Search

Explore the Archive

Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.

7,397 results in Robocall / Phone Scam
nivervillecitizen.com · 2025-12-07
Phone scams targeting Canadians have become increasingly prevalent, with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reporting 15,941 fraud victims and $284 million in losses between January-June 2024. Common scams include phishing attempts, fake job offers via text, and spoofed calls impersonating legitimate companies like banks and airlines, often exploiting personal data obtained through data breaches. Experts emphasize that scammers target individuals across all demographics, including those who believe they are too savvy to fall victim, and stress the importance of organizations better protecting personal information to prevent these crimes.
wvnews.com · 2025-12-07
The Horner CEOS club held a meeting on September 17 where member Whitney Ballard presented an educational lesson on scams targeting senior citizens, explaining that seniors are vulnerable targets because scammers exploit their trust and seek access to bank accounts and personal information like Social Security numbers. Ballard advised attendees to remain alert, verify the identities of callers, monitor their grandchildren's whereabouts, and stay informed about scams circulating in their area.
torontosun.com · 2025-12-07
Toronto Police warned of an active "grandparent scam" variant in which fraudsters impersonate family members or acquaintances claiming to be in serious emergencies (car accidents, medical crises) and pressure victims to withdraw large sums of cash and deliver it to a stranger. The scammers keep victims on the phone throughout the transaction to prevent verification of the claim. Police advised the public to hang up immediately on suspicious calls and report them to authorities.
mvprogress.com · 2025-12-07
Mesquite Police detectives informed nearly 100 residents of Del Webb Sun City about prevalent scams targeting seniors, including grandparent scams, tech support fraud, romance scams, and investment schemes that exploit trust through calls, emails, and online platforms. Gift card scams are particularly prevalent locally, with thieves using untraceable cards or tampering with physical cards before purchase, while imposter scams involving government agencies and voice-cloning technology also pose significant risks. Residents were advised to verify claims independently, protect personal information, avoid public Wi-Fi, and report suspicious activity to the FTC or their bank immediately.
insidernj.com · 2025-12-07
Patricia Linda-Ahono, nursing director at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in New Jersey, was indicted in July 2025 on charges including aggravated assault, neglect of an elderly or disabled adult, and falsifying records for physically assaulting a resident with a broom on June 24, 2023. The assault was captured on video, and Ahono allegedly attempted to cover up the incident by filing a false incident report claiming the resident had a weapon and by instructing staff not to contact authorities or notify state agencies as required.
morningstar.com · 2025-12-07
Quotient Wealth Partners partnered with Carefull, an AI-powered financial safety platform, to help protect clients from fraud, scams, and financial exploitation through continuous monitoring of suspicious transactions and spending patterns. The partnership provides Quotient clients with $1 million in identity theft insurance, a ScamCheck tool to verify suspicious messages, a live Care team for real-time support during scam attempts, and LegacyKit for secure digital asset management. The collaboration reflects growing concerns about sophisticated fraud schemes targeting clients, including remote access tool attacks and impersonation attempts, while also enabling early detection of health changes through unusual spending patterns.
finance.yahoo.com · 2025-12-07
Quotient Wealth Partners partnered with Carefull, an AI-powered financial safety platform, to help protect clients from fraud, scams, and financial exploitation through continuous monitoring of transactions and accounts. The partnership provides Quotient clients with $1 million in identity theft insurance, a scam verification tool, and digital legacy planning services, addressing the growing threat of sophisticated scams targeting wealthy families and older adults.
foxrgv.tv · 2025-12-07
A 78-year-old man named Miguel Rodriguez lost approximately $700 to an online romance scam in which a fraudster impersonated a public figure, professed love, and then requested money for various expenses including food, medical bills, and travel. Rodriguez was instructed to purchase gift cards and send images of the codes to the scammer. The incident highlights how romance scams exploit victims' emotions and trust, and experts recommend verifying the identity of anyone requesting money online and limiting personal information shared on social media platforms.
wdrb.com · 2025-12-07
A Louisville nonprofit called ElderServe held a community workshop to educate seniors on recognizing and preventing scams, as the organization responds to a rise in local fraud targeting older adults, including cases involving home theft, grandparent scams, and credit card fraud. The workshop taught seniors practical defense strategies such as avoiding unknown callers, never saying "yes" on recorded lines, and being cautious of in-person approaches, with participants reporting increased awareness and intention to change their behaviors. ElderServe plans to continue its educational series, emphasizing that awareness is the primary defense against scammers who specifically target seniors.
capecodchronicle.com · 2025-12-07
**District Attorney Seeks Support For Elder Fraud Abuse Prosecution Unit** Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois is requesting funding to establish a dedicated elder fraud prosecution unit, citing a significant surge in cases overwhelming local law enforcement. From 2023 to 2024, Barnstable Police received 393 elder fraud calls, filed 253 reports, but secured charges in only 15 cases, with victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars to various scams including spoofed bank calls and check theft. The DA is seeking letters of endorsement to present to state officials to secure increased resources for investigating and prosecuting these cases.
provincetownindependent.org · 2025-12-07
In June, 73-year-old Karen Pagano from Truro nearly lost $40,000 to scammers who impersonated PayPal fraud specialists, gained remote access to her laptop, and attempted to transfer funds from her bank account while keeping her on the phone. Although police intervention prevented the full loss, Pagano experienced significant disruption including delayed retirement and Social Security payments, and has since received six to eight suspicious calls daily. According to local law enforcement, elder fraud is rampant in the Cape and Islands region, with 393 reports filed over 21 months (January 2023–October 2024) but only 15 resulting in charges, reflecting resource
halifaxexaminer.ca · 2025-12-07
In 2024, Canadians lost $310.5 million to investment fraud, with Nova Scotia seniors accounting for approximately $1.56 million of reported cases in the province. Financial elder abuse—the unauthorized or coercive use of an older person's money—is most commonly perpetrated by family members, caregivers, and financial advisors, with social isolation, cognitive decline, and financial dependence identified as key vulnerability factors. Warning signs include unpaid bills, behavioral changes, requests to sign blank documents, and avoidance of account statements, and experts recommend careful communication with suspected victims and immediate reporting of suspicious activity.
wnegradio.com · 2025-12-07
This educational piece provides eight key prevention strategies to help people avoid scams and fraud. The advice emphasizes avoiding non-traceable payment methods (gift cards, wire transfers), being skeptical of unsolicited communications and official-looking documents, exercising caution with online relationships, protecting personal information, resisting pressure tactics, using secure transactions, and managing social media privacy. The guidance applies broadly to various scam types including romance scams, impersonation fraud, and financial exploitation.
Phishing Robocall / Phone Scam Scam Awareness Wire Transfer Gift Cards Cash
taxlawcenter.org · 2025-12-07
The IRS has assessed over $160 million in penalties related to fraudulent tax scams promoted on social media, with the problem expected to worsen due to new tax law complexities that create opportunities for scammers. Misleading claims by government officials about the new law's provisions—particularly regarding tax elimination on tips, overtime, Social Security benefits, and auto loan interest—are fueling confusion and making vulnerable populations including older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income workers susceptible to illegitimate tax-saving schemes. The IRS's reduced capacity to combat scams through guidance, education, and prosecution enforcement compounds the risk.
yahoo.com · 2025-12-07
A Clay County man lost $120,000 over seven months in a romance scam initiated by someone claiming to be a woman named "Lisa" on TikTok who later moved communications to the encrypted Telegram app. The scammer built an emotional relationship with the victim and repeatedly requested money for various emergencies and expenses, including taxes on a house sale, before the man's family member identified it as a scam. The Clay County Sheriff's Office warns the public to never send money to individuals met only online and notes that cryptocurrency transfers are nearly impossible to recover.
aol.com · 2025-12-07
**Not eligible for Elderus database** This article does not address elder fraud, scams targeting seniors, or elder abuse. Instead, it's a humorous listicle about online stalking behavior by women pursuing romantic interests, with a brief reference to a Netflix documentary about a serial cyberstalker. While it touches on concerning digital behavior and harassment, it does not involve elder victims or financial exploitation schemes typical of elder fraud cases.
taiwannews.com.tw · 2025-12-07
U.S. companies lost an average of 9.8% of their annual revenue to fraud in the past year—a 46% increase from 2024 and 27% higher than the global average of 7.7%, representing approximately $114 billion in losses among surveyed U.S. business leaders. Account takeover fraud emerged as the most damaging fraud type in the U.S. (31% of losses), followed by synthetic identity fraud (24%) and scam/authorized fraud (23%), with account takeover fraud volume growing 141% globally between H1 2021 and H1 2025.
info.gov.hk · 2025-12-07
In Hong Kong during the first eight months of 2025, police reported 184 telephone scam cases targeting local tertiary students and 86 cases targeting Mainland students, resulting in approximately $32 million and $75 million in losses respectively. The government has implemented fraud prevention measures under the Theft Ordinance with penalties up to 14 years imprisonment, and is consulting with educational institutions and authorities to strengthen anti-scam awareness programs among students through seminars and enhanced promotional efforts.
pressherald.com · 2025-12-07
Dalinda Carpenter, a widowed senior in Standish living on Social Security, lost $14,003 to a scam in July when she called a number from fraudulent Apple Pay alert messages and allowed a caller to remotely access her phone, convincing her that hackers were targeting her accounts and that she needed to transfer funds via Western Union to catch them. The scammer made nine transfers of over $1,500 each between July 8-14, leaving Carpenter in financial hardship with mounting debts and no recovery despite reporting the crime to law enforcement and seeking legal assistance.
mas360.moneylife.in · 2025-12-07
A 33-year-old man in Rajkot lost Rs8.85 lakh to a loan scam after receiving fake WhatsApp approval notifications and paying processing and login charges that were never returned. The article outlines key warning signs of loan fraud, including demands for upfront payments, commission fees, unofficial communications from personal phone numbers, and unexplained disbursement delays. Legitimate lenders deduct fees from loan amounts rather than demanding upfront cash, use official banking channels for communications, and disburse funds quickly through direct digital platforms.
shorenewsnetwork.com · 2025-12-07
Wall Township Police Department held an educational session with the Pride of Wall Seniors group to address the growing problem of scams targeting older residents, covering common fraud methods including phone impersonation, tech support scams, and fake investment schemes. Officials advised seniors to avoid unsolicited calls, gift card payment requests, and suspicious online messages while encouraging immediate reporting of suspicious activity to law enforcement. The department emphasized prevention through awareness and plans to continue community outreach partnerships to strengthen public safety education.
thestar.com.my · 2025-12-07
A 73-year-old retiree in Shah Alam lost nearly RM6 million (RM5,996,586.51) after falling victim to a phone scam in which fraudsters impersonated anti-financial crime officials and convinced her she was involved in money laundering, instructing her to open bank accounts and deposit her savings. The victim only discovered the fraud when her child alerted her, but by then all funds had been transferred; police emphasized that authorities never conduct financial transactions over the phone and urged the public not to disclose personal banking information or transfer money based on unsolicited calls.
insidernj.com · 2025-12-07
Patricia Linda-Ahono, a nursing director at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in New Jersey, was indicted in July 2025 on charges including aggravated assault, neglect of an elderly or disabled adult, and falsifying records after she allegedly struck a resident with a broom on June 24, 2023, causing bleeding injuries. The incident was recorded on video by a nurse, but Lindo-Ahono allegedly falsified the incident report by claiming the resident had a weapon and misrepresenting the date; she also allegedly instructed staff not to contact police and later attempted to coach a witness to deny knowledge of the event. The charges reflect both the physical assault and the
lilifepolitics.com · 2025-12-07
**Scam Type:** Tech support fraud / computer compromise scam A 74-year-old East Rockaway woman lost $117,000 after receiving a pop-up message claiming her computer was compromised; she withdrew the funds between October 1-3 and handed cash to unknown individuals before realizing the scam on October 6. Two men, Chengxiang Jiang, 40, and Jinqin Jiang, 46, were arrested and charged with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (with the latter also charged with Resisting Arrest); Chengxiang Jiang was linked to a second elder
bgindependentmedia.org · 2025-12-07
In October 2024, the Ohio Department of Commerce warned Ohioans about rising cyber threats during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, noting that internet crime complaints reached nearly 860,000 nationwide with losses exceeding $16 billion in 2024—a 33% increase from the prior year, with Ohio ranking 7th in the nation with 25,000 complaints. Common scams include one-time passcode interception, cryptocurrency "pig butchering" schemes, financial institution impersonation, government imposter scams, and AI-fueled fraud, with the FTC reporting $12.5 billion in total consumer fraud losses in 2024, including $2
abcnews.go.com · 2025-12-07
Americans lost nearly $250 million to scams using Bitcoin ATMs in 2024, with the FBI reporting this figure more than doubled from the previous year. An 85-year-old Texas woman, Fran Bates, was defrauded of over $40,000 after a scammer posing as her bank convinced her to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM kiosk, with the criminal directing her actions remotely. Experts warn that Bitcoin ATMs have become scammers' preferred method due to the speed and irreversibility of transactions, prompting calls for stricter regulations and leading to lawsuits against major ATM operators like Athena Bitcoin.
Crypto Investment Scam Identity Theft Robocall / Phone Scam Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM Cash Check/Cashier's Check
6abc.com · 2025-12-07
A Bucks County woman lost $7,000 to a Bitcoin ATM scam after receiving a call from someone impersonating a law enforcement officer who claimed she had unpaid warrants and needed to pay a bond immediately. The scammer directed her to deposit cash into a Bitcoin ATM using a QR code linked to a crypto wallet, with no way to trace or recover the funds. According to AARP's fraud director, Bitcoin ATM scams are a growing threat nationwide, with an estimated 45,000 machines operating in retail locations that experts say "overwhelmingly serve criminals and scammers."
oig.ssa.gov · 2025-12-07
The U.S. Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General is warning the public about a government imposter scam using forged U.S. Supreme Court letterhead and fake signatures of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Sonia Sotomayor to pressure victims into sending money or sharing personal information. The scam letter falsely claims the recipient is a criminal suspect whose Social Security number has been compromised, that their assets have been frozen by the Supreme Court, and that they cannot maintain over $10,000 in bank accounts or $80,000-$100,000 in investments, with follow-up contact typically made via text or phone. Recipients are advised to disregard the letter
indystar.com · 2025-12-07
**Summary:** During government shutdowns, scammers target federal employees, contractors, and benefit recipients with fraudulent calls and emails impersonating Social Security, Medicare, and other agencies, falsely claiming benefits are suspended unless fees are paid or personal information is verified. Common tactics include phishing emails with subject lines like "Government Shutdown Notice," fake relief programs requiring wire transfers or gift cards, and malware-laden links designed to steal credentials. Authorities stress that most federal benefits continue during shutdowns and the government never demands payment or sensitive information via phone or email; victims should report fraud to their state attorney general or the FTC.
foxnews.com · 2025-12-07
Cybercriminals are increasingly using sophisticated phishing emails impersonating trusted coworkers and employers to trick recipients into opening malicious attachments or clicking fraudulent links, with AI-generated content making these scams harder to detect. A Texas resident nearly fell victim to such a scam when she received a suspicious email appearing to come from her employer but containing an unopened attachment; she protected herself by changing her password, running virus scans, and enrolling in identity theft protection. To fully protect against these workplace email scams, individuals should review login histories for unauthorized access, enable two-factor authentication on critical accounts, alert their IT department of suspicious emails, and keep all software updated to prevent malware exploitation.
express.co.uk · 2025-12-07
According to Citizens Advice, one in five UK residents fell victim to financial scams, prompting cybersecurity companies to develop protective tools. McAfee launched a Scam Detector feature within its Total Protection and LiveSafe packages that identifies suspicious text, email, and video messages across multiple platforms and devices, starting at £10.99 per year. The tool works alongside antivirus protection to help users avoid malware infections and financial fraud schemes.
abcnews.go.com · 2025-12-07
In 2024, Americans lost nearly $250 million to scams involving Bitcoin ATMs, more than double the previous year, with victims including 85-year-old Fran Bates who lost over $40,000 after being manipulated by scammers impersonating her bank. Bitcoin ATMs have become scammers' preferred method because transactions are irreversible and funds can be transferred worldwide within minutes, making recovery nearly impossible. The FBI and AARP have warned of the growing threat, and authorities have begun taking action, including a lawsuit against major Bitcoin ATM operator Athena Bitcoin, though the company denies responsibility and argues it maintains fraud safeguards.
Crypto Investment Scam Identity Theft Robocall / Phone Scam Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM Cash Check/Cashier's Check
bnnbloomberg.ca · 2025-12-07
A Toronto man lost $80,000 to a romance scam after meeting a woman claiming to be from Seattle on social media; she convinced him to invest in cryptocurrency under the promise of tripling his money. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, romance scams have already cost 778 Canadians over $54.6 million in 2024, making it one of the most common frauds in Canada. The Canadian Association of Retired Persons is calling for stricter criminal penalties, mandatory fraud prevention measures at banks and telecoms, and greater bank responsibility in preventing large transfers associated with fraud.
nysenate.gov · 2025-12-07
Southeast Queens officials launched the 23rd Annual Senior Appreciation Month on October 3, 2025, a month-long community initiative honoring older adults through health fairs, luncheons, talent showcases, and social gatherings. The program, which began in 2002 as a one-week celebration, has grown into a borough-wide tradition uniting city, state, and federal leaders to recognize seniors' contributions while providing resources for their well-being, safety, and social connection.
troopers.ny.gov · 2025-12-07
New York State Police warn of a phone scam targeting senior citizens in which callers falsely claim identity theft has occurred and pressure victims to withdraw large sums of money or purchase gold bars for "safekeeping," with scammers then sending couriers to collect the funds. In one documented case in Tompkins County, victim(s) lost $500,000 in gold bars across two incidents in 2024, leading to the indictment of Akash B. Thakkar, age 41, on Grand Larceny charges after investigators identified him as a courier who picked up the gold bars. Authorities advise victims to hang up and contact trusted family members rather than comply with such demands
royalexaminer.com · 2025-12-07
Shawn Smith, Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol Director, warned seniors at the Front Royal/Warren County TRIAD Senior Expo about three major Medicare scams: government impostors, durable medical equipment fraud, and genetic testing scams, which collectively cost Medicare $60-$80 billion annually. Smith advised attendees to avoid unsolicited calls, never disclose Medicare numbers, scrutinize medical offers, and regularly review Medicare statements for fraudulent charges, noting that the Senior Medicare Patrol offers free assistance through 1-800-938-8885 to help seniors report suspicious activity and protect themselves from becoming unwitting accomplices to fraud.
longisland.com · 2025-12-07
A 74-year-old woman in East Rockaway withdrew $117,000 between October 1-3, 2025, after receiving a computer warning message and being instructed by phone scammers to withdraw funds to protect her money; she realized the fraud on October 6 and reported it to police. Two suspects were arrested in connection with this scam and a second elder fraud targeting a 78-year-old male in Rockville Centre in August 2025: Jinqin Jiang, 46, charged with Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd Degree and Resisting Arrest, and Chengxiang Jiang, 40
local.aarp.org · 2025-12-07
**Scam Jam Educational Event - October 16, 2025** AARP Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Elder Justice Coalition hosted a Scam Jam awareness event at UW-Green Bay to educate attendees about current scams and connect them with fraud-fighting professionals. The event featured a resource fair with multiple Wisconsin organizations including AARP's Fraud Watch Network, the Better Business Bureau, state consumer protection agencies, and local support services, all offering free fraud prevention information, complaint filing assistance, and community presentations.
liherald.com · 2025-12-07
A 74-year-old woman in East Rockaway lost $117,000 in an elder scam after receiving a fake computer security warning that instructed her to withdraw funds to "protect" her money; she handed the cash to unknown men between October 1-3 before realizing the fraud on October 6. Police arrested Brooklyn resident Jinqin Jiang, 46, and charged him with attempted grand larceny in the third degree and resisting arrest, though he was subsequently taken into custody by ICE for illegal immigration status.
abc7news.com · 2025-12-07
Scammers operating from overseas, many in Southeast Asian compounds, are exploiting Bitcoin ATM machines to steal from victims through classic fraud schemes—including impersonation scams, computer hacking claims, and fake legal emergencies—directing them to convert cash into cryptocurrency. Victims like San Jose resident Jim Meduri and an 82-year-old Minnesota woman lost thousands of dollars this way, though some funds have been recovered through blockchain tracking and law enforcement intervention. The DC attorney general has sued Bitcoin ATM provider Athena Bitcoin over inadequate fraud protections, as cryptocurrency theft through these machines has become a major scam tool with victims often unaware their money goes directly to criminals.
wired.com · 2025-12-07
North Korean operatives have been posing as freelance architects and structural engineers to infiltrate Western companies and gain access to sensitive U.S. infrastructure projects and architectural designs. The scammers, operating through fake identities on platforms like GitHub and freelance websites, created forged credentials, architectural stamps, and CAD files for U.S. properties while claiming to offer legitimate architectural services. The UN estimates that thousands of North Korean IT workers generate $250-600 million annually for the regime to support nuclear weapons programs and sanctions evasion.
bbc.com · 2025-12-07
Deanna Newman, a Canadian jeweller, had her business "C'est la vie Jewellery" duplicated by AI scammers operating from China who used the same name to sell cheap mass-produced items, resulting in angry customers contacting Newman demanding refunds and complaining about poor quality goods. Newman spent weeks dealing with aggressive complaints on social media, emails, and calls, and was forced to post a video proving she was a real person to separate her legitimate sterling silver jewelry business from the fraudulent operation. The scam has damaged her reputation and reduced sales, as customers are now wary of the business name despite Newman's efforts to differentiate her brand.
cbsnews.com · 2025-12-07
**Summary:** Consumer watchdogs warn that scammers are exploiting federal government shutdown uncertainty by impersonating government agencies via text, phone, and email to target federal employees and benefit recipients, requesting personal information or payment fees under false pretenses. The shutdown simultaneously weakens consumer protections by halting FTC fraud complaint intake, FDA food inspections, and other regulatory functions, leaving vulnerable populations more exposed to exploitation during an economically uncertain period.
newsweek.com · 2025-12-07
The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General issued an alert about a government imposter scam using forged Supreme Court letterhead and signatures of justices John Roberts and Sonia Sotomayor to target seniors receiving retirement benefits. The fraudulent letters falsely claim recipients are suspects in criminal proceedings, allege identity theft of their Social Security numbers, and pressure victims to send money and share personal information under threat of frozen assets and account balance restrictions. Victims are advised to ignore the communications, report them to the FTC or SSA OIG, and take immediate steps to freeze accounts and monitor credit if they have already provided information or funds.
usu.edu · 2025-12-07
Phishing is a widespread cybercrime tactic where scammers impersonate trusted sources via email, phone, text, or social media to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information like passwords, bank account numbers, and Social Security numbers. Key warning signs include suspicious sender addresses, generic language, urgent/threatening tone, and unexpected links or attachments; individuals can protect themselves by never sharing passwords, carefully examining sender addresses, hovering over links before clicking, and reporting suspicious messages to their IT department immediately.
uk.pcmag.com · 2025-12-07
A cybersecurity journalist received a suspicious PR pitch email that exhibited multiple scam indicators: the sender used a generic Gmail address instead of corporate domain, maintained only inactive or spammy social media accounts, provided no website links, and represented a company with a "Poor" TrustPilot rating and complaints from customers who paid for subscriptions but received nothing in return. The article serves as an educational guide identifying common red flags in scam emails, including hijacked "zombie" accounts, vague privacy policies, and generic website design, to help readers recognize and avoid similar fraudulent pitches.
bnnbloomberg.ca · 2025-12-07
Canada's Ontario Securities Commission has identified seven prevalent investment scams targeting victims in autumn, including romance scams (fraudsters gaining trust online before pitching fake investments), cryptocurrency scams (requesting additional funds before allowing withdrawals), affinity fraud (targeting social groups with Ponzi schemes), pump-and-dump schemes (artificially inflating stock prices before selling), boiler room operations (fake trading platforms), AI voice scams (deepfakes impersonating relatives or celebrities), and exempt securities fraud (misrepresenting fraudulent investments as legitimate exclusive opportunities). The advisory emphasizes that common red flags include unsolicited contact about investment tips, requests for money from online contacts never met in person, an
ctvnews.ca · 2025-12-07
I apologize, but the article content provided does not include the actual news story—only the title and a list of unrelated shopping/product links. To provide an accurate summary for the Elderus database, I would need the full article text about the Toronto man's romance scam loss of $80,000 and the advocates' calls for fraud protection. Please provide the complete article content.
jcpost.com · 2025-12-07
A Kansas City area man lost approximately $120,000 in a romance scam that began in March when a woman named "Lisa" contacted him on TikTok and gradually moved their conversation to the encrypted Telegram app. Over time, "Lisa" created various emergencies—car repairs, gas money, and eventually back taxes on her mother's house—to solicit payments via CashApp and Bitcoin, which the victim sent until a family member recognized the scheme. Law enforcement advises never sending money to people met only online and warns that cryptocurrency transfers are nearly impossible to recover.
bioengineer.org · 2025-12-07
Fraudsters are increasingly employing artificial intelligence to create more convincing scams targeting vulnerable populations, particularly the Latino community and those with limited technology knowledge. Assistant Professor Gabriel Aguilar, who himself fell victim to a fake job offer scam involving a fraudulent check as a college student, advocates for enhanced AI literacy education to help students and communities recognize and combat AI-enabled deceptions such as deepfakes and voice-cloning technology. Aguilar proposes that educators integrate critical thinking about AI scams into technical writing and communication curricula to equip learners with tools to identify fraud and protect themselves and their communities.