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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
www3.erie.gov
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, elder fraud complaints rose 14% with 101,000 victims collectively losing $3.4 billion, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. The article identifies eight common senior scams—including grandparent, medical device, IRS imposter, and sweepstakes scams—and provides prevention tips such as never sharing personal information over the phone, blocking robocalls, keeping software updated, and verifying caller identity before responding. Seniors should be particularly cautious of unsolicited calls, suspicious emails with attachments, and fraudsters impersonating government agencies.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
Ari Tietolman of Montreal, Canada, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for operating a massive telemarketing fraud scheme from 2005 to 2014 that targeted tens of thousands of American senior citizens, defrauding them of millions of dollars through worthless or non-existent products like fraud protection services, prescription drug discount cards, and legal services. Tietolman and his co-schemers made unauthorized debits from victims' bank accounts after making false claims about affiliations with banks, insurance companies, and the U.S. government, while he was ordered to pay $7,042,898.22 in restitution; two co-defendants also
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
This article warns consumers about several back-to-school scams that surge in August and September, including fake websites that duplicate legitimate retailers to steal money or personal information, clickbait ads with nearly-identical URLs offering unrealistic discounts, and fraudulent payment requests. Victims often receive outdated or counterfeit merchandise, nothing at all, or lose money entirely when paying through digital platforms like Zelle that offer no fraud protection. The article advises shoppers to verify deals directly on official websites, check for red flags like suspicious URLs and missing contact information, use credit cards instead of payment apps, and contact their bank before completing questionable transactions.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
The Google Voice scam involves fraudsters posing as buyers on Facebook Marketplace who request verification codes from sellers, claiming to confirm identity and prevent fraud. Once the seller provides the six-digit verification code, scammers use it to create a Google Voice account linked to the seller's number, generating a disguised phone number to conduct additional scams while leaving a trail leading to the innocent victim. The FTC first warned of this scam in 2021, and it remains the most commonly reported fraud to the Identity Theft Resource Center, accounting for 60 percent of scams reported in 2023.
butlerradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania State Police warned residents of an increasing scam where callers impersonate Sheriff's office officials claiming victims have warrants that can be cleared through Bitcoin payments. The scammers exploit Bitcoin's difficulty to trace, though legitimate law enforcement cannot clear warrants via cryptocurrency. Residents are advised to ignore such calls and report them to their local State Police Barracks.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
Kari Morales, a 51-year-old from Milford, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for acting as a money mule in an IRS impersonation scam targeting a Kent County woman for $60,000. Morales was recruited online by a co-conspirator known as "Tom" to collect the fraudulently obtained cash in Grand Rapids while posing as a federal agent with fake FBI and IRS documents, unaware the victim's phone number had been reassigned to an undercover federal agent. Morales was promised $2,500 for her role in the scheme and pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court.
wmur.com
· 2025-12-08
Merrimack County residents were targeted by AI-powered phone scams in which fraudsters spoofed caller IDs to impersonate law enforcement and family members. Scammers used artificial intelligence to manipulate voices and falsely claim warrants requiring payment or pose as relatives needing emergency money wired via Bitcoin ATMs, with at least one victim losing $5,000. Sheriff David Croft advised residents to verify callers independently and noted that legitimate law enforcement never requests money to resolve warrants.
bc.ctvnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
I'm unable to provide a summary of this article because the content provided appears to be only a headline and a list of unrelated shopping articles, with no actual article text about the BC Hydro scam. To summarize the scam details you're asking about, I would need the full article content describing the fake ads, call centre operation, what customers were targeted, what information or money was taken, and any other relevant details from the RCMP warning.
digit.in
· 2025-12-08
A woman in northeast Delhi lost Rs 2 lakh in a "digital arrest" scam in which three fraudsters posed as CBI officials, falsely claimed her husband had been arrested on rape charges, and kept her on the phone for six hours to extort the payment. The three scammers from Bihar were arrested following police raids based on technical surveillance. A "digital arrest" scam involves fraudsters impersonating law enforcement to threaten victims into transferring money by claiming legal action or public exposure, and victims can protect themselves by verifying caller authenticity through official channels and avoiding unsolicited payment requests.
wtop.com
· 2025-12-08
Montgomery County, Maryland law enforcement officials warned of an organized crime scam targeting seniors in which approximately 20 victims lost millions of dollars since July 2023, with at least five suspects arrested. The scheme typically begins with fraudulent computer alerts, pop-up ads, or calls impersonating federal agents or tech support, convincing victims their accounts are compromised and pressuring them to convert savings to gold bars for "safekeeping." Notable cases include a 74-year-old man defrauded of over $1 million and an 82-year-old woman victimized by a 19-year-old suspect, with authorities believing significantly more unreported victims exist.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Jim Williams lost $25,000 to cryptocurrency fraud after being lured by a website promising high Bitcoin returns and directed to use a Bitcoin ATM with his bank debit card. His son, a pastor, attributed his father's vulnerability partly to cognitive decline and organized fraud prevention presentations at his church to educate older adults about scams and available resources. The case illustrates how even tech-savvy and financially literate seniors can fall victim to fraud, particularly when cognitive changes make them more susceptible to deception.
beverlyreview.net
· 2025-12-08
The Cook County Sheriff's Department is launching an educational program to help seniors recognize and avoid "sweetheart scams," which involve scammers building fake romantic relationships to extract money or personal financial information. In 2023, over 101,000 Americans aged 60+ reported losses totaling $3.4 billion to financial fraud, with Illinois accounting for 2,887 victims and nearly $138 million in losses. Sheriff Thomas Dart advises victims to pause and verify suspicious requests with trusted contacts or law enforcement rather than providing immediate responses or financial access to unknown callers.
wvua23.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics including AI voice mimicry to impersonate family members and request bail money, fake law enforcement calls claiming missed jury duty or warrants, and phishing texts posing as banks with frozen accounts. The article advises consumers to verify suspicious calls independently by hanging up and calling back directly, avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts, and be skeptical of unexpected prize notifications and car warranty offers.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonate utility companies with urgent calls claiming unpaid bills and demanding immediate payment via barcodes, QR codes, gift cards, or wire transfers—payment methods legitimate utility companies never require. To protect yourself, contact your utility company directly using the number on your bill or their official website, never the caller's number, and report suspected scams to the FTC and your utility company immediately.
moco360.media
· 2025-12-08
Montgomery County law enforcement warned residents about gold bar scams linked to international organized crime groups operating from China and India that have defrauded approximately 20 local victims of millions of dollars since July 2023. Notable cases include a 23-year-old charged with stealing over $700,000 from a mentally disabled Leisure World resident and a 19-year-old charged with swindling an 82-year-old woman of more than $900,000; police have identified seven cases totaling $6.3 million in losses. Officials advised residents to avoid clicking pop-up ads, answering unknown numbers, and liquidating assets into cash or gold for couriers, noting that while
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers on Facebook are targeting people seeking caravan holiday rentals in Wales, using fake profiles to pose as caravan owners and steal deposits and personal information. Two victims lost money—Ann Crofts paid a £75 deposit and had her identity used to open a fraudulent store card, while 17-year-old Rebecca lost £240 when the booked caravan did not exist. Consumer experts note these seasonal scams are "incredibly prevalent" on Facebook and call for Meta to do more to prevent fraudulent accounts and protect users.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Ari Tietolman, a Canadian resident, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for operating a telemarketing fraud scheme from 2005 to 2014 that targeted tens of thousands of American senior citizens, defrauding them of millions of dollars by selling worthless or non-existent services such as fraud protection, prescription drug discounts, and legal services. Tietolman and his network of telemarketers, operating from "boiler rooms" in Canada and India, made false claims about their affiliations with banks and government agencies, misrepresented product costs, and debited victims' bank accounts without informed consent. He was ordered to pay $7
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Kari Melissa Morales, 51, of Milford, Michigan, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud after attempting to scam a Grand Rapids resident out of $60,000 using fake FBI arrest warrant and IRS receipt documents. Morales and a co-conspirator were conducting a text message-based fraud scheme, but law enforcement had reassigned the victim's phone number to an undercover federal agent, resulting in no actual financial loss and leading to Morales's arrest. Morales faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for her role in the scam, which was intended to exploit the victim into sending money by falsely claiming legal authority.
malaysia.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Modern scammers use sophisticated social engineering tactics—not victim naivety—to defraud people, employing psychological manipulation techniques and scripted interactions that mimic legitimate organizations like banks and police. Experts explain that continuous phone conversation and repeated "yes" responses create mental compliance, while common scam methods include mule account schemes (where job applicants are tricked into opening bank accounts for criminals) and APK file installation that grants remote phone access. Scammers reportedly employ psychologists and use standardized scripts refined over decades, making their operations highly organized criminal enterprises rather than isolated fraud attempts.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A Hyderabad businessman lost Rs 5.9 crore after being deceived by scammers posing as Goldman Sachs representatives who promoted a fake IPO investment scheme through WhatsApp and a fraudulent trading app called "GSIN." The victim transferred money across multiple transactions between January 30 and February 22 but became suspicious when asked to pay 10-20 percent of profits (Rs 1.4-2.8 crore) to withdraw his funds. The scammers funneled the money through 11 different bank accounts, making recovery difficult.
malaysia.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Scam victims in Malaysia often face repeated targeting by the same scammers who retain their personal information for follow-up frauds, and many victims lack awareness of protective measures and support resources. Key vulnerabilities include poor data protection practices and low public understanding of scams, particularly among seniors and youth, while only 35% of survey respondents knew to contact the National Scam Response Centre (997) within 24 hours to report fraud. Experts recommend improved public education about specific scam types, stronger legal frameworks against mule account schemes, and collaborative community action to combat online fraud.
huffpost.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers target students and families during the academic season with scholarship scams, typically sending deceptive emails promising tuition discounts or scholarships in exchange for application or processing fees. These fraudulent schemes exploit families' financial anxieties about college costs and may also aim to steal sensitive personal data for resale; red flags include guaranteed scholarships, requests for social security numbers, upfront fees, and wire transfer or peer-to-peer payment methods. Victims should report fraud to authorities and their banks immediately to dispute charges, though recovery options may be limited depending on the payment method used.
thesun.my
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary for this request. The article provided is a Malaysian news aggregator page containing multiple unrelated stories about politics, sports, international affairs, and building safety—none of which involve elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. This content falls outside the scope of the Elderus elder fraud research database.
If you have an article specifically about elder fraud, scams targeting seniors, or elder abuse, please provide that instead.
7news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A Washington business owner nearly fell victim to an impersonation scam when a fraudster posing as a National Australia Bank representative called his assistant, requesting banking credentials under the pretense that his business credit card had been blocked due to activity in Darwin. The scammer targeted an account containing $3 million, but the business owner and assistant recognized red flags—including the scammer's inability to provide account details or the correct banker's name—and verified the call through official channels, preventing any loss. The article notes that impersonation scams are among the most common fraud tactics, with the Australian Tax Office receiving 22,000 reports of government impersonation scams in the past year, emphasizing the importance of vigilance
vermontjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece debunks three common myths about fraud victimization: that intelligence protects against scams, that only wealthy people are targets, and that only elderly people are victimized. The article emphasizes that scammers target people across all ages, education levels, and demographics, noting that the FTC reports higher victimization rates among 25-45 year-olds than seniors, though seniors typically suffer larger dollar losses. The piece advocates for fraud defense through behavior change and awareness rather than relying on intelligence alone, and alerts readers to an active scam targeting Justices of the Peace involving fake wedding payments.
recklinghausen.polizei.nrw
· 2025-12-08
Multiple scam schemes target older adults through psychological pressure and impersonation tactics. Common frauds include the "fake police officer trick" (claiming to protect savings from criminals), "shock calls" (impersonating relatives in emergencies to demand bail or medical payment), and fake bank employee schemes (requesting card and PIN under false pretenses). Police recommend hanging up immediately on suspicious calls, never admitting strangers or handing over money/banking information, and verifying identities by independently calling the relevant authority.
malaymail.com
· 2025-12-08
A CelcomDigi survey of 10,893 Malaysians found that 65% have encountered fraud, with scammers increasingly targeting educated and higher-income individuals through impersonation calls claiming to be bank officials, government agencies, or service representatives requesting personal information or threatening legal action. The article documents common scam tactics including fake financial assistance offers, OTP requests, and fake ticket sales, and includes a case where a 70-year-old retiree lost money after receiving calls from scammers impersonating contacts in his phone list.
wionews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old doctor in Bengaluru lost Rs 2.3 lakh ($2,739) in a sextortion scam after being lured into an explicit video call with an unknown woman on July 27, who then recorded him. Scammers subsequently posed as police officers and YouTube employees, threatening to publish the videos online unless he paid for their deletion, extracting money through multiple demands over several days. Police warn against answering calls from strangers and explain that such scammers use screen recordings or fabricated pornographic content to extort victims by threatening to share material with their families and social networks.
nbcwashington.com
· 2025-12-08
Gold bar scams targeting seniors in the D.C. area have resulted in millions of dollars in losses, with scammers impersonating law enforcement officers and convincing victims to convert cash into gold bars for purported "safekeeping." Montgomery County alone has identified approximately 20 victims aged 61-94, with individual losses reaching $2.3 million, and the FBI has received over 250 complaints nationwide; authorities have charged four men and linked the schemes to criminal organizations in India and China. Experts advise avoiding suspicious pop-ups and calls from unknown numbers, and warn that once funds are handed over, recovery is virtually impossible as money is quickly laundered and sent overseas.
wsaw.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau cautions college students to watch out for seven common scams targeting them during the school year: phishing emails impersonating the school's financial department, fake credit card offers, fraudulent rental listings, identity theft, scholarship grant scams, online shopping scams, and test preparation blackmail schemes. The BBB recommends students verify offers through official channels, check credit reports regularly at annualcreditreport.com, view apartments in person before paying, and research companies on BBB.org before engaging with them. Students are encouraged to report suspected scams to BBB's ScamTracker and contact their local BBB office with concerns.
nextgov.com
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Veterans Affairs launched VSAFE.gov, a new website and call center platform designed to help veterans and their families identify, avoid, and report scams targeting benefits, identity theft, and education fraud. The initiative was spurred by a surge in predatory schemes targeting veterans following the 2022 PACT Act expansion of benefits and healthcare services, with lawmakers pressing the VA to strengthen its anti-fraud protections. The platform consolidates resources from multiple federal agencies including the FTC, FCC, and Social Security Administration to provide veterans with fraud prevention tools and reporting assistance.
welivesecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
This article outlines six common Craigslist scams to avoid: fraudsters selling non-existent items (tickets, cars, rentals, jobs) at below-market prices to solicit untraceable payments; overpayment schemes where a bounced check leaves sellers out of pocket; Google Voice verification code theft that allows scammers to create accounts linked to victims' phone numbers; phishing emails impersonating Craigslist to harvest personal information; fake cashier's checks that are easier to counterfeit than genuine ones; and fake escrow services. The article advises users to only use secure payment methods, verify items in person before payment, never share verification codes
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to impersonate celebrities in fraud schemes targeting fans, offering fake investment opportunities, product endorsements, and bogus VIP tickets. These AI-enhanced scams make impersonations more realistic and convincing than traditional fake celebrity profiles. Consumers should be skeptical of direct personal contact from celebrities on social media and other platforms, recognizing that such opportunities are likely fraudulent.
bluenotes.anz.com
· 2025-12-08
Despite 94% of Australians surveyed feeling confident they could spot a scam, this article emphasizes that sophisticated scammers exploit human emotions and psychology, with particular targeting of Australians over 55 with substantial savings. Key scam types include romance, investment, and impersonation schemes, with investment scams alone resulting in approximately $79 million in losses in 2024, though under-reporting suggests actual numbers are higher. The article advises victims to pause before acting on urgent requests, immediately contact their bank if money has been sent, and report incidents to help raise awareness and prevent future fraud.
bluenotes.anz.com
· 2025-12-08
Despite 94% of Australians surveyed feeling confident they could spot a scam, sophisticated social engineering tactics and organized criminal syndicates continue to exploit human emotions and trust, particularly targeting Australians over 55 with substantial savings. Investment scams alone resulted in approximately $79 million in losses in 2024, though reporting remains low at 3,818 cases, suggesting significant underreporting. The article advises victims to pause before acting on urgent requests, contact their bank immediately if funds are sent, and report incidents to increase awareness, noting that ANZ's fraud controls prevented over $100 million in losses during the year to March 2024.
jamaicaobserver.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams, business imposter scams, and internet/email fraud are common schemes targeting older adults. Romance scammers exploit loneliness through fake online profiles to extract money for purported travel or emergencies, while business imposters use caller ID spoofing to pose as legitimate companies or charities to steal personal information and funds. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to internet scams, phishing emails, and fake anti-virus pop-ups due to lower technology adoption rates and unfamiliarity with online security features.
newindianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Cybercriminals in Hyderabad are using sophisticated impersonation tactics—posing as high-ranking officials like IAS and IPS officers—to create fake medical and transportation emergencies and extort money from victims. A teacher was scammed after sending funds for a supposed medical procedure, while other victims received fraudulent requests using images of real officials like police and collector officers. Authorities advise verifying emergency requests by contacting the person directly and remaining cautious of urgent financial demands.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Ernakulam Rural police in Kochi launched a crackdown on individuals selling their bank accounts to cybercriminals, who receive payments of approximately Rs 15,000 or commission-based earnings for facilitating fraud schemes. In one case, a man with eight accounts was arrested after his account was used to defraud a woman of Rs 17 lakh, with police noting that fraudsters connect with youths through SIM card dealers and quickly move stolen funds into cryptocurrencies or untraceable assets. Police stated they would prosecute account sellers as conspirators and are investigating potential involvement of bank officials in receiving large fraudulent deposits.
wrexham.com
· 2025-12-08
Wrexham residents are being warned about rental scams where fraudsters pose as landlords to steal money from prospective tenants through phantom listings, hijacked ads, or bait-and-switch tactics. Common warning signs include suspiciously low rent, requests for upfront payments, avoidance of in-person meetings, high-pressure tactics, and incomplete property information, with one victim losing £1,400. Residents are advised to use reputable platforms, verify landlord credentials through Rent Smart Wales, meet properties in person before paying, and report suspected scams to Citizens Advice or Trading Standards.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Election officials across multiple states warned about voter registration scams ahead of the 2024 presidential election, where scammers posed as get-out-the-vote groups via text messages and other communications to trick victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal information like Social Security numbers. Voter registration fraud is one of the three most common election-cycle scams, and officials recommend verifying communications directly with local election officials and reporting suspicious contacts to the FTC. No specific dollar amounts or victim counts were reported in the warnings.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
**Power Bill Scam Alert:** A Nova Scotia resident was targeted by scammers operating a fake utility payment line that appeared as a sponsored search result, where the fraudster obtained his personal billing information and credit card details before the bank blocked the transaction. Nova Scotia Power reports an increasing number of similar scams using sophisticated tactics that operate briefly to evade detection.
wsbtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady issued a warning about an imposter scam in which fraudsters pose as prosecutors and send emails to defendants and attorneys requesting payment for court costs and fines to close cases and expunge records. The DA's office emphasized that they do not solicit payments via email and will never charge fees to close cases, and advised recipients to verify the authenticity of such emails with their attorney or prosecuting agency before sending any money.
foxcarolina.com
· 2025-12-08
The Asheville Police Department warned the public of scammers impersonating Chief Michael Lamb, claiming victims have active arrest warrants and threatening jail time unless they send money immediately. The APD advises residents to never pay money over the phone, ask for caller information and verify it directly with APD at (828) 252-1110, and report suspected scams through official channels.
malaymail.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers today employ sophisticated social engineering tactics—including scripted phone calls using psychological manipulation techniques and impersonation of trusted institutions—rather than relying on victims' lack of knowledge. Common scam methods include mule account schemes targeting job seekers who are tricked into opening bank accounts and providing personal information, and APK file scams that grant scammers control of victims' mobile phones through fake job or service advertisements. Experts note that scammers may employ actual psychologists to craft these tactics, making them increasingly difficult for victims to detect regardless of their education or experience level.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 21-year-old national serviceman's suicide in 2021 after losing $10,000 to a scam prompted Singapore's Government Technology Agency (GovTech) to intensify anti-scam efforts. GovTech's Scam Analytics and Tactical Intervention System (Satis) has taken down over 42,000 scam websites since July 2023, including fraudulent sites impersonating government agencies, banks, and concert ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster, which victimized at least 2,000 people of $1 million from January to May alone. GovTech warns that scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence an
1news.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
A 26-year-old UK national pleaded guilty to 27 charges, including obtaining by deception, after posing as a police officer and cold-calling victims aged 56-90 to convince them to withdraw cash for fake investigations, defrauding multiple Auckland residents of $337,700 total. A second UK national was arrested in a similar scam operation, with police warning the public that legitimate police will never contact citizens requesting cash withdrawals or making unusual demands over the phone.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Vancouver police are investigating 26 cases of scams targeting the Chinese Canadian community that have netted scammers nearly $6 million since the start of the year, with authorities believing more victims have yet to come forward. Three primary scam types are being used: spoofed calls impersonating Chinese police demanding money transfers to Hong Kong, "blessing scams" exploiting spiritual beliefs to extort cash and jewelry from victims (especially elderly), and fake job postings that pivot to romance or investment scams once victims engage. Vulnerable populations including seniors and newcomers are particularly susceptible due to cultural and language barriers, and police are urging community members to report incidents and warn family and friends.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Since January 2024, scammers have defrauded Vancouver's Chinese Canadian community of nearly $6 million through three primary schemes: impersonating Chinese police officers to redirect victims to Hong Kong banks, exploiting spiritual beliefs to extort cash and jewelry from elderly victims, and recruiting victims via fake job postings before switching to romance or investment scams. The Vancouver Police Department is investigating 26 cases and expects more victims to come forward, with community leaders noting that seniors and newcomers face heightened vulnerability due to language and cultural barriers.
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Criminal scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to impersonate celebrities online, creating realistic videos and fake social media profiles to defraud fans through fraudulent investment opportunities, product endorsements, and ticket sales. Consumers should be skeptical of any personal connection or financial opportunity presented by celebrities on social media, as these are likely scams. AARP recommends reporting suspected scams to the Fraud Watch Network at 877-908-3360 or visiting aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
dailyhodl.com
· 2025-12-08
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is investigating JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and other major banks over their handling of fraud and scams on the Zelle instant payments platform. A Senate subcommittee found that these three banks reimbursed victims only 38% of the time in 2023 (down from 62% in 2019) and collectively refused to reimburse $880 million in disputed transactions between 2021-2023, though Zelle began requiring selective reimbursements in certain scam scenarios over the summer.