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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
thefintechtimes.com
According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams have caused over $1.14 billion in losses, with victims losing an average of $2,000 each, and criminals are now using AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic identities to make these scams more convincing and personalized. Debbie Fox, a widow seeking companionship, was defrauded of $58,000 by a scammer using a fake identity who posed as a man named Russell and eventually requested money claiming to be in legal trouble. As generative AI becomes mainstream, fraudsters are increasingly exploiting the technology to automate romance scams, phishing attacks, and impersonation schemes, making them harder to
publicnewsservice.org
AARP Arizona warns consumers to be vigilant against romance scams, which target vulnerable individuals seeking companionship through social media and dating apps, with scammers requesting money after building false emotional connections. The organization also cautions against fraudulent tax season text messages impersonating the IRS that attempt to steal personal and financial information, recommending people contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 877-908-3360 if they suspect fraud.
bangkokpost.com
The Royal Thai Police established an investigative committee to examine alleged connections between senior officers in the border province of Tak and criminal activity in Myanmar, following the transfer of five officers pending investigation. The investigation focuses on whether police facilitated the disappearance of Chinese tourists who were lured by call centre scammers operating from Myawaddy into Myanmar for fraudulent work schemes. The government has simultaneously cut electricity and internet services to suspected scam centers along the border, resulting in the return of 261 foreigners from Myanmar to Thailand.
dnronline.com
Online scammers target people of all ages and backgrounds, not just seniors, with Americans losing $10 billion to fraud in 2023, according to Park View Federal Credit Union officials. Common scam tactics include creating false urgency, impersonating legitimate organizations (banks, the IRS, Norton Antivirus), and using AI to mimic voices in grandparent schemes, though one customer recovered $250 after scammers gained access to her account. Key defenses include pausing before clicking links, recognizing red flags like grammar errors and mismatched email addresses, and remembering that legitimate financial institutions will never request passwords or usernames.
investmentnews.com
A 76-year-old Morgan Stanley client in Florida was defrauded of $1.75 million in a "gold bar" scam where fraudsters impersonated federal agents and convinced her to liquidate assets and purchase gold bullion for transfer to a supposed government escrow account. Morgan Stanley was ordered to pay $843,000 in damages after a Finra arbitration panel found the firm violated industry rules designed to protect senior investors, specifically the "trusted contact" standard and the financial exploitation of senior citizens rule, by failing to alert her son (who was involved in her financial decisions) about suspicious large withdrawals.
cnet.com
In 2023, people lost $10 billion to fraud according to FTC data, but consumers can protect themselves by recognizing common banking scams. The article outlines ten prevalent scam tactics—including check-cashing schemes, phishing, fake websites, advance fee fraud, and government imposter scams—and provides specific protective strategies such as verifying bank URLs, never clicking unsolicited links, using secure checks, and contacting official customer service lines to confirm requests.
lynchburgva.gov
Romance scams, also called sweetheart scams, involve fraudsters using dating apps, social media, and gaming platforms to build fake emotional connections with victims, then request money, gifts, or personal information under false pretenses. Scammers declare love quickly to establish trust and create urgency, with requests escalating from small favors to larger sums, often citing reasons they cannot meet in person. Key warning signs include premature declarations of love, requests for money or financial help, and solicitation of personal or financial information.
cbs8.com
Romance scams using stolen photos are expected to surge around Valentine's Day 2025, with fraudsters building fake relationships to extract money from victims. The FTC reported Americans lost $1.14 billion to romance scams in 2023, with California accounting for $100.6 million in losses across 2,024 victims; scammers now use AI technology to create increasingly convincing deepfakes and video impersonations. Experts recommend using reverse image searches, insisting on video verification, avoiding quick declarations of love, and never sending money to online acquaintances.
wtol.com
Romance and confidence scams are rising in Ohio and nationwide, with fraudsters creating fake profiles on dating sites and social media to build trust before requesting money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or valuable items under false pretenses such as medical emergencies or legal fees. Ohioans lost over $15.3 million to these scams in 2023, while nationwide losses exceeded $652 million in romance fraud complaints and $823 million in 2024, with scammers primarily targeting women over 40 who are divorced, widowed, elderly, or disabled. The FBI and Ohio Department of Commerce advise the public to remain vigilant online, avoid sending money to unknown contacts, and verify investment tips through
mynorthwest.com
Seattle Police issued a Valentine's Day warning about romance scams, where perpetrators build fake relationships to trick victims into sending money or personal information. According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scam victims lost over $1 billion in 2023 and $800 million in 2024, with older Americans particularly vulnerable; the FBI and SPD recommend using reputable dating sites, moving slowly in relationships, never sending money to online contacts, and reporting suspected scams to authorities immediately.
ag.state.mn.us
Brandon Michael Ferguson and his asphalt company, Community Blacktop LLC (operating under multiple aliases), defrauded consumers across Minnesota and nationwide by quoting low prices for asphalt work, then delivering substandard results and demanding inflated bills multiple times the original quote—with one victim quoted $2,000-$3,000 charged $17,000 instead. The Minnesota Attorney General reached a settlement requiring the company to dissolve and pay $100,000 in restitution to victims, with Ferguson admitting to procuring work through fraud and violating consumer protection laws. The AG urges victims to contact his office to help identify affected consumers, as poor recordkeeping makes tracking
racq.com.au
In 2024, RACQ Bank identified marketplace scams, remote access scams, and investment scams as the most prevalent threats to its members, with investment scams causing the largest financial losses; Queenslanders reported over $51 million lost across 46,734 scams during the year. Scammers primarily used phishing tactics via text, phone calls, pop-ups, and social media, with one in four Queenslanders contacted by suspected scammers yet 86% unaware of reporting options. RACQ Bank recommends members practice "stop, check and report" protocols and access the Be Connected program, an Australian Government initiative offering free online courses to help older
readwrite.com
Scammers used AI-generated deepfake audio to impersonate Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and target wealthy professionals, including fashion executives and billionaires, claiming money was needed to secure the release of journalists kidnapped in the Middle East. At least one victim, billionaire Massimo Moratti, confirmed transferring an unspecified sum before discovering the deception. The scheme represents a growing trend of AI-generated deepfake audio being used to defraud high-profile individuals and executives out of substantial sums.
cbs6albany.com
Harmish Patel, 26, of Illinois was indicted for his role in a multi-state gold bullion scam targeting an elderly couple in Brunswick, New York, between December 2023 and March 2024. Patel allegedly conspired with others to transport fraudulently obtained gold bullion across state lines from New York to New Jersey on multiple occasions. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
justice.gov
Harmish Patel, 26, of Illinois was indicted for his role in a gold bullion scam targeting an elderly couple in Rensselaer County, New York. Between December 2023 and March 2024, Patel conspired with others to transport gold bullion obtained through fraud across state lines from New York to New Jersey on three separate occasions. Patel faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
analyticsinsight.net
This educational piece identifies nursing home residents as vulnerable targets for fraud due to limited technology familiarity and describes common scam tactics including phishing, Medicare fraud, prize scams, and investment schemes. According to LA County District Attorney data, one in five older adults experiences financial fraud, with California seniors over 60 filing over 11,000 fraud complaints in 2023 totaling $620 million in losses (averaging $57,000 per victim). The article emphasizes that education is the primary prevention method and recommends immediate legal action if a loved one becomes victimized.
goldrushcam.com
Fabrisio Arias was sentenced to 41 months in prison and ordered to pay $395,536 in restitution to 22 victims for his role in an international sweepstakes scam that operated from November 2020 to September 2022. Scammers in Costa Rica used spoofed phone numbers to impersonate IRS and FTC officials, convincing elderly victims (many in their 70s-90s) that they'd won prizes and needed to pay fees; Arias received the victims' checks and money orders at his California home, laundered the funds through his bank accounts, and transferred over $237,000 to co-conspi
wnyt.com
A 26-year-old Illinois man, Harmish Patel, is accused of defrauding an elderly couple from Rensselaer County by swindling them out of gold bullion between December 2023 and March 2024. Patel allegedly conspired with others to transport the stolen gold from New York to New Jersey across multiple trips. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
theguardian.com
Italian business leaders, including Giorgio Armani and Patrizio Bertelli, were targeted by an AI-based voice-cloning scam that impersonated Defence Minister Guido Crosetto to solicit money for allegedly freed Italian journalists. At least one victim transferred €1 million to a Hong Kong account after being deceived, while other targets included former Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti and members of prominent families heading major companies; the scammers used sophisticated technology to identify and manipulate high-net-worth individuals by appealing to their patriotism. This incident reflects a broader rise in AI voice-cloning telephone scams in Italy, with an elderly woman also de
newsweek.com
The FBI warned of rising romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, with victims losing $1.14 billion in 2023 according to the FTC. Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps and social media, build trust quickly, and manipulate victims—sometimes impersonating celebrities or military personnel—to send money or invest in cryptocurrency, with one victim losing $850,000 to a scammer posing as Brad Pitt. Red flags include requests for money, reluctance to meet in person or video chat, and inconsistent stories; prevention through identity verification and caution about rapidly escalating relationships is the best defense.
fox26houston.com
The U.S. Postal Service warns that romance scammers target individuals seeking companionship by creating fake online identities and building trust over weeks or months before requesting money for fabricated emergencies like medical bills or travel expenses. The article provides red flags (such as avoiding video calls, pledging love quickly, and requesting urgent financial help), protective measures (verifying identities through video or reverse image searches, never sending money to strangers), and common scammer tactics to help people avoid losing money through wire transfers, checks, or gift cards that are difficult to recover.
wisbusiness.com
Tax scams reappear seasonally with scammers impersonating the IRS through phone calls, emails, and mail to pressure victims into paying fake debts or divulging personal information for identity theft. Common schemes include threatening arrest for unpaid taxes, claiming refunds are owed, using fake IRS logos and spoofed caller IDs, and sending phishing emails directing victims to bogus websites. To protect yourself, file taxes early, remember that the IRS initiates contact by mail only, never accepts prepaid debit cards or wire transfers for payment, and verify any IRS communication directly with the agency.
cftc.gov
The CFTC and multiple federal, state, and nonprofit organizations launched the "Dating or Defrauding?" awareness campaign to alert Americans to relationship investment scams, which caused nearly $4 billion in reported losses to the FBI in 2023. These scams, also called "pig butchering," use fake profiles on dating apps, social media, and messaging platforms to build false relationships and convince victims to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency or trading platforms. The campaign identifies red flags including requests for payment, inability to meet in person, and pressure to move conversations to encrypted apps, urging the public to be skeptical and share warnings with friends and family.
sahanjournal.com
In October 2023, Dennis from Maplewood lost $20,000 in a grandparent scam when callers impersonated his grandson and a public defender, claiming he needed bail money for a car accident, followed by a second request for $15,000 for a manslaughter settlement. The article reports that fraud victimizes billions of dollars annually from U.S. consumers, with Minnesota alone receiving over 22,000 fraud reports totaling nearly $103 million in losses during the first three quarters of 2024, and notes that recovery options remain limited. AARP Minnesota is advocating for a state Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund financed by civil penalties
spdblotter.seattle.gov
Romance scams cost victims over $1 billion in 2023 and $800 million in 2024, with scammers using fake personas and social media information to build trust before requesting money, cryptocurrency, or personal information. Older Americans are particularly vulnerable, with seniors losing an estimated $28.3 billion annually to financial exploitation. The FBI recommends verifying online identities, taking relationships slowly, never sending money to online-only contacts, and remaining cautious of requests to move communication offline or claims of overseas emergencies.
wcnc.com
Romance scams have surged significantly, with BBB reporting a 13% increase in 2021 and more than double the cases in early 2022 compared to the prior year. Scammers create fake dating profiles using stolen photos and fabricate elaborate backstories (often claiming military or overseas work) to build fake relationships, eventually requesting money with increasingly persistent demands. The BBB advises potential dating app users to watch for red flags such as reluctance to meet in person, rapid declarations of love, requests to move off dating platforms, suspicious language patterns, and hard luck stories before money requests are made.
recordnet.com
Romance scammers intensify their tactics around Valentine's Day, using social media research and emotional manipulation to build trust with victims before requesting money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Scammers employ various schemes including fabricated emergencies (medical bills, travel costs, equipment damage) and increasingly sophisticated methods like Bitcoin transactions, while also resorting to blackmail and threats. Experts advise vigilance across all communication channels and recommend contacting local law enforcement if victimized, noting that while elderly individuals were traditionally targeted, younger people are now also vulnerable to these evolving scams.
kauainownews.com
The County of Kauaʻi Agency on Elderly Affairs, in partnership with multiple state agencies through Kupuna Alert Partners, is hosting a free fraud and scam prevention presentation to address a rising tide of scams targeting seniors, particularly romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day. Romance scams involve criminals creating fake online identities to build trust with victims over weeks or months before soliciting money through fabricated emergencies, often requesting payment via mail, wire transfers, or gift cards. The presentation will cover Medicare fraud, securities fraud, identity theft, and prescription drug misuse prevention, with the U.S. Postal Service emphasizing caution against online relationships that escalate quickly and recommending victims never
ice.gov
Romance scams are confidence schemes where perpetrators build trust with victims to extract money through false pretenses. Nearly 70,000 Americans reported being victims in 2022, with older adults losing approximately $240 million that year; scammers commonly use red flags such as claims of foreign locations, requests for video call avoidance, inconsistent stories, and demands for payment via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers. Protection strategies include remaining suspicious of unsolicited contact, verifying identities through independent means, and never sharing personal information or sending money to online contacts, particularly those who quickly profess love or request alternative communication platforms.
fox40.com
A California man, Fabrisio Arias, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for his role in an international sweepstakes fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans between November 2020 and September 2022. Operating with co-conspirators in Costa Rica, Arias received fraudulent payments from 22 victims (many in their 70s-90s) who were tricked into paying fake taxes or fees to claim non-existent prizes, with perpetrators impersonating IRS and FTC officials using spoofed phone numbers. Arias was ordered to pay $395,536 in restitution after laundering over $395,000 through his bank accounts, keeping
theedgemalaysia.com
A cybercriminal group earned US$46 million from deepfake romance scams targeting men across Asia, including cases like an 80-year-old Malaysian widow losing RM30,000 to an AI-generated video mimicking a Chinese celebrity. In 2024, Malaysians lost US$12.8 billion to scams overall, with deepfake technology making it increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine online dating profiles despite facial verification features. The article advises victims to avoid unverified investment advice from online contacts, refrain from sharing personal information early in conversations, and limit location sharing to protect against emotional manipulation and physical safety threats.
indianexpress.com
Scammers are exploiting fake Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems—automated phone systems used by banks and government agencies—to trick victims into revealing sensitive financial information through spoofed caller IDs and professional voice cloning. Recent incidents include a woman in Bengaluru who lost Rs 2 lakh and a man in Sri Vijaya Puram who lost Rs 80,000 after responding to fraudulent calls mimicking their bank and government agencies. Legitimate IVRs never request OTPs, CVVs, or passwords; senior citizens, non-English speakers, and new online banking users are most vulnerable, and people should hang up and independently verify contact numbers when
timesnownews.com
The FBI warns Gmail users about increasingly sophisticated AI-driven phishing scams targeting account access and personal data, noting a 49% rise in phishing attacks since 2022 that can evade security filters. Hackers use malicious links and unsolicited calls impersonating customer support to steal credentials, with legitimate companies never initiating contact to request passwords or personal information. Users should be extremely cautious of unsolicited messages requesting personal data and avoid clicking links from unknown sources.
nationwidemediacentre.co.uk
Nationwide research found that 41% of singles seek love online, with 36% admitting to white lies on dating profiles, while only 11% feel confident spotting romance scams where criminals use fake identities to extract money. The research reveals that 27% of online daters have been contacted by imposters and 46% would ignore red flags, with scammers particularly exploiting vulnerable individuals around Valentine's Day when 24% feel pressured to have a date and 29% report loneliness. Nationwide advises caution against suspicious profiles, "love bombing," unverified photos, requests for money, and recommends reporting suspicious activity to protect against romance fraud.
desertsun.com
Rep. Raul Ruiz introduced the Protecting Seniors from Healthcare Fraud Act of 2013 to combat health care scams targeting seniors during the Affordable Care Act rollout, requiring the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services to develop policy recommendations and educate seniors about common fraud schemes. Common scams included callers pressuring seniors to update Medicare information or provide Social Security numbers and bank account details, with fake Covered California websites also fraudulently imitating the legitimate insurance marketplace. The bipartisan bill had support from AARP and aimed to help seniors recognize warning signs and report fraudulent activity to law enforcement.
newsbreak.com
On February 3, 2025, the Grand Rapids Police Department arrested an out-of-state male in possession of $42,800 cash after investigating multiple "grandparent" scams in which callers falsely claimed victims' grandsons had been arrested and needed bail or legal fees. At least three elderly victims fell victim to the scheme, including a Southeast Grand Rapids couple who paid $17,000; law enforcement identified the suspect through victim descriptions and home surveillance footage, then located the cash in labeled envelopes during a vehicle search warrant execution. Police urge residents to verify family emergencies by directly contacting the family member in question and to report similar scam calls to the Itasca
deccanchronicle.com
Fraudsters are increasingly using artificial intelligence to conduct sophisticated scams including deepfakes, voice impersonation, and highly personalized phishing emails that are difficult to detect even for experienced professionals. India reported over ₹11,000 crore in cyber fraud losses during the first nine months of 2024, prompting government cybersecurity budget increases and new measures like RBI-backed secure domain names (.bank.in, .fin.in) to combat fake financial websites. Experts emphasize that strong passwords, two-factor authentication, employee training on AI-driven scams, and regular security updates are now essential defenses as cybercriminals become more accessible to non-technical
justice.gov
Kingsley Apenteng, a Dumfries man, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for fraudulently obtaining $149,740 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) COVID-19 relief funds by falsely claiming his inactive company, Pioneers Real Estate LLC, had nine employees and a substantial payroll. Apenteng fabricated tax forms with a forged tax preparer's signature, altered bank statements, and later submitted a false loan forgiveness application that resulted in the SBA approving full reimbursement in November 2021. He faces up to 20 years in prison at sentencing scheduled for May 6.
nbclosangeles.com
The U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service warned the public about romance scams, in which fraudsters create fake identities and build trust with victims over weeks or months before requesting money through transfers, checks, gift cards, or wire payments. The agencies recommend avoiding relationships that escalate quickly, refusing requests for money from people you haven't met in person, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities. Victims should report scams to the USPIS, local law enforcement, and the Federal Trade Commission.
news.yahoo.com
The United States Postal Service warned consumers about romance scams that surge around Valentine's Day, in which fraudsters create fake identities on social media and dating apps to build trust with victims before requesting money, gift cards, or wire transfers under false pretenses. The USPS recommends avoiding online relationships that escalate quickly, refusing to send money to people you haven't met in person, and being alert to requests for secrecy or urgent financial assistance. Victims are encouraged to report incidents to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, local law enforcement, and the Federal Trade Commission.
wbckfm.com
FBI warned Gmail users nationwide, including in Michigan, of sophisticated AI-powered phishing scams impersonating Google support staff who contact victims by phone (with spoofed caller ID) and follow up with emails requesting account recovery codes that grant scammers access. The scam is particularly dangerous because it uses AI technology to create highly believable impersonations, with even tech-savvy victims describing it as "the most sophisticated phishing attack" they've encountered. The FBI advises never responding to unsolicited contact from companies claiming to be Google, banks, or other support services, and instead independently contacting those companies to verify any suspicious communications.
reporternews.com
Scammers in Brown County and surrounding areas are impersonating sheriff's deputies in phone calls, claiming victims have missed court dates or arrest warrants and demanding immediate payment via cryptocurrency machines. The Brown County Sheriff's Office warns that legitimate law enforcement will never call demanding payment for fines or warrants, and victims should report such calls to local authorities. Similar scams have been reported across multiple Texas counties, with perpetrators instructing victims to withdraw bank funds and convert them to Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.
nemasket.theweektoday.com
The Middleboro Senior Center is hosting an educational program on February 20 where Police Elder Affairs Officer Steve Valerio will teach seniors about common scams targeting them, including fake package delivery alerts, online romance schemes, Medicare/government impersonations, and fraudulent tech support calls, with advice on how to avoid scammers. The center is also offering other February activities including a Valentine's Day entertainment event on February 13 and a historical presentation about the Blizzard of 1978 on February 27.
fox61.com
An elderly Connecticut woman recovered approximately $328,573 after falling victim to a computer support scam in February 2024, where criminals posing as Microsoft support tricked her into sending $550,000 via wire transfers. Local police and Homeland Security Investigations traced and recovered the funds through bank reversal and asset seizure, with the U.S. Attorney's Office facilitating the return to the victim. Law enforcement emphasized the importance of reporting such cybercrimes immediately to banks and authorities, noting this case represents a rare best-case scenario where nearly all stolen money was recovered.
philstarlife.com
A Thai-British beauty queen lost 4 million baht after two scammers, Ramil Pantawong and 31, and Thanawut Kanyaphanthe, 28, impersonated Thai Department of Special Investigation officers and falsely accused her of money laundering to trick her into transferring funds. The two suspects were arrested as part of a 50-member gang operating from Cambodia that used AI technology to alter their faces during video calls and had victimized at least 163 people with similar schemes involving fake narcotics and money-laundering accusations. The suspects revealed they had been recruited under false pretenses and forced to work for Chinese gang leaders who controlled the operation through threats
justice.gov
A federal court issued a permanent injunction against Michael Brian Cotter and five companies operating a large-scale technical-support fraud scheme that defrauded hundreds of elderly and vulnerable Americans from 2011 to 2020. The scheme used fake Microsoft security pop-ups to trick victims into calling India-based call centers, where fraudsters gained remote computer access and convinced victims to pay hundreds to thousands of dollars for unnecessary software and services. The injunction permanently bars the defendants from selling technical-support services via telemarketing or websites and transfers 19 fraudulent domain names to the U.S. government.
justice.gov
Fabrisio Arias was sentenced to 41 months in prison and ordered to pay $395,536 in restitution for laundering money in an international sweepstakes scam that defrauded at least 22 elderly victims between November 2020 and September 2022. Scammers based in Costa Rica used spoofed phone numbers to call seniors, impersonating IRS and FTC officials, convincing victims they had won prizes but needed to pay fees first; victims sent cashier's checks and money orders to Arias in California, who deposited the funds and transferred most to co-conspirators abroad. Many victims in their seventies to n
talkoftitusville.com
Crystal Ann Hackney, a 38-year-old Mims woman, faces felony charges for exploiting a vulnerable 70-year-old man with a traumatic brain injury by draining over $34,000 from his bank accounts via unauthorized Zelle transfers, fraudulently acquiring his home (valued at $100,000+) for $1,000, and maxing out his credit card on luxury purchases totaling $6,215. The exploitation was discovered in April 2024 when Taschner was hospitalized after a suicide attempt, at which point Hackney had left him destitute with access to nothing; Taschner is now in a behavioral
medicinehatnews.com
Medicine Hat is experiencing rising reports of scams targeting seniors, including the Grandparent Scam, romance scams, and phishing schemes, with 78% of adults aged 65 and older having encountered at least one fraud attempt. The Veiner Centre partnered with Reality Bytes Inc. to offer a February 13 presentation on identifying and preventing fraud, and highlighted its Elder Abuse Outreach team that provides assessment, support, and case management to seniors experiencing financial abuse, some of whom have lost their life savings.
abc7ny.com
A Connecticut woman lost nearly $1 million in a romance scam after meeting someone on the dating app BLK who posed as a widower and eventually convinced her to invest in cryptocurrency. The scammer used a stolen photo, love-bombed the victim over months of phone calls (never video chatting), and showed fake screenshots of profitable crypto investments to encourage larger deposits, ultimately draining her 401K. Experts warn that staying on dating platform messaging systems, never sending money to unmet contacts, and requesting video verification are key ways to avoid such scams.