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ktla.com
· 2026-01-10
Two Long Beach women, Auriona Lewis and Tatiyanna Foster, were arrested for allegedly using counterfeit $100 bills at about a dozen In-N-Out Burger locations across Southern California between September and October 2025, making small purchases to pocket large amounts of change. The scheme caused financial losses and operational disruptions to the restaurants, with police using security footage and receipts as evidence in their investigation. Businesses and employees should verify large bills carefully and report suspicious transactions to police, as authorities emphasize that financial crimes matter regardless of the amount involved.
abc7.com
· 2026-01-10
Two women from Long Beach were arrested for using counterfeit $100 bills at approximately a dozen In-N-Out restaurants across Los Angeles and Orange counties, with police discovering fake currency and suspicious gift cards during their investigation. Auriona Lewis was taken into custody in October and charged with felony counterfeiting and grand theft, while her accomplice Tatiyanna Foster surrendered in December; both remain involved in ongoing legal proceedings. Customers and business owners should report any suspicious transactions or counterfeit currency encounters to local police, and businesses can protect themselves by verifying bills with standard currency detection methods.
womansworld.com
· 2026-01-10
# Fake Boss Text Scam Summary
Scammers are impersonating managers and executives via text, email, and other messaging platforms to trick employees into sending money, gift cards, or sensitive documents by creating a false sense of urgency and confidentiality. The scam, also called CEO fraud or boss impersonation, is becoming more prevalent thanks to AI tools that help fraudsters make their messages appear legitimate. To protect yourself, cybersecurity experts recommend being suspicious of urgent requests from your boss—especially those asking for money or sensitive information—and verifying requests through a separate communication channel before complying.
floridapolitics.com
· 2026-01-10
—it's about Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointing and reappointing five members to the Florida Gaming Control Commission, which oversees gambling regulation in the state. The appointees include Julie Brown (elevated to Chair), Peter Cuderman, and William Spicola as new members, with John Michael D'Aquila and Tina Repp returning to the board. All five appointees bring relevant experience in government, law, finance, and investigation to oversee Florida's gaming industry.
wafb.com
· 2026-01-10
# Cryptocurrency Scam Summary
A new Louisiana law is helping seniors recover from cryptocurrency scams that targeted at least four elderly victims through elaborate phone schemes claiming their bank accounts were hacked and threatened them with arrest charges unless they paid thousands of dollars via Bitcoin ATMs. The scammers exploited the machines' simplicity, but the new law now requires Bitcoin ATMs to display warnings that government officials will never request cash deposits, includes on-screen alerts during transactions, and imposes a $3,000 daily deposit limit with a 72-hour waiting period to give victims time to recover their money. Seniors should be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming account issues or legal threats, verify directly with their banks, and ignore pressure to use Bitcoin ATMs or other cryptocurrency methods for payments.
bylinetimes.com
· 2026-01-10
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livebitcoinnews.com
· 2026-01-10
Cambodian authorities arrested Chen Zhi, a Chinese national accused of leading a $12 billion cryptocurrency fraud scheme that used "pig-butchering" scams to defraud victims worldwide, including people in the United States. The scam involved fraudsters building false trust with victims before stealing their money, with forced labor elements where hundreds of employees were coerced into participating at compounds across Cambodia. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities (especially in crypto), verify the legitimacy of any financial platform through official channels, and never invest money you can't afford to lose based on promises from online contacts.
tradebrains.in
· 2026-01-10
A "pig-butchering" scam has defrauded victims of $75 billion worldwide between 2020-2024, with criminal networks primarily based in Southeast Asia luring people through text messages that build false trust before directing them to fake cryptocurrency investment schemes. Victims—ranging from individuals to bank employees—often lose their entire life savings when scammers disappear with the money after extracting maximum funds. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited text messages promising investment opportunities, never share financial information with unknown contacts, and verify any investment opportunity independently through official channels before committing money.
therecord.media
· 2026-01-10
# Crypto Theft Summary
Hackers stole over $26 million in cryptocurrency from the Truebit platform in what appears to be the first major crypto hack of 2026, continuing a troubling trend of large-scale digital thefts affecting cryptocurrency platforms. The theft is part of a broader pattern showing that crypto crime has become increasingly sophisticated and organized, with illicit cryptocurrency addresses receiving $154 billion in 2025—a 162% increase from the previous year. Users should avoid interacting with affected smart contracts and stay vigilant about where they store their cryptocurrency, while law enforcement agencies worldwide are actively investigating these crimes.
coinpaper.com
· 2026-01-10
Cambodia's central bank has liquidated Prince Bank and ordered it to cease operations after the bank's founder, Chen Zhi, was extradited to China on fraud charges linked to a large-scale international scam network. Chen Zhi, a Chinese businessman who presented himself as a philanthropist in Cambodia, faced accusations from U.S. and Chinese authorities of operating "pig butchering" scams—elaborate fraud schemes using fake online relationships to steal money from victims. Depositors can still withdraw their funds with proper documentation, but the bank is no longer accepting new deposits or loans while liquidators manage its remaining assets.
postandcourier.com
· 2026-01-09
A former business manager at a Charleston County nursing home, Courtney Brown, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for stealing over $157,000 from vulnerable patients in vegetative or comatose states by writing unauthorized checks from their trust accounts between 2020 and 2022. Brown, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud, will be required to repay her victims through restitution or asset forfeiture as part of her sentence. Residents and families should carefully monitor nursing home trust accounts and request regular statements, especially for patients who are unable to manage their own finances, and report any suspicious activity to facility administrators and authorities immediately.
wbtw.com
· 2026-01-09
North Myrtle Beach police are warning residents about a surge in fraud scams, particularly romance scams that build trust to extract money and government impersonation scams that target families of inmates. Anyone can become a victim, but police advise people to hang up on unsolicited requests for money, conduct independent research, and contact companies directly to verify claims—especially important since scammers increasingly use Bitcoin, making it nearly impossible for law enforcement to recover lost funds.
mysuncoast.com
· 2026-01-09
# Online Dating Scams Alert
The Venice Police Department is warning residents about dating scams where criminals create fake profiles on dating sites and social media to build trust before requesting money for fake emergencies like medical bills or travel problems. These scammers use tactics like photo manipulation, studying victims' social media posts to personalize their stories, and isolating victims from friends and family. To protect yourself, avoid sending money or personal information to people you've only met online, and report suspicious activity to local police.
claremont-courier.com
· 2026-01-09
American consumers lost an estimated $196 billion to financial fraud in 2024—a 43% increase in two years, with older adults accounting for nearly half these losses. Scammers use psychological tactics including surprise (unexpected communications from authority figures), danger (threats to you or loved ones), urgency (pressure to act quickly), and secrecy (demands to keep the situation quiet) to manipulate victims into sending money. To protect yourself, recognize these red flags and remember that legitimate organizations won't pressure you for immediate payment or demand secrecy about financial matters.
spokesman.com
· 2026-01-09
Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated voices, trust-building tactics, and impersonation of banks and government agencies to defraud Washington residents, with the state reporting over 15,600 fraud cases and $86 million in losses during the first nine months of 2025. Contrary to expectations, younger people (ages 19 and under) represent the majority of reported victims at 57%, though elderly victims suffer higher average losses of around $2,750 compared to $120 for younger victims. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from government or financial institutions, never provide personal information or money based on caller requests, and verify any official contact by calling the institution directly using a number you find independently.
abc.net.au
· 2026-01-09
Chen Zhi, a prominent businessman in Cambodia accused of running a multi-billion-dollar online scam network involving hundreds of trafficked scammers, has been extradited to China after being indicted by the U.S. for operating "pig butchering" fraud schemes that allegedly earned him $46 million daily. The scams primarily targeted victims who were lured into fake romantic or investment relationships online before being defrauded of large sums of money. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic or investment opportunities online, verify the legitimacy of business contacts through independent channels, and report suspicious activity to local authorities or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
the420.in
· 2026-01-09
# Cyber Fraud Awareness Summary
NCC cadets in Bulandshahr received training on detecting and stopping cyber frauds, covering tactics like UPI phishing, fake OTP traps, QR code scams, and digital arrest schemes—which cost Uttar Pradesh over ₹500 crore annually, with youth under 30 accounting for 40% of victims. The cadets pledged to educate 50 villages about protection measures including setting UPI daily limits to ₹5,000, enabling two-factor authentication, avoiding unknown links, and reporting suspicious calls to the 1930 helpline. The training highlighted that gaming apps and job scams pose the greatest risk to students, making it essential for people to verify callers through official apps, check UPI recipient names before payments, and never share banking or personal identification details with unknown contacts.
laniercountynewsonline.com
· 2026-01-08
A 79-year-old former Tallahassee man was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to repay over $1 million for operating a fake computer tech support scam that targeted more than 300 elderly victims nationwide, convincing them their computers were infected with viruses and pressuring them to pay up to $150,000 in bogus repair fees. The perpetrator, John Kuhlmann, funneled approximately $3.5 million in stolen funds through two unlicensed Florida companies to overseas accomplices between 2018 and his conviction. To protect yourself: be skeptical of unsolicited pop-up warnings or calls about computer problems, never pay upfront for tech support from unsolicited contacts, and verify any technical support claims by calling your device manufacturer directly using a number you find independently.
bkreader.com
· 2026-01-08
Two Brooklyn men were sentenced to over 5 years in prison for their roles in a telemarketing scam that stole more than $12 million from victims, primarily elderly people, between January 2022 and December 2023. The scheme involved India-based callers fraudulently convincing victims to send checks by falsely claiming their bank accounts were at risk, after which the defendants and their co-conspirators laundered the money through bank accounts before sending portions to India. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming urgent financial threats, never send money to unfamiliar addresses, and verify such claims by contacting your bank directly using a number from your statement rather than one provided by the caller.
cnn.com
· 2026-01-08
A 38-year-old Chinese-Cambodian businessman named Chen Zhi, who allegedly ran one of Asia's largest criminal networks, was arrested and extradited to China after a joint investigation by Cambodian and Chinese authorities. Chen's Prince Group conglomerate was accused by U.S. prosecutors of operating cryptocurrency scams and forced labor operations that defrauded victims worldwide and generated up to $30 million daily, resulting in the seizure of $15 billion in cryptocurrency—the largest forfeiture in U.S. Justice Department history. Victims of cryptocurrency scams should verify investment opportunities through official channels, avoid unsolicited investment pitches, and report suspicious activity to financial authorities.
valleycenter.com
· 2026-01-08
# Scam Summary
One in five people have fallen victim to scams, which caused $12.5 billion in losses last year—a 25% increase from the previous year, according to a bank manager's presentation at a safety symposium. The most common scams include imposter fraud (criminals posing as officials), romance scams targeting lonely individuals through dating sites and social media, and wire fraud where scammers pose as trusted contacts to trick victims into sending money. To protect yourself, be cautious about wire transfers (which cannot be reversed once sent), verify requests from banks or loved ones through independent contact, and report suspicious transactions to your financial institution immediately.
koin.com
· 2026-01-08
Michael Malekzadeh, owner of Eugene-based sneaker reseller Zadeh Kicks, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for a two-year fraud scheme that defrauded over $65 million from customers and $15 million from banks through fake orders and altered financial statements. Victims in the sneaker resale community were affected, with many losing significant money on unfulfilled preorders, though some were able to recover funds through credit card chargebacks. Consumers should monitor their accounts closely when making large purchases with online resellers, use credit cards (which offer fraud protection) rather than direct transfers, and verify a seller's legitimacy before committing funds.
lex18.com
· 2026-01-08
A Kentucky family lost $810 to rental scammers after their roof collapsed and they desperately needed emergency housing, having been tricked into paying deposits and rent for a property the scammers didn't own through prepaid cards. Scammers typically target vacant properties, list them below market value, and pressure victims for quick payment through untraceable methods like prepaid cards. To protect yourself, verify property ownership through public records, insist on meeting landlords in person, use established rental services, and be suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true—especially on social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
abc.net.au
· 2026-01-08
Two men have been charged in New South Wales for operating a scam targeting elderly people in shopping centre car parks, where one would distract victims by claiming there was an issue with their vehicle while his partner stole valuables like wallets and purses from inside. Police have recorded at least 18 similar incidents across the state, with seven occurring in the Riverina region last weekend. To protect yourself, be cautious when strangers approach you in parking lots about vehicle problems, and keep valuables secured inside your car rather than left accessible.
dlnews.com
· 2026-01-08
Chen Zhi, chair of Prince Group, was arrested in Cambodia and deported to China following accusations that he ran a massive cryptocurrency theft and forced labor scheme worth billions of dollars. US authorities filed charges seeking to seize approximately $15.8 billion in Bitcoin linked to Zhi and his organization, which allegedly operated dozens of forced labor scam compounds across Southeast Asia that trapped victims with false job promises. To protect yourself, be cautious of job offers from unfamiliar companies offering unusually high pay, verify employment opportunities through established channels, and report suspected scams to local authorities or organizations like the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-08
A Chinese-born tycoon named Chen Zhi, chairman of the Cambodia-based Prince Group, has been arrested in Cambodia and extradited to China for allegedly orchestrating an $11 billion "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam targeting Americans and others. "Pig butchering" scams involve fraudsters building fake relationships with victims online before tricking them into transferring cryptocurrency to fraudulent investment platforms, ultimately draining their life savings. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited online relationships offering investment opportunities and never transfer cryptocurrency to unknown parties, especially if pressured by someone you've only met online.
nbcrightnow.com
· 2026-01-08
Accused scam boss Chen Zhi has been extradited from Cambodia to China after being indicted by the U.S. for allegedly orchestrating multibillion-dollar cyberfraud through his conglomerate, which authorities say operated as a front for a major criminal organization. His bank, Prince Bank, which held about $1 billion in assets, has been placed into liquidation by Cambodia's central bank, though customers are told they can continue to withdraw their money normally. Affected individuals should monitor their accounts with the bank and contact authorities if they suspect fraudulent activity related to the alleged scam operation.
yellow.com
· 2026-01-08
Chen Zhi, a Chinese-Cambodian businessman and founder of Prince Group, was arrested in Cambodia and deported to China following a $15 billion Bitcoin seizure by U.S. officials in October—the largest cryptocurrency forfeiture in history. He allegedly masterminded a massive fraud operation running forced labor compounds in Cambodia that generated approximately $30 million daily through "pig butchering" scams, where trafficked individuals were coerced into perpetrating romance and investment fraud schemes targeting victims worldwide. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers online, especially those promising high returns, and verify any investment opportunity through official channels before sending money.
nypost.com
· 2026-01-08
A Chinese-born tycoon named Chen Zhi, chairman of Cambodia-based Prince Group, has been arrested in Cambodia and extradited to China in connection with an alleged $11 billion "pig butchering" bitcoin scam that targeted Americans and others worldwide. "Pig butchering" scams are a type of cryptocurrency fraud where criminals build fake romantic or investment relationships with victims over weeks or months before tricking them into transferring crypto to fraudulent accounts, emptying their savings. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited online relationships that quickly pivot to investment opportunities, never transfer cryptocurrency to accounts you cannot independently verify, and report suspicious investment schemes to authorities.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-07
A hacker stole $27.3 million from a cryptocurrency multi-signature wallet and laundered $19.4 million through Tornado Cash, a privacy service, while maintaining a leveraged trading position—the latest in a series of major crypto exploits in early 2026. The attack was linked to a "pig-butchering" investment scam that typically targets victims through fake romantic relationships before stealing their cryptocurrency. Affected parties include crypto users and trading platform customers, and experts recommend using legitimate, verified platforms, enabling multi-factor authentication, and being extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers, particularly those involving romantic relationships.
molawyersmedia.com
· 2026-01-07
The Department of Justice significantly escalated its enforcement efforts against white-collar crime in 2025, with healthcare fraud as the top priority—exemplified by a record-breaking June takedown charging over 300 individuals, including nearly 100 medical professionals, for $14.6 billion in fraudulent claims. Healthcare providers, billing professionals, and compliance officers should expect increased scrutiny of their billing practices and business arrangements, with the DOJ expanding its specialized Strike Force model to nine regions nationwide to investigate and prosecute complex fraud schemes more rapidly. Companies in the healthcare sector are advised to strengthen their compliance programs and review their billing and business practices to mitigate fraud risks.
desotocountynews.com
· 2026-01-06
A Taiwanese national named Chia Lai has been indicted on fraud charges for allegedly leading an international scam that stole millions of dollars from elderly Americans by draining their bank accounts through high-pressure financial schemes. His arrest involved coordination between federal and local authorities, though it was temporarily complicated when California officials initially refused to cooperate due to state sanctuary policies. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited financial offers and pressure to move money quickly, and should verify any investment or financial advice directly with trusted banks or financial institutions before acting.
mtairynews.com
· 2026-01-06
A 28-year-old bank teller named Sarah Wilson was sentenced to 21 months in prison for embezzling over $150,000 from First Citizens Bank in North Carolina and fraudulently draining the savings accounts of two elderly customers (ages 89 and 90) by a combined $59,700 between December 2023 and May 2024. Wilson concealed her crimes by making false entries in the bank's computer system, and when one elderly customer questioned suspicious activity, she falsely assured him everything was fine. To protect yourself, elderly customers should regularly monitor their accounts for suspicious transactions, verify account details with bank management rather than individual tellers, and consider having a trusted family member help oversee finances.
yourtango.com
· 2026-01-06
A bride discovered on her wedding day that her maid of honor and 17-year best friend had been systematically scamming her family for decades, including charging fake alcohol expenses to multiple people and stealing thousands from an elderly family member with dementia. The scam came to light when the bride was helping manage finances for a family member and found suspicious charges, prompting her to cut ties with the friend and remove her from wedding photos. This story serves as a reminder to regularly monitor finances of vulnerable family members and to be cautious about large or unusual expenses from trusted friends, as financial betrayal can come from the closest relationships.
eastbaytimes.com
· 2026-01-06
Elderly Americans are increasingly falling victim to imposter scams, with losses exceeding $445 million in 2024 alone, according to FTC data showing an eightfold increase in six-figure losses since 2020. The article recommends that families create a "Family CFO checklist" by having open conversations and documenting critical financial information—including account numbers, property ownership, beneficiaries, and income sources—to help detect fraud before it happens. The most effective protection against financial scams isn't expensive monitoring services but rather family members staying informed and alert to suspicious activity.
pymnts.com
· 2026-01-06
Modern scams have evolved into a sophisticated, AI-powered industry that targets people of all ages—not just the elderly—through social engineering and psychological manipulation on digital platforms. According to Block and PayPal executives, nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults have experienced a scam in the past five years, with Gen Z and millennials now equally vulnerable to these attacks. To protect yourself, experts recommend using "smart friction" (targeted warnings that interrupt suspicious transactions) and staying alert to urgency tactics, while companies should prioritize quick reimbursement and clear reporting mechanisms to maintain user trust in digital finance.
seattletimes.com
· 2026-01-06
# Scammers Targeting Washington State Residents with Fake Arrest Warrants
Scammers impersonating U.S. Marshals and court officials are sending fraudulent arrest warrant emails to Washington residents, demanding payment through Bitcoin, prepaid debit cards, or gift cards by claiming victims have missed jury duty or have outstanding warrants. The fake communications use legitimate-sounding details like case numbers, judge signatures, and spoofed phone numbers to appear credible. To protect yourself, never pay fines via phone or digital payment methods, and verify any official contact by calling the U.S. Marshals Service directly at 206-370-8600 or your local court clerk's office; report suspected scams to the FBI and Federal Trade Commission.
fox13news.com
· 2026-01-06
# Fraud Summary
Seniors lost $2.4 billion to fraud in 2024, a dramatic increase from $600 million in 2020, according to a new Federal Trade Commission report, with investment scams on social media being the most common type. Law enforcement in the Tampa Bay area is warning about rising government impersonation scams that trick seniors into sending money via wire transfers, gift cards, and cryptocurrency, often to international criminals who make recovery nearly impossible. To protect themselves, seniors should be cautious of unsolicited contacts claiming to be from the government or investment firms, especially around tax season, and verify requests directly with official agencies before sending any money.
wiregrassdailynews.com
· 2026-01-06
SARCOA is hosting a free Fraud Summit on January 22, 2026, in Enterprise, Alabama, designed to help seniors and their caregivers recognize and avoid financial scams and exploitation. Expert speakers from organizations like the Alabama Securities Commission and AARP will provide practical guidance on spotting common scams, protecting personal information, and accessing help resources. Seniors interested in attending should register by January 12 to secure their spot at this free event, which includes lunch.
the420.in
· 2026-01-05
In 2025, cybercriminals defrauded Nagpur residents of ₹45.77 crore (approximately $5.5 million USD), with senior citizens making up 60% of victims through schemes involving fake investments, cryptocurrency scams, and "digital arrest" tactics that exploited fear and greed. The cyber police registered 125 FIRs from 15,000 complaints and arrested 42 accused persons, but the rapid psychological manipulation used in these scams—particularly digital arrest schemes involving impersonated government officials—allowed fraudsters to drain lifetime savings in minutes. Residents should verify any investment opportunities independently, never transfer money under pressure or threats of legal action, and report suspicious contacts to local cyber police rather than complying with demands from unknown callers claiming government authority.
nagpurtoday.in
· 2026-01-05
# Cyber Fraud Summary
In 2025, cybercriminals stole Rs 45.77 crore from Nagpur residents, with senior citizens making up 60% of the victims, losing their life savings to scams involving fake investments, stock market schemes, cryptocurrency deals, and "digital arrest" frauds. Police received approximately 15,000 complaints throughout the year, registered 125 cases, and arrested 42 suspects, but prosecution has been slow with only 20 charge sheets filed so far. Authorities warn that elderly residents should exercise greater caution with online transactions and be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those promising quick profits or claiming to involve legal authorities.
newsmobile.in
· 2026-01-04
An 81-year-old man in Hyderabad lost over Rs 7 crore in an elaborate "digital arrest" scam that began with a fake courier company call and escalated into impersonators claiming to be Mumbai police officials accusing him of serious crimes. Over nearly two months, the scammers kept the victim isolated, forced him to transfer funds as "verification" payments, and coerced him into liquidating investments while maintaining control through a messaging app. To protect yourself, be wary of unexpected calls from authorities or companies, never share financial information with callers, verify claims independently through official channels, and involve trusted family members or bank officials if you're asked to make urgent transfers.
the420.in
· 2026-01-04
Cybercriminals in India are increasingly using psychological manipulation tactics like fake reward point expiration warnings, fraudulent product listings, and fake legal threats to trick people into revealing sensitive financial information such as OTPs and UPI PINs, rather than relying on technical hacking methods. The scams disproportionately affect online shoppers and digital payment users who are pressured by urgency and fear into clicking malicious links or making advance payments for non-existent products. To protect yourself, never share OTPs or click links from unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from banks or payment providers, and verify offers directly through official apps or customer service numbers before taking action.
cnn.com
· 2026-01-04
Four major crime families operating scam factories along Myanmar's border with China—allegedly running multibillion-dollar operations involving internet fraud, illegal gambling, and human trafficking—have been arrested and imprisoned in China, with some members facing death sentences. The suspects' confessions, broadcast on Chinese state media, revealed horrific abuses including human trafficking, torture, and murder within their organizations. While the article doesn't provide specific advice for the general public, it underscores the dangers of online scams and the importance of reporting suspicious activity to authorities, as these criminal networks often target victims through internet-based schemes.
the420.in
· 2026-01-04
An 81-year-old retired businessman in Hyderabad lost ₹7.12 crore to sophisticated "digital arrest" scammers who impersonated Mumbai Police and threatened him with false charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and terrorism over several months. The fraudsters used intimidation tactics and isolation—forbidding the victim from contacting family, lawyers, or banks—to coerce him into transferring large sums of money for "verification" of assets. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from law enforcement or courier companies, never share financial details or asset information with callers, immediately verify any serious allegations through official police channels using independently confirmed phone numbers, and always consult with trusted family members or lawyers before making any financial decisions.
birminghammail.co.uk
· 2026-01-03
# Romance Scam Summary
Romance scammers are targeting women across the UK through online dating platforms, manipulating them emotionally and financially to steal their savings, according to Birmingham private investigator Dan Anderson. His firm Anderson & Co has seen a surge in cases as scammers create fake profiles with false promises of love to deceive vulnerable victims. Anderson advises people to trust their instincts—if something feels wrong about an online relationship, it likely is—and recommends being cautious about sharing personal information or money with people you haven't met in person.
townhall.com
· 2026-01-03
Three people have been sentenced to prison for running a romance scam that defrauded victims across the United States and contributed to the death of at least one elderly victim, resulting in $388,500 in losses. Salma Abdalkareem, Chinagorom Onwumere, and Stephen Anagor received sentences ranging from 51 to 108 months and must repay victims and complete supervised release. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic relationships—especially with people claiming to be military personnel or those asking for money or personal information—and verify identities through video calls or in-person meetings before sending any funds.
yahoo.com
· 2026-01-03
Scammers stole over $333 million from Americans in 2025 by impersonating government agencies and pressuring victims to deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs, where the money is quickly transferred to untraceable digital wallets. Older Americans are particularly targeted by these schemes, which have surged dramatically—losses more than tripled from 2024 to 2025. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages urging immediate cryptocurrency payments, verify requests directly with official agencies using known contact numbers, and avoid using Bitcoin ATMs for any transaction initiated by someone else.
baxterbulletin.com
· 2026-01-03
# Elder Fraud Summary
Americans aged 60 and older lost nearly $2.4 million to scammers in 2024, making them the group most targeted by financial fraud, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Criminals use elaborate schemes—including imposter, romance, and sweepstakes scams—primarily through phone calls and online contact to gain trust and steal money or misuse personal property. Arvest Bank recommends that older adults and their families stay vigilant by learning about common scam tactics and verifying the legitimacy of unexpected financial requests before sharing any information or money.
uniladtech.com
· 2026-01-03
A Lithuanian man named Evaldas Rimasauskas defrauded Google and Facebook out of $122 million over two years by sending fake invoices and tricking the companies into wiring money to accounts he controlled. He was arrested in 2017, extradited to the United States, and sentenced to five years in prison along with ordered restitution of over $26 million. The case highlights how even large corporations can fall victim to business email compromise schemes, so companies should implement verification procedures for payment requests and employees should confirm unusual wire transfer requests through separate communication channels before processing them.