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actionnews5.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece features a Google technology expert discussing how to recognize and prevent online scams during tax season, when identity theft targeting tax refunds increases. The article notes that Americans spend over 8 hours daily online and face various scam types including fear-based fraud and romance scams, with the IRS reporting the second-highest number of identity theft complaints in history last year. The expert provides guidance on identifying scams and protecting personal information.
securitymagazine.com
· 2025-12-08
A Visa report analyzing payment fraud from June to December 2023 found that 15% of U.S. adults have been targeted by inheritance scams, where victims are deceived by fraudsters posing as law firms notifying them of inheritances from relatives and requesting upfront payments. The report also highlighted other major scam trends including "pig butchering" scams (targeting 10% of adults through fake cryptocurrency investments), humanitarian relief scams, and triangulation fraud, while noting that fraudsters increasingly use AI to enhance their attacks and that ransomware cases surged 300% compared to the previous year.
theatlantic.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost a collective $10 billion to fraud in the past year—a first-time benchmark—as scammers exploit social isolation and emotional vulnerabilities using increasingly sophisticated methods targeting romance, finances, immigration, and family emergencies. Risk factors include loneliness and secrecy rather than age alone, with research showing that 10 percent of people aged 18-29 reported being scam victims compared to 9 percent of those 65 and older, though older adults tend to lose higher dollar amounts per incident. Scammers deliberately trigger heightened emotional states to impair rational decision-making and create confidential relationships where victims feel pressured to keep conversations secret.
winnipegfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 61-year-old Saskatchewan farmer lost approximately $60,000 to romance scammers over the past decade, including $7,000 in the last year to someone posing as a widowed mother from Utah who promised a romantic relationship in exchange for money for her daughter's medical expenses. Romance scams target vulnerable, isolated individuals through "love bombing"—building trust and affection before requesting money—and affect people across all socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. The Winnipeg Police Service and a local matchmaker partnered to hold a public seminar warning people about these increasingly sophisticated frauds.
wach.com
· 2025-12-08
I appreciate you wanting me to summarize this article, but the text you've provided only contains the page layout and navigation elements from a news website, not the actual article content.
To provide an accurate summary for the Elderus database, I would need the full article text about the FBI's romance scam warning in South Carolina. Could you please share the complete article content, including the body text and details about the scam warnings?
ktvq.com
· 2025-12-08
Montana's Commissioner of Securities and Insurance office is conducting community education across the state to help residents identify scams and recognize vulnerable populations, particularly seniors who are targeted because they typically have more accumulated wealth. The office has identified pig-butchering schemes—a cryptocurrency-based twist on romance scams where perpetrators contact victims online and eventually solicit money or investment advice—as a rising threat in Montana. The CSI emphasizes that education and awareness of common red flags are the most effective prevention methods.
rappler.com
· 2025-12-08
Love scams on dating apps have increased since the pandemic, with perpetrators building romantic relationships with victims before requesting money. Victims report losing hundreds of thousands of pesos and being manipulated into sharing intimate photos used for blackmail, resulting in both financial and emotional harm.
afr.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly man named Alan Baldwin fell victim to a romance scam during the COVID-19 lockdown, believing he was in a relationship with someone who did not exist; police discovered the fraud months later when Detective Constable Rebecca Mason visited his Hertfordshire home in November 2020 to inform him of the deception. The article highlights how romance scams often go undetected until family members notice suspicious bank transactions, friends identify fake online profiles, or the fraudster can no longer maintain excuses for avoiding in-person meetings.
alaskapublic.org
· 2025-12-08
Alaska experienced a 91% surge in internet scam losses from 2022 to 2023, jumping from $16.5 million to $31.5 million—nearly double the national average increase of 21%—with seniors over 60 representing about 300 victims but accounting for over $8.7 million (more than a quarter of total losses). The FBI identified the three main fraud types affecting Alaskans as compromised business emails, investment fraud, and romance scams, while emphasizing that actual losses are likely underreported. Authorities stress prevention through strong passwords, anti-virus software, caution with virtual relationships, and reporting incidents to the FBI's Internet Crime
wach.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned South Carolina residents about escalating romance scams that target vulnerable populations, particularly elderly individuals, through social media, email, and text messaging by building trust over weeks or months before requesting money. Losses from these scams in South Carolina increased dramatically from $5 million in 2016 to $59 million in 2023, with 2024 projections exceeding that figure. The FBI advised potential victims to pause contact, consult trusted friends or family, and reconsider why they trust the person reaching out.
wltx.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, 277 South Carolinians lost over $11 million to romance scams, though only 29 cases were reported to state authorities, indicating significant underreporting of this growing threat. Sandra Shealy exemplified the impact when she lost approximately $85,000 after developing trust with a scammer on Facebook who used fake photos, videos, and Zoom calls; she is still repaying the debt. The FBI emphasizes that romance fraud and confidence scams are increasingly common due to easier fake persona creation with AI technology and urges victims to report incidents to improve prevention efforts.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Albertans reported losing over $156 million to fraud since 2020, with losses reaching $62.5 million in 2023 alone—a fivefold increase from 2020—though experts estimate only 5-10% of incidents are reported due to victim reluctance and embarrassment. Investment scams, particularly cryptocurrency fraud, accounted for nearly 58% of 2023 losses ($35.9 million), followed by spear-phishing attacks that took $8.5 million, with technological advancements and the unregulated nature of cryptocurrency enabling fraudsters to operate across borders with relative anonymity.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** Backyard Leisure Customer Non-Delivery Investigation
Multiple customers of Backyard Leisure, a Raleigh-based company, paid thousands of dollars for hot tubs and spas that were never delivered despite repeated promises and false tracking updates, with payment amounts ranging from $7,000 to $20,000 and wait times extending from months to over a year. The North Carolina Attorney General's Office began reviewing the case after receiving 18 complaints, and the company subsequently claimed staffing shortages and promised to send order confirmations and obtain receipts. Some affected customers initiated credit card chargebacks to dispute their payments.
pineandlakes.com
· 2025-12-08
The Walker office reports receiving daily scams and phishing attempts using various methods to steal personal and financial information from victims. The article highlights three specific scam types: tax season phishing emails impersonating the IRS to collect sensitive information; tech support scams using fake calls or pop-ups to trick users into paying for nonexistent computer problems; and general warnings about unsolicited communications requesting personal data. Victims have lost tens to thousands of dollars to these schemes, though many people successfully identify and report the attempts before losing money.
fox5atlanta.com
· 2025-12-08
Georgia ranks as the third most dangerous state for online dating according to a Privacy Journal survey analyzing romance scams, identity theft, violent crime, and STDs. The state leads the nation in identity theft and fraud reports, with 985 STD cases per 100,000 residents, though it has a relatively low romance scam rate of 3.9 per 100,000. Nevada is the most dangerous state overall, while Vermont is the safest, and the article recommends online daters use Facebook groups to identify and avoid scammers.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Clinton Chukwudi Uchendu, 26, of Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering, mail fraud, and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business for his role in a romance scam that defrauded victims of over $600,000 between February and October 2018. As a "picker," Uchendu provided U.S. bank accounts to receive funds from romance scam victims who were deceived by "Yahoo Boys" operating from Nigeria posing as soldiers, businessmen, or celebrities, then laundered the money to Nigeria while retaining a portion. He received funds from dozens of victims across the United States, several of whom testified to losing hundreds of
brainerddispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
ca.movies.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2018, e-commerce scams were Singapore's leading fraud type with 2,125 reported cases totaling $1.9 million in losses, with approximately 70% occurring on the Carousell marketplace involving electronics and event tickets. Other rising scams included loan scams (which doubled to 994 cases) and China officials impersonation scams (surging 60.6% to 302 cases), though internet love scams declined by 20% following intervention by the Transnational Commercial Crime Task Force, which recovered over $1.4 million and closed 600 bank accounts.
koamnewsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond warned consumers about a rising wave of cryptocurrency ATM scams targeting elderly victims, where scammers convince people their banks are failing and convince them to withdraw funds and deposit them into virtual currency kiosks, with the crypto then sent irreversibly to the scammer's wallet. The advisory also detailed other related scams including romance scams, pig butchering schemes, fake investment platforms, computer antivirus scams, and impersonation of government agencies, all designed to trick victims into making cryptocurrency payments. Drummond advised Oklahomans to never pay anyone demanding advance cryptocurrency payments and to contact relatives or the Oklahoma Attorney General's office if victimized.
columbiavalleypioneer.com
· 2025-12-08
This editorial highlights the persistent threat of fraud despite increased public awareness, noting that scammers continue to successfully target victims using various tactics. The piece details specific current scams including CRA tax refund text messages and follow-up BC Hydro impersonation calls, and one woman nearly lost access to her bank account before recognizing red flags. The editor advises readers to verify claims through official government websites, remain skeptical of unsolicited offers, and remember that "if it's too good to be true, it probably is."
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A Cranbourne NAB banker prevented a woman in her 60s from losing $2000 in a romance scam after noticing red flags during a deposit transaction in February, including affectionate messages, vague answers about the recipient, and a single photo of her supposed boyfriend from Turkey. The scammer had convinced the victim over six months that he needed money for medical treatment abroad, with the funds to be sent to an unknown intermediary in Sydney, a common romance scam tactic. NAB reported a 29 percent increase in romance scam reports, and the bank is implementing additional safeguards including payment alerts and awareness campaigns on dating platforms.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Shelley Smith, a 60-year-old Canadian woman, lost approximately $500,000 to a romance scam in 2021-2022 after meeting a man using a fake identity on the dating app Zoosk. The scammer, posing as "Carl Pettersson," gradually manipulated Smith into providing financial support by fabricating emergencies and problems, while isolating her from friends and family who might have warned her. Smith's case illustrates common romance scam tactics—including avoiding in-person meetings, creating false credibility by displaying wealth, and using guilt and emotional manipulation—and serves as a cautionary tale about how vulnerable individuals can fall victim to sophisticated catf
kyuk.org
· 2025-12-08
Alaska's internet fraud losses nearly doubled from $16.5 million in 2022 to $31.5 million in 2023—a 91% increase that far outpaced the national 21% rise—with the FBI noting actual losses are likely underreported. While older adults (60+) represented only about 13% of Alaska's 2,338 fraud victims that year, they accounted for over $8.7 million in losses (more than 25% of the total), with the top fraud types being compromised business emails, investment scams, and romance scams. The FBI emphasizes prevention through strong passwords, caution with virtual relationships and suspicious links,
gephardtdaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Clinton Chukwudi Uchendu, a 26-year-old from Georgia, was convicted by federal jury in March 2024 for operating as a "picker" in a $600,000 romance scam conspiracy, laundering money from victims who were deceived by overseas "Yahoo Boys" posing as soldiers and businessmen. Uchendu provided U.S. bank accounts to collect victim funds and transfer money to Nigeria while concealing the transactions' origins, and was found guilty of conspiracy to commit money laundering, mail fraud, and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. He is scheduled for sentencing in June 2024.
sundayworld.com
· 2025-12-08
The Black Axe gang, a West African organized crime network with approximately 1,100 members in Ireland, has amassed a fortune primarily through cyber fraud rather than drug trafficking. The gang specializes in investment scams, romance fraud, and Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes, with 226 Irish victims of investment fraud losing an average of €40,000-€50,000 each in the past year, while €7 million has been stolen through romance fraud targeting vulnerable women over the past five years. Irish law enforcement has made over 377 arrests as of last June and continues weekly operations under Operation Skein, which contributes to Interpol's international Operation
cybershack.com.au
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old tech-savvy reader named John fell victim to an online scam after clicking on a fake ad-blocker offer, compromising his credit card and personal information; scammers made several fraudulent purchases within 24 hours before he took corrective action. The article outlines common online scam types—including email phishing, SMS fraud, malware/ransomware, and fake websites—and provides protective measures such as using clean email addresses, running malware detection software, maintaining backups, and remaining skeptical of unsolicited offers. The key message is that online scams affect people across all technical skill levels, and awareness combined with proactive security practices can help
tradingview.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency fraud surged to a record $4.6 billion in 2023, with U.S. crypto investment scam losses reaching $3.94 billion—a 53% increase from 2022. The rise correlates with Bitcoin's price increases, as fraudsters capitalize on heightened market interest through schemes including pump-and-dump tokens, romance scams (up 85-fold since 2020), and social engineering tactics, with approximately 80% of targeted Americans losing an average of $3,800.
dailymaverick.co.za
· 2025-12-08
Financial institutions in South Africa hosted an educational webinar during Global Money Week highlighting six prevalent scams: phishing (fake banking/government websites), courier fraud (fake clearing tax fees), spoof emails (impersonation for money transfers), romance scams (one victim lost over R1 million), travel booking scams (fake accommodation websites), and investment scams with unrealistic guaranteed returns. Experts advised consumers to verify secure website indicators, confirm requests by phone, use reverse image searches, book through reputable agencies, and be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true or pressure quick decisions.
u.today
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, cryptocurrency fraud reached alarming levels, with scams generating at least $4.6 billion in revenue and U.S. crypto investment scam losses surging 53% to $3.94 billion. The most prevalent schemes included pump-and-dump token manipulation and romance scams (which increased 85-fold since 2020), with approximately 80% of targeted Americans losing money, with a median loss of $3,800. SEC Chair Gary Gensler warned that fraud and abuse in the crypto space are correlated with Bitcoin's price increases, highlighting risks from inadequate disclosures by intermediaries pooling digital assets.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
Police warn that lonely and retired seniors are susceptible to investment and love scams, with victims losing substantial sums including one retiree who lost RM2 million in a cryptocurrency investment scheme and a 60-year-old widow who transferred RM200,000 to a fake online romantic interest. Scammers exploit victims' lack of cybersecurity awareness and isolation by posing as investment opportunities or authority figures on social media, with victims often refusing to believe they've been defrauded. Authorities recommend frequent family contact, cybersecurity education, and vigilance against online relationships that involve requests for money or gifts.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A 34-year-old woman lost $60,000 in a wire fraud scam when she received a fraudulent email impersonating her title company to send a down payment for a home purchase in Memphis, Tennessee in January 2023. Scammers had hacked the title company's system to obtain property details and mimic the agent's communication style, making the fake email appear legitimate until she noticed a misspelled realtor's name an hour after wiring the funds. Although the Secret Service eventually recovered her money, she missed out on the property purchase, highlighting the increasingly sophisticated nature of wire transfer fraud targeting real estate transactions.
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Last year, New Zealanders reported losses of nearly $200 million to scams, though actual losses may exceed $2 billion when unreported cases are considered, with two-thirds of Kiwis encountering scams monthly. ASB Bank is spearheading a multi-sector anti-scam initiative with telcos, police, and social media companies, while launching an awareness campaign that outlines common scam types—including phishing, marketplace fraud, investment schemes, and romance scams—along with protective measures such as verifying contacts directly, inspecting goods in person, researching investments thoroughly, and guarding personal information.
cyberdaily.au
· 2025-12-08
During Ramadan and Eid Fitr celebrations, scammers targeting Saudi Arabia and other regions have stolen between $70-$100 million through various fraud schemes, with the criminal group known as the Smishing Triad primarily responsible. The scams employ multiple tactics including fake logistics delivery notifications (impersonating companies like Aramex), romance scams, fake charities, and phishing sites mimicking banks and bill payment platforms, often using personal data from previous breaches to appear legitimate and bypass security measures like two-factor authentication. Victims are directed to counterfeit websites where their financial information, banking credentials, and personal data are harvested for unauthorized charges, identity theft, and recruitment
theconversation.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-powered fraud on dating apps has surged dramatically, with a 2,000% increase in bot attacks between January 2023 and January 2024, exemplified by one user's case of using ChatGPT to contact over 5,000 women on Tinder. In 2023 alone, 64,000 Americans reported being victims of romance scams through dating apps, resulting in US$1.14 billion in losses, though actual cases are likely far higher. The article argues that while online dating serves an important societal role, dating app companies have been slow to address longstanding fraud and safety issues, and regulators should intervene to require stronger protections such
floridadaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Taufiq Mohammed Kailani of Daytona Beach was arrested for using a business email imposter scam to defraud two construction companies of $60,725 by posing as an employee and sending a counterfeit bank letter to trick one company into wiring funds. Kailani exploited an elderly victim he met through a romance scam to open a fraudulent bank account and withdraw the stolen money, which the victim unwittingly facilitated. He was charged with organized fraud, fraudulent use of personal identification information, and money laundering, with bail set at $1.5 million.
businessworld.in
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams in India have evolved significantly, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes and voice technology to create convincing fake profiles and impersonate romantic interests. According to 2023 reports, 43% of Indians fell victim to AI voice scams (83% of whom lost money), 77% encountered AI-generated fake profiles on dating apps, and 66% have been targeted by online dating scams. Experts recommend public education on scam warning signs, stronger regulations from dating platforms and law enforcement, and user vigilance—particularly protecting vulnerable populations like elderly widowed individuals—through identity verification and avoiding sharing sensitive personal information with online strangers.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Three New Jersey residents pleaded guilty to operating a romance fraud scheme from 2016 to 2020 that defrauded over 100 victims of millions of dollars. Martins Friday Inalegwu and Steincy Mathieu, along with co-conspirator Oluwaseyi Fatolu, worked with accomplices in Nigeria to pose as romantic partners on dating sites, convincing victims to send money while evading taxes on their illegal proceeds. The defendants face charges including unlawful money transmitting, tax evasion, and conspiracy related to the multi-million dollar scheme.
clickondetroit.com
· 2025-12-08
Pig butchering is a rapidly growing cryptocurrency investment scam originating in Southeast Asia where fraudsters create fake profiles on dating apps and social media to build romantic or personal relationships with victims. Scammers gradually introduce cryptocurrency investment opportunities through fake platforms, encouraging victims to invest small amounts initially (showing modest returns to build trust) before manipulating them into depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars, after which the scammer disappears with all funds. Victims are advised to avoid strangers requesting cryptocurrency investments, be wary of those refusing video calls, and verify investment platforms match official websites before depositing money.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides guidance on identifying common cyber scams and protecting oneself online. It identifies six prevalent scam types targeting all age groups—including phishing, sweepstakes, investment, lawsuit/tax, romance, and tech support scams—and recommends seven safety practices such as using strong passwords, updating devices, and exercising skepticism toward unsolicited offers. The piece emphasizes that cybercrime is a rising threat and encourages reporting suspicious emails to CISA.
helpnetsecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and costly, with consumers losing more money despite fewer individual reports, according to Visa research. Key threats include pig butchering scams (targeting 10% of adults via fake cryptocurrency schemes), inheritance scams (affecting 15% of adults), humanitarian relief scams, and triangulation fraud (costing merchants up to $1 billion monthly), all leveraging generative AI and emerging technologies to deceive victims more effectively. Additionally, threat actors are exploiting organizational vulnerabilities, with PRA fraud attacks rising 83% and ransomware cases increasing 300% year-over-year, while over one-third of scam victims do not report their losses, indicating actual
canberratimes.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Western Australian scam victims lost over $20 million across 1,398 reported incidents, with investment scams (primarily cryptocurrency) accounting for $12.1 million and dating/romance scams causing $3.7 million in losses. Facebook-based scams topped reported cases, up 62% from 2022, including fake classifieds, rental listings, job offers, and cryptocurrency schemes, with authorities recommending consumers use secure payment methods and verify legitimacy before sharing personal information or funds online.
nationalpost.com
· 2025-12-08
Richmond, B.C. residents lost over $16 million to romance-investment scams in 2023, with 87 reported cases involving criminals who groomed victims over weeks or months through dating websites and social media before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes, typically involving cryptocurrencies. Police noted an alarming continuation of the trend with 12 additional cases reported in early 2024 resulting in nearly $500,000 in losses, and suspect actual victim numbers are higher due to underreporting stemming from embarrassment or fear. Authorities advise the public to be skeptical of unsolicited romantic contacts, especially from unusually attractive profiles or strangers promising investment returns.
vancouversun.com
· 2025-12-08
Richmond RCMP reported a significant rise in romance-investment scams in 2023, with victims losing over $16 million across 87 reported cases, and an additional 12 cases reported in early 2024 resulting in nearly $500,000 in losses. These "long-con scams" involve criminals grooming victims over weeks or months through dating websites and social media, building trust before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes, often involving cryptocurrencies and fake investment returns. Police advise the public to be skeptical of unsolicited romantic contacts, especially from attractive profiles, and note that legitimate romantic interests should not involve requests for money.
desmoinesregister.com
· 2025-12-08
John F. Clarke, a 55-year-old Des Moines man with a long history of scamming women through dating apps to steal their personal and financial information, received a five-year prison sentence for violating probation in Polk and Linn counties by leaving the state, losing employment without notification, and missing probation appointments. The sentence is expected to be followed by additional prison time for his underlying fraud convictions.
globalnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
According to a Valley First branch manager, fraud is a growing threat in Canada, with common scams including investment, grandparent, tech support, romance, and spoofing schemes. In 2023, Canada recorded over 62,000 fraud reports affecting more than 41,000 victims with losses exceeding $554 million, though actual figures are likely higher due to underreporting. Protection strategies include maintaining updated antivirus software, enabling multi-factor authentication, using complex passwords, setting up banking alerts, and avoiding sharing personal information or upfront fees.
investopedia.com
· 2025-12-08
Pig butchering scams are a sophisticated investment fraud scheme in which scammers create fake online identities to build trust with victims before stealing their money, often through fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. The scams use social engineering, AI-generated content, and emotional manipulation to exploit victims' vulnerabilities, with billions of dollars in global losses reported. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited messages, verify financial advice independently, and immediately report any suspected scam to your bank and law enforcement.
nbcconnecticut.com
· 2025-12-08
State police are warning the public about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters build trust with victims through dating apps and social media over weeks or months before luring them into fake cryptocurrency or investment schemes that result in financial loss. Cryptocurrency investment fraud grew over 53% in 2023 to approximately $4.5 billion, and Connecticut's Cryptocurrency Working Group recovered nearly $4 million in assets for victims in 2023. Authorities advise people to be cautious of unsolicited investment advice from online contacts, verify that investment companies are registered with regulatory bodies, watch for pressure to invest quickly, and never use unconventional payment methods like wire transfers or cryptocurrency without proper verification.
mha.gov.sg
· 2025-12-08
Singapore's scam problem affected over 46,600 victims in the prior year, with losses totaling approximately $650 million—averaging $14,000 per victim and affecting more than 100 people daily. Contrary to common assumptions about elderly vulnerability, nearly 75% of scam victims were under age 50, with 92% of losses driven by social engineering and deception tactics that manipulate victims into authorizing fraudulent transfers. Government agencies, banks, and telecommunications companies are collaborating through measures including the Anti-Scam Command (which froze over 19,600 accounts and recovered $100 million in 2023) and the ACT public awareness campaign to enhance vigil
ghanaweb.com
· 2025-12-08
Ghanaian social media influencer Mona Faiz Montrage (Hajia4Reall) pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money from romance scams targeting older Americans, facing up to five years in prison and ordered to forfeit and pay restitution of $2,164,758.41. The scams victimized elderly Americans through fraudulent romantic relationships that resulted in financial theft. Montrage was arrested abroad and her case was prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice's Southern District of New York.
boredpanda.com
· 2025-12-08
A 16-year-old boy was scammed by an online "girlfriend" he had never met in person, who pressured him into purchasing $50-$100 in in-game items by threatening to break up with him if he refused. His father discovered the unauthorized charges, paid them off, and confiscated the son's credit card while requiring reimbursement. The incident highlights how teenagers' emotional vulnerability and lack of online safety education make them susceptible to financial manipulation and exploitation by online predators.