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cityandstateny.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, payment scams cost Americans over $12.5 billion, with New York reporting nearly 280,000 fraud cases to the FTC—a 25% increase year-over-year. Seniors are particularly targeted through scams involving impersonation of grandchildren, family members, and government agencies (like fake DMV and toll road warnings), sometimes using AI to replicate voices, resulting in victims losing tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. A bipartisan group of senators is proposing the TRAPS Act to establish a federal task force coordinating the Treasury, Justice, FTC, and other agencies to investigate and combat these rapidly escalating payment scams.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission warns the public about a phishing scam in which scammers send text messages impersonating Amazon, claiming items have failed quality inspections or been recalled and offering full refunds if recipients click a link—but the link is designed to steal money and personal information rather than process refunds. To protect themselves, consumers should avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts, verify messages through Amazon's official website or app, report spam texts to 7726, and immediately alert banks and freeze accounts if they believe their information has been compromised.
khou.com
· 2025-12-08
As companies recall employees to offices in 2025, scammers are exploiting the scarcity of legitimate remote jobs by impersonating real companies and sending fake checks to unsuspecting job seekers. The scheme involves victims depositing fraudulent checks and sending back a portion of the money before the check bounces, leaving them responsible for the full amount; red flags include no face-to-face interviews, claims of international operations, and receiving payment before work begins. The FBI warns that job seekers should verify company legitimacy and be cautious of remote positions that seem too good to be true, as scammers are targeting virtually all major job sites.
mynbc15.com
· 2025-12-08
According to a Pew Research Center report, nearly three-quarters of Americans have experienced some form of online scam or attack, with 21% reporting actual financial losses. Common attacks include stolen credit card information (nearly 50%), hacked personal accounts (30%), fraudulent emails or texts leading to information disclosure (25%), and ransomware incidents (10%), with fraudsters increasingly exploiting untraceable payment methods like gift cards and payment apps. The FBI reported $16 billion in losses from cyber-enabled crime in the past year, a 33% increase, though experts note that many scams go unreported due to shame or awareness gaps.
indianstartupnews.com
· 2025-12-08
As senior citizens increasingly adopt digital tools, they face growing vulnerability to scams due to unfamiliarity with technology and evolving fraud tactics, resulting in financial losses and reduced trust in digital communication. Truecaller and Khyaal have partnered to address this issue by offering discounted premium caller identification services and creating educational materials including "New Scam Highlights" sessions, "Spot the Scam" workshops, and safety guidance to help seniors recognize and avoid emerging fraud tactics. The initiative will be featured at Khyaal's "50Above50" event, where seniors can access practical digital security advice and tools to protect themselves while maintaining independence.
budd.senate.gov
· 2025-12-08
U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced the bipartisan Foreign Robocall Elimination Act to combat unlawful robocalls originating from overseas, which victimize tens of millions of Americans and steal billions of dollars annually. The bill would establish an interagency task force with federal agencies (FCC, FTC, DOJ) and private sector experts to develop strategies for eliminating foreign robocalls and increase international cooperation and law enforcement prosecution efforts. The legislation has been endorsed by AARP and USTelecom, with advocates noting that older Americans are disproportionately targeted by
broadbandbreakfast.com
· 2025-12-08
Senators Budd and Welch introduced the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act, which would direct the FCC to establish a task force combining federal agencies and private sector experts to combat international robocalls targeting Americans. The task force must deliver a report within 360 days with recommendations on identifying source countries, quantifying identity theft losses, encouraging foreign adoption of caller ID authentication, and evaluating stronger criminal penalties. The bill has support from AARP and USTelecom, with AARP noting that older Americans are disproportionately targeted by robocall scams resulting in financial loss and identity theft.
jcsentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
Elderly fraud in the U.S. resulted in nearly $5 billion in losses during 2024, representing a 46% increase in complaints and 43% increase in financial losses compared to 2023, according to FBI data showing 147,127 complaints. TARCOG's Senior Medicare Patrol is hosting a free Fraud & Scam Summit on August 20, 2025, to educate seniors, families, and caregivers on recognizing common scams, identity theft prevention, detecting financial abuse, and reporting resources. The event at Athens State University will feature local experts and community organizations providing educational information and support.
alreporter.com
· 2025-12-08
Senators Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) introduced the bipartisan GUARD Act to combat financial scams targeting older Americans, particularly those using cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. The legislation would allow state and local law enforcement to use existing federal grant funding to hire personnel and deploy advanced tracing tools, addressing gaps that enable scammers to escape prosecution. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans aged 60 and older lost over $2.3 billion to fraud in 2024—a 21% increase from 2023—with experts estimating total unreported fraud at $61.5 billion, including growing "
thesouthern.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot summarize this content. This appears to be a list of country names and territories rather than an article about fraud, scams, or elder abuse.
Please provide an actual news article or transcript related to elder fraud, scams, or abuse for me to summarize according to the Elderus database guidelines.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Illinois partnered with the Sparta Senior Center to present a free fraud prevention seminar educating seniors on online and phone scams, including impersonation schemes where fraudsters pose as federal agents to steal money. The presentation, held on August 20, covered common fraud schemes targeting seniors, details on prosecuted federal cases, and practical tips for detecting scams and reporting suspected fraud to law enforcement.
toronto.citynews.ca
· 2025-12-08
A Toronto man lost nearly $200,000 in life savings to a romance scam that began on a dating app in March 2025, after months of communication with someone claiming to be named "Pierre" who convinced him to invest in a fraudulent cryptocurrency platform. The scam exploited the victim's desire for a romantic relationship and his charitable nature, with the scammer building trust through video calls and shared values before requesting the investment. According to Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre statistics, over 1,000 Canadians fell victim to similar romance scams in 2024, with combined losses exceeding $58 million, highlighting how scammers use psychology and manipulation as their "full-time job
wbrz.com
· 2025-12-08
A Baton Rouge man nearly lost $3,500 to a jury duty scam in which a caller impersonating an East Baton Rouge Sheriff's deputy claimed he had missed court and demanded payment or threatened criminal charges. After withdrawing the money and being directed to a gas station under the pretense of paying a sheriff's office, Collier recognized the fraud and reported it to police. Banks warn that such scams often pressure victims to withdraw cash or purchase cryptocurrency, and that anyone can be vulnerable to these fraudulent schemes.
boredpanda.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses various scams and questionable spending habits that millennials fall victim to, including multilevel marketing schemes, online sports betting, rage bait engagement, fake detox products, and premium food delivery services. The piece compiles Reddit comments from millennials admitting to these scams, though commenters debate whether some items (like detox products and food delivery) are actual scams or simply poor financial decisions and that similar issues affected previous generations.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Two Winnipeg seniors over 80 lost over $10,000 in a grandparent scam in July after receiving calls from someone impersonating their grandson claiming he needed bail money following a car accident. The victims made two transfers at their TD Bank branch over consecutive days, and the bank's investigation concluded it would not refund the money since the cardholders authorized the transfers, though the daughter—a former banker and investigator—contends the tellers failed to question the suspicious transactions. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports that emergency-based fraud scams resulted in over $819,000 in losses in the first half of 2025 alone, with only 5-10%
sg.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2025 Payments Canada study found that 13% of Canadians experienced payment fraud over six months, with disproportionately higher rates among newcomers (25%) and younger adults aged 18-34. Cash fraud incidents were nearly three times more common than credit card fraud, driven by counterfeiting, pickpocketing, and scams such as romance schemes and advance fee frauds, though 65% of reported losses under $500 were fully reimbursed by financial institutions.
myupnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined 50 bipartisan state attorneys general in launching Operation Robocall Roundup, sending warning letters to 37 voice service providers for failing to comply with Federal Communications Commission rules regarding illegal robocalls. The providers had not responded to government traceback requests, registered in the FCC's Robocall Mitigation Database, or filed mitigation plans, with the FCC simultaneously removing seven of these companies from its database to prevent other providers from routing calls through their networks.
mondaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams have evolved to exploit cryptocurrency investments rather than traditional forex trading, using dating apps as the initial contact point where scammers build emotional trust with victims before directing them to fake investment platforms. The scam operates by showing fabricated profits on fraudulent websites, then requesting additional "fees" or "taxes" to withdraw funds, with victims often investing money they cannot afford to lose and accumulating debt. The article advises protecting yourself by recognizing that emotional manipulation combined with promises of easy investment returns are classic warning signs, and following the principle of never investing more than you can afford to lose.
morningstar.com
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old man nearly lost $40,000 to a sophisticated FTC impersonation scam that began with a text message about a fraudulent Apple Pay charge, which led him to call fake bank representatives who convinced him he owed money and connected him to supposed FTC officials. His daughter-in-law intervened by explaining that banks don't have direct FTC lines, government agencies contact people by mail (not phone), and fraud liability is capped at $50, successfully stopping him from withdrawing cash for prepaid debit cards. The article highlights that seniors are particularly vulnerable to scams due to cognitive decline and isolation, accounting for over $3 billion in annual losses, an
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
Governor Andy Beshear announced the launch of StopScams.ky.gov, a new website designed to help Kentuckians report scams, learn prevention strategies, and access recovery resources. According to a 2024 FBI report, Kentuckians lose over $74 million annually to online scammers, prompting the state to partner with the Better Business Bureau and AARP to equip residents with tools to identify and avoid fraud. The site emphasizes a "pause, check, and protect" approach and offers scam alerts via email or text, along with free educational "Scam Jam" events throughout the state.
international-adviser.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment scams are now among the most common consumer scams in the UK, often initiated through phone calls, emails, or social media with promises of guaranteed returns and exclusive opportunities. Common types include fake broker scams using cloned websites and cryptocurrency trading platform scams that show fake returns before freezing withdrawals; red flags include high-pressure tactics, lack of verifiable company addresses, requests for payment to personal accounts or cryptocurrency, and unregulated platforms. The FCA and consumer protection bodies recommend verifying company details on the FCA register, taking time to research independently, and avoiding firms that pressure quick decisions or request unusual payment methods.
marketplace.org
· 2025-12-08
A Pew Research study found that 73% of U.S. adults have experienced online scams or fraud, with the FBI reporting record losses of $16.6 billion in internet crimes last year—though actual losses are likely much higher due to underreporting. While scammers target all demographics, younger and older adults face elevated vulnerability, and Black, Hispanic, and Asian adults are more likely to experience multiple forms of online fraud. Despite increasing efforts by government and business to combat fraud, the low likelihood of perpetrator capture and prosecution—complicated by organized international crime groups—means that most people will eventually fall victim to scams.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
"Quishing" attacks—phishing scams using QR codes instead of emails or texts—have surged, with malicious QR codes tricking over 26 million people into visiting fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial data or install malware. Cybercriminals are placing fake QR codes on payment terminals, parking meters, packages, and other public surfaces, exploiting the fact that 73% of Americans scan codes without verifying their source. To protect yourself, verify the legitimacy of QR code sources before scanning and consider using personal data removal services to prevent scammers from accessing your information.
ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
FTC reports document a surge in imposter scams targeting retirees, with scammers posing as trusted government agencies and businesses to drain bank accounts and retirement funds through fake security alerts and false criminal accusations. From 2020 to 2024, reports of older adults losing $10,000 or more increased fourfold, while reports of losses exceeding $100,000 increased nearly sevenfold. These scams exploit older adults' vigilance about financial security by creating false urgency through phone calls and fabricated crises, instructing victims to transfer funds, use Bitcoin ATMs, or hand cash to couriers—tactics the real FTC and legitimate companies never use.
fema.gov
· 2025-12-08
After natural disasters, criminals pose as disaster workers or FEMA representatives to steal personal information and commit identity theft and fraud. The advisory provides protective measures including: never give money or personal information to unsolicited callers, verify FEMA contacts through official channels (1-800-621-3362), always request official ID badges, and report suspicious activity to the Disaster Fraud Hotline (1-866-720-5721) or local authorities.
fidelity.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains how to protect against text-based scams, which fraudsters increasingly use to impersonate financial institutions and lure victims into clicking malicious links that expose personal information. The guide advises recognizing suspicious texts through warning signs like urgent language, unfamiliar numbers, and requests for personal information; not engaging with or replying to suspicious messages; and contacting financial institutions directly through official channels if legitimacy is uncertain.
floridapolitics.com
· 2025-12-08
U.S. Senator Rick Scott held a roundtable in Florida to address the escalating threat of scams and fraud targeting seniors, highlighting common schemes including grandparent scams, fraudulent investments, and government imposter emails. Speakers emphasized that seniors lose significant sums—including one case where a victim lost over $400,000—and that many large-scale operations originate from foreign call centers, constituting a national security concern; they also noted that Medicare fraud alone costs tens of billions of dollars annually through false billing and manipulation of member numbers. The roundtable stressed that awareness, prevention, and stronger legal penalties are essential to combat this crisis, while acknowledging that embarrassment often prevents victims from reporting
thepress.net
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters stole over $12.5 billion from Americans over 55 in 2024, a 25% increase from $10 billion in 2023, according to the FTC's Consumer Sentinel Network report. Seniors are targeted due to limited online experience, accumulated wealth, and social isolation, with common scams including grandparent schemes, romance scams, impersonation of government agencies or utilities, tech support fraud, home repair scams, and cryptocurrency schemes. Experts advise that pressure to act quickly is a hallmark of scams, and legitimate government agencies and corporations typically do not contact people via unsolicited text messages or calls demanding immediate payment.
wlrn.org
· 2025-12-08
Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz testified before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging that scammers are using increasingly sophisticated schemes—including AI-generated scams, cryptocurrency theft, and robocalls—to target senior citizens, with losses exceeding $4.8 billion for Americans over 60 in the past year alone. The sheriff emphasized that victims often don't report scams due to shame and fear, and highlighted emerging threats including HOA fraud targeting elderly homeowners in South Florida. Law enforcement officials stressed the importance of rapid reporting to increase chances of recovering stolen funds and prosecuting criminals before they disappear and reinvent their schemes.
wlrn.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting senior citizens with increasingly sophisticated schemes including AI-generated scams, cryptocurrency theft, and robocalls, resulting in losses exceeding $4.8 billion for Americans over 60 in the past year alone, according to Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz. Common tactics include impersonation of grandchildren, government officials, and businesses, with victims often too ashamed or fearful to report the crimes. Law enforcement officials are calling for enhanced tools and resources to track scammers, rapid reporting by victims, and heightened awareness of emerging threats like HOA and condo fraud targeting elderly homeowners.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, older adults lost nearly $62 billion to scams and fraud out of an estimated $158 billion stolen overall, according to the FTC, with victims suffering devastating consequences including loss of homes and significant health/emotional impacts. The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline received over 100,000 calls in 2024 from scam targets, with notable cases including a Florida man defrauded of $400,000 from a home sale and another victim losing $650,000 to a romance scam. Scams have become increasingly sophisticated through artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and social media, prompting AARP to urge lawmakers to strengthen frau
wtop.com
· 2025-12-08
D.C. police arrested two California residents, Amruth Vaka, 27, and Saloni Shaikh, 28, for defrauding an elderly woman of approximately $640,000 through a tech support scam operating between February and June. The scammers gained the victim's trust by posing as computer repair technicians, then instructed her to make wire transfers and purchase gold coins over several months until a suspicious merchant alerted police. Authorities suspect the pair may be part of a larger nationwide fraud ring and are collaborating with the FBI to identify additional victims.
wmnf.org
· 2025-12-08
A U.S. Senate Aging Committee report found that seniors lost over $4.8 billion to fraud and scams last year, with Senator Rick Scott warning the actual figure may be higher due to underreporting. Miami-Dade County leaders highlighted rising scams including condo/HOA fraud and cybercrime, with one case involving a man in his 60s losing $400,000 to cybercrime, and cautioned that artificial intelligence is increasing scam sophistication. Authorities urged seniors to avoid sharing personal information over the phone and report suspected fraud to law enforcement immediately.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
A Northeast Ohio resident nearly fell victim to a jury duty scam after receiving a spoofed call from someone claiming to be a Trumbull County deputy stating he had missed jury duty and had a warrant for his arrest. The scammer instructed him to post bail, and the victim was en route to a bail bondsman with cash when he realized the deception after about two hours on the phone. County authorities warn that this scam is prevalent in the region, with variations including fake websites collecting Social Security numbers and driver's licenses, with victims losing $8,500-$10,000, and advise that legitimate courts only contact residents via U.S. mail and law enforcement never calls about missed court appearances
fortuneindia.com
· 2025-12-08
**Incident:** Cisco fell victim to a vishing (voice phishing) attack on July 24, in which an attacker impersonated a company representative and gained access to a third-party CRM system, exposing basic user profile information including names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and user IDs for an undisclosed number of users. The attacker did not access passwords, confidential data, or proprietary information, and Cisco immediately terminated the actor's access and notified affected users. The article emphasizes that vishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated with AI-enhanced voice impersonation and provides protective measures including never sharing personal data over phone calls, verifying
wisn.com
· 2025-12-08
A nationwide gold coin scam victimized more than 50 people in Wisconsin, resulting in over $15 million in losses. A New Berlin couple lost $526,095 after scammers posing as U.S. Treasury officials convinced them to convert their cash to gold coins for protection; however, they stopped a fourth transfer after seeing a news report and contacted police, who arrested courier Roshan Shah during a sting operation when he attempted to pick up a decoy package filled with rocks instead of gold coins.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Maryland woman and multiple other customers were defrauded by Vehicle Veterans, a used car service, after paying thousands of dollars upfront with little follow-through. Debra Godsey paid $2,800 and eventually received a defective 2012 Chevrolet Traverse with over 167,000 miles and multiple recalls, while another victim lost $10,000 of her inheritance when the company went silent; co-founder Michael Henry allegedly disappeared with customer funds, and the Maryland Attorney General's office has received multiple complaints against the company.
vovworld.vn
· 2025-12-08
Meta's Decode Scam campaign identifies seven prevalent online scams targeting internet users: messaging scams (smishing) using fake links, romance scams building fake relationships to extract money, investment scams promising unrealistic returns, impersonation scams stealing identities, online shopping scams with fake websites, job scams exploiting job seekers, and account hacking scams. The campaign highlights how scammers manipulate victims through trusted channels, emotional connections, or false promises of financial gain and employment opportunities.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers sent fraudulent emails to hotel guests with reservations on the Isle of Barra, impersonating the hotel and requesting bank details to "confirm" bookings from spoofed email addresses. Police Scotland urged accommodation providers and guests to remain vigilant while investigating the incident. The fraud occurred amid broader challenges in the Highlands and Islands region, which recorded 522 fraud offences between April 2024 and March 2025.
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Peter, a man struggling with depression, was catfished by serial fraudster Kerry Gray (37) who posed as "Charlotte," a nurse, on a dating app for over a year. Gray used fabricated stories about family crises, mental health struggles, and self-harm threats to extract nearly £3,500 from Peter before he discovered her true identity; Gray was convicted and received a suspended sentence for conning Peter and two other men out of more than £11,000 in total through the same scheme.
theforester.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers are increasingly targeting older singles during summer travel season, with a security specialist warning of a rise in cases as seniors plan August holidays. Scammers build emotional connections with victims over weeks before creating fake emergencies to solicit money transfers, with cases among those aged 65-74 rising 75 percent year-on-year in some UK areas. Experts advise seniors to be cautious of online connections—particularly those refusing video calls—as fraudsters often pose as fellow travelers or locals offering companionship or tour services.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Rep. David Valadao introduced the bipartisan Romance Scam Prevention Act in response to a surge in romance fraud, which scammers use to steal personal information, money, and assets from victims who believe they are in genuine relationships. One victim, Jackie Crenshaw, lost over $1 million after being deceived by a scammer posing as "Brandon Miller," ultimately resulting in a $57,000 IRS bill and preventing her from retiring; AARP reported receiving 100,000 fraud calls in 2024. The proposed legislation would require dating sites to track scammers and notify victims in an effort to combat the growing problem.
algona.com
· 2025-12-08
Iowa seniors, particularly those relying on landlines, face persistent scam calls with 85% of landline calls classified as spam or unwanted. According to the FBI's 2022 Elder Fraud Report, 557 seniors over 60 in Iowa lost an average of $500 or more to scams, totaling over $12 million in losses statewide, with common tactics including impersonation calls requesting bank details. The author advocates for increased state and local resources to educate and protect Iowa's approximately 500,000 seniors who still use landlines.
cryptorank.io
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens lost $700 million to imposter scams in 2024, a 362% increase from $122 million in 2020, with scammers posing as bank employees, tech support, or government officials to convince victims to transfer funds for "safety." The FTC received 8,269 reports from Americans aged 60+ who each lost at least $10,000, and high-value losses exceeding $100,000 surged 700% during this period, often depleting entire life savings including retirement accounts. The agency notes actual fraud rates likely exceed these figures due to underreporting by seniors who feel embarrassed or unsure how to file complaints.
fox13seattle.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in Snohomish County, Washington are conducting increasingly sophisticated fraud by impersonating federal judges, FBI agents, and county sheriff's deputies through forged documents sent via text and email, falsely claiming recipients have outstanding arrest warrants and demanding thousands of dollars in Bitcoin or mobile app payments. The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office reports at least 100 complaints monthly, with many victims—particularly elderly residents—losing significant sums before recognizing the scam. Authorities emphasize that legitimate law enforcement never requests payment digitally, serves warrants via email, or accepts cryptocurrency, and advise victims to hang up immediately and report such contact to local police.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams involve fraudsters posing as employers or recruiters to trick job seekers into paying upfront fees or revealing personal information under the guise of hiring processes. These scams often target vulnerable individuals actively seeking employment and can result in financial loss or identity theft, as illustrated by the example of Sophie, a graduate who lost £100 to a fake recruiter offering a remote position. The article provides five protective measures including researching employers thoroughly, refusing to pay any advance fees, verifying job offers independently, protecting personal information, and trusting instincts when something seems suspicious.
centraloregondaily.com
· 2025-12-08
The Bend Police Department issued an alert about a surge in scams costing residents over $100,000 in July 2025 alone, with 243 reported incidents year-to-date. Scammers impersonated banks and government agencies, using urgency tactics and transportation services (Uber) to direct victims to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards or cryptocurrency, or transfer funds to unknown accounts, with individual losses ranging from $25 to $26,000. The police department advised residents to verify calls directly with their banks, avoid transferring money via Bitcoin ATMs or gift cards, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement and the FBI.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
An estimated £2.5 million was lost to football ticket fraud over two years, with at least 12,000 supporters victimized, according to a Lloyds Bank study. Scammers primarily targeted fans on social media with fake offers for sold-out matches at discounted prices, with Liverpool supporters experiencing the highest fraud rates and supporters aged 25-34 representing 28% of victims. Authorities recommend purchasing tickets only from official club channels and legitimate resale outlets to avoid these scams.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Peoria, Arizona man lost $27,000 of his life savings after scammers impersonated his bank via text message, convincing him to withdraw funds and deposit them into a fraudulent Apple Wallet account they created on his iPhone. Local law enforcement intervened after he reported the fraud, and detective Michael Finney was able to recover approximately 90% of the stolen funds within five months by obtaining a warrant to freeze the scammer's accounts. The detective emphasized that reporting fraud within 72 hours is critical for recovery, and recommended never responding directly to unsolicited communications claiming to be from banks or government agencies—instead calling official phone numbers on the back of bank cards or
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
A 48-year-old NHS healthcare worker nearly fell victim to a romance scam in 2021 when an imposter posing as an army medic asked her to send gift cards, which she refused. After sharing her experience online and helping others identify similar scams, she built a large social media following (@staysafewithmjules) dedicated to warning people about fraud, but subsequently became a victim of identity theft when she sent copies of her passport and driving license to a fraudulent HMRC email. Her stolen identity was used to open a fake business for money laundering, leading to dozens of rejected loan applications, damaged credit, and a £16,000 fraudulent loan in her name