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nbcwashington.com
· 2025-12-08
Actor Chris Carmack and his wife Erin Slaver lost $2,000 to an online shopping scam after paying for cushions that never arrived and could not recover their money once the seller disappeared. The couple publicly shared their experience on Instagram as part of a McAfee cybersecurity campaign encouraging scam victims to report their stories, noting that billions of dollars are lost annually to scams. The article emphasizes that victims should report scams to the FTC, save all documentation, and speak openly about their experiences to help others recognize warning signs.
theglobeandmail.com
· 2025-12-08
Crystal Quast, a Canadian author, lost $2,500 to an Amazon imposter publishing scam before a friend at the company revealed she was dealing with fraudsters. Canadian fraud losses reached $647 million in reported cases in 2024, up from $577 million in 2023, with an estimated 90-95 percent of fraud going unreported. As banks have strengthened defenses against unauthorized fraud, criminals have shifted to "authorized fraud" schemes like investment and romance scams that manipulate victims into voluntarily transferring funds, creating new detection challenges for financial institutions.
pressherald.com
· 2025-12-08
At least 13 Mainers reported receiving text message scams impersonating the Department of Motor Vehicles, using a fake law reference and threatening license suspension to create panic and prompt immediate payment. Maine has seen a significant rise in government impersonation scams, with 98 reported victims in 2024 compared to about 40 annually from 2020-2022, while phishing and spoofing scams jumped from fewer than 100 victims yearly to 357 victims in 2024. Experts recommend acting quickly if scammed by freezing credit with all three major agencies, monitoring financial accounts, and reporting the incident to local police and relevant companies.
nasdaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Joe Schulz, a New Jersey-based custom clothing manufacturer, received a suspicious order from a Dubai company for 200 coats and was targeted by an overpayment scam when they deposited a fraudulent check for $93,000 instead of the $14,000 owed, then requested he wire back the $79,000 difference. Schulz avoided the scam by investigating the check's origin, discovering it was fraudulently drawn on a legitimate Indiana construction company's account, and immediately contacting his bank to freeze his account. The incident illustrates how fake checks can appear legitimate and clear quickly, but may take weeks for banks to detect as fraudulent.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers exploited a system error in NYC's Summer Youth Employment Program debit cards between July 11-13, fraudulently withdrawing $17 million from ATMs citywide by accessing limits up to $40,000 per card instead of the intended several hundred dollars per week. Young people posted videos on social media advertising the scheme, and investigators from NYPD and the Department of Youth and Community Development are working to identify those involved and determine how many cards were compromised. The case raised questions about accountability, as city officials stated no tax dollars were lost, leaving unclear who will cover the fraudulent withdrawals.
abc7amarillo.com
· 2025-12-08
Amarillo Police issued a warning about a scam targeting Amarillo National Bank members, in which scammers impersonate the bank's card center and attempt to obtain customers' full card numbers or PINs. The bank emphasized that legitimate representatives will never request this sensitive information and advised customers to hang up and call the official number (806) 378-8000 if they suspect fraudulent contact.
enquirerjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
This article documents various scam tactics—including posing as banks, government agencies, and using cryptocurrency demands—and shares personal experiences where victims avoided losses by recognizing red flags like bitcoin requests and suspicious email domains. According to AARP data, consumers lost $470 million to scams in 2024 (five times the 2020 amount), with criminals targeting text messages at high success rates; the article recommends filtering unknown numbers, verifying caller information, and deleting messages requesting urgent action or personal information.
kalb.com
· 2025-12-08
Louisiana residents are being targeted by scam text messages impersonating the Office of Motor Vehicles demanding payment for traffic violations, along with increased scam calls falsely claiming to be from law enforcement and the Department of Justice demanding money under threat of arrest. Authorities advise residents not to click links or share personal information in unsolicited messages, to verify communications directly with official sources rather than responding to the message itself, and to be aware that scammers use "spoofing" technology to make fraudulent calls appear legitimate.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
During the 2024 holiday season, phishing and spoofing scams stole over $70 million from victims, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics including legitimate-looking HTTPS encryption and URLs mimicking real websites to deceive consumers. The article provides guidance on identifying malicious links by checking URLs for suspicious indicators (such as "@" symbols, typo-squatting, or unusual domain extensions), avoiding shortened links, and being wary of urgent messaging, while warning that clicking scam links can result in financial loss, credential theft, or malware installation.
cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission warned of a phishing scam where scammers send text messages impersonating Amazon, claiming customers are entitled to refunds due to product recalls or quality issues and instructing them to click a link to claim the money. Instead of issuing refunds, the malicious links direct victims to phishing sites designed to steal personal and financial information. The FTC advises consumers not to click links in suspicious texts, to verify any account issues by visiting Amazon's official website directly, and to report scam messages to 7726 (SPAM).
wbrz.com
· 2025-12-08
Louisiana State Police and the Office of Motor Vehicles warned residents of a fraudulent text message scam claiming recipients have outstanding traffic tickets and must pay fees or face prosecution. The official agencies clarified they do not send threatening text messages or emails and advised recipients to delete suspicious messages, avoid clicking links, and report scams to the FTC rather than providing personal information or payment.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A phishing scam impersonates Microsoft security alerts by sending emails with links that appear to point to legitimate platforms like Google Docs or SharePoint but actually redirect users to fake Microsoft login pages designed to steal credentials. The scam uses urgent language, vague threats about account compromise, and sometimes modifies support contact information to deceive victims into providing sensitive information. Users can protect themselves by verifying sender addresses, hovering over links before clicking, only approving two-factor authentication requests they initiated, and reporting suspicious emails to Microsoft.
ifamagazine.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 1 in 5 UK travellers fall victim to holiday booking scams, with some losing over £500, as cybercriminals use fake accommodation listings, counterfeit travel apps, deepfake customer service agents, and QR code fraud to target holidaymakers during peak season. The article identifies six common travel scams including fake travel insurance, public Wi-Fi attacks, and fraudulent currency exchanges, with UK losses from "quishing" scams alone reaching £3.5 million last year. Key prevention measures include verifying listings and app sources, avoiding unsolicited contact, checking for HTTPS encryption, using VPNs on public Wi-Fi, and only using official
palestineherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are among the costliest fraud types, with victims reporting over $1.3 billion in losses in 2022. Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps and social media to build trust before requesting money for fake emergencies, using emotional manipulation to steal funds, personal information, and identities. Victims can lose money through wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, and bank account compromises.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Donna Nelson, a Western Australian woman serving a six-year sentence in Japan for drug smuggling, appealed her conviction with expert testimony from romance scam researcher Monica Whitty, who concluded Nelson was likely a victim of organized crime that manipulated her through a romance scam into becoming an unwitting drug mule. The court rejected the appeal despite Whitty's evidence suggesting Nelson had been victimized by a sophisticated romance scam operation.
gilmermirror.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are among the costliest fraud schemes, with victims reporting over $1.3 billion in losses in 2022, targeting people seeking relationships online through fake profiles and emotional manipulation to solicit money, gift cards, or personal information. Scammers typically establish trust quickly, claim emergencies or hardships, avoid in-person meetings, and pressure victims to keep the relationship secret. Protection strategies include moving slowly in relationships, verifying identities through reverse image searches, refusing money requests, consulting trusted friends or family, and reporting suspicious profiles to the FTC and BBB Scam Tracker.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
A 56-year-old retired Indian Army Colonel in Pune was defrauded of ₹5.3 lakh by scammers posing as spiritual service providers on Facebook who lured him through fake online pooja services and repeatedly demanded payments over three weeks. When the victim attempted to recover his losses by contacting what he believed was PayPal customer care, additional fraudsters convinced him to download malicious software, resulting in another ₹48,000 being stolen from his bank account. The case highlights a growing trend of cybercriminals exploiting religious sentiments through social media platforms to target elderly and retired individuals.
mb.com.ph
· 2025-12-08
Filipinos, including senior citizens increasingly active on social media, face a surge in scam links on platforms like Facebook, Viber, and Telegram, with suspicious links rising 28 percent to nearly 19,000 incidents in Q2 2025—driven by scammers shifting from declining SMS and call-based fraud to social media. The scams primarily target vulnerable individuals through online gambling sites, fake promotions, and loan offers, with loan-related scams accounting for nearly 10,000 cases. The article advises users to avoid clicking unfamiliar links, verify messages directly with senders, and report suspicious content, while calling on social media platforms to increase moderation and collaborate
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
An $8.8 million fraud ring targeting 235 elderly victims across multiple states was dismantled following a suspicious $250,000 transfer detected by Synchrony Bank in April 2023. The scheme involved eight suspects and three bank employees, including insider Antonio Penn, who stole customer banking data and sold it via Telegram to accomplices who opened fraudulent accounts and laundered the stolen funds. The 15-month investigation, led by the Polk County Sheriff's Office with support from the Florida Attorney General and multi-state agencies, recovered the full $8.8 million and highlighted the importance of transaction alerts, financial monitoring services, and bank fraud protections to prevent insider fraud targeting seniors.
2news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Lyon County Sheriff's Office warned of rising scams targeting older adults in the region, including grandparent scams, government imposter schemes, tech support fraud, and sweepstakes scams that aim to steal money and personal information. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Report, Americans over 60 lost $1.7 billion to fraud in the previous year, with Lyon County seniors being frequent targets due to their trust, limited tech skills, and fear of reporting. The sheriff's office is offering community presentations on fraud prevention and recommends residents use the STOP, LEAVE, ASK, WAIT, ACT protocol to identify and avoid suspicious calls.
wgxa.tv
· 2025-12-08
An 83-year-old Peach County, Georgia man nearly lost $20,000 in cash after scammers posing as Bank of America convinced him he was involved in a money laundering investigation and instructed him to mail the funds to Miami. His son Keith intercepted the package through connections with law enforcement before it could be delivered on Monday, recovering the money safely. The incident highlights the prevalence of elder fraud, with the FBI reporting millions of seniors fall victim annually, losing an estimated $3 billion, and elder fraud complaints rising 14% as of 2023.
turlockjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
A San Gabriel man, Yuwen Zheng, was arrested near a Turlock senior's home after allegedly conducting an elaborate fraud scheme in which he and accomplices posed as representatives from legitimate companies and government agencies to convince the victim to withdraw thousands of dollars in cash over several weeks. Zheng was taken into custody before collecting a second payment and was charged with theft by false pretenses and elder abuse; authorities suspect additional victims may exist and warn the public against common scam tactics including urgent secrecy demands, unusual payment methods, and impersonation of authority figures.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans age 60 and older lost more than $745 million to scams in the first quarter of 2025—nearly $200 million more than the same period in 2024—with losses increasing across all age groups, according to FTC data. Adults ages 60-69 reported the most incidents (60,379 cases, $355 million in losses), while those 80 and older had fewer cases but higher median losses around $1,900. The FTC and FBI recommend reporting scams through reportfraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov, and encourage families to discuss common scam tactics with older relatives.
ainvest.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman's Instagram account was hijacked and used to advertise fake Oasis concert tickets, resulting in £1,400 stolen from her friends who believed they were purchasing genuine tickets from her. The scammers impersonated her to spread the fraud and demanded £100 to return account access, while Instagram refused to recognize the account as compromised. The incident reflects a broader trend of ticket fraud, with UK Oasis fans losing over £2 million to fraudsters by March 2025, and experts recommend using two-factor authentication to prevent similar account compromises.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Sam responded to an unsolicited text about a marketing job opportunity and was drawn into a task-based scam after being contacted via WhatsApp by scammers posing as recruiters. The scammers lured him with promises of $900+ weekly wages for easy work, daily payments, and a paid trial, ultimately resulting in Sam losing thousands of dollars before he ended contact. The article identifies multiple red flags Sam missed, including error-riddled messages, unrealistic wages for unskilled work, requests to move communication off legitimate platforms, and pressure to proceed without standard employment verification procedures.
vocal.media
· 2025-12-08
This article is not relevant to elder fraud research. It is promotional content about Ukraine dating websites and apps, designed to market online dating platforms. While the article mentions "avoiding scams and fake profiles" in dating contexts, it does not document actual elder fraud cases, scams targeting seniors, or abuse of elderly individuals. This appears to be commercial advertorial content rather than news reporting or educational material about elder exploitation.
bywire.news
· 2025-12-08
Global cryptocurrency scams surged 456% between May 2024 and April 2025, with scammers using AI-generated deepfakes, synthetic voices, and forged credentials to impersonate trusted individuals and platforms with increasing sophistication. In 2024, fraudulent crypto operations stole over $10.7 billion globally, with the U.S. accounting for nearly $3.9 billion in losses across approximately 150,000 reported complaints, though officials estimate actual figures are significantly higher due to underreporting, particularly among older adults and immigrant communities. Law enforcement operations have begun responding—including New York's freezure of $300,000 in stolen assets and seizure
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Between 2023 and July 2025, Chandigarh police registered 23 FIRs for "digital arrest" scams, with 13 cases reported in the first half of 2025 alone, indicating a rising trend. Fraudsters impersonate government officials (CBI, ED, NCB) via WhatsApp or video calls to convince victims—primarily elderly individuals—that they are under investigation, then coerce them into transferring money to fake "safe government accounts"; notable victims include a retired Colonel who lost Rs 3.41 crore, an 82-year-old woman who lost Rs 2.5 crore, and others.
tucson.com
· 2025-12-08
A 74-year-old Tucson man drained his 75-year-old wife's $250,000 retirement account after developing an online romance with a woman claiming to be a chef, whom he met on Facebook and sent money to over several months for various fabricated needs including job fees and taxes. The couple also took out a loan on their vehicle and considered a home equity loan to continue funding the scam, which ended when the account was depleted and the scammer stopped contact. Arizona has the highest rate of elder fraud in the nation at 289 cases per 100,000 seniors, with authorities reporting that social media romance scams, phishing, and AI-
whio.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, U.S. consumers lost $5.7 billion to investment scams—a 24% increase from 2023—prompting Ohio's Department of Commerce Division of Securities to issue warnings to state investors. Common tactics include promises of guaranteed high returns with minimal risk, pressure to act quickly, and recruitment through social media and online ads, with scammers often using fake success stories to deceive victims into investing in fraudulent or unregistered securities. The Division recommends verifying that promoters are licensed through FINRA, researching investments thoroughly, and consulting independent professionals before committing funds.
nbc26.com
· 2025-12-08
A Kansas City man discovered someone had attempted to fraudulently sell his undeveloped property after a realtor contacted him about a suspicious transaction. The scammer used convincing forged documentation including a fake driver's license, but the scheme was stopped before the property changed hands. Real estate professionals report this type of identity theft and property fraud is increasing, and recommend property owners watch for red flags such as sellers who only communicate virtually and use apps, and consider enrolling in county land sale alert programs.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
QR codes, once harmless novelties, have become targets for scammers in a fraud scheme called "quishing," where malicious QR codes redirect users to phishing websites that steal personal information or download malware. The Federal Trade Commission and state agencies have warned about fake QR codes appearing on parking meters, utility bills, and packages, with studies showing 73% of Americans scan QR codes without verification and over 26 million have been directed to malicious sites. As traditional email phishing becomes harder, cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting QR codes—now accounting for 26% of all malicious links—making this scam expected to rise further.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
"Quishing" scams exploit QR codes placed on everyday items like parking meters and utility bills to trick people into visiting malicious websites or sharing personal information, with criminals relying on victims' sense of urgency to act quickly. According to cybersecurity research, 26% of malicious links are now sent via QR code (up from 20% the previous year), and these scams are growing as hackers shift tactics away from traditional email phishing due to increased safeguards. People can protect themselves by watching for signs of physical tampering on QR codes, unusual placement, suspicious context, and pressuring language like "scan immediately to avoid fees."
fbcnews.com.fj
· 2025-12-08
Impersonation and phishing scams are increasing in Fiji, with fraudsters pretending to be trusted organizations or individuals to steal personal information and money. The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission warns the public to be cautious of urgent requests, suspicious links, and threats, and advises verifying sender identity through official channels and avoiding unexpected links. Various phishing methods are prevalent, including Business Email Compromise, spear phishing targeting specific individuals, smishing via SMS, and whaling targeting executives, with the FCCC urging vigilance and careful verification to prevent victimization.
kolotv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Lyon County Sheriff's Office issued a scam alert after handling numerous identity theft and phone scams, warning that seniors are frequently targeted by fraudsters impersonating government officials or offering financial assistance. Americans over 60 lost $1.7 billion to fraud in the past year according to the FBI, with seniors vulnerable due to trust in authority figures, substantial savings, limited tech literacy, and reluctance to report being scammed. Common scams affecting Lyon County seniors include grandparent scams, government imposter schemes, financial abuse by trusted individuals, tech support fraud, and lottery scams.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating artists and messaging people on social media asking to use their photos for "art projects," then requesting personal information like full names and email addresses under the pretense of sending e-checks for commissions. The scheme is a variant of the common fake check scam, where fraudsters send counterfeit checks that appear legitimate, ask victims to wire back excess funds, and use the collected personal information for future fraud. The Federal Trade Commission warns this tactic is widespread and advises victims to report incidents to the FTC or Better Business Bureau's Scam Tracker.
ehextra.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued consumer alerts warning of an uptick in scams impersonating celebrities (Snoop Dogg, Garth Brooks, Kid Rock) and military leaders to steal money through romance scams, cryptocurrency/pig butchering schemes, and merchandise fraud. The scams often exploit people on dating platforms and social media by posing as celebrities to request money, investments, or personal information, with some using AI-generated deepfake audio and video to increase authenticity. Nessel and AARP recommend victims avoid sending money to online contacts, verify caller identities independently, and contact AARP's ElderWatch program at 800-222-4444 for
news.trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
This June 2025 conversation with economic crime expert Olivier Beaudet-Labrecque examines the global scam economy, revealing how economic hardship and youth unemployment in West Africa are driving individuals into online fraud schemes including romance scams and SIM-swapping, often learned through peer networks in cyber cafes. The discussion highlights that scams harm both international victims and local communities, strain under-resourced law enforcement, and damage entire nations' digital reputations and economic access. Key takeaway: combating online fraud requires empathy, education, and technological solutions to address the socioeconomic drivers fueling the scam ecosystem.
352today.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating actor Keanu Reeves targeted victims across the country, including a Marion County resident, through mobile gaming platforms like Words with Friends and Scrabble Go using AI-generated video and voice messages. The victims were deceived into sending over $160,000 combined, with one victim maintaining a three-year fake relationship with the scammer. Authorities recommend avoiding money transfers to online-only contacts and remaining cautious of unsolicited messages on casual gaming platforms.
denver7.com
· 2025-12-08
John Clark from Longmont lost thousands of dollars in a combined investment and romance scam in which fraudsters posed as an investment opportunity referral, sent fake checks to establish credibility, then shifted to romantic overtures while requesting money via Apple Cash. After his bank discovered the checks were fraudulent, Clark had already sent $3,000 in payments, and recovery is unlikely despite filing police reports. The FTC warns that romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals—particularly those who are isolated or dealing with health challenges—are increasingly common, and victims should refuse any requests for money from online romantic interests.
wuft.org
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:** California Governor Gavin Newsom claimed Florida ranks #51 in mental health care, #1 in elder fraud, #1 in home insurance costs, and #1 in rent increases. PolitiFact's fact-check found mixed accuracy: while Florida consistently ranks poorly in mental health care spending (lowest per capita at $36.05), other mental health rankings place it 21st nationally; elder fraud claims were not evaluated in this excerpt; and analyses confirm Florida leads in home insurance costs and rent increases, though specific rankings vary by source.
globenewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
A class action lawsuit against UnitedHealthcare alleges the company systematically misled vulnerable seniors through deceptive advertising into abandoning Original Medicare for Medicare Advantage plans, misrepresenting them as supplements rather than replacements requiring surrender of existing benefits. The case, brought on behalf of seniors including a 96-year-old cancer patient who was denied coverage and faced collections suits after giving up her Medicare benefits, was dismissed on preemption grounds but is being appealed to the Ninth Circuit. The plaintiffs argue UnitedHealthcare's decade-long fraudulent campaign violated California consumer protection laws and exploited seniors while the company posted over $22.3 billion in profits in 2023.
wlrn.org
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
This PolitiFact article fact-checks California Governor Gavin Newsom's claim that Florida ranks worst nationally in mental health care, home insurance costs, elder fraud, and rent increases. The analysis finds Newsom's accuracy is mixed: Florida consistently ranks among the lowest in mental health spending (lowest per capita at $36.05), but other mental health metrics place it 21st or 46th depending on the measure; the article excerpt does not provide conclusions on the remaining claims about insurance, elder fraud, and rent.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
A TikTok user warned of a scam in which fraudsters pose as artists requesting permission to use people's photos for art projects, only to later request personal information (full name and email) under the pretense of sending an e-check commission. The scheme is a variant of the common fake check scam, where fraudsters send fraudulent checks that include excess funds and instruct victims to wire the overage back, allowing scammers to access victims' personal information for future fraud while the victim ultimately loses money.
wbbjtv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to research businesses before purchasing by verifying licenses with relevant agencies, confirming physical addresses, requesting references, and reviewing insurance information and refund policies. The bureau also warns against voice AI scams and recommends verifying requests with trusted contacts directly, noting that West Tennessee consumers have reported receiving items that did not match their expectations.
chieftain.com
· 2025-12-08
Pueblo law enforcement warned residents of multiple scams in circulation: one involving phone calls impersonating bank officials requesting Bitcoin ATM payments (sometimes claiming child exploitation on the victim's computer), and another using fake UPS text messages with malicious links claiming failed delivery attempts. Authorities advised residents never to share personal or financial information via phone, email, or text, and to report suspicious communications to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center or Federal Trade Commission.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-08
QR codes, once harmless novelties, have become targets for "quishing" scams where criminals place fake QR code stickers on parking meters, utility bills, and other public places to redirect users to malicious websites that steal personal information or download malware. The Federal Trade Commission and state agencies have issued warnings as 26% of malicious links are now sent via QR code, with over 26 million Americans already directed to fraudulent sites, and researchers note the scam is rising as traditional phishing safeguards improve. Security experts are developing solutions like authenticated QR codes and advise users to verify QR codes before scanning, particularly on unexpected packages or urgent-seeming
newportri.com
· 2025-12-08
Portsmouth Police Department launched the "Stop. Think. Verify." program after estimating that seniors in the town have lost approximately $1 million to phone and internet scams over the past five years. The color-coded education program uses a red-yellow-green octagon logo to teach seniors three simple steps—stop before reacting, think about requests, and verify sources—with police planning to visit senior centers and housing facilities in the fall to promote fraud awareness. The initiative, funded by a $500 legislative grant, aims to reach both seniors and their family members to prevent future victimization.
bhaskarenglish.in
· 2025-12-08
A woman doctor in Gandhinagar, Gujarat lost ₹19.24 crore over three months in India's largest digital arrest scam, which began in March 2025 when fraudsters impersonated government officials and threatened her with fake FEMA and PMLA charges. Kept under psychological "digital arrest" with mandatory video call check-ins, the victim was coerced to liquidate assets including home gold, fixed deposits, and property, with funds transferred to 35 bank accounts; Gujarat CID registered a case against 35 people, with one suspect arrested in Surat and investigations revealing international cyber gang involvement.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
An adult daughter in Australia discovered that her elderly father in California was being targeted by multiple romance and lottery scams, including a catfishing scheme involving a woman named "Bomba" who posed as a wealthy widow, and a subsequent lottery scam promising $580 million. The father, in his early 70s and struggling with physical disability, substance abuse issues, and financial decline, believed the scams were real despite his daughters' attempts to convince him otherwise and refused to admit whether he sent money to the fraudsters. The account illustrates how loneliness, past trauma, and the desire for financial recovery made the father vulnerable to elaborate deception schemes.