Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
4,783 results
in Romance Scam
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Between January 2023 and March 2024, Richmond, B.C. RCMP reported 99 romance scam cases totaling over $16 million in losses, with scammers using dating websites and social media to build trust with victims over weeks or months before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes, often involving cryptocurrencies. The article also warns of a separate "speeding ticket scam" where fake text messages direct victims to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial information by impersonating official government traffic violation notices.
doingitlocal.com
· 2025-12-08
Transnational criminal organizations are conducting "pig butchering" investment scams targeting Americans, with older Connecticut residents at particular risk. These scams involve fraudsters building trust with victims through dating apps and social media before directing them to fake trading platforms promising high returns on cryptocurrency or forex investments; cryptocurrency fraud alone reached approximately $4.5 billion in 2023, though total losses since 2021 may exceed $75 billion. Connecticut State Police recovered nearly $4 million in assets for victims in 2023, and residents are advised to watch for warning signs including unsolicited contact, promises of guaranteed returns, pressure to invest quickly, and requests for personal information.
nj.com
· 2025-12-08
A New Jersey married couple, Martins Friday Inalegwu (35) and Steincy Mathieu (27), admitted to stealing at least $4.5 million from over 100 victims through an online romance scam operating from October 2016 to May 2020, using dating websites and social media to build fake relationships before requesting money for fabricated emergencies. The perpetrators received funds via wire transfers, checks, Western Union, MoneyGram, and international bank accounts in Turkey and Nigeria, and also failed to pay taxes on the stolen money. Inalegwu pleaded guilty to money transmitting violations and tax evasion, while Mathieu
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Richmond, B.C. RCMP warned of a significant rise in romance investment scams in 2023, with 87 reported cases resulting in over $16 million in losses, continuing into 2024 with 12 cases and nearly $500,000 lost in just three months. These "long-con" scams involve fraudsters grooming victims through dating websites and social media over weeks or months, building trust before convincing them to invest in fake schemes often involving cryptocurrencies and displaying fabricated returns. The RCMP also warned of a separate "speeding ticket" phishing scam using text messages with fake government websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
bai.org
· 2025-12-08
Visa's Spring 2024 Threats Report reveals that while the number of individual scam reports decreased from June to December 2023, total monetary losses increased, indicating fraudsters are executing more effective and costly schemes. Emerging scams include "pig butchering" (fake cryptocurrency investment schemes targeting 10% of surveyed adults), inheritance scams (affecting 15% of adults), and triangulation fraud (costing merchants up to $1 billion monthly), with fraudsters increasingly leveraging generative AI and other technologies to create more convincing campaigns. Organizational threats are also escalating, including a 300% increase in ransomware cases and an 83% rise in purchase return authorization frau
nbcphiladelphia.com
· 2025-12-08
Three New Jersey residents—married couple Martins Friday Inalegwu and Steincy Mathieu, plus Oluwaseyi Fatolu—pleaded guilty to operating a romance scam from 2016 to 2020 that defrauded over 100 victims of $4.5 million. The defendants posed as romantic interests on dating sites and social media to convince victims to send money for fictitious emergencies, with funds wired to U.S. bank accounts, mailed as checks, or transferred overseas to accomplices in Nigeria and Turkey, while the defendants spent proceeds on personal expenses and cash withdrawals.
insidethemagic.net
· 2025-12-08
Scammers posing as Disneyland Resort employees are targeting senior citizens through text messages offering work-from-home jobs with $2,000-$4,000 monthly income and $30-$75 interview payments. These "pig butchering scams" use fake personas to gain trust before manipulating victims into fraudulent investments and payments, exploiting seniors' potential digital illiteracy and the scam's stated age range of 23-80 years old. Reddit users identified red flags including poor grammar, inconsistent fonts, and the fact that legitimate Disney HR would never impose age caps on employment.
channelnewsasia.com
· 2025-12-08
Since ChatGPT's launch in late 2022, AI-powered fraud on dating apps has surged dramatically, with bot attacks increasing 2,000 percent between January 2023 and January 2024, according to cybersecurity firm Arkose Labs. Romance scams—facilitated by fake profiles, AI-generated messages, and deepfake photos—victimized 64,000 Americans in 2023 alone, resulting in US$1.14 billion in losses, yet dating app companies have been slow to implement protective measures like account verification and fraud detection tools.
westsussex.gov.uk
· 2025-12-08
In the final three months of 2023, West Sussex residents lost £3.5 million to fraud, with over half of the 53% of victims aged 75 and older falling prey to courier/impersonator fraud, dating scams, and sextortion. To address this, West Sussex County Council's Digital Safety Team is offering free 1.5-hour "Are you scam savvy?" educational sessions in May, June, and July 2024, available both online and in-person at three local libraries, with bookings required through Eventbrite.
ici.radio-canada.ca
· 2025-12-08
Richmond, B.C. RCMP warned of a surge in romance-investment scams that cost victims over $16 million in 2023, with 87 reported cases that year and another 12 cases totaling nearly $500,000 in losses between January and March 2024. Scammers groom victims through dating websites and social media over weeks or months, building trust before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes, often involving cryptocurrencies and fake investment returns. Police also issued a warning about a "speeding ticket" text scam designed to steal personal and financial information by directing victims to a fake website mimicking the government's legitimate PayBC payment portal.
tampafp.com
· 2025-12-08
A husband and wife from Burlington County, New Jersey (Martins Friday Inalegwu and Steincy Mathieu), along with a third codefendant, pleaded guilty to tax evasion and unlawful money-transmitting charges for their roles in a romance fraud scheme that defrauded over 100 victims of more than $4.5 million between October 2016 and May 2020. The conspirators, some based in Nigeria, posed as romantic interests on dating sites, built relationships with victims, and requested money for fake emergencies, which they then spent on personal expenses or transferred to overseas accounts without paying taxes.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
A retired Melbourne police officer lost $479,500 to a romance scam after being contacted online by a woman claiming to be named Dianna, who persuaded him to invest in cryptocurrency through fake platforms. Despite Paul disclosing concerns about the scam to ING Bank and later Macquarie Bank, both institutions failed to adequately warn him or prevent further transfers, with ING's scam team reassuring him he "should be OK" without conducting proper fraud verification. Paul is now awaiting a ruling from the financial complaints watchdog regarding the banks' responsibility in the losses.
courierpostonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Three Burlington County residents pleaded guilty to operating a romance scam that defrauded over 100 victims of more than $4.5 million between 2016 and 2020, with defendants Martins Friday Inalegwu, Steincy Mathieu, and Oluwaseyi Fatolu using fake online dating profiles to solicit money under false pretenses. One victim, desperate to maintain her fraudulent relationship, embezzled millions from her employer after exhausting her savings, retirement account, and maxing out credit cards. Most funds were transferred internationally to Nigeria, Turkey, and other countries, with victims losing anywhere from thousands to $100,000
vancouversun.com
· 2025-12-08
British Columbians lost at least $46.4 million to online investment scams in 2023, with losses skyrocketing from $8.5 million in 2021, according to the B.C. Securities Commission. These "pig butchering" scams typically begin with unsolicited social media contact that evolves into a relationship, after which scammers direct victims to fraudulent investment websites, encourage them to invest via cryptocurrency, and then disappear with the money. The B.C. Securities Commission warns the public to be suspicious of unsolicited online messages, avoid investing based on advice from online contacts, and reject promises of quick, large returns.
cavazossentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division provides guidance on identity protection and outlines common scams targeting soldiers, veterans, and their families. Key recommendations include using strong passwords, password managers, two-factor authentication, and separating work and personal accounts, while growing threats include impersonation scams (where scammers pose as military officials), romance scams targeting those over 50, credit repair fraud, cryptocurrency schemes, social media account takeovers, and two-factor authentication exploitation. Supervisory Special Agent Deric Palmer emphasizes that data brokers sell personal information for as little as $20, enabling social engineering attacks, and warns that impersonation scams cause reputational
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old Michigan woman lost approximately $700,000 over several months after being deceived by a scammer posing as a Federal Trade Commission lawyer who claimed she had won a $3.5 million sweepstakes prize and a new car, but needed to send money upfront to secure the winnings. The victim purchased expensive jewelry and wired checks to the fraudster until a friend convinced her the scheme was illegitimate and urged her to contact police, prompting an investigation by Troy Police Department. The case underscores common sweepstakes scam tactics and highlights the importance of recognizing red flags such as unsolicited prize claims, requests for upfront payment, and impersonation
ibtimes.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans reported 2.6 million fraud cases totaling $10 billion in losses, with a median loss of $500 per person—affecting approximately one in four Americans regardless of age or financial literacy. The article identifies three primary scam types to watch for: charitable donation scams using phishing emails and fake websites, romance scams that netted scammers $1.14 billion from 64,003 victims (averaging $2,000 loss per person), and emerging AI-powered deepfake scams capable of impersonating trusted contacts. Key prevention strategies include verifying sender identity through alternate communication channels, conducting reverse image searches on photos, an
fox13news.com
· 2025-12-08
A Highlands County business and a related construction company fell victim to an elaborate $60,725 fraud scheme involving email hacking and romance scam elements. Taufiq Kailani, 47, was arrested in March after a multi-year FDLE investigation; he hacked into one company's email to send fraudulent wire instructions while simultaneously convincing an elderly woman to open a bank account and withdraw the stolen funds as part of a romance scam. The money was subsequently sent overseas and remains unrecovered, highlighting the importance of verifying financial requests through direct phone contact rather than relying on email alone.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers posing as federal agents convinced Alaina Weisman, a woman in her late 70s, to deposit $11,000 into a cryptocurrency ATM at a cannabis dispensary in Santa Fe, New Mexico, by falsely claiming her bank accounts were compromised and the money would protect them. This initial scheme was the first of multiple frauds perpetrated by the same criminals that ultimately cost Weisman $159,000. Crypto ATMs are increasingly becoming the payment method of choice for scammers targeting victims through government impostor scams, romance scams, grandparent scams, and other schemes, as traditional methods like gift cards and payment apps face growing prot
pentictonherald.ca
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Canada recorded 41,111 fraud victims, prompting the Essex County OPP to host a community awareness event on recognizing and preventing scams. Key recommendations include avoiding unsolicited calls and emails, keeping personal information private, and recognizing urgency tactics—with common current scams including romance scams, grandparent/emergency scams, and Canada Revenue Agency impersonation. Officials emphasized that fraud cases are underreported due to embarrassment and encouraged victims to report incidents to help protect others.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers have created dozens of fake social media accounts impersonating Powerball winner Theodorus Struyck (who won $1.7 billion in a syndicate) to solicit private information and promise fake cash donations to followers, a scheme also used against previous lottery winner Edwin Castro ($2.04 billion winner in 2022). The fraudsters use fake screenshots of payments, misspelled messages, and requests for Cash App information or personal details to victimize unsuspecting users, particularly those experiencing financial hardship. Both winners have kept low profiles on social media to avoid these scams, which experts warn pose particular risks to elderly and less tech-savvy individuals.
thethaiger.com
· 2025-12-08
A 51-year-old South Korean fugitive was arrested in Thailand after orchestrating a sophisticated call centre scam from China that defrauded six South Korean victims of approximately $150,000 (200 million won) in just two weeks through manipulated phone calls and text messages. In related enforcement actions, Thai authorities dismantled a major call-centre syndicate operating across Thailand, China, and Russia, arresting 71 suspects (52 Chinese nationals and 19 Thai accomplices), and also arrested five individuals for operating a romance scam that swindled a Thai millionaire of over 63 million baht over six years.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
The WhatsApp Gold scam, circulating since 2016, tricks millions of users by promising an exclusive upgraded WhatsApp version through fraudulent links that actually sign victims up for costly premium SMS services costing around £30 per month. Security experts warn users to avoid clicking links or providing phone numbers in messages offering special WhatsApp downloads, and to be vigilant against related scams including impersonation fraud, phishing links, tech support scams, and romance scams on the platform.
ghanaweb.com
· 2025-12-08
Kofi Osei, a 30-year-old Ghanaian national, was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for orchestrating a romance fraud scheme that stole over $8 million from elderly victims between 2016 and 2020. Working with accomplices, Osei created fake identities and opened 77 bank accounts to receive and launder fraud proceeds, with specific victims deceived into sending $200,000 and $65,000 based on false claims about overseas emergencies involving fictitious romantic partners. In addition to his prison sentence, Osei was ordered to pay $4.1 million in restitution.
kezi.com
· 2025-12-08
Eugene Police Officer Colin Woolston created a free scam prevention course to educate the public about increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, emphasizing that knowledge is the best defense against scams. The most prevalent scam he identified involves fake tech support pop-ups that lead victims to unknowingly transfer money to scammers posing as bank representatives, with losses ranging from thousands of dollars that can impact rent, food, and groceries. Woolston encourages scam victims to share their experiences with others to help prevent additional people from becoming victims, and offers free presentations on fraud awareness and identity protection.
mainstreetdailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old widow named Mary from Gainesville was scammed out of $90,000 by a man claiming to be named "Bill" who contacted her through LinkedIn and posed as an oil company engineer, eventually claiming he wanted to marry her but needed money due to frozen assets in China. The article also details a separate grandparent scam targeting 78-year-old Alfred Dorsett, who lost $5,000 after being told his grandniece was in legal trouble, and notes that the FTC reported 853,935 imposter scams nationwide in 2023 resulting in $2.7 billion in losses, with romance scams being a common t
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Wells Fargo customer Julia Gibson lost $2,500 through a Zelle scam after fraudsters impersonated bank employees and convinced her to transfer funds; she initially received a provisional credit but the bank later reversed it, leaving her account at $0 with overdraft fees. The article notes that scammers use Zelle and similar money-transfer apps because transactions cannot be reversed once sent, and banks often fail to reimburse victims since customers technically authorize the transfers themselves. Key prevention advice includes being skeptical of urgent requests, never sending money to unknown contacts, and knowing that legitimate banks will never ask customers to send funds via Zelle or to overseas accounts.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Suzanne Famula, a 39-year-old hairdresser from Hertfordshire, lost £20,810 to Christopher Harris, a 41-year-old serial fraudster she met on dating app Hinge in 2020, who posed as a vulnerable man needing money for medical expenses over five months before she discovered his deception in August 2021. Harris was jailed for 29 months after pleading guilty to fraud by false representation, and Famula is now advocating for romance fraud to be recognized as a specific crime, citing inadequate victim support and a lengthy three-year legal process that significantly impacted her mental health.
7news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A woman in her 60s was stopped from sending A$2,000 to a scammer posing as her Turkish boyfriend after a quick-thinking NAB bank teller noticed red flags in her story—including that she couldn't name her "boyfriend," had never met him, and was being directed to send money to a stranger in Sydney instead. The scammer had created an emotional narrative about needing money for medical treatment in the UK, with an increasingly coercive tone, and even called during the transaction to pressure her. NAB reported a 29% increase in romance scam complaints, with Australians losing an estimated A$40 million to such scams in 2023, with those
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Suzanne Famula, 39, was defrauded of £20,810 by Christopher Harris, 41, whom she met on the dating app Hinge in November 2020. Harris used a romance scam scheme, repeatedly claiming he had serious health conditions and requesting money for medical expenses, mortgage payments, and bills over their five-month relationship. Harris was sentenced to 30 months in prison in February 2023 after pleading guilty to fraud by false representation, and Famula is now campaigning to establish romance fraud as a specific criminal offense with dedicated victim support.
greenwichfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency investment fraud grew 53% in 2023 to $4.5 billion (potentially $75 billion since 2021), primarily driven by "pig butchering" scams where fraudsters build trust with victims through dating apps and social media before directing them to fake investment platforms. Once victims see fabricated profits, scammers pressure them to invest more before disappearing with the funds; the Connecticut State Police recovered nearly $4 million in 2023, though this represents a fraction of total losses. Key warning signs include unsolicited contact, promises of guaranteed high returns, pressure to invest quickly, unregistered investments, and requests for personal information or unconventional payment methods like cryptocurrency
english.jagran.com
· 2025-12-08
Over 5,000 Indians were lured to Cambodia under false employment pretenses (primarily data entry jobs) and forced to conduct cyber fraud operations, including dating scams, investment schemes, cryptocurrency fraud, and courier scams targeting victims in India. The Indian External Affairs Ministry reported rescuing and repatriating approximately 250 Indians (75 in the preceding three months) and stated it was working with Cambodian authorities to dismantle the trafficking and fraud networks responsible for these schemes.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
East Haven, Connecticut residents were warned about a lottery scam sent via mail claiming they won $500,000 from "Global Link Lottery Inc." and enclosing a fraudulent $6,985 check supposedly for taxes and fees. The scam instructed recipients to call a number to claim their winnings, but police warned that the check is fraudulent and cashing it would make the recipient liable for the lost funds, while calling the number could result in identity theft.
trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-generated deepfakes and voice cloning technology are increasingly being exploited by scammers to perpetrate fraud against unsuspecting victims. Common schemes include fake celebrity giveaways using deepfake videos, voice cloning to impersonate family members or authority figures for ransom demands and the "grandparent scam," and impersonation attacks via business platforms like Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp that have resulted in significant financial losses (including a $25 million case involving a deepfake CFO). Victims should verify collaborations through official websites and social media accounts, be cautious of unsolicited messages requesting meetings, and report suspicious activity to authorities.
news.trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines emerging AI-enabled scams targeting the public, including deepfake celebrity giveaway scams, AI voice cloning used to impersonate family members or demand ransom for kidnapped children, and deepfake video attacks on business platforms like Microsoft Teams (with one Hong Kong firm losing $25 million to fraudsters impersonating their CFO). The article advises consumers to verify collaborations through official websites and social media accounts and warns of AI-generated fake news and romance scams as additional threats.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Shannon and Kit Abell are retired professionals in Roanoke County, Virginia who volunteer as fraud prevention educators through the Triad program, a partnership between AARP, law enforcement, and community groups designed to reduce crime against older adults. Shannon delivered 52 fraud prevention presentations in 2023 covering scams such as romance fraud, identity theft, and grandparent scams, while the Triad program has expanded from over 200 Virginia locations at its peak to 59 chapters, with AARP and state officials working to revitalize participation. The program emphasizes peer-to-peer education and local law enforcement involvement to build community trust and help victims connect with appropriate resources.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old Connecticut man lost $20,000 in a romance scam after developing an emotional connection to a woman on Facebook who posed as his girlfriend and convinced him the money was for taxes on a supposed windfall. Connecticut implemented a new law effective July 1 that authorizes banks to place temporary holds (up to 45 days) on suspicious transactions for customers 60 and older, allowing time for investigation and potentially preventing financial exploitation before funds are transferred.
limerickleader.ie
· 2025-12-08
Irish police (Gardaí) have issued a warning about the rising trend of romance scams, which involve fraudsters feigning romantic interest to build trust and then soliciting money from victims under false pretenses. Key warning signs include scammers moving conversations off dating platforms, asking personal questions while avoiding sharing about themselves, rushing to establish emotional bonds, creating financial emergencies, and consistently avoiding in-person meetings. Victims are urged to report suspected romance scams to their local garda station.
9news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A National Australia Bank teller in Melbourne prevented a woman in her 60s from losing thousands of dollars to a romance scam by identifying red flags in her plan to transfer money to an overseas "boyfriend" she had met on social media. The scammer, posing as someone in Turkey needing medical treatment, had convinced the woman to send funds to an intermediary in Sydney, but the teller's intervention and private counseling stopped the transaction. According to NAB, romance scam reports have increased nearly 30 percent year-over-year, with Australians losing an estimated $33 million to such scams annually.
orlandoweekly.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill was suspended from office by Governor DeSantis following her indictment on felony charges including elder exploitation, personal identification fraud, and mortgage fraud. Hill is accused of exploiting a 96-year-old constituent with cognitive disabilities, spending over $100,000 of the victim's money on personal expenses and fraudulently obtaining power of attorney to co-sign a $400,000+ home purchase without the victim's knowledge or consent. A special election to replace Hill is scheduled for May 21, 2024, and she faces up to 180 years in prison if convicted on all seven felony charges.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Two retired Georgia law enforcement veterans with combined 75+ years of experience—Joe Gavalis and Dan Flynn—volunteer with the North Georgia Elder Abuse Task Force Foundation to combat elder fraud through training, education, and prevention work. They have facilitated over 60 law enforcement trainings and reached approximately 8,000 older adults with fraud prevention presentations covering common scams like credit card fraud, grandparent scams, and romance schemes. Their work addresses a critical gap, as Americans reported 2.6 million fraud incidents in 2023 with $10 billion in losses, with elder victims often experiencing catastrophic financial impact.
therecord.media
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, impersonation scams cost victims approximately $1.1 billion—more than triple the 2020 losses—according to FTC data reporting 330,000 business impersonation cases and 160,000 government impersonation cases. The delivery method has shifted, with text messages and emails now accounting for 40 percent of reported scams compared to phone calls (32 percent), and scammers increasingly impersonating multiple organizations within a single fraud targeting fake account alerts, subscription renewals, prizes, and law enforcement impersonation.
racq.com.au
· 2025-12-08
This educational article from RACQ provides guidance on protecting yourself from scams by recommending three key actions: stop and take time before sharing money or personal information, think critically about whether messages could be fraudulent, and protect yourself by contacting your bank immediately if you suspect fraud. The article outlines seven common scam types targeting consumers—romance, investment, product/service, threats/extortion, employment, unexpected money, and impersonation scams—and advises verifying contact information through official channels, never clicking links in unsolicited messages, and reporting suspected fraud to relevant authorities like ReportCyber or IDCARE.
newswire.lk
· 2025-12-08
A Melbourne woman in her 60s was prevented from losing $2,000 to a romance scam when a NAB bank employee identified red flags—including her inability to name the supposed recipient, increasingly coercive messages, and a timely call from the scammer during the transaction. The employee's intervention saved her from joining hundreds of Australians who lost approximately $40 million to romance scams in the previous year, with NAB reporting a 29 percent year-on-year increase in romance scam reports.
news.trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies five common Google Chat scams: romance scams (fake profiles requesting money), phishing scams (impersonating legitimate contacts to steal personal information), tech support scams (posing as Google representatives), fake job offers, and investment scams. The article advises users to watch for red flags including unsolicited messages, unrealistic offers, urgent requests, and intrusive questions, and recommends verifying sender identity, enabling two-factor authentication, and reporting suspicious messages to stay safe.
scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old Hong Kong woman lost HK$3,000 (US$383) in a romance scam after developing an online relationship with a scammer posing as a Canadian engineer who convinced her to purchase iTunes gift cards as a prerequisite for an in-person meeting. Police warned that romance scams target victims of all ages and advised the public not to automatically trust romantic messages from strangers.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
An 83-year-old Marin County, California woman lost $30,000 in a phone scam where a caller impersonated her bank's fraud department and convinced her to withdraw cash, which was then collected from her home by the scammer. The suspect, Hao Canh Diep, was apprehended when he attempted to target the woman again for an additional $25,000, and he was charged with financial elder abuse and grand theft. The article also highlights a separate check-washing scam that defrauded a Massachusetts business owner of $13,000 and provides general tips for avoiding scams.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article warns Gen Z about four money scams targeting their generation, particularly employment-related fraud. The article highlights that Gen Z is vulnerable because they grew up with technology and are less skeptical of digital communications and remote work offers than older generations. Key scams include shipping scams (where victims unknowingly process stolen merchandise and face legal consequences) and equipment scams (where fake job offers use fraudulent checks to trick victims into sending their own money for equipment purchases).
amp.scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old Hong Kong woman lost HK$3,000 (US$383) in a romance scam after developing an online relationship with a swindler posing as a Canadian engineer, who eventually convinced her to purchase four iTunes gift cards as a prerequisite for meeting in person. Police warn that romance scams target victims of all ages and advise people not to automatically trust romantic messages from strangers.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
While scammers traditionally target seniors, Gen Z is increasingly vulnerable to digital fraud schemes, particularly remote work scams that exploit their comfort with technology and familiarity with remote employment. Two common scams affecting Gen Z are shipping scams (where victims process stolen merchandise and become liable for the fraud) and equipment scams (where fake checks are deposited and victims wire their own money for equipment, leaving them in debt). Scammers use sophisticated tactics including spoofed company websites and email addresses, fake job boards, and social media platforms to lure young victims into these schemes.