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in Robocall / Phone Scam
seattlemedium.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains why intelligent people are vulnerable to modern scams despite their cognitive abilities. Key risk factors include social isolation, financial struggles, overconfidence in security, and lack of awareness of current schemes, while scammers exploit cognitive biases (confirmation bias, optimism bias, authority bias, scarcity principle), emotional manipulation (fear, urgency, threats), and social pressure to manipulate victims into participating in fraud schemes. The article emphasizes that anyone can be scammed regardless of intelligence level, and understanding these psychological tactics is essential for avoiding fraud.
gantnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania State Police issued a warning about increased scams, con artist schemes, and home invasions targeting residents, particularly the elderly. Common tactics include home improvement fraud (offering low-quality services like diluted driveway sealant at below-market prices), paired home invasions where one person distracts the homeowner while the other searches for valuables (often posing as utility workers), and phone scams that lead to identity theft. Police recommend verifying identification and employment, checking contractor references, and being skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true.
oregonlive.com
· 2025-12-08
Oregon law enforcement agencies issued a public warning about common summer scams, including impersonators posing as police or court officials demanding payment for missed jury duty via cryptocurrency or gift cards, fraudsters claiming pets have been hit by cars to extort veterinary fees, and fake vacation rental listings offering unrealistic deals. Officials advised residents to independently verify contact information, avoid sharing personal information with unverified sources, and use only authorized vendors for ticket purchases and vacation bookings.
libn.com
· 2025-12-08
A 78-year-old retired art teacher in Port Jefferson Station lost $15,000 to fraud after receiving a convincing fake Apple Pay notification followed by calls instructing her to withdraw cash for "safekeeping." This case exemplifies a broader wave of sophisticated scams targeting seniors across Long Island and the country, with Suffolk County alone reporting over $126 million in elder fraud losses in 2023, using tactics like AI-generated voices and fake emails that exploit family and financial networks. Elder law attorneys recommend prevention strategies including verifying identities through independent sources, using strong passwords with two-factor authentication, monitoring accounts regularly, and avoiding suspicious emails and links—emphasizing that fraud prevention is both a personal security
nbcphiladelphia.com
· 2025-12-08
An 86-year-old grandmother from South Philadelphia fell victim to a grandparent scam in July in which a caller impersonated her granddaughter, claiming she had been in an accident and detained by police, and requested $6,000 in cash that was picked up from her home. The scam highlights the evolving threat of elder fraud, which affected over 147,000 victims in 2024 with losses totaling nearly $4.9 billion, with criminals increasingly using artificial intelligence to clone voices and make impersonations more convincing.
khou.com
· 2025-12-08
Thirteen people were charged in a sophisticated "grandparent scam" operation based in the Dominican Republic that targeted over 400 seniors across the United States, resulting in losses exceeding $5 million. The scheme, led by Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia, involved English-speaking call center workers posing as distressed grandchildren or their attorneys to pressure elderly victims (average age 84) into sending cash via runners and mail, with the funds then laundered back to the Dominican Republic. Victims should report suspected fraud to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center, and experts advise verifying urgent requests directly with family members before sending
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A man in Mangaluru lost approximately Rs 4.8 lakh in an online investment scam after being lured through a WhatsApp group called "A24 Premium VIP Stock Sharing Club" that promised returns on gold trading and stock investments. The scammer, posing as a woman named Ella, used fake testimonials from group members showing profits to build credibility, then demanded increasingly larger transfers, ultimately directing the victim to send Rs 3.4 lakh to an account belonging to Prizm Infratel Pvt Ltd. When the victim attempted to withdraw his funds in July, he was asked for additional payments, revealing the fraudulent scheme, and a case was registered with
malwarebytes.com
· 2025-12-08
The DOJ extradited and indicted four Ghanaian nationals for allegedly leading a criminal organization that stole over $100 million through romance scams and business email compromise schemes targeting Americans, primarily older men and women. In 2024 alone, nearly 59,000 Americans lost an estimated $697.3 million to romance scams, with the actual losses believed to be significantly higher due to underreporting. The article outlines how these scams operate—building trust through fake relationships before requesting money for fabricated emergencies or investment opportunities—and provides protective measures including verifying profiles, avoiding money transfers to strangers, and reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
A real estate agent in Iowa was nearly defrauded in a vacant land scam in which scammers impersonated a property owner to solicit fraudulent sale of a $200,000 lot. The scammers contacted the agent via phone, email, and text, creating a convincing narrative that matched public records, though the agent ultimately discovered the deception before completing the transaction. The agent emphasized that vacant land is particularly vulnerable to such scams due to fewer safeguards and transfer requirements compared to residential properties, and is working to raise awareness among colleagues about the need for strict verification procedures when confirming seller identity.
wlos.com
· 2025-12-08
Two men, Theodore Anthony Brooks (21) and Real Samuel Wells (19), were arrested in Asheville, North Carolina on August 14 in connection with an armed robbery and carjacking that occurred when a victim met a female contact from an online romance scam at her residence. The victim was robbed at gunpoint, driven several miles away, and his iPhone was later recovered at a residence on Reed Street where police also seized drugs and firearms. Brooks and Wells face multiple felony charges including robbery with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping, conspiracy, and larceny of a motor vehicle, with bonds set at $20,000 and $80,000 respectively, while charges are pending against the female suspect involved in the
communitynewspapers.com
· 2025-12-08
Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz testified before a U.S. Senate committee that scammers are using increasingly sophisticated schemes—including AI-generated scams, cryptocurrency theft, and robocalls—to target seniors, with those over 60 losing $4.8 billion in 2023 alone and individuals aged 50-59 losing an additional $2.5 billion. The sheriff noted that most victims do not report crimes due to shame and fear, and highlighted emerging threats including condo and homeowner association fraud that particularly affects elderly homeowners in South Florida. Sen. Rick Scott introduced legislation to provide law enforcement with advanced tools to combat financial exploitation
beverlyhillscourier.com
· 2025-12-08
On July 1, an elderly Beverly Hills resident lost $59,000 to an organized crime group impersonating financial institution employees and federal agents who convinced him his bank accounts had been compromised and needed to collect his funds for "safekeeping." The suspects used caller ID spoofing and made two separate visits to collect the cash, but were identified through security cameras and license plate readers; one suspect was arrested and charged with grand theft, theft by false pretense, and financial elder abuse. Investigators believe there are additional victims and continue searching for a second suspect, while urging the public to verify suspicious calls directly with their financial institutions.
cnhi.com
· 2025-12-08
**Romance Scam – Online Dating**
Evelyn, a woman in her early 60s, identified a romance scammer posing as an engineer on a dating site for people over 50 after discovering his claimed oil rig job did not exist; she avoided financial loss by reporting him immediately. Romance scams cost Americans over $1.1 billion in 2023, with adults over 60 accounting for a disproportionate share and often losing more money per incident than younger victims, including life savings. The article outlines warning signs of romance scammers (early professions of love, pressure to move off-site, requests for money, poor English) and adv
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
This article examines how white-collar crime has evolved in the digital age, with global losses from business email compromise exceeding $2.9 billion annually and cryptocurrency money laundering surpassing $3 billion. The piece discusses emerging investigation techniques including digital forensics, blockchain analysis, and machine learning, while highlighting the human impact—including a tragic case where an elderly fraud victim shot a ride-share driver under scammer threat, and noting that elderly victims lose an average of $35,000 per incident with over 88,000 reported cases in 2022.
lowellsun.com
· 2025-12-08
A transnational grandparent scam operation based in the Dominican Republic defrauded over 400 elderly victims (average age 84) of more than $5 million, with at least 50 victims from Massachusetts, using fake calls claiming grandchildren needed emergency money. Thirteen suspects, including alleged mastermind Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia, faced charges after a two-year FBI investigation, with the scheme involving "opener" and "closer" call center employees who posed as family members and lawyers, directing victims to hand cash to rideshare drivers for delivery. The operation highlights the emotional and financial devastation of elder fraud and the importance of bank scrutiny for unusual senior withdrawals
nbcsandiego.com
· 2025-12-08
The "Sandwich Generation" refers to middle-aged adults caring for both young adult children and aging parents, each with distinct online safety vulnerabilities. A Cox Mobile survey found that 86% of people in this group experience stress managing cybersecurity for both generations, with younger adults targeted by fake job offers, investment scams, and rental fraud, while seniors face grandparent schemes, impostor scams, and romance fraud. Experts recommend open, non-judgmental conversations about scams with both groups, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care to manage the stress of this dual responsibility.
gulfnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article discusses the growing threat of cybercrime and provides practical defense strategies for consumers. Cybercriminals use psychological manipulation tactics (phishing, fake emails, deepfake technology) to exploit trust and urgency, with cybercrime costing the global economy over $1 trillion annually. The article recommends vigilance through several protective measures: verify links before clicking, scrutinize emails for red flags, never share OTPs, monitor bank statements weekly, use transaction limits and card freezes, and report suspicious activity immediately to banks.
clinton.crimewatchpa.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Chapman Township resident lost nearly $8,000 in an August 2025 tech support scam after a fraudster posing as a customer service representative gained remote access to his computer and bank account, then convinced him to withdraw cash and ship it via UPS to an out-of-state address. The Renovo Police Department is investigating the case and advises residents that legitimate companies never request large cash payments be mailed, and common scam indicators include threats of arrest, demands for secrecy, pressure to act immediately, and instructions that seem improper or suspicious.
nebraskapublicmedia.org
· 2025-12-08
Nebraska residents lost a reported $42.5 million to scams in 2024—tripling over four years—with experts attributing the increase to more accessible and affordable artificial intelligence technology that enables scammers to operate at scale and create increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, including voice cloning and realistic chatbot-generated scams. Peter Hines, a 76-year-old Fremont insurance business owner, lost $936 to a Facebook ad lead scam and was unable to recover the money due to the company's out-of-state location and legal protections in his agreement, highlighting the difficulty of prosecution when scammers operate overseas or across state lines. Authorities recommend limiting online presence,
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
An Orange County, North Carolina woman lost over $17,000 in a sophisticated scam involving fake bank and PayPal fraud alerts, remote computer access, fraudulent letters printed from her own printer, and an in-person cash collection at her home. The scammers manipulated her through a four-hour phone call, convincing her to withdraw cash from her bank after transferring funds from her savings to checking and creating the false appearance of an $18,000 deposit. Investigators indicate this was part of a larger operation targeting multiple victims across several counties in the Triangle area.
abc7.com
· 2025-12-08
An Orange County, North Carolina woman lost over $17,000 in a sophisticated scam that began with a fake bank alert about suspicious PayPal charges. The scammers gained remote access to her computer, manipulated a display to show a fraudulent $18,000 deposit, and used a forged Bank of America letter threatening IRS account freezes to pressure her into withdrawing cash from her bank; a person later arrived at her home to collect the money. Investigators indicate this was part of a larger multi-county operation targeting victims across North Carolina.
thestandard.com.hk
· 2025-12-08
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vietnamnews.vn
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated "online kidnapping" scam has targeted young people across Vietnam, particularly university students, where scammers impersonating police officers threaten victims with false money laundering accusations and instruct them to obtain money from family members under pretexts like study abroad applications, isolate themselves in hotels, and cut off contact with loved ones. Since March, approximately five such scams occur monthly in Ho Chi Minh City alone involving billions of Vietnamese đồng, with victims falling prey due to lack of awareness about current scam trends and the scammers' use of authentic personal information to create credibility. The scam exploits young people's limited life experience combined with their cyber-savviness,
wgem.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Barry, Illinois resident lost $40,000 in a sophisticated impersonation scam after receiving a fake Apple Pay alert claiming his Social Security number was compromised and a federal officer would collect payment at his home. A 27-year-old California man, Akhmet Kuzgov, arrived at the victim's residence and collected the cash before demanding an additional $40,000, leading to his arrest on charges of Theft Over $10,000 and a federal Homeland Security warrant. Authorities believe this represents a newer, more dangerous trend involving international crime rings conducting in-person fraud targeting small communities, with a similar prevented incident occurring nearby when a bank alerted a family member
mustsharenews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Singapore saw scam victims lose S$1.1 billion as criminals employed increasingly sophisticated tactics across social media, messaging apps, dating services, and crypto platforms. To combat this, Meta removed over 7 million fake accounts linked to scam operations, while partnering with Singapore's police force, National Crime Prevention Council, and Cyber Security Agency on a public awareness campaign highlighting seven common scam types (romance, shopping, impersonation, investment, job, account hacking, and messaging scams). The campaign includes an interactive online game to help users recognize scam red flags, and experts emphasize that no one is immune—nearly 71% of 2024 victims were under
dcreport.org
· 2025-12-08
This educational article discusses how to identify legitimate versus fraudulent international dating platforms, which increasingly target vulnerable users seeking romance across borders. Key protective measures include verifying strong profile verification systems (multi-factor ID checks, AI facial recognition, video verification), ensuring SSL encryption (https), and carefully reviewing platform transparency and reputation. The article emphasizes that while over 366 million people use dating apps globally, users must conduct thorough research to avoid sophisticated scams, identity theft, and emotional manipulation by fraudsters operating on less-regulated platforms.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
WhatsApp Screen Mirroring Fraud is spreading across India, with scammers posing as bank or financial officials to convince victims to enable screen-sharing, allowing them to capture OTPs, PINs, passwords, and sensitive documents in real time to hijack accounts and execute fraudulent transactions. Although Indian banking apps have strong security features, fraudsters exploit human vulnerability and social engineering tactics to bypass them. Experts recommend verifying caller identity, sharing screens only with trusted contacts, and avoiding rushed financial decisions during screen-sharing sessions, with particular emphasis on educating elderly family members who are frequently targeted.
thelogicalindian.com
· 2025-12-08
A 71-year-old woman from Mumbai lost ₹18.5 lakh after scammers posing as a milk delivery executive obtained her banking details through a fraudulent link and remotely accessed her phone to drain three bank accounts. The fraud occurred over two days in August when the victim was convinced to share sensitive information during an extended phone call and follow-up contact. Mumbai police registered an FIR and investigators urged the public to verify caller identities, avoid clicking unsolicited links, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor bank statements regularly to prevent similar cyber fraud incidents.
qcna.qc.ca
· 2025-12-08
A 76-year-old man in Côte-St-Luc, Quebec had his Rolex watch (valued at $20,000-$25,000) stolen on May 11 in a distraction theft scam, in which a woman claiming her father was dying asked to bless his watch, then swapped it for a cheap plastic replica. Police confirmed this type of scam targeting elderly residents has occurred multiple times across the city, with limited success in apprehension due to lack of evidence and difficulty catching perpetrators in the act. The SPVM recommends traveling in groups, concealing valuables, and refusing gifts from strangers to prevent such crimes.
news.vocofm.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Romanian nationals were arrested in Vacaville, California on August 8 for operating a "cash drop scam" targeting elderly victims, with investigations linking them to over 40 fraudulent cases across six states. The scam involved criminals observing victims withdraw cash at ATMs, obtaining their PIN and card information through distraction techniques (such as dropping bills on the ground), then stealing or switching their cards. The suspects faced multiple felony charges including fraud, identity theft, conspiracy, and elder abuse, and are being held in Solano County Jail pending further investigation with FBI assistance.
fox5atlanta.com
· 2025-12-08
Audrey Michelle Townsend, 26, from Texas, was sentenced to 5 years in prison for defrauding a Buford couple, Gloria and Gary Moss, out of $49,000 in February 2024 through a phishing scheme where she posed as Chase Bank via text message to trick them into authorizing fraudulent transfers. Townsend pleaded guilty to theft over $25,000 and four counts of elder abuse and exploitation; the Mosses' full amount was recovered by Chase Bank in July 2024 following media coverage and police investigation. The District Attorney's Office advised the public to hang up and call their bank directly when receiving unsolic
sheriffs.org
· 2025-12-08
This resource page addresses the growing problem of consumer fraud and scams, which target people across the country using increasingly sophisticated tactics including impersonation of law enforcement, online marketplace schemes, and international criminal operations. The article emphasizes that law enforcement agencies must adapt their response strategies and use education and awareness campaigns to help communities recognize and protect themselves from scams, with examples including cases where elderly individuals and ordinary citizens lost significant sums to criminals exploiting evolving technology. The National Sheriffs' Association and other agencies provide guidance and resources to help both law enforcement and the public combat this escalating threat.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
An off-duty police officer in Waltham, Massachusetts prevented an elderly man from losing $12,000 to a Bitcoin scam after recognizing a fraudulent caller impersonating Apple Customer Support and the FTC who instructed him to deposit money into a Bitcoin machine. The incident highlights a broader problem, as federal investigators recently charged 13 people involved in a separate scam targeting hundreds of elderly victims with an average age of 84, who were deceived by callers posing as grandchildren.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
A 47-year-old California woman ignored text messages from her toll road account administrator claiming her FasTrak balance was low, believing them to be phishing scams based on widespread warnings from the FTC and FBI. After repeatedly deleting the legitimate messages, her account was deactivated, and she only discovered the problem when receiving an email notice of violation, forcing her to manually restore service and risking potential legal consequences for unpaid tolls.
premiumtimesng.com
· 2025-12-08
The Nigerian Immigration Service deported 42 Chinese and Philippine nationals convicted of cyber fraud and Ponzi scheme offenses after the Federal High Court sentenced each to one year imprisonment and fined them N1 million. The syndicate operated from a Lagos building where foreign nationals trained Nigerian recruits to conduct romance and investment scams targeting victims in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Europe, generating over N2.26 billion through cryptocurrency and bank transfers between April and December 2024, with $222,729.86 in digital assets ordered forfeited.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Cyber criminals are increasingly using malicious links hidden in emails, PDFs, and other documents rather than attachments to steal passwords and install malware, with over 3 billion such attacks reported. Emerging threats include "ClickFix" scams (fake error messages), QR code phishing (4.2 million attempts in early 2025), and "pig butchering" romance scams where criminals build trust with victims before pressuring them into fraudulent investments—including a 2023 case where a Kansas banker lost £34.6 million and received a 24-year sentence. Security experts warn these attacks exploit human psychology by using trusted brands and familiar technology rather
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
Sheriff Eric Weisburn outlines four key warning signs of scams—impersonation of trusted organizations, creation of false problems or prizes, pressure to act immediately, and demands for untraceable payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency—to help Stark County residents protect themselves. The article emphasizes that legitimate organizations never demand money or personal information unsolicited via phone, text, or email, and advises people to pause, verify through trusted contacts, and report suspected scams to local authorities or the FTC. Residents are encouraged to share their experiences to help prevent others from becoming victims.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Nottinghamshire Police issued a warning about a fake police officer scam targeting residents in Hucknall and East Leake, where scammers called victims claiming to be police officers and persuaded them to withdraw cash or provide debit card details under the guise of account problems or undercover investigations. One victim nearly lost £5,000 before alert bank staff stopped the withdrawal; police emphasized that legitimate officers never request money or personal information over the phone and urged people to hang up on such calls immediately.
people.com
· 2025-12-08
Journalist Alex Sammon investigated a job offer scam by deliberately responding to a text message recruiting for fake remote work, which led him to uncover a Philippines-based "click farm" operation that required users to perform repetitive clicks on music streaming platforms while pressuring victims to make Bitcoin purchases to access earnings they could never withdraw. According to the FTC, Americans reported $470 million in losses to text scams in 2024, more than five times the amount reported in 2020, with tens of thousands of people reporting similar fraudulent job offer texts. Sammon lost less than $100 during his investigation but documented how scammers use fake recruiters and fake earnings to manipulate victims into
tomsguide.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned about a new "brushing" scam variation where criminals send unsolicited packages containing QR codes that, when scanned, harvest personal and financial information while secretly installing malware on victims' phones. The scammers use this method to steal credit card numbers, banking credentials, and cryptocurrency account information. To protect themselves, smartphone users should avoid scanning QR codes from unknown sources, be suspicious of packages lacking sender information, and report any suspected fraud to the FBI's IC3 portal.
analyticsinsight.net
· 2025-12-08
AI voice cloning scams involve criminals using short audio clips to replicate voices and make fake emergency calls to family members, with elderly individuals frequently targeted into transferring large sums of money before discovering the deception. Warning signs include robotic-sounding voices, long pauses, avoided personal details, and pressure for quick payments; protective measures include using family code words, avoiding posting voice messages online, verifying calls through alternate contact methods, and staying calm to resist manipulation. Cybersecurity experts recommend families discuss these risks in advance, as all age groups—including students, professionals, and seniors—face targeting from scammers exploiting increasingly convincing AI technology.
nysenate.gov
· 2025-12-08
NYS Senator Dean Murray and the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office hosted a free senior scam prevention seminar on September 16, 2025, at the Sachem Public Library in Holbrook to educate attendees on identifying and avoiding scams. The one-hour event provided guidance on protecting seniors from fraud and victimization. Interested participants could register by calling 631-853-6308.
linkedin.com
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated Gmail phishing attack mimics Google's legitimate login page to trick users into entering their credentials, which are then captured by attackers instead of being sent to Google's servers. The scam is particularly effective because it avoids obvious red flags like suspicious links or file downloads, instead seamlessly integrating into users' daily routines with a nearly identical login flow that is difficult to distinguish from the real thing. Thousands of people have unknowingly compromised their passwords, giving hackers access to their Gmail accounts and the ability to infiltrate connected retail sites, social media, and online banking platforms.
cxotoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting AI-powered search summaries to conduct credit card fraud by injecting fake customer service phone numbers into Google's Gemini AI overviews and other search results. A Las Vegas realtor fell victim after calling a fraudulent number appearing in an AI summary for Royal Caribbean Cruise Company and nearly lost credit card details, though he detected suspicious charges and reversed them; cybersecurity experts warn this AI-enabled scamming technique could rapidly spread beyond the United States to less internet-savvy populations in regions like India.
onemileatatime.com
· 2025-12-08
A Denver-area man attempting to rebook a canceled United Airlines flight was scammed out of $17,328 after calling United's official customer service number and being transferred to a scammer posing as an agent named "David." The scammer convinced him that a credit card charge was necessary to rebook the flight and would be refunded, but the money was never returned; United's investigation revealed that the initial agent accidentally transferred the call to a fraudulent number obtained through a Google search.
pandasecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Wrong number phone scams are increasingly common frauds where scammers send seemingly accidental texts to build trust and eventually manipulate victims into sending money or sharing personal information. Scammers use social engineering tactics—starting with innocent messages, building rapport over weeks, and escalating to requests for funds or cryptocurrency investments, with some victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. The best defense is to not respond to unknown numbers, block them immediately, and report suspicious messages to authorities, as even replying "wrong number" confirms your phone is active and marks you for future scam attempts.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC reports a four-fold increase in "transfer it to protect it" scams from 2020-2024, where fraudsters impersonating banks or government agencies convince victims to move money to protect it from fabricated threats. Adults aged 60 and older reported the highest losses, with combined losses exceeding $100,000 reaching $445 million in 2024 (up from $55 million in 2020), though younger consumers are also becoming victims, including an 18-year-old in Michigan who lost $4,800 after receiving a phishing email. Scammers typically initiate contact via phone calls (41% of cases), emails, or pop
sierradailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns the public about an evolving "brushing scam" variation where criminals send unsolicited packages with QR codes designed to steal personal and financial information or install malicious software on victims' phones. The packages often lack sender information to encourage scanning, and while not yet widespread, the agency advises consumers to avoid scanning unknown QR codes, reject unsolicited packages, and report suspicious activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
plumassun.org
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of a QR code scam variation in which criminals send unsolicited packages designed to trick recipients into scanning codes that steal personal information or install malicious software on their phones. This evolves from traditional "brushing scams" where vendors ship unrequested items to boost product ratings. The FBI recommends avoiding unsolicited packages without sender information, not scanning unknown QR codes, and reporting suspected fraud to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
cnycentral.com
· 2025-12-08
A married elderly couple in Throop, New York lost nearly $25,000 in a grandparent scam after receiving a call claiming their grandchild was in trouble; the couple's local case was part of a larger federal investigation that charged 13 people involved in a transnational elder fraud scheme operating from the Dominican Republic that defrauded over 400 victims of approximately $5 million nationwide, with at least 50 victims in Massachusetts averaging 84 years old. Local deputies arrested three suspects and recovered the couple's money, while federal authorities determined the scammers used call centers in the Dominican Republic and unsuspecting rideshare drivers as intermediaries to funnel stolen funds