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marketplace.org
Frank Abagnale, a former con artist, identifies red flags for detecting phone scammers, including suspicious bank activity. The Federal Trade Commission received over 500,000 imposter scam complaints in 2018, though prosecuting perpetrators remains rare, prompting federal regulators to develop new strategies to combat coordinated fraud efforts targeting victims.
wmar2news.com
The FBI launched "Operation Level Up" in January 2024 to proactively contact victims of cryptocurrency investment scams in progress, using emails and phone calls to prevent further money transfers. From January 2024 to February 2025, the FBI contacted over 5,000 victims and estimated it saved approximately $318 million in planned transfers, with 76 percent of contacted victims unaware they were being scammed. The scammers typically pose as romantic interests or influencers on social media, build trust over weeks, then direct victims to fake investment websites promising high cryptocurrency returns before requesting increasingly larger deposits.
koco.com
Americans lost a record $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission and a new Better Business Bureau report analyzing the year's most dangerous schemes. The top scams involved investment and cryptocurrency schemes (80% loss rate), employment scams targeting young adults 18-34, romance and friendship scams on dating platforms, and imposter scams impersonating major companies. Experts advise consumers to verify credentials, ask questions about investment claims, and verify unsolicited communications to protect against scammers using financial grooming tactics to build trust before exploitation.
newsweek.com
A Georgia man was jailed for allegedly impersonating a police officer ("Sergeant Harding") to scam a registered sex offender in Pennsylvania out of $1,000 in August 2022, claiming he could make a fake warrant disappear if the victim purchased gift cards and paid cash. Law enforcement agencies nationwide report that scammers intermittently target people on sex offender registries with similar police impersonation schemes, though the scams are difficult to track and prevalence varies by jurisdiction. In 2023, American adults lost over $25.4 billion to telephone-based scams overall, with young adults aged 18-44 being three times more likely than older adults to
finance.yahoo.com
Employment scams have nearly tripled since 2020, with Americans losing $501 million to job and fake employment agency scams in 2024, according to the FTC. Scammers target vulnerable job seekers—particularly recently laid-off federal workers—by creating fake job listings that mimic legitimate employer websites and request sensitive personal and financial information, with victims losing an average of nearly $3,000 per scam. Red flags include requests for expensive equipment purchases or banking information before employment begins, as illustrated in a case involving a Washington state woman who was approached via LinkedIn with a fraudulent remote transcriptionist job offer.
koco.com
Christine Joan Echohawk, a 53-year-old from Pawnee, Oklahoma, was arrested and charged with laundering approximately $1.5 million obtained through online romance scams targeting senior women between September and December 2024. The victims, all between ages 64 and 79, believed they were sending money to men they were in online relationships with before the funds were diverted through Echohawk's accounts.
ktul.com
Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, was arrested in Pawnee County on charges of money laundering and computer crimes for allegedly facilitating approximately $1.5 million in funds stolen from four elderly women (ages 64-79) through online romance scams between September and December 2024. Echohawk received the victims' payments via gift cards, cash, wire transfers, and bank accounts, then converted the funds to cryptocurrency and sent them to an unidentified suspect; one victim sold her home to send $600,000. Echohawk faces five counts carrying potential sentences of 24 to 64 years in prison and up to $260,000 in fines.
wesh.com
Americans lost a record $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, with the Better Business Bureau identifying investment/cryptocurrency schemes, employment scams, and romance/friendship scams as the year's most dangerous, often involving financial grooming tactics where scammers build trust over time. Victims of investment and cryptocurrency scams lost money at rates exceeding 80%, while young adults aged 18-34 were primary targets for employment fraud, and imposter scams frequently involved fraudulent claims from PayPal, Publishers Clearing House, and the U.S. Postal Service. Experts recommend verifying credentials, asking questions about unsolicited offers, and confirming communications to avoid falling victim
kaynewscow.com
Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, of Pawnee was arrested for laundering approximately $1.5 million obtained through online romance scams targeting four elderly women (ages 64-79) between September and December 2024. One victim sold her house and sent $600,000 after believing she was in a romantic relationship with a scammer; Echohawk converted the illicitly obtained funds through bank accounts and cryptocurrency before sending payments to an unidentified suspect. She faces five counts carrying 24 to 62 years in prison and up to $260,000 in fines.
onlineathens.com
Three Athens residents fell victim to different fraud schemes in late March: a 31-year-old man was extorted after sharing nude photos on Grindr and had images sent to family members; a 76-year-old woman was scammed out of $1,400+ by a romance fraudster posing as an Irish boyfriend requesting medical funds; and a 71-year-man nearly lost personal information after granting remote computer access to a tech support scammer. Police advise residents to avoid sharing personal information online, be cautious with unsolicited messages and calls, and immediately contact banks and credit bureaus if compromised.
cointelegraph.com
Australia's corporate watchdog (ASIC) secured court approval to shut down 95 "hydra" companies suspected of operating "pig butchering" scams—romance and cryptocurrency investment frauds where scammers build fake relationships to manipulate victims into investing in fraudulent schemes. Nearly 1,500 investors across 14 countries filed claims totaling over $35.8 million in losses, with the scam activity believed to originate largely from Southeast Asia. ASIC has removed over 10,000 scam websites in recent efforts, though the regulator warns that new fraudulent sites continue to emerge rapidly.
mitrade.com
Australia's Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) shut down 95 companies operating as fronts for crypto romance scams following Federal Court approval, with liquidators appointed to manage the wind-down. Over 1,500 victims from 14 countries have filed claims totaling more than $35 million, with scammers using fake company registrations, stolen identities, and AI-generated content to perpetrate "pig butchering" schemes that increased 40% between 2023-2024. Despite ASIC taking down over 10,000 fraudulent websites, regulators warn that scams remain persistent and evolving, though Australia saw a 26% decline in total sc
justice.gov
The U.S. Secret Service seized the web domain NFT-UNI.com, which was used in a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam that defrauded a Warren County victim of approximately $172,405.61 between November 2023 and March 2024, with total losses across all victims reaching approximately $4,564,936.47. In pig butchering schemes, scammers build trust with victims through dating apps, social media, or text messages before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms, then disappearing with their funds. This is the second domain seizure by the Secret Service in Warren County related to this type of scheme, as part
michigan.gov
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a consumer alert warning residents about Bitcoin ATM scams targeting older adults, in which fraudsters pose as representatives from companies like Apple, Google, or law enforcement to convince victims their accounts are compromised and demand immediate payment. Victims are instructed to withdraw cash from banks and deposit it into Bitcoin ATMs, where it is converted to cryptocurrency and sent to scammers; once transferred, the money cannot be recovered because Bitcoin ATMs lack oversight, regulation, and fraud prevention measures unlike traditional financial institutions. The alert advises consumers never to deposit money into Bitcoin ATMs at anyone's request, to be wary of urgent calls, to verify requests with their banks, and to report suspecte
wtsp.com
A Manatee County, Florida woman lost $2,400 in a spoofed bank and FTC impersonation scam after receiving a fraudulent email claiming an unauthorized Apple charge on her Chase account. The scammer posed as both a bank representative and FTC official, convincing her to purchase gift cards at multiple retailers (Lowe's, Walmart, and Winn Dixie) under the false premise that authorities were tracking a hacker. The FTC reports that fraud losses increased 25% in 2024, with seniors losing over $2.3 billion, and emphasizes that legitimate government agencies never demand gift card payments or threaten to freeze accounts.
myupnow.com
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a consumer alert warning about a Bitcoin ATM scam targeting unsuspecting victims, particularly older adults. The scam involves fraudulent calls or messages claiming financial accounts are compromised, with callers impersonating legitimate companies or law enforcement and threatening prosecution to coerce victims into withdrawing cash and depositing it into Bitcoin ATMs, after which the money is irretrievably converted to cryptocurrency. Because Bitcoin ATMs lack regulation and oversight, unlike traditional banking systems with fraud prevention measures, victims have no meaningful consumer protections and funds cannot be recovered once the transaction is complete.
johnsoncitytn.org
The Johnson City Police Department reported a rise in phone scams where callers impersonate law enforcement, government agents, or company representatives to pressure victims into purchasing gift cards, sending cryptocurrency, or sharing financial information by claiming urgent issues like pending arrests or compromised bank accounts. Victims have been contacted via phone, social media, text, and other platforms, with scammers requesting gift card numbers after purchase to access funds immediately. The JCPD emphasizes that legitimate law enforcement never demands payment to avoid arrest and advises the public to hang up on suspicious callers and report them to Crime Stoppers, noting that older adults are particularly targeted in these scams.
uk.news.yahoo.com
Julie-Anne Kearns, a 47-year-old NHS worker from Dorset who runs a TikTok scam awareness account with over 10,000 followers, fell victim to identity theft in December 2024 when fraudsters attempted to take out loans in her name through three different lenders (Lendable, Moneybarn No 1, and Billing Finance Limited), likely using cloned copies of her passport and driving licence. Despite her extreme vigilance and efforts to prevent fraud, she discovered the identity theft through a credit report and subsequently locked her credit file, though she remains uncertain how the criminals obtained her personal information.
dailystar.co.uk
Julie-Anne Kearns, a 47-year-old NHS worker and anti-scam TikTok creator, was targeted by a dating scam in November 2022 when a fraudster posing as a military surgeon attempted to trick her into buying an iTunes gift card; she avoided the scam through image verification but later discovered her identity had been stolen. In December 2024, Kearns learned that identity thieves had used her personal information to apply for loans with three different lenders (Lendable, Moneybarn No 1, and Billing Finance Limited), prompting her to lock her credit file to prevent further fraud attempts.
thenationonlineng.net
Popular crossdresser Bobrisky lost $990 to a romance scammer who had been communicating with him for several months, claiming to be based in the U.S. and Canada. The scammer gained his trust through frequent calls and regular contact, then convinced Bobrisky to receive a payment via CashApp on his behalf before blocking him once the money was transferred. Bobrisky publicly shared details of the incident on Instagram, warning his followers to be cautious of similar romance scams.
express.co.uk
Research by Nationwide Building Society reveals that one in four Britons (25%) have fallen victim to ticket scams, losing an average of £82 each, with high-demand events like Glastonbury creating ideal conditions for fraud exploitation. Over half of survey respondents admitted they would consider buying from unofficial sources, with those aged 25-34 showing the highest risk tolerance, and victims experiencing significant emotional distress beyond financial loss. Nationwide urges ticket buyers to use their free Scam Checker Service to verify transactions and avoid purchasing from unauthorized sellers, particularly during high-demand resale periods.
bristolpost.co.uk
A Nationwide Building Society study found that 25% of Brits have been defrauded by ticket scammers, losing an average of £82 per person, with the problem expected to worsen as Glastonbury's final ticket resale approaches. High demand, limited supply, and fear of missing out create ideal conditions for fraudsters, with over half of respondents willing to buy from unofficial sources and 40% willing to purchase counterfeit tickets. The research highlighted victim stories, including a café owner who lost £1,500 to a fake crew pass seller, and Nationwide urged ticket buyers to use their free Scam Checker Service before making purchases.
tradingview.com
Australia's financial regulator (ASIC) obtained a court order to shut down 95 companies linked to "pig butchering" scams—sophisticated investment and romance fraud schemes where criminals build trust with victims over weeks before directing them to fake trading platforms for forex, crypto, and commodities. These organized criminal networks, often operating from countries like Myanmar and Eastern Europe, target high-income individuals globally by using fake websites, stolen identities, and complex deception tactics to create false legitimacy. Despite regulatory efforts to remove scam websites and shut down fraudulent companies, Australians lost AU$2.74 billion to financial fraud in the most recent reporting period, though losses declined 13.1
sjcda.org
This article combines information about San Joaquin County's District Attorney's office commitment to public safety with educational guidance from the Federal Trade Commission on protecting families from text message scams. The FTC advises parents to teach children to recognize scam texts impersonating legitimate companies and banks, avoid clicking links or sharing personal information, and report suspicious messages, as these scams can lead to identity theft and financial loss. The article also describes Family Justice Centers as collaborative resources that provide comprehensive support to victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, elder abuse, child abuse, and stalking.
investopedia.com
Scammers are increasingly targeting 401(k) retirement accounts through multiple methods including phishing emails, fake investment platforms, impersonation phone calls and text messages, robocalls with AI voice impersonations, and fraudulent rollover schemes. To protect retirement savings, individuals should use two-factor authentication, create strong unique passwords, monitor account notifications, and only conduct rollovers with trusted financial institutions while remaining vigilant against suspicious communications and fake investment opportunities.
aarp.org
This AARP article provides cybersecurity best practices from four professionals to help protect against digital scams. Key recommendations include: regularly restarting your phone to remove potential scammer access, storing sensitive documents on external hard drives rather than desktop computers, enabling two-factor authentication on accounts, and changing passwords every six months. The article emphasizes that these preventive measures are essential as digital scams become increasingly sophisticated.
communitynewspapers.com
Frauds and scams are escalating in Miami-Dade County, with consumers nationwide reporting over $12.5 billion in losses to fraud in 2024—a 25 percent increase from the previous year—and seniors facing particular vulnerability to identity theft, telemarketing fraud, and fraudulent solicitations. In response, District 5 Commissioner Eileen Higgins launched Lunch and Learn workshops in partnership with the county's Consumer Protection Division, which have educated over 100 seniors across low-income housing communities with ten workshops planned total. The workshops provide practical fraud prevention strategies, including guidance on protecting personal information, recognizing scams, monitoring financial accounts, and reporting suspicious activity to
local.aarp.org
Hawaii consumers lost $61.6 million to scams in 2024, a 32 percent increase from the prior year, with the most common frauds involving imposters, identity theft, and investment scams conducted via social media and cryptocurrency. AARP Hawaii is hosting a series of webinars in April featuring FBI agents and fraud prevention experts to help residents, particularly older adults (kupuna), recognize and report fraud including business imposter scams, online shopping fraud, and Medicare-related schemes. The webinars aim to educate consumers on protecting themselves and their families while encouraging fraud reporting despite the stigma surrounding victimization.
the420.in
An 87-year-old retired doctor in Mumbai lost ₹16.14 lakh after a scammer posing as a BMC pest control official sent her a phishing link, compromising her mobile banking and enabling over 40 unauthorized transactions across multiple accounts between December 2024 and January 2025. The fraudster initially tricked the victim by requesting a ₹50 registration fee and assuring a refund, but once the malicious link was clicked, funds were systematically siphoned from her Kotak Mahindra, Punjab National, and Axis Bank accounts. The West Cyber Police registered an FIR and are investigating the case as a phishing scam
cnbc.com
A 2024 survey of over two million FTC and FCC complaints found Ohio leading the nation with 859 scam call and text complaints per 100,000 residents, followed by Illinois and Delaware. The study identified the top 10 states most targeted by phone scams, with common schemes including IRS fraud, Medicare scams, debt relief, and toll violations, possibly due to large population centers, favorable regulations, and high concentrations of seniors. The article advises screening calls, avoiding suspicious links, and considering identity theft protection services with credit monitoring and insurance coverage.
ftc.gov
Impersonation scams cost nearly $3 billion in reported losses during 2024, with the FTC receiving approximately 850,000 reports of such fraud that year. The FTC's Impersonation Rule, which marked its one-year anniversary in April, has enabled the agency to file multiple lawsuits against scammers impersonating government agencies, utility companies, banks, and delivery services, and has successfully shut down over a dozen fake FTC websites designed to trick victims. The FTC advises consumers to avoid sending money or personal information to unexpected contacts, not to trust caller ID (which can be faked), and to verify requests by contacting organizations directly using independently verified contact information
wjla.com
Criminals are sending approximately one billion fraudulent toll notification texts daily targeting drivers nationwide, impersonating legitimate agencies like EZPass and SunPass, with the DMV region experiencing a 900% surge in complaints since January 2024. Experts warn that any engagement with these messages—even replying—signals to AI-powered scam networks that a number is active, leading to further fraud attempts; consumers reported losing $2.95 billion to impersonation scams in 2024 overall. Authorities including the FBI, FTC, and state transportation departments advise drivers to never click links in unsolicited toll texts and instead verify toll status directly through official agency channels.
malwarebytes.com
A wave of SMS phishing (smishing) scams impersonating U.S. toll authorities like E-ZPass, SunPass, and TxTag has spread across the country, with some users receiving up to 7 fraudulent messages daily. The scams use urgent language threatening fines or license suspension and direct victims to fake websites designed to steal personal and payment information through domains that closely mimic legitimate toll service sites. State transportation departments including Wisconsin and Arizona have issued public warnings, and the FBI recommends reporting suspicious messages to ic3.gov along with the originating phone number and malicious link.
boston25news.com
An 88-year-old Hingham, Massachusetts resident lost $15,500 in a phishing scam after receiving a fraudulent email impersonating the Federal Trade Commission. The scammers convinced her that her daughter was in financial trouble and instructed her to send a cashier's check to an address in Illinois, where it was cashed immediately. Police emphasize that awareness and education are the most effective prevention methods, recommending residents delete, block, or ignore suspicious communications.
oregonlive.com
This advice column addresses a parent's concerns about their 22-year-old son's relationship with a 36-year-old woman he met online in Brazil, who he is planning to visit for three months and to whom he has already sent money. The response identifies several warning signs consistent with romance scams, citing FTC data showing over 64,000 reported romance scams in 2023 totaling $1.14 billion, and recommends the parents consult FBI.gov and ic3.gov resources to help their son think critically about the situation and potential predatory motives.
azcentral.com
Older adults are frequent targets of scams because they typically have substantial savings, higher trust levels, and lower technological literacy. Scammers exploit emotional triggers like fear, urgency, greed, and confusion to manipulate seniors into surrendering money or personal information, with schemes like "pig-butchering" and others specifically designed to target this vulnerable population.
makeuseof.com
Hackers are increasingly using generative AI to conduct more effective and affordable scams by automating social engineering attacks, including cloning social media accounts to impersonate trusted contacts and deploying AI chatbots to conduct mass spear-phishing campaigns and romance scams. AI tools enable cybercriminals to personalize attacks at scale, create deepfake videos of high-profile individuals, and automate time-consuming fraud tactics like relationship-building for romance scams. Users should be aware that traditional security measures alone are insufficient, as people remain the primary vulnerability exploited by these AI-enhanced attack methods.
irishmirror.ie
Police across at least five European countries (France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Luxembourg) have issued warnings about roving Irish criminal gangs operating organized scams targeting homeowners, businesspeople, and tourists since early 2025. The gangs operate three primary schemes: posing as construction workers offering cheap driveway repairs that deteriorate quickly, claiming to spot home defects and charging exorbitant prices for repairs, and executing street-based "stranded traveler" scams where they use fake banking apps to trick victims into withdrawing cash for supposed transfers. Notable cases include a €1,500 theft in Nuremberg in March 2025, with the FBI designating
fool.com
**Real Estate Scams Targeting Seniors (2025)**
Scammers are exploiting rising home values to target homeowners over 60, with reported losses exceeding $3.4 billion in 2023 alone. Common schemes include deed theft and title fraud (using forged documents to claim ownership), wire transfer scams (impersonating title companies to demand money), manipulation by trusted individuals offering to buy properties at steep discounts, and contractor fraud. Seniors can protect themselves by placing assets in trusts, using powers of attorney with unanimous consent requirements for property sales, monitoring county deed records regularly, and verifying any claims about property or mortgage issues directly with their lender
classicrock961.com
An international fraud scheme originating from India targeted Texas seniors and 20 other victims across the country, with scammers impersonating U.S. Government officials to steal nearly $6 million total, including $300,000 from a Georgetown woman whose case resulted in an eight-year prison sentence. Money losses among people over 60 increased 11% in 2023, prompting fraud prevention efforts and advice from AARP to help seniors recognize and report scams rather than remaining silent due to embarrassment.
yahoo.com
This article outlines common scams targeting seniors, including "pig-butchering" schemes that build trust over time before convincing victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms, as well as tech support scams, government impersonation scams, grandparent scams using voice cloning, and sweepstakes frauds. Older adults are particularly vulnerable due to larger savings, higher trust levels, and potential unfamiliarity with technology, compounded by factors like cognitive decline and social isolation. Key prevention strategies include teaching seniors to recognize red flags such as urgency, requests for untraceable payments (gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency), poor grammar, and soliciting personal information—and encouraging them to verify
barchart.com
Real estate scams targeting seniors have surged as home values increased post-COVID, with Americans over 60 reporting losses exceeding $3.4 billion in 2023 according to FBI data. Common scams include deed theft and title fraud (where scammers forge signatures and file false deeds), wire transfer fraud (impersonating title companies to request emergency payments), and exploitation by trusted individuals offering to purchase homes at steep discounts. Protective measures include placing assets in trusts, using powers of attorney with unanimous agreement requirements for property sales, and periodically verifying property records with county recorders.
dailyinterlake.com
Montana State University graduate students created an educational presentation about common scams after one student's grandfather received an AI-generated voice call impersonating the student and requesting $15,000. The accounting students presented fraud prevention information to senior audiences in Bozeman, covering family impersonation scams, tech support scams, government impersonation scams, and phishing, with attendees reporting personal losses of thousands of dollars to scammers.
hindustantimes.com
Jammu and Kashmir cyber police uncovered 7,200 mule bank accounts used in cyber fraud schemes in Kashmir since January 2025, with 21 people arrested so far. These accounts, opened by individuals for commissions and controlled from abroad, were used to launder money from victims of fake investment sites, online gaming, and betting scams through cryptocurrency and layering techniques. Police warned that account holders and money recipients face strict legal consequences with minimum 10-year sentences, and plan to interrogate all 7,200 account holders.
forbes.com
A widespread phishing campaign is targeting mobile users across the U.S. with text messages impersonating toll agencies (E-ZPass, FasTrak, etc.) and state DMVs, warning of unpaid tolls and license suspensions to pressure victims into clicking links that steal personal and financial information. The scam uses sophisticated tactics including mobile-only fake websites, exploitation of iMessage and RCS systems, and phishing-as-a-service platforms like Lucid and Darcula that enable criminals to send thousands of messages daily while evading detection. Consumers should assume all unsolicited payment texts are scams, avoid clicking links or replying, and use call/
bleepingcomputer.com
A phishing campaign impersonating toll agencies like E-ZPass, FasTrak, and Florida Turnpike has surged recently, sending thousands of iMessage and SMS texts with urgent language claiming unpaid tolls to trick recipients into clicking malicious links that steal personal and credit card information. The scam uses automated attacks bypassing anti-spam filters, with some users receiving up to 7 messages daily; victims are advised to avoid responding, block the numbers, and check toll balances directly on official websites rather than through text links.
nasdaq.com
Real estate scammers are increasingly targeting older Americans to steal home equity, with those over 60 reporting $3.4 billion in losses in 2023 according to FBI data. Common scams include deed theft and title fraud (using forged documents), wire transfer fraud impersonating title companies or escrow services, predatory offers from acquaintances to purchase homes at steep discounts, and contractor scams. Protective measures include regularly checking county deed records, verifying all property-related communications directly with mortgage companies, placing assets in trusts, and using powers of attorney that require unanimous consent for property sales.
mlive.com
A 22-year-old man plans to travel to Brazil to meet a 36-year-old woman he connected with online, raising concerns about a potential romance scam—he has already sent her money and friends suspect she may be seeking a U.S. visa through marriage. According to the FTC, romance scams affected over 64,000 people in 2023, resulting in $1.14 billion in losses, and this case exhibits several warning signs including financial requests and pressure to meet in person from an online acquaintance.
aol.com
Real estate scammers are increasingly targeting seniors, with those over 60 reporting losses exceeding $3.4 billion in 2023 according to FBI data. Common scams include deed theft and title fraud (where scammers forge signatures and file false deeds), wire transfer fraud (impersonating title companies to solicit payments), and exploitation by trusted individuals who offer to purchase homes at steep discounts. Seniors can protect themselves by monitoring property records, verifying any financial requests directly with their lender, placing assets in trusts, and using powers of attorney that require unanimous consent before property sales.
morningjournalnews.com
A Columbiana woman lost over $250,000 to a scam that began when she clicked a fraudulent link about a Walmart order she didn't place. The scammer locked her devices, coerced her into withdrawing $20,000 in cash for an in-person drop-off, and subsequently transferred over $230,000 from her bank accounts, including an international transfer to Abu Dhabi. The case remains unsolved with police unable to recover doorbell footage or locate the perpetrator.