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in Romance Scam
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article warns Gen Z that scammers target all age groups, not just seniors, with a particular focus on employment fraud. The article highlights two common remote work scams: shipping scams where victims unknowingly process stolen merchandise and face criminal liability, and equipment scams where victims deposit fraudulent checks and lose their own money purchasing non-existent job equipment. Gen Z is particularly vulnerable because they grew up with technology and are less skeptical of digital communications and remote work offers.
techlicious.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, U.S. consumers lost $10 billion to fraud, with investment scams topping the list, often orchestrated by cyber-scam factories in Southeast Asia that force trafficked victims into perpetrating schemes targeting wealthy nations. Common scams include "pig-butchering" cryptocurrency fraud, romance scams, and impersonation schemes, with authorities making arrests but struggling to shut down operations that rapidly relocate. Protection strategies include remaining suspicious of unsolicited contact, refusing remote computer access to unverified sources, ignoring threatening calls claiming to be government officials, and reporting scams to the FTC.
thepointsguy.com
· 2025-12-08
Advances in technology and social engineering are enabling sophisticated scams that cost consumers billions of dollars annually. Visa's 2024 Threats Report identifies four major scams on the rise, including pig butchering (romance) scams where fraudsters use AI and deepfake technology to build trust with victims over weeks or months before convincing them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms—affecting 10% of surveyed adults and resulting in billions in losses. The report notes that beyond financial victims, these scams often involve human trafficking victims forced to participate in the fraud operations.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
An 87-year-old woman in Rochester, Minnesota lost $18,000 in a grandparent scam on February 22 when a caller impersonated her son, claimed to be in a car accident, and directed her to a fake attorney who demanded bail money. A man in a medical mask collected the cash from her home, and she only discovered the fraud after calling her actual son to verify. Police noted the in-person collection was unusual for phone scams, and without surveillance footage or a clear suspect description, identification was unlikely.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
Indian nationals are being targeted by human traffickers who lure them with fake high-paying job offers in Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries, then coerce them into participating in online financial scams and forced labor. The Indian government has issued warnings urging job seekers to use only legitimate employment channels and thoroughly verify employer credentials, following recent arrests of key cybercrime syndicate members and incidents where victims were smuggled into forced cybercrime operations in Laos and Cambodia. Authorities recommend exercising caution with online job offers, researching companies through embassies, avoiding sharing personal information, and informing family of travel plans when seeking employment abroad.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
Google filed its first-ever lawsuit against cryptocurrency scammers based in China and Hong Kong for distributing 87 fraudulent trading apps on the Google Play Store that were used to conduct "pig butchering" romance scams. The scheme targeted over 100,000 victims who lost between $100 and tens of thousands of dollars each after being manipulated into downloading fake apps that displayed false investment returns but prevented fund withdrawals. Google is seeking damages, financial compensation exceeding $75,000 in investigation costs, and a court order to bar the developers from future fraudulent activity.
veronapress.com
· 2025-12-08
On March 28, Verona Police arrested 23-year-old Jiale Yang after receiving an anonymous tip that he would commit elder fraud that afternoon; Yang falsely identified himself as an IRS agent and obtained $30,000 in cash from the victim, who had been deceived by a pop-up claiming her computer had a virus and directed her to "Apple Support" where she was told her money was involved in criminal activity. The article also outlines five common types of elder fraud schemes: grandparent scams, government impersonation scams, phishing scams (which increased from 114,702 reports in 2019 to 298,878 in 2
sandiegouniontribune.com
· 2025-12-08
New York City authorities disrupted an online "pig butchering" cryptocurrency fraud operation that stole millions of dollars by gaining victims' trust through dating apps and social media, then directing them to fake investment platforms. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez seized 21 web domains used in the scheme; reported victims in Brooklyn alone lost over $4 million, with individual losses ranging from $22,680 to $118,000, though actual losses likely total billions nationally due to underreporting. Investigators traced stolen funds through multiple cryptocurrency addresses to foreign exchanges, with at least one perpetrator operating beyond U.S. jurisdiction.
beincrypto.com
· 2025-12-08
Google filed a lawsuit against two individuals from China and Hong Kong accused of creating 87 fraudulent apps on its Play Store that defrauded over 100,000 users of more than $75,000 through romance scams involving fake cryptocurrency exchange and investment apps. The scammers used romantic messaging and YouTube narratives to build trust before directing victims to fraudulent platforms, sometimes recruiting victims to promote the apps for commission. Google's legal action, citing breach of terms of service and racketeering laws, represents an unprecedented effort to hold these actors accountable amid an eighty-fivefold increase in crypto romance scams since 2020.
independent.ie
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams resulted in €1.9 million in reported losses to Irish authorities in 2023, though actual losses are likely higher due to underreporting from shame and lack of awareness. Dr. Jessica Barker emphasizes that victims should not feel ashamed, as these scams are orchestrated by experienced criminal gangs who employ sophisticated, shared tactics. The article provides warning signs and safety advice to help people identify and protect themselves from romance fraud.
theverge.com
· 2025-12-08
Google is suing two app developers based in China and Hong Kong who allegedly uploaded 87 fraudulent cryptocurrency trading and investment apps to the Google Play Store, defrauding over 100,000 users of between $100 to tens of thousands of dollars each through "pig butchering" romance scams since at least 2019. The scheme involved fake initial contact messages that led victims to download the fraudulent apps, which displayed fake investment balances but prevented users from withdrawing their money. Google claims it suffered over $75,000 in damages investigating the fraud and is seeking to hold the developers accountable and recover unspecified damages.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
A Hong Kong finance worker lost $25.6 million after being deceived in a video conference where the CFO and executives were entirely computer-generated deepfakes, representing a sophisticated AI-enabled fraud scheme. Criminals are increasingly weaponizing generative AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E to create convincing fake voices, videos, and identities for various scams including celebrity endorsement frauds, romance schemes, sextortion, and phishing emails. Experts warn that AI technology has dramatically lowered the barrier for fraud perpetration, enabling an "industrial revolution for fraud criminals" with potentially endless victims and losses.
wbur.org
· 2025-12-08
"Pig-butchering" is a major online scam operation that has generated approximately $75 billion and involves criminals targeting vulnerable people through digital currency exploitation, human trafficking, and international crime networks operating from compounds in Southeast Asia. The scam uses sophisticated social engineering tactics and digital currency to defraud victims, with victims losing substantial sums while perpetrators operate across borders with connections to organized crime groups.
finextra.com
· 2025-12-08
Google filed a lawsuit against two app developers based in China and Hong Kong who uploaded 87 fraudulent investment apps to the Google Play Store, deceiving over 100,000 victims since 2019. The scam, a variant of pig-butchering romance fraud, lured victims through romantic messages or YouTube videos to download fake apps, then convinced them to invest money with promises of returns before blocking withdrawals and demanding fees. Victims collectively lost between $100 to tens of thousands of dollars each, and Google spent over $75,000 investigating the fraud.
mondaq.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC reported 64,003 romance scams in 2023 resulting in $1.14 billion in losses (median $2,000 per victim), advising consumers never to send money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to online suitors. The FTC also announced enforcement actions against AI companies engaging in deceptive data practices, published a final rule prohibiting impersonation of government agencies and businesses, and secured a $20.3 million judgment against merchant cash advance company owner Jonathan Braun for defrauding small business owners through misleading practices and unlawful asset seizure.
abc6.com
· 2025-12-08
Chukwunonso "Douglas" Umegbo, 39, a former New Bedford resident extradited from the United Kingdom, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for operating romance scams between 2018 and 2019. Umegbo created fake online personas to develop romantic relationships with U.S. victims, then solicited money and property from them, obtaining over $568,000 across multiple scams by depositing fraudulently obtained funds into bank accounts he opened using false identity documents. He was ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture totaling $578,954.78.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Chukwunonso Umegbo, a former New Bedford man, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for wire fraud and money laundering related to romance scams between 2018 and 2019. Umegbo used fake identities to open bank accounts in the Boston area that received over $568,000 from romance scam victims, which he then withdrew as cash, converted to cashier's checks, or spent; he was arrested in London in 2022 and extradited to face charges in 2023. He was ordered to pay $578,954.78 in restitution and forfeiture.
technode.global
· 2025-12-08
Internet love scams, including "pig butchering" schemes enhanced by AI-generated profiles and deepfakes, are rapidly increasing across Southeast Asia, with victims losing $25.9 million in Singapore (2023), RM43.9 million in Malaysia, and over 476 million baht in Thailand within nine months. Scammers exploit dating apps and AI tools to build emotional connections and manipulate victims into financial investments or divulging sensitive information, causing both financial and psychological harm. Common red flags include rushed declarations of love, refusal to video chat, requests for money, and requests for personal information—victims should remain cautious as scammers use sophisticated emotional manipulation tactics that exploit vulnerability
turnto10.com
· 2025-12-08
Chukwunonso "Douglas" Umegbo, 39, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for his role in laundering money from romance scams, having pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges. Between 2018 and 2019, Umegbo opened fraudulent bank accounts using fake identity documents in Greater Boston to receive funds from romance scam victims, ultimately processing over $568,000 in stolen money before withdrawing it in cash or converting it to cashier's checks. He was ordered to pay $570,000 in restitution and forfeiture.
ny1.com
· 2025-12-08
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez warned New Yorkers about "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scams, in which fraudsters lure victims through dating apps and group chat platforms into fake crypto investments, with documented losses ranging from $118,000 to $420,000 per victim and an estimated $3 billion stolen nationally in the past year. The DA's office has seized over 20 fraudulent crypto websites and domains that collectively defrauded victims of nearly $3 million, though law enforcement faces challenges in tracking perpetrators and recovering funds due to rapid cryptocurrency transfers and non-compliant exchanges. Officials urge victims to report crimes immediately, noting that actual case numbers are
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-08
The Brooklyn district attorney's office seized nearly two dozen web domains used in "pig butchering" scams, which lure victims through random messages and dating apps into fake cryptocurrency investments that show false returns but prevent withdrawals. Brooklyn-based victims lost at least $5 million to the scheme, which is facilitated by human trafficking victims in Southeast Asia, with one victim losing $23,000 after being tricked into deposits totaling nearly $400,000. Authorities recovered three virtual servers and advised the public to verify cryptocurrency exchanges through the New York State Department of Financial Services before investing.
abc7news.com
· 2025-12-08
A Los Gatos, California skincare shop owner charged an early-onset Alzheimer's patient over $7,300 for unwanted skincare products during a two-hour visit in which she was not aware she was making a purchase. The shop, Elements, has an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau, and the owner refused to issue a refund despite the victim's family explaining her cognitive diagnosis and her explicit lack of consent to the transaction.
namibian.com.na
· 2025-12-08
An AI-powered fraud crisis is escalating on dating apps, with a 2,000% increase in bot attacks between January 2023 and January 2024, according to cybersecurity firm Arkose Labs. In 2023, 64,000 Americans reported losses of $1.14 billion to romance scams perpetrated through dating apps, though actual cases are believed to be significantly higher. The article argues that while online dating provides societal benefits, dating app companies have been slow to address longstanding fraud problems and must implement stronger safeguards such as account verification, AI-powered fraud detection, and background checks to protect users from increasingly sophisticated AI-enabled scams.
thecable.ng
· 2025-12-08
The FBI is seeking six Nigerian nationals indicted for their involvement in business email compromise (BEC) schemes that resulted in over $6 million in losses to U.S. citizens. The suspects—Uzuh Richard, Alex Ogunshakin, Felix Okpoh, Micheal Olorunyomi, Benson Nnamdi, and Abiola Kayode, aged 32-37—defrauded victims through manipulative means and sensitive financial information, with some also indicted for romance scams.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
In Greater Manchester, 15,623 fraud cases were reported to Action Fraud in the past year, with online shopping/auction fraud being most common (3,100 cases), followed by advance fee fraud (1,500 cases). Notable cases included serial fraudster Cieran McNamara, who manipulated four women into sending over £300,000 through romance scams before being sentenced to seven years in prison, and a separate case where a man defrauded a woman of £50,000 on a widows' dating site. Other scams included pet fraud, concert ticket fraud, and designer goods schemes targeting victims through emotional manipulation and online platforms.
startribune.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission warns that fraud losses exceeded $10 billion in 2023, with common scams targeting older adults including investment, grandparent, romance, tech-support, tax, and business impersonation schemes. The article emphasizes that anyone can fall victim to sophisticated fraud and recommends slowing down and resisting pressure to act immediately as a key protective measure against scammers.
dlnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Google filed suit against two Chinese developers, Yunfeng Sun and Hongnam Cheung, for creating at least 87 fake cryptocurrency exchange apps (including TionRT and SkypeWallet) that defrauded over 100,000 downloaders globally since 2019. The developers used "pig-butchering" scams, initiating contact via Google Voice to build trust before convincing victims to invest in fraudulent projects; at least one victim lost over $75,000, with approximately 8,700 U.S. victims affected. Google seeks a permanent ban on the defendants' use of its services and damages to be determined at trial.
cbs19news.com
· 2025-12-08
Virginia experienced 491 tax scam victims in 2023 who lost over $12 million to government impersonation schemes, ranking the state 11th nationally. Scammers primarily target older adults by impersonating the IRS through fake websites (using .com or .net instead of .gov) to steal login credentials and redirect tax refunds within minutes, with potential access to accounts lasting years. The article features a reformed scammer who warns that verifying URLs and protecting IRS account information are critical defenses against these schemes.
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
This opinion piece highlights multiple types of elder and consumer fraud affecting South Carolina residents, including gift card scams, cryptocurrency schemes, the "grandparent" impersonation scam, and account takeovers, with documented losses ranging from $30,000 to $39,000. The author provides red flags to recognize scams (requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency, unsolicited requests for personal information, phishing emails) and recommends protective measures such as using strong passwords, utilizing password managers, and paying with credit cards rather than debit cards to limit liability. The piece emphasizes that while individuals have limited recourse, large institutions continue to suffer major data breaches that put personal information into criminals' hands.
boston.com
· 2025-12-08
Chukwunonso Umegbo, a 38-year-old former New Bedford man, was sentenced to over three years in prison for operating a romance scam fraud scheme that defrauded victims of more than $568,000. Umegbo used fake identities and online personas to create fraudulent romantic relationships, then funneled the stolen money through bank accounts under false names, converting it to cash and cashier's checks. He was ordered to pay approximately $578,000 in restitution and forfeiture after his arrest in London in April 2022 and extradition to the U.S. in February 2023.
gript.ie
· 2025-12-08
**Romance Scam Case:** A 37-year-old man in Dublin was charged under money laundering laws in connection with a suspected romance scam involving over €255,000 that was deposited into his bank account between February 2017 and February 2020; the alleged victim is believed to be a resident of Finland, and the case is under consideration for referral to Circuit Criminal Court.
cryptotimes.io
· 2025-12-08
Millions of dollars in fraudulent funds were seized at Evolve Bank and Trust after the bank discovered that entities including Parallel Design Limited, Gatcha Pictures Limited, and Bytechip LLC were facilitating crypto scams and pig-butchering schemes operated by a network of 26 Chinese nationals. Evolve froze over $15 million in virtual accounts linked to these fraudulent activities and subsequently severed relationships with the implicated firms due to unsatisfactory banking practices.
hamlethub.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
This educational piece outlines key strategies for protecting against hacking and scams. It advises securing internet-connected devices against malware, recognizing common scam tactics (phishing, romance scams, fake tech support, and demands for wire transfers or cryptocurrency), and reporting suspected fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
silicon.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Google filed a lawsuit against two alleged cryptocurrency scammers based in mainland China and Hong Kong who uploaded 87 fraudulent apps that were downloaded by over 100,000 people, defrauding victims of tens of thousands of dollars each through "pig-butchering" romance scams. The developers used fake cryptocurrency investment apps that promised high returns but prevented withdrawals and demanded additional fees of 10-30 percent, ultimately severing contact once victims' funds were exhausted. Google seeks to block the defendants from accessing its services and claims $75,000 in damages from the investigation.
masslive.com
· 2025-12-08
Chukwunonso "Douglas" Umegbo, 39, a former New Bedford resident, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison after pleading guilty to running romance scams between 2018 and 2019 that defrauded victims of over $568,000. Umegbo used fake identities to open bank accounts and receive money from fictitious online relationships, then withdrew the funds in cash, purchased cashier's checks, or spent the money directly, and continued directing victim funds to co-conspirators' accounts even after fleeing to London. He was arrested in London in April 2022, extradited to the U.S.
azfamily.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational podcast series covering consumer protection topics rather than a specific fraud or elder abuse incident. Key episodes address red flags in standard contracts, risks associated with rewards credit cards that can lead to debt, vehicle recalls affecting safety, and credit denial trends affecting consumers. The podcast provides advice on identifying problematic contract clauses, understanding credit card pitfalls, and navigating consumer financial decisions.
wired.com
· 2025-12-08
This article explains the emerging threat of AI-powered voice cloning scams, where fraudsters use artificial intelligence to impersonate family members or trusted contacts in urgent calls requesting money. The article provides expert advice on protection strategies, including hanging up and calling the person back using a verified number, establishing pre-agreed safe words with loved ones, and asking personal questions that only the real person would know to verify authenticity.
kxii.com
· 2025-12-08
Jason Leach from Communication Federal Credit Union discusses common scam types, specifically grandparent and romance scams, and provides guidance on how to avoid becoming a victim. The segment, part of a "Dollars and Sense" educational series, focuses on awareness and prevention strategies for these prevalent fraud schemes.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued a cryptocurrency alert during Financial Literacy Month, warning consumers about investment fraud risks. According to the FTC, over 46,000 people reported losing more than $1 billion to cryptocurrency scams (60 times the 2018 figure), with $575 million involving fraudulent investment schemes that promise unrealistic returns and use fake tracking websites or demand additional "fees" to withdraw funds. The alert advises potential investors to research thoroughly, avoid high-pressure sales tactics, never invest more than they can afford to lose, and be wary of anyone demanding cryptocurrency payments or guaranteeing profits.
inews.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Cyber crime expert Jake Moore discusses rising online fraud threats in the UK, where online fraud doubled in 2023 to cost £2.3 billion, with romance scams and identity theft among the fastest-growing categories affecting 1.4 million people. Moore advises individuals on essential security practices including using encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal instead of SMS texts, keeping software and apps updated automatically to patch vulnerabilities, and being cautious about downloading apps like TikTok that pose data privacy risks. He emphasizes that consistent application of basic cybersecurity habits is the most effective defense against increasingly sophisticated scams and hacking attempts.
nevalleynews.org
· 2025-12-08
Scottsdale Community College hosted a cyber security awareness event featuring speakers from the U.S. Secret Service and Scottsdale Police Department who educated students and community members about online scams, including AI-voice impersonation schemes, cryptocurrency fraud, and romance scams targeting vulnerable populations. The presentation emphasized protective measures such as staying calm during suspicious calls, verifying caller identity through questions only loved ones would know, and strengthening passwords and security practices, noting that seniors and widows are particularly targeted by romance scammers who exploit loneliness and unfamiliarity with social media.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Brick Township police warn residents, particularly seniors, about active scams in their community, including gift card/cryptocurrency fraud, grandparent scams, email phishing, tech support fraud, and romance scams. The department urges residents to verify caller identities, avoid unsolicited payment requests, maintain strong cybersecurity practices, and report suspected fraud to local police immediately.
wareham.theweektoday.com
· 2025-12-08
District Attorney Timothy Cruz will present an educational program on April 18 at the Wareham Free Library addressing various types of scams, including telephone, romance, internet, and financial scams. The presentation is designed for adults seeking to learn protective measures against fraud, and will feature the Wareham Police Department's comfort dog Lexi.
rexburgstandardjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Madison County residents, particularly those 50 years old and older, have been targeted by a jury duty summons scam where callers impersonating sheriff's office deputies demand payment or attempt to arrange in-person meetings. The Madison County Sheriff's Office clarified that deputies never contact residents by phone regarding warrants, fines, or tickets, and do not accept payment via gift cards or digital payment methods. Other prevalent scams in the area include IRS impersonation, sweepstakes fraud, fake scholarships, and romance scams, all designed to extract money from victims.
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A 60-year-old widow from Warrington lost £50,000 in life savings to a romance fraudster who posed as "Derek," a Manchester businessman, after meeting him on a social media page for widows in May 2021. The scammer manipulated her over several months with false promises and stories before requesting cash, which eventually escalated to her transferring her entire retirement fund. Romance fraud cases across England and Wales have risen significantly, with 7,660 reported cases in the most recent year compared to 4,842 in 2019, costing North West residents an estimated £36 million over five years.
irishstar.com
· 2025-12-08
Chukwunonso "Douglas" Umegbo, a 39-year-old Massachusetts man, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for laundering over $568,000 obtained through romance scams between 2018 and 2019. Using fake identities and fraudulent bank accounts in the Boston area, Umegbo received funds from romance scam victims, withdrew the money in cash, and purchased cashier's checks to obscure the funds' origin. He was arrested in London in April 2022, extradited to the U.S. in February 2023, and ordered to pay $578,954.78 in restitution and forfeiture.
krocnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Sharon Ann Schmalzriedt, 61, a bookkeeper in Wabasha, Minnesota, pleaded guilty to felony theft after stealing over $3.7 million from her employer between October 2019 and March 2020 to send to an online romance scammer posing as "Erik Lockwood," who claimed he needed funds to access $7 million from work in Dubai. She also stole more than $17,000 from a vulnerable adult in her care, and her actions contributed to her employer's bankruptcy. She is scheduled for sentencing in June with a plea agreement recommending a stayed prison sentence and probation.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
A 60-year-old widow from Warrington, Cheshire, lost her £50,000 life savings to a romance fraud scam after meeting a man posing as "Derek," a Manchester businessman, on a social media page for widows in May 2021. The fraudster gradually built trust over several months before requesting money for various emergencies, with the victim eventually realizing the deception only when police informed her that "Derek" did not exist and was part of an organized fraud gang. Romance fraud cases in England and Wales have surged from 4,842 in 2019 to 7,660 in the most recent year, with the North West experiencing a
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Ellen Hickton, a senior from Ontario, Canada, lost $16,542 CAD ($12,195.84 USD) to a sophisticated phone scam in which a fraudster impersonated a CIBC bank employee and convinced her she was helping investigate fraudulent activity on her account. The scammer instructed Hickton to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, and invest in Bitcoin under the false premise that the bank would reimburse her. CIBC clarified that legitimate banks never ask customers to help investigate fraud, make cryptocurrency transfers, or buy gift cards, and urged customers to verify callers by contacting their bank directly using official phone numbers.
indiatvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines major cybercrime threats targeting smart device users, including phishing, fake online stores, banking scams, impersonation scams, and romance scams. It provides guidance on recognizing red flags—such as unsolicited requests for personal information, suspicious payment methods, and poor grammar—and recommends preventative measures including verifying website legitimacy, avoiding unknown links and attachments, and monitoring financial accounts for unauthorized activity. The article advises reporting suspected scams to authorities like the FTC and contacting financial institutions immediately if fraud is suspected.