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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
foxrgv.tv
The Better Business Bureau warns of an escalating "grandparent scam" targeting senior citizens nationwide, where callers impersonate relatives claiming to need urgent bail money or emergency funds. Scammers use emotional manipulation and request payment through hard-to-trace apps like CashApp or WhatsApp to prevent fund recovery. The BBB recommends seniors verify caller identity by hanging up and calling back on known numbers, avoid sharing personal information over the phone, and report suspected scams to the BBB helpline (969-1804) or scamtracker website.
wvua23.com
Tuscaloosa hosted its annual Fraud Awareness Summit to educate seniors about phone scams, social media fraud schemes, and evolving technology-based tactics used by fraudsters to target older adults. The summit is particularly significant given that Tuscaloosa ranks as the No. 1 metro area in the U.S. for fraud reports and identity theft per capita, according to Federal Trade Commission data.
highlandcountypress.com
This educational article provides digital safety tips for senior citizens to protect themselves while using technology. Key recommendations include recognizing and avoiding phishing scams, adjusting privacy settings on social media, creating strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication, and staying informed through training programs. Highland County Community Action Agency and County Commissioners are sponsoring free in-person digital literacy training sessions for seniors covering computer basics, internet safety, and social media.
cbsnews.com
Romance scams in the Chicago area are becoming increasingly sophisticated, utilizing AI-generated images and videos to impersonate real people and deceive victims into sending money, often via cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams have cost Americans over $2 billion since 2021, with scammers using freely available AI software to create convincing fake content and cryptocurrency's instant transfer capabilities to quickly disperse stolen funds across multiple digital wallets, making investigation and recovery extremely difficult.
cbsnews.com
Laura Kowal fell victim to a romance scam where she was emotionally manipulated over two years, then coerced into becoming a "money mule" by setting up fake companies and bank accounts to launder stolen money for overseas scammers. This increasingly common tactic exploits victims' emotional vulnerability and creates legal complications for prosecutors, who must decide whether to charge these individuals as victims or criminals, as they have technically committed fraud and money laundering while being manipulated by their scammers. Law enforcement agencies like the FBI are developing psychological profiles and issuing warnings about this scheme, as scammers use the threat of criminal charges as additional leverage to control their victims.
sandhillsexpress.com
A 57-year-old retired hospital executive from Illinois lost $1.5 million to a romance scam perpetrated by someone posing as a Swedish investment adviser between October 2018 and August 2020. The victim's daughter, Kelly Gowe, discovered her mother had been victimized after a federal investigator's call and subsequently found a suicide note, motivating her to advocate for romance scam awareness. According to the Federal Trade Commission, over 64,000 Americans were defrauded of more than $1.14 billion by romance scammers in a recent year, with victims often reluctant to report due to shame and embarrassment, though law enforcement emphasizes
prnewswire.com
A 2024 Norton survey found that while 64% of online daters are interested in using AI as a dating coach, romance scams have increased 72% since 2023, with 27% of dating app users targeted by scams and 42% of those falling victim. The report warns that AI technology, while potentially helpful for profile writing and photo enhancement, can also be exploited by scammers to make dating fraud harder to detect, and advises users to watch for red flags such as avoidance of video calls, limited profile images, and rapid relationship progression.
deseret.com
A Citi survey reveals that while 90% of U.S. adults believe they can spot financial scams, 27% have actually fallen victim to one, highlighting a significant gap between confidence and reality. The FTC reported $10 billion in losses to scams in 2023, with scammers using email, text, phone calls, and mail to target victims. The article outlines five emerging scam types—QR code scams ("quishing"), student loan forgiveness schemes, peer-to-peer payment fraud, and virtual celebrity impersonations—and provides protective measures for each.
kpcw.org
Utah residents lost over $55 million to financial scams in 2023, with impostor scams being the most commonly reported type, according to the FTC, which received 2.6 million fraud reports that year. Investment-related scams caused the greatest financial losses at over $4.6 billion nationally, often involving pressure to act quickly and demands for payment via money transfer or gift card. The FTC advises verifying financial concerns by contacting institutions directly using numbers on official statements and filing reports at ReportFraud.ftc.gov if victimized.
beaconjournal.com
The Ohio Turnpike Commission is warning Ohioans about a "smishing" scam (SMS phishing via text message) where scammers falsely claim recipients owe unpaid tolls and demand payment through suspicious links. The FBI reports receiving over 2,000 complaints about nearly identical toll-related smishing texts since March across at least three states, with messages claiming outstanding toll amounts of $12.51 and threatening $50 late fees. To protect themselves, recipients should never click unknown links or call unfamiliar numbers, verify any toll claims directly through official websites, and report suspicious texts to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
wdbj7.com
Fraud losses reached a record $10 billion in 2023, representing a 317% increase from $2.4 billion in 2019, with seniors frequently targeted through phone, email, mail, and in-person scams. AARP recommends seniors protect themselves by placing credit freezes with all three major credit bureaus using their social security number, birth date, and past addresses, and recording their PIN for future reference. Those who suspect fraud can contact the Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 to report incidents.
candgnews.com
The Birmingham Police Department is increasing awareness efforts about rising financial scams and identity theft affecting residents, with seniors representing a high percentage of victims. Police Chief Scott Grewe warns that scams involving requests for prepaid debit card payments are fraudulent, and encourages residents to report suspicious calls to law enforcement so cases can be investigated and perpetrators brought to justice.
abcactionnews.com
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office warned the public of a scam where fraudsters impersonate deputies, claiming victims have outstanding warrants and demanding cash payments via unconventional methods like Bitcoin or gift cards to avoid arrest. Law enforcement emphasized that legitimate agencies never solicit payments over the phone or accept cryptocurrency, and advised victims to hang up immediately and report suspicious calls to the sheriff's office at 813-247-8200.
prunderground.com
"Senior Savvy: A Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Scams," authored by retired investment advisor Andy LaPointe, is an educational resource designed to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud targeting them both online and offline. The guide covers scam types ranging from door-to-door schemes to cryptocurrency fraud, and provides practical advice on internet safety, password creation, phishing recognition, and steps for reporting fraud and recovery. Bulk purchase discounts are available for organizations seeking to use the book as an educational tool for community workshops and seminars.
the-sun.com
A couple aged 71 and 68 in Lancaster County, Nebraska lost $115,000 to scammers who used fear tactics after the couple's computer shut down, falsely claiming the FBI had connected them to child pornography and theft. The scammers convinced the couple to withdraw $115,000 from their bank, purchase gold bars, and hand them over to a man in a silver Ford Explorer who promised to deliver them to Washington D.C. for safekeeping; police believe the gold bars have likely left the country. This represents the largest fraud case Lancaster County Police Department handled in 2024, highlighting how sophisticated scams now involve in-person collection of funds rather than traditional wire transfers
orilliamatters.com
This article announces a new podcast series addressing senior fraud and abuse in Ontario, featuring an OPP officer discussing common scams like grandparent fraud and red flags to watch for. The episode highlights that over 60,000 Ontario residents lost millions of dollars to scammers in 2023, and provides guidance on reporting these crimes and accessing support through victim services organizations.
cbsnews.com
Laura Kowal, a 57-year-old retired hospital executive from Illinois, was victimized by a romance scam perpetrated by someone posing as "Frank Borg," a Swedish investment adviser, beginning in October 2018; she eventually went missing in 2020 after losing significant money and being manipulated through sophisticated psychological tactics. Her daughter, Kelly Gowe, discovered her mother's disappearance and subsequently learned that over 64,000 Americans were defrauded of more than $1.14 billion through romance scams in a single year, with victims often too ashamed to report the crime. Gowe has since dedicated herself to raising awareness
cbsnews.com
A Townsend, Massachusetts woman was victimized by romance scammers posing as actor Thorsten Kaye, who manipulated her through sophisticated scripts and persuasive messaging into sending money and allegedly considering poisoning her husband with contaminated soup. After reporting the fraud to police in December 2023, Doucette was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder when her daughter discovered text exchanges with the scammers discussing "getting rid of" her husband, though toxicology tests came back negative and authorities acknowledge the case's complexity. The incident highlights a growing problem in Massachusetts, where over 14,600 imposter scams were reported in 2023, with federal agents noting that
sandhillsexpress.com
A widow named Laura Kowal lost her $1.5 million nest egg to a romance scam perpetrator using the alias "Frank Borg" on Match.com, who manipulated her through emotional connection before coercing her into fraudulent investments and wire transfers; she subsequently died in the Mississippi River. The case exemplifies a growing epidemic of romance scams combined with investment fraud targeting dating app users, with over 64,000 reported American victims in 2023 and losses totaling $1.14 billion in 2022, though experts believe actual figures are significantly higher due to underreporting and shame among victims. Law enforcement officials acknowledge the response has been inadequate, with sc
yahoo.com
A retired woman lost nearly $2.5 million and her home to a romance scammer she met on Match.com, who used deceptive video calls and psychological manipulation to gain her trust over time. The victim emphasized that the perpetrator no longer felt like a stranger by the time she began sending money, highlighting how romance scammers exploit emotional connections to manipulate victims into financial transfers.
ktvh.com
Impersonation scams are increasingly common, with scammers impersonating businesses and government agencies via text and email to trick victims into sharing personal information. The U.S. Postal Service, Amazon, Publishers Clearing House, GeekSquad, and Norton AntiVirus were the most impersonated organizations in 2023, with the FTC receiving over 330,000 business impersonation complaints and nearly 160,000 government impersonation complaints that year. Consumers should verify account status directly through official websites rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages, and be cautious of fake subscription renewal alerts and delivery notifications, as USPS will not contact customers via text or
jaxtoday.org
Impersonation scams in Florida have increased 84% per capita over the past five years, with scammers posing as IRS agents, FBI officials, court representatives, and other trusted entities to defraud victims. In 2023, impersonation scams were the third most frequent fraud in the U.S., resulting in over $1.3 billion in losses, often involving organized crime groups with international connections that pressure victims into sending money or personal information through urgent threats. To protect themselves, people should verify caller identities by hanging up and calling official numbers directly, avoid sharing personal information when pressured, and report suspected scams to law enforcement.
states.aarp.org
Government impostor scams, particularly those impersonating the Social Security Administration, cost victims nearly $617 million in 2023, with criminals exploiting emotional states like fear or panic to bypass logical thinking. To protect yourself, hang up on unexpected calls claiming to be from Social Security and independently verify contact by calling your local Social Security office directly. Report suspected scams to local law enforcement or contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network for assistance.
ktvz.com
The Crook County Sheriff's Office warns of a phone scam in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement, claiming victims have arrest warrants and demanding payment of hundreds to thousands of dollars via gift cards or prepaid accounts to avoid arrest. The scammers manipulate caller ID to appear local and cite various reasons for fictitious warrants, including traffic violations, missed jury duty, or tax issues. The Sheriff's Office clarifies it never requests phone payments or negotiates reduced fines and advises residents to contact courts or local law enforcement directly to verify any warrant claims.
wcpo.com
This educational piece identifies impersonation scams as a growing threat, with the U.S. Postal Service being the most impersonated organization in 2023 according to the Better Business Bureau. The FTC received over 330,000 business impersonation complaints and nearly 160,000 government impersonation complaints last year, with text and email fraud increasing while phone scams decline. The article advises consumers to verify account status directly through official websites rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages, and notes that USPS will not initiate contact via text or email unless customers request tracking notifications.
cbsnews.com
A retiree identified as "Sue" lost nearly $2.5 million and her home to a romance scammer she met on Match.com, who used deceptive technology including fake Skype calls and psychological manipulation to build trust over time. The victim emphasizes that sophisticated emotional tactics made the fraudster feel like a trusted partner rather than a stranger, highlighting how romance scams exploit psychological vulnerabilities in their victims.
techtimes.com
Cryptocurrency scams targeting elderly individuals have surged dramatically, with investment fraud losses among Americans aged 60+ rising 38% to $4.57 billion in 2023, and crypto-specific investment fraud increasing 53% to $3.96 billion. Scammers exploit social media platforms to establish trust with seniors through fake investment opportunities featuring artificially high returns, gradually escalating requests for larger amounts. Recovery solutions exist through specialized blockchain forensics and asset recovery services, while protection measures include verifying contacts through face-to-face communication and avoiding suspicious links or unsolicited requests.
michigan.gov
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued a ticket purchasing alert ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, warning consumers about scams targeting ticket buyers. Scammers use fake websites, counterfeit tickets, and peer-to-peer payment apps to defraud fans purchasing VIP draft tickets (priced from hundreds to thousands of dollars), while general entry remains free through official registration. The AG recommends buying only from reputable vendors using credit cards, researching sellers through the Better Business Bureau, and avoiding P2P payment apps like Venmo and Cash App that offer no fraud protections.
local12.com
**Summary:**
Colerain Township Police warn of a wave of impersonation scams targeting elderly residents in Greater Cincinnati, where callers pose as loved ones in danger to extort money, often using personal information gleaned from social media. To protect yourself, avoid answering calls from unknown area codes, verify the caller's identity by asking personal questions, independently contact the alleged person in distress, and never send money or gift cards. Victims should report suspected fraud to the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Elder Justice Unit.
kios.org
A 71-year-old woman and 68-year-old man in Lancaster County lost $115,000 in gold bars after receiving a call from someone posing as an FBI agent who falsely claimed they were under investigation for child pornography. The scammers instructed the couple to purchase gold bars and hand them over to an unknown person, claiming the bars would be taken to Washington D.C. as part of the investigation. The Sheriff's Office reported this as the largest fraud case by dollar amount in their jurisdiction for 2024.
jdsupra.com
On April 16, the FTC proposed extending the Telemarketing Sales Rule to cover inbound calls for technical support services in response to advertisements, allowing the agency to pursue civil penalties and consumer redress against tech support scammers. Consumer complaints about tech support scams rose from 40,000 in 2017 to nearly 115,000 in 2021, with reported losses exceeding $55 million in 2018, disproportionately affecting seniors over 60 years old. The proposed rule defines technical support services broadly to address evolving scam tactics and seeks public comment by June 17.
latintimes.com
From June 2022 to June 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recorded 155,415 suspicious Elder Financial Exploitation (EFE) filings totaling $27 billion, affecting victims across racial and ethnic groups. Elder financial crimes fall into two categories: elder theft (misappropriation by trusted individuals) and elder scams (deceptive transfers to strangers), with the latter predominating through schemes like tech support scams and romance scams that exploit cognitive decline, loneliness, and social engineering tactics. Victims—79.7% White, 9.5% Hispanic, and
boredpanda.com
This educational piece outlines common online and phone scams while providing prevention advice from SafeWise safety expert Rebecca Edwards. Key recommendations include not answering unknown calls, changing passwords every six months, avoiding suspicious links and unreviewed websites, and recognizing common schemes like extended warranty calls, fake giveaways, and ticket scams. According to Gallup data, 8% of Americans fell victim to scams in the past year, with Edwards attributing the rise in scams to increased internet reliance, weak law enforcement consequences, and online anonymity that embolden fraudsters.
cbsnews.com
Laura Kowal, a widowed healthcare executive, lost her $1.5 million nest egg to a romance scammer operating under the name "Frank Borg" on Match.com, who manipulated her through months of calls and emails before pressuring her into fraudulent investments and coercing her to help defraud other victims; she was found dead in the Mississippi River. The FBI and Justice Department reported over 64,000 American romance scam victims in 2023 (with experts believing the true number is significantly higher due to underreporting), with financial losses ballooning from $500 million in 2019 to $1.14 billion in
spectrumlocalnews.com
The Maui Police Department warned residents about a recurring scam in which callers using spoofed phone numbers impersonate police and claim victims have pending warrants, missed jury duty, or legal sanctions, then demand payment via gift cards or cash. Legitimate law enforcement never request payment, financial information, or gift cards over the phone to resolve legal matters. Residents are advised not to provide information to such callers, to verify organizations directly through official websites rather than provided contact information, and to report suspected scam calls to the FBI or Maui Police Department.
tulsaworld.com
Arvest Bank offered financial literacy guidance to help people avoid fraud scams, emphasizing the importance of spotting potential fraud and managing money wisely. According to the Federal Trade Commission, people reported losing $10 billion to scams in 2023—$1 billion more than 2022—with a median loss of $300 per person, while Oklahoma residents reported $29.8 million in total fraud losses with a median loss of $430 per person. The article highlighted imposter scams as the top fraud category in 2023, accounting for $2.6 billion in losses, and recommended steps such as avoiding suspicious links, contacting official business numbers directly, and researching before
thehindubusinessline.com
Sterling Holidays and Resorts, a vacation ownership company with over 100,000 members in India, warned members of a phone scam in which fraudsters impersonated company representatives and pressured members to sell their memberships at inflated prices. Members reported receiving calls with threats that their memberships would lapse, and became abusive when offers were refused; Sterling Holidays confirmed no data breach occurred and advised members to use only official contact channels and avoid sharing personal information over the phone.
breitbart.com
The FBI issued a warning about a "smishing" scam active since March 2024 that uses fake SMS text messages claiming recipients have unpaid toll fees, directing them to fraudulent websites to steal payment information or malware. Over 2,000 complaints were received across three states, including Pennsylvania and Illinois, with scammers impersonating legitimate toll services and threatening late fees. Victims are advised to verify toll balances through official channels, avoid clicking suspicious links, delete fraudulent messages, and report incidents to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
the420.in
This compilation covers six major elder fraud and scam cases: Nigerian "Yahoo Boys" used AI-generated deepfakes in romance scams causing $650 million in losses (2021), with recent cases totaling $25 million and a Salt Lake City jury indicting seven members for laundering $8 million; a Montreal woman lost $25,000 to a crypto scam featuring a fake Elon Musk deepfake; Greek police arrested nine individuals who defrauded victims of €305,789 through phone impersonation scams; a Myanmar trafficking operation forced victims into romance scams via torture and exploitation; and a UK survey found 22% of young adults
boothbayregister.com
Government impostor scams targeting Social Security impersonation caused victims to report nearly $617 million in theft in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Criminals use emotional manipulation—such as fear about suspended numbers or excitement about benefit increases—to bypass victims' logical thinking and extract money or sensitive information. Victims should hang up on unsolicited Social Security calls and verify contact by looking up official agency numbers at ssa.gov/locator, then report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the AARP Fraud Watch Network.
businessinsider.com
Nigerian-based online criminals known as "Yahoo Boys" conduct romance scams that cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022, with victims—often elderly people targeted for retirement funds and life savings—losing substantial amounts; the scam has become more sophisticated as perpetrators now use AI-generated deepfakes and video calls to impersonate romantic interests and financial officials. A 69-year-old widow lost $39,000 of her life savings, and in Utah alone, victims lost $3.6 million to these scams in 2022, prompting law enforcement to recommend reverse image searches and caution against sending money to people met only online.
bbc.com
A 24-year-old Sri Lankan man named Ravi was trafficked to a scam center in Myanmar under false pretenses of a data entry job, where he and approximately 40 other migrant workers were forced to conduct romance scams targeting wealthy Western men, working up to 22 hours daily and facing torture and sexual violence when they resisted. According to UN estimates from August 2023, over 120,000 people—predominantly Asian men—have been enslaved in Myanmar scam centers that generate billions of dollars for Chinese crime syndicates and armed groups, with romance scams alone accounting for $652 million in losses across 17,000+ US complaints in
wired.com
The article highlights a romance scam trend where a group of con artists known as "Yahoo Boys" use AI-powered face-swap technology to deceive victims during video calls, impersonating different people to solicit money. The piece also covers several other cybersecurity issues including UK websites blocking deepfake nude image generators, a ransomware attack on Change Healthcare resulting in $872 million in response costs, and various other cybercriminal activities.
latimes.com
Scammers are impersonating Medicare and conducting a growing phone scam targeting Medicare beneficiaries, falsely claiming to issue new cards and requesting verification of Medicare numbers and personal information. Victims report receiving numerous unsolicited calls daily, with scammers using professional tactics and detailed personal information to build trust. Medicare clarifies that it does not call beneficiaries, already has their information, and completed distribution of new Medicare cards by January 2019; the public should report suspected fraud to the California Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-855-613-7080.
baytoday.ca
Police in Ontario and Quebec arrested 14 individuals involved in an organized emergency grandparent scam that defrauded seniors across Canada of over $2.2 million since February 2022. The scammers impersonated officers or lawyers claiming victims' grandchildren were in custody and demanded bail money, often using money mules to collect funds and instructing victims not to tell anyone due to fake "gag orders." Between January and April 2024 alone, 126 victims lost approximately $739,000, with investigators successfully preventing or recovering $559,000 in losses through coordination with financial institutions.
nevadaappeal.com
Carson High School's Interact Club, a student service organization of about 20 members, has been volunteering at the Carson City Senior Center since February to provide technology assistance to elderly residents, helping them with computers, phones, tablets, apps, photos, and scam awareness. The program addresses both a practical need for tech support and an important social need, as it creates meaningful intergenerational connections that reduce senior isolation while allowing students to learn from older adults' life experiences and career knowledge.
dailykos.com
A television advertisement by Hearing Life Hearing Centers promoting a "30-day risk-free challenge" for mini digital hearing aids was criticized for using deceptive marketing tactics targeting seniors, including emotionally manipulative language framing the product as a healthcare necessity and omitting clear financial obligations after the trial period. The ad exploits elderly consumers' health anxieties and fear of isolation while concealing high-pressure sales tactics and expensive pricing, representing a broader pattern of predatory healthcare marketing toward vulnerable populations on fixed incomes. Consumer education about deceptive marketing signs and stricter legislative guidelines on healthcare advertising disclosures are recommended to protect seniors from such exploitation.
saltwire.com
Omar Zanfi, 25, of Quebec pleaded guilty in December to eight fraud-related charges stemming from a bail scam that targeted seniors in the Halifax area in late 2022, where he and associates impersonated police and lawyers to convince elderly victims their relatives were in custody, then collected cash from their homes—defrauding seven seniors of amounts ranging from $5,000 to larger sums. His sentencing hearing, originally scheduled for May 16, was adjourned after he switched lawyers, as his new counsel indicated potential disagreement with facts related to criminal organization charges and needs time to review evidence. The Crown is seeking a federal penitentiary sentence of at least two years
mirror.co.uk
The Metropolitan Police contacted 25,000 UK residents via text and email on April 18 after shutting down "Labhost," an online platform used by over 2,000 criminals since 2021 to create phishing websites impersonating banks, healthcare providers, and postal services. Around 70,000 people in the UK fell victim to the scams, having their card numbers, PINs, and passwords stolen before the operation was dismantled. Recipients of the police notification should verify its authenticity, change passwords on sensitive accounts, monitor for suspicious activity, and report any confirmed fraud to Action Fraud or their bank immediately.
housingwire.com
Between June 2022 and June 2023, FinCEN reported over $27 billion in suspicious activity across 155,000 filings related to elder financial exploitation (EFE), with account takeovers being the most common typology and adult children perpetrating nearly 40% of documented cases. Perpetrators primarily used unsophisticated methods like compromised passwords and phishing emails to avoid in-person detection, while financial institutions also reported increases in tech support and romance scams targeting seniors. FinCEN emphasized the critical role of financial institutions in identifying, preventing, and reporting suspected EFE to protect older adults' financial security and well-being.