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ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational awareness piece, not a news report of a specific fraud incident. It does not fit the Elderus database focus on elder fraud cases.
**Summary (if needed for general reference):** The FTC and IRS warn small business owners that the busy holiday shopping season creates vulnerability to scams and tax-related identity theft, and recommend implementing strong data security (encryption, multifactor authentication, employee training), learning to recognize common scams, and reporting suspicious activity to the FTC or identity theft to IdentityTheft.gov.
click2houston.com
· 2025-12-08
Rental fraud is increasing, with 5.2 million U.S. renters losing money according to 2022 research, typically involving scammers posting fake listings at drastically reduced prices on platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, collecting deposits before disappearing. To protect themselves, renters should verify listings through legitimate platforms, visit properties in person, avoid unusually low prices, obtain written agreements, never send money before meeting the landlord, and resist pressure to act quickly—red flags include refusal to meet in person, vague listing details, and requests for unconventional payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards.
scamwatch.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
This educational resource provides guidance for scam victims on immediate response steps: contact financial institutions to halt transactions, use IDCARE (Australia/New Zealand's identity support service) for recovery planning, report the fraud to relevant authorities and warn others, and remain vigilant against follow-up scams since one in three victims experience repeat fraud. The article emphasizes the importance of seeking financial counseling and mental health support, as scams can cause significant emotional and financial distress.
blog.knowbe4.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS issued an advisory warning taxpayers of holiday-themed shopping scams, including phishing emails impersonating delivery services and the IRS itself that trick victims into disclosing personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank accounts, and passwords. These scams are expected to intensify during the holiday season and tax season, potentially leading to identity theft and fraud. The IRS recommends avoiding unsecured Wi-Fi, maintaining updated security software, using strong passwords, and enabling multi-factor authentication to protect against these threats.
telus.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** "I know where you live!": the latest sextortion scam exposed
The "Hello Pervert" sextortion scam emails intimidate victims to pay in cryptocurrency by threatening to expose compromising content and now include a new tactic—photos of recipients' homes obtained from Google Maps Street View. To protect themselves, victims should never pay or respond to such emails, report them to law enforcement and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and take preventive measures including blurring their homes on Google Maps, conducting dark web scans, maintaining strong passwords, and running regular security scans on all devices.
amny.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams surge during the holiday season as fraudsters exploit loneliness and generosity, particularly targeting vulnerable populations including older adults through online dating platforms and social media. In 2022, older Americans lost nearly $240 million to romance scams according to the FTC, and a free educational webinar on December 10 featuring Homeland Security Investigations and AARP New York will provide tools to recognize scam tactics, verify identities, and access victim support resources.
dailygazette.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Montgomery County resident lost $40,000 in a cryptocurrency investment scam where the suspect posed as customer service and falsely claimed the victim's activity was being monitored. When the suspect, Zixiong Wang, 27, of Flushing, attempted to collect additional funds at a predetermined location in Amsterdam, New York State Police arrested him on charges of third-degree attempted grand larceny and criminal possession of cocaine; investigators also discovered he was wanted in Delaware for similar crimes against an elderly victim.
cbs6albany.com
· 2025-12-08
A 27-year-old man from Flushing, NY was arrested after defrauding a Montgomery County senior of over $40,000 through a fake cryptocurrency scam involving fraudulent emails and threatening phone calls. The suspect, Zixiong Wang, was apprehended during an arranged money exchange in Amsterdam and was also found to be wanted in Delaware for similar crimes against an elderly victim. Wang was remanded to jail without bail, with authorities noting additional suspects may be involved in the ongoing investigation.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Xiao Kun Cheung, 58, a Chinese national, was indicted for his role in a multi-state elder fraud conspiracy that targeted seniors up to age 92 across Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee, swindling over $1 million through phone calls and pop-up messages falsely claiming compromised accounts, then persuading victims to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, or buy gold bars. Cheung was arrested in March 2024 while attempting to collect approximately $132,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler, Georgia, and faces charges including wire fraud and extortion with potential penalties up to 20 years in prison. The case
deseret.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau issued a scam alert warning about misleading social media ads (appearing on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) promoting personalized gifts that arrive in poor quality, with errors, or vastly different from their online descriptions, with unresponsive customer service making refunds difficult or impossible. The BBB recommends consumers research companies before purchasing, verify website legitimacy (checking for HTTPS, proper grammar, and authentic reviews), be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers, and use credit cards rather than debit cards for easier dispute resolution.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A woman from Mumbai's Gorai area lost Rs 6.37 lakh after clicking on an Instagram reel advertising a part-time job that promised quick earnings for simple tasks like liking videos. The scammers used a classic bait-and-switch scheme, initially providing small payments for basic tasks to build trust, then convincing her to invest larger amounts in "higher-paying" opportunities before demanding additional "tax" payments to release non-existent profits. The case was reported to Borivali Police and authorities are urging the public to verify job offers and avoid clicking suspicious social media links.
salinapost.com
· 2025-12-08
A 40-year-old Salina woman lost $1,900 to an impersonation scam after searching online for Cox Communications customer service and calling a fraudulent number. The scammers falsely claimed her account was flagged for illegal activity, then posed as Chase Bank representatives to convince her to purchase gift cards as a supposed security measure. Police emphasize that legitimate companies never request payment via gift cards and recommend contacting businesses directly using official account statements or card backs.
en.cibercuba.com
· 2025-12-08
A Cuban recent arrival to the U.S. was scammed out of $100 at Walmart when a stranger sold him costume jewelry disguised as 14-carat gold chain, using tricks like burning it and testing it with a magnet to appear authentic. The victim shared his experience on TikTok as a cautionary tale, highlighting how newly arrived migrants are vulnerable to such scams due to unfamiliarity with common deceptive practices in the country. The incident underscores the need for migrants to exercise caution when approached by strangers offering deals that seem too good to be true.
patriotnewsmn.com
· 2025-12-08
A concerned citizen nearly fell for an impersonation scam where a caller claiming to be law enforcement demanded $15,000 bail to release the victim's daughter from jail after a purported car accident; the parents avoided loss by verifying the claim at the actual jail and discovering their daughter was safe. The article documents multiple similar law enforcement impersonation scams in Wright County, Minnesota, where scammers pose as sheriffs or court officials demanding payment or personal information, and provides guidance that legitimate law enforcement never calls demanding cash payments and advises victims to hang up and contact the actual agency directly.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
A mother from Coventry nearly fell victim to a WhatsApp scam when a man posing as someone from her son's school called her and sent a code claiming to invite her to a parents' Christmas party group; the code would have actually granted the scammer access to all her WhatsApp data and personal information, but she recognized the threat and hung up. Consumer rights experts warn that such scams are increasingly common and can have devastating consequences, as scammers only need an email and password to attempt accessing bank accounts, shopping platforms, and payment services.
click2houston.com
· 2025-12-08
A Houston woman named Kimberly Relford lost $100 in a rental scam after finding a fraudulent listing on Redfin for a 3-bedroom home listed at $1,500. She sent a non-refundable PayPal payment to a scammer posing as "Peter" and received a lease agreement, but discovered the fraud when she contacted the actual property owner. Redfin confirmed the listing was created using a stolen identity and has emphasized its multi-layered fraud detection system, while experts advise renters to verify properties in person and confirm that real estate agents are certified before making any payments.
atlantanewsfirst.com
· 2025-12-08
"Gift card draining" is a growing scam where fraudsters steal gift card numbers and activation codes either by physically tampering with cards in stores or using computer bots to test thousands of card numbers to find those with available funds. To protect against this scam, consumers should purchase gift cards from behind the register, verify they haven't been tampered with, keep receipts, consider virtual gift cards, and use cards promptly; many retailers have added security measures like scratch-offs, warning labels, and security access labels applied at checkout.
wbrc.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau identified twelve common holiday scams affecting consumers, including misleading social media ads, fake shipping text messages, gift card fraud, and counterfeit product listings that steal credit card information. The BBB advised consumers to remain vigilant during the holiday season by verifying retailer legitimacy, checking gift card packaging for tampering, and avoiding suspicious discounts on popular items, as scammers typically disappear after collecting payment or personal data.
whas11.com
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday season, scammers in Indiana are impersonating USPS representatives and sending text messages claiming packages are held due to invalid zip codes, with links designed to trick recipients into clicking. The Floyd County Sheriff's Office warns recipients to delete these messages and verified with the post office that this is a scam. Authorities advise checking package status directly through tracking apps or contacting the postal service directly rather than responding to unsolicited messages.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI has issued a public service announcement warning of increasing AI-generated scams targeting smartphone users, including deepfake audio and video calls impersonating loved ones, celebrities, and authority figures to commit fraud at scale. The agency advises users to hang up and independently verify caller identity, establish a secret word with family members for emergency verification, and avoid sharing sensitive information with online or phone-only contacts, as AI tools are becoming sophisticated enough that experts may struggle to distinguish authentic from fabricated content.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Research from Which? revealed that parcel delivery scams impersonating major couriers (USPS, Amazon, DHL, Royal Mail, InPost) are spiking ahead of the 2024 holiday season, with scammers using fake delivery notifications to pressure victims into clicking malicious links that steal credentials and enable fraud. Gmail's smart summary card feature, powered by AI defenses that block 99.9% of phishing attempts, offers additional protection against these scams when combined with user awareness and existing platform security measures.
dailydodge.com
· 2025-12-08
Wisconsin's Division of Trade and Consumer Protection reported an increase in sextortion scams conducted via email and text, where scammers falsely claim to possess compromising videos or information and threaten to share it with the victim's contacts unless paid in cryptocurrency. The scammers use publicly available information like Google Maps photos and false claims about unsafe website visits to appear credible. Officials recommend victims not respond to messages, avoid sending money, change passwords on all accounts, and report incidents to the state's consumer protection hotline.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI has warned of increased cyber scams during the holiday season, and CNET senior cybersecurity reporter Bree Fowler provides guidance on protecting oneself from these threats. The video segment offers cybersecurity advice and protective measures specifically tailored to the holiday shopping and online activity period.
news4jax.com
· 2025-12-08
Xiao Kun Cheung, 58, was charged in Georgia for operating a multi-state elder fraud scheme that extorted over $1 million from seniors up to 92 years old through phone calls and pop-up messages falsely claiming their accounts were compromised. Cheung convinced victims to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, and buy gold bars under the pretense of government safekeeping, and was arrested attempting to collect $132,000 in gold bars from one victim. The case highlights the broader crisis of elder fraud, with Americans over 60 suffering $3.5 billion in losses in 2023, including $92 million in Georgia alone.
losaltosonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Los Altos crime prevention officer Rod Sayre visited a senior center to warn homeowners about spring-season scams targeting seniors, noting that scam artists become more active during this time of year alongside seasonal pest problems. The article emphasizes the need for senior homeowners to be vigilant and informed about fraud risks, though specific scam details are not provided in the available excerpt.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Model Shivankita Dixit lost Rs 99,000 in a "digital arrest" scam where fraudsters impersonating CBI officials contacted her via WhatsApp, falsely accusing her of involvement in human trafficking and drug smuggling, then coerced her into paying money to avoid arrest. Digital arrest scams are a sophisticated cybercrime tactic where scammers impersonate law enforcement, use video calls and fake documents to establish credibility, and exploit victims' fear through false allegations and threats of legal action. Key prevention measures include verifying caller identity through official sources, avoiding disclosure of sensitive information, staying calm under pressure, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
dimsumdaily.hk
· 2025-12-08
A phishing scam in Hong Kong impersonated the Water Supplies Department with fake overdue payment notifications containing malicious links; one victim lost HK$15,000 (approximately USD $1,923) after entering her credit card and verification code on a fraudulent website designed to mimic official communications. Multiple reports emerged of similar scams claiming small overdue fees of HK$28.26 to appear legitimate, with the fraudulent messages sent under sender names like "HKSW." The Water Supplies Department issued an alert confirming they do not send hyperlinked messages and advised the public that authentic communications begin with a "#" symbol, while urging victims to contact police and report suspicious
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A WhatsApp scam targeting parents circulated widely during the Christmas season, in which a scammer posed as a school parent and sent victims a code claiming to add them to a group chat for organizing a Christmas party—the code would actually grant the scammer access to all of the victim's WhatsApp data and personal information. A mother from Coventry nearly fell victim but recognized the suspicious code before clicking it, and WhatsApp has since rolled out protective measures including alert notifications that show who created a group, when it was created, and who added you, allowing users to verify legitimacy before joining.
ktar.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** "Beware of 'quishing' emails! These scary scams can hurt your computer"
Phishing scams exploit human emotions through social engineering and malware-laden links or attachments, with cybercriminals increasingly using "quishing" (QR code phishing) to bypass email security filters. If you fall for a phishing scam, immediate steps include scanning for malware if you clicked a link, changing your password from a secure device using a 12+ character unique password, enabling two-factor authentication on all accounts, and monitoring for credential stuffing attacks where hackers use stolen login information across multiple websites.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A convincing phishing scam impersonates Spotify by sending fraudulent emails claiming payment failures and threatening account cancellation, using official branding and logos to appear legitimate. The scam directs victims to a fake login page that harvests personal information including names, addresses, dates of birth, and credit card details, which could be used for unauthorized payments and identity theft. Spotify advises users never to share payment information via email and to verify account issues directly through the official platform.
technology.inquirer.net
· 2025-12-08
Government agencies (CICC and DOJ) and online bank Maya discussed the eight most common online scams affecting Filipinos—including phishing, identity theft, ransomware, online shopping fraud, tech support scams, social media scams, investment/crypto scams, and romance scams—at the Protecta Pilipinas launch event. Panelists warned that scams have become increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using tower hijacking techniques to send spoofed messages from legitimate institutions and targeting online shoppers with losses ranging from ₱3,500 to ₱17,000. Authorities advised the public to avoid clicking suspicious links and carefully verify messages claiming to be from
gisuser.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost victims an average of $2,000, with total losses exceeding $1 billion in 2023 alone, and 50% of Americans using dating apps between 2018-2023 experienced catfishing. Scammers use stolen photos, love bombing tactics, and requests to move communication off-platform before eventually asking for money, cryptocurrency investments, or personal financial data. To protect yourself, avoid sending money to online contacts, decline investments in digital assets, request video chats to verify identity, and trust your instincts if communication seems inconsistent or suspicious.
levittownnow.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide from the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection outlines common holiday shopping scams and prevention strategies. Key scams include fake retailer websites using phishing tactics, gift card theft where criminals harvest card numbers before activation, and fraudulent charities impersonating legitimate organizations. Consumers should verify URLs directly, use secure payment methods, purchase gift cards in-store, and donate only to verified charities to protect themselves during the holiday season.
wsiu.org
· 2025-12-08
During the busy holiday delivery season, scammers exploit increased package shipments through delivery-related fraud and package theft. The article highlights that home delivery is the most popular shopping method for holiday purchases, making consumers vulnerable to scams targeting this increased delivery activity.
actionnewsjax.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI Jacksonville Division warns consumers about increasingly sophisticated online scams targeting shoppers through fake retail sites, social media frauds, and charity schemes. During the 2023 holiday season, the IC3 received 13,000 non-delivery complaints totaling $92 million in losses, and in 2024, puppy scams alone generated approximately 2,600 complaints with $5.6 million in losses. The FBI recommends using strong passwords, verifying charity legitimacy, avoiding unrealistic discounts, and checking financial statements regularly to prevent fraud.
enewscourier.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS launched its annual Tax Security Awareness Week to alert taxpayers about increasingly sophisticated scams during the holiday season and tax season, including phishing emails, fake delivery notifications, and impersonation calls from fraudulent IRS agents seeking personal and financial information. The agency recommends protective measures such as using secure websites (https), updating security software, enabling multi-factor authentication, and using strong passwords, while warning of specific threats like phishing, smishing, spear phishing, clone phishing, and whaling attacks. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant about sharing sensitive data and to visit the IRS website for additional resources and fraud prevention guidance.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Ernakulam police arrested a Malappuram resident facilitating a multi-level cyber fraud network operating from the UAE and Cambodia, which defrauded victims of over Rs 80 lakh through fake share trading schemes and "digital arrest" scams. The accused used local "mule accounts" held by young college students to launder stolen money, receiving commissions of Rs 1,500 per lakh transferred, while the kingpin—identified as a Keralite based in Dubai—directed operations remotely with assistance from other handlers. The investigation also uncovered a separate "digital arrest" fraud where an 85-year-old lost Rs 17 lakh after being threatened by scamm
breitbart.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating actor Johnny Depp on social media have defrauded elderly Americans of millions of dollars through a "pig butchering" scheme, according to 197 FTC complaints targeting primarily victims in their 60s and older. The fraudsters, who often pose as Depp or his manager, manipulate victims through false promises of romance, investment opportunities, or financial assistance, extracting funds via cryptocurrency, wire transfers, and gift cards, with documented losses ranging from $1,700 to $350,000 per victim. The scams employ sophisticated social engineering tactics including deepfake images and instructions to keep communications secret, with particularly vulnerable elderly victims—including those with
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Brett Barber, a 45-year-old Costa Mesa man, was sentenced to 181 months in federal prison for operating two fraudulent real estate investment schemes that raised over $17 million from investors, including several elderly victims, between May 2019 and October 2021. Barber falsely promised guaranteed returns of 8-10% on house-flipping projects that did not exist, using investor funds instead to pay himself (approximately $2.9 million), co-conspirators, and earlier investors, with estimated losses of at least $7 million. He pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and one count of criminal contempt, with a restitution hearing
thesheridanpress.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot summarize this content. This appears to be a list of country names and territories, not an article about scams, fraud, or elder abuse. Please provide an actual news article or transcript related to elder fraud for summarization according to the Elderus database guidelines.
timeslive.co.za
· 2025-12-08
Police arrested Mohoto Mangwejana, 33, for his role in a romance scam in which a former teacher from Limpopo was defrauded of R1.8 million by a Ghanaian national who posed as a romantic partner and business associate. The article details multiple romance scam cases prosecuted in South Africa targeting primarily women, including victims who lost R2 million and over R1 million through fake online relationships on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn. Authorities continue investigating these networks, with several suspects arrested while others remain at large.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are particularly devastating for elderly individuals, who are targeted due to perceived wealth, lower technology literacy, and cognitive vulnerabilities including mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Scammers establish fake romantic relationships with lonely older adults, build emotional bonds, and then extract money through fabricated emergencies; victims often continue sending money even when confronted with evidence of deception, similar to cult indoctrination patterns. The case of 79-year-old Alfred illustrates the severity: he lost nearly all his savings to a scammer posing as "Alexa Bliss" and was on the verge of selling his house before his son intervened.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
A Toronto resident lost $355,000 in a romance scam that began on Facebook in June 2021, when a scammer posing as "Moshe Theodor McNigh" convinced them to invest in cryptocurrency through a fraudulent website. Following a three-year international investigation involving Canadian and Nigerian authorities, a suspect was arrested in Nigeria and $225,000 of the victim's funds were recovered through Nigerian court orders. The case highlights the prevalence of cryptocurrency investment fraud, which accounted for over 50 percent of the $309 million in reported investment fraud losses in Canada in 2023.
sdnews.com
· 2025-12-08
I appreciate you sharing this, but this article excerpt doesn't contain information relevant to the Elderus fraud research database. The SANDAG transportation planning announcement is not about scams, fraud, elder abuse, or related financial crimes.
To provide a summary for Elderus, I would need an article or transcript that discusses:
- Scams or fraud schemes
- Elder abuse or exploitation
- Financial crimes targeting seniors or vulnerable populations
- Awareness/prevention advice related to these topics
Please share an article related to elder fraud or abuse if you'd like me to create a summary.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This AARP educational piece warns travelers about airline customer service scams that intensify during holiday travel season. Scammers create fraudulent phone numbers that appear at the top of search results, often marked as "Sponsored," displayed in unusual fonts, or accompanied by odd emojis to deceive callers seeking legitimate airline assistance. The article advises verifying numbers directly with airlines and avoiding any "agent" who requests payment for rebooking, since legitimate airlines typically rebook canceled flights at no charge.
jcsentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
Several Jackson County residents received threatening telephone scams impersonating the IRS, Attorney General's office, and courts, with callers demanding immediate payment via wire transfer or debit card under threats of arrest, liens, or garnishment. Common scams included IRS impersonation, fake arrest warrants for unpaid taxes or missed jury duty, and charity donation schemes, all designed to extract money or personal information for identity theft. Authorities advised hanging up on such calls and contacting the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 or reporting incidents to the Treasury Inspector General at 1-800-366-4484.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Tech support scammers are targeting users with unsolicited calls and pop-up warnings claiming their computers have been hacked, exploiting fears by impersonating legitimate companies like Microsoft and demanding immediate payment via non-reversible methods. A Florida resident named Tammy contacted authorities after receiving a fraudulent Microsoft call warning her not to touch her computer. To protect yourself, immediately disengage from suspicious contacts, disconnect from the internet, avoid granting remote access, run antivirus scans, change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity.
wdrb.com
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday season, scammers are impersonating U.S. Postal Service representatives via text messages, claiming packages are held and directing recipients to click links and enter credit card information to claim delivery. The USPS confirmed these texts are fraudulent and warns consumers never to click unfamiliar links or provide personal/financial information in response to unsolicited messages. Additionally, counterfeit stamps sold at significant discounts (20-50% off) on social media and e-commerce sites are circulating, and law enforcement recommends deleting suspicious texts and reporting them to local post offices.
dallasnews.com
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday season, scammers exploit increased consumer spending through fake travel websites, bogus vacation rentals, mock online stores, donation scams, and phishing emails, with credit card fraud causing $173 million in losses and nonpayment/nondelivery scams resulting in over $309 million in damages in 2023. To protect themselves, consumers should practice strong cybersecurity habits (avoiding suspicious links and verifying company contacts directly), use credit cards for online purchases and monitor statements, obtain tracking numbers for shipments, create unique strong passwords, and verify sender email addresses before clicking links or downloading attachments.
outlooknewspapers.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines why seniors are targeted by financial scammers—they typically have substantial liquid assets, low credit card debt, and high credit scores that fraudsters exploit to open unauthorized accounts. The piece identifies common scam types (impersonation, grandparent scams, health fraud, disaster relief scams, and delivery scams) and warning signs (demands for untraceable payments via gift cards or wire transfers, urgent threats, and requests for personal information), then provides protective measures including never sharing login credentials, avoiding suspicious links, using strong passwords, and being cautious about unsolicited calls and messages.