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in Scam Awareness
cnbctv18.com
· 2025-12-08
Bitcoin has been plagued by a series of major scams and security breaches costing billions globally, including the BitConnect Ponzi scheme ($2.4 billion), the FTX exchange collapse (billions lost), and over $3.7 billion in crypto-related scams in 2022 alone through phishing attacks and romance scams. The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have been prime targets for Bitcoin fraud, particularly fake investment opportunities exploiting the cryptocurrency's pseudonymous nature. Beyond fraud, Bitcoin's decentralized structure has facilitated illicit activities on the dark web, while its extreme price volatility and energy-intensive operations present additional risks to investors and the environment.
lovellchronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
Scams are becoming increasingly frequent, sophisticated, and successful, with law enforcement reporting a notable uptick in impersonation schemes where scammers pose as government officials or law enforcement to threaten arrest and extort money. Phishing—the collection of personal information through unsolicited communications—is being used as an initial phase to make scams appear legitimate, with one recent Big Horn County victim losing over $20,000 after being convinced by a scammer posing as a government agent that they owed money. The FBI reported that online fraud complaints doubled from 2019 to 2023, with financial losses exceeding $12.5 billion, and law enforcement advises citizens to verify suspicious
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Katherine Goodson, a 67-year-old California woman, lost tens of thousands of dollars in life savings to a romance scammer posing as actor Keanu Reeves over two years, eventually leaving her homeless with minimal resources. Romance scams cost Americans over $650 million in 2023, with adults over 60 accounting for $3.4 billion in losses, making them the primary targets of scammers who impersonate celebrities, professionals, and companies. Red flags include requests for money through untraceable methods like Bitcoin and wire transfers, and victims are urged to verify identities independently before sending funds.
berkshireeagle.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans lost over $1.1 billion to romance scams, with more than 64,000 reported cases, affecting people across all demographics. Romance scammers build elaborate fake identities over months or years to establish trust with victims who seek companionship online, eventually manipulating them into financial or emotional harm. Effective intervention requires patience, detailed planning, emotional restraint, and often involves trusted third parties rather than confrontational approaches that risk alienating victims further.
webwire.com
· 2025-12-08
Barclays' 2024 research found that one in five British consumers fell victim to a scam in the past year, with 93 percent occurring online, while investment scams generated the highest financial losses (averaging £15,564 per claim and representing one-third of total claim value) despite being only 4 percent of reported incidents. Purchase scams were most common by volume (74 percent of claims), with fake delivery, HMRC, and "Hello Mum" WhatsApp scams ranking as the top three most encountered scams. The research indicates that 52 percent of Britons feel overwhelmed by evolving scam tactics, with 75 percent
gmtoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The Jackson Police Department's #FraudPreventionFriday campaign warned the public about "brushing" scams, in which recipients receive unsolicited packages containing items like jewelry or speakers with embedded QR codes that, when scanned, direct victims to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial information. The department advised never scanning QR codes in unexpected packages and noted that QR code scams appear in multiple locations, including parking meters.
cj.my
· 2025-12-08
Maybank launched Money Lock, a security feature on its MAE App that allows Malaysian customers to lock specific amounts (from RM10 to their full balance) in their accounts, protecting funds from digital access while maintaining eligibility for interest earnings. The feature, designed particularly for vulnerable groups like seniors, requires users to visit an ATM or branch to unlock funds, adding an extra layer of protection against online fraud. Locked funds remain shielded from online transfers, ATM withdrawals, debit card payments, and other digital transactions while complementing Maybank's existing fraud prevention measures.
dailybreeze.com
· 2025-12-08
A text-based scam is circulating in California claiming recipients owe FasTrak toll fees and directing them to fraudulent websites to submit payment and personal information. California's Attorney General warns that legitimate tolling agencies do not send unsolicited text messages and advises recipients to avoid clicking links, file complaints with the FBI and FTC, and verify any toll charges directly through official agency websites.
m.economictimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The Indian government launched a new "Report and Check Suspect" feature on its National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) that allows citizens to search a database of known cybercriminals using identifiers like phone numbers, email addresses, UPI IDs, and social media handles. This tool is designed to help prevent digital arrest scams and other cybercrimes by enabling the public to verify the legitimacy of unknown callers or entities before sharing personal information or conducting financial transactions. The I4C (Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre) database proactively identifies and blocks fake IDs used by fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Rising voice phishing (vishing) attacks in Pune use sophisticated social engineering tactics, data familiarity, and technology tools like IVR to impersonate legitimate companies and manipulate victims into sharing personal information. Scammers specifically target vulnerable populations, including senior citizens, by exploiting psychological vulnerabilities such as fear, greed, and FOMO (fear of missing out), with surveys indicating over 60% of Indians receive three or more scam calls daily despite Do Not Disturb lists. Prevention measures include avoiding unknown calls, recognizing red flags like pressure tactics and suspicious numbers, and using legitimate communication channels like Caller ID badges and in-app calling services offered by companies.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio highlighted its 2024 elder fraud prosecutions as part of the Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiatives, noting that senior citizens lose billions annually to schemes exploiting their trust. Notable cases included a caregiver who forged power of attorney documents and stole $46,064 from a nursing home resident, a Ponzi scheme that defrauded 72 investors of $8.5 million, and various impersonation and money-mule schemes targeting elderly victims, with sentences ranging from 16 months to 37 months in prison and restitution orders totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.
heraldscotland.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece emphasizes that scams occur year-round through various methods including doorstep schemes, phishing calls, romance scams, and blackmail, exploiting personal charm and false authority to steal money. The article advises vigilance and awareness, noting that increased cross-agency collaboration among police, Action Fraud, and consumer organizations helps fight scams and support victims. Key recommendations include reporting all scams to authorities, seeking support from agencies like Citizens Advice Scotland, and recognizing that victims should not feel shame—only perpetrators bear responsibility.
catcountry1073.com
· 2025-12-08
Law enforcement agencies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are alerting residents to five prevalent scams: Medicaid/Medicare impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as government workers to extract personal information; "brushing" scams involving unsolicited packages with malicious QR codes that compromise phone data; fake law enforcement calls claiming arrest warrants or missed jury duty to extort bond payments; and romance scams where criminals build trust through fake online identities to manipulate victims into sending money. Residents are advised to never provide financial or personal information over the phone, avoid scanning unknown QR codes, and verify contact legitimately through official channels.
wcvb.com
· 2025-12-08
Boston police warned residents about a text message scam falsely claiming recipients owe unpaid parking fees of $4.35 with threatened late fees of $35, directing them to a fraudulent website (parking_dash.boston.com). The scam used the city's official logo and came from a Montreal-based phone number, successfully deceiving many residents into paying, though the exact number of victims is unclear. Residents are advised that the City of Boston never sends parking ticket notices via text and to use only the official boston.gov website to pay legitimate violations, which are normally sent by U.S. mail.
desmoinesregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Iowa is experiencing a wave of "grandparent scams" targeting elderly residents, in which scammers impersonate grandchildren claiming to be in accidents, hospitalized, arrested, or stranded abroad to pressure grandparents into sending money. The scammers use social media information and may impersonate police, attorneys, or doctors to add credibility, with funds typically transferred abroad making them nearly impossible to trace. Iowa's Attorney General recommends victims hang up and verify claims with trusted family members, avoid acting quickly or in secret, and never wire money or provide banking information over the phone.
abc7news.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Fraudsters are posing as AMBER Alert representatives and contacting residents to "register" children, requesting confidential information and home visits. The California Highway Patrol clarified that AMBER Alerts require no registration and are only activated by law enforcement agencies investigating actual child abductions, urging the public to avoid sharing personal information with unknown callers and report such contacts to local law enforcement.
tampafp.com
· 2025-12-08
Florida's Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit dismantled six major cybercrime schemes in three months, seizing nearly $2.4 million in stolen cryptocurrency with over $100,000 returned to victims and $2.2 million pending restitution. Three schemes specifically targeted seniors, including a bank employee stealing from 13 elderly victims, a grandparent scam, and a fraudulent cryptocurrency trading website. Additional cases involved identity theft operations and mail interception schemes, with perpetrators prosecuted for stealing from individuals and businesses across the state.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
Patrick Wall, a homeless man posing as a masonry worker, scammed elderly victims in Nassau County from September 2023 to January 2025 by offering home repair services, then intentionally causing additional damage to increase costs. Wall was arrested and faces multiple felony charges including grand larceny, scheme to defraud, and conspiracy; police are urging additional victims to contact detectives at 516-573-6354.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird issued a warning about a resurgence of "grandparent scams" targeting elderly Iowans, in which scammers impersonate grandchildren claiming emergencies (accidents, arrests, hospitalization, or being abroad) to pressure grandparents into sending money. The scammers often use information gleaned from social media and may impersonate police, attorneys, or doctors to add credibility, with funds typically transferred abroad making them nearly impossible to trace. To avoid victimization, the Attorney General's Office recommends hanging up and independently verifying claims with trusted family members, never sending money over the phone or by wire, and reporting suspected scams to local law
westerniowatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams targeting seniors in rural areas can result in significant financial losses and emotional devastation, according to Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture. Michelle Reinen, the division's administrator, emphasizes that these scams affect people across all demographics and recommends discussing warning signs with elderly relatives or friends who may be at risk. Consumers seeking protection tips can visit datcap.wi.gov.
pbs.org
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" investment scams have cost victims worldwide an estimated $75 billion over the last four years, with Americans alone losing $4.6 billion in 2023. The scheme typically begins with a fake wrong-number text leading to conversations with fake profiles (often posing as attractive women) who build romantic relationships and convince victims to invest in cryptocurrency, showing false dashboards of returns until victims exhaust their savings. The scammers perpetrating these schemes are often human trafficking victims forced by crime syndicates in Asia to run the operations, making this a dual victimization crisis.
westportjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Albert Reyes, 26, of the Bronx was charged with first-degree forgery and criminal impersonation after being found in a suspicious vehicle outside a Westport resident's home on December 31st. Reyes possessed fraudulent driver's licenses, including one bearing the victim's name, and was attempting to intercept a delivery of iPhones that the resident had been scammed into ordering. Reyes was released on $10,000 bond and scheduled to appear in court on January 13th.
dnaindia.com
· 2025-12-08
Popular YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a digital arrest scam in January 2024, during which scammers held him hostage for approximately 40 hours by impersonating customs officials and police officers. The scammers manipulated him through fake calls claiming illegal items were found in a package sent to China, threatened him with serious criminal charges including money laundering and drug trafficking, and extracted money from him while causing significant financial and mental health damage. Bahuguna publicly shared his experience on Instagram to raise awareness about the growing threat of digital arrest scams and how extensively scammers can control victims.
etvbharat.com
· 2025-12-08
The "pig butchering scam" is a long-term romance and investment fraud where cybercriminals build trust with victims over weeks or months through dating apps and social media before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes and stealing their money. Notable victims include an Indian software professional in the US who lost $450,000, a Malaysian nurse who accumulated $270,000 in debt, and a San Francisco man who lost over $1 million; the scam predominantly targets students, unemployed youth, homemakers, and financially vulnerable individuals. India's Ministry of Home Affairs recently issued a warning about the rising prevalence of these scams in the country.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a digital arrest scam in which scammers impersonated law enforcement, falsely claiming he was involved in illegal package shipping, money laundering, and drug trafficking, and held him under "digital arrest" for approximately 40 hours while coercing him to isolate from the outside world. The scam began with an automated call about a cancelled courier delivery, escalated through manipulation using his personal information, and resulted in financial losses and significant mental health impacts. Bahuguna publicly shared his experience to raise awareness and educate others about the sophisticated tactics scammers use to control and panic victims into compliance.
hudsonvalley.news12.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warned consumers about work-from-home scams, with perpetrators claiming to operate in the tristate area. The Federal Trade Commission advises people to research company names for complaints, never pay upfront fees to obtain employment, and avoid reshipping or repackaging jobs, as these are common scam indicators.
wjer.com
· 2025-12-08
Sheriff Orvis Campbell will present an educational session at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center on January 16th to teach seniors how scammers operate and what red flags to recognize. The presentation covers common tactics used across frauds and scams, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and identifying warning signs to protect oneself and family from financial loss. The event is part of the Dover Public Library's monthly "Lunch and Learn" series.
midfloridanewspapers.com
· 2025-12-08
A man in assisted living fell victim to a misleading Medicare plan advertisement that eliminated critical health services from his previous coverage, requiring emergency intervention two days before the enrollment deadline to reverse the policy. The article highlights that seniors lose approximately $2.9 billion annually to scams, with vulnerable populations like those with memory loss facing particular risk; it emphasizes that awareness, research through the Federal Trade Commission, caregiver vigilance, and proactive financial safeguards (such as limiting access to credit cards and personal information) are essential protective measures.
noozhawk.com
· 2025-12-08
92-year-old Dionisia Galarza of Santa Maria lost her home of four decades to foreclosure after being defrauded by real estate agent Blanca Mendez, who instructed her to send $39,734 in mortgage payments to Alliance Services instead of her lender between August 2020 and July 2024 under the guise of a loan modification. The home was sold at auction in July 2024 despite Galarza's continued payments, and she is now fighting to remain in the house with her disabled son and other family members through a civil lawsuit alleging fraud and financial elder abuse. Mendez has denied the allegations, claiming
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
United States Attorney Nikolas Kerest announced his resignation effective January 20, 2025, after serving as U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont since December 2021. During his tenure, Kerest's office prioritized violent crime prosecution, civil rights enforcement, and elder financial fraud prevention, including successful prosecutions of elder fraud perpetrators Nicholas Melanson and Nasir Hussain, and educational outreach events in partnership with federal agencies to help Vermont's elder community avoid fraud victimization.
savannahbusinessjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Georgia Power warned customers in January 2025 about increasing scams during post-holiday and tax season periods, including threats of power disconnection and requests to update billing information. The utility highlighted evolving tech scams such as fraudulent payment requests through Cash App using fake company logos and fake digital ads directing customers to non-company websites to steal personal information. Georgia Power provided guidance to customers on legitimate payment methods, verification procedures, and reporting mechanisms to protect against scammers impersonating company representatives.
connecticut.news12.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warned consumers about work-from-home scams, with fraudsters claiming to operate in the tristate area. The FTC recommends researching companies online for complaints, never paying upfront fees for employment, and avoiding repackaging or reshipping job opportunities, as these are commonly used by scammers.
newportnewstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It is a weather forecast combined with general consumer fraud prevention guidance from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. While it contains useful scam awareness information (recognizing common scam tactics, verification methods, and what legitimate agencies will not do), it does not describe a specific fraud incident, victim demographics, financial losses, or outcomes relevant to an elder fraud research database.
**Note:** If you have an article specifically about elder fraud or scams targeting older adults, please submit that for summarization.
commbank.com.au
· 2025-12-08
This educational article encourages readers to make cybersecurity a New Year's resolution by conducting a security audit on their accounts. The piece provides practical advice on preventing scams, including using strong passwords with multifactor authentication, verifying suspicious contacts before responding, improving banking security settings, staying connected with friends and family, and reporting incidents to the National Anti-Scam Centre—noting that Australian scam losses decreased 52.8% in the first half of 2024 due to increased public education about fraud.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams can target seniors in rural areas and result in significant financial losses despite victims' age or location. Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture's Administrator of the Division for Trade and Consumer Protection, advises that these scams can be devastating and recommends having conversations with elderly relatives or friends who may be vulnerable to such schemes. Resources for consumer protection information are available at datcap.wi.gov.
vietnamnet.vn
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Information Security warned of scammers in ASEAN "fraud camps" shifting from Telegram to Signal to conduct various frauds, including counterfeit currency schemes during Tet, fake investment and romance scams, and impersonation of bank employees requesting personal or financial information. Victims are advised to verify identities through official channels, avoid transacting with unknown individuals on social media, and report fraudulent activity to authorities rather than risk involvement in illegal transactions.
finextra.com
· 2025-12-08
A Barclays Bank survey of 2,000 consumers found that one in five fell victim to a scam in 2024, with 93% of losses occurring online; investment scams caused the highest financial damage despite being only 4% of reported cases, averaging £15,564 per claim and accounting for one-third of all claimed losses. The research revealed that one in five respondents had parents who were scammed and 8% had grandparents targeted, while 75% of scams originated on social media and tech platforms, leaving half of Brits feeling overwhelmed by evolving fraudster tactics.
news.abplive.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article from Kaspersky outlines nine major types of online scams targeting internet users: fake job offers with counterfeit checks, lottery scams, inheritance scams, romance scams, charity fraud, tech support scams, social media scams, robocall fraud, messaging scams, and online shopping scams. For each scam type, the article provides warning signs and protective measures, such as verifying charity status through trusted databases, avoiding remote access to unknown individuals, and checking website security features before making purchases. The overarching advice emphasizes vigilance, scrutinizing suspicious offers, and remembering that offers that sound too good to be true typically are.
biometricupdate.com
· 2025-12-08
Hong Kong police arrested 31 members of a deepfake romance scam syndicate that defrauded victims across Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia of HK$34 million (US$4.37 million). The criminals used AI-generated composite images of women to create fake dating profiles, then manipulated victims into investing in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes through carefully scripted conversations designed to build emotional connections and establish trust over five stages. The arrests represent the second major deepfake romance fraud bust in Hong Kong within three months and highlight how scammers exploit loneliness and social insecurity alongside technological capabilities.
benningtonbanner.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, romance scams cost Americans over $1.1 billion across more than 64,000 reported cases, with victims like Ellen experiencing severe financial and emotional losses after multi-year fake relationships. Scammers create elaborate fake identities on social media and dating sites to build trust over extended periods, using collected photos and relatable personas to manipulate victims who seek companionship, with the scam remaining undetected because no in-person or video meetings ever occur. Effective intervention requires patience, detailed planning, and avoiding shame or confrontation, instead using trusted third parties, reverse image searches to verify photos, and maintaining supportive communication to help victims recognize the fraud.
sfntoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams target seniors, including those in rural areas, often exploiting their desire for companionship and emotional connection, resulting in losses sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. Wisconsin's Division for Trade and Consumer Protection emphasizes that approaching victims requires empathy and avoiding blame, as scammers are skilled professionals who deliberately target vulnerable people. Families should communicate openly and collaboratively with affected seniors to help them recognize the scam and seek help from consumer protection authorities.
startupnews.fyi
· 2025-12-08
A victim named Bahuguna fell prey to a "digital arrest" scam after answering a spoofed international call claiming his courier delivery was cancelled. Scammers convinced him that a package in his name contained illegal items, fabricated an arrest warrant, impersonated a police officer via fake video call, and coerced him into isolating himself in a hotel while threatening serious consequences for money laundering and drug trafficking charges. The victim suffered financial losses and severe mental health impacts, but friends' intervention helped him recognize the fraud; he now advocates awareness and vigilance, noting that cybercriminals use personalized research and panic tactics to manipulate victims into complying with their demands.
onlymyhealth.com
· 2025-12-08
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a digital scam lasting nearly 40 hours that resulted in significant financial loss and severe mental health impacts, which he publicly documented on Instagram. The article provides expert guidance on responding to digital scams, including pausing to breathe, verifying caller information through official channels, disconnecting from the internet, documenting incidents, and seeking professional support. Digital scam victims commonly experience psychological effects including anxiety, depression, shame, and diminished confidence in using digital platforms.
bollywoodshaadis.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam in January 2025 after receiving an automated call claiming his courier delivery was cancelled. The scammers, impersonating police officers via WhatsApp video calls and armed with his personal information, isolated him from family and friends while holding him virtually hostage for 40 hours, threatening him with illegal substance charges. A vigilant friend's intervention ended the ordeal and prevented further financial loss, prompting Ankush to publicly share his experience to raise awareness about the evolving tactics and psychological manipulation tactics used in digital scams.
cnbctv18.com
· 2025-12-08
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a "digital arrest" scam in which fraudsters impersonating law enforcement held him hostage for nearly 40 hours, claiming he was linked to illegal items and threatening arrest for money laundering and drug trafficking. The scammers used spoofed phone numbers, fake police officers in video calls, and personal information to manipulate him into isolating himself at a hotel and causing significant financial and mental distress. Bahuguna shared his experience publicly to raise awareness, urging people to verify suspicious calls directly with authorities and emphasizing that scammers use personalized research to exploit victims through panic and fear.
vermontbiz.com
· 2025-12-08
This article announces the resignation of United States Attorney Nikolas Kerest, effective January 20, 2025, following a typical transition with a new presidential administration. While primarily focused on administrative transition, it notes that during Kerest's three-year tenure, the U.S. Attorney's Office for Vermont prosecuted elder financial fraud cases including those against Nicholas Melanson and Nasir Hussain, and partnered with federal agencies to provide education to Vermont's elder community on fraud prevention.
kens5.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are exploiting winter weather conditions to defraud consumers by impersonating utility companies and threatening immediate service shutoffs unless payment is made via untraceable methods like gift cards or peer-to-peer payments. Texas law prohibits utility companies from disconnecting service during freezing temperatures, making these threats illegal and fraudulent. The BBB advises customers to verify utility company policies, remain calm when receiving such communications, and report suspected scams to authorities.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau released its 2024 annual Scam Tracker report showing that online shopping scams remained the top fraud scheme for the fifth consecutive year, followed by phishing and employment scams. Scammers increasingly exploit new technologies like AI and deepfake video to impersonate legitimate organizations, conduct fake interviews, and use emotional manipulation and urgency tactics to target victims across all age groups. The BBB emphasizes that vigilance and refusing to engage with fraudsters is essential to combating these schemes.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Johnny Depp warned fans on Instagram that scammers are impersonating him through fake social media and email accounts to solicit money, exploiting AI technology that can replicate his face and voice. He clarified that he and his team never ask fans for money, personal information, or payment for meetings, memberships, or fan cards, and provided his official social media handles while noting he is not on X, Snapchat, or Discord. The warning reflects a broader trend of celebrity impersonation scams affecting stars like Scarlett Johansson, Taylor Swift, and Kelly Rowland, with the FTC advising consumers never to send money to unknown individuals claiming to be celebrities on social media.
siliconvalley.com
· 2025-12-08
The article outlines three major scams that persist year-round, particularly during the holiday season. "Pig butchering" scams involve fraudsters slowly building trust with victims before stealing money through fake investment schemes, often cryptocurrency-based; Santa Clara County prosecutors charged two suspects in a case where a 66-year-old man lost $170,000 after being targeted by a fake investment banker on Facebook. Travel scams have increased 500-900% with AI-generated fake booking websites, phishing emails, and fraudulent reviews, while utility scams cost PG&E customers over $334,000 in 2024 through threats of service disconnection and demands for immediate payment via prep