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in Robocall / Phone Scam
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Steve Wozniak became a victim of a cryptocurrency scam when fraudsters used deepfake videos of him on YouTube to solicit bitcoin, claiming they would double any amount sent to them. Victims like Jennifer Marion lost significant sums—Marion lost $59,000 in bitcoin with nothing returned—but Wozniak's five-year lawsuit against YouTube has stalled due to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields social media platforms from liability for user-posted content. Wozniak argues the law is too broad and enables platforms to ignore fraudulent activity without consequence.
deccanherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake technology, powered by AI, poses a growing fraud threat to financial institutions and individuals, with estimates suggesting potential losses of Rs 70,000 crore in India in 2025. Fraudsters use hyper-realistic synthetic videos and cloned voices to impersonate executives or loved ones to authorize fraudulent transactions, with an average loss of $450,000 per business incident globally in 2024. Financial institutions are implementing advanced AI detection, blockchain-based identity verification, and employee training programs to counter deepfake fraud, as traditional KYC and facial recognition methods have become vulnerable to these sophisticated attacks.
inkl.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors are increasingly targeted through crypto ATM scams using seven common tactics: fake tech support calls, grandparent emergency scams, romance fraud, government impersonation, fake investment schemes, utility bill threats, and QR code tricks. These scams exploit the irreversible nature of cryptocurrency transactions and the emotional vulnerability of older adults through urgency, authority, and personal relationships. The article advises seniors to verify requests independently through official channels, avoid sending cryptocurrency for emergencies or payments, and consult trusted contacts before transferring money.
rutherfordsource.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC warns that jury duty scams remain prevalent with a new twist: scammers impersonate police officers claiming victims missed jury duty and direct them to fraudulent websites resembling official government sites to steal personal information (birthdates, Social Security numbers) and demand fines up to $10,000 or cryptocurrency payments. Consumers should recognize that legitimate law enforcement will not threaten arrest via unsolicited calls or demand payment through untraceable methods; they should hang up and independently verify any jury duty obligations by contacting their local court directly.
fortbendstar.com
· 2025-12-08
Fort Bend County Libraries hosted an educational program titled "The Truth About Scams" on August 15 at their University Branch Library in Sugar Land, designed to educate seniors and family members about fraud prevention. A panel of experts moderated by senior real-estate specialist Liz McNeel covered common scams targeting seniors, psychological manipulation tactics, red flags in communications, identity protection strategies, and reporting procedures.
mundodeportivo.com
· 2025-12-08
A San Diego woman lost her entire savings of $5,700 when a scammer posing as a Wells Fargo representative convinced her to transfer funds to Apple Cash under the pretense of protecting her money. The fraudster claimed to have set up new accounts in her name, but the funds were permanently lost once García discovered the deception and contacted her actual bank. The case highlights key warning signs of phone impersonation scams, including caller ID spoofing, unverified transfers, and urgency tactics, with experts recommending victims hang up and call their bank directly using official numbers to verify caller identity.
govinfosecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Four Ghanaian nationals were extradited to the United States and charged with stealing over $100 million through romance scams and business email compromise (BEC) attacks targeting U.S. victims and organizations from 2016 to May 2023, with particular focus on vulnerable older men and women. The criminals, operating as part of a "sakawa" criminal organization, used fake identities and forged email accounts to trick victims into sending money or laundering stolen funds through shell company bank accounts in the U.S. before funneling proceeds to West Africa; three defendants have been extradited and face up to 75 years in prison, while one remains at large.
chinadailyasia.com
· 2025-12-08
Hong Kong police received over 50 reports of online romance scams in two weeks with losses exceeding HK$16 million ($2.04 million). A 47-year-old woman lost nearly HK$2 million after being romantically manipulated by a scammer posing as a U.S. gold investor; she transferred her life savings and borrowed additional funds converted to cryptocurrency at his request before discovering the fraud. Police advised victims to insist on meeting contacts in person, maintain skepticism toward investment offers, and use the Scameter tool to assess fraud risks.
dos.ny.gov
· 2025-12-08
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection issued scam prevention guidance for college students as the academic year begins, highlighting six common threats: fake scholarship and loan schemes (which often guarantee pre-approvals), unpaid tuition phone scams, fraudulent job/internship offers requesting personal information, counterfeit textbook websites, rental property scams, and fake social media stores selling discounted products. The advisory warns students to verify information directly with official sources, avoid upfront fees, research sellers carefully, and protect personal information like Social Security numbers during financial transactions.
southbendtribune.com
· 2025-12-08
College students are frequently targeted by scammers offering fake credit cards, apartments, employment opportunities, and scholarships, often exploiting their inexperience with major financial decisions. To protect themselves, students should verify offers through reputable sources, research companies and landlords, avoid upfront fees for jobs or scholarships, and report suspicious activity to the Better Business Bureau. Common scams include rental fraud, phony employment offers requiring payment, tech support cons, fake online stores, and scholarship schemes disguised as legitimate financial aid opportunities.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Following the FCA's announcement of a forthcoming car finance compensation scheme, scammers have begun calling motorists and impersonating lenders to offer fake compensation in exchange for personal details. The FCA warned the public that no compensation scheme is currently in place and urged recipients of such calls to hang up immediately and not share any information, as the FCA never requests bank PINs or passwords.
wyff4.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP South Carolina promotes fraud prevention awareness, particularly targeting seniors who are frequently victimized by scammers seeking financial information. The article highlights that 40% of reported scams are credit-related, with common tactics including phishing and spoofing emails that impersonate legitimate businesses like Amazon or financial institutions. Red flags to identify scams include unofficial email addresses, grammatical errors, and requests for immediate sensitive information.
whec.com
· 2025-12-08
Deep fake scams using AI voice cloning and synthetic media have increased by 3,000% in 2023, with scammers impersonating relatives, celebrities, and customer service representatives to defraud victims. A News10NBC anchor recently received a call from someone impersonating her daughter using voice cloning technology, a scam that works because AI tools are widely available with minimal regulation. To protect themselves, consumers should establish family code words for identity verification, avoid posting vacation plans on social media, use automated voicemail messages, and watch for telltale signs of deep fakes such as unnatural facial expressions, body movements, and skin tone inconsistencies.
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Pew Research Center survey of over 9,000 U.S. adults found that approximately 73% have experienced at least one online scam or attack, with 32% reporting victimization within the past year and 24% tricked into sharing personal information. The most common scams include credit card fraud, online shopping fraud, and ransomware attacks, with newer tactics involving unsolicited calendar invites and multi-factor authentication exploits that direct users to phishing pages or malicious downloads. Cybersecurity experts recommend disabling automatic calendar updates, verifying suspicious invitations directly with trusted contacts, and remaining vigilant against phishing attempts.
algona.com
· 2025-12-08
Iowa seniors face a significant threat from scam calls, with 85% of landline calls now classified as spam or unwanted, targeting the approximately 500,000 seniors in the state who rely on landlines. According to the FBI's 2022 Elder Fraud Report, 557 seniors over 60 in Iowa lost an average of $500 or more to scams, totaling over $12 million in losses statewide. The author calls for state and local authorities to develop comprehensive educational programs and anti-fraud resources to protect vulnerable seniors from increasingly sophisticated schemes.
lowincomerelief.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security recipients face escalating financial fraud, with seniors over 60 losing an estimated $3.4 billion to scams in 2023 alone. The article outlines seven common scam types targeting this vulnerable population: fake government calls (including a new SSA warning about fraudsters posing as federal agencies demanding payment via untraceable methods), Medicare fraud, grandparent scams, financial services impersonation, tech support scams, fake assistance programs, and romance scams. The article provides protective measures for each scam type, emphasizing verification of contacts, use of official phone numbers, and avoidance of unusual payment methods and unsolicited requests for personal information.
rfdtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security impersonation scams are increasing as criminals pose as SSA officials via calls, texts, emails, and social media to steal Social Security numbers, with scammers now using AI to create more convincing and personalized communications including fake credentials and spoofed official letterhead. Experts warn that recipients may be particularly vulnerable during periods of system changes, such as 2024's new login requirements for My Social Security accounts, and advise people to be suspicious of unsolicited contact offering to help with credential changes since the SSA rarely initiates contact with the public.
americanbanker.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission reported a dramatic surge in imposter scams targeting older adults from 2020 to 2024, with losses over $100,000 increasing nearly sevenfold and reported total losses reaching $700 million in 2023 (though estimated real losses may reach $7.1 billion to $61.5 billion when unreported cases are included). Scammers use deceptive tactics like impersonating banks, government agencies, and tech companies to create urgency and convince victims to send money via cryptocurrency (33%), bank transfers (20%), or cash (16%), with bank transfers most common for losses exceeding $100,000. Banks face pressure to enhance fraud prevention
turnto23.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers about moving scams, which increased during peak moving seasons in 2024, with over 100,000 inquiries and 718 complaints filed against movers, resulting in a median loss of $754 per victim. Common scams include no-shows, unexpected price hikes, weight-based upcharges, stolen items, and holding belongings hostage for additional fees. The BBB recommends researching movers carefully, verifying company legitimacy, and being cautious of red flags such as missing business information, unusual payment methods, and vague contracts before hiring moving services.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Pew Research Center survey found that approximately 73% of U.S. adults have experienced at least one online scam or attack, with credit card fraud, online shopping scams, and ransomware being the most common. Cybersecurity experts warn of evolving threats including phishing attacks via unsolicited calendar invites, multi-factor authentication scams, and malicious HTML attachments, and recommend protective measures such as adjusting calendar settings, verifying suspicious invites through trusted contacts, and remaining vigilant against social engineering tactics.
onlineathens.com
· 2025-12-08
A Jefferson woman lost at least $2,000 after depositing a fraudulent $2,650 check received through the mail as part of a "secret shopper" scam, purchasing $1,500 in gift cards with her checking account and $500 more on credit before discovering the check was fake. In a related incident the same day, a Jackson County man was scammed out of $850 after paying money to a caller claiming to bail his sister out of jail.
nature.com
· 2025-12-08
Vietnamese victims, particularly educated professionals, were lured to Cambodia through fraudulent job postings by Chinese-led criminal syndicates operating "pig-butchering" scams between 2018-2023, where they were trafficked, confined, and coerced into committing cyber fraud against others. This mixed-methods study of 10 cases and interviews with 12 Vietnamese police officers reveals complex multi-layered networks targeting skilled workers with promises of IT, programming, and customer service positions, creating "victim-offender overlaps" where trafficked individuals are simultaneously victimized and forced to victimize others. The research highlights the need for greater focus on the intersection of human trafficking, cyber
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner lost $240,000 in an imposter scam when a caller falsely claiming to be from JP Morgan Chase convinced him to wire funds to protect his account from fraudulent activity. Imposter scams are the second-highest fraud category, accounting for $2.95 billion in losses in 2024, and commonly originate via spoofed text messages that mimic legitimate banks; consumers should independently verify suspicious communications and never wire funds to "protect" accounts, as legitimate banks never request such actions.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP's Fraud Watch Network developed a universal anti-fraud framework called "Pause. Reflect. Protect." to help consumers recognize and avoid scams. The framework identifies three common triggers present in most fraud attempts—unexpected contact, surge of emotion, and urgency—that should prompt an "Active Pause," allowing people to step back and logically evaluate whether a situation makes sense before responding. By recognizing these three elements and engaging critical thinking rather than emotional reaction, consumers can protect themselves from a wide range of scams including tech support, toll road, and grandparent schemes.
jfs.ohio.gov
· 2025-12-08
Ohio state agencies warn of rising cryptocurrency scams targeting older adults, where scammers contact victims via phone, text, or email claiming they must pay fines or correct banking errors using Bitcoin or gift cards. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Department of Aging urge residents and families to remain vigilant against these virtual currency fraud schemes.
americascreditunions.org
· 2025-12-08
FinCEN issued guidance alerting financial institutions to a rising trend of scam payments involving cryptocurrency ATMs (CVC kiosks), where scammers contact victims—particularly elderly individuals—via unsolicited calls impersonating banks, government agencies, or tech support to direct them to deposit cash into crypto ATMs. According to FTC data, older adults account for more than two-thirds of all losses from CVC kiosk scams, with criminals often instructing victims to structure transactions across multiple deposits or kiosks to evade reporting thresholds. The advisory identifies red flags for credit unions and CVC operators to detect suspicious activity, including unusual high-value withdrawals, elderly members with no
boston25news.com
· 2025-12-08
A transnational elder fraud ring operating a call center in Santiago, Dominican Republic, defrauded over 400 elderly victims (average age 84) out of more than $5 million through "grandparent scams," with at least 50 victims in Massachusetts. Thirteen individuals have been charged in connection with the scheme, which involved callers posing as grandchildren in distress and then as attorneys requesting emergency funds; four suspects remain at large while nine are in custody. Federal authorities shut down the operation following a two-year investigation and are urging victims to come forward without shame, noting that such schemes are increasingly sophisticated, sometimes aided by AI.
troopers.ny.gov
· 2025-12-08
On July 31, 2025, State Police in Clifton Park and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations arrested Chuncheng Lin, 26, and Hui Lin, 40, for grand larceny and conspiracy related to a computer scam targeting an elderly Saratoga County resident. The victim lost over $80,000 in cash and gift cards after being contacted via computer and phone by someone falsely claiming to be from Citizens Bank Fraud Department who threatened legal prosecution and demanded payment. The suspects were apprehended during a supervised meeting when they attempted to collect an additional $30,000, and both were released on appearance tickets pending court dates in August 2025.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Thirteen individuals, led by Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia, were charged for operating a transnational "grandparent scam" call center in the Dominican Republic that defrauded over 400 elderly victims (average age 84) across the United States, resulting in more than $5 million in losses, including at least 50 victims in Massachusetts. The scheme involved callers posing as grandchildren in distress or their attorneys, instructing victims to send cash via rideshare drivers or mail, and often requesting additional payments through fabricated stories. The defendants allegedly laundered the illicit proceeds back to the Dominican Republic through money launderers and bank accounts in the United States.
wtoc.com
· 2025-12-08
Beaufort County officials and scam experts held a community awareness event to address the rising rate of elder fraud targeting adults over 60, noting that one in ten seniors will experience some form of elder abuse. Common scams discussed include romance scams (often perpetrated by international actors), jury duty payment schemes, gift card scams, and sophisticated fraud involving fake verification of items for sale. Experts recommend preventing these scams by questioning unsolicited communications, avoiding high-pressure tactics, not sharing personal information unexpectedly, and contacting law enforcement or the National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-372-8311) to report suspected fraud.
bostonglobe.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal authorities charged 13 people operating a call center in the Dominican Republic with defrauding over 400 U.S. seniors (average age 84) of more than $5 million between May 2022 and April 2024 through a "grandparent scam" in which callers posed as grandchildren in legal or medical distress and accomplices impersonating lawyers extracted additional payments. The sophisticated scheme involved commercial telemarketing software, dark web victim lists, and ride-hail drivers to collect cash, and was dismantled after a two-year FBI investigation initiated when Uber alerted authorities to suspicious activity. Nine of the 13 defendants are in custody,
bostonherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal authorities dismantled a transnational "grandparent scam" operation based in the Dominican Republic that defrauded over 400 victims nationwide, including at least 50 in Massachusetts with an average age of 84, stealing more than $5 million. The scheme involved call center employees posing as grandchildren in distress or their attorneys, instructing elderly victims to send cash via rideshare drivers or mail, with some victims targeted multiple times for additional funds. Thirteen individuals were charged, with eleven arrested on Tuesday, after a two-year joint investigation by the FBI and Dominican Republic authorities, and the stolen proceeds were laundered back to the Caribbean.
wcvb.com
· 2025-12-08
Thirteen people were charged in a sophisticated transnational elder fraud ring that operated from call centers in the Dominican Republic and defrauded over 400 Massachusetts senior citizens of approximately $5 million in combined losses. The defendants used a coordinated system of "openers" posing as distressed grandchildren, "closers" impersonating lawyers, and "runners" collecting cash, often making repeated calls to victims to extract additional payments for fabricated emergencies. Alleged mastermind Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia and other defendants used rideshare drivers as unwitting money couriers, with nine suspects arrested, two remaining at large in the U.S., and two at large in the Dominican Republic.
thevibes.com
· 2025-12-08
A romance scam syndicate operated by three Nigerian men and one Indonesian woman was dismantled in Melaka following early morning raids, with the group having targeted victims across Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines over a six-month period by creating fake Facebook profiles posing as foreign suitors and manipulating victims into transferring money via e-wallets. Police seized laptops, phones, passports, and a USB drive valued at RM15,000, and all four suspects were remanded for investigation under cheating and immigration violation charges. Authorities advised the public to verify suspicious contacts through official channels and report suspected scams to the National Scam Response Centre at 997.
intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Australians lost A$2.03 billion to scams, a decline from A$3.1 billion in 2022, though actual losses are likely higher due to underreporting caused by victim shame and embarrassment. Investment scams were the costliest category at A$945 million, often featuring fake trading platforms and impersonated businesses, while remote access scams and other common schemes like romance and phishing scams continue to evolve. Scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence, data from breaches, and organized criminal syndicates to create convincing impersonations, making it essential for consumers to verify investment opportunities independently rather than clicking on
wwnytv.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal investigators charged 13 people operating from Dominican Republic call centers in a grandparents scam that defrauded approximately 400 elderly victims (average age 84) of over $5 million. The scammers impersonated grandchildren requesting emergency funds, then used Uber drivers to transport cash from victims' homes to middlemen and eventually to the Dominican Republic, with ringleader Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia allegedly using stolen money to fund a lavish lifestyle including purchasing a boat. Uber flagged the scheme to the FBI and subsequently implemented driver training changes to prevent similar fraud.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
An 83-year-old woman in Chambersburg lost $18,000 in an AI-powered grandparent scam after receiving calls from someone impersonating her grandson claiming he was in jail following a DUI accident. The scammer used artificial intelligence to recreate the grandson's voice based on videos found on social media, convincing the victim to make two separate bank withdrawals of $9,000 each. Police are investigating and the family advises others to establish a family code word as a verification method to prevent falling victim to this increasingly sophisticated scam.
globalnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
A "smishing" scam targeting North Americans claims recipients have unpaid toll or radar violations and tricks them into clicking malicious links to steal personal information like credit card and driver's license details. The scam has been reported across Canada and the U.S., with authorities including the Competition Bureau of Canada, Ontario Provincial Police, Calgary Police, and the U.S. Federal Communications Commission issuing warnings. To protect yourself, verify sender identity through official websites, avoid clicking suspicious links, and report fraudulent texts to authorities.
hawaiinewsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
The Hawaii Police Department is warning the public about a phone scam where callers impersonate police officers using real department personnel names, falsely claiming victims owe money for missed court appearances or warrants and pressuring them to pay via untraceable methods like gift cards. Scammers use caller ID spoofing and fraudulent documents to appear legitimate, but the department emphasizes it never requests phone payments or gift cards. Residents should verify caller identity independently, avoid sharing personal information, be suspicious of urgent threats, and report suspected scams to police or the Federal Trade Commission.
nbcboston.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal authorities dismantled a transnational elder fraud ring based in the Dominican Republic, charging 13 individuals led by Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia with defrauding over 400 elderly Americans of more than $5 million. The sophisticated scheme employed "openers" who posed as grandchildren in emergencies, "closers" who impersonated lawyers demanding fees, and "runners" in the U.S. who collected cash from victims' homes, with money laundered back to the Dominican Republic. Many victims experienced repeated calls threatening escalating emergencies and suffered emotional trauma, with some too ashamed to report the fraud to their families.
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-08
Modern scams have become increasingly sophisticated, employing AI voice cloning, fake e-commerce sites, deceptive subscription schemes, cryptocurrency pump-and-dump schemes, and fraudulent tech support tactics to deceive even cautious consumers. Key examples include a Hillsborough County family losing $15,000 to an AI voice scam impersonating their daughter and scammers exploiting footballer Diogo Jota's death with fake promotional ads. The article provides detection strategies and protective measures across five common scam types, emphasizing that awareness of red flags and staying informed about evolving fraud tactics are essential defenses.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Thirteen individuals were charged with operating grandparent scam call centers based in the Dominican Republic that defrauded approximately 400 older adults (average age 84) of over $5 million across the United States by posing as family members in legal trouble needing bail money. Nine of the defendants are in custody, including ringleader Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia, while four remain at large; the perpetrators used dark web data to target victims, employed scripted calls, and laundered proceeds toward luxury purchases and home upgrades.
home.treasury.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned four Mexican individuals and 13 companies linked to CJNG's timeshare fraud operation in Puerto Vallarta, which has been targeting elderly American timeshare owners since approximately 2012. CJNG, a designated terrorist organization, uses call centers staffed with English-speaking telemarketers to perpetrate complex scams that can last years and result in victims losing their life savings, while generating significant alternative revenue for the cartel's violent operations. Treasury officials warned current and prospective timeshare owners in Mexico to be cautious of unsolicited offers and conduct due diligence before engaging in purchases.
live5news.com
· 2025-12-08
Charleston Police are investigating five scam cases targeting elderly residents (ages 61-85) who were manipulated into transferring $7,000-$10,000 each via phone calls, with three victims directed to Bitcoin ATMs while scammers remained on the line. The scammers used high-pressure tactics such as claiming relatives were in jail, threatening arrest warrants, or alleging identity theft, and requested payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency. Police advise victims to hang up immediately, avoid sharing personal or financial information, and verify suspicious claims by calling trusted family members or local law enforcement.
kesq.com
· 2025-12-08
Coachella Valley residents are experiencing rising scam cases through phone calls, texts, and emails, prompting officials to launch awareness initiatives including a Senior Scam Awareness Seminar hosted by Assemblymember Greg Wallis and the Desert Recreation District. Fraud officials are advising older adults not to engage with scammers and directing victims to report incidents to the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission, or the FBI depending on the type of fraud.
wamc.org
· 2025-12-08
A transnational grandparent scam operating from the Dominican Republic was dismantled following a two-year investigation, with suspects from New York, Massachusetts, and the Dominican Republic charged after defrauding at least 400 elderly victims of over $5 million. The sophisticated operation used call centers with "openers" posing as grandchildren in emergencies and "closers" impersonating lawyers demanding cash, with unwitting rideshare drivers recruited to transport victims to banks and deliver money; the scheme was uncovered when Uber flagged suspicious rides and alerted federal authorities. At least nine suspects were arrested facing wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering charges carrying up to 20
mcknightsseniorliving.com
· 2025-12-08
Impersonation scams targeting older adults have surged dramatically, with the FTC reporting a four-fold increase in reports of losses exceeding $10,000 and an eight-fold increase in losses over $100,000 (from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024), totaling nearly $5 billion in fraud losses in 2024. Common scam tactics include fake security alerts impersonating banks, government agencies, and tech companies like Microsoft and Apple, as well as fraudsters posing as FTC officials directing victims to Bitcoin ATMs or cash couriers. Arizona, Indiana, and Nevada reported the highest fraud complaint rates among
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides guidance from the Better Business Bureau on recovering from scams and protecting yourself if you fall victim to fraud. Key recovery steps include placing fraud alerts on credit reports, freezing credit, monitoring accounts weekly, disputing unauthorized charges with financial institutions, and reporting scams to the BBB and relevant agencies like the FTC's IdentityTheft.gov. The article also offers prevention advice such as ceasing contact with scammers, deleting unfamiliar emails, contacting businesses directly to verify requests, and reporting phishing attempts to ic3.gov.
redhotcyber.com
· 2025-12-08
Four Ghanaian nationals were indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for operating an international fraud ring called the "Sakawa Boys" that stole over $100 million between 2016 and May 2023 through romance scams targeting elderly individuals and Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks on corporations. The defendants, extradited to the U.S. in August 2025, held leadership positions in the hierarchical organization and used fake identities to gain victims' trust online, then laundered proceeds through fictitious bank accounts and international transfers. Each faces charges including wire fraud (up to 20 years per count), money laundering conspiracy (up to 20
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
A North Carolina woman lost over $17,000 in a sophisticated scam that began when she was redirected from her bank's website to fraudsters who gained remote access to her computer. The scammers manipulated her into believing her account was compromised by a PayPal charge and an IRS tax issue, then used her printer to forge official-looking bank and PayPal letters instructing her to withdraw cash; a man later arrived at her home to collect the money in person. The incident is part of a larger scam operation affecting multiple victims across several North Carolina counties.