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in Robocall / Phone Scam
easyreadernews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Scam Type:** Grandparent scam using AI voice mimicry and emergency impersonation
**What Happened:** Kayla Smith's grandmother lost $4,000 after receiving a call claiming her son was held hostage and demanding Target gift cards; the caller used AI or similar technology to mimic her son's voice, exploiting her maternal concern. Inspired by this incident and her grandparents' subsequent experiences with other scams, high school student Kayla Smith created SeniorSafe, an educational awareness program to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud targeting their population.
**Key Findings:** Seniors lost $4.9 billion to sc
wgmd.com
· 2025-12-08
A 36-year-old Flushing, New York man pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for his role in an elder fraud scam that defrauded elderly victims of at least $2.15 million between May 2023 and May 2024. The scheme involved fraudsters posing as federal agents who convinced victims their identities had been compromised, then instructed them to liquidate life savings and convert funds to cash or gold bars, which couriers like the defendant collected from victims' homes. The defendant faces more than five years in federal prison at sentencing.
koco.com
· 2025-12-08
A scam expert discusses the rising threat of elder fraud, noting that nearly 4 million people have reported scams with average losses of $19,000, with criminals increasingly using AI and voice spoofing technology to impersonate grandchildren and celebrities. Key protective measures recommended include securing mailboxes, installing video doorbells, regularly monitoring financial statements, enabling two-factor verification on accounts, using biometric identification on smartphones, and establishing secret passcodes with family members to verify identities during unexpected calls.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Georgia residents lost over $20,000 to phone scams in April 2024: a 50-year-old man paid $2,000 in cryptocurrency after a caller impersonating a sheriff's deputy claimed he had an arrest warrant, while a 62-year-old man lost $12,000 (later reimbursed) plus an additional $7,550 in unauthorized charges after providing debit card information to someone posing as a bank official. The Oconee County Sheriff's Office warned the public that law enforcement never demands payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money transfer services to avoid arrest.
idcare.org
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Number porting scams, where fraudsters hijack phone numbers to gain access to victims' accounts and steal money, are increasing at an alarming rate. IDCARE advises that victims can protect themselves by implementing security measures, though specific protective steps are not detailed in this excerpt. The organization emphasizes awareness of this fraud method as a critical defense against financial loss.
masslive.com
· 2025-12-08
Since April, scammers using AI-generated voice messages have impersonated senior U.S. government officials to target individuals through smishing and vishing schemes, attempting to steal personal account information and money by sending malicious links and directing victims to credential-harvesting websites. The FBI warns that compromised accounts could be used to target other officials and associates, and advises victims to verify caller identity independently, examine communications carefully for subtle imperfections, avoid clicking suspicious links, and never share sensitive information or send money to unfamiliar online contacts.
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers increasingly target older adults through technology-based fraud schemes, exploiting their perceived financial stability, trusting nature, and potential unfamiliarity with digital threats. Common scams include phishing/smishing/vishing (deceptive emails, texts, and calls), skimming and shimming (card data theft at terminals), tech support scams (fake computer virus alerts), and grandparent scams (impersonation of family members). Protection strategies include ignoring unsolicited contacts, enabling spam filters, inspecting payment terminals for tampering, using contactless payments, and never granting remote computer access to unknown parties.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI issued a public service announcement warning of an ongoing scam campaign that began in April 2025, in which malicious actors impersonate senior U.S. government officials through text messages (smishing) and AI-generated voice calls (vishing) to target current and former federal and state officials and their contacts. The scammers attempt to establish rapport and trick victims into clicking malicious links to gain access to personal or official accounts, which can then be used to compromise other government officials or their associates. The FBI recommends verifying sender identity independently, scrutinizing messages for subtle imperfections and spelling errors, listening for signs of AI voice cloning, and never sharing sensitive information or clicking links from
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
Mail fraud through the USPS takes several forms—imposter scams (posing as government agencies or banks), sweepstakes/lottery schemes (claiming unearned prizes), unsolicited offers (unusually low prices or phony inheritances), and mail theft—all using sophisticated tactics to extract money or personal information. Red flags include unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, requests for payment before receiving benefits, and offers that seem too good to be true. To protect yourself, verify communications directly with official sources, never send cash through mail, use tracking services like Informed Delivery, and report suspected mail fraud to the United States Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455.
gbcghanaonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Ghanaian social media influencer Hajia4Reall (Mona Faiz Montrage) was released from a U.S. federal prison on May 22, 2025, after serving a one-year sentence for her role in a West Africa-based romance scam network that defrauded elderly Americans between 2013 and 2019. Montrage pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money and was ordered to forfeit and pay restitution of over $2.1 million; she personally controlled accounts that received more than $2 million in fraud proceeds from victims who were deceived into believing they were in romantic relationships with fictitious personas.
sportskeeda.com
· 2025-12-08
"Hey Beautiful: Anatomy of a Romance Scam" is a documentary series examining how AI and deepfake technology have made romance scams more sophisticated and harder to detect, following three women who were victimized by a scammer using fake personas and stolen photos. The victims suffered significant financial losses (including one woman who wired over $30,000) and psychological harm, while scammers exploit these technologies to create realistic video calls, voice messages, and convincing personas that build trust quickly. The series highlights that romance scams comprised an increasing portion of the $16.6 billion in online fraud losses reported in 2024, and demonstrates how these technologies enable criminals to evade law enforcement identification.
liherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Over 80 seniors attended an educational seminar in West Hempstead to learn scam prevention strategies, as the FBI reported that people aged 60 and older suffered the largest losses in 2024's $16 billion in online scams and cybercrimes. Nassau County Police Officer Eugene Messmer presented the SCAM framework (Stop, Check, Alert, Mention) and detailed common scams including phone/email fraud, IRS imposters, sweepstakes schemes, and identity theft, emphasizing that scammers use professional tactics and recommending verification steps like calling back through official numbers. Key prevention advice includes never clicking suspicious links, refusing to pay via wire transfer or gift cards, protecting personal
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Suffolk County police warn of a new banking fraud scheme targeting Long Island seniors using AI-generated voice calls and spoofed bank numbers to trick victims into revealing PIN numbers and allowing criminals to steal their cards and money from ATMs. Multiple banks are alerting customers about these fraudulent hotlines, with surveillance identifying alleged ringleaders in Bohemia and Garden City who specifically target elderly and vulnerable individuals. Authorities advise people to hang up when prompted for personal information and to contact their banks directly if they suspect fraud.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using AI voice-cloning software to impersonate grandchildren in phone calls to elderly victims on Long Island, claiming emergencies that require immediate money transfers or bail payments. Suffolk County Police report a growing number of cases where victims have lost thousands of dollars, with over 3,000 scams reported in 2023 resulting in $126 million stolen from seniors across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Police recommend establishing family "safe words," verifying caller identity through direct contact, and remaining cautious about emotional money requests involving secrecy.
wfsb.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are calling hotel front desks requesting specific room numbers, then impersonating front desk staff to pressure guests into providing financial information by claiming payment errors. Norton cybersecurity researchers noted a surge in social media reports of this scam in April 2025, targeting travelers who are outside their normal environment and more vulnerable to manipulation. Experts advise never providing sensitive financial information over the phone and recommend setting up credit card security alerts before traveling, as legitimate hotels never request payment details by phone.
democratandchronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
gript.ie
· 2025-12-08
Irish police (An Garda Síochána) warn the public about romance scams, in which fraudsters build fake online relationships to extract money from victims over extended periods. Reported cases include a Dutch woman whose account was used to launder stolen money after a three-year fake relationship, and an Irish woman who lost €48,000 to a romance scammer over 13 months; scammers typically request money for travel costs, medical emergencies, or business investments, with amounts escalating as trust builds. Gardaí emphasize that many victims delay reporting due to embarrassment and are working with Europol to disrupt organized romance scam operations.
about.meta.com
· 2025-12-08
Facebook Marketplace provides guidance on identifying and avoiding scams affecting both buyers and sellers. Key fraud indicators include fake payment confirmations, requests to move communication off-platform (especially for vehicles and rentals), suspicious links requesting personal information, significantly underpriced items, and pressure to rush decisions. Users should verify payments directly with their payment app, never share banking information via external links, report suspicious activity to Facebook, and immediately cancel transactions showing red flags.
cascadiadaily.com
· 2025-12-08
A Whatcom County resident lost more than $100,000 to a California man who impersonated federal agents (claiming to be from the Federal Office of the Inspector General) between April and May, convincing the victim that money needed to be transferred to a federal reserve for safekeeping due to alleged money laundering and drug trafficking concerns. The suspect was arrested on May 20 and charged with first-degree theft; he is believed to be part of a larger criminal organization perpetrating multi-million dollar fraud schemes nationwide. Law enforcement emphasized that legitimate agencies never request money or valuables over the phone and urged people to verify any official claims directly with the agency.
theintelligencer.net
· 2025-12-08
The Marshall County Sheriff's Office warned residents of an increase in scam calls impersonating Norton Anti-Virus and PayPal tech support representatives attempting to steal personal information or gain remote device access. Authorities advise verifying callers' identities by hanging up and calling official company numbers, never sharing passwords or financial details over the phone, and reporting suspicious calls to local law enforcement.
eccalifornian.com
· 2025-12-08
Smishing (SMS phishing) scams are increasing across San Diego County, with fraudulent text messages impersonating banks, delivery services, and government agencies to pressure victims into clicking malicious links or revealing personal information. The article provides warning signs of scam texts—including unfamiliar numbers, spelling errors, urgent language, and requests for sensitive data—and recommends protective measures such as avoiding suspicious links, enabling spam filters, reporting messages to 7726, and forwarding concerns to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
lifehacker.com
· 2025-12-08
Storm chasers—fraudulent contractors and fake organizations—target homeowners affected by severe weather disasters, using unsolicited offers of quick, cheap repairs or fake donation sites to steal money through upfront payments, shoddy work, or identity theft. Red flags include demands for cash or prepaid cards, vague pricing, pressure to decide immediately, refusal to provide contracts, and avoidance of inspections. Homeowners should verify contractor licenses and insurance, obtain written estimates, contact their insurance company first, and avoid acting out of urgency to prevent falling victim to these post-disaster scams.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI is warning the public about a recent scam in which malicious actors impersonate federal or state government officials through AI-generated voice messages and text messages containing malicious links designed to steal login credentials and personal information. To protect themselves, individuals should verify caller identities before responding, examine communications for spelling errors and suspicious phone numbers, listen for signs of AI voice cloning, avoid sending money or gift cards to unknown contacts, and refrain from clicking unfamiliar links in emails or texts.
npr.org
· 2025-12-08
DMVs across multiple states (New York, Florida, California) are warning drivers about phishing text messages ("smishing") falsely claiming unpaid traffic violations and threatening penalties to steal personal and financial information. These scams are part of a growing trend; Americans received 19.2 billion spam texts in April alone, and the FTC reported Americans lost over $12 billion to fraud in 2024. Experts recommend not clicking links from unknown numbers, registering with the National Do Not Call Registry, and remaining skeptical of unsolicited requests for personal information.
lamilano.it
· 2025-12-08
An 85-year-old man in Messina, Italy was defrauded of €10,000 by a 20-year-old scammer and accomplice who impersonated a Carabiniere and lawyer, claiming the victim's son was involved in a traffic accident requiring bail. The suspect was arrested with the full amount in cash, and his accomplice was identified with approximately €1,000 in proceeds and valuables. This case is part of an ongoing crackdown by Messina's Carabinieri, who have arrested 17 people for elder fraud since 2024 and emphasize that citizens should immediately call 112 if contacted by anyone claiming
newsofbahrain.com
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake technology—AI-generated videos that convincingly mimic real people's faces and voices—is increasingly used by scammers to impersonate family members, bank officials, and executives in fraud schemes targeting the general public. Contrary to assumptions, younger adults aged 16-34 are most vulnerable to these scams, which exploit psychological manipulation tactics alongside sophisticated visual and audio mastery. Detection is becoming difficult even for experts, prompting recommendations for AI-based identity verification tools, digital literacy, and confirmation through alternative sources when authenticity is uncertain.
shorelinemedia.net
· 2025-12-08
Law enforcement in Michigan warns that scammers use urgency and secrecy to target victims, particularly seniors, requesting payment via hard-to-trace methods like gift cards and cryptocurrency. Common tactics include impersonating government agencies, using AI-generated calls, posing as family members or romantic interests on social media, and demanding payment for fictitious warrants or debts. Authorities advise victims to immediately freeze accounts, file police reports, avoid clicking suspicious links, verify caller identities through independent searches, and remember that legitimate businesses and government agencies never request payment via gift cards.
newsday.com
· 2025-12-08
Two seniors in Suffolk County were targeted by bank impersonation scams in which fraudsters posed as bank employees, convinced victims their accounts were compromised, and picked up their debit cards in person—resulting in $5,150 in ATM withdrawals by unidentified accomplices. Suffolk County officials highlighted these incidents to warn about the rising threat, noting that scams targeting New Yorkers 60 and older caused over $257 million in losses from 6,200 victims in 2024, a significant increase from 2023.
morningstar.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly family member with moderate dementia was deceived by charity solicitation letters designed to resemble overdue bills in large red font, sending thousands of dollars monthly to charities and relatives before family discovered the fraud. The situation was compounded by vulnerability to additional scams, including a nearly-executed deed scheme that would have resulted in homelessness, prompting the family to implement protective measures including removing access to checkbooks, switching to direct deposit for Social Security, and using postal informed delivery to monitor incoming mail.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Tennesseans lost more than $23 million to investment scams in the first quarter of 2025, with cryptocurrency scams showing dramatic growth over the past 12 months, according to the Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureau. While older adults remain frequent targets, younger adults are increasingly falling victim to these schemes, which typically promise quick returns on small investments of a couple thousand dollars with an average loss of about $5,000 per victim. The BBB emphasizes reporting these scams to help prevent future victimization and to assist government agencies in combating fraud.
edition.mv
· 2025-12-08
During the week of May 13-19, the Maldives Police Service's Anti-Scam Centre reported 45 fraud cases resulting in MVR 481,520 in losses, with MVR 383,610 recovered; the majority of scams (80%) involved e-commerce and online business fraud across platforms including e-commerce sites, Facebook Marketplace, Viber, and other social media. Since its establishment in March of the previous year, the centre has handled 229 scam reports over six months totaling MVR 2.2 million in losses, leading police to freeze 125 bank accounts and urge the public to exercise caution with unfamiliar
npr.org
· 2025-12-08
This NPR Planet Money episode explores "pig-butchering" romance scams, where scammers use fake text messages and romantic engagement to gradually manipulate victims into cryptocurrency investments before stealing their money. Journalist Zeke Faux deliberately engaged with a scammer named Vicky Ho to investigate connections between these scams and the cryptocurrency Tether, discovering how criminals use the platform to launder money and defraud victims of potentially millions of dollars.
financialfortunemedia.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2025 survey of 608 job seekers found that 41% had applied to fraudulent job postings, with women reporting higher incidence (42%) than men (34.6%), particularly those seeking in-office roles. Unemployed candidates and those targeting mid-range salaries were more vulnerable to job scams, with victims reporting significant emotional exhaustion and stress. The report recommends verifying postings through trusted platforms and notes that experienced professionals seeking higher salaries appear better equipped to identify and avoid scam red flags.
wnegradio.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of scams targeting military members and veterans, particularly around Memorial Day, including a case where a veteran small business owner lost $166,515 to a fraudster impersonating a Minority Business Development Agency procurement director. Common scams include high-interest military loans, fake rental properties, PCS moving fraud, phishing emails, misleading vehicle sales, and fake military discounts. The BBB recommends researching businesses before payment, avoiding wire transfers, protecting computers from phishing, and verifying military discounts directly with official sources.
wyff4.com
· 2025-12-08
A resident of Anderson County lost $11,000 to scammers impersonating the county's planning department through fraudulent invoices sent via email requesting wire transfers from a "@usa.com" domain address. County officials warn residents to verify communications directly with county offices, noting that authentic Anderson County emails use "@andersoncountysc.org" addresses and that the county does not accept wire payments except for large sums arranged through the Treasurer's Office with two-factor authentication. The scammers obtained the victim's information from publicly available county planning commission documents.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
A "quishing" scam involves fraudsters placing fake QR codes on parking machines and signs that direct victims to phishing websites where their payment and personal details are stolen. UK Action Fraud reported 1,386 QR code scams in 2024 and 502 in the first three months of 2025, with one victim losing £13,000 after scammers impersonated her bank; the true scale is likely higher as many victims remain unaware their details were compromised until receiving unwarranted parking fines. To protect yourself, verify QR codes haven't been placed over legitimate ones, use existing parking apps, check URLs for HTTPS and suspicious formatting, and report any frau
koat.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams targeting recent graduates aged 18-34 have dramatically increased, with scammers using emails, texts, and fake profiles on legitimate job sites like Indeed and LinkedIn to request personal information, upfront payments for equipment, or to cash fraudulent checks. The Better Business Bureau warns that legitimate job offers involve resume submissions, reference checks, and formal interviews—not quick messages or requests for money—and recommends reporting suspected scams to BBB.org/scamtracker and the FTC.
opb.org
· 2025-12-08
DMVs in multiple states are warning drivers of phishing text messages ("smishing") falsely claiming unpaid traffic violations and threatening penalties to trick recipients into revealing personal and financial information. This scam is part of a larger trend of SMS phishing attacks, with Americans receiving 19.2 billion spam texts in April alone, and fraud losses exceeding $12 billion in 2024. Experts recommend registering with the National Do Not Call Registry, avoiding links from unknown numbers, and remaining skeptical of requests for personal information.
slguardian.org
· 2025-12-08
A 2025 report by the Humanity Research Consultancy identifies Cambodia as the global epicentre of transnational cyber fraud, with senior Cambodian politicians allegedly supporting and profiting from scam operations that generate approximately $19 billion annually through forced labour and human trafficking. The industry primarily targets vulnerable individuals—particularly elderly men in the West—through "pig butchering" scams on dating apps, where scammers pose as women to extract large sums in cryptocurrency before disappearing. The Southeast Asian scam industry employs over 350,000 people worth an estimated $75 billion annually, with thousands of trafficked workers subjected to violence and abuse if they fail to meet fraud quotas
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters in India are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics—including AI-powered targeting—to deceive people across all age groups, with scams ranging from fake job offers and digital arrest threats to fraudulent investment schemes and fake KYC updates. Between January and May 2024, approximately 9.5 lakh cybercrime complaints were registered in India, with citizens losing approximately Rs 1,750 crore during this period. The article outlines 10 common scam methods including TRAI impersonation, fake digital arrests, false family member arrest schemes, fraudulent stock trading, customs scams, and fake credit card transactions, emphasizing the importance of verification and caution before sharing
investopedia.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost an estimated $47 billion to scams in 2024, with investment fraud accounting for at least $5.7 billion of those losses. Contrary to common assumptions, younger adults are 34% more likely than older adults to fall victim to fraud, which takes multiple forms including impostor scams using AI voice cloning, lottery/prize schemes, and phishing attempts. To protect yourself, watch for red flags such as unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, promises of guaranteed returns, unusual payment requests, and demands for login credentials—and always independently verify investment opportunities through official resources like the SEC's EDGAR database before committing funds.
hometownsource.com
· 2025-12-08
The Senior LinkAge Line is offering a free virtual presentation on June 4 covering health care fraud, waste, and abuse prevention, noting that scams targeting older adults are on the rise. The presentation, developed with the Senior Medicare Patrol program, provides information on fraud prevention, detection, and reporting to help seniors protect themselves and their personal information.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides practical guidance for seniors to stay safe online by recognizing common scam tactics and implementing protective habits. Key advice includes: pausing before responding to urgent messages and verifying through official channels, questioning callers claiming to be loved ones (especially regarding deepfake technology), carefully checking website URLs rather than relying on security locks, avoiding sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi, and creating strong passwords using unrelated words or phrases. The article emphasizes that online safety requires awareness and skepticism rather than advanced technical skills.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies five common smartphone scams that exploit user behavior and trust rather than advanced technology: scam calls impersonating banks or government agencies, fake delivery and banking text messages with malicious links, deceptive apps hiding malware in official app stores, fake QR code stickers redirecting payments, and SIM swap attacks where hackers trick mobile providers into issuing new SIM cards. The article advises users to remain alert to unusual calls, messages, apps, and payment requests, as these scams succeed by targeting human psychology and system weaknesses rather than relying on sophisticated hacking techniques.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies five common smartphone scams that exploit human behavior rather than advanced technology: impersonation calls from fake banks or government agencies creating false urgency, phishing text messages about deliveries or account verification, malicious apps disguised as legitimate tools, fake QR code stickers redirecting payments, and SIM swap attacks where hackers convince mobile providers to reissue phone numbers. The article advises users to stay alert to unusual calls, messages, apps, and payment requests, emphasizing that these scams succeed by targeting trust, routine habits, and quick reactions rather than sophisticated hacking techniques.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Bogus customer service scams are proliferating online, with scammers impersonating legitimate companies (airlines, banks, Amazon, etc.) by planting fake customer service numbers and accounts on social media to target frustrated consumers. Amazon reported a 33% increase in customer service impersonation scams between December 2024 and February 2025, with criminals monitoring public complaints, responding with fake accounts, and directing victims to fraudulent links or requesting personal information and payment. Consumer experts advise against posting complaints on social media and recommend using official company channels instead, as scammers exploit vulnerable moments—such as flight cancellations or lost packages—to manipulate victims into providing money or sensitive data.
app.com
· 2025-12-08
Since April 2025, the FBI has warned of an escalating scam where malicious actors use AI-generated voice messages and text messages (vishing and smishing) to impersonate senior U.S. officials and target government employees and their contacts. Once scammers establish trust, they attempt to gain access to personal accounts through malicious links, which they can then use to impersonate victims and target additional officials or solicit money from their contacts. The FBI recommends independently verifying caller identity through legitimate sources, scrutinizing communications for spelling errors and AI imperfections (distorted features, unnatural voices, lag), and never sharing sensitive information or money with unverified contacts
moneysense.ca
· 2025-12-08
Older adults in Canada are particularly vulnerable to fraud and identity theft due to their politeness and trust, making them targets for emergency scams, grandparent scams, and deepfake impersonations that create urgency and fear. Common tactics include fake bank calls claiming accounts will be closed, messages from supposed relatives in distress requesting money, fake obituaries with donation links, and attempts to harvest personal information like social insurance numbers. Experts recommend seniors understand they have the right to end conversations, verify requests independently through official channels, and recognize that fraudsters constantly evolve their tactics using new technologies.
mondaq.com
· 2025-12-08
This article does not relate to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It discusses the U.S. Department of Justice's 2025 white-collar crime enforcement strategy, focusing on trade violations, tariff evasion, sanctions evasion, and export controls—primarily targeting Chinese imports and activities. This content is outside the scope of the Elderus elder fraud research database.
leaderlive.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Between April 2022 and March 2025, 386 romance scam cases in North Wales resulted in collective losses of £2.39 million, with an average loss of £8,457 per victim, as reported by Action Fraud. Across Wales, England, and Northern Ireland during this period, romance scammers stole £271.4 million from over 19,500 victims, with women and transgender individuals suffering disproportionately higher average losses despite reporting fewer cases. The data reflects a 17 percent increase in romance fraud reports in 2024/25, with scammers targeting victims through fake romantic relationships and manipulating them into sending money.