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in Romance Scams
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
A Cranbourne NAB banker prevented a woman in her 60s from losing $2000 in a romance scam after noticing red flags during a deposit transaction in February, including affectionate messages, vague answers about the recipient, and a single photo of her supposed boyfriend from Turkey. The scammer had convinced the victim over six months that he needed money for medical treatment abroad, with the funds to be sent to an unknown intermediary in Sydney, a common romance scam tactic. NAB reported a 29 percent increase in romance scam reports, and the bank is implementing additional safeguards including payment alerts and awareness campaigns on dating platforms.
columbiavalleypioneer.com
This editorial highlights the persistent threat of fraud despite increased public awareness, noting that scammers continue to successfully target victims using various tactics. The piece details specific current scams including CRA tax refund text messages and follow-up BC Hydro impersonation calls, and one woman nearly lost access to her bank account before recognizing red flags. The editor advises readers to verify claims through official government websites, remain skeptical of unsolicited offers, and remember that "if it's too good to be true, it probably is."
koamnewsnow.com
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond warned consumers about a rising wave of cryptocurrency ATM scams targeting elderly victims, where scammers convince people their banks are failing and convince them to withdraw funds and deposit them into virtual currency kiosks, with the crypto then sent irreversibly to the scammer's wallet. The advisory also detailed other related scams including romance scams, pig butchering schemes, fake investment platforms, computer antivirus scams, and impersonation of government agencies, all designed to trick victims into making cryptocurrency payments. Drummond advised Oklahomans to never pay anyone demanding advance cryptocurrency payments and to contact relatives or the Oklahoma Attorney General's office if victimized.
ca.movies.yahoo.com
In 2018, e-commerce scams were Singapore's leading fraud type with 2,125 reported cases totaling $1.9 million in losses, with approximately 70% occurring on the Carousell marketplace involving electronics and event tickets. Other rising scams included loan scams (which doubled to 994 cases) and China officials impersonation scams (surging 60.6% to 302 cases), though internet love scams declined by 20% following intervention by the Transnational Commercial Crime Task Force, which recovered over $1.4 million and closed 600 bank accounts.
justice.gov
Clinton Chukwudi Uchendu, 26, of Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering, mail fraud, and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business for his role in a romance scam that defrauded victims of over $600,000 between February and October 2018. As a "picker," Uchendu provided U.S. bank accounts to receive funds from romance scam victims who were deceived by "Yahoo Boys" operating from Nigeria posing as soldiers, businessmen, or celebrities, then laundered the money to Nigeria while retaining a portion. He received funds from dozens of victims across the United States, several of whom testified to losing hundreds of
fox5atlanta.com
Georgia ranks as the third most dangerous state for online dating according to a Privacy Journal survey analyzing romance scams, identity theft, violent crime, and STDs. The state leads the nation in identity theft and fraud reports, with 985 STD cases per 100,000 residents, though it has a relatively low romance scam rate of 3.9 per 100,000. Nevada is the most dangerous state overall, while Vermont is the safest, and the article recommends online daters use Facebook groups to identify and avoid scammers.
pineandlakes.com
The Walker office reports receiving daily scams and phishing attempts using various methods to steal personal and financial information from victims. The article highlights three specific scam types: tax season phishing emails impersonating the IRS to collect sensitive information; tech support scams using fake calls or pop-ups to trick users into paying for nonexistent computer problems; and general warnings about unsolicited communications requesting personal data. Victims have lost tens to thousands of dollars to these schemes, though many people successfully identify and report the attempts before losing money.
abc11.com
**Article:** Backyard Leisure Customer Non-Delivery Investigation
Multiple customers of Backyard Leisure, a Raleigh-based company, paid thousands of dollars for hot tubs and spas that were never delivered despite repeated promises and false tracking updates, with payment amounts ranging from $7,000 to $20,000 and wait times extending from months to over a year. The North Carolina Attorney General's Office began reviewing the case after receiving 18 complaints, and the company subsequently claimed staffing shortages and promised to send order confirmations and obtain receipts. Some affected customers initiated credit card chargebacks to dispute their payments.
cbc.ca
Albertans reported losing over $156 million to fraud since 2020, with losses reaching $62.5 million in 2023 alone—a fivefold increase from 2020—though experts estimate only 5-10% of incidents are reported due to victim reluctance and embarrassment. Investment scams, particularly cryptocurrency fraud, accounted for nearly 58% of 2023 losses ($35.9 million), followed by spear-phishing attacks that took $8.5 million, with technological advancements and the unregulated nature of cryptocurrency enabling fraudsters to operate across borders with relative anonymity.
wltx.com
In 2023, 277 South Carolinians lost over $11 million to romance scams, though only 29 cases were reported to state authorities, indicating significant underreporting of this growing threat. Sandra Shealy exemplified the impact when she lost approximately $85,000 after developing trust with a scammer on Facebook who used fake photos, videos, and Zoom calls; she is still repaying the debt. The FBI emphasizes that romance fraud and confidence scams are increasingly common due to easier fake persona creation with AI technology and urges victims to report incidents to improve prevention efforts.
wach.com
The FBI warned South Carolina residents about escalating romance scams that target vulnerable populations, particularly elderly individuals, through social media, email, and text messaging by building trust over weeks or months before requesting money. Losses from these scams in South Carolina increased dramatically from $5 million in 2016 to $59 million in 2023, with 2024 projections exceeding that figure. The FBI advised potential victims to pause contact, consult trusted friends or family, and reconsider why they trust the person reaching out.
alaskapublic.org
Alaska experienced a 91% surge in internet scam losses from 2022 to 2023, jumping from $16.5 million to $31.5 million—nearly double the national average increase of 21%—with seniors over 60 representing about 300 victims but accounting for over $8.7 million (more than a quarter of total losses). The FBI identified the three main fraud types affecting Alaskans as compromised business emails, investment fraud, and romance scams, while emphasizing that actual losses are likely underreported. Authorities stress prevention through strong passwords, anti-virus software, caution with virtual relationships, and reporting incidents to the FBI's Internet Crime
afr.com
An elderly man named Alan Baldwin fell victim to a romance scam during the COVID-19 lockdown, believing he was in a relationship with someone who did not exist; police discovered the fraud months later when Detective Constable Rebecca Mason visited his Hertfordshire home in November 2020 to inform him of the deception. The article highlights how romance scams often go undetected until family members notice suspicious bank transactions, friends identify fake online profiles, or the fraudster can no longer maintain excuses for avoiding in-person meetings.
rappler.com
Love scams on dating apps have increased since the pandemic, with perpetrators building romantic relationships with victims before requesting money. Victims report losing hundreds of thousands of pesos and being manipulated into sharing intimate photos used for blackmail, resulting in both financial and emotional harm.
ktvq.com
Montana's Commissioner of Securities and Insurance office is conducting community education across the state to help residents identify scams and recognize vulnerable populations, particularly seniors who are targeted because they typically have more accumulated wealth. The office has identified pig-butchering schemes—a cryptocurrency-based twist on romance scams where perpetrators contact victims online and eventually solicit money or investment advice—as a rising threat in Montana. The CSI emphasizes that education and awareness of common red flags are the most effective prevention methods.
wach.com
I appreciate you wanting me to summarize this article, but the text you've provided only contains the page layout and navigation elements from a news website, not the actual article content.
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winnipegfreepress.com
A 61-year-old Saskatchewan farmer lost approximately $60,000 to romance scammers over the past decade, including $7,000 in the last year to someone posing as a widowed mother from Utah who promised a romantic relationship in exchange for money for her daughter's medical expenses. Romance scams target vulnerable, isolated individuals through "love bombing"—building trust and affection before requesting money—and affect people across all socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. The Winnipeg Police Service and a local matchmaker partnered to hold a public seminar warning people about these increasingly sophisticated frauds.
theatlantic.com
Americans lost a collective $10 billion to fraud in the past year—a first-time benchmark—as scammers exploit social isolation and emotional vulnerabilities using increasingly sophisticated methods targeting romance, finances, immigration, and family emergencies. Risk factors include loneliness and secrecy rather than age alone, with research showing that 10 percent of people aged 18-29 reported being scam victims compared to 9 percent of those 65 and older, though older adults tend to lose higher dollar amounts per incident. Scammers deliberately trigger heightened emotional states to impair rational decision-making and create confidential relationships where victims feel pressured to keep conversations secret.
securitymagazine.com
A Visa report analyzing payment fraud from June to December 2023 found that 15% of U.S. adults have been targeted by inheritance scams, where victims are deceived by fraudsters posing as law firms notifying them of inheritances from relatives and requesting upfront payments. The report also highlighted other major scam trends including "pig butchering" scams (targeting 10% of adults through fake cryptocurrency investments), humanitarian relief scams, and triangulation fraud, while noting that fraudsters increasingly use AI to enhance their attacks and that ransomware cases surged 300% compared to the previous year.
actionnews5.com
This educational piece features a Google technology expert discussing how to recognize and prevent online scams during tax season, when identity theft targeting tax refunds increases. The article notes that Americans spend over 8 hours daily online and face various scam types including fear-based fraud and romance scams, with the IRS reporting the second-highest number of identity theft complaints in history last year. The expert provides guidance on identifying scams and protecting personal information.
stories.td.com
In 2023, Canadian fraudsters targeted thousands of people, with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre processing over 62,000 fraud reports affecting more than 41,000 individuals and resulting in $554 million in losses. Common scams include the "Bank Investigator" scam, where fraudsters impersonate bank officials or law enforcement to trick victims into wiring money or revealing banking credentials, and the CRA scam. To protect yourself, never provide banking information or remote device access to unsolicited callers, verify the legitimacy of calls by contacting your institution directly, and remember that financial institutions will never ask you to withdraw money or share security codes for investigations.
observerlocalnews.com
A 19-year-old Palm Coast man was indicted in January 2025 for federal wire fraud involving over $800,000, following a separate incident in October 2024 where Flagler Schools lost $719,000 to fraudulent transfer. Elderly residents are increasingly targeted by sophisticated fraud schemes including tech support scams, investment fraud, and impersonation of government officials, with FBI data showing that victims over 60 reported $3.1 billion in losses in 2022—an 84% increase—and cryptocurrency-related losses among seniors jumping 350%. Law enforcement officials note that most cases go unsolved due to funds being transferred overseas or through multiple accounts
kpbs.org
On March 20, 2024, the U.S. Attorney's Office presented an educational program at San Diego State University featuring Assistant U.S. Attorney Oleksandra Johnson, an elder fraud coordinator, who discussed various methods of elder financial abuse including mail, phone, computer, and in-person schemes. The presentation covered trending fraud types in Southern California such as grandparent scams, romance scams, and investment fraud, while providing information on recognizing signs of financial abuse and prevention strategies.
dallasnews.com
Ijeoma Okoro, a 33-year-old Denton County woman, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in a large romance scam operation targeting elderly victims in North Texas between 2015 and 2020, with an order to pay $2.2 million in restitution. Okoro was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering; scammers used fake identities and online dating sites to build trust with divorced or widowed victims before requesting financial assistance. The operation involved 11 arrests in 2021, with several co-conspirators receiving lesser sentences ranging from 2 to 37 months
cbs6albany.com
A 24-year-old woman and two 18-year-old men were charged in two separate armed robberies in the Guilderland and Troy areas, where they lured victims through dating apps and robbed them at gunpoint of cars, money, and personal items. The Better Business Bureau reports that online dating and romance scams ranked in the top 5 consumer risks in 2023, with victims losing an average of $3,600 compared to $1,400 in 2022. Police advise dating app users to watch for red flags such as fast-moving relationships, hints of financial trouble, or financial pressure, and encourage reporting suspected scams to authorities and the BBB.
techradar.com
In 2023, the FBI reported that cryptocurrency scams cost victims $4.57 billion—a 38% increase from $3.31 billion in 2022—surpassing ransomware losses of $59.6 million. Romance scammers typically impersonate attractive individuals to build weeks-long relationships before convincing victims to "invest" in fake cryptocurrency platforms, displaying false gains until withdrawal attempts trigger additional "fees." The FBI acknowledged its ransomware figures likely underrepresent actual losses since they exclude business downtime costs and only count reported incidents.
yourvalley.net
Over 100 Sun City residents attended a March 20 scam prevention seminar hosted by Chase Bank and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, where officials reported that fraud and scams are rising nationally and particularly in retirement communities. Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Captain Brian Stutsman noted that Arizona ranked 10th nationally for fraud in 2022, with losses reaching over $10 billion in 2023, and that a nine-month period in the Sun Cities resulted in $2.7 million in losses, though actual figures are likely higher due to underreporting caused by shame and embarrassment.
the-sun.com
A 76-year-old Georgia widow lost her life savings of approximately $78,700 in a romance scam after meeting a man claiming to be a doctor working for the Red Cross in Yemen on Facebook. The scammer, using the name Caleb, built a months-long relationship with Jennifer Dennis and convinced her to wire money toward purchasing a home in North Carolina together, but the property was already occupied and the scammer disappeared after sending a final photo claiming he had been beaten. Dennis and her son ended up homeless and sleeping in their car until receiving a camper from their church, and she now warns others about romance scam red flags.
ca.movies.yahoo.com
Older adults in Modesto lost thousands of dollars to fraud in 2022, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting a 30% increase in fraud losses nationwide and 3,500 reported incidents in the county. Three prevalent scams targeting seniors locally are romance scams (exploiting social isolation), banking scams (where fraudsters pose as bank IT to gain phone access), and solar scams (linked to the unregulated PACE program). The average loss for victims age 80 and over is $1,500, more than six times the average loss for younger victims, with scammers specifically targeting vulnerable populations including the recently widowed, lonely, or isolated.
ktul.com
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond warned of rising Bitcoin ATM scams targeting elderly residents, where fraudsters convince victims their banks are failing and persuade them to withdraw cash and deposit it into cryptocurrency kiosks at retail locations, with funds then sent irreversibly to scammers' wallets. The advisory also outlined related crypto scams including romance scams, pig butchering, fake investment platforms, computer virus alerts, and impersonation of government agencies, urging Oklahomans never to pay anyone demanding cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers as advance payments.
kmaland.com
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird warned residents about increased imposter scams during tax season, particularly scammers impersonating the IRS who call to solicit personal information. Bird advised against answering unknown numbers, sending payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and recommended contacting local law enforcement or the attorney general's office if targeted by scams involving the IRS, UPS impersonation, or romance fraud.
biometricupdate.com
Sumsub's research found that approximately 1 in 100 users on digital platforms are involved in fraud networks, with significant variation by region (Bangladesh at 10.2 percent, U.S. and UK at 0.2 percent each). The company updated its KYC verification platform to better detect and prevent fraud rings, which range from 3 to over 750 members and pose greater risks than individual scammers, with a notable case involving dozens of crypto exchange applicants in Estonia attempting to issue multiple cards to the same address using identical fake documents.
electronicpaymentsinternational.com
According to global verification platform Sumsub's 2023 research, approximately 1 in 100 digital platform users belonged to organized fraud networks that collectively engaged in multi-accounting, money laundering, and account takeovers. Fraud ring activity varied significantly by region, with Bangladesh (10.2%), Thailand (6.6%), and Vietnam (3.7%) showing elevated rates, while the US and UK reported only 0.2% each; detected networks ranged from 3 to over 750 coordinated members, including a case of Estonian cryptocurrency exchange applicants using identical fraudulent documents. Sumsub warns that fraud rings cause significantly greater damage than individual sc
ca.style.yahoo.com
During the holiday season, cybercriminals exploit increased smartphone use and online shopping to perpetrate various scams including malicious mobile apps, SMS phishing, counterfeit gift deals, fake travel offers, malware-laden e-cards, deceptive games, and fraudulent shipping notifications. These scams aim to steal personal information, credit card details, and compromise accounts through malware downloads or social engineering tactics. Consumers are advised to download apps only from official stores, be suspicious of unrealistically low prices, verify sender information, and monitor bills for unauthorized charges.
chvnradio.com
Southern Manitoba continues to experience widespread fraud, including bogus speeding text messages, romance scams, and impersonation scams targeting utility and tax payments, with scammers typically demanding cash, gift cards, or Bitcoin transfers. Access Credit Union reports that the most common fraud involves compromised online credentials through phishing, malware, and social engineering, though the institution uses multi-factor authentication and transaction alerts to protect members. In 2023, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre recorded over 66,000 fraud reports totaling $554 million from 44,111 victims, with experts advising awareness during peak scam seasons like tax time.
justice.gov
Ijeoma Okoro, 33, from Aubrey, Texas, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay $2.2 million in restitution for operating romance scams targeting elderly victims through dating websites like Match.com and Zoosk. Okoro and her coconspirators posed as romantic interests, built trust with vulnerable victims (often divorced or widowed), then fabricated emergencies requiring financial assistance and requested money they promised to repay. Four additional codefendants received sentences ranging from 24 to 37 months for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in connection with the scheme.
the-sun.com
An 82-year-old woman and her 91-year-old husband lost $1.46 million over six months in a sophisticated scam involving fraudsters impersonating a Wells Fargo representative and U.S. Marshal who claimed their accounts were compromised and placed them in a witness protection program. The scammers isolated the couple by threatening legal consequences if they contacted family, directing them to liquidate savings into Bitcoin and gold supposedly held in a Federal Reserve account; the couple realized the fraud in October 2023 after losing contact with the scammer, and one arrest has been made in connection with the crime.
abcactionnews.com
Online scams are growing rapidly across multiple channels (text, email, phone, social media), with cryptocurrency/investment, employment, and online purchase scams ranking as the top three types reported to the Better Business Bureau, while debt relief and romance scams are also rising significantly. Red flags include demands for upfront payment, guaranteed outcomes, and unsolicited contact from scammers who may possess personal information to appear legitimate. Experts warn that consumers should never share personal information or click unknown links, as AI technology will likely make scams increasingly difficult to detect in the future.
nvdaily.com
Virginians lost $205 million to scammers in 2023, with 54,602 fraud reports filed to the FTC, making Virginia the 12th most defrauded state. Identity theft and imposter scams are the most common fraud types, often involving criminals stealing personal information from social media profiles to create fake accounts, impersonate victims, or execute romance scams requesting money and gifts. Law enforcement recommends making social media accounts private, avoiding profile pictures, monitoring credit scores regularly, and reporting suspected scams to local police immediately.
theregister.com
Filipino police rescued 875 workers—including 504 foreigners from Vietnam, China, the Philippines, Rwanda, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Kyrgyzstan—from a forced labor operation disguised as an online gaming company that trafficked enslaved people to conduct romance scams. The victims were lured with false job promises, had their passports confiscated, and were forced to adopt fake identities to extract money from romance scam targets through schemes involving cryptocurrency wins and business investment promises; those who failed to meet quotas faced physical abuse, sleep deprivation, and confinement. Nine individuals were arrested and charged with anti-trafficking violations, with the operation run by Zun Yuan Technology
stories.td.com
New Canadians face heightened vulnerability to financial fraud, with 90% of surveyed newcomers worried about becoming victims and 73% feeling particularly susceptible. Common scams targeting this population include phishing (stealing personal/financial information via fake emails or texts), job scams (fraudsters posing as employers to extract money for fake training or supplies), and romance scams, with 28% of affected new Canadians unsure how to respond if victimized. The best defense is awareness of warning signs, understanding common fraud tactics, and knowing how to report fraudulent activity.
the-sun.com
Princo Oduro, a 34-year-old former Chase bank employee from Ohio, was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison for operating multiple fraud schemes that defrauded victims of $1.8 million. Using stolen personal information from at least five Chase customers, Oduro ran romance scams—posing as a soldier, medical patient, or precious metals dealer—and laundered stolen funds through PayPal accounts, including targeting a widow by falsely claiming her deceased husband had stored valuable artwork. He has been ordered to pay $1.8 million in restitution.
citizen.co.za
Financial predators exploit vulnerable individuals by gaining their trust, then isolating them from friends and family before extracting money through romance scams, predatory lending, or identity theft. The three most common types are romantic predators who establish fake relationships to manipulate victims, predatory lenders who trap borrowers in debt cycles, and identity predators who steal personal information for fraud. To protect yourself, maintain strong relationships with trusted friends and family who can spot suspicious behavior, and immediately cut all communication if you suspect someone is a financial predator.
thesenior.com.au
During October-December 2023, Australians aged 65 and over reported 16,901 scams totaling $20.49 million in losses, with investment and online dating scams being major contributors. Seniors represented 30 percent of all social media scam losses—a 57 percent increase from the previous quarter—primarily through WhatsApp (47 percent of losses), Facebook (20 percent), and online dating sites (9 percent). The report emphasizes verification of contact sources, checking business registration, and reporting scams to authorities or contacting IDCARE for support.
ntd.com
Syretta Scherer, a 42-year-old Georgia woman, was sentenced to nearly four years in prison in March for her role in a romance scam conspiracy that defrauded at least 28 seniors across multiple states of $5.8 million between February 2018 and November 2019. The scheme involved cultivating fake online relationships through dating apps, then pressuring victims to send money for fabricated emergencies; Scherer laundered approximately $1.1 million through bank accounts created under a sham company called Precise Carriers. Multiple co-conspirators were also prosecuted, with one receiving 78 months in prison and ordered to pay over $
fox56.com
An elderly woman in Chapman Township, Clinton County lost $4,000 to a romance scam between January and February 2024, after an online scammer posing as an Army serviceman and romantic partner convinced her to send multiple payments for promised gifts that never arrived. The Renovo Police Department is warning residents to be cautious about sending money to unknown individuals and to be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
nzherald.co.nz
Brent Carey, CEO of New Zealand's Netsafe (which receives 15,000 scam reports annually with 25% year-over-year growth), discusses the expanding fraud landscape affecting victims across all demographics. Romance scams and sextortion are particularly devastating, with sextortion complaints up 88% and primarily targeting young males who are blackmailed after sending intimate images to fraudsters posing as young women. A Netsafe and Global Anti-Scam Alliance survey found New Zealanders lost over $2 billion to scams, with the average victim losing $3,165, contrary to the misconception that only elderly people are targeted.
kwwl.com
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