-28 mission.
Blue Origin launches 9th space tourism flight
The ninth Blue Origin space tourism flight launched from West Texas Friday morning. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood and space expert Scott Heidler offered analysis of the flight.
Trump, Musk attend SpaceX launch
President-elect Donald Trump attended SpaceX's sixth flight test of its Super Heavy-Starship on Tuesday with CEO Elon Musk. The burgeoning friendship between the two men played a key role in Trump's reelection, with Musk now set to run a government efficiency agency in the coming months. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen and Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk join "America Decides" with more.
SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship, with Trump there to watch
President-elect Donald Trump was on hand with Elon Musk for the sixth test flight of SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship rocket.
Far side of the moon once had erupting volcanoes, lunar soil shows
Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.
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.
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.
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.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Open: "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Sens. Rand Paul and Tammy Duckworth discuss President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks after a busy week on Capitol Hill. Plus, Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender person elected to Congress, joins.
Trump makes more Cabinet picks
President-elect Donald Trump announced more Cabinet picks this weekend, while CBS News polling shows that some of his highest-profile picks have more support among Americans than opposition. Nikole Killion reports.
Nature: Turkeys in South Dakota
We leave you this Sunday with some VERY happy turkeys, at South Dakota's Good Earth State Park. Videographer: Kevin Kjergaard.
What makes a martini a martini?
There are very few American inventions more American than the martini – a classic cocktail of gin and vermouth, garnished with lemon. But today, a martini's ingredients may be up for debate, with variations and proportions skewed to personal taste. "Sunday Morning" contributor Kelefa Sanneh looks at the history of the martini, with a twist.
Rediscovering the Baked Alaska
Few desserts are so shrouded in mystery as the enigmatic Baked Alaska. While it's thought people were eating baked ice cream dishes in the 19th century, the recipe for the dish that would become known as Baked Alaska was first published in 1894. Correspondent Luke Burbank looks at why this classic, paradoxical dessert that melds heat with frozen sweets continues to captivate.