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in Robocall / Phone Scam
wect.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece identifies common patterns across various scams targeting victims, including job fraud, Medicare fraud, and imposter schemes. Scammers typically create artificial urgency, demand secrecy, and isolate victims from seeking second opinions, with red flags including requests for Social Security numbers and instructions not to tell others. The most effective defense is to hang up and independently verify claims by contacting banks, police, or trusted family members, which often causes fraudulent schemes to fail.
gizmodo.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are impersonating Elon Musk to defraud victims through cryptocurrency investment schemes, using tactics including fake livestreams during SpaceX/Tesla events, AI-generated videos, and fake endorsements from family members or political figures. FTC complaints reveal multiple victims, primarily elderly individuals, losing substantial sums ranging from $10,000 to $225,000, with some victims remaining confused about whether they interacted with the real Musk or impersonators. The scams exploit vulnerable populations, including those with serious illnesses or cognitive impairment, and often target victims through YouTube, Facebook, and fake cryptocurrency matching schemes.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-07
According to a 2025 report by KHOU, Generation Z and young adults aged 20-29 in Texas are losing more money to scams than seniors aged 70-79, driven by their high daily online activity and vulnerability to phishing, fake job, and rental scams when facing time pressure. The Federal Trade Commission findings highlight that young people's desperation during job or housing searches makes them susceptible to sophisticated scams, including those using AI. The article advises Texans of all ages to avoid sharing personal information online, verify trusted retailers and contractors, and research charitable organizations before donating to prevent falling victim to common scams circulating in the state.
kroc.com
· 2025-12-07
A fake permit invoice scam has been circulating across Minnesota, where fraudsters send convincing emails with forged letterhead, legal language, and signatures requesting payment via PDF instructions in an attempt to obtain banking information. Red flags include use of free email domains (such as USA.COM), requests for online payment, and instructions stating "no calls," and residents are advised to verify any suspicious invoices directly with the government agency rather than responding to the email.
wcax.com
· 2025-12-07
A Quechee, Vermont resident nearly fell victim to a check scam when she received a fraudulent letter appearing to be from the IRS with a $2,473.70 check from the U.S. Treasury Department. Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark warns that scammers typically follow up by phone claiming they sent too much money and demanding wire transfers in return, while also potentially phishing for personal information like Social Security numbers. The victim avoided the scam by verifying the check at her bank and advises others to watch for red flags including unexpected money, inability to verify the sender's identity, pressure to act quickly, and emotional manipulation.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
This opinion piece argues that Canada lacks adequate community-level protections against online scams, despite strong workplace defenses. The authors advocate for bringing scam awareness into homes through family conversations, simple verification habits (such as confirming suspicious messages with a quick call), and normalizing discussion about fraud to reduce victim shame and reporting barriers. They contend that scams exploit human psychology rather than just technical vulnerabilities, making education and behavioral change essential to closing this protection gap.
fox61.com
· 2025-12-07
The Better Business Bureau is warning Connecticut residents about a "relief check" phone scam that has generated over 800 reports nationally in less than two months. Scammers call, text, or leave voicemails claiming victims have an unclaimed relief payment and direct them to fraudulent websites that steal personal and financial information, install malware, or enroll victims in unwanted services. The BBB advises residents to hang up on such calls, never visit caller-provided websites, verify information directly with government agencies using official contact details, and avoid sharing personal or financial information with strangers.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are exploiting discarded airline baggage tags containing travelers' names, flight numbers, destinations, and booking references to commit identity theft and file fraudulent missing-item claims with airlines like Delta. The fraud occurs when scammers retrieve tags from airport and hotel trash, then impersonate travelers to claim reimbursement, complicating legitimate claims for actual passengers. Experts recommend shredding baggage tags and boarding passes at home after travel, as boarding passes also contain personal data vulnerable to barcode scanning and account hijacking.
ncdoj.gov
· 2025-12-07
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson warns that scammers are exploiting the federal government shutdown by impersonating agencies like Social Security Administration, Medicare, and SNAP to steal personal information and money through unsolicited calls, texts, and emails. Residents should never provide personal information, make payments, or wire money in response to these contacts, and should instead hang up and call agencies directly to verify legitimacy. Complaints can be filed with the North Carolina Department of Justice at ncdoj.gov/complaint or 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-07
A man named Kent encountered a web injection scam when a fake bank login pop-up appeared during an online financial transaction, successfully tricking him into providing his email and phone number before he recognized the "Credit Donkey" redirect as suspicious and closed his browser. Web injection scams hijack browser sessions to overlay fraudulent verification screens that feel authentic because they appear while users are already logged in, with the goal of capturing login credentials or two-factor authentication codes. To protect against such scams, individuals should monitor accounts daily with login alerts enabled, change passwords using a password manager, check for personal data exposure in breaches, and consider using data removal services to limit scammers' access to personal information.
thetimes.com
· 2025-12-07
Kylee Dennis, a 55-year-old former Australian police officer, founded Two Face Investigations in 2023 after her own mother nearly fell victim to a romance scam, and now poses as "Samantha," a fake online persona, to identify and report romance scammers who target vulnerable adults. Romance scams have surged globally, with Australians losing A$23.6 million in 2024 and the UK reporting a 20 percent increase, with victims over 61 being particularly susceptible due to financial stability combined with loneliness and lower digital literacy. Notable cases include a 64-year-old retiree who lost $57
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-07
The Placer County Sheriff's Office warned local businesses about a credit card fraud scheme where scammers purchase items using fraudulent or stolen credit cards, have them picked up by couriers, and then initiate chargebacks weeks later—leaving businesses without product or payment. Businesses are advised to scrutinize large or unusual purchases from new customers, verify the identity of pickup persons, and trust their instincts when transactions seem suspicious.
markets.financialcontent.com
· 2025-12-07
Indian youth are being trafficked to Southeast Asia and forced to conduct cryptocurrency scams—including fake investment schemes, romance scams, and phishing attacks—while stripped of passports and subjected to brutal conditions. The criminals launder illicit proceeds through cryptocurrencies like USDT and ETH via platforms such as Binance, exploiting the speed and relative anonymity of digital assets for international transfers. This ongoing crisis, active since early 2023, has prompted increased regulatory scrutiny globally and eroded trust in the crypto ecosystem, potentially deterring institutional investors and spurring stricter AML and KYC requirements.
thesun.co.uk
· 2025-12-07
A documentary investigation in Lagos, Nigeria reveals organized "Hustle Kingdoms"—training centers where young men are systematically taught to conduct sextortion and romance scams targeting British teenagers, with operators like "Ghost" claiming over £1 million in crypto earnings and taking 70% of victims' payments. Scammers use fake female social media profiles to solicit explicit images from minors, then extort thousands of pounds by threatening to share the photos with schools and employers, with some victims subjected to repeated demands. The scammers, including those as young as 14, display little remorse despite awareness that victims have committed suicide as a result of the blackmail.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-07
A BBC investigation tracks a sextortion scam operation targeting teenage boys, following the 2024 death of 16-year-old Evan Boettler from Missouri, who took his own life 90 minutes after being blackmailed by a scammer posing as a girl on Snapchat. The reporter traces the digital footprint to Lagos, Nigeria, where "Yahoo Boys" and organized "Hustle Kingdom" gangs operate sextortion networks—luring victims into sharing intimate images then threatening to release them unless paid. Law enforcement has made limited progress despite the FBI's involvement, and social media platforms have refused to cooperate without court orders.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-07
A BBC investigation tracked a sextortion scam operation targeting teenage boys, tracing the perpetrators to Lagos, Nigeria after a 16-year-old American, Evan Boettler, took his own life in January 2024 following a 90-minute sextortion extortion attack. Sextortion—where scammers pose as girls on social media to trick victims into sending intimate images, then threaten to release them unless paid—is one of the fastest-growing online crimes affecting teenagers in the US and Europe. The investigation revealed organized "Hustle Kingdom" operations in Lagos where gangs of young men systematically target victims, with scammers exploiting teenagers' fears about
unica.ro
· 2025-12-07
This article is not about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It is a wellness and lifestyle piece by spiritual therapist Andrea Filip offering advice on happiness and relationship harmony, specifically addressing what women need to feel fulfilled (financial independence, family harmony, health, spirituality, careers, friendships) and what partners can do to support their well-being. This content falls outside the scope of the Elderus fraud research database and should not be summarized for that purpose.
unionprogress.com
· 2025-12-07
Pennsylvania residents are on track to lose more money to fraud in the current year than in the previous year, with Pennsylvanians having lost approximately $400 million to scams last year and ranking eighth nationally in total fraud losses. Artificial intelligence is enabling increasingly sophisticated scams—including the "grandparent scam" where criminals use AI voice technology to impersonate family members—making traditional detection methods like spotting typos ineffective, and most scams originate from organized networks outside the U.S., making investigation and prosecution difficult. The National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, launched this year with analysts based in Pittsburgh, is working to address this growing epidemic through coordination between private and public sector partners.
nbcrightnow.com
· 2025-12-07
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office warned residents of a phone scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement officials, sometimes using real deputies' names, and demand Bitcoin, PayPal, CashApp, or gift card payments by falsely claiming residents owe money for missed jury duty or outstanding warrants. The sheriff's office advises victims to hang up immediately, block the number, and never provide personal information or confirm details to such callers, emphasizing that legitimate law enforcement will never solicit payment by phone.
wnegradio.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers use fake social media ads and websites to sell holiday decorations at suspiciously low prices, but deliver either tiny, poorly-made versions of advertised items or nothing at all, making refunds and customer contact impossible. The BBB advises consumers to research unfamiliar sellers, verify contact information, be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and always use credit cards for online purchases to enable fraud disputes. One reported victim lost $55 after ordering large animated skeleton decorations only to receive 8-inch figurines with minimal functionality.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-07
**Title:** As Medicare open enrollment starts, beware health care cons coming your way
During Medicare open enrollment periods (Oct. 15-Dec. 7 for Medicare; Nov. 1-Jan. 15 for Healthcare.gov), scammers make unsolicited calls and texts impersonating Medicare or healthcare brokers, pressuring callers to provide Social Security numbers and Medicare ID numbers under the guise of enrolling them in cheaper plans with better coverage. The article advises consumers to avoid unsolicited contacts, never share government-issued numbers with unknown callers, access plans only through official websites (Medicare.gov or Healthcare.gov), and report suspected fraud to
bbc.com
· 2025-12-07
A BBC investigation tracked a sextortion scammer operating from Lagos, Nigeria, who targeted 16-year-old Evan Boettler via a fake female profile on Snapchat in January 2024, extorting him for intimate images and leading to his suicide within 90 minutes of initial contact. Sextortion is one of the fastest-growing online crimes targeting teenagers in the US and Europe, with scammers—often part of organized "Hustle Kingdoms" or working independently—using fake profiles to solicit explicit images and then blackmail victims for money. The investigation revealed that many perpetrators are impoverished young men in Nigeria known as "Yahoo Boys" who operate
wvnews.com
· 2025-12-07
The Vandalia CEOS Club held an educational meeting where members learned about scams targeting seniors, including telephone, internet, financial, and homeowner scams, with discussion led by Helen McClain on identifying and avoiding these frauds. Club members shared personal experiences and fraud prevention tips during the session.
marinij.com
· 2025-12-07
Fraud affects people of all ages, with younger adults actually reporting scams more frequently than older generations. The article presents a real case where a bank employee helped prevent a $125,000 wire transfer scam targeting an elderly client whose "niece" claimed to need money in Amsterdam—red flags included a misspelled name, wrong location, and no contact in over 10 years. The piece outlines seven common scam warning signs (pressure to act immediately, suspicious email addresses, requests for financial information, unexpected contact, unusual payment methods, overpayment refunds, and "too good to be true" offers) and recommends verifying information with trusted sources, reporting fraud to the FTC,
irvinetimes.com
· 2025-12-07
Eighty percent of people worry about older friends and family being scammed online, with concerns heightened by bank closures forcing over-65s to rely on digital services; a 74-year-old woman lost approximately £20,000 to a Bitcoin investment scam involving a deepfake video of a celebrity. Virgin Media O2 is launching free "scam school" sessions across the UK to help vulnerable people recognize and prevent fraud as part of Get Online Week awareness efforts.
levittownnow.com
· 2025-12-07
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday warned of a growing Medicare scam targeting seniors in which scammers ship unsolicited durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, oxygen tanks) that were never prescribed by doctors, then attempt to bill patients or the state Medicare program for the expensive gear. The Attorney General's office advises seniors to regularly review Medicare claims, report unsolicited medical items, verify unfamiliar bills with their doctor before paying, protect personal information, and avoid providing details or making enrollment changes over the phone.
saharareporters.com
· 2025-12-07
A sextortion network operating from Lagos, Nigeria targeted 16-year-old Evan Boettler from Missouri, using a fake female account to coerce him into sharing explicit images before blackmailing him; Evan died by suicide 90 minutes after receiving an extortion message. The investigation exposed "Yahoo Boys" operating sophisticated sextortion and romance scams from "Hustle Kingdoms" in Nigeria, deliberately targeting Western youth, though the case went unsolved when a telecom provider failed to retain digital evidence. Sextortion reports have more than doubled globally, with 55,000 cases reported in the U.S. in 2024 and 110 monthly reports in
kktv.com
· 2025-12-07
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office warned of scams in which fraudsters impersonated Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP employees to solicit personal information from residents under the guise of providing "priority assistance" during the government shutdown. The scammers contacted victims via phone calls and text messages, and authorities cautioned that legitimate government agencies do not initiate contact through these methods and that caller IDs can be easily spoofed. The sheriff's office advised residents to avoid sharing personal information with unsolicited callers and to never pay unknown individuals using cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers, or money transfer apps.
today.marquette.edu
· 2025-12-07
Marquette University Police Department issued a warning about online and phone scams targeting emails, calls, and text messages designed to steal personal information or money. The advisory provides prevention tips including: verifying suspicious contacts by calling organizations back using trusted numbers, not clicking email links, reporting phishing emails directly, and resetting passwords if compromised. Additional safeguards include spotting imposters, conducting online searches before trusting requests, not relying on caller ID, avoiding upfront payments, using secure payment methods, and consulting trusted contacts before sharing information or money.
fox5dc.com
· 2025-12-07
Chase Bank warns customers of escalating scams where fraudsters impersonate bank staff and law enforcement to pressure victims into withdrawing cash or transferring funds to fake "safe accounts" or couriers, with caller ID spoofing making these schemes increasingly convincing. Nearly half of Chase-reported scams originate on social media platforms through fake listings, phony job/rental offers, and romance schemes, with scammers exploiting irreversible payment methods like Zelle and wire transfers. Chase advises customers to verify callers independently, avoid sharing banking credentials, use secure payment channels, and report suspicious activity to the FTC and the bank immediately.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-07
New York State officials are warning residents about a surge in scams targeting people receiving tax refunds and rebate checks totaling billions of dollars this fall, including fake texts, calls, and emails impersonating state agencies. The state advises New Yorkers not to click links, call back suspicious contacts, or share personal information, and to report suspicious communications to 7726 (SPAM) or call the Consumer Protection help line at 1-800-697-1220. Officials emphasize that legitimate refund checks require no verification since amounts are pre-calculated from tax filings, so any requests to confirm personal details are red flags.
kwch.com
· 2025-12-07
The Better Business Bureau issued a warning about a phishing scam affecting people nationwide, with over 1,500 reports of callers claiming to represent loan companies and requesting personal information to defraud victims. The scam typically involves harassing voicemails from individuals claiming to be named Jessica or Evelyn, and victims can protect themselves by verifying company legitimacy, refusing to share information with unsolicited callers, and independently calling back companies using official phone numbers rather than numbers provided by the callers.
wiley.law
· 2025-12-07
The Aspen Institute Report identifies that American households lose over $1 billion weekly to various scams including imposter fraud, phishing, and cybersquatting, threatening economic security and consumer trust in digital systems. The report recommends a multi-sector approach involving government agencies, private industry, and nonprofits, with key recommendations including modernizing legal frameworks to clarify company fraud prevention duties, enhancing law enforcement collaboration with financial institutions, improving technological detection systems, establishing scam prevention as a national priority, and increasing public awareness through education campaigns.
malaymail.com
· 2025-12-07
Employment scams have surged over 1,000% from May through July, with fraudsters using sophisticated tactics including fake job listings, impersonated recruiters, and AI-generated content to deceive job seekers. Nicole Becker, a 37-year-old from Oregon, fell victim to an elaborate two-week scam involving a fake sportswear company that requested she purchase equipment for reimbursement—a common tactic that cost victims an average of $1,471 per scam, totaling $12 billion in losses last year. The FTC warns that a tight labor market combined with generative AI has made these schemes harder to detect, particularly targeting vulnerable first-time
lilifepolitics.com
· 2025-12-07
A 74-year-old East Rockaway woman lost $117,000 in a tech support scam between October 1-3, 2024, after receiving a fraudulent computer warning message and being instructed to withdraw funds to "safeguard" her money. Brooklyn resident Jinqin Jiang, 46, was arrested and charged with Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and Resisting Arrest; he was subsequently turned over to ICE for removal proceedings.
newsday.com
· 2025-12-07
A 74-year-old East Rockaway woman lost $117,000 in a computer fraud scam after receiving a deceptive message claiming her computer was compromised and being instructed to withdraw cash to "safeguard" her funds. Jinqin Jiang, 46, of Brooklyn, was arrested and charged with third-degree attempted grand larceny and resisting arrest; he was subsequently turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement after being identified as a Chinese national who entered the country illegally. Police are continuing to investigate and seek additional co-conspirators involved in the scam.
longisland.news12.com
· 2025-12-07
A 74-year-old East Rockaway woman lost $117,000 in a tech support scam after receiving a computer warning message directing her to call a number, where scammers convinced her to withdraw cash from her bank for "safeguarding." Brooklyn resident Jinqin Jiang, 46, was arrested and charged with attempted grand larceny and resisting arrest in connection with the scheme, though he was subsequently transferred to ICE custody for being in the country illegally.
grandrapidsmn.com
· 2025-12-07
Minnesota Aging Pathways is hosting a free virtual presentation on November 12, 2025, from 10-11:30 a.m. to educate older adults on health care fraud, waste, and abuse prevention, including how to detect and report scams. The presentation, informed by the Senior Medicare Patrol federal program, addresses the rising trend of scammers targeting seniors and provides strategies for protecting personal information. Minnesota Aging Pathways, a free statewide service of the Minnesota Board on Aging, offers this educational opportunity to help older Minnesotans and caregivers stay safe from fraud.
varindia.com
· 2025-12-07
Cybersecurity researchers identified Datzbro, an Android banking trojan that targets seniors through fake Facebook groups using AI-generated posts, directing victims to download a fraudulent "community" app that installs malware enabling full device remote control, data theft, keylogging, and banking credential harvesting. The campaign, first detected in August 2025, has affected users in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, South Africa, and the UK, with indicators suggesting Chinese-speaking operators. Experts recommend seniors avoid installing apps from social links, enable platform protections against sideloading, and verify event organizers through trusted channels to prevent infection.
tampabay28.com
· 2025-12-07
Online and text message scams targeting seniors in Hillsborough County, Florida are increasing in frequency and sophistication, with common tactics including pop-up warnings that trick users into clicking malicious links, fake tech support calls that charge victims for non-existent repairs, and text messages impersonating toll collection agencies or job offers. Cybersecurity experts recommend avoiding clicking links from untrusted sources, refusing to share personal information, and creating strong, unique passphrases (16+ characters) for online accounts to protect against these evolving threats.
fox47news.com
· 2025-12-07
Senior citizens and businesses are frequently targeted by cyber scammers through emails, text messages, and phone calls to steal personal data and passwords. A senior living facility in Jackson intervened in a gift card scam where a resident was about to spend hundreds of dollars and now educates residents on current scams through partnerships with state and national associations. Experts recommend protecting personal information by using password managers, enabling two-factor authentication, consulting trusted contacts about suspicious messages, and using pop-up blockers while browsing.
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-07
Bitdefender's October 2025 "They Wear Our Faces" campaign highlights a surge in AI-driven fraud targeting Americans, who reported over $12.5 billion in fraud losses in 2024. The campaign exposes how scammers use deepfake technology, voice cloning, and personalized impersonation across email, SMS, and social media, with the U.S. receiving 37% of global spam between March-September 2025. Top threats include phishing impersonating Microsoft, Amazon, and Costco, along with increasingly sophisticated SMS scams and AI-powered deepfake videos promoting fake cryptocurrency investments.
southgreynews.ca
· 2025-12-07
The Hanover Police Service is investigating a romance scam that defrauded a local resident of approximately $117,000 since 2021, with similar scams affecting many victims across Canada for hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. The scam typically involves perpetrators posing as romantic interests online who build emotional connections before requesting money under false pretenses such as medical emergencies or business investments. Police urge residents to report suspicious online interactions and remind the public that legitimate relationships should not involve secrecy or repeated financial requests.
thelogicalindian.com
· 2025-12-07
A 50-year-old MNC professional from Gurugram lost ₹73.42 lakh in a romance-scam investment fraud after meeting a woman on the dating app Bumble in August-September 2025, who convinced him to invest in a fake stock trading platform through emotional manipulation and fabricated profit screens shown via Telegram. The victim was blocked when attempting withdrawal and told to pay an additional release fee; Gurugram Cyber Police launched an investigation and warned the public that romance-driven financial scams are rising in urban India, with perpetrators using deepfake technology and social engineering tactics that make detection difficult. Experts advise verifying investment credentials
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
Romance scams involve fraudsters creating fake online personas to build emotional connections with victims before requesting money, with the FBI reporting $3.5 billion in losses among users over 60 in 2023—a nearly five-fold increase from 2018. Red flags include refusing video chats, using minimal profile pictures, moving conversations to unregulated platforms, and mentioning financial troubles or requesting banking information. Victims can protect themselves by verifying identities through video chat, being cautious about personal information, avoiding money transfers to unknown accounts, and using social media and reverse image searches to authenticate potential matches.
boston.gov
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are impersonating Boston City Health Benefits and Insurance (HBI) staff, using spoofed caller ID to contact employees and pressure them into revealing sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, Medicare numbers, and banking details. HBI will never request this information over the phone and legitimate contact only occurs through official letters, @boston.gov emails, or phone calls initiated by the employee themselves. To protect yourself, avoid relying on caller ID, never provide personal information unless you initiated contact, and verify any request by calling HBI directly at 617-635-4570.
acnnewswire.com
· 2025-12-07
The Global Anti-Scam Alliance released the 2025 Global State of Scams Report, surveying 46,000 adults across 42 countries and finding that 57% experienced a scam in the past year with 23% losing money. Shopping scams were most common (54% of victims), followed by investment and unexpected money scams (48% each), with South America, Africa, and Oceania experiencing the highest rates of financial losses. The report emphasizes that despite 73% of adults feeling confident in recognizing scams, awareness campaigns alone are insufficient, and stronger international collaboration, better prevention tools, and cross-sector accountability are needed to combat this growing global threat.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are creating fake e-commerce websites and phishing schemes targeting parents during seasonal shopping events like back-to-school, particularly exploiting demand for viral items such as Labubu dolls. Parents should watch for red flags including misspelled URLs, poor website design, unrealistic deals, and suspicious payment methods, and verify sites through HTTPS checks and customer reviews before purchasing. According to F-Secure's 2025 Scam Intelligence Report, U.S. scam rates doubled from 2024 to 2025, with digital natives being twice as vulnerable as seniors, as scammers increasingly use AI-powered and psychologically manipulative tactics.
stimson.org
· 2025-12-07
Southeast Asia faces a rapidly escalating scam epidemic, with 79% of adults exposed to scams in the past year and global scam losses exceeding $1 trillion annually, threatening the region's digital economy projected to reach $1 trillion in five years. Scammers are leveraging advanced technologies like AI, instant payments, and encrypted messaging to conduct sophisticated cross-border fraud schemes including fake job offers, romance scams, and investment fraud. The article recommends that governments, companies, and civil society organizations collaborate through strengthened institutions, cross-border data-sharing, regional working groups, and partnerships to combat this transnational criminal activity.
cleveland.com
· 2025-12-07
An 81-year-old Mayfield Heights resident lost $9,600 in a grandparent scam after receiving a call from someone posing as an attorney claiming his granddaughter was in jail following a car crash. The scammers used a black SUV courier to collect cash from his home and then called back demanding an additional $9,600, claiming a pregnant woman had miscarried. The victim discovered the fraud when he contacted family members and learned his granddaughter was safe.