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in Scam Awareness
accc.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
Australian authorities identified over 5,000 potential victims of a romance scam operation run by Philippine-based cybercriminals who posed as Filipino or local females on dating apps to deceive mostly male victims over 35. The scammers convinced victims to invest AUD $300–$800 in cryptocurrency before transferring funds to their accounts; the investigation resulted in over 250 arrests and led authorities to send warning text messages to potential victims advising them not to send money and to report any losses to banks and police. This operation was conducted under Operation Firestorm, a global initiative by the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Collaboration Centre to disrupt offshore organized crime networks targeting
afp.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
Australian authorities warned more than 5,000 potential victims via text message about romance scammers operating from the Philippines who targeted men over 35 using fake female personas on dating apps. The scammers convinced victims to invest AUD $300-$800 in cryptocurrency before stealing their funds, with the scheme uncovered after Philippine authorities raided a scam compound in Manila in November 2024 and identified Australian phone numbers linked to the operation. The investigation, known as Operation Firestorm, has resulted in over 250 arrests in the Philippines, and authorities advised victims to report funds to their banks and police immediately.
sbs.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Over 5,000 Australian men were alerted to a romance scam operation based in the Philippines that resulted in more than $23.5 million in losses across Australia in 2024. Scammers used dating apps to build fake romantic relationships before convincing victims to invest in cryptocurrency, requesting initial investments of $300-$800 before directing funds to their personal accounts. Philippine authorities dismantled the operation in November 2024, seizing over 300 computer towers and 1,000 mobile phones, with evidence shared to international law enforcement to identify victims.
klaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are on the rise in Texas, with the state ranking third nationally for losses from this type of fraud, totaling over $114.4 million from 2022 to 2023. According to FTC data, nearly 70,000 people reported romance scams in 2022, losing an average of $4,400 each across $1.3 billion in total losses. The article outlines common red flags—such as avoiding video calls, rushing romantic declarations, and requesting money—and recommends protective measures including reverse image searching, never sending money to unmet contacts, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities.
aljazeera.com
· 2025-12-08
Singapore passed unprecedented anti-scam legislation in 2024 that grants authorities power to freeze bank accounts of suspected scam victims to prevent them from transferring funds to scammers. The measure was prompted by record-high scam reports—26,587 cases in the first half of 2024 with losses exceeding $284 million—where 86 percent involved willing fund transfers, despite education efforts and bank safeguards. While supporters view the law as essential protection, critics argue it reflects paternalistic governance that inappropriately restricts individual financial autonomy.
energized.edison.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 100 Southern California Edison customers fell victim to impersonation scams in just the first month of 2025, with fraudsters posing as SCE representatives to extract payments through various methods including urgency tactics, fake websites, prepaid cards, and barcode schemes. SCE advises customers to verify any calls by asking for a callback number, never provide credit card information over the phone, and report suspected scams to sce.com/scamalert, emphasizing that legitimate SCE representatives do not demand immediate payment or accept prepaid cards, Bitcoin, or Zelle transfers.
cw34.com
· 2025-12-08
Computer programmers in England developed "Daisy," an AI-powered elderly woman chatbot designed to waste scammers' time by engaging them in lengthy conversations—averaging seven minutes per call, with one interaction lasting 40 minutes. The prototype, created by Virgin Media O2, uses four layers of AI technology to generate realistic voice responses based on a detailed backstory (a 78-year-old widow who enjoys baking), and developers are now working to scale the technology into thousands of personas that can be installed on personal phones to combat both voice scams and phishing attempts.
nbcdfw.com
· 2025-12-08
During tax season, the Federal Trade Commission warns that identity theft scams are evolving, with scammers increasingly using text messages and emails rather than phone calls to direct victims to fake IRS websites and steal login credentials or install malware. In 2023, the FTC received over one million identity theft reports resulting in more than $10 billion in losses combined. The FTC advises taxpayers to avoid clicking unsolicited links, visit IRS.gov directly to verify information, freeze their credit, use strong passwords with multi-factor authentication, file taxes early, and obtain an IRS identity protection PIN.
wvtm13.com
· 2025-12-08
Two text message scams are currently circulating: one falsely claims to be from the IRS offering a $1,400 economic impact payment and directs recipients to click malicious links and provide personal information, while the other impersonates toll agencies threatening license suspension for unpaid road tolls. Authorities warn recipients not to reply to or click links in these messages, noting that the IRS only contacts people by mail and will never request personal information or payment via text or email.
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Safer Internet Day 2025 (February 11) focuses on protecting people from online scams, which are tricks designed to steal money or personal information through methods like fake giveaways, misleading products, and phishing links. The UK Safer Internet Centre advises people to spot red flags such as offers that seem too good to be true, avoid sharing personal information online, and refrain from clicking links in unexpected messages, with children especially encouraged to speak to trusted adults if concerned. Educational activities including a BBC Teach live lesson and "Scam Smashers" game will help participants identify and defend against scams.
richmondsunsetnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The San Francisco Police Department released an educational video in partnership with a blessing scam survivor and Self-Help for the Elderly to raise awareness about blessing scams targeting the Chinese community. Blessing scams typically involve Cantonese-speaking suspects who pose as fortune tellers, claiming victims or loved ones are cursed and must surrender valuables to be "blessed," then replacing them with worthless items. The video emphasizes how to refuse scammers and encourages community members to report incidents to SFPD.
wkow.com
· 2025-12-08
Dane County Sheriff's Office detectives stopped an elderly woman from losing $25,000 in a tech support scam that began with a fake Microsoft pop-up alert directing her to withdraw funds and deposit them into a cryptocurrency ATM. The scammers later attempted to contact her again by spoofing the sheriff's office phone line, but she avoided the calls after being warned by the detective. In a similar case, Summit Credit Union staff also used the sheriff's office Scam Alert flyer to prevent another victim from losing $88,000 to a fraudulent lawyer impersonator.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired Army colonel in his early 70s from Pune lost Rs 62 lakh in a "digital arrest" scam when fraudsters posing as Delhi Cyber Cell officers claimed he was involved in a Rs 500 crore hawala scam and coerced him to transfer his savings to fake government accounts over five days. The scam operated by threatening arrest, conducting fake video calls to simulate detention, and routing stolen funds through bank accounts in Karnataka, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh. This case is part of a broader pattern of digital arrest fraud targeting senior citizens and armed forces personnel in India, with recent victims losing crores of rupees to organized multinational syndicates.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission reported that fraud losses exceeded $10 billion nationally in 2023, with 2024 showing alarming trends in scam types including online job scams, government impersonation, gift card fraud, and business investment schemes. Student loan scams have proliferated due to confusion over federal loan forgiveness programs, with criminals using phishing, upfront fee schemes, and identity theft tactics to prey on borrowers seeking debt relief. The FTC warns that legitimate assistance is available free through student loan servicers and the Department of Education, and that private companies cannot deliver forgiveness benefits that aren't already available through government programs.
mytexasdaily.com
· 2025-12-08
A scam in Corpus Christi, Texas involves sending unsolicited packages containing items like jewelry or speakers with QR codes that claim to identify the sender; scanning these codes can expose personal and financial information, download malware, or compromise bank accounts. Recipients should avoid scanning unknown QR codes, monitor their accounts for fraud, and report suspected identity theft to local authorities or IdentityTheft.gov.
bryantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The Williams County Department of Aging alerted the public to a phone scam targeting home-delivered meals service recipients, in which at least one senior was contacted by a scammer demanding payment for their meal service. The department emphasized that it never requests payment by phone and that meal service is never withheld based on ability to pay, with donations being entirely voluntary. The agency advised recipients and their families not to provide personal information to suspicious callers, to hang up immediately if pressured for payment, and to report incidents to local authorities or the department directly.
wflx.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in Martin County spoofed the sheriff's office phone number to call residents claiming they had outstanding arrest warrants requiring immediate bitcoin payment to resolve. Two men lost a combined $20,000 in the scam last week before law enforcement intervened. The Martin County Sheriff's Office warns residents that legitimate agencies never request money over the phone and advises potential victims to stay calm and verify calls with trusted contacts or the sheriff's office directly, as bitcoin transactions are virtually impossible to recover.
khaleejtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Several women in the UAE were defrauded by a European seller who sold counterfeit designer bags through social media groups, falsely marketing them as authentic luxury items at heavily discounted prices (Dh1,500-Dh2,000 versus authentic prices of Dh9,000+). Multiple victims, including a healthcare professional who purchased 10 fake bags and another buyer who nearly lost Dh30,000, filed police complaints after having their purchases authenticated at official stores and experiencing hostility when requesting refunds. The seller used elaborate Instagram unboxing videos and posed as a wealthy Arab to build credibility, with victims discovering the bags were actually worth as little as Dh
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A couple from Ganjam district lost over Rs 34 lakh in a cyber scam that occurred over two days in late January. The husband received a fraudulent call from someone impersonating a TRAI officer claiming his SIM would be deactivated and alleging a money laundering case against him; the scammers then posed as police officers and judges on social media, threatening arrest and instructing the couple to transfer funds to a bank account for "RBI verification." After transferring Rs 30 lakh on January 21 and Rs 4.50 lakh on January 22, the couple discovered the fraud when consulting with a bank manager and filed an FIR
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
FightCybercrime, a nonprofit organization, operates a free Romance Scam Recovery Group to support victims of romance fraud, which cost Americans over $800 million in the first three quarters of 2024. Program participants have collectively lost more than $73 million, averaging $160,000 in losses per person, and receive counselor-led peer support, therapy, and resources to aid emotional and financial recovery. Romance scammers typically target isolated or vulnerable individuals by building trust over time before gradually escalating requests for money through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
q1057.com
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" romance scams are targeting New York dating app users, where scammers build trust through fake romantic relationships before convincing victims to invest money in bogus schemes. A notable case involved a French woman who lost $850,000 after being deceived by someone impersonating Brad Pitt using AI technology. New York's Attorney General recommends avoiding wire transfers and verifying photos to protect against these sophisticated frauds.
crypto.news
· 2025-12-08
Jakarta police arrested 20 suspects involved in a crypto romance scam that targeted professional women from the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand through dating apps like Tinder and Bumble, eventually directing them to a fraudulent cryptocurrency platform called "Wish" that promised returns up to 25%. The scam, which operated for over two months, resulted in financial losses still being determined, with three masterminds and supporting operatives identified, though one suspect believed to be a Chinese national remains at large. The case is part of a larger pattern of crypto scams with alleged Chinese criminal network connections operating across multiple countries.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
A 21-year-old Syrian refugee in Dubai provided firsthand testimony about working in a sophisticated mass scamming operation that employed over 1,000 workers across multiple desert facilities to conduct "pig butchering" romance scams targeting victims globally. After being hired under false pretenses for what he believed was an advertising job, the worker was forced to impersonate women and manipulate people into investing in cryptocurrency, working 12-hour shifts for minimal pay while his passport was threatened and movement restricted. The operation, run by Chinese managers and staffed primarily by desperate foreign migrants, is part of a transnational scamming industry estimated to have generated $1.03 trillion globally last year.
citizen.co.za
· 2025-12-08
Several elderly women aged 65-78 in Ethekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, lost a collective R120,000 to an online romance scam in January 2025 involving a man posing as "Doctor Mike from London," a British doctor allegedly practicing in New York. The scammer used Facebook and phone numbers with USA and UK prefixes to establish contact, promised romantic dates in Durban, and then claimed to have been arrested at King Shaka International Airport with confiscated US dollars, requesting R20,000-R50,000 transfers to secure his release. The victims discovered the fraud only after traveling to the airport to meet him and finding themselves blocke
consumerreports.org
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old widow in Santa Clara County, California lost $25,000 in a spoofing scam when a caller impersonating a Wells Fargo fraud department representative used her personal information to gain her trust and extract banking details. Over 90 minutes, the scammer obtained her account password and transaction information, then changed her contact number and authorized a fraudulent wire transfer while keeping her distracted on the phone. Scammers increasingly use spoofed caller IDs, personal data obtained from the dark web, and AI deepfakes to impersonate trusted institutions and individuals, making verification of legitimate contacts and independent confirmation essential protection strategies.
wcnc.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonated the IRS by sending fraudulent text messages promising $1,400 stimulus checks, directing victims to fake IRS websites designed to steal personal and financial information or install malware. The Better Business Bureau warned consumers to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, remember that legitimate IRS communication occurs only through postal mail, and report suspicious communications to authorities.
newsroom.paypal-corp.com
· 2025-12-08
PayPal and Venmo warn that fraudsters exploit charitable giving by impersonating legitimate charities and relief organizations through phishing, high-pressure tactics, fake websites, and account spoofing to steal money and personal information from well-intentioned donors. The platforms recommend donating only through verified channels like PayPal Cause Hub and Venmo Charity Profiles, and provide guidance on spotting red flags including lack of transparency, unverified credentials, aggressive messaging, and inconsistent communication methods.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 74-year-old Washington senior lost $624,000 in life savings to a gold bar scam orchestrated by 42-year-old Zhichao Huang, who was extradited from California to face charges. The scam followed a common pattern: a fake pop-up mimicking Charles Schwab prompted the victim to call a number, where an imposter claiming to be a federal agent convinced her to liquidate stocks and retirement accounts into gold bars, then collect them in a parking lot under false pretenses. Between May and December 2023, the FBI reported over $55 million in losses from similar gold bar scams targeting seniors nationwide, with investigators susp
sanfranciscopolice.org
· 2025-12-08
The San Francisco Police Department released an educational video in partnership with Self Help for the Elderly and a blessing scam survivor to raise awareness about blessing scams targeting the Chinese community. Blessing scams typically involve Cantonese-speaking perpetrators who pose as fortune tellers, convincing victims they are cursed and must surrender valuables (cash and jewelry) to be "blessed," then replacing the items with worthless goods. The video emphasizes teaching community members, particularly seniors, how to refuse scammers and encourages reporting incidents to SFPD.
newcastlepacer.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, adults aged 60 and older filed over 100,000 fraud complaints to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, losing more than $3.4 billion—an 11% increase from the previous year. Oklahoma's Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready outlines common scams targeting older adults, including phishing, Medicare and health insurance fraud, and tech support scams, and recommends protection strategies such as staying skeptical of unsolicited communications, avoiding sharing personal information online, and immediately reporting suspected fraud to relevant authorities including the FTC, Social Security Administration, or financial institutions.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly personalizing financial fraud tactics by targeting specific demographics based on vulnerabilities and life circumstances, similar to legitimate business marketing strategies. A 2024 PYMNTS Intelligence report found that approximately 3 in 10 U.S. consumers (77 million people) lost money to scams over the past five years, with most victims losing over $500, and that different age groups face different scam risks—such as Gen Z being three times more likely to fall victim to employment scams while older consumers face higher rates of fake eCommerce and identity theft scams. Financial institutions play a critical role in protecting customers by understanding scam tactics and the broader psychological and emotional damage these
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Celebrity impersonation scams using AI-generated deepfakes of famous figures like Brad Pitt and Rod Stewart are becoming increasingly sophisticated and convincing, exploiting psychological vulnerabilities that affect people across all age groups. Scammers capitalize on the emotional trust people feel toward familiar faces—whether celebrities or local news presenters—to promote fraudulent schemes, particularly targeting women with weight loss and financial products. Experts recommend skepticism toward offers that seem too good to be true, verifying information directly from official sources, and slowing down decision-making when approached with investment or product opportunities.
datingnews.com
· 2025-12-08
New York State introduced legislation requiring dating platforms to notify users when they match with someone previously banned from the app, addressing the growing problem of romance scams that cost Americans $1.14 billion in 2023 alone. Romance scammers exploit users' desire for connection by building emotional trust before soliciting money, often using fake identities or celebrity impersonations. The legislation is part of the broader "Stop Hiding Hate" Act aimed at protecting New Yorkers from fraud while holding social media companies accountable for self-regulation.
usethebitcoin.com
· 2025-12-08
Crypto romance scams, also known as "pig butchering," involve fraudsters forming fake online relationships with victims using AI-generated or stolen images, then pressuring them to invest in non-existent cryptocurrency platforms with promises of quick returns. In January 2025, Hong Kong Police dismantled a syndicate that defrauded victims in Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan of at least $4.37 million, while research shows crypto romance scammers stole over $4.4 billion globally in 2024. Red flags include rapid relationship progression, requests to pay taxes or fees before withdrawals, and inability to meet in person—victims should use common sense and remain vigilant against these
lexology.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational resource from a law firm specializing in online fraud describes "pig-butchering" scams—sophisticated schemes where fraudsters build trust with victims over weeks or months through romantic or business relationships, then pressure them to invest large sums in fake opportunities like cryptocurrency or real estate projects. The article provides warning signs including high-pressure tactics, unrealistic returns, cryptocurrency payment requests, and offshore transfers, and recommends victims conduct background checks, research platforms, seek legal advice early, and stay informed about common fraud tactics. The firm notes it receives approximately 100 victim requests monthly but can only accept cases involving losses exceeding $500,000 due to the complex, resource-intensive nature of
katv.com
· 2025-12-08
Rising imposter scams have prompted the U.S. Marshals to alert the public about fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials via phone calls, claiming victims owe fines for arrest warrants, failed jury duty, or identity theft and threatening arrest unless immediate payment is made. Scammers use sophisticated tactics including spoofed government phone numbers, personal information verification, fake case numbers, and instructions to withdraw up to 80% of victims' assets and deposit funds into bitcoin ATMs, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in losses per victim. The U.S. Marshals advise victims to contact their local FBI office and file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission, and remind the
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season scams employ increasingly sophisticated tactics including phishing emails impersonating the IRS, phone calls demanding immediate payment, fraudulent tax return filings to claim refunds, and fake tax preparers on social media platforms. Scammers exploit fear and urgency to pressure victims into revealing sensitive information or making payments. Taxpayers can protect themselves by filing early, verifying IRS communications directly, using secure internet connections, monitoring tax accounts, and only using IRS-registered tax preparers.
roi-nj.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece outlines how scams have evolved over two decades, becoming increasingly sophisticated with AI technology enabling scammers to impersonate voices and identities of loved ones and authority figures. The article identifies common fraud targets as elderly people and veterans, with typical schemes including romance scams, fake employment offers using fraudulent checks, impersonation of government officials, and advance-fee schemes. Key prevention strategies include recognizing red flags such as urgent pressure, unusual payment methods, grammar errors, and implementing protective measures like monitoring accounts, using strong passwords, and setting spending limits.
chronicleonline.com
· 2025-12-08
This article describes common scams targeting people of all ages, particularly elderly individuals, including fake virus warnings, fraudulent Medicare calls, package delivery texts, and voice recording schemes. The Citrus County Sheriff's Office is hosting a free public presentation by fraud detectives on February 3rd at the Homosassa Public Library to educate community members on how to recognize and protect themselves from con artists and scammers.
timesleader.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday issued a consumer warning ahead of Super Bowl LIX, alerting residents to ticket scams and merchandise fraud targeting eager fans traveling to New Orleans. The advisory recommends consumers purchase tickets only from legitimate websites like Ticketmaster and StubHub, avoid third-party sellers and suspicious URLs, use credit cards rather than gift cards or wire transfers, and conduct in-person transactions in safe locations. Victims of Super Bowl-related scams can file complaints with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
news.syr.edu
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other government agencies to target international students via email and phone, claiming visa issues exist and demanding urgent payments through gift cards. ITS advises that legitimate government agencies never demand payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers, and victims should report such contact to the ITS Helpdesk rather than responding to the fraudsters.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Antony Linton Stewart, a Jamaican citizen, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for operating a fraudulent lottery scheme from 2010 to 2016 that defrauded elderly Americans by falsely claiming they had won sweepstakes prizes and demanding payment for fees and taxes. Stewart and his co-conspirators contacted victims by phone and repeatedly solicited additional payments with no lottery or winnings ever existing, resulting in over $1.1 million in losses for which he was ordered to pay restitution. This case is part of the Department of Justice's ongoing effort to combat Jamaica-based lottery fraud targeting U.S. citizens, particularly seniors.
hoodline.com
· 2025-12-08
Antony Linton Stewart, a 40-year-old Jamaican national, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for orchestrating a lottery fraud scheme that targeted elderly U.S. residents from 2010 to 2016, convincing victims they had won sweepstakes prizes and extracting money until victims could no longer pay. Stewart was ordered to repay $1,104,041.74 in restitution, and the case was prosecuted as part of the Justice Department's broader initiative to combat foreign-based scams targeting seniors.
einpresswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Antony Linton Stewart, a 40-year-old Jamaican citizen, was sentenced to 84 months in prison and ordered to pay $1,104,041.74 in restitution for operating a fraudulent lottery scheme from approximately 2010 through August 2016. Stewart and his co-conspirators targeted elderly Americans by phone, falsely telling them they had won sweepstakes or lottery prizes and demanding upfront fees and taxes, with no actual lottery or winnings ever existing. The case was prosecuted as part of the Justice Department's effort to combat Jamaica-based lottery fraud schemes that prey on U.S. citizens, particularly older adults.
bgindependentmedia.org
· 2025-12-08
Three senior citizens in Bowling Green lost over $32,000 to scammers within four days, using different methods including gift cards, Bitcoin, and cash. The incidents involved a 78-year-old woman tricked into purchasing $8,000 in gift cards after being told her Apple card was compromised, a 60-year-old woman who withdrew $20,000 in cash after a fake Geek Squad scam, and a third unreported victim. Police Lieutenant Ryan Tackett advised seniors to verify message sources, refuse suspicious payment requests, seek help from trusted contacts, and treat unsolicited requests with skepticism.
mykeenenow.com
· 2025-12-08
New Hampshire elderly residents are experiencing a surge in lottery and sweepstakes scams, where perpetrators falsely claim victims have won prizes like Publishers Clearing House and demand upfront fees for taxes or processing through wire transfers, Bitcoin ATMs, or gift cards, with some victims losing $8,500 or more. Attorney General John M. Formella advises residents that legitimate lotteries never require payment to release winnings, unsolicited winning notices should be ignored, and PCH never calls winners in advance—victims should verify directly at 1-800-392-4190 and report suspected scams to local police or the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Bureau.
riverbender.com
· 2025-12-08
This article announces upcoming educational and social events at Senior Services Plus in Alton, Illinois, rather than reporting on a fraud case. Senior Services Plus will host a free Consumer Fraud Panel on January 31, 2025, featuring speakers from the Illinois Attorney General's office and U.S. Attorney's office who will discuss common consumer scams and provide protective advice to older adults and community members. The organization is also hosting a Speed Connections social event on February 7, 2025, designed to foster friendships and connections among adults aged 55 and up.
business-reporter.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
CEO gift card fraud is a seasonal scam where attackers impersonate senior executives to trick employees into purchasing gift cards, exploiting holiday goodwill and busy schedules. Modern variants use sophisticated tactics including spoofed emails, social media reconnaissance, and generative AI to create convincing messages that bypass traditional email defenses, with these attacks increasingly enabled by cyber-crime-as-a-service platforms and tools like GhostGPT. Organizations face financial losses and reputational damage when falling victim, as these text-based scams lack obvious red flags that standard security systems are designed to catch.
kawartha411.ca
· 2025-12-08
The City of Kawartha Lakes OPP issued a warning about an increase in grandparent/emergency scams targeting seniors in their area, where fraudsters call posing as distressed family members, police, or officials claiming a loved one needs immediate money for bail, accident damages, or foreign travel issues. The scammers use emotional manipulation, request secrecy, and extract personal information, with common scenarios involving car accidents or jail situations. Authorities advise recipients to hang up and verify claims independently, contact police non-emergency lines, inform bank tellers of large withdrawals, and report suspected fraud to local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501
farrer.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
The UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has published guidance encouraging private organizations—including banks, telecommunications providers, and digital platforms—to share personal data responsibly for fraud prevention and detection purposes, clarifying that data protection law should not be used as an excuse to avoid such sharing. The guidance provides practical recommendations including conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments, establishing clear data sharing agreements, identifying lawful bases for sharing, and implementing safeguards, while balancing fraud prevention efforts with UK GDPR compliance. This comes amid rising costs of authorized push payment (APP) fraud and increased cross-industry collaboration to combat scams through shared information about known or suspected fraudsters.