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pulse.ng
· 2025-12-08
The article outlines five common scams targeting online daters: romance scams/catfishing where fraudsters create fake personas to extract money or information; sugaring scams where fake "sugar daddies" defraud victims (one victim lost $19,500); fake bot profiles using stolen photos to gain trust; two-factor authentication scams where criminals request security codes; and promoter scams offering fake money or premium features. The article advises users to verify identities through reverse image searches, meet contacts in public, avoid sharing personal information early, and never provide two-factor authentication codes or click suspicious links.
richmondmagazine.com
· 2025-12-08
Teens are the fastest-growing victims of online scams, with losses to those 20 and younger increasing from $8.2 million in 2017 to $210 million by 2022, according to the FBI. Common scams targeting teens include phishing emails, deceptive pop-up ads, direct message offers, and catfishing schemes on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Parents and educators can reduce risk by teaching teens to verify sources, recognize red flags like poor grammar and suspicious links, adjust privacy settings, and maintain open communication about online dangers.
wthr.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI reported that scammers stole $3.4 billion from people over 60 in 2023, prompting a free educational workshop scheduled for June 10 in Indianapolis to teach seniors and caregivers about evolving fraud tactics, including how artificial intelligence is being exploited by scammers. The workshop, featuring FBI forensic accountants and Indiana's consumer protection director, will focus on top scams including tech scams, data breaches, and romance schemes.
wthr.com
· 2025-12-08
Rapper Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, were arrested and charged with conducting an organized fraud scheme that allegedly netted over $1 million through identity theft, grand theft, and bank fraud between October and March, including stealing approximately $500,000 in jewelry, $200,000 from Bank of America, and $160,000 from a luxury vehicle dealer. Kingston waived his right to fight extradition and agreed to be returned to Florida to face charges, where both defendants are expected to address the allegations in court. Kingston has prior probation for trafficking stolen property, and his mother has a 2006 conviction for bank fraud.
herald-review.com
· 2025-12-08
A Mount Zion woman was charged with stealing over $100,000 in cash and property from an elderly female victim between May 2022 and July 2023. Ali L. Fisher, 31, faces two counts including financial exploitation of an elderly person and obtaining control of property through deception, with the alleged theft totaling more than $40,000 in additional cash. Fisher was arrested on May 14 and released on pretrial release pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 24 in Macon County Circuit Court.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Scammers are sending phishing emails and texts to streaming service subscribers claiming payment has been declined, with links directing users to lookalike websites designed to steal login credentials and install malware. Victims who enter their user ID and password on these fraudulent sites risk having their streaming accounts and payment information compromised. To protect yourself, verify you are on the official website by carefully checking the URL, and be skeptical of sponsored search results, as scammers use paid ads to make fake sites appear at the top of search results.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
A Fredericton woman nearly fell victim to a sophisticated Interac e-transfer scam after listing a table for sale on Facebook Marketplace; a scammer used a fake e-transfer interface to attempt stealing $3,000 from her bank account, but she escaped the fraud by exiting the loading page early and her bank caught the suspicious activity. According to a local cybersecurity expert, online organized crime is increasingly sophisticated, with $600 million in fraud reported to Canadian authorities last year (believed to represent only 10% of actual losses), and scammers are using stolen e-transfer email templates while actively harvesting credentials during fake transaction screens.
kmbc.com
· 2025-12-08
A Kansas City resident lost over $1 million to a pop-up scam that displays fake computer error messages claiming device malfunction, then directs victims to call a provided number and transfer funds to Bitcoin for supposed repairs. Multiple victims aged 65-80 in the Kansas City area fell for the scam, which sometimes includes an offer to send couriers to collect the funds. KCPD is collaborating with law enforcement agencies nationwide to locate the perpetrators and urges victims to report losses to local police.
97x.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in South Carolina are using AI-generated text messages designed to mimic legitimate bank communications to trick people into clicking malicious links that grant access to their bank accounts. The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to be vigilant about unsolicited texts from unfamiliar numbers, suspicious URLs with extra characters, and to never click links in messages unless they can verify the source is their actual bank.
groww.in
· 2025-12-08
Lottery scams in India are targeting unsuspecting individuals who receive unsolicited messages claiming they have won prizes, then demanding advance payments for taxes and fees before releasing non-existent winnings. Recent cases include a 45-year-old Bengaluru woman who lost ₹18.4 lakh, a 50-year-old goldsmith defrauded of ₹74,000, and a Kerala woman who lost ₹1 crore after making 263 transfers. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited lottery claims, never pay upfront fees, avoid sharing personal information, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
choice.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A CHOICE survey of 280 scam victims in Australia found that four out of five victims reported their banks failed to flag suspicious transactions before money was transferred to scammers, and about half received inadequate support afterward. Australians lost $2.7 billion to scams last year, with over half of initial contact occurring on websites or social media platforms, yet banks and tech companies face minimal consequences while victims often suffer shame and financial loss with little recourse for recovery.
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Australian authorities warned of a surge in remote access scams where fraudsters impersonate legitimate companies like Microsoft, tricking victims into downloading screen-sharing software that grants access to bank accounts. Losses from these scams increased 52 percent in early 2024, with victims losing an average of $17,943 and seniors over 65 suffering the largest losses; Australians reported $15.5 million in total losses during 2023. The ACCC advises never downloading software when directed by phone callers and never sharing banking information, passwords, or two-factor codes.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake scams utilizing generative AI have stolen millions from companies globally, with a Hong Kong finance worker defrauded of over $25 million after being deceived by digitally recreated colleagues on a video call. Cybersecurity experts warn that the accessibility of AI tools like ChatGPT has lowered barriers for criminals to execute increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, including voice spoofing, phishing, and impersonation of company executives to authorize fraudulent transfers. Beyond direct theft, deepfakes pose broader risks including stock price manipulation, brand defamation, and misinformation campaigns.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC released a report identifying the companies most commonly impersonated by scammers, with Best Buy's Geek Squad, Amazon, and PayPal being the most frequently mimicked brands, while Microsoft and Publishers Clearing House impersonation scams generate the highest financial losses. Scammers primarily use email and phone contact, though social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are increasingly being exploited, and emerging threats include text-message phishing ("smishing") targeting highway toll payment systems.
alligator.org
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old Florida man nearly fell victim to a grandparent scam when someone impersonating his grandson called asking for $5,000 bail money, though the grandson was actually safe at university. Florida reported over 40,000 online scams in 2023 resulting in $874 million in losses, ranking third nationally, with adults 60 and older losing over $290 million—the highest of any age group—yet only 15% of offenses are reported due to shame and embarrassment among victims.
nbcmontana.com
· 2025-12-08
Employment scams cost victims an average of nearly $2,000 last year, with fraudsters using fake job offers to steal personal information and money. Scammers request excessive personal data (including photos of IDs) before hire, then extract funds through upfront fees for training or equipment, or by sending fake checks with overpayments and requesting wire transfers of the difference. The BBB advises job seekers to research companies thoroughly, avoid positions requiring upfront payments, and report suspicious job offers.
news.ncsu.edu
· 2025-12-08
Researchers analyzed 67,991 SMS phishing messages collected over 396 days and identified 600 distinct phishing operations using 35,128 unique campaigns. The study found that scammers impersonate trusted entities like banks to trick people into sharing sensitive information via text, and surprisingly, many operations use mainstream infrastructure and openly advertise services on platforms like LinkedIn rather than hiding on the dark web. The findings highlight the scale of SMS phishing threats to consumer privacy and security, while identifying avenues for law enforcement to combat these operations.
scamwatch.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
Remote access scams involve criminals posing as representatives from banks or tech companies, convincing victims to download screen-sharing software that grants them control of devices to steal banking credentials and funds. Australians lost $15.5 million to these scams in 2023, with losses increasing 52% in early 2024, and seniors over 65 experiencing the greatest financial impact. To protect yourself, hang up on unsolicited calls requesting software downloads, never share passwords or security codes over the phone, and immediately contact your bank if you suspect fraud.
thevalleyledger.com
· 2025-12-08
State Rep. Jeanne McNeill hosted a senior scam prevention presentation on May 29, featuring David Shallcross from the Pennsylvania attorney general's office who provided guidance on avoiding scams. According to McNeill, seniors lost over $3.4 billion to scams in the previous year (an 11% increase), with individual victims losing an average of $33,915 each.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Between April 2023 and March 2024, British courier fraud scams targeting elderly people resulted in £28.7 million in losses, with victims averaging £20,000 each. People in their 80s were most vulnerable, accounting for 43% of victims, with approximately 85% of all victims aged 60-90; fraudsters posed as police officers or bank officials to trick targets into handing over money, valuables, or bank cards by claiming to investigate account issues or fraudulent business activity. City of London Police conducted a joint operation across England and Wales in May, making five arrests and receiving over 100 referrals from 26 forces, while recommending call-
thesuntimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS issued a consumer alert warning about tax scams involving inflated refund claims for three specialized credits: the Fuel Tax Credit, Sick and Family Leave Credit, and household employment taxes. Thousands of taxpayers were misled by social media posts and scam artists into filing false claims for credits they didn't qualify for, resulting in frozen refunds and potential penalties, audits, or criminal action. The IRS urged affected taxpayers to verify their eligibility, consult legitimate tax preparers, and file amended returns if necessary to avoid severe financial consequences.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
A Go Public investigation found dozens of Facebook account takeovers targeting users, where scammers hijack accounts and impersonate victims to defraud their friends by posing as the account owner selling items (hot tubs, trucks, tractors) on behalf of an elderly parent in long-term care. In one documented case, Lesa Lowery's account was compromised in March after she clicked a phishing email link, and her friends were swindled out of a combined $2,500 before Meta responded, despite multiple reports during the active scam. Cybersecurity experts say Meta's failure to provide customer service or quickly address the widespread scam represents a basic security
wisbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
This article warns about Memorial Day-period scams targeting military members and veterans. A Wisconsin small business owner lost $166,515 to a fraudster impersonating an MBDA procurement director who ordered laptops but never paid. The BBB identifies common military-targeted scams including predatory loans, fake rental properties, misleading vehicle sales, fraudulent benefits buyouts, and high-pressure life insurance sales, recommending victims verify businesses, avoid wire transfers, protect their computer information, and research charities thoroughly before donating.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP Virginia identifies three prevalent Medicare scams in 2024: false billing for unreceived diabetes treatments and devices, offers of free products (typically cheap or nonexistent) in exchange for Medicare numbers, and free genetic testing at health fairs designed to harvest Medicare information. Seniors are advised to scrutinize monthly Medicare statements, only share their Medicare number with legitimate healthcare providers, and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement or AARP's Fraud Watch Network.
heraldscotland.com
· 2025-12-08
Between April 2023 and March 2024, over £28.7 million was lost to courier fraud in the UK, with victims averaging £20,032 each; scammers impersonated police officers and bank officials to trick householders—particularly pensioners in their 80s (43% of victims)—into handing over money, valuables, or bank cards. People aged 60-90 accounted for 85% of victims (63% female), with the oldest victim aged 94, and police reported five arrests following a coordinated operation across England and Wales. Key prevention advice includes using call-blocking devices, verifying that legitimate police and banks never
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
An Auckland woman in her 50s lost at least $34,000 to a romance scam involving an Instagram user claiming to be "Harry Lugard," who fabricated stories about needing money for travel and later claimed arrest in Dubai. After the scammer stood her up at the airport, she fell victim to a recovery room scam when a fake "private investigator" found on Quora threatened her and her family while attempting to extract further funds. Experts warn that scammers often target people who have already lost money, may use AI to create convincing fake identities, and advise never sending money to people you've only met online.
knoe.com
· 2025-12-08
During Memorial Day 2024, the Better Business Bureau warned of toll service scams targeting travelers, primarily through fake text messages claiming to be from Louisiana toll services with fraudulent payment websites. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advised the public to verify toll communications through their official website and report suspected scams to the BBB.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are making unsolicited calls claiming victims owe back taxes and offering enrollment in a fake "2024 zero tax owed program" through a fraudulent entity called "Tax Relief Advocate." The IRS communicates tax debt through official letters, not phone calls, and legitimate tax relief companies do not collect payments on behalf of the IRS, making these calls an attempt to extract personal information from victims.
igberetvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Darlington Akporugo, 46, and Jasmin Sood, 35, were arrested on charges of operating an online romance scam that defrauded at least 13 elderly Americans of approximately $3.1 million between 2015 and 2022. The couple, who were engaged to be married in Houston, targeted widowed victims on social media and dating platforms, building trust before convincing them to transfer money to accounts they controlled. Both face up to 30 years in prison if convicted, with Akporugo facing additional charges including aggravated identity theft.
kjzz.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers target veterans and their widows—particularly around Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the holidays—by offering fraudulent military discounts on loans, housing, cars, and rental properties, as well as charging illegal fees to file VA benefits. Common schemes include fake real estate deals where scammers pose as landlords or property owners, vehicle sales with hidden fees, and loans with undisclosed charges that inflate costs. The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs urges veterans to report scams and use legitimate free resources like the American Legion, DAV, and VFW for benefits assistance rather than paying third-party fees.
securelist.com
· 2025-12-08
Online marketplace scammers increasingly operate under a "Fraud-as-a-Service" model, targeting message board users through two main schemes: impersonating sellers to deceive buyers, or impersonating buyers to trick sellers into entering payment card details on phishing sites. Scammers strategically target sellers with promoted ads and mobile payment preferences, using convincing conversations to build trust before sending fake payment links that harvest financial information and drain bank accounts.
newschannel6now.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers posing as contractors frequently target disaster victims following severe weather events, such as Memorial Day weekend storms in Texas. The BBB provides guidance including contacting your insurance company, researching contractors through BBB.org and local licensing agencies, avoiding high-pressure sales tactics, refusing to sign over insurance checks directly to contractors, and being cautious of door-to-door solicitors and offers to illegally waive insurance deductibles. Key protective measures include getting references, requesting contractor identification, paying contractors directly with credit cards, and avoiding allowing unknown contractors unsupervised access to hard-to-inspect areas of the home.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
Older adults, despite 88% using the internet, are increasingly targeted by scammers who exploit fears and lack of technical knowledge to steal identities and money. The author, a 50-year finance professional, fell victim twice to tech support scams that tricked him into providing sensitive information including his Social Security number and credit card details. FBI data shows elder fraud complaints rose 14% recently with victims averaging losses of $33,915, and common scams targeting seniors include fake tech support calls, Medicare/health insurance fraud, internet pop-up viruses, and telemarketing schemes.
punchng.com
· 2025-12-08
Darlington Akporugo, 46, and Jasmin Sood, 35, were arrested on charges of operating an online romance scam that defrauded at least 13 elderly Americans of approximately $3.1 million between 2015 and 2022. The couple, who resided in Fulshear, Texas, targeted widowed victims on social media and dating platforms, building trust before coercing them to transfer money to accounts they controlled. Both face up to 30 years in prison if convicted, with Akporugo facing additional charges including aggravated identity theft and fraud related to access devices.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC identified the 10 companies most impersonated by scammers, including Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, PayPal, and major banks, with scammers using phone calls, emails, and social media to contact victims and requesting payment via gift cards, bank transfers, or Zelle. Gift cards from Apple, Target, eBay, Walmart, and Amazon were the most common payment method used in 2023, with social media scams resulting in the highest financial losses despite email and phone being more frequent contact methods. The FTC recommends verifying requests independently, avoiding unfamiliar links and caller IDs, and refusing to send money through single payment methods, while also suggesting protective
kplctv.com
· 2025-12-08
A text scam circulating in Lake Arthur, Louisiana falsely claims recipients must appear in court and directs them to call "Pretrial Services of Acadia Parish" at an out-of-area number, threatening dispatch of local authorities. Lake Arthur Police Department advises residents to discard these messages and report them to Louisiana State Police, as the scam is designed to extract money or personal information from victims.
clarksvilleonline.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns military members and veterans to be alert for scams around Memorial Day, which typically include high-priced military loans with hidden fees, fake rental properties using stolen photos, misleading vehicle sales targeting deployed soldiers, and fraudulent charities mimicking legitimate nonprofits. The BBB recommends avoiding wire transfers, protecting computers from phishing, placing active duty alerts on credit reports, researching businesses and charities before engaging, and reporting suspected fraud through BBB.org/Scamtracker.
columbiatribune.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau has received multiple reports of phishing text messages impersonating toll collection services, demanding payment of small amounts (typically $12) with threats of larger late fees to trick travelers into clicking malicious links and providing personal or payment information. Scammers exploit the fact that road travelers may not track tolls closely, with recent cases including fake messages spoofing the Illinois Tollway and fraudulent "Missouri Toll Services" texts directing payments through SunPass, a Florida-based toll agency that does not operate in Missouri. To avoid these scams, consumers should independently verify outstanding tolls through legitimate agency websites or phone numbers rather than clicking links in unsolicited text messages.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
Dating app companies Bumble and Match are implementing stronger content moderation and identity verification tools in response to rising safety concerns among women users, including unsolicited explicit material and violent threats that have contributed to stock drops exceeding 80% over three years. While Bumble's AI system blocks 95% of fake and scam profiles, scammers are simultaneously using AI-powered impersonation to perpetrate romance scams, making it increasingly difficult for users to distinguish legitimate matches from fraudulent ones designed to groom victims.
ifamagazine.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, £1.17 billion was stolen through fraud in the UK (£3.2 million daily), with a notable 50% increase in "authorised payment" scams where victims are tricked into sending money themselves. Romance scams reached record highs at £36.5 million stolen (up 17% year-on-year), with victims typically making an average of 10 payments to the same scammer, while bank reimbursement rates improved to 64p per pound lost. The figures likely underestimate total fraud as many victims, particularly in romance scams, fail to report due to embarrassment and emotional manipulation.
indiaherald.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot summarize this content as requested. This appears to be a collection of unrelated headlines and article links from a news/content aggregation website, rather than a coherent article about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse.
To provide an Elderus database summary, I would need an actual article or transcript focused on fraud, scams, or elder abuse targeting seniors. If you have such content, please share it and I'll be happy to create a concise 2-3 sentence summary.
ca.style.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Winnipeg and Manitoba experienced a 160% increase in cybercrime reports from 2015 to 2016 (rising from 123 to 321 cases in Winnipeg), significantly exceeding the national average of 34%, though police acknowledge many incidents go unreported due to victim embarrassment. Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and targeting diverse populations—from job seekers and romance scam victims to businesses through "spear phishing" schemes, such as the fraudulent email that cost an Edmonton university $11.8 million. Police advise verifying unusual requests for money or transfers with trusted colleagues and exercising caution when dealing with unknown parties online.
greaterkashmir.com
· 2025-12-08
The Indian Embassy in Laos rescued and repatriated 13 Indian workers who were deceived by false employment promises and trapped in illegal work arrangements, bringing the total rescued from Laos to 428; the workers were found in a wood factory and a special economic zone. Indian authorities warn citizens against fraudulent overseas job offers, particularly those involving human trafficking networks that lure victims into cyber scams, money laundering, and cryptocurrency fraud, and advise using only authorized employment channels and conducting background checks on prospective employers in Southeast Asia.
theworldlink.com
· 2025-12-08
Elderly Oregonians lost $44 million to internet scams in 2023, with FBI data showing a 14% increase in elder fraud complaints and an 11% rise in associated losses that year. The average victim aged 60 and older lost $33,915, with over $3.4 billion in total losses nationwide, with tech support scams being the most commonly reported type and investment scams causing the greatest financial damage at over $1.2 billion.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly woman in the tri-state area nearly lost $25,000 in an elaborate phishing scam involving fake Geek Squad invoices that escalated when the scammer showed up at her home to collect cash in person. The victim provided her bank account number and computer access after receiving a phishing email, then was pressured to withdraw $20,000 in cash based on a false claim of an accidental $25,000 refund; authorities arrested the scammer during the pickup. The article advises victims to verify subscriptions, track invoice patterns, contact companies through official websites, and watch for unprofessional language or threats from callers requesting sensitive information.
wrde.com
· 2025-12-08
Delaware's House of Representatives unanimously approved House Bill 317, which requires gift card sellers to display warnings about scams targeting seniors, after more than 6,000 Delawareans fell victim to fraudsters impersonating government agencies and utilities in the past year. Victims lost over $700 each on average, contributing to $22.3 million in total fraud losses statewide, ranking Delaware 4th nationally for fraud reports. The bill now awaits Senate consideration.
clintonherald.com
· 2025-12-08
**Jury Duty/Court Warrant Scam**
Scammers impersonating Clinton County deputies are calling victims claiming they missed a court appearance and have an arrest warrant, demanding immediate payment of $3,000-$6,000 in Bitcoin through nearby kiosks to post bond. This is the top fraud-related call currently reported to law enforcement in Clinton County, with multiple victims caught in recent weeks; scammers spoof Iowa phone numbers, keep victims on the line, and falsely promise refunds if the victim claims they never received a subpoena.
birminghammail.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
An identity theft victim in Birmingham discovered fraudsters had stolen their personal details to purchase a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra phone (£1,099) from Curry's in London using a fake contract in their name, only realizing the fraud after receiving suspicious emails from Curry's and Vodafone over a 36-hour period. The victim successfully reported the fraud to Vodafone, avoided financial loss, though experienced temporary credit rating damage, and now emphasizes the importance of immediately verifying suspicious communications rather than dismissing them as phishing scams. The incident highlights that identity fraud remains the most common type of fraud in the UK, with Cifas reporting over 237,000
keysnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost consumers $1.3 billion in 2022, with cybercriminals cultivating online relationships for months before requesting money. Experts recommend moving relationships slowly, watching for red flags (requests to move off dating apps, refusal to video call, generic terms of endearment), conducting reverse image searches on profile photos, and avoiding any money transfers or financial exchanges with people you have not met in person.
sudbury.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraud losses in Canada surged from approximately $165 million in 2020 to $569 million in 2023, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, though officials estimate actual losses may be 10-20 times higher since only 5-10% of victims report incidents. Common scams include grandparent schemes and romance fraud, with fraudsters increasingly leveraging generative AI, making phishing attacks a daily threat for Canadians with email and cellphones.