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sandhillsexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Laura Kowal became a victim of a sophisticated romance scam in which a man posing as "Frank Borg" initially romanced her, then manipulated her into becoming a "money mule" by setting up fake companies and bank accounts to launder stolen money for overseas-based scammers. This emerging tactic leverages victims' emotional attachment and trust to coerce them into committing fraud themselves, creating a legal dilemma for prosecutors who must decide whether to charge victims as accomplices or treat them primarily as victims of manipulation. The FBI has identified this pattern as increasingly widespread, with scammers using victims' criminal complicity as additional leverage to maintain control and coerce continued cooperation.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A former Nigerian romance scammer named Christopher, who operated fake dating profiles from 2016 to defraud women of large sums of money, was arrested and has since reformed by working for an anti-scam company and sharing his story to raise awareness. Romance scams are a widespread federal crime affecting tens of thousands of Americans annually, with cases often involving multiple victims and complex schemes that are difficult to prosecute; U.S. Attorney Erek Barron's office in Maryland has made scam and fraud cases a top priority through participation in the Justice Department's "Elder Justice Strike Force" and partnerships with organizations like AARP to prevent future victimization.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Between 2013 and 2018, as many as 25-30 percent of new Match.com members were reportedly using the platform to perpetrate romance scams, according to an FTC lawsuit against parent company Match Group. American victims lost over $1 billion to romance scammers in 2023 alone, with dating apps serving as primary "hunting grounds" for scammers targeting vulnerable individuals, including a case where an Illinois widow lost her life savings of $1.5 million to a fake profile. Despite Match Group's reported $125 million annual investment in trust and safety measures, critics argue the company has not done enough to prevent scammers from accessing the platform
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 44-year-old caregiver, Gerald Camposanto Cerillo, was arrested in April 2024 for stealing over $10,600 from an elderly Los Altos Hills couple by using their debit card to make 15 unauthorized ATM withdrawals in December 2023. The theft went unreported for two months until the victims' daughter discovered it while preparing tax documents, and Cerillo was identified through ATM surveillance video and arrested on charges of financial elder abuse and unlawful use of a debit card. Authorities indicate there may be additional victims, as similar fraud allegations involving Cerillo surfaced from another employer in June 2023.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Victoria Zerillo, a 49-year-old general manager in Riverview, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for embezzling over $400,000 from senior citizens between December 2015 and November 2022. Zerillo and co-conspirators created false bank statements and destroyed records to steal funds from a non-profit that provided repair services to a senior residential community, spending the money on personal luxuries including vacations. The court ordered her to forfeit $410,963.78, and senior residents testified about the significant financial harm caused by the fraud.
bluebonnetnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI's Houston field office is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of Regina Lynn Thomas (also known as Nikki Laday), who has been federally charged with over 65 counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Thomas allegedly targeted senior citizens in the Houston area by impersonating a registered nurse at senior care facilities, with suspected ties to Pearland, Sugarland, and the greater Houston metro area.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
Since the pandemic, scams targeting seniors in Ohio have more than doubled according to AARP data. An 81-year-old man was charged with murder after shooting an Uber driver whom he believed was involved in a scam, and legal experts indicate that if the actual scam perpetrator is caught, they could face up to 20 years in federal prison on wire fraud and extortion charges, though locating the suspect may be difficult if they are located outside the United States.
abc13.com
· 2025-12-08
Regina Thomas and her son Isaiah allegedly ran a wire fraud scheme targeting seniors in Houston, stealing over $1 million from an elderly couple by impersonating a nurse and lawyer, respectively, and fabricating stories about FEMA fraud and legal troubles. Regina Thomas is currently a fugitive, prompting the FBI Houston office to offer a $10,000 reward—marking the first time they've offered a reward in an elder fraud case—while Isaiah faces federal wire fraud charges and is out on bond. Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are actively seeking Regina Thomas, also known as Nikki Laday.
fox26houston.com
· 2025-12-08
Regina Lynn Thomas, also known as Nikki Laday, is wanted by the FBI on over 65 counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for allegedly posing as a nurse to defraud elderly victims in the Houston area. The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to her arrest, emphasizing the serious community impact of elder fraud.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A McKinsey woman lost over $3,200 to a romance scammer posing as a German cardiologist on Instagram, experiencing severe emotional trauma including suicidal ideation. The FBI reports 19,000 Americans fell victim to romance scams in the past year, losing $1.3 billion collectively, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated fake photos, audio, and videos to make schemes harder to detect—though federal prosecutors have successfully pursued cases, including a 2021 North Texas indictment of 35 people who stole $17 million from over 100 victims.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The Indian government is planning to establish a Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre under the Cybercrime Coordination Centre to combat the surge in online scams by coordinating real-time responses across banks, telecom providers, IT companies, and law enforcement. The centre will co-locate representatives from major banks, telecom service providers, and police departments to enable seamless cooperation and prevent financial losses, with the project targeted for completion within the government's first 100 days in office.
rcmp-grc.gc.ca
· 2025-12-08
This is a general informational page from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police website describing their services and departments rather than a specific article about a scam or fraud incident. The page mentions that Canadians lose millions yearly to fraud and references the Anti-Fraud Centre as a resource, but provides no specific case details, victim information, or fraud scheme descriptions to summarize.
lohud.com
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old Bedford resident was scammed out of $28,000 after responding to a pop-up security alert on their computer and calling the number provided, believing they were contacting Microsoft support. The scammer, identified as Jinguan Li, 48, of Brooklyn, posed as a Microsoft employee and convinced the victim that a cash payment was necessary for computer repairs, which the victim then handed over in person; Li was arrested with over $100,000 in cash and charged with grand larceny. The incident highlights the vulnerability of older adults to pop-up scams and authorities recommend scrutinizing pop-ups before clicking and reporting suspicious activity to banks or police.
wfaa.com
· 2025-12-08
Dallas County residents received scam calls from fraudsters impersonating law enforcement who demanded immediate payment via wire transfer or gift cards, claiming the victims had outstanding warrants for missing grand jury duty. The Dallas County Criminal District Attorney's Office warned that legitimate law enforcement never requests payment over the phone and advised residents to verify suspicious calls directly with law enforcement and avoid sharing personal information with callers.
news.clearancejobs.com
· 2025-12-08
Former Army specialist Sanda G. Frimpong was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution for laundering over $350,000 obtained through romance scams targeting vulnerable victims including seniors and military veterans. Frimpong and at least three conspirators executed multiple scams by impersonating romantic interests, diplomats, and military personnel via encrypted messaging apps, and also fraudulently obtained CARES Act funds and unemployment benefits using stolen identities across multiple states. The money was laundered through various banking systems, across state lines, and through contacts in Ghana while Frimpong remained on active duty at Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., a 50-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to money laundering conspiracy related to a romance scam that defrauded at least three women of $2.3 million. Garcia's role involved providing bank accounts to receive fraud proceeds and using cryptocurrency to conceal the money's origin before transferring funds to his Nigerian co-conspirators, who remain at large; he was ordered to forfeit approximately $465,000.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., a 50-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for his role in laundering romance scam proceeds, having scammed $2.3 million in funds that he sent to criminal associates in Nigeria using cryptocurrency exchanges. Garcia worked with four other suspects to defraud multiple victims and was ordered to return $464,923.91 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Romance scams have grown significantly, with American victims losing over $1 billion to overseas criminals in 2023, though actual figures are likely much higher due to underreporting and the difficulty law enforcement faces in prosecuting transn
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Neely B. Hargis and Joseph T. Trotta, both age 60 from New Orleans, were indicted in April 2024 for conspiring to commit wire fraud and theft of government funds totaling approximately $443,455 from a deceased woman's Social Security Administration account. The defendants, who gained access to the account through owning the deceased beneficiary's former residence, used the stolen funds for personal expenses including vehicle purchases and utility bills from 2002 to 2020, and subsequently lied to federal agents during investigation. If convicted, each defendant faces up to 20 years imprisonment and substantial fines.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michael Jerome Wright and Cortney Lashea Young, both of Princeton, Indiana, were charged with mail theft and check forgery after law enforcement discovered they had stolen checks totaling over $1 million from USPS collection boxes using an unauthorized arrow key between October 2023 and April 2024. During a vehicle stop and subsequent apartment search, investigators recovered the arrow key, stolen mail including forged checks, and illegal firearms including a "ghost gun" equipped with a machinegun conversion device. Both defendants, who have prior felony convictions, face federal charges including identity theft, weapons violations, and mail theft.
flcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill was arrested and charged with elder abuse and fraud after a 13-month investigation revealed she stole over $100,000 from a 96-year-old woman she represented through power of attorney, using the funds for cosmetic procedures, a home purchase, and personal expenses. Hill faces seven charges including exploitation of an elderly person and mortgage fraud, with potential sentences totaling up to 180 years in prison; her trial is scheduled for July 2024. Following her suspension by Governor Ron DeSantis in April, a special election was set for May 21 to fill her vacant District 5 city commission seat.
liherald.com
· 2025-12-08
A 27-year-old Brooklyn man was arrested in April 2023 for defrauding a 94-year-old victim of approximately $250,000 through a Publishers Clearing House prize scam, in which the perpetrator posed as a representative and convinced the victim to pay upfront taxes via cashier's checks. The victim reported the fraud to police after realizing he had been deceived, leading to a multi-agency investigation and the arrest of Jamario Smellie, who was charged with grand larceny.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Birmingham, Alabama woman with medical needs was defrauded of over $200,000 by five individuals employed to care for her, including two live-in caretakers, a house cleaner, and a hairdresser, who were charged with wire fraud and identity theft between December 2020 and February 2022. The perpetrators used the victim's credit card information and banking services to make unauthorized purchases and transfers, with the hairdresser alone charging over $130,000 to her Square account. The case reflects a broader trend of elder financial exploitation in the U.S., with the Treasury reporting approximately $27 billion in suspicious elder fraud activity in a single year.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Christopher Markham, a 40-year-old SSA employee in Indiana, was charged with wire fraud for defrauding the Social Security Administration of approximately $49,256 between February 2019 and June 2022. While claiming to telework full-time for SSA, Markham actually performed home inspections for his personal business during work hours, enlisting his wife and mother to send emails making him appear online, and submitted 53 fraudulent time reports and falsified work logs to collect his full federal salary. He also fraudulently claimed Emergency Paid Leave and Family and Medical Leave Act benefits while conducting approximately 70 home inspections for his personal business.
pensionsage.com
· 2025-12-08
A study by the Money and Pensions Service found that 71% of people using its Pension Guidance helpline felt more confident spotting and managing financial scams, with 83% feeling greater control over their finances. Among 833 service users in 2023/24, approximately £13.6 million was lost to financial crimes and scams (averaging £16,297 per person), with identity theft, bank account scams, and investment fraud being the most common types.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Jorrel Tyler Jackson, a 31-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to 6.5 years in federal prison for his role in an international fraud conspiracy that targeted senior citizens across multiple states, causing $1,584,077 in losses to 22 victims. Jackson's role involved collecting cash packages from victims and recruiting others; the scam began with fake virus warning pop-ups that directed victims to call numbers where Indian-based scammers impersonated tech companies or federal agents, then convinced them to surrender money through various ruses including fake bank compromise claims, criminal investigation threats, and technical support fees. Authorities emphasize that victims should never click unsolicited pop-ups,
13newsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
FBI forensic accountant Daniel Booth warns that cryptocurrency scams are increasingly prevalent in the Hampton Roads, Virginia region, representing traditional fraud schemes updated to use digital currency. Three common types include ransomware attacks on businesses (demanding crypto payments for system access), fake tech support scams targeting individuals (gaining remote access to steal financial data), and "pig butchering" schemes (fake investment websites encouraging victims to deposit money with false promises of trading gains, sometimes resulting in loss of life savings). Victims of cryptocurrency fraud are encouraged to report cases to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
wlwt.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Marshals Service issued a warning about phone imposter scams in which callers falsely claim to be law enforcement officials and demand immediate payment of fines for alleged identity theft, missed jury duty, or other legal violations, using tactics like providing fake badge numbers and courthouse information to appear credible. The Marshals emphasized that legitimate law enforcement will never contact the public by phone to demand money, request credit card numbers, bank routing numbers, or wire transfers. Victims are urged to contact their local police department.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., a 50-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to four years in federal prison for his role in a romance scam network that defrauded at least three women of $2.3 million. Garcia provided bank accounts to co-conspirators who posed as romantic interests to victims aged 40 to 80, requesting money for fake overseas oil sales and other expenses, then used cryptocurrency to launder the proceeds before sending funds to accomplices in Nigeria. He was ordered to forfeit approximately $465,000, while his four Nigerian co-conspirators remain at large.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Criminologist David Maimon's research team at Georgia State University has documented extensive criminal activity on the dark web, where organized groups anonymously buy and sell stolen personal information, forged checks, and hacked financial accounts at minimal prices. The research reveals that stolen personal identification data is often more valuable to criminals than cash itself, as it enables them to open fraudulent bank accounts, obtain fake documents, and commit various financial crimes. Dark web criminals also engage in romance scams, mail theft using stolen postal keys, and bank fraud, operating through sophisticated networks that steal billions of dollars annually.
fox35orlando.com
· 2025-12-08
Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., a 50-year-old from Winter Haven, Florida, was sentenced to two years in prison for laundering over $2.3 million in proceeds from Nigerian romance scams and business email compromise schemes by receiving funds into bank accounts and converting them to Bitcoin for co-conspirators. He was ordered to forfeit nearly $465,000 in personal proceeds, with four additional defendants remaining at large in the scheme.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Jason Pick, a 42-year-old New Orleans accountant, was indicted on eight counts of wire fraud for stealing approximately $64,137 from his employer between June 2020 and October 2021 by altering tenant rent payment money orders and depositing them into his personal account. While awaiting sentencing for the initial scheme, Pick submitted a fraudulent letter to a federal judge to delay his prison report date so he could conceal additional fraudulent changes to the company's accounting system. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
e-know.ca
· 2025-12-08
Grandparent scams, where perpetrators contact elderly individuals claiming to be distressed family members in need of immediate money, continue to affect victims across British Columbia, with scammers now using AI-assisted voice manipulation to increase authenticity. The fraud typically requests payment via wire transfers or cryptocurrency ATMs, making recovery nearly impossible, though anyone can become a target regardless of age. To protect against these scams, people should verify caller identities independently, avoid sending money immediately, and report suspected fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Two men in Florida were arrested for defrauding an elderly woman showing early signs of dementia by convincing her she had won $3 million in a Publisher's Clearing House sweepstakes and demanding upfront tax payments; she lost $477,000 across three checks, with only $40,000 recovered. Michael Lawrence and Max Richards face felony charges for theft and fraud scheme. The FTC warns that legitimate sweepstakes never require upfront fees or taxes, and victims should immediately contact their banks to attempt recovery.
livemint.com
· 2025-12-08
India registered 1.13 million fraud cases in 2023, with "pig butchering" emerging as a growing cyber scam where fraudsters build trust with victims through social media and dating apps before convincing them to invest in fake opportunities or job offers. The scam relies on emotional manipulation and fake investment platforms or job postings, with victims ultimately losing significant sums once trust is established. To protect against these scams, individuals should verify investment and job offers thoroughly, avoid sharing personal financial information with online strangers, resist pressure to make rushed financial decisions, and consult trusted advisors before proceeding with any financial transactions.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Match Group CEO Bernard Kim stated that while the company invests over $125 million annually to protect customers and removes 96% of fraudulent accounts within a day, he acknowledged romance scams with a dismissive "things happen in life" when asked about victims who lost their life savings. A CBS News investigation found that overseas-based romance scammers stole over $1 billion in 2023, affecting tens of thousands of victims—including younger, wealthier, and better-educated individuals, with an estimated 40% being men—with the FBI attributing the sharp increase since 2017 to the proliferation of dating sites.
5newsonline.com
· 2025-12-08
This article covers recent legal developments involving Donald Trump across multiple jurisdictions and does not relate to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It focuses on criminal prosecutions, civil cases, and political matters involving the former president. This content is outside the scope of the Elderus elder fraud research database and cannot be summarized as requested.
kimatv.com
· 2025-12-08
Charles "Todd" Hill, a 58-year-old former HGTV star from "Flip It To Win It," was sentenced to up to four years in jail for multiple fraud schemes involving millions of dollars. Hill diverted construction funds for personal use, created a Ponzi scheme defrauding investors, and obtained fraudulent loans using false balance sheets, causing ongoing financial and professional damages to his victims. His crimes occurred both before and during his television career.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost victims over $1 billion in the last year, with Match Group CEO Bernard Kim stating the company prioritizes platform safety despite criticism. The FTC previously alleged 25-30% of Match.com's new accounts were fraudsters, though a federal judge dismissed liability claims under Section 230 protections; Match Group now claims to spend $125 million annually on safety and remove 96% of fraudulent accounts within 24 hours.
choice.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Australia reported $2.74 billion in scam losses in 2023, a 13% decline from 2022, though people aged 65 and over bucked this trend with losses increasing 13.3% to $120 million, often involving social media-based investment scams targeting retirement savings. Investment scams led all fraud types at $1.3 billion in total losses, while job scams surged over 150%, disproportionately affecting culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The ACCC's coordinated multi-agency approach is credited with helping reduce overall losses, though advocates call for stronger consumer protections and greater accountability from tech platforms facilitating scam activity.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Australians aged over 65 experienced a 13.3% increase in scam losses totaling $120 million, bucking the national trend of overall scam losses declining by 13.1% to $2.74 billion. Seniors were disproportionately targeted by investment scams discovered on social media and via phone calls, with one elderly woman losing her life savings after clicking a deepfake Elon Musk video that promised investment returns she could not withdraw. The ACCC reports that scammers specifically target older Australians with retirement savings, while text message scams increased 37.3% overall and job scams more than double
m.economictimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens are increasingly targeted in digital fraud schemes, with scammers using sophisticated methods including automated IVR systems, social engineering, and fear-based tactics to manipulate victims into revealing OTPs or sensitive information that enable unauthorized bank transfers. The article identifies the banking system as both the vulnerability enabling these crimes and the potential chokepoint for stopping them, noting that current systems lack the speed and integration needed to trace and recover stolen funds effectively. The author recommends immediate protective measures including education about common scam tactics, two-factor authentication, avoiding sharing sensitive information over phone or email, and regular financial monitoring while calling for systemic improvements to banking and cybercrime infrastructure.
deccanherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Common online scams in India include UPI fraud, credit/debit card theft, and "FedEx" extortion schemes, all using social engineering to trick victims into authorizing payments or revealing sensitive information. A Bengaluru banking executive lost Rs 25,000 after a friend's WhatsApp account was compromised by a hacker who impersonated a telecom operator to intercept account registration codes. To protect themselves, victims should immediately report fraud to their bank and police within an hour of discovery, file cybercrime complaints, and remember that "digital arrest" is a scammer tactic—police cannot arrest or interrogate people online.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Match Group CEO Bernard Kim acknowledged "empathy" for victims of romance scams on the company's platforms (Match.com, Tinder, Hinge, and others), but stated the company cannot prevent financial losses once users voluntarily send money to scammers. Foreign-based criminals stole over $1 billion in 2023 through romance scams on dating apps, with romance fraud cases sharply increasing from 2017 to 2023 as scammers exploited lonely and vulnerable users, affecting tens of thousands of victims including an estimated 40% men. Match Group emphasized its use of automated detection tools, user warnings, and trust and safety protocols to identify and prevent scams,
headtopics.com
· 2025-12-08
A joint FBI and Highmark Health initiative reports that elder fraud targeting people 60 and older is rising, with over 88,000 complaints involving romance scams, tech support fraud, and grandparent schemes, though most cases go unreported due to shame and uncertainty about reporting. The report emphasizes that seniors are vulnerable targets because they tend to be trusting, and scammers use emotional manipulation—invoking joy, hope, or fear—to extract money and personal information, often victimizing the same person repeatedly. Key prevention advice includes hanging up on unsolicited calls, never providing financial information to unknown callers, and reporting suspected fraud to law enforcement and financial institutions.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A West Covina man, Tai Su, 48, was arrested in an HSI-orchestrated sting operation for attempting to collect $35,000 from two elderly victims who had already lost $25,000 in a phishing scheme. The scam began when the victims opened a malicious email link that locked their computer and displayed a fake "Microsoft Support" number; they were then manipulated by callers posing as bank fraud investigators and fake federal agents into withdrawing and handing over cash on multiple occasions. Su faces federal conspiracy to commit wire fraud charges carrying a maximum 20-year sentence.
audacy.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud schemes cost the FBI-reported $3 billion annually, with losses to victims over 60 rising 84% between 2021-2022, prompting the FBI and Highmark to launch a public awareness campaign. Common scams include romance fraud, tech support impersonation, grandparent scams, and fake sweepstakes or charity schemes that exploit seniors' trust and desire for companionship. Protective measures include verifying caller information, resisting pressure to act quickly, and never sharing personal or financial information with unverified contacts.
wtae.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI Pittsburgh field office and Highmark are warning of a surge in scams targeting people over 60, which represents a $3 billion annual problem nationally affecting thousands of victims. Common schemes include romance scams, tech support scams, and grandparent scams, all designed to exploit vulnerable populations. The agencies recommend never sharing personal or financial information with unknown callers, resisting pressure to act quickly, verifying caller identity through independent contact with authorities, and reporting incidents to law enforcement and financial institutions.
dailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
Tai Su, 48, was arrested for operating a sophisticated phishing and impersonation scam targeting two elderly Encino residents in April. The scheme involved sending malicious emails to trick victims into believing their computers were hacked, then impersonating Microsoft Support and bank officials to coerce them into withdrawing $60,000 in cash for fake "federal agent" pickups at their homes. Su faces up to 20 years in federal prison on wire fraud conspiracy charges after Homeland Security Investigations intercepted the second payment attempt.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a warning about elder financial exploitation following a FinCEN analysis revealing $27 billion in suspicious activity related to elder fraud reported by financial institutions between 2022 and 2023. The analysis identified two main categories of victimization: elder scams involving unknown perpetrators and elder theft involving known perpetrators. Michigan's Elder Abuse Task Force, launched in 2019 with over 55 organizations, has implemented reporting requirements and trainings to combat the issue, with an estimated 100,000 older adults in Michigan experiencing elder abuse annually.
technode.global
· 2025-12-08
Malaysia experienced a 37% increase in e-commerce fraud cases from January to November, with total losses reaching RM1.13 billion, affecting 8,800 victims primarily through fake motorcycle advertisements and impersonation of legitimate sellers. Scammers exploit sophisticated tactics including fake listings, stolen identities, and artificial urgency to defraud buyers seeking motorcycles for business, transportation, or livelihood purposes. Combating these crimes requires enhanced consumer awareness, thorough research before online purchases, and addressing root causes of fraud to create a safer digital marketplace for Malaysians.