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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
fox2detroit.com
· 2025-12-08
Facebook scams for mobile car detailing services are proliferating, typically posted by new group members offering discounts with promises of payment after service and vague contact information to avoid. Red flags include new or backdated profiles, identical wording across multiple posts, no pricing listed, and requests to message directly; similar scams also target consumers through air duct cleaning and false missing person posts that later redirect to phishing links. Users should verify legitimate businesses independently, report suspicious posts to Facebook and the BBB, and check local law enforcement sources before sharing missing person alerts.
reporternews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in Taylor County impersonated law enforcement by spoofing the Sheriff's Office phone number and used scare tactics to convince victims they had arrest warrants, instructing them to pay fines via cash withdrawal and cryptocurrency. The scheme successfully defrauded residents of at least $31,000 before being reported. The Taylor County Sheriff's Office clarified they never solicit payment by phone for warrants or court orders and advised residents to hang up on such calls and report them immediately.
courierpostonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Martins Inalegwu and Steincy Mathieu, a Burlington County couple, were sentenced to prison (80 months and 16 months respectively) for operating a romance scam that defrauded over 100 victims of approximately $4.5 million between 2016 and 2020. The scammers posed as romantic interests on dating websites, targeting vulnerable older adults and others, with one victim—a tourism board finance director—embezzling $2.8 million from her employer to send to the couple. Both defendants were ordered to pay millions in restitution and unpaid taxes.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Roger, a 40-year-old Costa Rican man, was convicted of orchestrating a multi-million dollar international telemarketing sweepstakes scam that defrauded victims in the United States, many of them elderly, by posing as government officials and convincing them to pay upfront fees for supposed prize winnings. Operating from a call center in Costa Rica and using VoIP technology to mask his location, Roger and his co-conspirators stole over $4 million from victims before being extradited and prosecuted. He was convicted on multiple counts including conspiracy and wire fraud, facing up to 25 years in prison per count.
denver7.com
· 2025-12-08
The Wheat Ridge Police Department warned of a cryptocurrency extortion scam circulating through the community in which victims receive emails containing personal information (addresses, photos from Google Maps) and threats of blackmail involving fabricated malware and compromising videos, demanding cryptocurrency payment via Bitcoin QR code. None of the Wheat Ridge residents who received these emails fell victim to the scam, though police emphasized the importance of reporting such attempts to raise community awareness. The scam exploits urgency and fear through false claims, reflecting a broader national problem—Americans lost over $5.5 billion to cryptocurrency scams in 2023, with Colorado reporting more than 1,300 fraud cases costing residents $81 million
newsmobile.in
· 2025-12-08
An entrepreneur in Delhi lost Rs 15,000 to a scammer selling fake tickets for Diljit Dosanjh's "Dil-Luminati Tour" concert on X, despite the artist and Delhi Police having previously shared warnings about such scams. The fraudster, operating under the account name Dharmendra Singh (Crigyan07), used forged ID proof and screenshots to appear legitimate, and reportedly scammed multiple victims including the woman's friend who lost Rs 6,000. The victim filed a complaint with the Online Cyber Cell and reported that the scammer continued operating under different usernames even after being exposed.
liherald.com
· 2025-12-08
The Town of Oyster Bay partnered with the Nassau County District Attorney's office to combat scams targeting seniors, offering two educational seminars in September 2024 to teach residents about online threats and reporting procedures. According to the Federal Trade Commission, over $230 million was stolen from New Yorkers by scammers in 2024 alone, with seniors being particularly vulnerable to phone and email scams impersonating government agents, banks, or family members, as well as physical theft and technologically sophisticated attacks. The seminars address growing concerns about increasingly complex fraud schemes, including those using artificial intelligence to mimic voices, with some victims losing their entire life savings.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP Pennsylvania hosted a Telephone Town Hall featuring law enforcement and volunteer experts who discussed sophisticated scams targeting older adults, including impostor, romance, lottery, and tech support fraud. The session provided guidance on recognizing warning signs, protecting personal information, and reporting fraudulent activities to local authorities. Listeners learned the importance of questioning unexpected contact and never sending money or personal details to unknown sources.
cleburnetimesreview.com
· 2025-12-08
A BSA Scout writes about the rising threat of scams targeting elderly residents in Johnson County, highlighting common schemes including romance, tech support, refund, emergency, and Medicare scams. The author describes a personal experience with a Medicare scam in which fraudsters using spoofed phone numbers impersonated Medicare or doctors' offices to pressure victims into changing their Medicare plans or face cancellation. The piece emphasizes that scammers continuously develop new tactics to exploit vulnerable seniors.
ag.state.mn.us
· 2025-12-08
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a warning about growing mortgage assistance scams targeting homeowners in financial distress. Scammers pose as counseling agencies or foreclosure consultants, charging upfront fees for promised loan modifications or foreclosure prevention services that are never delivered, then disappear with the payment. The Attorney General advises homeowners to contact their lenders directly, seek free assistance from legitimate nonprofit organizations like HUD or Minnesota Housing, and report scams immediately to his Consumer Action Division.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP Pennsylvania hosted a Telephone Town Hall featuring experts from the U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI to educate residents about scams targeting older adults, including impostor, romance, lottery, and tech support fraud. The session provided warning signs, protective strategies, and resources for reporting fraudulent activities, emphasizing that individuals should question unsolicited contacts and never share money or personal information with unknown parties. Listeners can report scams to local law enforcement or contact AARP at 1-877-908-3360 for assistance.
theglobeandmail.com
· 2025-12-08
A March 2024 Interac survey found that nine in 10 Canadians experienced at least one fraud attempt in the past year, with experts warning that AI-enabled scams and upcoming real-time payment systems will increase risks. The most common digital scams targeting Canadians are investment fraud (particularly cryptocurrency schemes responsible for over half of the $309 million in investment fraud losses), imposter fraud targeting financial institutions, and job fraud—often using sophisticated tactics including AI voice mimicry and fake social media profiles. Experts recommend prevention through Interac's "3-S" approach: stop, scrutinize, and speak up.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
The article outlines five common travel scams targeting tourists, including overly friendly locals who pickpocket or manipulate travelers, deals advertised below market rates, exchange-rate deception, and other fraud schemes. According to the FTC, over 55,000 travel-related fraud reports were filed in 2023, with 30% of Americans reporting being scammed while booking or taking trips, and 34% losing $1,000 or more. Experts advise travelers to avoid mixing emotions with financial decisions, be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and learn exchange rates to protect themselves from hustlers.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
From 2018 to 2023, nearly 70,000 real estate and home rental-related cybercrimes were reported to the FBI, resulting in approximately $1.4 billion in consumer losses, as scammers increasingly target homebuyers and renters through fake listings, impersonation fraud, and phony government housing program applications. Common tactics include posting unrealistically low prices with doctored images, impersonating property owners to solicit upfront payments, and creating fraudulent social media pages posing as legitimate housing assistance programs to steal personal information. To protect themselves, consumers should verify listings against official documentation, avoid upfront payments before signed agreements, tour properties in person, research local
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Travel fraud is a significant threat to vacationers, with the FTC receiving over 55,000 travel-related fraud reports in 2023, and a 2023 McAfee survey finding that 30% of Americans have been scammed while booking or taking trips, with 34% losing $1,000 or more. Common travel scams include overly friendly locals using distraction tactics, suspiciously discounted deals on accommodations and services, and exchange-rate manipulation by those exploiting travelers' unfamiliarity with foreign currencies. Experts recommend avoiding emotionally-driven financial decisions, being skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and carefully verifying currency convers
smh.com.au
· 2025-12-08
This article is an educational guide identifying 25 travel scams that target tourists worldwide. It explains common schemes such as the "pigeon strike" distraction theft, commission-based shop scams involving tour guides, and fake found-item plots where con artists demand rewards for "returning" worthless items. The article advises travelers to be alert but not alarmed, recommends obtaining police reports for expensive losses and filing insurance claims, and suggests that guided tours may offer some protection against scams.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
During election season, scammers exploit voters' emotional investment by creating fake candidate websites and social media accounts, using robocalls with candidates' voices, and sending deceptive donation text messages—all designed to redirect funds from legitimate campaigns to fraudsters. Red flags include poor grammar, pressure for immediate donations, requests for unusual payment methods (wire transfers or prepaid cards), unsolicited personal information requests, and offers of prizes for poll participation. Voters should verify donation authenticity directly through official campaign channels and remain cautious when emotions run high.
upstatetoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Oconee County Sheriff's Office warned residents of two active scams: a cryptocurrency extortion scheme where scammers claim to have installed spyware and threaten to release personal information unless Bitcoin is paid, and an impersonation scam where fraudsters pose as FBI agents claiming victims' information has been compromised and demanding $15,000 in cash. One resident targeted by the FBI impersonation scam avoided financial loss by requesting law enforcement accompaniment to the bank, which the scammer refused.
etedge-insights.com
· 2025-12-08
India Post impersonation scams are targeting non-tech-savvy citizens in India, with fraudsters posing as postal representatives via SMS and calls to trick victims into sharing personal financial information. A 75-year-old retired person in Hyderabad lost Rs 23.26 lakh after fraudsters claiming to be from India Post and impersonating police officers convinced him to transfer money to a fake RBI account for an alleged undelivered parcel. Authorities warn citizens to verify delivery notifications independently, avoid clicking suspicious links, and report fraudulent communications to protect themselves from these social engineering schemes.
asiaone.com
· 2025-12-08
A couple in Singapore lost their $7,200 rental deposit after being scammed by a fake property agent who listed a condo unit on Facebook Marketplace; at least two other couples were simultaneously defrauded for the same property, with one couple losing at least $5,000. Between July 2023 and January 2024, at least 389 victims fell victim to similar rental scams involving impersonated property agents and fake assistants, totaling losses of at least $2.4 million. Police advise renters to verify agents through the Council for Estate Agencies registry, meet agents in person, and never pay deposits to assistants' personal accounts.
indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Delhi woman lost Rs 15,000 to a fraudster posing as a ticket vendor for Diljit Dosanjh's "Dil-Luminati Tour" on the social media platform X, with the scammer also defrauding her friend of Rs 6,000 and potentially many others. The fraudster, using the account name Dharmendra Singh (Crigyan07), blocked the victim after the scam and ignored refund requests. The incident highlights the risks of purchasing event tickets through unofficial social media accounts, as scammers can sell the same fake tickets to multiple people.
financialservices.house.gov
· 2025-12-08
Congressman Luetkemeyer held a House Financial Services hearing in September 2024 to examine "confidence scams" (also called "pig butchering"), a multi-billion dollar fraud industry that has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic. Scammers build trust with victims over weeks or months through fake romantic relationships, then convince them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes by showing fake portfolio gains and instructing them to wire money to Southeast Asian accounts or fake exchanges, systematically draining victims' savings and retirement funds until nothing remains.
kvoa.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI reports a 25% increase in scam victims and $300 million in additional losses over the past year, with particularly harsh impacts on retirees in Arizona living on fixed incomes. The bureau has launched the "Take a Beat" awareness initiative to combat various schemes including romance scams, phone fraud, and cryptocurrency scams (which alone resulted in $4.5 billion in losses nationally last year). The FBI advises potential victims to pause before sending money, verify requests independently rather than using provided phone numbers, consult financial advisors or law enforcement, and report scams quickly—noting a 70% success rate in recovering wired funds within 24 hours.
wfaa.com
· 2025-12-08
This is a sponsored segment promoting The Senior Source, an organization that provides resources to help older adults protect themselves from scams. The segment directs viewers to theseniorsource.org for more information on fraud prevention and elder protection services.
postregister.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, seniors lost $3.4 billion to scams—an 11% increase from 2022—prompting a unanimously passed Senate Resolution to combat elder fraud. Common scams include romance fraud, tech support scams, cryptocurrency schemes, and investment fraud, with warning signs including unexpected contact, pressure to act quickly, requests for personal information, and demands for untraceable payments. Victims are encouraged to end contact with scammers, report incidents to local police, the FTC, FBI, or postal inspection services, and take protective measures such as updating security software and monitoring financial accounts.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
HSBC Australia warns older Australians, particularly those aged 55-64 who hold significant wealth, that they are increasingly targeted by scammers, with losses from remote access scams among people over 65 rising 13.3% to $120 million in 2023. Remote access scams typically involve fraudsters calling victims claiming an account or device issue, then requesting they download software that grants the scammer control of their computer and access to banking passwords and one-time security codes. HSBC recommends never granting computer access to unknown parties, avoiding online banking when someone has remote access, refusing to share security codes, keeping antivirus software updated, and verifying bank contact by
sevendaysvt.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2021, 67-year-old Jeanette Voss of Vermont lost her entire life savings of $950,000 to a tech-support scam that began with a fake Microsoft alert on her computer. Scammers convinced her over six months of daily calls that her Social Security number had been compromised and instructed her to transfer her retirement funds, stocks, and certificates of deposit into accounts they controlled before vanishing with the money. The case illustrates a growing threat: Americans aged 60 and older lost nearly $3.5 billion to scams in the past year, with older adults targeted for their savings, perceived lack of tech knowledge, and isolation.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-08
Starling Bank warns that fraudsters are using AI technology to clone people's voices from brief audio clips found online, then impersonating them to call friends and family members to request money. A survey of over 3,000 adults found that more than 25% had been targeted by such scams in the past year, with 46% previously unaware the scam existed. The bank recommends establishing a "safe phrase" with loved ones to verify identity during phone calls as a protective measure.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are conducting sextortion attacks that now include Google Street View images of victims' addresses to intimidate them into paying cryptocurrency fees. The attackers claim to have pornographic evidence and access to Pegasus spyware, using personalized emails with victims' addresses, phone numbers, and automatically-generated street images to imply they have visited or surveilled the target's location. Security researchers warn these attacks are difficult to detect because they use random Gmail addresses and avoid malicious attachments or URLs.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using AI to clone voices from social media videos—requiring only a few seconds of audio—then impersonating victims to deceive their families into sending money. A 2024 Starling Bank survey found that 28% of people had been targeted by AI voice cloning scams in the past year, though 46% were unaware such scams existed, and 8% would likely comply with urgent money requests even if suspicious. Experts recommend establishing safe phrases with loved ones and verifying unexpected calls through independent contact to protect against this increasingly sophisticated fraud.
anz.com.au
· 2025-12-08
ANZ bank provides fraud protection guidelines advising customers to avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or SMS messages claiming to be from ANZ, and to report suspicious communications directly through the ANZ App or official phone numbers. The guidance emphasizes that legitimate ANZ communications will never request sensitive information like passwords or PINs, and offers multiple channels for customers to report phishing attempts and fraudulent activity 24/7.
anz.com.au
· 2025-12-08
This educational article distinguishes between scams (where criminals manipulate victims into sharing information or money) and fraud (where criminals use stolen information without the victim's involvement), and outlines how to identify suspicious messages. The piece advises that red flags include pressure tactics, mismatched sender email addresses, and offers that seem too good to be true, emphasizing that individuals are the first line of defense against scams through reporting and awareness. In 2023, Australians lost $476 million collectively to scams, making vigilance against suspicious communications critical for protecting personal finances and sensitive information.
nbcboston.com
· 2025-12-08
Bitcoin ATM scams cost victims over $65 million in the first half of 2024, with scammers using government and business impersonation tactics to trick people into depositing cash at these machines. An 83-year-old victim lost $34,000 after a fake Apple security alert directed her to call a number where scammers impersonated her bank's fraud department. The FTC advises people to ignore unsolicited calls and pop-ups, verify company contact information independently, and remember that legitimate businesses never request cash deposits via Bitcoin ATMs or gift cards to resolve account issues.
whitehallledger.com
· 2025-12-08
This article describes a voice-cloning scam where scammers impersonated a grandfather by mimicking his voice to request bank account information from family members, highlighting how scammers use increasingly sophisticated technology to target victims. The piece reports that Americans lost $10 billion to scams in 2023 and emphasizes that elderly people are frequently targeted, recommending protective measures such as slowing down before responding to urgent requests, being selective about who accesses financial information, and seeking help from certified financial planners to monitor accounts and recover from fraud.
blog.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Elder financial exploitation is the most common form of elder abuse, affecting at least 10% of older adults annually in the U.S., with AARP estimating annual losses at $28.3 billion for those over 60. Critical data gaps exist regarding the impact on historically discriminated-against communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ populations, and low-income groups, due to underreporting caused by fear of retaliation, distrust of authorities, and language barriers. Better demographic data collection is essential to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies tailored to vulnerable populations.
verywellmind.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide examines the psychology behind why people fall for scams, emphasizing that susceptibility is not a matter of intelligence but rather how scammers exploit psychological vulnerabilities. Key findings include that adults aged 35-44 are most likely to be deceived (though older adults remain targeted), those 18-24 lose the most money, and online fraud causes an estimated $2.7 billion in annual losses while also impacting victims' mental health. The article outlines how scammers build trust through impersonation and social engineering, and notes that common scams include phone fraud, phishing, fake job offers, and emergency schemes—increasingly enhanced by AI technology.
wkyc.com
· 2025-12-08
A "brushing" scam involves recipients receiving unsolicited items (jewelry, speakers, etc.) in the mail with their address but no sender information and a QR code inside. Scanning the QR code grants scammers full access to the victim's phone, personal data, and bank accounts, often resulting in account drains. The Akron Police Department warns residents not to scan unknown QR codes in packages, noting this scam is appearing across multiple states.
columbiagorgenews.com
· 2025-12-08
Multiple online scams were reported in The Dalles in early September, with losses totaling over $105,000 across four separate incidents, including one victim who lost more than $100,000 in cash, gift cards, and Bitcoin to a scammer impersonating someone from Texas since April 2023. Common scam tactics included impersonating law enforcement demanding payment for warrants, fake celebrity fan sites, fake security companies, and requesting payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency. Police warn that legitimate law enforcement will never request payment by phone, and that scammers typically operate from outside the U.S. using obscured technology, making recovery of funds difficult.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting residents in Northeast Ohio with a "secret government kiosk" scheme, posing as bank or government officials who claim victims' accounts have been compromised and direct them to deposit cash into Bitcoin machines for "protection." A convenience store clerk in Medina has intervened multiple times to stop vulnerable customers, including elderly individuals, from losing their life savings to these high-pressure phone scams before they complete fraudulent transactions at the store's crypto machine.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
A grandmother received a deepfake voice call from a scammer impersonating her grandson claiming to be in jail and needing $10,000 for bail, but she verified the call was fake by contacting her grandson directly. The article outlines common scams targeting seniors—including grandparent scams, government impersonation, romance scams, and spoofing—and provides protective strategies such as verifying callers through known phone numbers, establishing family safe words, taking time to think despite pressure tactics, and using unique passwords with one-time passcodes.
almanacnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Atherton Police Department warned residents of a widespread extortion email scam in which fraudsters claim to have malware access to victims' computers and threaten to release sensitive information and photos unless paid in Bitcoin; the scam includes fabricated images of victims' homes sourced from Google Maps and other public sources to appear credible. Multiple Atherton residents reported receiving these "sextortion" emails, which exploit publicly available personal data harvested from previous data breaches, though police confirm the threats are false and victims should delete the emails immediately without responding or paying.
wibx950.com
· 2025-12-08
Herkimer police are warning residents about multiple scams circulating in the area, including blackmail schemes where fraudsters claim to have installed spyware and threaten to release compromising information unless victims pay (such as $2,000 in bitcoin), and police impersonation scams where criminals falsely claim that Herkimer Police are searching for the victim. The article also highlights emerging AI-enabled threats including romance scams ("pig butchering") and virtual kidnapping ransom schemes where criminals use cloned voices to impersonate loved ones, urging residents to verify requests directly with police rather than through third parties.
effinghamradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias issued a warning that scammers are using sophisticated AI technology, including voice cloning and deepfake videos, to fraudulently access personal information and financial accounts from Illinois residents. The alert highlights four prevalent scam types—deepfakes, romance scams, Ponzi schemes, and affinity scams—and recommends that prospective investors validate identities, verify licenses through BrokerCheck or Investment Adviser Public Disclosure, and avoid suspicious links and attachments.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
According to multiple surveys, Gen Zers lost more money to online scams than baby boomers in 2023, with romance scams being particularly prevalent among younger users (15% of Gen Z fell for romance scams compared to 4% of baby boomers). Their vulnerability stems from pandemic-related social isolation during formative years, overconfidence in their ability to spot AI-generated fraud despite falling for it at higher rates (31% vs. 11% for baby boomers), and increased comfort meeting strangers online where scammers use deepfakes and sophisticated image-enhancing tools to create convincing fake identities.
techbullion.com
· 2025-12-08
Documentary Plus Stories is seeking victims of cyber fraud—including investment scams, romance scams, and cryptocurrency scams—to participate in a groundbreaking documentary film aimed at raising public awareness and preventing future crimes. Participants will receive compensation including a one-time payment and potential future royalties, and their authentic stories will be featured in a documentary expected to reach millions of viewers worldwide.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
The Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office warned residents of an impersonation scam in which a caller claiming to be "Sergeant Eric Roberts" from the department contacted victims demanding payment via cryptocurrency machines to resolve a "failure to appear" warrant and avoid arrest. The sheriff's office emphasized that it never solicits payment by phone and advised residents that requests for payment via cryptocurrency or gift cards are major red flags for scams.
theconversation.com
· 2025-12-08
Australia's federal government released a draft scam prevention framework to combat scams that cost Australians A$2.7 billion in 2023, with over 600,000 reported cases. The framework requires banks, social media platforms, and telecommunications companies to identify and stop scam-related content and transactions, with penalties up to A$50 million for non-compliance. However, the framework does not mandate bank reimbursement for victims and must be broader in scope to address the increasing sophistication of AI-enabled scams and the multiple ways criminals obtain personal contact information.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are conducting evolved sextortion scams that use fear tactics and images of victims' homes (obtained from data breaches or public listings) to extort money via email, claiming to have compromising videos and demanding Bitcoin payments of around $2,000. The scams falsely reference advanced spyware like "Pegasus" to appear credible, though legitimate cybersecurity experts note these threats are bluffs since actual spyware installation would make ransom demands unnecessary. Protection strategies include blurring your home on Google Maps, avoiding sharing personal information online, and recognizing common red flags in scammer communications.
pcworld.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals employ increasingly sophisticated phishing and social engineering scams targeting bank customers, causing psychological stress and financial loss with difficult recovery processes. Common schemes include phishing emails mimicking banks to steal login credentials and transaction authorization numbers, and fraudulent phone calls impersonating bank employees or authorities claiming to detect suspicious account activity to extract personal data. Protection strategies include accessing banking services through official channels rather than email links, verifying messages directly with banks, and refusing to provide personal information during unsolicited calls, particularly those claiming to be from authority figures.