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in Scam Awareness
connecticut.news12.com
The Better Business Bureau warned consumers about work-from-home scams, with fraudsters claiming to operate in the tristate area. The FTC recommends researching companies online for complaints, never paying upfront fees for employment, and avoiding repackaging or reshipping job opportunities, as these are commonly used by scammers.
savannahbusinessjournal.com
**Summary:**
Georgia Power warned customers in January 2025 about increasing scams during post-holiday and tax season periods, including threats of power disconnection and requests to update billing information. The utility highlighted evolving tech scams such as fraudulent payment requests through Cash App using fake company logos and fake digital ads directing customers to non-company websites to steal personal information. Georgia Power provided guidance to customers on legitimate payment methods, verification procedures, and reporting mechanisms to protect against scammers impersonating company representatives.
justice.gov
**Summary:**
United States Attorney Nikolas Kerest announced his resignation effective January 20, 2025, after serving as U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont since December 2021. During his tenure, Kerest's office prioritized violent crime prosecution, civil rights enforcement, and elder financial fraud prevention, including successful prosecutions of elder fraud perpetrators Nicholas Melanson and Nasir Hussain, and educational outreach events in partnership with federal agencies to help Vermont's elder community avoid fraud victimization.
noozhawk.com
92-year-old Dionisia Galarza of Santa Maria lost her home of four decades to foreclosure after being defrauded by real estate agent Blanca Mendez, who instructed her to send $39,734 in mortgage payments to Alliance Services instead of her lender between August 2020 and July 2024 under the guise of a loan modification. The home was sold at auction in July 2024 despite Galarza's continued payments, and she is now fighting to remain in the house with her disabled son and other family members through a civil lawsuit alleging fraud and financial elder abuse. Mendez has denied the allegations, claiming
midfloridanewspapers.com
A man in assisted living fell victim to a misleading Medicare plan advertisement that eliminated critical health services from his previous coverage, requiring emergency intervention two days before the enrollment deadline to reverse the policy. The article highlights that seniors lose approximately $2.9 billion annually to scams, with vulnerable populations like those with memory loss facing particular risk; it emphasizes that awareness, research through the Federal Trade Commission, caregiver vigilance, and proactive financial safeguards (such as limiting access to credit cards and personal information) are essential protective measures.
wjer.com
Sheriff Orvis Campbell will present an educational session at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center on January 16th to teach seniors how scammers operate and what red flags to recognize. The presentation covers common tactics used across frauds and scams, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and identifying warning signs to protect oneself and family from financial loss. The event is part of the Dover Public Library's monthly "Lunch and Learn" series.
hudsonvalley.news12.com
The Better Business Bureau warned consumers about work-from-home scams, with perpetrators claiming to operate in the tristate area. The Federal Trade Commission advises people to research company names for complaints, never pay upfront fees to obtain employment, and avoid reshipping or repackaging jobs, as these are common scam indicators.
hindustantimes.com
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a digital arrest scam in which scammers impersonated law enforcement, falsely claiming he was involved in illegal package shipping, money laundering, and drug trafficking, and held him under "digital arrest" for approximately 40 hours while coercing him to isolate from the outside world. The scam began with an automated call about a cancelled courier delivery, escalated through manipulation using his personal information, and resulted in financial losses and significant mental health impacts. Bahuguna publicly shared his experience to raise awareness and educate others about the sophisticated tactics scammers use to control and panic victims into compliance.
etvbharat.com
The "pig butchering scam" is a long-term romance and investment fraud where cybercriminals build trust with victims over weeks or months through dating apps and social media before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes and stealing their money. Notable victims include an Indian software professional in the US who lost $450,000, a Malaysian nurse who accumulated $270,000 in debt, and a San Francisco man who lost over $1 million; the scam predominantly targets students, unemployed youth, homemakers, and financially vulnerable individuals. India's Ministry of Home Affairs recently issued a warning about the rising prevalence of these scams in the country.
dnaindia.com
Popular YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a digital arrest scam in January 2024, during which scammers held him hostage for approximately 40 hours by impersonating customs officials and police officers. The scammers manipulated him through fake calls claiming illegal items were found in a package sent to China, threatened him with serious criminal charges including money laundering and drug trafficking, and extracted money from him while causing significant financial and mental health damage. Bahuguna publicly shared his experience on Instagram to raise awareness about the growing threat of digital arrest scams and how extensively scammers can control victims.
westportjournal.com
Albert Reyes, 26, of the Bronx was charged with first-degree forgery and criminal impersonation after being found in a suspicious vehicle outside a Westport resident's home on December 31st. Reyes possessed fraudulent driver's licenses, including one bearing the victim's name, and was attempting to intercept a delivery of iPhones that the resident had been scammed into ordering. Reyes was released on $10,000 bond and scheduled to appear in court on January 13th.
pbs.org
"Pig butchering" investment scams have cost victims worldwide an estimated $75 billion over the last four years, with Americans alone losing $4.6 billion in 2023. The scheme typically begins with a fake wrong-number text leading to conversations with fake profiles (often posing as attractive women) who build romantic relationships and convince victims to invest in cryptocurrency, showing false dashboards of returns until victims exhaust their savings. The scammers perpetrating these schemes are often human trafficking victims forced by crime syndicates in Asia to run the operations, making this a dual victimization crisis.
westerniowatoday.com
Romance scams targeting seniors in rural areas can result in significant financial losses and emotional devastation, according to Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture. Michelle Reinen, the division's administrator, emphasizes that these scams affect people across all demographics and recommends discussing warning signs with elderly relatives or friends who may be at risk. Consumers seeking protection tips can visit datcap.wi.gov.
yahoo.com
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird issued a warning about a resurgence of "grandparent scams" targeting elderly Iowans, in which scammers impersonate grandchildren claiming emergencies (accidents, arrests, hospitalization, or being abroad) to pressure grandparents into sending money. The scammers often use information gleaned from social media and may impersonate police, attorneys, or doctors to add credibility, with funds typically transferred abroad making them nearly impossible to trace. To avoid victimization, the Attorney General's Office recommends hanging up and independently verifying claims with trusted family members, never sending money over the phone or by wire, and reporting suspected scams to local law
newsbreak.com
Patrick Wall, a homeless man posing as a masonry worker, scammed elderly victims in Nassau County from September 2023 to January 2025 by offering home repair services, then intentionally causing additional damage to increase costs. Wall was arrested and faces multiple felony charges including grand larceny, scheme to defraud, and conspiracy; police are urging additional victims to contact detectives at 516-573-6354.
tampafp.com
Florida's Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit dismantled six major cybercrime schemes in three months, seizing nearly $2.4 million in stolen cryptocurrency with over $100,000 returned to victims and $2.2 million pending restitution. Three schemes specifically targeted seniors, including a bank employee stealing from 13 elderly victims, a grandparent scam, and a fraudulent cryptocurrency trading website. Additional cases involved identity theft operations and mail interception schemes, with perpetrators prosecuted for stealing from individuals and businesses across the state.
abc7news.com
**Summary:**
Fraudsters are posing as AMBER Alert representatives and contacting residents to "register" children, requesting confidential information and home visits. The California Highway Patrol clarified that AMBER Alerts require no registration and are only activated by law enforcement agencies investigating actual child abductions, urging the public to avoid sharing personal information with unknown callers and report such contacts to local law enforcement.
desmoinesregister.com
Iowa is experiencing a wave of "grandparent scams" targeting elderly residents, in which scammers impersonate grandchildren claiming to be in accidents, hospitalized, arrested, or stranded abroad to pressure grandparents into sending money. The scammers use social media information and may impersonate police, attorneys, or doctors to add credibility, with funds typically transferred abroad making them nearly impossible to trace. Iowa's Attorney General recommends victims hang up and verify claims with trusted family members, avoid acting quickly or in secret, and never wire money or provide banking information over the phone.
wcvb.com
Boston police warned residents about a text message scam falsely claiming recipients owe unpaid parking fees of $4.35 with threatened late fees of $35, directing them to a fraudulent website (parking_dash.boston.com). The scam used the city's official logo and came from a Montreal-based phone number, successfully deceiving many residents into paying, though the exact number of victims is unclear. Residents are advised that the City of Boston never sends parking ticket notices via text and to use only the official boston.gov website to pay legitimate violations, which are normally sent by U.S. mail.
catcountry1073.com
Law enforcement agencies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are alerting residents to five prevalent scams: Medicaid/Medicare impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as government workers to extract personal information; "brushing" scams involving unsolicited packages with malicious QR codes that compromise phone data; fake law enforcement calls claiming arrest warrants or missed jury duty to extort bond payments; and romance scams where criminals build trust through fake online identities to manipulate victims into sending money. Residents are advised to never provide financial or personal information over the phone, avoid scanning unknown QR codes, and verify contact legitimately through official channels.
heraldscotland.com
This educational piece emphasizes that scams occur year-round through various methods including doorstep schemes, phishing calls, romance scams, and blackmail, exploiting personal charm and false authority to steal money. The article advises vigilance and awareness, noting that increased cross-agency collaboration among police, Action Fraud, and consumer organizations helps fight scams and support victims. Key recommendations include reporting all scams to authorities, seeking support from agencies like Citizens Advice Scotland, and recognizing that victims should not feel shame—only perpetrators bear responsibility.
justice.gov
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio highlighted its 2024 elder fraud prosecutions as part of the Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiatives, noting that senior citizens lose billions annually to schemes exploiting their trust. Notable cases included a caregiver who forged power of attorney documents and stole $46,064 from a nursing home resident, a Ponzi scheme that defrauded 72 investors of $8.5 million, and various impersonation and money-mule schemes targeting elderly victims, with sentences ranging from 16 months to 37 months in prison and restitution orders totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Rising voice phishing (vishing) attacks in Pune use sophisticated social engineering tactics, data familiarity, and technology tools like IVR to impersonate legitimate companies and manipulate victims into sharing personal information. Scammers specifically target vulnerable populations, including senior citizens, by exploiting psychological vulnerabilities such as fear, greed, and FOMO (fear of missing out), with surveys indicating over 60% of Indians receive three or more scam calls daily despite Do Not Disturb lists. Prevention measures include avoiding unknown calls, recognizing red flags like pressure tactics and suspicious numbers, and using legitimate communication channels like Caller ID badges and in-app calling services offered by companies.
m.economictimes.com
The Indian government launched a new "Report and Check Suspect" feature on its National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) that allows citizens to search a database of known cybercriminals using identifiers like phone numbers, email addresses, UPI IDs, and social media handles. This tool is designed to help prevent digital arrest scams and other cybercrimes by enabling the public to verify the legitimacy of unknown callers or entities before sharing personal information or conducting financial transactions. The I4C (Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre) database proactively identifies and blocks fake IDs used by fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials.
dailybreeze.com
A text-based scam is circulating in California claiming recipients owe FasTrak toll fees and directing them to fraudulent websites to submit payment and personal information. California's Attorney General warns that legitimate tolling agencies do not send unsolicited text messages and advises recipients to avoid clicking links, file complaints with the FBI and FTC, and verify any toll charges directly through official agency websites.
cj.my
Maybank launched Money Lock, a security feature on its MAE App that allows Malaysian customers to lock specific amounts (from RM10 to their full balance) in their accounts, protecting funds from digital access while maintaining eligibility for interest earnings. The feature, designed particularly for vulnerable groups like seniors, requires users to visit an ATM or branch to unlock funds, adding an extra layer of protection against online fraud. Locked funds remain shielded from online transfers, ATM withdrawals, debit card payments, and other digital transactions while complementing Maybank's existing fraud prevention measures.
gmtoday.com
The Jackson Police Department's #FraudPreventionFriday campaign warned the public about "brushing" scams, in which recipients receive unsolicited packages containing items like jewelry or speakers with embedded QR codes that, when scanned, direct victims to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial information. The department advised never scanning QR codes in unexpected packages and noted that QR code scams appear in multiple locations, including parking meters.
webwire.com
Barclays' 2024 research found that one in five British consumers fell victim to a scam in the past year, with 93 percent occurring online, while investment scams generated the highest financial losses (averaging £15,564 per claim and representing one-third of total claim value) despite being only 4 percent of reported incidents. Purchase scams were most common by volume (74 percent of claims), with fake delivery, HMRC, and "Hello Mum" WhatsApp scams ranking as the top three most encountered scams. The research indicates that 52 percent of Britons feel overwhelmed by evolving scam tactics, with 75 percent
berkshireeagle.com
In 2023, Americans lost over $1.1 billion to romance scams, with more than 64,000 reported cases, affecting people across all demographics. Romance scammers build elaborate fake identities over months or years to establish trust with victims who seek companionship online, eventually manipulating them into financial or emotional harm. Effective intervention requires patience, detailed planning, emotional restraint, and often involves trusted third parties rather than confrontational approaches that risk alienating victims further.
finance.yahoo.com
Katherine Goodson, a 67-year-old California woman, lost tens of thousands of dollars in life savings to a romance scammer posing as actor Keanu Reeves over two years, eventually leaving her homeless with minimal resources. Romance scams cost Americans over $650 million in 2023, with adults over 60 accounting for $3.4 billion in losses, making them the primary targets of scammers who impersonate celebrities, professionals, and companies. Red flags include requests for money through untraceable methods like Bitcoin and wire transfers, and victims are urged to verify identities independently before sending funds.
lovellchronicle.com
Scams are becoming increasingly frequent, sophisticated, and successful, with law enforcement reporting a notable uptick in impersonation schemes where scammers pose as government officials or law enforcement to threaten arrest and extort money. Phishing—the collection of personal information through unsolicited communications—is being used as an initial phase to make scams appear legitimate, with one recent Big Horn County victim losing over $20,000 after being convinced by a scammer posing as a government agent that they owed money. The FBI reported that online fraud complaints doubled from 2019 to 2023, with financial losses exceeding $12.5 billion, and law enforcement advises citizens to verify suspicious
cnbctv18.com
Bitcoin has been plagued by a series of major scams and security breaches costing billions globally, including the BitConnect Ponzi scheme ($2.4 billion), the FTX exchange collapse (billions lost), and over $3.7 billion in crypto-related scams in 2022 alone through phishing attacks and romance scams. The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have been prime targets for Bitcoin fraud, particularly fake investment opportunities exploiting the cryptocurrency's pseudonymous nature. Beyond fraud, Bitcoin's decentralized structure has facilitated illicit activities on the dark web, while its extreme price volatility and energy-intensive operations present additional risks to investors and the environment.
westerniowatoday.com
The Iowa Attorney General's Office and Department of Public Safety issued a warning about a resurgent wave of "grandparent scams" targeting older Iowans throughout the state. In these scams, criminals pose as grandchildren claiming to be in accidents, jailed, or stranded abroad, then request money that is wired abroad and rarely recovered. Authorities recommend verifying caller identity through independent contact with family members, resisting pressure to act quickly, and reporting suspicious calls to local law enforcement and the Iowa Attorney General's Office at 1.888.777.4590.
dps.iowa.gov
**Grandparent Scam Warning - Iowa (January 3, 2025)**
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird issued a warning about a resurgence of grandparent scams targeting older Iowans, in which fraudsters impersonate grandchildren in distress (claiming accidents, hospitalization, or jail) and request money sent via wire transfer, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency. The scammers often use social media information to build credibility and may pose as supporting figures like attorneys or police officers, with money typically transferred abroad and difficult to recover. Authorities recommend verifying caller identity through trusted family contacts, resisting pressure to act quickly, and reporting suspicious calls
atlantanewsfirst.com
Georgia Power is warning customers about escalating scams as tax season and new year bills arrive, including fake calls, emails, and door-to-door visits impersonating utility representatives demanding immediate payment or personal financial information. The utility also flagged fraudulent Cash App accounts, cryptocurrency payment demands, and fake websites mimicking Georgia Power's official site to steal billing and credit information. Customers should verify any communication by calling Georgia Power's official customer service line at 888-660-5890 and use only legitimate payment methods through the company's official website at www.GeorgiaPower.com.
aarp.org
In 2023, Americans aged 60 and over filed over 101,000 internet crime complaints resulting in losses exceeding $3.4 billion, with fraud remaining significantly underreported. AARP's hearing center provides practical defense strategies, emphasizing that scam vulnerability is universal regardless of intelligence or education level, and recommends adopting practices such as radical skepticism toward unsolicited contacts, pausing when pressured emotionally, being wary of requests for secrecy, monitoring accounts regularly, and educating oneself about fraud threats.
justice.gov
Rebecca C. Lutzko announced her resignation as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, effective January 3, 2025, with First Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik assuming the role. During her tenure leading approximately 175 prosecutors and staff, Lutzko's office oversaw prosecutions involving violent crime, organized gang activity, financial crime, public corruption, drug trafficking, child exploitation, and cybercrime, while also recovering tens of millions of dollars in healthcare fraud and civil cases across Ohio's 40 northern counties.
michigan.gov
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued consumer alerts on travel club and health club memberships as part of her 2024 holiday scam campaign, warning consumers to carefully review contracts before signing, understand cancellation and refund policies, and avoid long-term prepaid agreements that may result in financial loss. The guidance recommends consumers budget carefully, inquire about additional fees, request month-to-month payment options when possible, and review all contract terms including fine print before committing to memberships.
laist.com
A text message scam circulating in California falsely claims recipients owe FasTrak toll fees and directs them to click a link to pay, threatening late fees or legal action. California Attorney General Rob Bonta warns that FasTrak and The Toll Roads never request payment via text messages with website links, and advises recipients to avoid clicking the link, report the scam to the FBI and FTC, and verify any account information directly through official websites.
ky3.com
The Better Business Bureau's 2025 Scam Tracker Risk Report identifies investment and cryptocurrency scams as the riskiest for consumers, followed by employment and online purchase scams, with online-based scams comprising nearly 70% of all reports and social media scams increasing over 56% year-over-year. The BBB recommends consumers adopt fraud-prevention resolutions including avoiding money transfers to strangers, researching businesses before shopping, being cautious with unsolicited emails, protecting personal information, using strong passwords, employing social media privacy settings, keeping computers secure with antivirus software, monitoring financial accounts regularly, obtaining written agreements, and staying informed about current scams.
patch.com
A Cary woman was approached by a young man outside a Schaumburg retail store who posed as a high school basketball team fundraiser and used a portable card machine to attempt charging $4,000 to her credit card in two separate $2,000 transactions, though both were declined. A similar donation scam occurred in Elmhurst in October, where suspects charged a large unauthorized amount to a victim's credit card before fleeing; those suspects were later found and taken into custody pending investigation.
livemint.com
A 78-year-old woman from South Mumbai lost ₹1.51 crore in a cyber scam where fraudsters impersonated police officials and government representatives, claiming she was under investigation for money laundering and drug offenses. The scammers initiated contact by falsely claiming illegal items were in a courier package she sent to her daughter in the US, then convinced her to transfer funds to protect her assets through forged documents and video calls with actors in police uniforms. She discovered the fraud only after discussing the situation with family and reported it to authorities; police advise the public to verify caller identities and avoid sharing personal details over the phone.
hindustantimes.com
A 78-year-old woman in Mumbai lost ₹1.5 crore to scammers posing as Delhi Special Investigation Team (SIT) officers in a "digital arrest" fraud, where they falsely claimed she was under investigation for money laundering and threatened her with criminal action. The fraudsters manipulated her through staged video calls with fake warrants and pressured her into transferring ₹1.15 crore to their accounts before she discovered the scam through conversation with a relative and reported it to police.
news9live.com
A 78-year-old Mumbai woman lost Rs 1.5 crore (approximately $180,000 USD) to cybercriminals posing as Delhi Police Special Investigation Team officers who falsely accused her of money laundering and drug offences after she sent a courier package to her daughter in the United States. The scammers conducted fake video calls in police uniforms with forged documents, pressuring her to transfer funds to "secure" her assets during the purported investigation. She discovered the fraud only after discussing the incident with a family member and reported it to Mumbai Police Cybercrime Cell, which noted the scammers had distributed the stolen funds across multiple accounts.
techbullion.com
The Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 792 people involved in cryptocurrency romance scams, including 148 Chinese nationals, 40 Filipinos, and local accomplices, following a raid on a suspected fraud operation. The arrests came after authorities charged a Nigerian man with defrauding 139 Australians of $5 million through crypto schemes that used phishing links to steal victims' login credentials and drain both fiat and cryptocurrency accounts. The operation targeted citizens worldwide, primarily from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe, with foreign kingpins recruiting Nigerian accomplices to prospect for victims online.
einpresswire.com
Author Nayla Sidani released a humorous self-help book titled "A Widow's Journey Through Online Scammers," which documents her experiences encountering romance scams while online dating after losing her husband and son. The book blends real anecdotes with practical advice on identifying red flags in online romance schemes, such as scammers posing as military officers or claiming frozen bank accounts, while emphasizing humor and resilience as tools for overcoming adversity.
cbc.ca
A senior from Perth County lost $320,000 in a computer pop-up scam that began in November 2024 when she clicked on a malicious pop-up claiming to be Microsoft and was instructed to withdraw cash and purchase gold bars for "safekeeping." Suspects later picked up $80,000 in cash and over $240,000 worth of gold bars from her home, claiming they would deposit the items at the "Bank of Canada" for her protection. Ontario Provincial Police are seeking help identifying the male suspects, described as men aged 25-35 with short dark hair driving white and dark sedans.
maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk
This educational article from Citizens Advice East Berkshire identifies common New Year scams and prevention strategies, including romance/personal scams (where fraudsters build relationships to request money), sales scams (fake discounts and disreputable websites), and delivery/official message scams (fraudulent package delivery notifications). The advice emphasizes that scams affect approximately one in three adults, cause significant emotional impact, and can often be prevented by verifying requests through known contact numbers, being skeptical of unrealistic discounts, and never sending money to people you haven't met in person.
ncsl.org
Fraudsters steal over $10 billion annually from Americans through evolving scams including identity theft, impersonation schemes, and investment fraud, with scammers increasingly using targeted tactics across email, text, social media, and chatbots rather than indiscriminate methods. Federal agencies including the FTC, FCC, and CFPB are responding with stronger enforcement tools, such as new rules against impersonation scams and data breach settlements, while increasing collaboration with state officials and emphasizing consumer education. Key initiatives focus on combating medical debt exploitation and financial crimes targeting older Americans.
rotary.org
Americans lost a record $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with impostor scams and email impersonations being increasingly common threats to individuals and organizations like Rotary clubs. Scammers are leveraging artificial intelligence tools and multiple communication channels (text, email, social media) to impersonate trusted contacts and request money, making fraud harder to detect and investigate. To protect yourself and your network, verify suspicious requests through alternative contact methods, report fraud promptly, and share alerts with your community, as most fraud goes unpunished and victims rarely recover their money.