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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
mainstreetdailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old widow named Mary from Gainesville was scammed out of $90,000 by a man claiming to be named "Bill" who contacted her through LinkedIn and posed as an oil company engineer, eventually claiming he wanted to marry her but needed money due to frozen assets in China. The article also details a separate grandparent scam targeting 78-year-old Alfred Dorsett, who lost $5,000 after being told his grandniece was in legal trouble, and notes that the FTC reported 853,935 imposter scams nationwide in 2023 resulting in $2.7 billion in losses, with romance scams being a common t
kezi.com
· 2025-12-08
Eugene Police Officer Colin Woolston created a free scam prevention course to educate the public about increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, emphasizing that knowledge is the best defense against scams. The most prevalent scam he identified involves fake tech support pop-ups that lead victims to unknowingly transfer money to scammers posing as bank representatives, with losses ranging from thousands of dollars that can impact rent, food, and groceries. Woolston encourages scam victims to share their experiences with others to help prevent additional people from becoming victims, and offers free presentations on fraud awareness and identity protection.
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-08
During the first three months of 2024, Bhopal's district cyber crime cell documented 43 voice cloning fraud cases totaling Rs 14 lakh, where criminals used AI-based apps to imitate victims' voices after collecting voice samples through hoax calls, then impersonated them to extort money from their relatives. Despite victims' distress and ongoing investigation efforts, the cyber crime cell achieved zero arrests in these cases and lacks adequate forensic equipment to effectively probe voice cloning fraud.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Smishing (text message phishing) scams are widespread, with about one in three Americans having received such texts and roughly one-third falling victim without immediately realizing it. The FBI reported 298,878 phishing complaints in 2023 resulting in nearly $19 million in losses, with cybercriminals increasingly using AI to craft convincing fraudulent messages. To protect yourself, verify you've opted into bank text notifications through your official bank account settings, watch for red flags like requests for personal information or urgent calls to action, and always contact your bank directly using the number on your card rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages.
boston25news.com
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old Hingham woman lost $9,500 in a "grandparent scam" in which a caller impersonated her grandson claiming he needed money after a car accident, followed by a second caller posing as a federal agent who arranged for pickup of the cash via ride-share driver. When the scammers attempted to solicit an additional $5,000 the next day by claiming a miscarriage and legal involvement, the victim became suspicious and contacted police, who intercepted the second payment and apprehended the unknowing ride-share driver. Hingham Police note this mirrors a 2022 incident in which an 87-year-old lost $
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
**Celebrity Impostor Scams Enhanced by AI Technology**
Criminals are leveraging artificial intelligence to make celebrity impostor scams increasingly convincing, moving from fake social media profiles and messaging to deepfake videos that impersonate celebrities like Dolly Parton, Elon Musk, and Tom Hanks. Scammers use these fraudulent schemes to establish false connections with fans, offering personal access, investment opportunities, or charity support to steal money. Consumers should be cautious of any personal contact claims from celebrities and report suspected scams to local law enforcement or AARP's Fraud Watch Network.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
The WhatsApp Gold scam, circulating since 2016, tricks millions of users by promising an exclusive upgraded WhatsApp version through fraudulent links that actually sign victims up for costly premium SMS services costing around £30 per month. Security experts warn users to avoid clicking links or providing phone numbers in messages offering special WhatsApp downloads, and to be vigilant against related scams including impersonation fraud, phishing links, tech support scams, and romance scams on the platform.
vancouverislandfreedaily.com
· 2025-12-08
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globalnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses April Fools' Day marketing pranks and the increased risks they pose with AI technology. It highlights past corporate pranks that backfired, including Volkswagen's "Voltswagen" rebranding announcement that confused media outlets, Yahoo News's false report about Trader Joe's closing all stores in 2016, and Deliveroo's fake $750 food delivery confirmation emails in 2021 that alarmed thousands of customers. Experts warn that generative AI tools like ChatGPT make it easier for companies to create convincing promotional content, raising concerns about distinguishing jokes from facts and deepfakes, and recommend companies disclose when AI-generated content is involve
thethaiger.com
· 2025-12-08
A 51-year-old South Korean fugitive was arrested in Thailand after orchestrating a sophisticated call centre scam from China that defrauded six South Korean victims of approximately $150,000 (200 million won) in just two weeks through manipulated phone calls and text messages. In related enforcement actions, Thai authorities dismantled a major call-centre syndicate operating across Thailand, China, and Russia, arresting 71 suspects (52 Chinese nationals and 19 Thai accomplices), and also arrested five individuals for operating a romance scam that swindled a Thai millionaire of over 63 million baht over six years.
witn.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, imposter scams remain the most commonly reported fraud category, with emerging threats including AI scams, synthetic identity fraud, and fake charity schemes. One Pitt County resident lost over $12,000 after scammers posed as Microsoft support and convinced her to call a fraudulent number, highlighting how scammers use fear tactics to manipulate victims. Experts recommend staying calm when receiving suspicious emails or calls, avoiding clicking links or calling provided numbers, and contacting legitimate technology professionals for verification.
kstatecollegian.com
· 2025-12-08
A recent study found that Generation Z members experienced more financial losses and data theft from online scams than older adults, contradicting the common perception that scams primarily target seniors. The article provides practical fraud prevention advice including using secure payment methods, verifying caller identities by calling back directly, avoiding suspicious links and remote access requests, and being cautious of impersonators posing as banks, retailers, landlords, and tech support providers.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational awareness piece from AARP Florida highlighting fraud prevention resources for older adults in Florida. AARP offers a 24/7 Fraud Watch Network hotline, community shredding events for secure document disposal, partnerships with law enforcement and financial institutions, and educational materials through the AARP Florida Fraud Resource Center to help seniors recognize and avoid common scams like phishing and grandparent fraud. The article emphasizes that fraud prevention requires ongoing vigilance, community collaboration, and staying informed about evolving scammer tactics.
pentictonherald.ca
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Canada recorded 41,111 fraud victims, prompting the Essex County OPP to host a community awareness event on recognizing and preventing scams. Key recommendations include avoiding unsolicited calls and emails, keeping personal information private, and recognizing urgency tactics—with common current scams including romance scams, grandparent/emergency scams, and Canada Revenue Agency impersonation. Officials emphasized that fraud cases are underreported due to embarrassment and encouraged victims to report incidents to help protect others.
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational resource outlines common investment scams including Ponzi schemes, boiler room scams, pump-and-dump schemes, advance fee fraud, crypto scams, and affinity fraud that exploit trust within specific communities. Key red flags to avoid include guaranteed returns, artificial urgency, unclear information, unsolicited offers, and promises that seem too good to be true. Consumers are advised to conduct independent research, request verified financial statements, and report suspected scams to authorities.
clarechampion.ie
· 2025-12-08
This Irish awareness article highlights the rising sophistication of financial scams and provides protective measures for potential victims. Key scam types targeting young people include money muling (using personal bank accounts to launder stolen funds, which carries criminal penalties), ticket fraud for sold-out events, and phishing schemes, with victims losing €8.6 million in the first half of 2023. The article advises protecting finances through strong passwords, two-factor authentication, vigilance against unsolicited contact, and using only official vendors for ticket purchases.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
greenwichfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS launched its annual "Dirty Dozen" awareness campaign warning taxpayers about evolving phishing and smishing scams designed to steal sensitive personal and financial information. Fraudsters impersonate the IRS via unsolicited emails and text messages, using tactics like phony refund offers or false legal threats to trick victims into clicking malicious links or downloading malware. The IRS advises taxpayers and tax professionals to remain vigilant, avoid clicking links in unsolicited communications, and be especially cautious during tax season when such scams peak.
fox13news.com
· 2025-12-08
A Highlands County business and a related construction company fell victim to an elaborate $60,725 fraud scheme involving email hacking and romance scam elements. Taufiq Kailani, 47, was arrested in March after a multi-year FDLE investigation; he hacked into one company's email to send fraudulent wire instructions while simultaneously convincing an elderly woman to open a bank account and withdraw the stolen funds as part of a romance scam. The money was subsequently sent overseas and remains unrecovered, highlighting the importance of verifying financial requests through direct phone contact rather than relying on email alone.
michigansthumb.com
· 2025-12-08
Sebewaing Light and Water utility fell victim to a phishing scam in January when an unknown third party, likely located overseas, posed as a legitimate vendor and fraudulently obtained funds from the utility. Upon discovery of the fraud, staff immediately contacted law enforcement; details remain undisclosed pending the ongoing investigation. The superintendent emphasized that no department employees acted unlawfully and urged residents to be cautious of fraudulent emails and online scams.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Valerie of Illinois lost nearly $100,000 in a PayPal phishing scam that began with fraudulent billing emails in January 2023. After calling a number in the suspicious emails, a scammer convinced her to download remote access software, then manipulated her account to make it appear he had deposited $100,000 while actually stealing that amount from her savings. She eventually received a full refund in February after local news coverage prompted Blue Ridge Bank to assist, though her initial fraud report from Chase Bank had been declined.
ibtimes.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans reported 2.6 million fraud cases totaling $10 billion in losses, with a median loss of $500 per person—affecting approximately one in four Americans regardless of age or financial literacy. The article identifies three primary scam types to watch for: charitable donation scams using phishing emails and fake websites, romance scams that netted scammers $1.14 billion from 64,003 victims (averaging $2,000 loss per person), and emerging AI-powered deepfake scams capable of impersonating trusted contacts. Key prevention strategies include verifying sender identity through alternate communication channels, conducting reverse image searches on photos, an
fox47.com
· 2025-12-08
The Dane County Sheriff's Office warns senior citizens about an AI-enabled "Grandparents scam" where criminals use deepfake technology to impersonate grandchildren in distress and request emergency money. To protect themselves, seniors should restrict social media privacy settings to prevent scammers from obtaining video material, and should hang up suspicious calls and contact family members directly to verify claims.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old Michigan woman lost approximately $700,000 over several months after being deceived by a scammer posing as a Federal Trade Commission lawyer who claimed she had won a $3.5 million sweepstakes prize and a new car, but needed to send money upfront to secure the winnings. The victim purchased expensive jewelry and wired checks to the fraudster until a friend convinced her the scheme was illegitimate and urged her to contact police, prompting an investigation by Troy Police Department. The case underscores common sweepstakes scam tactics and highlights the importance of recognizing red flags such as unsolicited prize claims, requests for upfront payment, and impersonation
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
A 22-year-old man named Zhi Gao was sentenced to two years of probation for his role in defrauding a 65-year-old San Diego woman of over $200,000 in life savings through a multi-stage scam. The scam began with a fake Microsoft pop-up message on her computer, escalated to fraudulent Chase Bank calls claiming account fraud, and resulted in the victim making multiple cash withdrawals of $20,000-$30,000 that she handed to couriers; Gao was arrested during a sting operation while attempting to collect a final $30,000 payment, and has paid $30,000 in restitution
journalofaccountancy.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS opened its 2024 Dirty Dozen list of scams with a warning about phishing and smishing scams designed to steal sensitive financial and personal information from taxpayers and tax professionals. Fraudsters impersonate the IRS via deceptive emails and text messages using tactics like fake refund offers or false threats of legal action to trick victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal data that can lead to identity theft. The IRS emphasized it only initiates contact through regular mail, never through email, text, or social media, and provided reporting resources for victims.
cavazossentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division provides guidance on identity protection and outlines common scams targeting soldiers, veterans, and their families. Key recommendations include using strong passwords, password managers, two-factor authentication, and separating work and personal accounts, while growing threats include impersonation scams (where scammers pose as military officials), romance scams targeting those over 50, credit repair fraud, cryptocurrency schemes, social media account takeovers, and two-factor authentication exploitation. Supervisory Special Agent Deric Palmer emphasizes that data brokers sell personal information for as little as $20, enabling social engineering attacks, and warns that impersonation scams cause reputational
morningjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating U.S. Marshals, court officers, and law enforcement officials are calling victims claiming they owe fines for identity theft, missed jury duty, or civil violations, then pressuring them to pay immediately via cash deposits to bitcoin ATMs to avoid arrest. The scammers use spoofed government phone numbers, real badge numbers, and actual official names to appear credible. The U.S. Marshals Service clarified that it never demands payment by phone or requests financial information, and victims should report such calls to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
A retired Melbourne police officer lost $479,500 to a romance scam after being contacted online by a woman claiming to be named Dianna, who persuaded him to invest in cryptocurrency through fake platforms. Despite Paul disclosing concerns about the scam to ING Bank and later Macquarie Bank, both institutions failed to adequately warn him or prevent further transfers, with ING's scam team reassuring him he "should be OK" without conducting proper fraud verification. Paul is now awaiting a ruling from the financial complaints watchdog regarding the banks' responsibility in the losses.
ici.radio-canada.ca
· 2025-12-08
Richmond, B.C. RCMP warned of a surge in romance-investment scams that cost victims over $16 million in 2023, with 87 reported cases that year and another 12 cases totaling nearly $500,000 in losses between January and March 2024. Scammers groom victims through dating websites and social media over weeks or months, building trust before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes, often involving cryptocurrencies and fake investment returns. Police also issued a warning about a "speeding ticket" text scam designed to steal personal and financial information by directing victims to a fake website mimicking the government's legitimate PayBC payment portal.
globalnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
A North Vancouver woman lost nearly $2,000 in a "broken phone" scam after receiving text messages impersonating her son in Spain, who claimed he had lost his phone and needed money for payments he couldn't make through banking apps. North Vancouver RCMP reported this was the fourth such incident in the year with total losses exceeding $10,000, and warned that similar scams often originate from 289 area code numbers. The victim's bank declined her fraud claim, and authorities recommend reporting such incidents to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
1011now.com
· 2025-12-08
A Lincoln couple, ages 86 and 89, lost $23,000 to a grandparent impersonation scam in which callers claimed to be their grandson and his lawyer, demanding bail money for a fake accident and citation. The victims withdrew cash and gave it to a courier before realizing the deception the following day and contacting police. Lincoln Police recommend that families discuss impersonation scams with elderly relatives and always verify the identity of callers claiming to be family members or legal/financial representatives.
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-08
Cyber fraud incidents are escalating in Pune, with 110 victims losing ₹18 crore in January and February alone. A 28-year-old armed forces officer posted at the National Defence Academy lost ₹57 lakh in an online share trading scam after fraudsters impersonating a bank's securities platform lured him with promised returns and then demanded exorbitant commissions to withdraw funds. Police report that fraudsters use social media, fake trading apps, and websites to attract victims with promises of quick profits, initially providing small returns to build trust before preventing withdrawals or demanding excessive fees.
channel3000.com
· 2025-12-08
The Dane County Sheriff's Office is warning seniors about AI-powered "Grandparents scams," where criminals use artificial intelligence to clone a grandchild's voice from online videos and convince elderly victims their relative needs emergency financial help. To protect themselves, seniors should limit social media sharing, use strict privacy settings, and verify emergency calls by hanging up and contacting family members directly.
insidethemagic.net
· 2025-12-08
Scammers posing as Disneyland Resort employees are targeting senior citizens through text messages offering work-from-home jobs with $2,000-$4,000 monthly income and $30-$75 interview payments. These "pig butchering scams" use fake personas to gain trust before manipulating victims into fraudulent investments and payments, exploiting seniors' potential digital illiteracy and the scam's stated age range of 23-80 years old. Reddit users identified red flags including poor grammar, inconsistent fonts, and the fact that legitimate Disney HR would never impose age caps on employment.
wkow.com
· 2025-12-08
The Dane County Sheriff's Office reports that artificial intelligence is being increasingly used in "Grandparent Scams," where scammers use AI-generated voice recordings created from online videos to impersonate grandchildren in distress and convince seniors to send money. The scam has become more convincing and effective at stealing thousands of dollars from vulnerable elderly victims. Authorities recommend tightening social media privacy settings, hanging up and independently calling family members to verify claims, and reporting suspected scams to local law enforcement.
salinapost.com
· 2025-12-08
The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging and Kansas Legal Services launched a free "Scam Scan" seminar series beginning January 24, 2024, to educate older Kansans on recognizing and preventing common scams. The seminars, presented by managing attorney Corinne Petrik, teach attendees how to identify fraudulent emails, phone calls, and text messages while providing practical prevention tips to protect themselves, their money, and personal information. Multiple in-person sessions are scheduled throughout April 2024 at senior centers across Kansas, with additional resources available through their website.
nbc15.com
· 2025-12-08
The Dane County Sheriff's Office is warning the public about AI-powered grandparent scams where scammers use artificial intelligence to create realistic voice recordings impersonating grandchildren in distress, pressuring grandparents to send money urgently while threatening not to contact parents. These scams affect victims nationwide across urban and rural areas, with losses reaching tens of thousands of dollars per incident, though AI voices may still have a robotic quality that can serve as a warning sign. Law enforcement advises victims to hang up and call family members directly to verify emergencies and recommends adjusting social media privacy settings to limit scammers' access to personal information.
zdnet.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides six practical tips for avoiding online, phone, and in-person scams, using a personal anecdote about a friend who nearly fell victim to a fake Google support call. Key protective measures include being suspicious of unsolicited emails and messages, verifying links before clicking them, recognizing "too good to be true" offers, and contacting companies directly rather than through unsolicited channels. The author emphasizes that awareness and vigilance are essential defenses against increasingly sophisticated scammers.
wmtv15news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Dane County Sheriff's Office warned the public of AI-enhanced grandparent scams where criminals use artificial intelligence to mimic a grandchild's voice and claim they are in danger, pressuring victims to send money in the tens of thousands of dollars. The scam targets elderly grandparents across urban and rural areas, particularly during spring break when college and high school students are away, and succeeds by creating false urgency while telling victims not to contact parents. Law enforcement advises people to hang up and directly call the family member to verify the emergency, adjust social media privacy settings, and listen for robotic tones in the voice recording as a warning sign.
pbs.org
· 2025-12-08
This educational lesson plan teaches grades 6-12 students to identify and respond to online scams through instruction on recognizing suspicious communications via email, text, and phone calls. Key learning objectives include identifying phishing tactics, understanding how scammers manipulate emotions to bypass logical thinking, and knowing how to report scams to authorities like the FTC and APWG. The lesson emphasizes practical security measures such as using multi-factor authentication, avoiding sharing personal information with unknown contacts, and conducting reverse image searches to verify suspicious profiles.
bai.org
· 2025-12-08
Visa's Spring 2024 Threats Report reveals that while the number of individual scam reports decreased from June to December 2023, total monetary losses increased, indicating fraudsters are executing more effective and costly schemes. Emerging scams include "pig butchering" (fake cryptocurrency investment schemes targeting 10% of surveyed adults), inheritance scams (affecting 15% of adults), and triangulation fraud (costing merchants up to $1 billion monthly), with fraudsters increasingly leveraging generative AI and other technologies to create more convincing campaigns. Organizational threats are also escalating, including a 300% increase in ransomware cases and an 83% rise in purchase return authorization frau
summitdaily.com
· 2025-12-08
The Summit County Sheriff's Office warned residents of ongoing telephone fraud schemes in which callers impersonate law enforcement and claim victims have outstanding warrants or missed jury duty, demanding payment via prepaid credit cards or gift cards. The Sheriff's Office emphasized that legitimate law enforcement will never call to demand electronic payments and advised residents to hang up on suspicious calls and verify caller identity by independently calling non-emergency dispatch.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Richmond, B.C. RCMP warned of a significant rise in romance investment scams in 2023, with 87 reported cases resulting in over $16 million in losses, continuing into 2024 with 12 cases and nearly $500,000 lost in just three months. These "long-con" scams involve fraudsters grooming victims through dating websites and social media over weeks or months, building trust before convincing them to invest in fake schemes often involving cryptocurrencies and displaying fabricated returns. The RCMP also warned of a separate "speeding ticket" phishing scam using text messages with fake government websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
nj.com
· 2025-12-08
A New Jersey married couple, Martins Friday Inalegwu (35) and Steincy Mathieu (27), admitted to stealing at least $4.5 million from over 100 victims through an online romance scam operating from October 2016 to May 2020, using dating websites and social media to build fake relationships before requesting money for fabricated emergencies. The perpetrators received funds via wire transfers, checks, Western Union, MoneyGram, and international bank accounts in Turkey and Nigeria, and also failed to pay taxes on the stolen money. Inalegwu pleaded guilty to money transmitting violations and tax evasion, while Mathieu
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Between January 2023 and March 2024, Richmond, B.C. RCMP reported 99 romance scam cases totaling over $16 million in losses, with scammers using dating websites and social media to build trust with victims over weeks or months before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes, often involving cryptocurrencies. The article also warns of a separate "speeding ticket scam" where fake text messages direct victims to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial information by impersonating official government traffic violation notices.
boredpanda.com
· 2025-12-08
A 16-year-old boy was scammed by an online "girlfriend" he had never met in person, who pressured him into purchasing $50-$100 in in-game items by threatening to break up with him if he refused. His father discovered the unauthorized charges, paid them off, and confiscated the son's credit card while requiring reimbursement. The incident highlights how teenagers' emotional vulnerability and lack of online safety education make them susceptible to financial manipulation and exploitation by online predators.
ghanaweb.com
· 2025-12-08
Ghanaian social media influencer Mona Faiz Montrage (Hajia4Reall) pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money from romance scams targeting older Americans, facing up to five years in prison and ordered to forfeit and pay restitution of $2,164,758.41. The scams victimized elderly Americans through fraudulent romantic relationships that resulted in financial theft. Montrage was arrested abroad and her case was prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice's Southern District of New York.
deseret.com
· 2025-12-08
During election season, scammers exploit increased political communications by impersonating legitimate candidates and political action committees to solicit donations from voters, with particular targeting of older Americans. The Better Business Bureau and AARP warn against providing personal information via unsolicited emails, texts, and phone calls, and advise verifying organizations through trusted sources before donating. Suspicious activity can be reported to the BBB's Scam Tracker or the FBI.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Jo O'Brien lost her $500,000 divorce settlement after being deceived by scammers who impersonated AMP employees through a fake comparison website and convinced her to transfer funds into what she believed was her own investment account but was actually controlled by a fraudulent shell company called Supercheap Security. Over $1.3 million from multiple victims was funneled through a NAB bank account, and O'Brien alleges the bank was slow to freeze the account even after she reported the fraud, allowing an additional $275,000 to be transferred overseas. The account operator, Hassan Mehdi, was arrested attempting to leave Australia but charges were later dropped, with the case highlighting vulner