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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
ag.ny.gov
· 2025-12-08
New York Attorney General Letitia James warned New Yorkers about deepfake investment scams using AI-manipulated videos of celebrities like Elon Musk and Warren Buffett to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes on social media and messaging apps. Scammers move victims to private encrypted platforms, encourage initial investments on fake websites showing gains, then demand additional fees or taxes before cutting contact, with victims sometimes losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. The alert provides red flags including guaranteed return promises, urgency tactics, celebrity endorsements, and requests to move conversations to encrypted messaging, and recommends victims verify investment professional credentials through FINRA's BrokerCheck and report suspected scams to law enforcement.
kjct8.com
· 2025-12-08
Online used car scams commonly involve stolen vehicles, salvaged vehicles misrepresented as undamaged, VIN swaps, and fraudulent titles being sold through platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. To protect themselves, buyers should research vehicle history using resources like CarFax or Kelley Blue Book, verify the seller's identity, inspect the car in person, take test drives, and avoid sharing personal information until confident in the purchase. Security experts recommend bringing a knowledgeable person to evaluate the vehicle or consulting a dealership if uncertain about a car's condition.
13wmaz.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in Monroe County, Georgia have been targeting grieving families by impersonating funeral home employees and demanding payment for funeral services, threatening to cancel arrangements if payment isn't made. A recent victim lost thousands of dollars before realizing they had already paid the funeral home in full, with scammers exploiting families' vulnerability during their time of grief. Authorities recommend contacting your funeral home director directly before making phone payments and reporting suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission and local sheriff's office.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Amy lost $16,000 from her ubank account after falling victim to a common scam where fraudsters impersonated bank staff, obtained her security details via a fake verification process, and authorized push payments to steal her savings; only $7 was recovered. Neobanks and digital banking platforms create vulnerability to fraud through instant payments to new accounts, limited customer service accessibility, and the difficulty in detecting and recovering funds once scammers move money overseas or to cryptocurrency platforms. The National Anti-Scam Centre reported ubank appeared in at least 490 complaints in the prior year with total losses exceeding $500,000.
gov.mo
· 2025-12-08
Fans of a well-known Mainland Chinese boy band became victims of an online ticket scam in Macao, with at least 24 victims reporting losses exceeding 210,000 Macao Patacas since August 23rd. Fraudsters posed as ticket sellers on social media, collected advance payments or deposits, and then ceased contact on the concert day without delivering tickets. Authorities advise purchasing tickets only through official channels and licensed retailers, avoiding unofficial private sellers, and using the Judiciary Police's anti-fraud resources to verify legitimacy.
2news.com
· 2025-12-08
Washoe County partnered with the Better Business Bureau to educate seniors about common scams, as fraud targeting this population is increasing. Imposter scams (posing as Social Security, revenue agencies, or retailers like Amazon) are most frequently reported, while investment, cryptocurrency, and romance scams pose the highest financial risk to those 65 and older; scammers often use phone calls rather than online methods, exploiting seniors' likelihood of answering calls. The BBB emphasizes that reporting scams—even those without financial loss—is critical since only about 5% of victims report fraud, and encouraging community reporting helps prevent others from becoming victims.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
A 20-year nationwide telemarketing scheme defrauded over 150,000 elderly and vulnerable Americans of approximately $300 million through bogus magazine subscriptions and fake cancellation services. Anthony Eugene Moulder and Abdou-Rahmane Diallo, among 64 defendants from 14 states and Canada, were sentenced to prison (10 and 7.5 years respectively) after pleading guilty; Moulder's operation alone scammed $86.6 million by using deceptive sales scripts, while Diallo's scheme collected $30 million by posing as a cancellation service. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
West Australian authorities have warned of romance scams using AI-generated deepfake technology in video calls, with 26 victims losing $2.9 million to such scams in the current year. One victim, Maggie Ayres, transferred tens of thousands of dollars to a scammer posing as "Bryan" before discovering during a video call that deepfake technology was being used to disguise the perpetrator's identity. State Commerce Minister Sue Ellery urged people to never transfer money to individuals they haven't met in person and to report suspicious online activity to authorities.
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Perth widow Maggie Ayres lost tens of thousands of dollars in a romance scam involving a man named "Bryan" who used deepfake technology to impersonate an American real estate agent on video calls and claimed to work on an oil rig. Ayres discovered the fraud when a technical glitch revealed the scammer's actual face during a video call, and authorities report that deepfake-enabled romance scams have affected multiple Western Australian victims, with the state losing $3.7 million to romance fraud in 2023 and $2.9 million already by mid-2024.
9news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A woman was defrauded of tens of thousands of dollars by romance scammers using deepfake technology to impersonate a man named "Bryan" through AI-manipulated video calls that mimicked facial expressions and voice. The scam was discovered when a video glitched, revealing the actual person—a US real estate agent whose identity had been stolen—rather than the fabricated persona. Recent weeks have seen at least two Western Australians lose over $1 million combined to similar deepfake romance scams, prompting experts to warn about red flags like unnatural movements and poor lip syncing, while emphasizing that money should never be sent to anyone not met in person.
7news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A Perth woman lost tens of thousands of dollars to a romance scammer who used deepfake artificial intelligence to disguise his identity as "Brian," a supposed Sydney engineer working on an oil rig. The scammer built trust through fake documents and video calls with digital filters, then exploited her vulnerability following her husband's death by requesting money for fabricated emergencies on the rig, with the victim only discovering the deception when a technical glitch exposed his real appearance during a video call. This case is part of a broader pattern in Western Australia, where romance and dating scams drained $2.9 million from 26 victims in the year covered by the report, leaving the victim emotionally devastated and financially dependent
miragenews.com
· 2025-12-08
This awareness piece highlights sophisticated investment scams targeting Australians, particularly "pig butchering" schemes where scammers build trust over weeks or months before soliciting cryptocurrency investments. A Queensland victim lost approximately $244,000 AUD after being befriended on Facebook by a scammer who gradually encouraged increasingly larger investments in cryptocurrency, promising substantial returns; when the victim attempted to withdraw funds, the scammer blocked all contact. Recent data from the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre shows Australians lost at least $180 million to cryptocurrency investment scams in 12 months, with nearly half of all investment scam losses involving cryptocurrency and victims now more likely
lycoming.crimewatchpa.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides guidance on avoiding internet and social media scams, which have risen significantly in recent years. Key prevention strategies include being skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, protecting personal information, verifying website legitimacy (https://), using strong passwords, and avoiding suspicious links and attachments. For victims who have lost money, the article recommends immediately notifying credit card companies and banks, reporting to police, and provides the Williamsport Police Department's non-emergency contact number for local residents.
smartcompany.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Australians lost $2.74 billion to scams, with small businesses facing particular risk from phishing, compromised email accounts, false billing, supply scams, and overpayment schemes. ASIC reported removing approximately 20 scam sites daily, highlighting the scale and sophistication of fraud targeting Australian businesses. Key protective measures include verifying email legitimacy, double-checking payment requests, maintaining updated software, training employees to recognize suspicious activity, monitoring online presence, and implementing strong password policies.
bankinfosecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Job seekers in cybersecurity are increasingly targeted by fraudulent job postings that exploit the field's high demand and remote work prevalence. Common scam tactics include requests for personal information (Social Security numbers, identification), unusually high salaries with quick hiring processes, vague job descriptions, and unprofessional communication. Job applicants can protect themselves by researching companies directly, contacting employers through official websites, and remaining skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
choosework.ssa.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines five key warning signs to identify work-from-home job scams: positions offering unusually high pay or requiring minimal qualifications, companies lacking an online presence or verifiable information, employers requesting upfront payment during the application process, communication through unofficial platforms like WhatsApp, and job offers extended without conducting interviews. Scammers typically seek personal information for identity fraud and money through fake checks or equipment fees, while legitimate employers maintain professional websites, use standard communication channels, and conduct thorough screening processes.
masslive.com
· 2025-12-08
Baystate Health wired $700,000 to a fraudulent account in November 2022 after criminals compromised a settlement counterparty's email in a business email compromise (BEC) scam. After the fraud was discovered, Baystate sued JPMorgan Chase, claiming the bank failed to prevent withdrawals from the fraudulent account and allowed approximately $205,542 to be transferred out after being notified of the fraud, with $420,000 ultimately unaccounted for. Only about $76,000 was recovered through a federal seizure warrant.
krgv.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybersecurity experts warn travelers to avoid common scams including fake vacation rental listings, fraudulent hotel payment calls, counterfeit concert tickets, and phishing texts about unpaid tolls. To protect yourself, book through reputable sites, verify listings before paying, avoid wire transfers and prepaid cards, call businesses directly to confirm requests, and monitor your bank and credit accounts while traveling. Victims of travel scams can contact the Identity Theft Resource Center at 888-400-5530.
multivu.com
· 2025-12-08
Crimes against seniors resulted in over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, with more than 100,000 complaints filed by people over 60—an 11% increase from the previous year, according to FBI data. Common senior scams employ tactics such as demanding urgent payment, requesting non-conventional payment methods (wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards), or threatening to contact authorities. Red flags include unsolicited emails, calls, or texts using pressure tactics, and victims or their families can report suspected fraud to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
skynews.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Will Clinton and Jessica Greentree lost nearly $48,000 of their house deposit savings when scammers posing as their solicitor sent a fraudulent email requesting wire transfer during their home settlement process in New South Wales, Australia. The funds were transferred to a "mule" account and subsequently moved overseas, with their bank Macquarie offering only a $500 goodwill payment despite their complaint to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. The couple warns that this rising scam targets first-time homebuyers through impersonation of solicitors and conveyancers, and advises prospective buyers to conduct transactions in person whenever possible.
wa.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
Two Western Australian victims lost over $1.4 million combined to romance scammers in recent weeks, with one victim transferring $825,000 for relocation costs and another losing at least $600,000 to a fake cryptocurrency investment scheme. The scammers employed multiple tactics including coaching victims to evade bank questions, using deepfake AI technology to manipulate video calls, and dragging victims into secondary scams as money mules and fake recovery schemes. Western Australia has recorded $2.9 million in losses across 26 romance scam victims in 2024, prompting authorities to warn people never to transfer money to online-only contacts and to be wary of love interests unw
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Brookdale Senior Living released educational guidance on protecting seniors from fraud, noting that crimes against seniors totaled over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, with more than 100,000 complaints filed by people over 60—an 11% increase from the previous year. The article identifies common scam types including tech support scams, romance scams, investment schemes, and non-payment fraud, advising seniors to recognize red flags such as urgent demands for payment, requests for wire transfers or cryptocurrency, and threats from authorities. Resources provided include awareness information at Brookdale.com and the National Elder Fraud Hotline (833-372-8311) for reporting suspecte
floridatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors are frequently targeted by scammers who exploit their trust and financial stability, with elder fraud causing over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023 and an average victim loss of $33,915. Common scams include fraudulent phone calls impersonating banks or family members, phishing emails and texts, fake charities, Medicare/insurance schemes, tech support scams, and romance scams (which resulted in $1.3 billion in losses in 2022). The article advises seniors to be skeptical of unsolicited contact, verify organizations directly before donating or sharing information, and report suspected scams to the FTC, Department of Justice, or AARP.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A GOBankingRates survey found that Gen Z and millennials fall victim to financial scams at higher rates than older generations, with 35% experiencing phone-related scams compared to 25% of Gen Xers, and 18% of Gen Zers victimized by Social Security scams versus less than 2% of seniors. Fraud prevention experts attribute this vulnerability to younger generations' greater trust in digital platforms, overconfidence in spotting scams, financial pressures, and exposure to recruitment into fraudulent activities on social media, despite 81% of Gen Z believing they can identify AI-generated fraud.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Seven Maryland residents lost a combined $6.3 million in a gold bar scam where fraudsters posed as federal agents and claimed to be safeguarding assets from identity theft or foreign threats, directing victims to convert cash into gold bars for courier pickup by fake "FBI agents." The Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office believes approximately 20 victims total were targeted in what officials describe as organized crime with international links to India and China, with scammers able to transport the untraceable gold across borders. Seniors are particularly vulnerable, with people over 60 reporting $3.4 billion in cyber fraud losses nationally in 2023.
thirteen.org
· 2025-12-08
At an AARP fraud prevention summit in Edison, New Jersey, experts including AARP's Kathy Stokes challenged the misconception that older adults are the most vulnerable to phone, text, and social media fraud. The summit, attended by more than 250 people, highlighted various fraud prevention strategies and raised awareness about the actual risk factors for financial exploitation.
uk.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This article identifies common red flags for financial scams, including unsolicited communications, poor grammar, unfamiliar sender information, requests for specific personal data, and time-sensitive offers. Financial experts explain why people still fall victim despite these warning signs: scammers use increasingly sophisticated techniques, AI-generated messages, spoofed contact information, and psychological pressure tactics to appear legitimate. Additional red flags include too-good-to-be-true investment promises, lack of online presence, pressure tactics, requests for unusual payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency, and impersonation of trusted organizations.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Moving scams are prevalent, with the Better Business Bureau receiving 5,918 complaints against moving companies in 2023, and victims losing a median of $350. Common scams include stolen belongings, false quotes with inflated prices on moving day, non-refundable deposits where movers never appear, hostage loads where movers refuse to unload until additional payment is made, and unexpected charges for labor or supplies. To protect yourself, research companies using the FMCSA database and BBB, verify they have a physical address and U.S. DOT number, obtain multiple in-home estimates, keep detailed written documentation, use credit cards for payment, and supervise the move while using
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 68-year-old NAB customer lost $10,000 after scammers impersonating Microsoft gained remote access to his computer and convinced him they needed his help catching fraudsters at his bank. A vigilant NAB fraud analyst detected the suspicious transaction and helped recover the full amount after the customer disconnected immediately. The incident highlights the sophistication of remote access scams, which have cost Australians over $4.7 million this year as part of $134 million in total scam losses.
clickorlando.com
· 2025-12-08
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel warned that scammers are impersonating IRS officials to target seniors, claiming outstanding tax debt through phone calls, texts, or emails with fake caller IDs and urgent deadlines. Seniors over 60 lost a combined $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023, with IRS impersonation being the most common senior scam, though it occurs year-round. The IRS never initiates contact by phone, text, or email, never leaves urgent messages, and never demands immediate payment—legitimate tax notices arrive by mail only.
abilene-rc.com
· 2025-12-08
Detective Kevin Landers of the Abilene Police Department outlines common scams targeting seniors, including romance, lottery, sweepstakes, and government impersonation schemes where callers demand payment via gift cards or bitcoin. Seniors are frequently targeted because they tend to be trusting, have savings, own homes, and maintain good credit, though scammers prey on people of all ages. Landers recommends protecting oneself by verifying unsolicited offers online, resisting pressure to act quickly, monitoring credit reports annually, and stopping communication with suspected scammers immediately.
newstalk940.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI has identified five major scams targeting Texans: phishing emails mimicking banks to steal personal information, romance scams involving fake dating profiles that request money, lottery/sweepstakes scams requiring upfront fees to claim winnings, tech support scams requesting remote computer access, and IRS/government impersonation scams threatening legal action for immediate payment. The article advises Texans to be cautious of unsolicited requests for money or personal information and to trust their instincts when something seems suspicious.
seehafernews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Manitowoc County Public Safety Committee held its first educational presentation on common scams and frauds targeting seniors on August 22nd, with strong community attendance and positive feedback. The interactive sessions covered online and phone scams affecting seniors, with support from local police departments providing additional insights. Follow-up presentations are scheduled for September 25th at two locations: Lester Public Library in Two Rivers (11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.) and Whitelaw Fire Department (4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.).
tnonline.com
· 2025-12-08
The Pennsylvania State Police warned the public about an active grandparent scam in which callers claim a family member has been arrested and demand cash payment for their release, often instructing victims to have couriers pick up money from their homes. The alert provided protective measures including advice to verify requests with family members, avoid sharing sensitive information over the phone, never use gift cards for payments, and to hang up on suspicious callers. Victims of such scams are urged to contact law enforcement for investigation.
therecord.media
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals have expanded text message scams impersonating state electronic toll collection systems across multiple U.S. states (Illinois, Florida, North Carolina, and Washington), with the FBI reporting over 2,000 complaints since early March. The scams use fake government websites and urgent messaging to trick drivers into clicking links and entering personal and financial information, with some scammers also collecting data for additional criminal activities. Symantec researchers recommend state governments increase public awareness campaigns and coordinate with federal agencies to combat these threats, which have also affected Australia, Canada, and Japan.
theadviser.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Scam Awareness Week 2024 (August 26–30) launched in Australia with the theme "share a story, stop a scam" as part of a broader effort by the National Anti-Scam Centre to equip consumers and businesses with scam prevention tools. In the first half of 2024, over 143,000 scams were reported, resulting in losses up to $134 million, prompting warnings from regulators like ASIC, which found that smaller lenders have "less mature" scam prevention strategies compared to Australia's major banks. Financial institutions are responding with new initiatives including enhanced identity checks, victim support improvements, and community education programs to combat increasing frau
unisa.edu.au
· 2025-12-08
During Australia's Scams Awareness Week 2024, UniSA expert Dr. Braam Lowies highlighted that despite a 13% drop in scam losses, Australians lost $2.7 billion to scams in 2023, with older people over 65 suffering disproportionately—losing $120 million (a 13.3% increase). Investment scams, romance scams, and remote access scams remain prevalent, with investment scams causing the most harm, while scammers exploit psychological tactics and target older adults' retirement savings, often exacerbated by limited digital literacy and cyber security awareness. The campaign emphasized the importance of sharing scam
9now.nine.com.au
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" is a sophisticated romance scam operating from compounds on the Myanmar-Thailand border, where trafficked workers—held captive and beaten by Chinese organized crime gangs—use AI-generated avatars and psychological manipulation scripts to build romantic relationships with victims on dating apps, then convince them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms. The scams have become so prevalent and profitable that they rival the drug trade; Australian victim Sarah lost $100,000 after months of grooming, and law enforcement officials warn this criminal enterprise poses an unprecedented global threat to vulnerable populations worldwide.
connecticut.news12.com
· 2025-12-08
Legal experts warn that scammers are exploiting undocumented immigrants by impersonating licensed "notarios" (notaries) and offering to help them apply for the new Keeping Families Together Program, which provides a pathway to temporary legal status. These fraudsters send letters and make phone calls, falsely promising to secure legal status in exchange for money and collecting personal information that can be used fraudulently on notarized documents. Legitimate immigration experts do not guarantee results or charge upfront fees for legal status applications.
govtech.com
· 2025-12-08
From January to May 2024, online fraud resulted in $1.6 billion in losses—nearly $300 million more than the same period in 2023, according to FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center data. Common scams include advance fee schemes, Nigerian letter schemes, Ponzi and pyramid schemes, telemarketing fraud, fake travel websites, and fraudulent debt collector calls using spoofed numbers and fake websites. The FBI advises victims and the public to be skeptical of unsolicited offers with artificial urgency, verify requests independently, and report suspected fraud.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A GOBankingRates survey identified common red flags that help people recognize financial scams, including unsolicited communication, poor grammar, unfamiliar sender information, requests for personal data, and time-sensitive offers. Financial experts explain why people still fall for increasingly sophisticated scams despite these warning signs—fraudsters now use AI-generated messages, mimic legitimate companies, exploit memory lapses, and use pressure tactics to cloud judgment. Additional red flags include too-good-to-be-true investment promises, lack of online presence, pressure tactics with confusing jargon, and requests for unusual payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency.
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudulent QR code stickers were affixed to approximately 150 parking meters in Redondo Beach's Esplanade and Riviera Village areas, directing users to a fake website (poybyphone.online) where they were prompted to enter payment and personal information. The scam, known as "quishing," has been used in multiple cities and can expose victims to identity theft and financial fraud; all stickers have been removed and authorities are investigating. Residents who may have been defrauded or scanned the fake codes are encouraged to contact the Redondo Beach Police Department.
news.abplive.com
· 2025-12-08
A Mumbai man lost Rs 61,000 in a dating app scam where a woman met him at an upscale restaurant, ordered expensive items without showing him the menu, then left abruptly, leaving him to pay the inflated bill. The scam operates through dating apps like Tinder and Bumble, with victims reportedly threatened by bouncers if they refuse to pay bills ranging from Rs 23,000 to Rs 61,000, and at least 12 victims have been identified targeting the same venue and perpetrators. Similar schemes have been reported across major Indian cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A cybersecurity expert warned that major data breaches—including AT&T's 2024 compromises affecting millions of customers' personal information—enable sophisticated scams orchestrated by state-sponsored actors from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran who use stolen data for social engineering attacks. Victims lose billions annually to romance scams and "pig-butchering" investment scams (particularly in cryptocurrency), with one in four Americans losing an average of $500 to scams in the past year. The expert recommends monitoring for phishing attempts, using unique passwords with a password manager, and enabling multi-factor authentication to protect against fraud resulting from data breaches.
livebitcoinnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Tether, the issuer of the largest stablecoin USDT, assisted the US Department of Justice in recovering approximately $5 million stolen in a romance (pig-butchering) scam, where victims were deceived into investing in fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms. Since 2014, Tether has recovered $108.8 million in stolen USDT across more than 145 enforcement agencies in 40 jurisdictions by tracking and blocking wallets associated with illicit activity.
mypunepulse.com
· 2025-12-08
A romance scam ring operating in Mumbai has defrauded at least 12 men of ₹23,000 to ₹61,000 each through a coordinated scheme involving dating apps (Tinder and Bumble), fake female profiles, and The Godfather Club restaurant in Andheri West. The scammers lure men to meetings, order expensive undisclosed items, then abandon the victims with inflated bills while bouncers allegedly threaten or intimidate them into paying. Similar scams have been reported across other major Indian cities, and Mumbai Police has not yet taken action despite public exposure by lawyer and activist Deepika Narayan Bhardw
abc7news.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI launched a new public awareness campaign called "Take a Beat" to educate the public about major fraud schemes, including impersonation scams (posing as banks or law enforcement), cryptocurrency investment fraud, grandparent scams using AI voice cloning, and recovery scams targeting previous fraud victims. One Bay Area victim lost $950 to a scammer impersonating a Citibank employee, illustrating how fraudsters exploit emotional urgency and personal information to manipulate victims into sending money or revealing passwords.
zdnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Singapore experienced a significant surge in scams from January to June 2024, with 28,751 cases resulting in SG$385.6 million (approximately $294.65 million) in losses—a 24.6% increase from the same period in 2023. Scammers increasingly targeted victims through messaging apps (particularly WhatsApp at 50.2% and Telegram at 45% of cases) and social media platforms (Facebook at 64.4%), using social engineering and deception to manipulate victims into self-executing fund transfers; notably, victims aged 65 and above suffered the highest average losses per incident, with government impersonation sc
androidauthority.com
· 2025-12-08
Phone scams are increasingly sophisticated and cost US consumers $2.7 billion in reported losses in 2023 alone, with numbers rising annually. The article identifies 12 common phone and text scams including the "loved one in need" (grandparent scam), government impersonation (FBI/IRS), and other fraudulent schemes that exploit emotional pressure and official-sounding tactics. Key prevention strategies include verifying caller identity through alternative contact methods, refusing to send money to unknown callers, and being skeptical of urgent payment demands, especially via wire transfers or gift cards.
techtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Shan Hanes, former CEO of Heartland Tri-State Bank, fell victim to a pig-butchering cryptocurrency scam and subsequently embezzled $47 million from the bank to fund fraudulent "investments," resulting in the bank's collapse and his conviction on embezzlement charges. Before stealing from the bank, Hanes had already victimized a local church, investor club, his daughter's college fund, and a neighbor in attempts to feed the scam. He received a 24-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to embezzlement.