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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
npr.org
Kitboga, a software engineer-turned-Twitch streamer with 1.2 million followers, poses as elderly people and other characters to waste scammers' time and expose their tactics, inspired by his grandmother's vulnerability to tech support scams. By documenting his interactions with fraudsters on livestream, he educates viewers about common scams including romance schemes, pig butchering, and gift card fraud, while Americans lose a record $12.5 billion annually to internet crimes. His scam-baiting efforts aim to reduce the number of actual victims by keeping perpetrators occupied and helping people recognize fraud through his educational content.
wccbcharlotte.com
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Charlotte issued a warning about IRS imposter scams and other financial fraud schemes targeting older adults, noting that victims often suffer substantial monetary losses and emotional distress. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals aged 60 and above filed 101,068 complaints and lost $3.4 billion to fraud, with tech support scams, government impersonation, phishing, romance scams, and non-delivery schemes being the most common schemes. Federal prosecutors conducted "Fraud Bingo" education sessions at senior centers to teach older adults about fraudster tactics and encourage reporting to help identify trends and recover stolen funds.
wired.com
Ryan, a self-employed business owner, invested $750 in a Rebel Satoshi memecoin presale in early 2021, attracted by what appeared to be legitimate credentials including a Yahoo Finance press release and credit card payment option. After the token's March launch, the developers changed the terms of token distribution, the price collapsed 65%, and the project pivoted to promoting a different token—all indicators of an exit scam that technical analysis confirmed contained suspicious code designed to benefit the developers. This case exemplifies how scammers exploit FOMO (fear of missing out) in the memecoin market, where presale scams increased fivefold in March 2021 with approximately
wafb.com
The IRS warned that imposter scams were the top fraud category in 2023, with scammers increasingly posing as IRS agents via phone calls, emails, and social media to demand immediate payment for alleged tax debts and threaten arrest. The IRS clarified that it will never call demanding immediate payment or contact about taxes owed without first mailing a bill, and provided guidance for reporting such scams to the Treasury Inspector General, IRS, and Federal Trade Commission.
wdbj7.com
A scam targeting car shoppers involves imposters impersonating local car dealers, with such virtual vehicle vendor frauds rising in frequency both locally and nationally in the Roanoke, Virginia area. The Better Business Bureau advises potential victims to watch for red flags and report suspicious activity to the BBB by phone or online.
freebeacon.com
An 81-year-old Ohio man fatally shot an Uber driver after both became entangled in a telephone scam involving threats and demands for money. William Brock received calls from a scammer claiming a relative was incarcerated and demanding payment, while the same scammer directed driver Lo-Letha Hall to pick up a package from Brock's home, leading to a confrontation in which Brock shot Hall three times. This case illustrates the growing danger of phone scams targeting elderly individuals, particularly those involving false claims about incarcerated relatives.
opb.org
Kitboga, a Twitch streamer and "scam baiter," poses as vulnerable characters (like an elderly woman named Edna) to waste scammers' time and expose their tactics, preventing them from targeting real victims. With Americans losing a record $12.5 billion to internet crimes in the latest year—a 22% jump from the previous year—Kitboga uses his 1.2 million Twitch followers to educate viewers about common scams including tech support fraud, gift card scams, and "pig butchering" (romance-investment scams involving cryptocurrency). Inspired by his grandmother's vulnerability to scams and a chatbot
the-sun.com
Cybersecurity experts at Trend Micro have identified five prevalent Google Chat scams targeting users: romance scams involving emotional manipulation and requests for money, phishing attempts seeking personal information, fake tech support messages claiming account issues and requesting payment or remote access, fraudulent job offers, and investment scams promising high returns. Users are advised to be skeptical of unsolicited messages offering deals that seem too good to be true, avoid sending money to people known only online, never grant remote access to devices, and verify the identity of anyone requesting information or immediate action.
thaiexaminer.com
Thai police disrupted a transnational call scam network operating across Asia that planned to use Elon Musk's Starlink satellite system to bypass traditional telecommunications networks and conduct fraud operations targeting Thai residents. The operation, believed to be Chinese-controlled and staffed by Burmese, Thai, Lao, and Chinese personnel, was based in the Golden Triangle region near Laos and Cambodia; authorities intercepted a shipment of high-tech communications equipment valued at approximately ฿5.4 million destined for the area. This discovery marks the first time Starlink technology was found being used for criminal purposes in Thailand and comes after reports indicating Thai people are highly susceptible to online
wgal.com
The Better Business Bureau identifies the top 10 scams targeting small businesses, which are attractive to scammers because business owners are often distracted and lack robust cybersecurity support. Common schemes include phony invoices for unordered supplies, stolen identity/brand hijacking through fake websites, directory listing scams, phishing emails, office supply fraud, and vanity award scams (which charge fees for worthless honors). Small business owners should be aware of these tactics to protect themselves from financial losses.
fox23.com
The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office is warning the public about scammers impersonating the AG's Office and claiming victims have won money, then demanding fees to collect the supposed winnings. Callers have used 918 area codes, spoofed the official AG phone number, and displayed "unknown" caller IDs, though no financial losses have been reported yet. The AG advises Oklahomans to never wire money or share personal information with unsolicited callers claiming to be government officials, to verify caller identity independently, and to disregard caller ID information as it can be faked.
king5.com
The Seattle Aquarium is warning customers about a widespread scam targeting AZA-accredited institutions that advertises heavily discounted tickets (four tickets for $9.95 versus the standard $40 per adult ticket) through illegitimate channels. Consumers who fall for the scam risk providing their bank or credit card information without receiving tickets. The aquarium advises customers to purchase tickets only through its official website or at the gate.
newindianexpress.com
A 51-year-old advocate in New Delhi lost Rs 70,000 to scammers who posed as police officers on WhatsApp, claiming his son was in custody and demanding payment for his release; the scammers even provided a voice mimicking his son to increase credibility. Police investigation led to the arrest of Vishwajeet Giri in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, who operated a network receiving fraudulent money through multiple bank accounts, along with four additional accomplices; authorities seized 40 mobile phones, 41 SIM cards, and multiple financial documents used in the scheme.
yahoo.com
A senior in Oceanside, California, was defrauded of $50,000 through a pop-up scam falsely claiming their bank account was compromised; when scammers attempted to collect an additional $40,000, police and the FBI Elder Justice Task Force coordinated with the victim to apprehend 44-year-old Chi Hung Duong, who was arrested and charged with bail set at $200,000. The case highlights the dangers of pop-up scams and courier-based fraud schemes targeting seniors.
wsbtv.com
During tax season, cybersecurity experts warn that tax-related scams are spiking, including identity theft, phone scams, tax preparer fraud, and "helper" scams where fraudsters pose as IRS assistants to steal personal information. Experts advise being suspicious of urgent requests for clicks, links, or personal information, and to only enter sensitive data on the official IRS.gov website, avoiding so-called "ghost preparers" who disappear after obtaining information.
10tv.com
A coordinated scam targeting both rideshare drivers and older adults in central Ohio manipulated victims into dangerous situations by falsely claiming packages or bail money needed to be picked up. The scam resulted in the fatal shooting of Uber driver Loletha Hall by 81-year-old William Brock, who believed she was part of the scheme after receiving threatening calls, and similarly endangered Lyft driver David Young two days earlier when a homeowner tried to detain him after being targeted by the same scammer.
nzherald.co.nz
Offshore scammers stole approximately $6.7 million from 25 New Zealand victims who shared their stories with the Herald, with only $700,000 recovered, representing part of hundreds of millions stolen annually from Kiwis. The scams involved sophisticated fraudsters posing as investment advisers from major banks (Citibank, HSBC, Macquarie) using fake prospectuses and call-routing software to appear legitimate, while directing victims to deposit money into local "holding accounts" controlled by money mules. Victims—including business owners, retirees, health workers, and a politician—experienced significant emotional trauma and shame, with most complaints to the Banking
the-sun.com
Romance scammers operate on dating apps like Tinder, creating fake personas to build trust with users before manipulating them into sending money, sharing banking details, or purchasing items online. The Federal Trade Commission reported that romance scams stole a combined $1.1 billion from victims in 2023. Red flags include refusing to share personal information, fishing for deep personal details, avoiding video calls, claiming to travel abroad, and quickly requesting money or sensitive information.
uk.news.yahoo.com
A 37-year-old civil engineer discovered that fraudsters had stolen his identity and opened two unauthorized HSBC accounts in his name—a credit card with £12,000+ in charges and a current account with a £5,000 overdraft—despite never banking with HSBC. He suspects the thieves accessed his personal information by breaking into his letterbox to intercept account opening documents and cards, resulting in his credit score dropping over 300 points; after 14 weeks of poor resolution efforts from HSBC, he remained liable for approximately £17,000 in fraudulent debt.
azfamily.com
California resident Donald Franklin Huegel was sentenced to four years in prison for his role in romance scams targeting two elderly Arizona victims, stealing nearly $400,000. Huegel posed as a romantic interest online (using aliases like "Chad Callahan" and "Michael Williams") and funneled victims' money to co-conspirators in Africa, with one victim sending over $90,000 and another sending over $367,000. He was convicted of fraudulent schemes, money laundering, and theft, with a restitution hearing to be scheduled for the victims.
mb.com.ph
Cyber criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to disguise scams as legitimate advertisements and messages on social media and mobile platforms, including mimicking real website addresses, crafting convincing offers for jobs or modeling work, and using fake cell towers to intercept communications. Recent cases include a predator who tricked a minor into sending nude photos by posing as a modeling agent and then blackmailed the victim, and fraudsters impersonating legitimate U.S. military recruitment domains to solicit former and active Filipino soldiers. Authorities recommend vigilance when responding to unsolicited offers—verifying sources directly with companies and remembering that offers that sound too good to be true typically are scams.
techtimes.com
Hong Kong authorities arrested 1,121 people in "Operation AttackPlan," a major crackdown on a cross-border online scam ring linked to 952 fraud cases totaling approximately HK$2.2 billion (US$280 million) in losses. The operation dismantled a money laundering syndicate that had moved over HK$230 million through "stooge accounts" and cryptocurrency purchases, with the syndicate recruiting mainlanders to facilitate illicit fund transfers between Hong Kong and mainland China. The busts come as Hong Kong faces a surge in fraud, with online scams accounting for nearly 68% of cases and authorities urging the public to use detection tools to identify suspicious
azag.gov
California resident Donald Franklin Huegel was sentenced to four years in prison for his role in a romance scam that defrauded two elderly Arizona residents of nearly $400,000 over two years. Huegel participated in the scheme by funneling victim payments to co-conspirators in Africa after victims were lured by fake online profiles ("Chad Callahan" and "Michael Williams") and manipulated into sending money under false pretenses, including claims their identities were on the Dark Web. The first victim lost over $90,000 and the second lost over $367,000; Huegel was convicted of fraudulent schemes, money laundering, and theft, and will be required to pay
justice.gov
John Kyle Muller of Boulder, Colorado pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud for operating a prize notice scam from 2012 to February 2018 that defrauded thousands of consumers, predominantly elderly victims, of over $15 million. The scheme involved mailing millions of fraudulent notices claiming recipients had won cash prizes, then charging $20-$50 fees to claim non-existent rewards, while victims received only worthless reports or trinkets. Muller and his co-conspirators were shut down in February 2018 through U.S. Postal Inspection Service search warrants and a federal court order.
thebrunswicknews.com
STAR of Coastal Georgia will host a free educational workshop on April 16 for senior citizens focused on recognizing and protecting against elder fraud, scams, and identity theft, with presentations from Bank of America representatives. Registration is required by calling 912-265-0620 or visiting starofcoastalga.org for the 9:30-11 a.m. event at their Brunswick location.
globalnews.ca
Teqare, an Indigenous-owned tech company in Manitoba, created a scam prevention workshop for elders after co-founder Zachary Flett's grandmother nearly fell victim to a phone-based gift card scam. The workshop covers common scams including romance, phishing, and text-based fraud, and addresses the shame victims often experience; participants at the first workshop in March 2024 with Sagkeeng First Nation responded positively, with one elder even deciding to purchase a cellphone after gaining confidence in digital safety.
mymcmedia.org
The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection warns homeowners about unlicensed driveway-paving scammers who typically target residents in spring, using tactics like unsolicited offers, pressure for cash deposits, and claims of leftover materials to defraud victims. These scammers either abandon projects midway, leave properties damaged, or complete substandard work at inflated prices with no warranty protection, potentially resulting in civil or criminal charges including fraud and property destruction. Homeowners should verify contractors have a Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license, obtain written contracts, and avoid cash-only deals or unsolicited offers with pressure for quick decisions.
lompocrecord.com
Employees at a fulfillment center, primarily workers over 60 years old, became targets of impersonation scams after their personal data was stolen; callers falsely claiming to represent Social Security, the IRS, and other government agencies demanded cash payments under threat of arrest. Social Security Administration officials outlined common scam tactics—creating urgency through fear, impersonating trusted agencies, and demanding untraceable payments—and emphasized that legitimate government agencies never request cash, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, and victims should report incidents to the Office of Inspector General and avoid acting on threatening calls without verification.
fox61.com
Tax season scams are prevalent, with identity theft being one of the most common, where fraudsters file tax returns in victims' names to claim refunds—the IRS received 294,138 identity theft complaints in 2023, and victims wait an average of 19 months for resolution. Scammers typically use tactics based on fear, urgency, and financial incentives to trick people into sharing personal information or money, often impersonating the IRS or tax professionals. Experts recommend verifying IRS contact through official channels (mail or their website), researching tax professionals through reputable directories, and avoiding unsolicited phone calls to protect against tax-related fraud.
udel.edu
University of Delaware Police warned the campus community about phone scams in which fraudsters impersonated law enforcement and university employees, calling students and threatening arrest or disciplinary action unless they transferred money via wire transfer, bank transfer, gift cards, or payment apps like Venmo or Cash App. Police emphasized that legitimate law enforcement never calls to threaten legal action or request payment, and advised students to hang up on suspected scams, report incidents to UD Police at 302-831-2222, and monitor their financial accounts for unauthorized activity.
winknews.com
Law enforcement agencies have reported a spike in sophisticated scam calls impersonating police officers and court officials, with perpetrators now using real names, titles, and badge numbers of actual law enforcement employees to demand payment for alleged missed jury duty or bench warrants. Victims like Samantha Misener and Mary Shucart received threatening calls claiming they had outstanding legal violations, but both recognized the scams and reported them to authorities. Experts advise never answering calls from unrecognized numbers, ignoring blocked caller IDs, and remembering that legitimate law enforcement will never demand payment over the phone.
da.sonomacounty.ca.gov
Scammers are impersonating legitimate student loan debt relief representatives through emails and phone calls, using aggressive language, promises of forgiveness, requests for login credentials, and unofficial contact information to defraud borrowers. The Department of Education emphasizes that legitimate representatives will never request StudentAid.gov passwords and that borrowers can access loan modification services for free through their loan servicers. Victims should contact their loan servicer and bank, change their FSA ID password if compromised, and file complaints with the Department of Education, FTC, or CFPB.
abc11.com
The Wake County Animal Center warned of a scam targeting owners of lost pets, in which scammers impersonate center employees, call after hours, claim to have found the pet injured, and demand emergency surgery payments via electronic transfer or payment apps. The scammers spoof the animal center's phone number to appear legitimate and exploit desperate pet owners' emotional vulnerability. The genuine animal center never requests immediate phone payments, only accepts in-person payments (cash, check, or credit card), and does not perform medical procedures on private animals.
en.as.com
The Senior Medicare Patrol warns that Medicare scams are increasing, with fraudsters exploiting beneficiaries' failure to review account statements by charging for unrequested items like urinary catheters, diabetes supplies, and COVID-19 test kits. To protect themselves, Medicare beneficiaries should carefully review their monthly Medicare Summary Notices (MSN) or Explanations of Benefits (EOB), treat their Medicare card like a credit card, and report suspected fraud to the Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-877-808-2468 or 855-613-7080. Medicare will never contact beneficiaries unsolicited by phone to issue new cards or other services.
timesnownews.com
A 34-year-old German language teacher in Chennai lost Rs 2.26 lakh in a courier scam when a caller impersonating a Mumbai police officer falsely claimed she had sent a package containing drugs, then manipulated her into transferring money to a fraudulent account and unknowingly authorizing a loan in her name. In a similar incident, a Bengaluru lawyer was defrauded of Rs 15 lakh over 36 hours by scammers posing as courier service representatives, Mumbai police, and a CBI officer who coerced her into a video call under false pretenses and extracted sensitive financial information.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
A 68-year-old businessman in Mumbai lost Rs80,000 to an AI voice cloning scam where fraudsters impersonated the Indian Embassy in Dubai, falsely claiming his son was arrested and playing a cloned voice of his son pleading for bail. A second victim, a 58-year-old professor, lost Rs1 lakh in a similar scheme where a caller impersonated a police inspector claiming her son was detained; cybercriminals used AI to gather family details from social media. Experts warn that AI voice cloning scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and advise verifying distressed calls directly with the supposed victim or authorities before transferring money.
channelnewsasia.com
Scammers impersonating local banks sent SMS messages to at least 12 victims offering fixed deposit promotions with high interest rates, resulting in losses of at least S$650,000 since January. The fraudsters posed as bank agents, collected personal information, and instructed victims to transfer money into fake accounts created under their names, with some victims receiving forged bank statements and facing delayed discovery through claimed "activation periods." Additional phishing scams targeting bank customers through spoofed SMSes resulted in 103 victims in December and 219 DBS customers losing about S$446,000 in the first two weeks of 2024.
waaytv.com
A 92-year-old Lauderdale County man was scammed out of $3,600 by Jack Lovell, Jr., who accepted payment via two checks for driveway paving work but never completed the job; Lovell was arrested and faces charges of financial exploitation of the elderly and home repair fraud. A geriatric care manager notes that seniors are particularly vulnerable to scams due to their trusting nature, and recommends verifying contractors through the Better Business Bureau, never paying upfront, and obtaining second opinions before trusting unfamiliar service providers.
patch.com
Solano County launched the Solano Senior Fraud Prevention Center (SolanoScamCenter.org) through its Older & Disabled Adult Services division to help residents prevent financial elder abuse and report scams. The center provides resources and five key prevention tips, including verifying government communications, watching for fake social media identities, being skeptical of prize/investment offers, avoiding suspicious account compromise notices, and monitoring finances and Power of Attorney documents. Victims can call ODAS for assistance filing reports and contacting law enforcement.
the-sun.com
Bank manager Andrea Nicole Hopkins stole $328,273 from four elderly customers (ages 80-95) at Commerce Bank in St. Louis between February 2020 and May 2021 by transferring funds into cashier's checks and prepaid cards, forging signatures, and altering account statements to fund her personal expenses and debts. Hopkins pleaded guilty to four counts of bank fraud and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison in May 2023; Commerce Bank returned all stolen funds to the victims.
cleveland19.com
The Federal Trade Commission identifies four trending online tax season scams: fake tax preparer ads that redirect to phishing websites to steal personal and payment information, fraudsters posing as accountants offering suspiciously high refunds at low prices, scammers spoofing IRS phone numbers to threaten taxpayers about supposed debt, and phishing emails/texts claiming unclaimed funds to harvest personal data or install malware. The FTC reported $1.1 billion in losses from impersonator scams in 2023 and recommends avoiding social media tax prep links, using word-of-mouth referrals for CPAs, and remembering that the IRS only contacts via mail—never by
nia.nih.gov
An NIA-funded study of 644 older adults (average age 85) simulating government imposter scams found that a significant minority are vulnerable to fraud despite lacking cognitive impairment. When contacted about fake Social Security and Medicare account issues, 68.5% did not engage, but among those who responded, 16.4% engaged without skepticism and 12% provided personal information; vulnerability correlated with lower cognitive ability, financial literacy, and scam awareness. Researchers note that actual scam conversion rates are likely higher in real-world scenarios given participants were predominantly White, highly educated women exposed to less intensive tactics than actual scammers use.
finance.yahoo.com
The IRS is warning taxpayers about fraudulent letters mimicking official IRS letterhead that request personal information in exchange for unclaimed refunds, with scammers increasingly using sophisticated technologies like AI to deceive victims. The Federal Trade Commission reported a 14% increase in scam losses last year, affecting nearly 3 million people, and the IRS reminds the public that they never initiate contact via email, text, or social media regarding bills or refunds—recipients should verify any correspondence by checking phone numbers against the official IRS website.
stories.td.com
**Gift Card Scams Overview**
Gift card scams are increasingly prevalent, with fraudsters posing as grandchildren, IRS agents, or bank employees to pressure victims into purchasing gift cards and sharing the numbers. Scammers prefer gift cards because they are difficult to track once the card number and PIN are compromised, making them an "easy depletion method" for accessing funds. Common variants include bank investigator scams, IRS impersonation scams, grandparent scams, and lottery scams, all of which exploit urgency, authority, or emotional appeals to manipulate victims into sending money via untraceable gift cards.
vancouversun.com
Scammers impersonating police officers targeted a senior in New Westminster by visiting her home and convincing her to surrender her credit and debit cards, which were subsequently used for fraudulent purchases. Police are investigating the incident and conducting interviews while reviewing CCTV footage to identify the suspects. Authorities recommend residents verify the legitimacy of officers at their door by calling 911 and urge the public to warn vulnerable community members about this impersonation scheme.
beaconjournal.com
A Tallmadge police sergeant investigated a 2019 online dating scam that defrauded a local woman of $60,000 and uncovered a multi-state money-laundering operation involving victims across Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Florida, and Texas, including one couple who lost $375,000. The investigation led to the arrest of six people in Rhode Island who were processing fraudulent funds through compromised bank accounts and money orders. The FBI reported 19,000 romance scam complaints nationally in 2022 with losses exceeding $739 million, typically targeting women over 40.
aol.com
Romance scams target vulnerable individuals, particularly older adults who are lonely, widowed, or divorced, with scammers posing as romantic interests and eventually requesting money through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers for fabricated emergencies like overseas travel or legal fees. A New Hampshire senior experienced this scheme firsthand, enduring months of emotional manipulation before the scammer attempted blackmail, highlighting how perpetrators exploit victims' emotions and are typically difficult to prosecute as they operate from overseas. Law enforcement emphasizes that victims should not blame themselves, as scammers deliberately prey on emotional vulnerability, and success in prevention often depends on family intervention to prevent further financial loss.
12news.com
Joan Salcido of Surprise, Arizona lost nearly $20,000 to an imposter scam in which a fraudster posing as Wells Fargo sent her a text fraud alert, then called using a spoofed bank number to convince her to wire money to a separate account for "protection." The scammer used smooth, convincing tactics and had ready answers for her concerns, eventually persuading her to complete the wire transfer despite her initial hesitation. Experts warn that requests to move money to protect it and pressure to act quickly are major red flags, and that banks typically cannot recover funds lost to imposter scammers.
k923.fm
Matthew David Keirans, a 58-year-old former University of Iowa hospital IT employee, pleaded guilty to federal identity theft charges after impersonating William Woods for three decades, earning over $140,000 annually while living in Milwaukee. The fraud was discovered when the real William Woods, whom Keirans had met in the 1980s, reported the identity theft to authorities; Woods had previously spent two years in prison and was institutionalized after being wrongly accused of the crime himself. Keirans faces several years in prison, and a hearing is scheduled to clear Woods' name.
justice.gov
Darlington Akporugo, 46, a Nigerian resident of Fulshear, Texas, was charged with conspiring with Jasmin Sood to defraud over a dozen elderly Americans in a romance scam that operated between 2015 and 2022, resulting in approximately $3.1 million in losses. The perpetrators created fictitious online personas on dating platforms to build trust with elderly, often widowed victims before convincing them to transfer money to fraudster-controlled accounts, and in at least one case, approached a victim in person to drive her to banks and gain control of her banking access devices. Both defendants face up to 30 years imprisonment on wire frau