EXCLUSIVE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested an illegal immigrant in New Haven, Connecticut, who is wanted for allegedly killing a Mexican law enforcement officer.

Orlando Diaz-Cebada, known as “El Leches,” was taken into ICE custody on June 12, 2025, in Connecticut. He is allegedly a member of the Los Pochos gang that works with the Sinaloa Cartel, according to DHS.

“Thanks to our brave ICE law enforcement and federal partners, this criminal illegal alien fugitive wanted for murdering a law enforcement official in Mexico is off America’s streets. This heinous murderer attempted to evade justice by hiding out in Connecticut,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.

FEDERAL AGENTS CAPTURE ALIEN ACCUSED OF RAPE, ASSAULT WHILE LA POLITICIANS CONDEMN ICE OPERATIONS

“These are the types of barbaric criminal illegal aliens our brave ICE law enforcement risks their lives every day to arrest. America is no longer a safe haven for violent criminals. If you are a criminal illegal alien considering entering America illegally, don’t even think about it. If you come here and break our laws, we will hunt you down. Criminals are not welcome in the United. States,” McLaughlin added.

Diaz-Cebda entered the United States illegally in May 2024, and was deported twice by U.S. Border Patrol, as he tried to enter again two days after the first try. According to DHS, the circumstances of when he returned to the U.S. are unclear, as the department said he was not “inspected, admitted, or paroled” by federal authorities.

A document reviewed by Fox News Digital from the attorney general’s office in Tlaxcala, a state in Mexico, showed that he is wanted in the country for aggravated homicide. 

ILLEGAL ALIEN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER FOR THROWING MOLOTOV COCKTAIL AT OFFICERS IN LA RIOTS: DHS

The arrest warrant was filed on April 23, 2024, a month before he came to the U.S.

New Haven is considered a sanctuary city, according to WSHU. In April, Mayor Justin Elicker touted a legal win as the Trump administration attempted to scrap federal funding for cities that do not comply with federal immigration enforcement.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE

“New Haven is a welcoming city and we’re committed to ensuring all our residents feel safe calling the police, seeking medical care, sending their children to school, and accessing critical public services. It’s not only the right policy, it’s the practical policy,” Elicker said in a statement in April.

TWO ILLEGAL VENEZUELAN IMMIGRANTS, SUSPECTED TDA GANG MEMBERS CHARGED IN DEADLY CHICAGO MASS SHOOTING

“We need to make sure our police department is working to fight crime and not commandeered to do the work of the federal government. We are very pleased with this ruling and that New Haven will be able to use lawfully obligated federal funds to further strengthen public safety in our city,” the Democrat added.

Fox News Digital reached out to the mayor’s office.

“We fully support the efforts of our federal partners in apprehending this individual, who stands accused of a heinous crime, the killing of a fellow officer. While everyone is entitled to due process, we stand firmly behind actions that protect our communities,” a spokesperson for the New Haven Police Department stated.

President Donald Trump declared Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire after missile exchanges, claiming the ’12-day war’ will end following a phased implementation over 24 hours. 

“CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!” Trump shared in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. 

“Officially, Iran will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 24th Hour, an Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR will be saluted by the World,” Trump added.

Trump praised both countries for their “Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence” to end what he called “THE 12 DAY WAR.”

WHY DID TRUMP LEAVE G7 EARLY? ‘MUCH BIGGER’ THAN IRAN CEASE-FIRE, HE SAYS

“This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will! God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!” he continued.

TRUMP SAYS IRAN WOULD ‘LIKE TO TALK’ ABOUT DIALING DOWN ISRAEL-IRAN CONFLICT

A senior Iranian official also confirmed the ceasefire deal, according to Reuters.

Qatar’s prime minister secured Iran’s agreement to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire with Israel after Iran’s strikes on a U.S. air base and Trump sought Qatar’s diplomatic help.

A diplomat briefed on the ceasefire talks shared more details on the deal with Fox News.

“President Trump spoke with Qatar’s Emir and informed him the U.S. got Israel to agree to a ceasefire with Iran,” the source shared. “The President asked Qatar to help persuade Iran to do the same, following that Vice President Vance coordinated with Qatar’s Prime Minister on the details.”

The source added that “this effort proved successful and, following discussions with the Qatari PM, the Iranians agreed.”

TRUMP SAYS ISRAEL AND IRAN ‘HAVE TO FIGHT IT OUT’ BUT BELIEVES DEAL IS POSSIBLE

“The deal was coordinated at the highest level by the President and Vice President and the Qatari Emir and Prime Minister directly,” the source continued. 

“Despite having been attacked just hours earlier, the Qataris set aside their grievances and prioritized regional security to get the deal done.”

Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., spoke to reporters following the announcement, saying that it “looks like the ceasefire news is real.”

“If you’re saying that Israel could degrade Iran’s military, the United States could degrade Iran’s nuclear capability in 12 days, and not a single American life or us going to war, that sounds like a win for the country,” Moskowitz said. 

House Intel Ranking Member Rep. Jim Himes, R-Ct., also spoke to reporters following the announcement, acknowledging that he learned of the deal on social media. 

“I saw the tweet too, and like everything else, I’m sort of learning about things I should probably know about, via social media, which is uncomfortable,” Himes said.

“Look, given the risks involved in the gamble the president took, if there is, in fact, a ceasefire, that would be a good thing, right? I mean, you know, the Iranians could close the Straits of Hormuz. They there could be all sorts of instability in the region. So I’m always going to cheer a ceasefire,” Himes continued. 

TRUMP DEMANDS DO-OR-DIE NUCLEAR TALKS WITH IRAN. WHO HAS THE LEVERAGE?

Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., also shared his thoughts on the ceasefire between Israel and Iran and called it “huge.”

 “It sends a message to the greater part of the world that, this president, he will negotiate with you. He wants to find a way to do this. But if, if you’re not going to negotiate, there’s going to be consequences,” Stutzman said. 

The president’s announcement comes after Iran launched at least six missiles toward America’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday, retaliating for Trump’s attack on Tehran’s nuclear program this weekend.

Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the strike in a statement, saying the missiles were destroyed and there were no casualties.

“I’d like to thank the Highly Respected Emir of Qatar for all that he has done in seeking Peace for the Region,” Trump wrote in an earlier Monday post.

“Regarding the attack today at the American Base in Qatar, I am pleased to report that, in addition to no Americans being killed or wounded, very importantly, there have also been no Qataris killed or wounded. Thank you for your attention to this matter!’ 

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates. 

Fox News’ Louis Casiano contributed to this report. 

Following reports that 729 Iranian nationals illegally entered the U.S. and were released into the country by the Biden administration, experts are warning that sanctuary jurisdictions with policies obstructing ICE and federal immigration enforcement may be the most vulnerable targets for Iranian-sponsored terror attacks looking to retaliate for the U.S. strikes over the weekend.

The number of Iranians released into the country by Border Patrol agents under former President Joe Biden’s administration increased successively each year of the administration. In total, Border Patrol arrested 1,504 Iranian nationals from fiscal year 2021 through fiscal year 2024. Of the 1,504 individuals who were arrested, 729 were released into the United States.

Just hours after Trump addressed the nation on U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, the DHS released a new memo sounding the alarm on a “heightened threat environment in the United States.” 

The bulletin states, “The likelihood of violent extremists in the Homeland independently mobilizing to violence in response to the conflict would likely increase if the Iranian leadership issued a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against targets in the Homeland.”

‘OPEN BORDERS’ UNDER BIDEN COULD HELP IRAN RETALIATE WITH US TERROR SLEEPER CELLS: FORMER FBI BOSS

NBC News reported that Iran sent a message to Trump at the G7 summit last week that it could activate “sleeper cells” to conduct terror attacks in the U.S.

“We have to assume threats may arise,” Lora Ries, a director of the Border Security and Immigration Center at the Heritage Foundation, told Fox News Digital.

Ries said that while the government is aware of 729 Iranian illegal immigrants being released into the country under Biden, the real concern is that “we have no idea” how many unknown “gotaways” there could be in the U.S. presently.

She said the concerns are most acute in so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that have policies or, in the case of Los Angeles, populations that are actively obstructing federal immigration authorities from carrying out deportations.

MIDNIGHT HAMMER IS ‘MISSION ACCOMPLISHED’ BUT THERE’S ONE BIG RED FLAG

“Democrats need to start supporting deportations,” she remarked, pointing out that despite a narrative that ICE agents are arresting innocent immigrants, many of the illegals are serious criminals, or in some cases, even terrorists.

Andrew Arthur, an immigration policy expert at the Center for Immigration Studies, told Fox News Digital that the “ultimate soft target” for a terror attack would be a hospital, especially hospitals in sanctuary jurisdictions. He pointed out Iran’s recent bombing of a hospital in Be’er Sheva, Israel, demonstrating the regime is willing to carry out such an attack.

“It’s a possibility in the United States,” said Arthur. “If we’re trying to think of a soft target that would potentially have catastrophic impacts, it would be a hospital.”

To prevent such an attack, Arthur stressed the importance of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies all working together to monitor and proactively respond to threats.

AMERICAN TRAVELERS SHOULD KNOW ESCAPE ROUTES AT TRANSIT HUBS AFTER IRAN STRIKES, SECURITY EXPERT WARNS

“Fortunately, DNI [the Director of National Intelligence] should have an idea of what potential targets in the future are. DNI is not going to share that publicly, but all that should flow down through DHS to state and local law enforcement agencies,” he explained.

“The problem is that right now, we have all these state and local law-enforcement agencies and sanctuary jurisdictions that really aren’t cooperating with DHS,” he said. “That could create its own vulnerability.”

“It compounds the risk,” he went on. “Particularly in California, because I think a lot of law enforcement agencies in California are confused about what they can do and can’t do under SB-54 — the California Values Act — so it could potentially create its own vulnerability.”

That being said, Arthur said an Iranian-sponsored terror attack inside the U.S. would likely be a “suicidal move” for the regime and would likely be a “last desperate move.” Even so, Arthur said there remains a “real concern” about Iranian-sponsored terror attacks inside America’s borders.

AMERICANS VULNERABLE TO CYBERATTACKS, LONE WOLF THREATS IN WAKE OF IRANIAN AIRSTRIKES: FORMER FBI AGENT

Other potential mass casualty targets could be places such as the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Times Square, Independence Hall in Philadelphia or other highly populated, open areas.

“The threat is real. Whether they’re going to use it is a different question,” he concluded, adding, “The Biden administration exposed the American people to an unacceptable level of threat.”

On Monday evening, Trump posted on social media that “it has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE … for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!”

The New York Mets’ latest roster moves raised eyebrows on Monday ahead of their series against National League East rival Atlanta Braves.

The Mets announced they had selected outfielder Travis Jankowski to bring to the Major League roster, optioned pitcher Tyler Zuber and infielder Luisangel Acuña to Triple-A and transferred outfielder Jose Siri to the 60-day injured list. But one move stuck out in particular — the signing of pitcher Dicky Lovelady to a major league contract.

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Lovelady was activated for the team’s game against the Braves, and baseball fans reacted on social media. MLB.com reported that Lovelady, whose first name is Richard, asked fans, staffers and teammates to call him Dicky.

Lovelady, 29, was a 10th round pick out of Kennesaw State by the Kansas City Royals in 2016. He made his debut for the Royals in 2019. He didn’t appear in the majors in 2022 but resurfaced with the Oakland Athletics in 2023.

NATS, PADRES, YANKEES HAVE SOMETHING IN COMMON: TRANSITIONING FROM JUAN SOTO

Lovelady pitched for the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays in 2024 and was with the Toronto Blue Jays for two appearances earlier this season.

In 110 career games, Lovelady has a 5.26 ERA with 93 strikeouts.

The Mets entered Monday night with a 46-32 record and one game behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the NL East lead. The Braves sat 11 games behind the Phillies.

New York has dealt with a slew of injuries to its arms this season. Starters Tylor Megill and Kodai Senga both dealt with injuries earlier this month, as did reliever Max Kranick, and landed on the injured list.

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South Carolina officials on Sunday reported the second shark bite at Hilton Head, a popular southern beach town, in just one week.

Hilton Head Island (HHI) Fire Rescue responded to a medical emergency at Coligny Beach Park on Sunday around noon and located the victim with lacerations to the leg consistent with a shark bite, an HHI fire rescue spokesperson said in a press release.

Fire and Rescue officials provided immediate on-scene care for the victim, who was then transported to a local hospital for further treatment.

It is the second shark bite incident reported in HHI since June 17, when another victim sustained lacerations to the leg consistent with a shark bite, a spokesperson told Fox News Digital last week.

TWO SHARK ATTACKS REPORTED IN SEPARATE VACATION HOTSPOTS AS SUMMER BEACH SEASON STARTS

“Beaches and oceans are dynamic natural environments,” HHI communications director Heather Woolwine said in a Monday statement to Fox News Digital. “Crowd conditions, currents, waves, wild animals, and other water and beach conditions can rapidly change. Our contractor for beach operations and lifeguard services, Shore Beach Service, will continue to monitor wildlife activity in real-time as best they can.”

BEACHES WITH MOST SHARK ATTACKS AS AMERICANS PAY TRIBUTE TO ‘JAWS’ AND ACTIVIST WEIGHS IN

When large schools of fish are present or if there is an identified shark in the water near people swimming, “the SBS team goes quickly into action to get people out of the water,” Woolwine said.

SOUTHERN VACATION HOT SPOT FIRES BACK AT POOR SAFETY RATING FOLLOWING SHOOTING: ‘FAKE NEWS’

Additionally, officials raise flags on Hilton Head to advise beachgoers of certain conditions. Purple flags indicate the presence of dangerous marine life, such as sharks, stingrays and jellyfish. Red flags indicate rough conditions, such as riptides. Yellow flags indicate moderate to light conditions.

The summer months in Hilton Head are the most popular for visitors. HHI was ranked No. 1 among South Carolina’s best beaches on U.S. News and World Report’s Best Vacation Rankings, published in 2024.

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is expected to present its evidence after the prosecution rests Tuesday in the rapper’s federal trial for sex crimes.

Closing arguments for the trial, which began May 5 with jury selection, are expected to begin Thursday after Diddy’s lawyers explained they would only need two days to defend their client.

In court Monday, Diddy’s lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo, indicated the defense did not plan to call any witnesses, but that evidence submitted would be discussed in the courtroom.

MISSING WITNESSES AND LINGERING QUESTIONS PLAGUE PROSECUTION AS DIDDY TRIAL NEARS CONCLUSION: EXPERT

Diddy’s legal team, headed by Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, initially indicated they would need upwards of two weeks to plead their case, but told Judge Arun Subramanian last week that they may be able to rest by Tuesday or Wednesday. 

The “Last Night” rapper is also not expected to testify, and the judge will likely ask Diddy to confirm his decision not to take the stand.

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Federal prosecutors on Monday showed jurors approximately 20 minutes of footage from “freak offs.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey described the videos — which were only reviewed by the jury due to their graphic nature — as “explicit.”

Homeland Security Special Agent Joseph Cerciello continued his testimony Monday as the government’s 34th and final witness. Prior to Cerciello taking the stand, jurors heard from Diddy’s former assistant and alleged “drug mule,” Brendan Paul.

Paul became embroiled in Diddy’s legal drama in April 2024, after he was named in a lawsuit filed by Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones against the disgraced mogul. The music producer claimed Paul worked as a “mule” for Combs, procuring and distributing “drugs and guns.” The former college basketball star was then charged with felony cocaine possession, which was later dropped.

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Paul was given immunity in exchange for his testimony in Diddy’s federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial. 

Throughout weeks of testimony, jurors heard allegations of “freak off” parties involving male escorts and Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The “Me & U” singer testified that drugs, including ecstasy, ketamine and cocaine, were in regular circulation during the “freak offs” for her to disassociate during the sessions.

Another ex, who testified under the pseudonym “Jane,” told prosecutors there were times she felt coerced into hotel nights with Diddy and that the Bad Boy Records founder still pays for both her legal fees and rent. 

Jane recalled alleged instances of abuse while dating Diddy on and off for three years and up until the week before he was arrested in New York City on federal charges. Jane told the court Diddy asked her about coercion after he allegedly forced her to take drugs before having sex with a male escort. She testified about Diddy’s alleged violent behavior and said he once put her in a chokehold after kicking and punching her.

Combs was charged with racketeering conspiracy (RICO); sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution in a federal indictment unsealed Sept. 17. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Bruce Willis’ daughter, Tallulah, enjoyed some quality time with her father this weekend.

Tallulah, 31, shared a carousel of images on social media after visiting with the “Die Hard” actor on Sunday.

Bruce, 70, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in February 2023, shortly after he received an aphasia diagnosis the year before.

BRUCE WILLIS’ WIFE FELT ‘LOST AND ISOLATED’ CARING FOR HIM AFTER DEVASTATING DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS

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“Sunday funday at Grams ! Grateful,” Tallulah captioned the post shared with her Instagram followers.

BRUCE WILLIS’ WIFE’S INITIAL REACTION TO ACTOR’S DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS

In one image, Bruce and his youngest daughter shared a sweet embrace. In another photo, Tallulah laughed while holding on to her dad’s hand.

Tallulah’s fiancé, musician Justin Acee, wrapped his arm over Bruce’s shoulder as they laughed for a snap.

Last week, Bruce’s oldest daughter, Rumer Willis, offered more insight into her dad’s journey with FTD in a Father’s Day tribute to the “Pulp Fiction” actor.

APP USERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW POST

“Today is hard, I feel a deep ache in my chest to talk to you and tell you everything I’m doing and what’s going on in my life,” Rumer captioned an Instagram post. “To hug you and ask you about life and your stories and struggles and successes. I wish I asked you more questions while you could still tell me about it all. 

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“But I know you wouldn’t want me to be sad today so I’ll try to just be grateful reminding myself how lucky I am that you’re my dad and that you’re still with me and I can still hold you and hug you and kiss your cheek and rub your head I can tell you stories. I can watch the way your eyes light up when you see Louetta I will be grateful for every moment I have with you.”

She added, “I love you so much dad happy Father’s Day. Sending love to all those who are in the boat with me or have lost their fathers, to the single moms who are the dads too, to my future baby daddy… “

FTD is “the result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain,” according to the National Institute on Aging. “Many possible symptoms can result, including unusual behaviors, emotional problems, trouble communicating, difficulty with work, or difficulty with walking.”

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Bruce married Emma Heming at their home in Turks and Caicos in March 2009, and they have two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn. The actor was previously married to Demi Moore for 12 years, and the friendly exes have three daughters together: Rumer, Scout and Tallulah.

While speaking at the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Forum in Las Vegas last month, the mom of two opened up about the isolating moment that inspired her upcoming book, “The Unexpected Journey.”

“On the day Bruce got his diagnosis, we left the doctor’s office with a pamphlet and a hollow goodbye. No plan, no guidance, no hope, just shock,” Heming told the crowd during the forum, per People.

“The future we imagined simply vanished, and I was left trying to hold my family together, raise our two young daughters, and care for the man I love while navigating a disease I barely understood.”

The author will release her book this September.

“The book is the roadmap I wish someone had handed me on the day in 2022,” she said. “I wrote it for other caregivers who are desperate for answers, aching for support, and wanting to be seen and wondering how they’re going to make it through.”

Radio host Charlamagne tha God called out Democrats on Monday for their outrage about President Donald Trump launching strikes on Iran without congressional authority, saying they turned a blind eye when Democrats recently did the same.

The U.S. launched a surprise strike using B-2 stealth bombers on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities on Saturday.  

“All three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction,” Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Dan Caine said during a briefing at the Pentagon on Sunday morning. 

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., called out Trump for the strikes during a Sunday appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” arguing the head of state should have begun the process by first “coming to Congress and asking for authorization to do this.” 

He continued, “That’s the constitutional approach to this. He could have talked to us about what the goal is and what the plan is ahead of time. And we could have had a discussion about it.” 

Charlamagne agreed, but argued Democrats like Kelly should look in the mirror.

TRUMP RECEIVES MIXED SUPPORT FROM CONGRESS FOR IRAN STRIKES AS WAR POWERS DEBATE RAGES

“Morgyn, this is one of those times when politicians sound like hypocrites, because Mark Kelly is right, the president should get congressional approval,” he said about the national war powers debate. “But there have been a bunch of presidents who have ordered strikes without congressional approval.”

“Barack Obama did it against Libya. Joe Biden ordered strikes in Iraq and Syria without congressional approval. Bill Clinton did it with – ‘Kosovo’ I think you pronounce it?” he recalled. “So presidents ordering military action without congressional approval has become pretty routine.”

Co-host Morgyn V. Wood noted that this issue is now being cited for possible impeachment.

“So why didn’t it lead to an impeachment for everybody else? Like, when Barack Obama did it, when Biden did it, when Clinton did it?” Charlamagne asked.

Wood said that there have been calls for impeachment over presidents’ military actions without congressional approval before, but Charlamagne was not persuaded.

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“I don’t even remember hearing about it during the Joe Biden administration,” Charlamagne said.

“I guess that’s just because of the way Trump has been moving,” co-host DJ Envy said. “But we didn’t hear about it when Obama did it. We didn’t hear about it when Biden did it.”

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“I do remember when Obama did it,” Charlamagne said. “When Obama did it, I do remember, you know, people in Congress saying he needed congressional approval, and they were making it a thing. I don’t remember the Biden thing at all. I don’t remember that even making a headline.”

After Wood recalled the widespread outrage over Biden’s botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, Charlamagne said he recalled Biden’s lack of accountability for military missteps after an NBC News piece headlined, “Presidents’ ordering military action without Congress’ approval has become routine.”

Lately, I’ve had way too many calls on my shows from people who have lost thousands (sometimes hundreds of thousands) to scams. These are so cleverly evil, it’s like Ocean’s Eleven but starring a dude with three Instagram followers and a ChatGPT subscription. 

Last chance to enter to win $500 in giveaway. Enter now!

You see, we’re way past scam emails from sketchy Nigerian princes. Today’s scams are slick, personalized and powered by scary-good tech like AI voice cloning and deepfakes. And yep, people fall for them every single day.

DON’T SCAM YOURSELF WITH THE TRICKS HACKERS DON’T WANT ME TO SHARE

Here are today’s scummy front-runners, plus how to protect your cash, pride and sanity:

1. The AI voice clone

This one’s horrifying because it sounds like someone you trust. Scammers grab a clip of your child’s, spouse’s, boss’ voice from social media, podcasts or even your voicemail.

Then they call your mom, your grandpa, your partner: “Hi, it’s me. I’m in big trouble. I need money. Don’t tell anyone.” It’s not them. It’s AI. And it works because it feels real. 

Anthony in Los Angeles was deceived by scammers who used AI to replicate his son’s voice. Believing his son was in distress, Anthony transferred $25,000 to the fraudsters.

If you get a call like this, call or text the person. Try someone they live or work with.

IF YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT THESE VIDEO TOOLS, YOU’RE ALREADY BEHIND

 2. ‘Your bank account’s frozen’

You get a text or call from your “bank,” and the number looks legit. They say your account is locked due to suspicious activity and you need to confirm your info.

Stop right there. That link? Fake. The person on the phone? Also fake. 

Charles in Iowa lost over $300,000. Always open your bank’s app or type the web address in yourself. Never tap the link they send.

3.  Crypto investment ‘friend’

This starts on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Someone friends you, chats you up, gains your trust, then casually mentions they’re making a fortune in crypto.

They even offer to show you how. Suddenly you’re handing over money or access to a wallet, and poof, it’s gone. A couple in Georgia lost $800,000 after falling victim to a cryptocurrency scam. Just because someone’s friendly doesn’t mean they’re honest.

Don’t fall for a stranger friending you on social media. If you’re lonely, volunteer somewhere.

THE $40K SCAM THAT ALMOST GOT ME + 3 MORE SPREADING NOW

4. Gold bar scam

You get a call from someone claiming to be with the FBI or your bank’s fraud team. They say your money’s at risk, and you need to withdraw it, convert it into gold bars and turn it over for “safekeeping.”

A 72-year-old retiree from New Hampshire was scammed into purchasing $3.1 million worth of gold bars and turned it over to the scammer. Yes, it sounds insane, but it’s happening, and people are losing everything. Come on, you know that real law enforcement doesn’t operate this way.

5. Vet emergency

A neighbor’s crying. Your dog’s been hit by a car. They rushed your fur baby to the vet and paid the bill. You owe them $1,200. But wait … your pup is fine, snoring on the couch. 

You’ve been pet-shamed into Venmoing a scammer.

If any of this sounds familiar, your gut is whispering danger or you’re not sure what might be happening in a situation, reach out to me. I’ll help you figure out what’s real and what’s a scam. Better to ask than get burned. I won’t judge you, I promise.

Get tech-smarter on your schedule

Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech.

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Roughly three-quarters of the nation’s health insurance providers signed a series of commitments this week in an effort to improve patient care by reducing bureaucratic hurdles caused by insurance companies’ prior-authorization requirements.

Director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz, alongside Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced the new voluntary pledge from a cadre of insurance providers, who cover roughly 75% of the population, during a press conference Monday. The new commitments are aimed at speeding up and reducing prior-authorization processes used by insurers, a process that has been long-maligned for unnecessarily delaying patient care and other bureaucratic hurdles negatively impacting patients.   

“The pledge is not a mandate. It’s not a bill, a rule. This is not legislated. This is a opportunity for industry to show itself,” Oz said Monday. “But by the fact that three-quarters of the patients in the country are already covered by participants in this pledge, it’s a good start and the response has been overwhelming.”

A NEW LAW IN THIS STATE BANS AUTOMATED INSURANCE CLAIM DENIALS

Prior-authorization is a process that requires providers to obtain approval from a patient’s insurance provider before that provider can offer certain treatments or services. Essentially, the process seeks to ensure patients are getting the right solution for a particular problem.

However, according to Oz, the process has led to doctors being forced to spend enormous amounts of man-power to satisfy prior-authorization requirements from insurers. He noted during Monday’s press conference that, on average, physicians have to spend 12 hours a week dealing with these requirements, which they see about 40 of per week. 

“It frustrates doctors. It sometimes results in care that is significantly delayed. It erodes public trust in the healthcare system. It’s something we can’t tolerate,” Oz insisted.

DR. OZ SAYS TAXPAYERS FOOTING $14 BILLION BILL FOR MEDICAID FRAUD WHILE ELIGIBLE PATIENTS STRUGGLE FOR CARE 

The pledge has been adopted by some of the nation’s largest insurance providers, including United Healthcare, Cigna, Humana, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Aetna and many more. While the industry-led commitments aim to improve care for patients, it could potentially eat into their profits as well if patients start seeking care more often.

The commitments from insurers cemented this week include taking active steps to implement a common standardized process for electronic prior-authorization through the development of standardized submission requirements to support faster turnaround time. The goal is for the new framework to be operational by Jan. 1, 2027.

Another part of the pledge includes a commitment from individual insurance plans to implement certain reductions in its use of medical prior-authorization by Jan. 1, 2026. On that date, if patients switch insurance providers during the course of treatment, their new plan must honor their existing prior-authorization approvals for 90-days while the patient transitions.

DR. OZ UNPACKS POSSIBLE WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDICAID

Transparency is also a key part of the new commitments from insurance providers. Health plans enjoined with the commitments will pledge to provide clear and easy-to-understand explanations of prior-authorization determinations, including guidance for appeals. The commitment also states that by 2027, 80% of electronic prior-authorization approvals from companies will be answered in real-time.   

Oz, during the Monday press conference, compared the industry-led pledge to the Bible, saying, “The meek shall inherit the earth.”

“I always grew up thinking ‘meek’ meant weak, but that’s not what meek means. ‘Meek’ means you have a sharp sword, a sword that could do real damage to people around you, but you decide, electively, to sheathe that sword and put it away for a while, so you can do goods, so you can do important things where once in a while we have to get together, even if we’re competitors, and agree,” Oz said Monday.

“That’s what these insurance companies and hospital systems have done,” he continued. “They have agreed to sheathe their swords to be meek for a while, to come up with a better solution to a problem that plagues us all.”