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in Scam Awareness
whiznews.com
· 2025-12-08
Ohio's Department of Commerce and Department of Aging are raising awareness about the growing number of scams targeting seniors, noting that scammers exploit older adults due to perceived vulnerability and financial stability, while victims often avoid reporting due to shame and fear. Key fraud threats include voice-cloning scams using AI technology, romance scams that exploit emotional connections to steal tens of thousands of dollars, and unsolicited contact attempts. The state recommends seniors avoid responding to unknown contacts, verify identities before sharing information, resist high-pressure tactics, and utilize available resources from the Department of Aging to protect themselves.
graphic.com.gh
· 2025-12-08
Two Ghanaian women, Evelyn Serwaa Konadu and Anatasia Baidoo, were lured to Nigeria through romance scams involving fake "white men" suitors, then abducted and held captive by a criminal syndicate that demanded ransom from their families. The women were rescued through a joint operation by Ghanaian and Nigerian authorities and returned to Accra on May 9, 2025, where they received medical care; their families had made partial ransom payments before police intervention. Ghana's Criminal Investigations Director cautioned the public about the growing trend of online romance scams and urged citizens to avoid sharing personal or financial information with strangers online
yourvalley.net
· 2025-12-08
Kingsley Sebastian Ibhadore, a 40-year-old Glendale man, was sentenced to 17 months in prison on May 5 for his role as a "money mule" in online romance scams, having pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit structuring. Between July 2019 and March 2020, Ibhadore used 24 bank accounts under false identities to deposit and withdraw over $500,000 in romance scam proceeds in amounts below federal reporting thresholds to avoid detection. Surveillance footage captured him conducting transactions using fraudulent identities at multiple Arizona banks, and he continued the illegal activity even after confirming the funds came from romance sc
yourvalley.net
· 2025-12-08
Kingsley Sebastian Ibhadore, a 40-year-old Glendale man, was sentenced to 17 months in prison on May 5 for his role as a "money mule" in online romance scams, pleading guilty to structuring charges. Between July 2019 and March 2020, Ibhadore used 24 bank accounts under multiple aliases to withdraw over $500,000 in small amounts below federal reporting thresholds, deliberately concealing and distributing funds stolen from romance scam victims. Surveillance footage documented him conducting transactions using fraudulent identities at multiple Arizona banks even after confirming the money originated from romance scams.
windsornewstoday.ca
· 2025-12-08
The Ontario Provincial Police warned Essex County residents about a Ponzi-style investment scheme involving a business selling alcohol, after a victim lost $109,000 in January. The scam builds trust by promising above-market returns and encouraging victims to recruit friends and family, while paying early investors with money from new recruits until the scheme collapses. Police advised potential victims to approach investment offers skeptically, fully understand any proposal before investing, verify legitimacy, and report suspected fraud to police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
hk-now.com
· 2025-12-08
Killingworth's Committee on Aging held a two-hour Scam and Fraud Prevention Program on May 3, 2025, where attorney Don Phillips, legal services representative Erica Basoli, and State Trooper Rick Mulhall educated seniors about common fraud schemes including bank/credit card scams, gift card fraud, home repair scams, romance scams, tech support scams, and fake prize offers. The presenters advised seniors to avoid sharing personal information on social media, resist urgency tactics, report all scams to authorities, and verify legitimacy through official channels, while emphasizing that legitimate businesses should be registered, insured, and provide written contracts.
cbs8.com
· 2025-12-08
In response to escalating elder fraud losses—$100 million in San Diego last year and $4.8 billion nationally in 2024—the District Attorney's office in Oceanside hosted a fraud prevention seminar for 250 seniors, highlighting common scams including fake court documents, computer pop-ups, and property title theft. Officials discussed new legislative tools to stop suspicious transactions in real time and promoted free monitoring programs, while emphasizing that scams affect people of all education levels and encouraging victims to report incidents to law enforcement and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
wjla.com
· 2025-12-08
A Rockville, Maryland resident lost $400,000 after scammers used phishing tactics—posing as a trustworthy Canadian business via email, text, or phone—to convince the victim to send multiple checks. Police arrested a suspect in Ontario, Canada in March after tracking the funds to Canadian bank accounts and coordinating with banks to shut down the fraudulent accounts, with the investigation ongoing. Montgomery County officials are warning residents that phishing scams are increasingly sophisticated and urging people to be wary of urgent or threatening communications requesting money or personal information.
lifehacker.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonated Joann Fabric and Crafts by creating fake online clearance sale websites and promoting them on Facebook, Pinterest, and Nextdoor after the company filed for bankruptcy in early 2025. Customers who clicked the ads and purchased items received receipts but never received merchandise, with charges appearing under names other than Joann. To avoid such scams, consumers should navigate directly to official company websites rather than clicking ads, be skeptical of urgency-driven offers, and use credit cards for purchases to ensure fraud protection and the ability to dispute charges.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational article warns consumers about gift card scams that surge around holidays like Mother's Day. Scammers use urgent tactics—impersonating government agencies or family members—to pressure victims into purchasing gift cards and sharing the codes, exploiting the holiday shopping season. The article identifies key red flags including demands for gift card payments, specific brand recommendations, artificial urgency, and requests for secrecy.
seroundtable.com
· 2025-12-08
Google announced significant improvements to its scam-detection capabilities, now catching 20 times more fraudulent pages and reducing scams in Search results by over 80% through AI-powered systems. The improvements specifically targeted impersonation scams, such as fake airline customer service pages, which Google has reduced by more than 80% in Search results. Google also deployed new AI-powered scam detection features across Chrome, Google Messages, and Phone by Google to protect users from fraud and data theft.
klarna.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide from Klarna outlines common fraud and scam types affecting consumers, including phishing, impersonation, fake investment schemes, robocalls, online shopping fraud, job scams, and scams targeting elderly individuals. The article advises protecting personal information by never sharing credentials unsolicited, recognizing red flags such as unexpected urgent requests, untrustworthy websites, and promises that seem too good to be true, and verifying merchant legitimacy through store reviews, return policies, and contact information before making purchases.
wral.com
· 2025-12-08
A homeowner was quoted less than $100 for a locksmith service but was charged $450 after an unvetted locksmith broke her lock and installed a replacement, illustrating a common bait-and-switch scheme where national call centers advertise low service fees then add hidden charges once on-site. According to locksmith professionals and the Better Business Bureau, scammers exploit consumers' urgency by quoting low initial fees then claiming additional locksmith or service fees can reach hundreds of dollars more than the estimate. To avoid this fraud, consumers should verify independent reviews rather than relying on testimonials from company websites and research local, established locksmiths before calling.
ktnv.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are exploiting post-Real ID deadline confusion by using fake websites, AI-generated phone calls, and phishing messages to impersonate government agencies like the DMV and TSA, attempting to steal personal information including Social Security numbers and payment details. Red flags include unsolicited urgent messages with suspicious links, requests for sensitive data via text or email, and offers to expedite Real ID online—a process that requires mandatory in-person DMV interviews. Authorities emphasize that the DMV will never initiate contact about Real ID applications, and there are no legitimate online shortcuts to obtain the credential.
mashable.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending fraudulent emails impersonating Geek Squad, claiming victims owe $300-$500 for fake subscription renewals to pressure them into calling the provided number or clicking links. Once victims engage, scammers use social engineering tactics to steal personal information like credit card or Social Security numbers, or trick them into installing remote access software. To protect yourself, ignore these emails entirely and contact Geek Squad directly through Best Buy's official website if you need legitimate support.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-08
Google is deploying its Gemini AI model to detect and warn users of tech support scams and other fraudulent content across Chrome, Search, and Android, marking an escalation in AI-powered anti-scam efforts as bad actors simultaneously use AI to create more convincing fraudulent content. The technology can identify scams in real-time by scanning webpages and understanding language nuance better than previous systems, with Google reporting it now blocks 20 times more problematic pages than before and removed hundreds of millions of scam search results daily in 2024. This defensive use of AI comes as consumers worldwide lost over $1 trillion to scams in the previous year.
jocoreport.com
· 2025-12-08
An 81-year-old man in Benson lost $17,000 to a grandparent scam in which scammers impersonated his grandson and then a lawyer, claiming the grandson needed bail and legal fees for a traffic accident. The victim withdrew cash twice and left envelopes outside his home for pickup before realizing his grandson had not been in an accident; the Johnston County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case.
wpsdlocal6.com
· 2025-12-08
Two elderly widows in Graves County, Kentucky lost approximately $320,000 combined to scammers using emotional manipulation tactics, including a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes scam and fake emergency requests. The Graves County Sheriff's Office warns that scammers target vulnerable seniors on social media and through phone calls, using realistic scenarios to convince victims to wire money, and recommends that families have conversations with elderly relatives about recognizing scams and contact law enforcement immediately if suspicious contact occurs.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
A Raleigh woman lost approximately $3,000 to an imposter scam after a fraudster posing as a Microsoft representative gained remote access to her computer and convinced her to purchase gift cards to recover allegedly missing funds. After sharing her story with a local news Troubleshooter to warn others, a local charity, Miracle Ministries Inc., donated $1,000 to help her recover from the financial loss.
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating South Korean celebrities and their agencies have conducted increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes targeting small business owners and companies, requesting advance payments for restaurant bills, expensive alcohol, and event expenses. Agencies for celebrities including Song Ga-in, Byun Woo-seok, Jungwoo Ha, and Nam Goong-min issued official statements warning the public that their employees never request financial payments from outside parties, and advised victims to verify identities through official channels and report suspicious calls to police and the relevant agencies.
inyourarea.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost UK victims £27 million in the last year, with an average loss of £11,500 per victim, according to Action Fraud's 2024 report. Scammers typically employ tactics including using stolen photos to hide their identity, isolating victims through "love bombing," creating excuses to avoid in-person meetings, and gradually escalating requests for money with promises of repayment. The article outlines five warning signs and protective measures, including verifying identity through video calls, conducting reverse image searches, never sending money to unmet contacts, and seeking advice from trusted friends and family.
mauinow.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraud exposure in the United States continues to rise for the fifth consecutive year, with over 276 million US adults exposed to cyber threats, primarily through unverified apps and unreliable social media sources, while common vulnerabilities include failure to use multifactor authentication, weak passwords, and responding to unknown contacts. To address this trend, AARP elder fraud expert Paul Greenwood will conduct free public presentations in Maui from May 12-16, including sessions in Lahaina and Pāʻia, to educate consumers on fraud prevention and encourage crime reporting. The AARP Fraud Watch Network offers resources including a helpline (877-908-3360), victim support groups
kpbs.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP California is hosting a free educational event on June 20, 2025, in San Diego featuring experts from law enforcement and elder protection agencies to discuss scams and financial exploitation targeting older adults. The presentation includes speakers from the Elder Justice Task Force, District Attorney's Office, FBI, Adult Protective Services, and Identity Theft Resource Center, and registration is required but AARP membership is not necessary.
consumerfinance.gov
· 2025-12-08
Five federal financial regulatory agencies and FinCEN issued guidance to help banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions combat elder financial exploitation, which affected approximately $27 billion in reported suspicious activity over a one-year period ending in June 2023. The statement recommends risk management practices including employee training on recognizing exploitation, establishing trusted contact processes, implementing transaction holds when appropriate, and timely reporting to law enforcement and Adult Protective Services. These measures aim to help supervised institutions identify, prevent, and respond to elder financial exploitation that can cause older adults to lose their life savings and financial security.
pennlive.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI is warning the public about discount medical insurance scams that have emerged in Pennsylvania and beyond, which fraudulently promise reduced insurance rates while providing no actual coverage. These scams target people seeking affordable healthcare by impersonating legitimate providers, using high-pressure sales tactics, and promising hidden fees or refunds that never materialize, resulting in millions of dollars in annual losses. The FBI recommends verifying offers through the Better Business Bureau, checking with current providers, and reporting suspected fraud to the Internet Crimes Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
CNET advises fraud victims to report scams to the Federal Trade Commission and FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, even if no money was lost, as these reports help authorities identify trends, educate the public, and build cases against criminals. The FTC received over 3.4 million complaints last year with only 38% involving monetary losses, and victims can also take steps like freezing credit, contacting their bank, or using identity theft protection services to mitigate damage.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, fraud cost Americans $12.5 billion with a median loss of $1,500 per victim, with many incidents involving imposters posing as banks, retailers, or government agencies. Common scams include fraudulent bank charge texts, arrest threat calls demanding payment to avoid police action, fake USPS or Amazon messages requesting payment details, and official-looking property tax bills targeting recent homebuyers. Consumers should verify suspicious communications by contacting official numbers or agencies directly rather than using contact information from the suspicious message itself.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Pittsburgh-area law enforcement leaders warned the public about increasingly sophisticated scams facilitated by technology, including common schemes like "grandparent" scams, fake tech support, and gift card fraud. The officials advised people to pause before acting on suspicious communications, verify information with trusted sources, avoid clicking links, and report all scams regardless of amount, noting that most stolen money is quickly moved out of the country and difficult to recover.
abc15.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece warns parents that scammers target children both for their personal data and their parents' information, potentially using stolen social security numbers to commit identity theft and credit fraud years later. The article emphasizes that children lack online security skills and may fall victim to gaming scams, fake social media accounts, phishing links, and fraudulent online stores. Parents are advised to have regular conversations with children about online safety, set clear boundaries on internet usage, use parental controls, and teach kids to recognize suspicious websites, unusual payment requests, and suspicious links.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece emphasizes that scam victims should report their victimization to police and utilize the Better Business Bureau's scam survival toolkit to create a recovery plan. The article notes that many victims fail to report scams due to shame or embarrassment, but reporting is crucial to prevent further financial harm and to help combat fraud; the BBB established "National Scam Survivor Day" (second Thursday in May) to reduce stigma and encourage victims to seek assistance.
birminghammail.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
West Midlands Police issued a warning about WhatsApp account takeover scams in which criminals trick victims into sharing their six-digit verification codes, then gain unauthorized access to impersonate them and defraud their contacts. Once scammers obtain the code, they lock out the legitimate account owner and use the compromised account to request money or personal information from the victim's friends and family. Police recommend six protective measures including never sharing verification codes, enabling two-step verification, being cautious of unusual requests, and reporting suspicious activity to WhatsApp or Action Fraud.
bridgemi.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan's senior centers face a crisis due to inconsistent state funding, creating stark inequities in services available to older adults. Well-funded centers like Rochester's OPC offer comprehensive activities (pickleball, tai chi, pools) supported by local millages, while under-resourced centers like Plymouth's operate part-time with minimal budgets and struggle to survive without dedicated tax support. As Michigan's population ages faster than most states, advocates call for systemic change to ensure equitable access to senior recreation and services across all communities.
safetydetectives.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Google is deploying AI-powered defenses in Chrome to protect users from online scams, including a version of its Gemini Nano model that runs on-device to identify suspicious websites and scams on desktop, and new warnings for suspicious notifications on Android. The Enhanced Protection mode in Safe Browsing now offers an additional layer of protection against both known and emerging scams, while Google's AI efforts across Search have reportedly caught 20 times more scam pages compared to previous methods.
bridgemi.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan's senior centers face significant funding inequities as the state's rapidly aging population strains its services. Well-funded centers like Rochester's OPC operate with comprehensive programs and modern amenities supported by local millages, while underfunded centers like Plymouth's operate limited hours and struggle to survive on cobbled-together budgets from municipal contributions and grants. Twelve of Michigan's 83 counties lack dedicated senior care taxes, creating a "have and have-nots" system that limits seniors' access to activities proven crucial for combating dementia and extending life.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
Oklahoma seniors lost more than $50 million to fraud in 2024, a 66% increase from $22 million in 2023, with nearly 2,000 fraud complaints filed according to FBI reports. Law enforcement emphasizes that education is the primary defense, with studies showing individuals aware of specific scam tactics are 80% less likely to become victims, and recommends people verify and confirm before sharing personal information or conducting financial transactions. Many of these crimes are perpetrated by organized crime rings outside the U.S., making prosecution difficult, but authorities continue to encourage reporting at state and federal levels.
dailydot.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating Joann Fabrics on social media platforms by creating fraudulent websites and ads offering 80-90% discounts on merchandise, despite the retailer filing for bankruptcy and ceasing online sales. Victims who purchase from these fake sites lose their money as the ordered items never arrive. The FTC recommends using credit cards for purchases, verifying sales legitimately, reporting fraudulent ads to platforms, and contacting financial institutions immediately if scammed, as banks may be able to recover funds depending on the payment method used.
twistedsifter.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman warned her coworker of 3-4 years that her boyfriend's request for $10,000—claiming he needed it for a family emergency while working on an offshore oil rig in Dubai—appeared to be a romance scam. The coworker, who had been dating the man long-distance for six months, subsequently stopped responding to calls and texts and took a personal day off work, upset by the warning despite the friend's concern about financial liability if the man disappeared.
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
Fraud crimes in South Korea have surged dramatically, with "other cyber fraud" types increasing sevenfold from 3.1% to 21.7% of all fraud between 2014 and 2023, while arrest rates for these crimes simultaneously declined to 47.4% in 2023. Emerging scams like "team mission" fraud—which deceives victims into depositing money under the guise of product review jobs—and hybrid scams combining multiple fraud methods are outpacing law enforcement's ability to classify and respond to them. Experts recommend establishing an integrated fraud prevention system with a dedicated "fraud response control tower" involving police, financial authorities, and victim support organizations to detect
bristolpost.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Nationwide warned that romance scams affected 29% of people seeking partners online, with 51% of those targeted agreeing to send money to someone they hadn't met in person. These scams stole £31.3 million from British victims in 2022, with fraudsters using emotional manipulation to build trust before requesting funds, after which money is rarely recovered. The bank advised protective measures including staying on legitimate dating platforms, avoiding money discussions before meeting in person, researching potential partners' authenticity, and consulting trusted contacts before sending funds.
bristolpost.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams targeted 29% of people seeking relationships online in the UK, with 51% of those asked actually sending money to fraudsters they had not met in person. According to UK Finance, these scams stole £31.3 million in 2022, with victims unlikely to recover their funds once transferred. Nationwide advises staying on trustworthy dating platforms, avoiding money discussions with unmet contacts, researching potential partners through reverse image searches, and consulting trusted loved ones to identify scammers who use emotional manipulation and generic scripts to exploit victims.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Nationwide Building Society warns that romance scams result in victims rarely recovering their money, with scammers typically disappearing after funds are sent. In 2022, romance fraud cost UK victims £31.3 million, with 29% of online daters reporting being asked for money by someone they haven't met in person, and over half complying with these requests. The institution advises victims to immediately contact their bank with evidence and outlines seven prevention steps, including staying on reputable platforms, avoiding money discussions before meeting in person, conducting background research on potential matches, and consulting trusted friends or family about new relationships.
bristolpost.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams targeted 29% of people seeking relationships online in the UK, with 51% of those targeted agreeing to send money to someone they hadn't met in person; these scams stolen £31.3 million from victims in 2022, with fraudsters using emotional manipulation and false pretenses (medical emergencies, travel costs) to build trust before disappearing with the money. Nationwide warns that recovered funds are unlikely and advises victims to contact their bank immediately with evidence, while recommending potential dating app users stay on legitimate platforms, avoid pre-meeting money discussions, verify profiles through reverse image searches, consult trusted friends, and watch for generic script language and investment solicitation tactics.
2news.com
· 2025-12-08
During Older Americans Month, local libraries in Reno and Sparks are hosting free scam prevention talks presented by the Better Business Bureau to educate seniors about current fraud trends. The BBB emphasizes the importance of scam awareness, noting that $12.5 billion was lost to fraud in the previous year.
sandiegoreader.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP California hosted a free educational event on June 20, 2025, in San Diego featuring expert speakers from law enforcement, protective services, and advocacy organizations to raise awareness about scams and financial exploitation targeting older adults. The presentation, held in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, included representatives from the Elder Justice Task Force, District Attorney's Office, FBI, Adult Protective Services, and the Identity Theft Resource Center.
mix106radio.com
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated phishing scam targeting Idaho residents has been exploiting vulnerabilities in Google's infrastructure to bypass security systems and appear as legitimate Google emails. The attack, discovered by developer Nick Johnson, uses fraudulent emails designed to trick recipients into sharing sensitive data or downloading malware. Experts recommend using authenticator apps, regularly updating passwords, and forwarding suspicious emails to legitimate support sources like Google Support for verification.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta warned users about rising scam tactics including fake coupons, gift cards, and counterfeit products sold at artificially low prices designed to steal personal information. Research shows scam-related fraud increased 56% in share and financial losses jumped 121% this year, with scams now accounting for 23% of all fraudulent transactions, as fraudsters shift from targeting technical payment vulnerabilities to exploiting human behavior through phishing, impersonation, and social engineering tactics.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Wedding photography scams are increasing, with couples losing money to photographers who either disappear before the event or fail to deliver paid photos afterward. The Better Business Bureau reports scammers take advance payments and vanish without providing services or final products, leaving couples without documentation of their events.
theorcasonian.com
· 2025-12-08
The Orcas Senior Center and Federal Trade Commission are hosting an educational event on May 14 featuring Jennifer Tourjé, an FTC assistant director and former prosecutor, who will provide guidance on recognizing, reporting, and preventing scams and fraud. The presentation aims to help seniors and their families protect themselves from digital-age threats through knowledge and vigilance, with additional resources available at consumer.ftc.gov.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns new college graduates to be cautious of four main scam types during their transition to post-college life: fake student loan forgiveness programs that charge fees for services, fraudulent tuition collection schemes demanding immediate payment via wire transfer, deceptive job offers promising high pay for remote entry-level positions while requesting personal/banking information or training fees, and fake graduation gifts or scholarships requesting personal information or processing fees. Graduates are advised to understand their actual loan terms, verify communications directly with institutions, research companies before applying for jobs, and be skeptical of unsolicited offers.
fingerlakes1.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS warns that tax scams and identity theft threats persist year-round, not just during tax season, highlighting top schemes including phishing attacks, W-2 fraud, fake charities, and new client scams targeting both individuals and businesses. The agency recommends protective measures such as using multi-factor authentication, strong passwords, anti-malware software, and reporting suspicious activity to [email protected], while maintaining secure business information like EINs and remaining cautious of disaster-related fraud schemes.