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in Financial Crime
the420.in
· 2025-12-27
Between January 2024 and October 2025, State Bank of India reported nearly 16,000 cyber fraud cases across its branches—three times more than traditional frauds—revealing that digital scammers are exploiting India's shift toward online banking faster than the country's largest bank can defend against it. Customers in West Bengal were hit hardest with 1,838 cases, while shockingly, 606 fraud cases involved SBI employees themselves, accounting for ₹222.24 crore in losses, showing that internal threats compound the external risks. Customers should remain vigilant about unsecured banking links, verify requests through official channels before sharing credentials, and monitor accounts regularly, as each new digital banking feature—from apps to UPI—creates new opportunities for scammers to exploit user behavior.
alachuachronicle.com
· 2025-12-26
Scammers are impersonating grandchildren in distress, calling or emailing seniors to pressure them into sending money urgently through wire transfers, gift cards, or cash, often while instructing them not to tell family members. The "grandchild in trouble" scam targets older adults by creating false emergencies like accidents or arrests to exploit their protective instincts. To protect yourself, establish a family password with relatives, always call back using a known number to verify the person's identity, and be suspicious of any request for immediate payment accompanied by a demand for secrecy.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-26
Ghanaian authorities arrested 48 suspected Nigerian scammers in a raid near Accra who were running romance scams, investment fraud, and impersonation schemes targeting victims worldwide. The operation reflects a broader problem in West Africa where young people with limited economic opportunities turn to online fraud, while Ghana itself has become a target for foreign scammers including Chinese nationals. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic advances online, verify investment opportunities through official channels, and never send money to unknown individuals or unverified businesses.
panewslab.com
· 2025-12-25
Black market operations have shifted from the dark web to public messaging platforms like Telegram, where two major Chinese crypto scam marketplaces ("Potato Escrow" and "New Coin Escrow") now process nearly $2 billion monthly through romance scams, investment fraud, and illegal services. These "pig butchering" scams—often run by human trafficking victims in Southeast Asia—defraud Americans of approximately $10 billion annually, using stolen data, fake websites, and AI tools to deceive victims. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities or romantic connections online, especially those involving cryptocurrency, and verify any investment platform's legitimacy through official regulatory databases before sending money.
wtvq.com
· 2025-12-25
The Lexington Police Department is warning residents about a surge in financial scams targeting vulnerable people, including impostor calls falsely claiming to be from law enforcement demanding payment for warrants or jury duty. To protect yourself, never send money or allow transfers to someone you haven't met in person, and be skeptical of offers claiming you've won prizes that require upfront payment via cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. If you suspect you've been scammed, contact local police at (859) 258-3600 or report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
newsmobile.in
· 2025-12-25
An 85-year-old Mumbai resident lost nearly Rs 9 crore in a sophisticated cyber scam where fraudsters impersonating police officials convinced him he was under "digital arrest" for alleged money laundering crimes. The scammers used psychological pressure, fake police uniforms in video calls, and forged government documents to trick the victim into disclosing his banking details and transferring his assets. To protect yourself, verify any police contact by calling official police station numbers directly, never share banking or personal details over the phone, and be suspicious of requests for secrecy—legitimate authorities do not conduct investigations this way.
stormlake.com
· 2025-12-24
Iowa's Attorney General warns that scammers frequently target older Iowans through schemes like impersonating family members requesting emergency money or claiming the victim is involved in a crime requiring immediate payment. One victim, Lynne Caltrider, lost a considerable sum after being directed to deposit money in a cryptocurrency ATM, but authorities recovered some funds and arrested individuals involved after she reported the scam. The Attorney General urges Iowans to be cautious about unusual requests for money, recognize warning signs, and contact the office for help if they suspect they're being scammed.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-24
Scammers are targeting Americans with an increasingly sophisticated debit card scheme where they pose as bank representatives, convince victims their accounts have problems, and trick them into destroying their debit cards while leaving the chip intact—which fraudsters then collect and use along with stolen PIN numbers to drain bank accounts. Debit cards are actually the most targeted payment method by fraudsters according to Federal Reserve data, making them a bigger concern than credit cards. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited warnings about account problems, never destroy your debit card at a stranger's request, and verify any bank communications by calling your financial institution directly using the number on your statement.
news.azpm.org
· 2025-12-24
# Fraud Surge in 2024
Americans lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year, with phone-based scams being particularly prevalent as criminals exploit the constant connectivity of mobile devices to target consumers anytime and anywhere. Older adults are disproportionately affected because they hold significant wealth, making them attractive targets for scammers who use texts, emails, social media, and even fake QR codes to deceive victims. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact on your phone or other devices, verify requests through official channels before sharing information or money, and report suspected scams to the FTC or local authorities.
einpresswire.com
· 2025-12-24
An elderly Los Angeles man with dementia was financially exploited by three defendants who stole his three properties and life savings, leaving him destitute and homeless while they spent his money on luxury vacations and shopping. A California court recently awarded the victim and his family over $47 million in combined verdicts against the three abusers, including punitive damages and compensation for pain and suffering. If you or a loved one suspect financial elder abuse, report it immediately to adult protective services or law enforcement, and consider consulting with an elder law attorney to protect assets and recover stolen property.
cryptopolitan.com
· 2025-12-24
India's financial crime agency (ED) has uncovered an organized fraud ring operating fake cryptocurrency investment platforms that deceived both Indian and international investors by promising unrealistic returns and using stolen celebrity photos to build credibility. The scammers used social media to recruit victims, paid early investors small returns to build trust before requesting larger sums, and laundered money through cryptocurrency wallets and shell companies across multiple countries. To protect yourself, avoid investment platforms offering unusually high returns, verify the legitimacy of investment sites independently, be skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches on social media, and never send money to unverified crypto platforms regardless of testimonials or celebrity endorsements.
kalingatv.com
· 2025-12-24
India's Enforcement Directorate has exposed a massive pan-India fraud ring operating 26 fake cryptocurrency investment websites that have been siphoning money from investors since 2015 through sophisticated "pig butchering" and MLM-style scams. The scam operated by building trust through small initial payouts and fake expert testimonials on social media, then demanding hidden fees when victims tried to withdraw funds or stealing their money outright. If you use any of the listed platforms (including goldbooker.com, cryptobrite.com, bitcodeals.com, and others), stop immediately and report the site to authorities—verify any crypto investment platform's legitimacy through official regulatory channels before depositing money.
cryptopolitan.com
· 2025-12-24
Telegram has become a major hub for cryptocurrency black markets run primarily by Chinese-speaking users, processing approximately $2 billion monthly through illegal marketplaces that facilitate money laundering, stolen data sales, and romance/investment scams. These markets, particularly Tudou Guarantee and Xinbi Guarantee, supply tools and services to large-scale "pig butchering" scam operations run from Southeast Asian compounds that exploit thousands of trafficking victims and defraud U.S. citizens of an estimated $10 billion annually. Users should be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment or romance offers online, verify the legitimacy of financial platforms independently, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-23
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison faced widespread mockery on social media after posting about his office's fraud-fighting efforts, while a massive $9 billion fraud scandal involving government welfare programs has unfolded in the state under his watch. The scandal, which reportedly involved stolen taxpayer funds meant to help vulnerable populations, prompted critics across the political spectrum to question how Ellison could tout his anti-fraud work while such a large-scale scheme operated relatively unchecked. For consumers, the incident underscores the importance of verifying the legitimacy of utility calls and loan offers independently, and remaining skeptical of unsolicited contacts claiming to represent government or financial institutions.
timesobserver.com
· 2025-12-23
An elderly couple from Sugar Grove fell victim to a cryptocurrency scam in which a fraudster impersonated a government official and convinced them to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM to "protect" their money. State Police warn that legitimate government agencies, banks, and companies will never ask you to transfer funds through cryptocurrency kiosks, and advise residents to be suspicious of unsolicited calls, texts, emails, or pop-ups claiming accounts are compromised or urgent action is needed. To protect yourself, ignore pressure to act quickly and never deposit money into Bitcoin ATMs based on unsolicited contact.
lawfirmnewswire.com
· 2025-12-23
An elderly Los Angeles man with dementia was financially exploited by three defendants who stole his three properties and life savings, spending his money on luxury shopping and international travel while he ended up homeless and destitute. Attorney Ingrid M. Evans won a $47 million verdict against the three abusers, recovering damages for the victim and his family. This case highlights the importance of protecting vulnerable seniors from financial exploitation—families should monitor elderly relatives' finances, establish legal safeguards like trusts or powers of attorney with trustworthy individuals, and report suspicious financial activity to authorities immediately.
ksn.com
· 2025-12-23
Two Texas men have been indicted for defrauding an 84-year-old Sedgwick County woman of $255,000 through an impersonation scam in which they posed as FBI agents and pressured her to liquidate her assets into gold. The scammers contacted the victim claiming her Social Security number had been stolen and convinced her to hand over her money in three separate transactions. To protect yourself, remember that the FBI will never call, email, or contact you demanding money, threatening arrest, or asking for personal information—if you suspect fraud, report it to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov, 1-800-CALL-FBI, or ic3.gov.
newsghana.com.gh
· 2025-12-23
# Romance Fraud Summary
Abu Trica, a 34-year-old Ghanaian socialite, has been arrested and appeared in court under heavy security on charges of orchestrating an online romance scam that defrauded elderly Americans of approximately $8 million. Working with accomplices, he allegedly posed as romantic interests to extract money from vulnerable victims in the United States since 2023, and now faces extradition to the U.S. where he could receive up to 20 years in prison if convicted. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic relationships with people you've never met in person, especially those who quickly ask for money or claim financial emergencies, and verify identities through video calls before sharing personal information or funds.
wmar2news.com
· 2025-12-23
During the holiday season, scammers exploit consumers' generosity, increased online shopping, and decision-making urgency by using tactics like AI-generated fake ads, phishing emails, drained gift cards, and fraudulent job or loan offers. People of all backgrounds are vulnerable, particularly those under financial pressure or seeking holiday deals and charitable giving opportunities. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in emails or ads—instead go directly to official websites or contact companies using verified contact information, and be skeptical of unsolicited offers promising easy money or prizes.
wired.com
· 2025-12-23
Chinese-language scam operations on Telegram are now facilitating approximately $2 billion monthly in illegal transactions, making them larger than traditional darknet markets. These scammers primarily profit from "pig butchering" romance and investment fraud schemes (which generate $10 billion annually from US victims alone) by providing money-laundering services, stolen data, and other criminal tools through markets called Tudou Guarantee and Xinbi Guarantee. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities or romantic relationships that develop online, especially those pressuring you to transfer money or cryptocurrency, and verify any investment opportunities through official channels before sending funds.
6abc.com
· 2025-12-23
A Florida couple was arrested for allegedly running a multi-state credit card fraud scheme that targeted at least 14 victims in South Jersey, stealing over $20,000 between November and December. The suspects impersonated bank security personnel and spent hours on the phone confusing victims into revealing their debit card information, then used rented vehicles to purchase gift cards and electronics with the stolen credentials. Police advise residents to carefully review their bank statements and be cautious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from their bank—legitimate banks will never ask you to provide sensitive information like PINs or full card numbers over the phone.
khou.com
· 2025-12-23
An 85-year-old West University Place man fell victim to a "friendly knock" scam when a stranger posing as a tree trimmer gained entry to his home by asking for ice water, then stole over $300 in cash and credit cards while inside. Police warn that this type of holiday scam is common, with fraudsters using various pretexts to enter homes and steal from residents. Experts advise homeowners to keep doors locked, verify the identity of anyone claiming to work in the area, and be cautious of unsolicited offers—especially during the holiday season when these scams are most prevalent.
mywabashvalley.com
· 2025-12-23
A 42-year-old Effingham, Illinois man named Edward Stief was sentenced to 12 years in prison for stealing over $400,000 from an 89-year-old victim through financial exploitation. Stief befriended the elderly man, convinced him to grant Power of Attorney status, and then coerced him into cashing out life insurance policies and draining his life savings while also isolating him from nursing home care. Seniors and their families should be cautious about granting Power of Attorney to anyone they haven't thoroughly vetted, monitor financial accounts regularly, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
marineinsight.com
· 2025-12-23
Singapore police arrested yacht captain Nigel Tang, who is linked to Chen Zhi, an alleged mastermind of Asia's largest scam network that operated "pig-butchering" fraud schemes targeting victims globally and laundering billions of dollars. Tang, who managed Chen's luxury yacht and several businesses, was detained on suspicion of money laundering but has since been released on bail while investigations continue. The arrest highlights how authorities worldwide are intensifying efforts to dismantle Chen's transnational criminal operation that exploited trafficked workers to run online scams.
moneytalksnews.com
· 2025-12-22
Americans over 60 lost an estimated $2.4 billion to financial fraud in 2024 (with potential losses reaching as high as $81.5 billion when accounting for unreported cases), with scammers increasingly using social engineering and AI to target retirement accounts through sophisticated schemes like "pig butchering" scams on social media and dating apps. The three most common scams affecting seniors are investment fraud (including fake cryptocurrency and pre-IPO stock schemes), along with other emerging threats, where victims are lured through fake relationships before losing their savings to fake trading platforms or hidden "tax fees." To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities promising guaranteed returns on social media, verify any investment platform independently before transferring funds, and report suspected fraud to the FTC.
the-independent.com
· 2025-12-22
Three men were arrested in Texas for a $14 million gift card cloning scheme where they stole from approximately 10 stores daily since May, possessing over 400 fraudulent gift cards when caught. The scam worked by thieves copying gift card numbers before resealing the packaging and returning cards to stores, then stealing funds once unsuspecting customers activated them with money. To protect yourself, inspect gift card packaging for tampering before purchase, buy with a credit card for easier dispute resolution, and keep receipts so you can report fraud to the gift card company and FTC if compromised.
aol.com
· 2025-12-22
A 23-year-old New York man was arrested for stealing $16 million in cryptocurrency from approximately 100 victims nationwide, including police officers and single mothers, by impersonating a Coinbase representative and tricking them into transferring their digital funds to wallets he controlled. The suspect then used the stolen money for online gambling and bragged about the thefts on social media under the username "@lolimfeelingevil." To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact claiming your cryptocurrency is at risk, verify requests directly with official company channels before moving any funds, and never transfer money to accounts controlled by people you cannot independently verify.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-21
The FBI is warning about virtual kidnapping scams where criminals steal photos from social media, digitally alter them, and use them as fake "proof of life" to demand ransom payments from victims. These scams rely on fear and urgency—scammers typically text claiming they've kidnapped a loved one and threaten violence if payment isn't made immediately, using timed messages to prevent victims from examining the fake images closely. To protect yourself, slow down and scrutinize any suspicious messages; look for warning signs like missing tattoos or scars, unusual body proportions, or details that don't match reality, and verify claims by contacting loved ones through a known phone number rather than responding to the message.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-21
Scammers have stolen billions of dollars from Minnesota's social welfare programs through elaborate fraud schemes, including the notorious "Feeding Our Future" case that diverted $250 million in pandemic relief funds meant for vulnerable populations like children with autism, people with disabilities, and those seeking addiction treatment. The fraudsters—many with no connection to Minnesota—created fake community organizations and submitted inflated invoices that state officials continued to pay without proper oversight, while some criminals then transferred stolen funds internationally through weak money transfer regulations. Residents should be vigilant about verifying that social service organizations are legitimate and report suspicious billing or program activity to federal authorities, while policymakers need stronger oversight of government spending and stricter compliance rules on financial transfers.
newslj.com
· 2025-12-21
A Laramie resident fell victim to a phishing email impersonating the University of Wyoming that used a realistic DocuSign request to trick them into clicking a malicious link, while a Sheridan resident received a phone call from a scammer posing as a police officer demanding $3,500 for a fake arrest warrant related to missed jury duty. Both scams targeted people during vulnerable moments—year-end business periods and work hours—and used convincing details like official logos, badge numbers, and confirmed personal information to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, verify unexpected document requests and financial demands by contacting the institution directly through official channels rather than using contact information from the suspicious message, and remember that legitimate law enforcement will never demand immediate payment over the phone.
livebitcoinnews.com
· 2025-12-21
Minnesota's fraud problem has ballooned to $9 billion, with criminals increasingly targeting the state's Medicaid programs through housing scams, cryptocurrency schemes, and other sophisticated frauds. Five new defendants have been recently charged, and authorities warn that fraudsters are now traveling to Minnesota specifically to exploit vulnerabilities in the system—a phenomenon officials call "fraud tourism." Taxpayers and residents should remain vigilant about housing and investment opportunities, verify credentials of financial advisors, and report suspicious Medicaid activity to authorities.
tradingview.com
· 2025-12-21
A cryptocurrency trader lost nearly $50 million in USDT after copying a fraudulent wallet address from their transaction history—the fake address matched the first three and last four characters of the legitimate one, making it nearly impossible to spot at a glance. The broader crypto industry is experiencing a security crisis, with $90 billion in total losses to scams and hacks since inception, including over $9 billion lost in 2025 alone, as attackers increasingly target human error rather than exploiting code vulnerabilities. To protect yourself, always independently verify wallet addresses before any transaction, use address book features instead of copy-pasting, enable security features like transaction confirmations, and consider transferring only small test amounts first.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-20
Scammers are increasingly targeting people with fake financial-relief schemes, such as phony calls claiming unclaimed relief checks or government assistance payments, asking victims to share personal information—with the BBB receiving over 800 complaints in just two months in 2025. Older adults and people facing financial hardship are particularly vulnerable, and experts warn that these scams will likely intensify in 2026 as AI-generated deepfakes make it harder to distinguish legitimate from fraudulent communications. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages offering easy money or requesting personal information, verify any claims directly with official government agencies or companies, and report suspected scams to the FTC or BBB.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-20
# Holiday Scam Summary
During the 2024 holiday season, scammers are targeting shoppers with five main schemes—including fake shipping alerts, non-delivery scams, and too-good-to-be-true deals on social media—that cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying links by going directly to retailer websites rather than clicking suspicious messages, being wary of urgent demands for payment, and checking URLs for signs of fraud. If a deal seems too good to be true or a message pressures you to act immediately, it's likely a scam designed to steal personal information or install malware on your device.
abc7.com
· 2025-12-20
During the holiday shopping season, cybercrimes surge as scammers target rushed shoppers through fake text messages, emails, and websites designed to steal money and personal information. Common scams include fake package delivery notices that redirect victims to fraudulent sites asking for credit card details, and fear-based scams that pressure victims into buying gift cards. To protect yourself, slow down before clicking links, verify sender information carefully, avoid urgent or too-good-to-be-true offers, and use a credit card rather than a debit card when shopping online.
aol.com
· 2025-12-20
A New York City man has been indicted for allegedly stealing approximately $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble through an elaborate romance scam that began in 2019. The perpetrator posed as a Stanford-educated finance professional and convinced the victim to send money for a Brooklyn property auction, claiming he needed funds to maintain their bid position and later to increase their offer. To protect yourself from similar scams, be extremely cautious about anyone you meet online asking for money for investments or urgent financial matters, verify identities independently, and never wire funds or send checks to strangers—especially for property or investment deals you cannot directly verify.
wthr.com
· 2025-12-20
Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors by impersonating trusted companies like Amazon and Norton, then posing as law enforcement to trick victims into withdrawing their life savings under the guise of "safekeeping." To protect yourself, hang up on suspicious calls and independently verify caller identity by looking up official phone numbers yourself rather than using the number provided by the caller. CarDon & Associates and local police departments recommend consulting trusted resources like their Senior Resource Hub for additional safety information and guidance on recognizing common fraud tactics.
tbrnewsmedia.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old woman from North Dakota was tricked by scammers posing as her granddaughter and lawyer who claimed the granddaughter needed bail money after a car accident; she mailed $8,500 in cash, but authorities in Suffolk County intercepted the package before the scammers could retrieve it and returned the money. This "grandchild bail" scam specifically targets senior citizens by creating urgency and requesting secrecy to prevent victims from consulting family members. If you receive a similar call, authorities advise hanging up, verifying the caller's identity independently, and reporting the incident to local law enforcement rather than sending money via mail or wire transfer.
patch.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old grandmother from North Dakota was nearly scammed out of $8,500 after receiving a phone call from someone impersonating her granddaughter, claiming she had been arrested in Suffolk County and needed bail money. Law enforcement officials intercepted the cash before scammers could access it and arrested those responsible, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to protecting seniors from such predatory schemes. To protect yourself, be suspicious of urgent requests for money from family members, never send cash through the mail for bail or legal fees, and always verify claims by calling your family member directly at a known number or contacting local police.
ktar.com
· 2025-12-20
# Bitcoin ATM Scams Targeting the Elderly
Criminals are using Bitcoin ATMs to steal money from elderly people through scams that typically start with urgent phone calls, texts, or pop-ups impersonating the IRS, Social Security, banks, or law enforcement, then directing victims to withdraw cash and transfer it via Bitcoin ATM where the money cannot be recovered. Older adults are especially vulnerable because scammers create fear and pressure while staying on the phone to guide victims step-by-step, sometimes convincing them to transfer tens of thousands of dollars. To protect yourself or elderly relatives, be suspicious of any unsolicited contact demanding immediate cash withdrawal or cryptocurrency transfers, verify any urgent claims by contacting the organization directly using a phone number from their official website, and remember that legitimate agencies will never ask you to send money via Bitcoin ATM or demand secrecy about financial transactions.
newsday.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old North Dakota grandmother lost $8,500 to scammers who called pretending to be her granddaughter claiming she needed bail money for a traffic accident, then posed as a lawyer to collect cash sent through the mail. Suffolk County prosecutors and postal inspectors tracked the mailed package to a Shirley address and successfully intercepted and returned the money within two hours of its arrival. To protect yourself, be skeptical of urgent calls from relatives asking for money, never send cash through the mail, and always verify claims by contacting family members directly through known phone numbers.
telus.com
· 2025-12-20
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology to clone people's voices from social media videos and YouTube, then impersonating loved ones in fraudulent calls to extract money. According to recent research, about one-third of people in North America and Europe encountered deepfake voice scams in 2024, with victims losing an average of $1,479 in Canada and over $6,000 in the U.S. To protect yourself, be cautious about sharing videos online, verify unexpected requests for money by calling the person directly using a known number, and alert your bank if someone pressures you to withdraw cash for an "emergency."
liherald.com
· 2025-12-20
# Fraud Alert Summary
Lynbrook Police are warning residents about a surge in sophisticated scams targeting the community, particularly older adults, where fraudsters impersonate IRS agents, FBI officials, and banks to pressure victims into sending money via Zelle, wire transfers, and gift cards—with losses ranging from hundreds to over $30,000. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming urgent account problems, never send money or buy gift cards based on phone requests, and contact authorities immediately if you suspect fraud, as police can only intervene effectively if caught early before money is transferred electronically.
ciso.economictimes.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-20
Scammers in India are increasingly exploiting Telegram's encrypted channels to run fake investment schemes, lottery scams, and job offer frauds, resulting in over ₹1,100 crore in losses during the first half of 2025. The fraudsters use pressure tactics, deepfake videos, and "pig butchering" schemes to build trust before stealing money through fake trading apps and QR code redirects. Users should be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities on Telegram, avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes or downloading apps from private chats, and remember that private channels offer no guarantee of safety.
localnewsmatters.org
· 2025-12-19
Marin County authorities have launched a program where local banks alert customers—especially seniors—to potential fraud when they request unusual cash withdrawals or cashier's checks, handing them informational cards that encourage them to reconsider if someone else requested the money. The two-month pilot program involves three branches each of Bank of Marin and Westamerica Bank working with the District Attorney's Office and police to identify victims before scammers can steal their funds. If you're an older adult or helping one, be cautious of unsolicited requests for large sums of money and contact local police before transferring funds to unknown people, particularly around holidays when such scams increase.
ksat.com
· 2025-12-19
San Antonio police report a rising tide of scams targeting seniors, with 330 reported crimes against older adults in 2025, though authorities believe many more go unreported due to victims' embarrassment or shame. The most common scam is imposter fraud, where callers pose as law enforcement or government officials and pressure victims to send money via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers—methods that legitimate agencies never use. Experts recommend that seniors slow down before acting on urgent requests, seek education through community awareness programs, and report scams to authorities so patterns can be tracked and others protected.
wfiwradio.com
· 2025-12-19
An Effingham County man was sentenced to 12 years in prison for defrauding an 89-year-old victim of over $400,000 by posing as a landscaper, gaining Power of Attorney, and stealing the victim's life savings, insurance payouts, and valuables while neglecting his medical care. The elderly man, who is particularly vulnerable to such schemes, lost his life insurance funds and personal possessions including a gold coin collection and jewelry. Seniors should be cautious about granting Power of Attorney to service providers, verify requests for large financial transactions with trusted family members, and report suspected fraud to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at (833) 372-8311, available weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
aol.com
· 2025-12-19
A man met a woman on the dating app Bumble in 2019 and used a fake identity to build her trust, eventually convincing her to send him approximately $272,000 under the pretense of purchasing a Brooklyn home together—money that he allegedly transferred to accounts he controlled with an associate. The 45-year-old suspect, Brandon Dae Up Kiehm, was charged with grand larceny after the scheme was uncovered. To protect yourself from similar romance scams, be cautious about moving money quickly for someone you've only met online, verify property transactions directly with legitimate brokers (not through your romantic interest), and be skeptical of requests to send funds to third parties, especially early in a relationship.
usmagazine.com
· 2025-12-19
# Romance Scam Summary
A New York City man was indicted for stealing approximately $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble in 2019, posing as a Stanford-educated finance professional. Using a fake property auction scheme, he convinced her to send multiple payments totaling over $270,000 to accomplices posing as real estate brokers. To protect yourself: be wary of online dating matches who quickly push financial decisions, verify property transactions directly with official sources rather than through romantic partners, and never send money to people you've only met online, especially for investments or time-sensitive deals.