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in Robocall / Phone Scam
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old retired Maharashtra government official lost Rs 4.2 crore in a sophisticated digital arrest scam that began in April when fraudsters impersonated telecom and law enforcement officials, falsely claiming money laundering charges and an arrest warrant against him. The scammers used fake video calls simulating a Supreme Court hearing, the fabricated concept of "digital arrest" with threats of surveillance, and psychological pressure to coerce the victim into transferring his life savings to accounts they claimed were government-monitored. The fraud was only discovered when the victim's son investigated the transactions and confirmed the scam.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides guidance on reporting fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), emphasizing that victims should report scams even without monetary loss, as only 38% of 2024 fraud reports involved actual financial damage. Reporting helps law enforcement identify trends, catch criminals, and educate the public about popular scams through data analysis and alerts. Victims can file complaints at reportfraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov, which feed into law enforcement databases used by thousands of agencies nationwide to build cases against fraudsters.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
A personal finance journalist lost $500 to an online scam involving a Facebook Marketplace furniture sale in spring 2024. The scammer posed as a buyer and impersonated Zelle representatives through fake text messages, pressuring the victim to send $500 upfront to "upgrade" their account before receiving payment. The victim ignored four critical red flags: an unusually good deal with no negotiation, using a third-party payment service instead of Facebook Pay, fake text messages that appeared legitimate, and pressure tactics from the scammer.
fox5atlanta.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Johns Creek, Georgia woman lost $47,000 in a scam that began with a pop-up message while she was doing an online crossword puzzle. Scammers used spoofed caller IDs to impersonate Bank of America employees and police officers, convincing her to transfer funds to a Bitcoin machine for "account protection" and attempting to extract an additional $10,000. Police advise residents to avoid sending money to unknown sources and to call 911 if targeted, emphasizing that scammers exploit fear and urgency.
5newsonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Oklahoma's OG&E energy company warned customers of a phone scam where fraudsters pose as company employees after victims locate fake OG&E phone numbers through Google search results. When customers call these fraudulent numbers, scammers trick them into paying bills and stealing their money. OG&E advises customers to pay bills only through their official website or verified phone numbers and to verify caller identity before sharing financial information.
standard.net
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies three evolving scams: a sophisticated Social Security Administration phishing email that uses image-based content to bypass filters and installs remote access malware (ScreenConnect) to steal banking and personal data; a Gmail impersonation scam using Google Sites to create fake support portals and collect account credentials; and a fake Realtek driver update targeting Mac users that installs malware to steal login credentials and browser data. The article advises users to avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails, visit official websites directly, and report suspicious messages to appropriate authorities like the FTC and Google.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
A Manitoba woman received an AI-generated phone call mimicking her son's voice asking for money without judgment, prompting her to verify by calling her son directly. This "spear phishing" scam, which uses artificial intelligence to recreate loved ones' voices from online audio clips, is an evolved version of the grandparent scam and has also targeted a Winnipeg legislator whose voice was used to solicit $5,000 from a constituent. Experts recommend verifying callers through trusted phone numbers, testing them with false information, and trusting instincts when something feels off.
recordcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
A scam awareness seminar presented by the Better Business Bureau and Douglas County Sheriff's Office emphasized that fraud can affect anyone regardless of age, though seniors are disproportionately targeted due to having savings, home ownership, and good credit. Key scam tactics include robocalls, identity theft, and cryptocurrency investment schemes that use fear and urgency to pressure victims into immediate payment, with Nevada ranking fourth in fraud reports and third in identity theft cases. Protection strategies include regularly monitoring financial statements, reporting suspected fraud to relevant companies and agencies, and utilizing free resources like IdentityTheft.gov to create recovery plans.
wgcu.org
· 2025-12-08
Florida Power and Light provided tips for National Senior Fraud Awareness Day on avoiding utility scams, which commonly occur through fake websites, suspicious phone calls, and door-to-door solicitors. Key advice includes using only official communication channels, never providing personal information to unsolicited callers or visitors, ignoring demands for immediate payment via gift cards or banking apps, and verifying caller identity by calling the number on your FPL bill rather than searching online. Victims should report suspected scams to FPL, local law enforcement, and the Federal Trade Commission.
click2houston.com
· 2025-12-08
Shawn Shoemaker, a volunteer at a Houston senior center, was arrested for defrauding over 25 seniors of $128 each by collecting money for trips to Atlanta and Memphis museums that never occurred. The victims, many living on fixed incomes, lost money from their Social Security and retirement checks with little prospect of restitution unless ordered by the court during sentencing.
counterpunch.org
· 2025-12-08
The author experienced two scams: a utility impersonation scam where a caller claiming to be from Con Edison demanded $450 payment via cash transfer for a fake "conversion fee," and a phishing scheme involving unsolicited text messages from someone posing as "Elena" attempting to extract personal information through social engineering. Both scams were avoided when the author recognized the suspicious tactics and verified the claims with legitimate sources and authorities. The piece highlights that scams cost American adults an estimated $47 billion in 2024, with romance scams alone resulting in $697.3 million in losses across nearly 59,000 victims.
buckscounty.gov
· 2025-12-08
National Senior Fraud Awareness Day (May 15th) highlights the growing threat of scams targeting seniors in Bucks County and nationwide, including grandparent scams using AI technology, government impersonation schemes, tech support fraud, romance scams, and phishing attacks. The article emphasizes that seniors are vulnerable targets exploited through various channels, and recommends protective measures such as verifying information independently, resisting pressure tactics, protecting personal data, using strong passwords, and consulting trusted contacts before responding to suspicious requests.
bostonglobe.com
· 2025-12-08
Craig Clayton, a 75-year-old Rhode Island accountant, pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and obstruction of justice for laundering over $35 million in proceeds from internet fraud schemes targeting elderly victims through romance and business scams between 2019 and 2021. Clayton used his consulting business and shell companies, including Providence Sanitizer Inc., to process the fraudulent funds and transfer money to accounts in multiple countries, while lying to authorities about his activities. Under his plea agreement, Clayton faces 2.5 to 6.5 years in prison, must pay $140,000 in restitution, and forfeit over $330,000 and a vehicle.
news-shield.com
· 2025-12-08
Scam incidents are increasing dramatically—computer repair shops now report 1-2 victims daily compared to 1-2 per week previously—with AI technology making fraudulent emails, websites, and voice impersonations increasingly convincing and difficult to detect. Common scams include romance schemes (often the costliest), tech support pop-ups that trick users into granting remote access and transferring funds via untraceable payment methods, and "grandparents scams" using voice mimicry. Experts recommend verifying caller identities with family knowledge questions, avoiding rushed financial decisions, refusing unusual payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency, and immediately contacting banks or professionals rather than calling numbers on suspicious pop
liverpoolecho.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Nationwide building society has issued a warning about romance scams, where perpetrators build trust with victims through online dating platforms before requesting money through emotional manipulation. A UK Finance survey found that 29% of people who started online relationships in the past year were asked for money, with 51% of those agreeing to send it; once scammers receive funds, recovery is unlikely and victims are typically blocked. Nationwide advises customers to report suspected fraud immediately and recommends protective measures including meeting people in person before sending money, discussing relationships with trusted contacts, and avoiding scammers' requests to move conversations to unmonitored channels.
newskarnataka.com
· 2025-12-08
A married couple lost ₹37.79 lakh in a fraudulent blockchain investment scheme perpetrated by Bryan D'Souza, Deril, Flavy, and Sachin Carlos, who promised fixed monthly returns of $2,400 over 20 months through an investment in "US Business World Hydrus 7 Blockchain Technology." The couple made payments between February 2021 and November 2022 but received only a single ₹1.74 lakh payout in December 2022, with no subsequent returns or principal refund. This case highlights how scammers exploit blockchain terminology to deceive investors with false promises of high yields.
mynews4.com
· 2025-12-08
Two men were arrested in Reno on May 14, 2025, for operating a "pig butchering" elder fraud scheme that defrauded victims of millions across northern Nevada and California. The scam involved impersonating federal law enforcement to convince elderly victims their assets were under investigation, coercing them into withdrawing cash and gold bullion for fake "agents"; a 64-year-old Truckee victim alone lost hundreds of thousands of dollars before suspects were caught attempting to collect a package worth over $213,000. Amit Bhanwala-Singh and Anil Kumar were charged with obtaining money under false pretenses and exploiting an older person.
nbcmiami.com
· 2025-12-08
Law enforcement agencies in Miami-Dade are warning of an increasing number of AI-powered scams targeting residents, particularly elderly individuals, using sophisticated deepfakes and spoofed calls impersonating police and other authorities to demand money. Florida ranks third nationally for investment fraud, with cryptocurrency scams being the most common type, and authorities caution that as AI technology advances, criminals will exploit it further. Victims are advised to question unsolicited demands for money, verify caller identity independently by calling back through official channels, and avoid sharing personal information without thorough research.
news-shield.com
· 2025-12-08
**Title:** In this technological age there is no shortage of ways a scammer might try to defraud someone.
AI-powered scams are increasing dramatically, with one computer repair business reporting a spike from 1-2 scam victims per week to 1-2 daily, as scammers now use tools like ChatGPT to create convincing phishing emails, fake websites, and deepfake voice calls. Common scams include romance fraud (which starts with small requests but accumulate over time), fake tech-support pop-ups that trick users into granting remote access and stealing banking information, and grandparent scams where AI mimics a family member's voice
jsonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Lisa Schiller, senior director of investigations for the Better Business Bureau, emphasized that scam victims should not feel embarrassed about reporting fraud and provided guidance on common scams including identity theft, phishing, and government imposter schemes. She recommended victims document all details (contact information, descriptions, dates) and use the BBB's Scam Tracker platform to report incidents, noting that while resolutions can take months or years, reporting is essential to help prevent others from becoming victims.
buckscounty.gov
· 2025-12-08
National Senior Fraud Awareness Day (May 15th) highlights the escalating threat of fraud targeting seniors in Bucks County and nationwide, with criminals increasingly using AI-powered tactics like grandparent scams, government impersonation, tech support fraud, and romance scams to exploit seniors' trust and extract money. To protect themselves, seniors should verify unexpected contact through independent channels, resist pressure tactics, safeguard personal information, use strong passwords, and consult trusted contacts before responding to requests for money or sensitive data.
kswo.com
· 2025-12-08
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a National Senior Fraud Awareness Day advisory noting that seniors lose more than $3 billion annually to fraud, including technical support and romance scams. The AG's office provided guidance to protect against fraud, recommending seniors avoid sharing personal information unsolicited, be skeptical of urgent payment demands and email links, monitor bills for unauthorized charges, and report incidents to law enforcement.
thepress.net
· 2025-12-08
The county issued a public awareness warning about ten common phone and internet scams targeting residents, including grandparent scams, government imposter schemes, technology support fraud, romance scams, charity fraud, lottery scams, investment schemes, home repair fraud, phishing emails and texts, and utility payment scams. The advisory educates the public on how to identify and recognize these fraudulent tactics to protect themselves from financial loss and identity theft.
oklahoma.gov
· 2025-12-08
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a warning on National Senior Fraud Awareness Day, noting that elder fraud causes seniors over $3 billion in annual losses nationally through schemes including fake lotteries, tech support scams, government impersonation, and romance scams. The advisory recommends protective measures such as never sharing personal information unsolicited, avoiding clicking suspicious links, rejecting high-pressure payment demands, and reporting suspicious activity to financial institutions and law enforcement.
collider.com
· 2025-12-08
ABC News Studios' documentary series "Hey Beautiful: Anatomy of a Romance Scam" (premiering May 20 on Hulu) follows three women—Annette, Roxy, and Gaby—who were defrauded by an online romance scammer operating under multiple aliases who manipulated them into sending their life savings by posing as a charming suitor. The series highlights the growing epidemic of romance scams, with online scammers stealing a record $16.6 billion in 2024 (a 33% increase from the previous year), and examines how victims are targeted while pursuing connection online.
context.news
· 2025-12-08
A 53-year-old Michigan woman was deceived in a romance scam involving deepfake technology, where a scammer posing as a French man named "Richard" used AI-generated video calls and fake photos to manipulate her into taking out loans totaling $26,000. The scam exemplifies a growing threat, with projections of 8 million deepfakes to be shared globally in 2025—approximately one-fifth of which will be used in romance scams—as scammers increasingly employ artificial intelligence to impersonate romantic interests.
san.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned of an ongoing AI-based impersonation campaign targeting U.S. government officials and their contacts through "smishing" and "vishing" attacks (text and voice phishing), where attackers use AI-generated voice messages mimicking senior officials to trick victims into divulging personal information or account access before requesting they move to alternate messaging platforms. The threat is growing as AI voice-cloning technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and accessible, with the global AI voice market reaching $5.4 billion in 2024; the FBI advises verifying caller identity through official channels, checking for suspicious details, and reporting incidents to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
en.cibercuba.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Florida's elderly adults lost over $180 million to increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, with scammers using phone calls, texts, emails, social engineering, artificial intelligence, and identity theft as primary tactics. The most common scams targeting seniors include romance scams, fake investment opportunities (particularly cryptocurrency), and the "grandparent scam" where victims are pressured to send money urgently based on false emergencies. Authorities recommend never answering unknown calls, never providing personal information or money over the phone, and contacting institutions directly through official channels to verify any suspicious requests.
truthout.org
· 2025-12-08
Internal Trump administration documents reveal that anti-fraud checks implemented at the Social Security Administration detected only 2 potentially improper claims out of over 110,000 phone-based benefit applications (a 0.0018% rate), contradicting claims by Trump and Elon Musk that Social Security is rife with fraud. The anti-fraud measures caused a three-day processing delay that slowed benefit payments to seniors despite finding no significant fraud, raising concerns that the initiative targets a nonexistent problem while making it harder for eligible beneficiaries to access their earned benefits.
cointelegraph.com
· 2025-12-08
Hackers have been operating since April 2024 using deepfake voice and text messages to impersonate senior US government officials in phishing campaigns targeting federal and state officials to steal sensitive data and compromise accounts. In separate incidents, deepfake scams also targeted cryptocurrency founders including Polygon co-founder Sandeep Nailwal, with attackers using compromised Telegram accounts to lure victims into fake video calls where they requested installation of malicious software. The FBI and crypto industry leaders advise verifying identities, avoiding clicking unknown links, using multi-factor authentication, and never installing software during unsolicited online interactions.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Google launched an AI-powered scam detection update for its Messages app on Android phones to combat toll fee text message scams that have affected thousands of drivers since April 2024. The technology uses artificial intelligence to identify fraudulent messages based on content patterns suggesting money loss or requests for sensitive information, and alerts users with options to block and report senders. Users without Android phones can report suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM).
arstechnica.com
· 2025-12-08
Since April 2025, the FBI has warned of an ongoing malicious messaging campaign using AI-generated voice deepfakes to impersonate senior U.S. government officials and target current or former federal and state officials and their contacts. The attackers send convincing deepfake audio and text messages to build trust, then trick recipients into clicking malicious links by requesting to continue conversations on alternate messaging platforms, potentially compromising personal accounts and devices. The FBI advises recipients not to assume authenticity of messages from government officials without independent verification.
seattletimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 29-year-old New Jersey man, Zabi Ullah Mohammed, was arrested for wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and impersonating a federal agent in connection with a scam that defrauded a Missoula, Montana woman of nearly $1 million. The scam began with a fraudulent call claiming to be from Amazon, which escalated into impersonation of federal officials (Social Security Department and a U.S. Marshal named Carlos Silva) who convinced the victim to withdraw her money for "legalization" and safekeeping. Between April 2-18, over $900,000 in cash and gold were picked up from the victim's home
m.economictimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Impersonation scams are increasingly sophisticated, exploiting digital banking and UPI apps through fraudulent calls and emails that mimic legitimate financial institutions and government agencies. Key warning signs include unsolicited requests for passwords or OTPs, pressure to act quickly, demands for secrecy, and slight variations in sender email addresses—legitimate organizations never request sensitive information via phone or email. Experts recommend never sharing private information, enabling multi-factor authentication, verifying requests by calling contacts directly, and remaining skeptical of offers promising unrealistic returns or urgent money transfers.
local3news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau reports an increase in scams targeting seniors, with online purchase scams and romance scams being particularly prevalent among adults 55 and older. The article outlines common warning signs of senior-targeted fraud, including phone scams impersonating government or bank officials, pressure to pay via unusual methods, unrealistic investment promises, and requests for personal financial information. Consumers are advised to verify caller identities, research purchases, protect personal data, and report suspicious activity to the BBB's Scam Tracker.
fox5atlanta.com
· 2025-12-08
**Job scams surged across the U.S. in 2025, with losses totaling $220 million in the first half of the previous year and accelerating further.** Fraudsters use social media to target financially vulnerable individuals, particularly those who have recently lost jobs, by posing as recruiters offering high-paying work-from-home positions and requesting sensitive information like Social Security numbers and bank account details for identity theft and financial fraud. Protection strategies include being skeptical of unrealistic job offers, verifying company legitimacy through official websites and the Better Business Bureau, and researching offers online before sharing personal information.
landline.media
· 2025-12-08
Multiple states including Kansas, New Mexico, Missouri, and Oregon have warned residents about widespread text and email scams falsely claiming unpaid toll debts and threatening license suspension or legal action to pressure victims into revealing personal and financial information. Scammers are targeting states with no toll roads, and in Indiana's case, fraudulent emails posing as the state DOT requesting payment for TxTag balances were traced to a contractor's hacked account. Authorities recommend reporting suspected scam texts and emails to the Federal Trade Commission and Internet Crime Complaint Center.
loveballymena.online
· 2025-12-08
A woman from Newtownards, Northern Ireland was defrauded of £15,000 in a romance scam after meeting a fraudster on a dating site who built trust over several months before requesting money on three separate occasions. Police warn that romance scammers typically create fake profiles, establish emotional connections, then move conversations to private messaging apps before requesting money under false pretenses such as investments or emergencies. The PSNI advises victims to keep communications on official dating platforms, verify identities independently, never send money to people they haven't met in person, and report suspicious activity immediately to authorities.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** Elder fraud has reached epidemic proportions – a geriatrician explains what older Americans need to know
Americans age 60 and older lost over $3 billion to scammers in 2023, with elder fraud complaints to the FBI increasing 14% year-over-year, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. Older adults are targeted because they tend to be trusting, have financial savings and assets, and may be less comfortable with technology, making them vulnerable to tech-support scams, romance scams, investment fraud, and call-center schemes—with investment scams being the costliest category. Beyond financial losses, fraud victims often experience trauma
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Connecticut woman lost approximately $100,000 in a romance scam involving a man who claimed to be named John Gilbert and said he needed money to escape a dangerous situation while working on a ship in the Gulf of Mexico. The Connecticut Better Business Bureau confirmed this was the highest romance scam loss recorded in the state during 2024, and authorities are investigating the perpetrator while the victim has recovered some funds. Experts advise meeting potential romantic partners in person frequently and avoiding payment methods like prepaid debit cards, cash apps, or peer-to-peer payment services.
scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses rising scams targeting young people in Hong Kong, including fake online shopping deals, gaming account fraud, and sextortion schemes on social media platforms. Notable cases include a University of Hong Kong student who lost HK$9.2 million in a phone scam and a teenager defrauded of HK$3,000 for fake concert tickets. Experts emphasize that cybersafety education starting in primary school is essential to prevent scams, and victims should report incidents to police, block scammers, change passwords, and preserve evidence.
lockhaven.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
This is a community bulletin featuring local announcements. The article includes a notice about a free Senior Scams Prevention Program hosted by Castanea Township on May 20, where residents will learn about fraud threats to elders, how to avoid victimization, and who to contact with safety concerns, with Dana C. Neely from the PA Office of Attorney General as the guest speaker.
ciso.economictimes.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns iPhone and Android users that criminals are using AI-generated text messages and voice calls—including cloned voices of family members and government officials—to steal personal information such as banking credentials and private data. Users should watch for red flags like odd pauses in audio, grammar errors, distorted images, and unusual delays, and should verify contacts through separate channels, avoid clicking suspicious links, and use encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal. The agency recommends enabling multi-factor authentication and reporting suspicious messages to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
ntd.com
· 2025-12-08
Since April 2025, scammers have impersonated senior U.S. officials using text messages (smishing) and AI-generated voice calls (vishing) to target government officials and their contacts, then using compromised accounts to conduct follow-up impersonation scams for financial gain or personal information. The FBI and CISA warn against sharing sensitive information with unknown callers, recommend verifying new contact methods through trusted sources, and suggest families establish secret phrases to confirm identities. Tactics include fake subscription renewals, giveaways, legal threats, and AI voice cloning of loved ones requesting emergency funds.
wusa9.com
· 2025-12-08
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office reported a surge in spoofed phone calls appearing to originate from the department's official number, with fraudsters impersonating sheriff's representatives and requesting monetary donations and gift cards. The office clarified that it never solicits donations or gift cards by phone and advised residents to hang up immediately and refrain from sharing personal or financial information if contacted by such scammers. Residents are encouraged to report fraudulent calls directly to the Sheriff's Office.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
Marin County authorities arrested two individuals in separate elder fraud schemes involving fake FBI agents who convinced seniors their bank accounts were under investigation. In the first case, a victim lost $25,000 before becoming suspicious when scammers pressured her to buy gold; suspect Zian Hu, 38, was arrested in Daly City and faces grand theft and elder abuse charges with bail set at $1 million. In a second similar case, Balraj Singh, 24, was arrested in Torrance before successfully collecting $50,000 from another elderly victim and faces attempted grand theft and conspiracy charges with bail denied.
thegardenisland.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud is increasing on Kauai and beyond, with common scams including phishing emails, impersonation of law enforcement, cryptocurrency investment schemes, and AI-enabled fraud. AARP Elder Fraud Expert Paul Greenwood conducted a community education presentation warning of emerging threats such as deepfakes and cryptocurrency ATMs in supermarkets, where fraudsters convince victims to transfer funds. Greenwood emphasized that elderly victims often experience severe psychological harm and encouraged community members to report scams immediately and support an "Elder Justice Team" to coordinate law enforcement, social services, and financial institutions in combating fraud.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
**Elder fraud epidemic:** Americans age 60+ lost over $3 billion to scammers in 2023, with elder fraud complaints to the FBI rising 14% year-over-year. Older adults are targeted due to their financial assets, trust levels, and often limited familiarity with technology, and they experience not only financial losses but also trauma, shame, and mental health consequences from being victimized.
ktvu.com
· 2025-12-08
Two suspects were arrested in Marin County for impersonating FBI agents to defraud seniors: 38-year-old Zian Hu was arrested in May 2024 after collecting $25,000 in cash from a victim, while 24-year-old Balraj Singh was arrested attempting to pick up $50,000 from another victim before law enforcement intervened. Both faced grand theft, elder abuse, and conspiracy charges, with bail enhancements granted due to suspected connections to larger criminal operations. Authorities emphasized that legitimate law enforcement and companies never request cash pickups through couriers, and advised residents to verify suspicious communications independently before complying.
adirondackdailyenterprise.com
· 2025-12-08
A scam victim shares two personal experiences: falling for a gift card fraud when a hacker accessed a friend's email and impersonated her, resulting in financial loss, and nearly falling for an overpayment scam involving a fake certified check during an online canoe sale. The author emphasizes that gift card requests are a major red flag, verifying identity through alternative contact methods is essential, and certified checks can be fraudulent even if they appear to clear initially—requiring weeks to confirm legitimacy before returning funds.