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in Scam Awareness
protos.com
· 2025-12-08
Philippine authorities rescued over 600 workers (383 Filipinos, 202 Chinese, and 73 other foreign nationals) from a compound in Bamban on Thursday after a Vietnamese man escaped and alerted police to the operation. The victims had been trapped and forced to conduct "pig-butchering" romance and cryptocurrency scams, where they used deception to lure victims into investing in bogus crypto platforms, often working long hours under threat and torture. The escaped individual showed signs of electrocution, and similar compounds have been discovered across Asia, with pig-butchering scams generating billions in losses globally—the FBI reported $3.3 billion in losses in the US alone,
arabianbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" romance scams, where criminals build fake romantic relationships to defraud victims of money and cryptocurrency, have surged 85-fold in revenue since 2020, generating approximately $75 billion in illicit gains with victims losing roughly $1 billion to related approval phishing scams since May 2021. These scams exploit loneliness by using messaging apps and social media to establish trust before directing victims toward fraudulent investment schemes, while a single scam address stole an estimated $44.3 million and a U.S. bank CEO lost $47 million to such a scam. The scam ecosystem is compounded by a humanitarian crisis, as many
choice.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Australians with disability are more than twice as likely to experience romance scams, with scammers exploiting limited romantic exposure and vulnerability. The article follows Chris, a 26-year-old man with disability in Adelaide, who encountered at least eight romance scammers on social media platforms like Snapchat in 2023, where scammers encouraged him to move conversations to encrypted apps (Telegram, WhatsApp) before requesting money or gift cards. Advocates and consumer organizations emphasize that people with disability face disproportionate risk and call for better protections from online dating platforms and related businesses.
glasgowcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen warned residents during National Consumer Protection Week (March 3-9) about three rising scams: law enforcement impersonation scams where fraudsters call claiming victims have arrest warrants and demand immediate payment via wire transfer or gift cards; cryptocurrency investment scams that use threats of arrest to convince people to deposit money into crypto ATMs, which cannot be recovered; and tech support scams involving fake pop-up alerts that trick users into calling scammers who then take control of computers and demand payment. The state's Office of Consumer Protection advises Montanans to avoid third-party payment apps and cryptocurrency ATMs, verify business information, and consult trusted contacts before sending money.
hillsborofreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging and Kansas Legal Services launched the "Scam Scan" educational seminar series, offering free presentations to the public on recognizing and preventing common scams. Two seminars were held in Marion County on March 20, with managing attorney Corinne Petrik providing prevention tips and strategies to help older adults protect themselves, their money, and personal information from fraud.
winnipeg.ca
· 2025-12-08
The "grandparent scam" has significantly increased across Canada, with scammers impersonating grandchildren in distress to pressure seniors into sending money urgently, often through couriers. In 2022, Canadian seniors lost over $9.2 million to this scam, with Manitoba losses exceeding $313,000. Protection strategies include ignoring unknown callers, verifying requests by calling trusted family members, and remembering that police never demand money directly for bail.
altoonamirror.com
· 2025-12-08
Rep. Lou Schmitt, R-Blair, is partnering with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office to host a free Senior Scam Prevention Seminar on March 21 in Altoona, addressing the problem of scammers targeting senior citizens and stealing their money. The seminar will cover identity theft prevention, protecting personal information online, and recognizing identity theft scams, with attendees encouraged to RSVP by calling 814-946-7218 or visiting RepSchmitt.com/events.
peabodykansas.com
· 2025-12-08
Medicare fraud schemes targeting area seniors have included falsified claims for medical supplies, particularly urinary catheters that beneficiaries never received or needed; in one documented case, Medicare paid $14,613.80 to a fraudulent supplier (G&I Ortho Supply based in New York) for 2,000 catheters, leaving the senior responsible for $3,728 in out-of-pocket costs. Seniors are urged to carefully review their Medicare explanations of benefits and report suspicious claims to Medicare at (800) 633-4227 or to Senior Medicare Patrol in Kansas at (800) 432-3535, while also being warned about separate Social Security imposter
valleybreeze.com
· 2025-12-08
The Burrillville Police Department warned residents about the "grandparent scam," in which callers impersonate grandchildren in distress to convince seniors to withdraw and send money, often instructing victims not to tell bank tellers about the transfers. An elderly couple in Burrillville was recently targeted, and the FBI reports seniors lost over $3 billion to online scams in 2023. Police Chief Stephen Lynch recommends residents slow their response, verify claims with family members, and report suspicious calls to local authorities.
fox23maine.com
· 2025-12-08
Maine seniors lost $12.7 million to fraud in 2022, a dramatic increase from $2 million in 2021, with victims over 60 nationwide experiencing skyrocketing losses according to FBI data. One Maine senior fell victim to a tech support scam involving deceptive popups claiming she had a virus and requesting access to her savings account information. Experts emphasize that education and awareness are critical to protecting Maine's aging population, the oldest in the nation, from increasingly prevalent fraud schemes.
wltx.com
· 2025-12-08
A New York Magazine financial columnist lost $50,000 to an elaborate con scheme, prompting the Federal Trade Commission to publicize ten common lies fraudsters use to manipulate victims into sending money, including creating false urgency, isolating victims from trusted advisors, making arrest threats, and directing victims to move funds via gift cards, cryptocurrency, precious metals, or cash transfers. The FTC warns that any pressure to act quickly, secrecy, threats of legal consequences, or instructions from strangers regarding financial transfers are reliable indicators of fraud, and recommends victims hang up, delete communications, and report suspected scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
fmins.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines how increased social media usage has created opportunities for scammers to target users through phishing, identity theft, and financial fraud schemes. The piece provides 10 practical prevention tips including recognizing suspicious account activity and poor grammar, using multi-factor authentication, setting accounts to private, avoiding oversharing of personal details, and verifying sellers before making in-app purchases. The advice emphasizes that users should trust their instincts when something seems off and take proactive measures to reduce their vulnerability to social media scams.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-powered voice cloning is being used in increasingly sophisticated tax season scams, with fraudsters impersonating the IRS or tax professionals to steal personal information and money. McAfee reported over one million suspicious tax-related URLs clicked in February alone, with scammers using realistic American-accented AI voices and phishing through calls, texts, and emails threatening back taxes or offering fake tax forgiveness. The IRS never initiates contact by phone or email and will not demand payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps—legitimate tax notices arrive by mail first.
actionnews5.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams are a growing threat, with the Better Business Bureau reporting approximately 14 million people exposed to employment scams annually, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Common scams include work-from-home reshipping jobs (where victims do work without payment), fake checks, secret shopper, and caregiver positions, with scammers impersonating real companies and conducting interviews via email or text. Red flags include requests for upfront fees, bank account information before employment, vague job descriptions, unusually high pay, and postings not on the company's official website—victims should verify company identity through Google searches, insist on video interviews, and report suspected scams
placer.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
A victim lost $23,000 in a Bitcoin scam after receiving calls claiming their email and bank account were compromised; the scammer initially posed as a bank representative and convinced the victim to transfer $15,000 to Bitcoin, then a second caller posing as the FBI persuaded them to transfer an additional $8,000 before the victim grew suspicious. The Sheriff's Office warns that legitimate banks and law enforcement never request transfers to Bitcoin or gift cards, and residents should immediately contact authorities if they receive urgent calls or emails demanding money transfers.
govexec.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece highlights warning signs of government imposter scams, particularly targeting Social Security beneficiaries and federal employees. The author shares a personal near-miss with a gift card scam impersonating a local NARFE president, then outlines four key red flags scammers use (impersonation, claiming problems/prizes, demanding immediate action, and requesting specific payment methods) and lists tactics Social Security will never employ, such as threatening arrest, demanding gift cards, or pressuring immediate payment. The article warns against a fraudulent phone number (888-353-9450) being used by scammers targeting federal employees and annuitants.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Police in the Philippines raided a scam centre north of Manila on Thursday and rescued 658 people (383 Filipinos, 202 Chinese, and 73 other foreign nationals) who were being forced to operate "love scams" or "pig butchering" schemes. The victims were trafficked under false job promises and coerced into posing as romantic partners online to manipulate targets into financial fraud, with the raid triggered by a tip from a Vietnamese man who escaped by climbing a wall and crossing a river, bearing signs of torture and electrocution.
fox23maine.com
· 2025-12-08
Maine seniors lost $12.7 million to fraud in 2022, a dramatic increase from $2 million in 2021, according to FBI data. One victim fell prey to a tech support scam involving fake virus warning popups that prompted her to call scammers who attempted to access her savings account information. Experts emphasize that education and community awareness are critical tools in combating fraud targeting Maine's elderly population, the oldest in the nation.
bankingdive.com
· 2025-12-08
Consumer Reports found that mobile banking apps from both traditional banks (Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, etc.) and digital banks (Chime, Ally, Varo, etc.) lack adequate fraud prevention measures, including real-time monitoring, suspicious activity alerts, and in-app scam education. The report comes as payment fraud losses in the U.S. reached over $10 billion in 2023, with bank transfers accounting for $1.8 billion of those losses, highlighting the need for banks to prioritize robust security features and timely fraud notifications to help users take quick protective action.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission announced refunds totaling approximately $4.1 million to over 27,500 student loan borrowers who were scammed by fraudulent debt relief companies (including Mission Hills Federal, Federal Direct Group, and National Secure Processing) that charged illegal upfront fees and diverted loan payments meant for their accounts. The companies falsely promised loan forgiveness and monthly payment reductions while pocketing borrowers' money, with few or no payments actually applied to their loans. The Education Department warns borrowers to avoid unsolicited contacts promising immediate forgiveness, upfront fees, or requesting sensitive personal information, as legitimate federal forgiveness programs require years of qualifying payments and do not charge fees.
wgme.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraud losses among Maine seniors have surged dramatically, increasing from $2 million in 2021 to $12.7 million in 2022, with tech support scams being among the most common threats to the state's aging population. One Maine senior fell victim to a tech support imposter scam involving malicious popups claiming she had a virus, which prompted her to call a fraudulent number where scammers attempted to access her savings account information. Experts emphasize that education and awareness are critical to protecting Maine's elderly residents, who represent the nation's oldest state population and face heightened vulnerability to fraud schemes.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
State Representative Mike Cabell hosted an educational seminar at Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dallas, Pennsylvania, where approximately 50 seniors learned how to protect their personal information and identify identity theft scams. The seminar focused on online safety and everyday fraud prevention, with Cabell emphasizing that education is the key tool to combat scams targeting vulnerable seniors.
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
International scammers drain hundreds of millions of dollars annually from New Zealand victims, with fraud cases nearly doubling between 2020-2022 and now representing the most common crime type in the country. Only 15 percent of victims recover their lost funds, and a significant majority of fraud occurs online or by phone, yet only 6.5 percent of fraud crimes are reported to police. The Independent Police Conduct Authority found major deficiencies in police responses to scam complaints, with authorities failing to prioritize fraud investigations and adequately support victims.
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Brent Carey, CEO of New Zealand's Netsafe (which receives 15,000 scam reports annually with 25% year-over-year growth), discusses the expanding fraud landscape affecting victims across all demographics. Romance scams and sextortion are particularly devastating, with sextortion complaints up 88% and primarily targeting young males who are blackmailed after sending intimate images to fraudsters posing as young women. A Netsafe and Global Anti-Scam Alliance survey found New Zealanders lost over $2 billion to scams, with the average victim losing $3,165, contrary to the misconception that only elderly people are targeted.
fox56.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly woman in Chapman Township, Clinton County lost $4,000 to a romance scam between January and February 2024, after an online scammer posing as an Army serviceman and romantic partner convinced her to send multiple payments for promised gifts that never arrived. The Renovo Police Department is warning residents to be cautious about sending money to unknown individuals and to be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
ntd.com
· 2025-12-08
Syretta Scherer, a 42-year-old Georgia woman, was sentenced to nearly four years in prison in March for her role in a romance scam conspiracy that defrauded at least 28 seniors across multiple states of $5.8 million between February 2018 and November 2019. The scheme involved cultivating fake online relationships through dating apps, then pressuring victims to send money for fabricated emergencies; Scherer laundered approximately $1.1 million through bank accounts created under a sham company called Precise Carriers. Multiple co-conspirators were also prosecuted, with one receiving 78 months in prison and ordered to pay over $
wfft.com
· 2025-12-08
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita warns residents to watch for storm repair scams where fraudsters pose as contractors, promise immediate repairs, collect down payments, and disappear with the money. The alert advises Hoosiers to verify contractor credentials and insurance, obtain multiple written estimates, avoid upfront full payment, and never use wire transfers or cash, while warning that legitimate FEMA assistance never requires application fees. Those who suspect scams can contact the AG's office at 800-382-5516.
ncdoj.gov
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational advisory from March 2024 providing consumer protection tips for travelers during spring break. The guidance emphasizes verifying travel companies' legitimacy through online research and the Better Business Bureau, reading contracts carefully, obtaining written trip details and confirmations, paying by credit card for refund protection, and reporting suspected scams to the state's Consumer Protection Division. The article does not describe specific incidents or fraud losses but rather aims to prevent travel-related scams before they occur.
wrtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Following devastating storms in Delaware and Randolph County, the Better Business Bureau warned donors to verify charities before contributing, as scammers frequently exploit natural disasters through door-to-door solicitation, social media fundraisers, and pressure tactics. Red flags include vague descriptions of how funds will be used, demands for immediate donations, and charity names designed to confuse donors. The BBB recommends researching organizations through their websites, verifying nonprofit status (501c3), checking state attorney general registries, and using Give.org to confirm BBB accreditation before donating.
adirondackdailyenterprise.com
· 2025-12-08
Scams targeting vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, are rising statewide through phone calls, social media, and online channels. Common scams include Social Security imposter schemes (threatening suspended benefits or arrest), gift card fraud (posing as government agencies), fake rental listings, and warrant payment demands, with scammers using fear, fake documents, and fraudulent letterhead to coerce victims into providing personal information or money. Authorities recommend verifying caller identity by hanging up and calling agencies directly, never sending gift cards or money to unknown callers, and reporting scams to relevant agencies like the SSA's Office of the Inspector General.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Gujarat businessman lost ₹95 lakh in a romance/investment scam after accepting a Facebook friend request from a woman named Steff Mhiz, who posed a fake business opportunity to buy herbal products at ₹1 lakh per packet and resell them for ₹2 lakhs. When he began making payments to a contact named Dr Virendra across multiple accounts, the scammers eventually disappeared, and upon opening the packages, he discovered they contained only powder and fried chips instead of herbal products.
financemagnates.com
· 2025-12-08
A joint survey by Finance Magnates and FXStreet of 631 traders found that over 60 percent of victims targeted by scammers on Telegram lost money, making it the platform where traders face the highest financial loss rates compared to Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and other social media. Telegram's features—including privacy, anonymity, ease of impersonation, lax content moderation, and planned payment system integration—make it particularly attractive to scammers targeting active trader communities, while experts recommend traders verify broker credentials through regulatory websites rather than relying solely on social media claims.
wpr.org
· 2025-12-08
The city of Chetek, Wisconsin recovered $2.6 million stolen in a phishing scam where fraudsters impersonated a contractor for the city's wastewater treatment plant project and redirected a wire transfer to a fake account in November. The city borrowed funds to continue construction while investigating, then successfully recovered the full amount by March 1st after contacting law enforcement and the FBI. Chetek subsequently enhanced its security measures and employee training, joining other Wisconsin communities that have fallen victim to similar contractor impersonation scams in recent years.
ksat.com
· 2025-12-08
A San Antonio woman was scammed out of money while attempting to sell garden pots online after a buyer convinced her to move the transaction from a neighborhood app to email, then sent a fake Venmo logo email to intercept the payment. Law enforcement and the Better Business Bureau report that mobile payment app scams are trending, with significant annual losses, and advise using these payment methods only with known and trusted individuals while being cautious of unsolicited emails and links.
seattletimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This is a reader's response letter, not a news article about a specific scam incident. The writer supports a college professor's published account of losing her life savings to fraud and shares her own experience as a fraud victim resulting from mail theft and identity misuse. The letter emphasizes that fraud affects educated professionals, advocates for fraud prevention education in high schools, and notes that scammers are sophisticated despite banks' security efforts.
churchleaders.com
· 2025-12-08
**Fake Clergy Scams: Overview and Prevention**
Fake clergy scams involve individuals impersonating religious leaders to exploit victims' trust through solicited donations, requests for personal information, and fraudulent spiritual services, often targeting vulnerable people during moments of grief or spiritual seeking. Scammers use psychological manipulation tactics—including authority bias and in-group favoritism—to establish credibility through mimicked religious language, attire, and social media profiles, causing victims financial losses alongside profound emotional and spiritual trauma. Awareness of warning signs such as aggressive donation solicitation, reluctance to provide verifiable credentials, and inconsistent stories can help communities protect themselves from these deceptive practices that damage
ca.movies.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Estate planning scams target vulnerable elderly individuals and grieving heirs through questionable legal advice, unnecessary fees, and aggressive trust-selling schemes. Seniors with reduced capacity and no close relatives are especially at risk of being manipulated into signing over property or power of attorney documents. To protect yourself, work with qualified estate planning attorneys early, verify credentials, and be cautious of unsolicited high fees or pressure tactics from financial professionals.
wrde.com
· 2025-12-08
The Maryland Attorney General's Office issued guidance warning residents to beware of sports betting scams and fraudulent platforms as March Madness approaches, advising consumers to verify legitimacy through the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General's office before placing bets. Recommendations include reviewing promotion terms carefully, using only licensed betting programs through the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, avoiding unsolicited communications, and reporting suspected fraud to authorities or the FBI. The office also noted that gambling carries financial risks and directed those needing help to contact the Maryland Alliance for Responsible Gambling at 1-800-Gambler.
ksby.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, PG&E customers reported a record-high 43,000 utility scams impersonating the company, resulting in nearly $900,000 in losses with an average loss of $785 per victim. Scammers typically targeted elderly and low-income customers by threatening immediate service disconnection and demanding urgent payment via prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps. PG&E advises customers to hang up on suspicious calls, verify account details through official channels, and report suspected scams to 1-833-500-SCAM.
islandfreepress.org
· 2025-12-08
Fictitious phishing emails targeting college students receiving SNAP benefits falsely claim eligibility for large sums of money ($15,000 to $30,000) through fake "relief funds" if they apply via suspicious links. The Dare County Department of Health & Human Services warns recipients not to share personal information like Social Security numbers, bank details, or EBT card information with unfamiliar organizations, and directs them to report suspected fraud to the USDA Office of the Inspector General.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
The Cuyahoga County Scam Squad warned of a spike in arrest scams where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement, send fake court documents, and claim victims missed hearings or are under investigation—with a newer variant targeting PPP loan recipients using accurate loan information to appear credible. Scammers pressure victims to pay via gift cards or cryptocurrency, with one local resident losing $7,000 to such a scam this week. Law enforcement urges victims to hang up immediately, as legitimate police never demand money or threaten arrest over the phone, and to report incidents to local police or the Scam Squad hotline.
goldcountrymedia.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary of this content as it does not contain information about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. The text appears to be a website error message and notification about a news website's 70th season opener, which falls outside the scope of Elderus database content.
itemonline.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece warns about Social Security scams in which fraudsters send fake letters, emails, and texts impersonating the Social Security Administration or Office of the Inspector General to steal personal information and money. The article advises recipients to ignore unsolicited contact, independently verify by calling SSA directly, and never share sensitive information through unsecured channels, noting that SSA will never threaten arrest or suspend benefits. Victims should report fraud to the Office of the Inspector General at oig-ssa.gov/report and local law enforcement to help authorities identify and prosecute perpetrators.
newbritainherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Residents at Middlewoods of Newington attended a scam awareness presentation led by local police officers to learn fraud prevention strategies. The event, organized by Chris Pisani of Fore Senior Benefits, focused on scams currently targeting seniors and provided residents with protective measures and information.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
During October-December 2023, Australians aged 65 and over reported 16,901 scams totaling $20.49 million in losses, with investment and online dating scams being major contributors. Seniors represented 30 percent of all social media scam losses—a 57 percent increase from the previous quarter—primarily through WhatsApp (47 percent of losses), Facebook (20 percent), and online dating sites (9 percent). The report emphasizes verification of contact sources, checking business registration, and reporting scams to authorities or contacting IDCARE for support.
wxii12.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
The Graham Police Department issued a warning about phone scams targeting seniors in their community, in which callers impersonate Federal Trade Commission or Department of Homeland Security agents to coerce victims into withdrawing large sums of cash from their bank accounts. The scammer has used various phone numbers, including spoofed numbers mimicking the police department's main line, with calls coming from the 336 area code. Police advised residents not to share personal or financial information over the phone, not to comply with demands to withdraw money, and to report suspicious calls to authorities or the FBI's Cybercrime Reporting Page at ic3.gov.
bristolpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Connecticut's Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz held a press conference on March 7 at the Newington Senior & Disabled Center to alert residents about potential scams during National "Slam the Scam" Day. The awareness event, part of National Consumer Protection Week, focused on government imposter scams—a widespread fraud scheme designated by Social Security's Office of the Inspector General as a particular threat to the public.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
IRS impersonation scams reappear annually in various forms, with scammers posing as tax agents via phone calls, emails, and mail to either demand immediate payment for back taxes (threatening arrest) or request personal information under the guise of issuing refunds. The IRS will only initiate contact by mail and never demands immediate payment, specific payment methods, or personal financial information over the phone or email. To protect yourself, file taxes early, obtain an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS, and remember that any urgent contact via phone, email, text, or social media claiming to be from the IRS is fraudulent.
citizen.co.za
· 2025-12-08
Financial predators exploit vulnerable individuals by gaining their trust, then isolating them from friends and family before extracting money through romance scams, predatory lending, or identity theft. The three most common types are romantic predators who establish fake relationships to manipulate victims, predatory lenders who trap borrowers in debt cycles, and identity predators who steal personal information for fraud. To protect yourself, maintain strong relationships with trusted friends and family who can spot suspicious behavior, and immediately cut all communication if you suspect someone is a financial predator.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Princo Oduro, a 34-year-old former Chase bank employee from Ohio, was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison for operating multiple fraud schemes that defrauded victims of $1.8 million. Using stolen personal information from at least five Chase customers, Oduro ran romance scams—posing as a soldier, medical patient, or precious metals dealer—and laundered stolen funds through PayPal accounts, including targeting a widow by falsely claiming her deceased husband had stored valuable artwork. He has been ordered to pay $1.8 million in restitution.