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wkyc.com
A phone scam uses call forwarding codes (*72 on Verizon or **21 on T-Mobile) to redirect victims' incoming calls to scammers' numbers. Scammers impersonate banks and trick victims into dialing these codes followed by the scammer's number, allowing fraudsters to intercept authentication codes and gain access to financial accounts and funds. Victims should never dial these codes with unfamiliar numbers, and can disable call forwarding by dialing *73 (Verizon) or ##21# (T-Mobile) if compromised.
startribune.com
Dodzi K. Kordorwu, 38, of Brooklyn Park was sentenced to 5¼ years in prison for his role in a nationwide romance fraud scheme that defrauded dozens of primarily older victims of more than $2.1 million over four years. Operating under fake personas like "Dr. Carmen Williams," Kordorwu built false romantic relationships with victims to convince them to send money, exploiting their emotional vulnerability and isolation. He was ordered to make full restitution and serve three years of supervised release.
wgal.com
The Federal Trade Commission's "Protecting Older Consumers" report found that older adults reported losing over $1.9 billion to fraud in 2023, though the true total is estimated at $61.5 billion when accounting for unreported cases. Seniors are reluctant to report fraud due to embarrassment and fear of losing independence, and they suffer significantly higher average losses ($918) compared to younger victims ($432). The three most common scams targeting older people are tech support scams, lottery/sweepstakes scams, and romance scams, with payments typically made through Bitcoin or gift cards.
montgomery.crimewatchpa.com
**QUISHING Summary:**
Quishing is a phishing scam using fake QR codes to steal personal information and commit identity fraud, typically delivered through unsolicited text messages, emails, or social media posts that promise discounts or gifts. When scanned, these codes redirect users to fraudulent websites designed to collect sensitive data like names, addresses, banking details, and passwords. Protection strategies include avoiding scanning unknown codes, verifying sources directly through official channels, blocking spam messages, updating smartphone software, and being skeptical of unsolicited offers.
makeuseof.com
Social media scammers use four primary tactics to defraud users: phishing attacks that mimic trusted sources to steal personal information, fake profiles impersonating friends or family to request money or sensitive data, fraudulent giveaways and job offers designed to capture credentials or personal information, and romance scams involving lengthy deception to build trust before financial exploitation. Users can protect themselves by avoiding unsolicited messages and suspicious links, verifying suspicious contacts through alternate communication methods, checking for warning signs like poor grammar and unverified accounts, and researching companies before responding to job offers.
thepaypers.com
This is an introductory piece for The Paypers' 2024 report on fraud detection technologies, not a news article about a specific fraud incident.
**Summary:** The report documents rising fraud challenges in financial services, with authorized fraud growing 22% in 2023 and average fraudulent transaction amounts increasing 43% to $3,222. The inaugural Next-Gen Tech to Detect Fraud and Fincrime Report 2024 examines emerging threats including APP fraud, investment scams, and romance scams, while exploring how financial institutions can leverage AI, data sharing, and regulatory compliance strategies to combat financial crime in an evolving threat landscape.
berkshireeagle.com
A 75-year-old North Adams man lost over $400,000 in a tech support scam that operated from June to September, in which a caller posing as a federal agent convinced the victim to withdraw cash and hand it to couriers, claiming he was implicated in money laundering. Boston resident Urvishkumar Vipulkumar Patel, 21, was arrested after an FBI sting operation at the victim's home and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud; he claimed he was hired to pick up packages and deliver them for a cut. The FBI advises that legitimate federal agencies never request money by phone or send couriers to collect funds
aws.amazon.com
This article describes Wipro and AWS's development of an Intelligent Financial Fraud Detection (IFFD) solution designed to address gaps in traditional fraud detection systems. The system uses AI and deep learning to detect fraud in real-time, with particular focus on elder fraud, which the FBI reported affected over 101,000 people age 60+ in 2023 with losses exceeding $3.4 billion. IFFD aims to reduce false positives to under 5% while identifying emerging threats like investment scams, romance scams, and grandparent scams before funds are transferred.
atlantafed.org
In 2023, Americans over 60 lost more than $3.4 billion to fraud—an 11 percent increase from 2022—with investment, tech support, email, and romance scams being the most common schemes. The author emphasizes that decline in financial judgment is an early sign of dementia, and recommends that families maintain regular voice contact with elderly relatives, monitor credit reports, apply credit freezes, and stay informed about legal and financial documents to prevent scams and elder fraud. Early intervention through personal relationships and periodic check-ins can help stop scammers before victims suffer financial loss.
observertoday.com
Assemblyman Clyde Vanel introduced legislation in New York that would elevate theft and fraud crimes targeting seniors over 60 to felony status, responding to an estimated $1.5 billion in annual elder financial exploitation in the state and $28.3 billion nationally. The bill aims to address the prevalence of scams targeting elderly victims, who lose an average of $33,915 per incident, by allowing prosecutors to treat age-targeted crimes more severely than similar offenses against younger victims.
financial-planning.com
An 80-year-old Texas man, Willard Holgate, had $460,000 stolen from his TD Ameritrade accounts after scammers in Hong Kong hacked his computer and initiated unauthorized wire transfers. His attorney secured a $97,200 FINRA arbitration award against TD Ameritrade (now owned by Charles Schwab) in 2024, arguing the firm failed to detect multiple red flags including unusual liquidation of long-held retirement accounts and Holgate's evident confusion during recorded calls with representatives. The case highlights how financial firms continue to do minimal fraud prevention without legal consequences, as elder fraud losses exceeded $3.4 billion in 2023
aarp.org
This AARP article advises retirees to regularly monitor their credit reports even after paying off major debts, as errors and fraud can damage credit profiles built over decades. Free weekly credit reports are available from the three major bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com, and seniors should check every few months to catch errors (which occur in 44% of reports checked) and signs of identity theft, taking action to dispute inaccuracies in writing with supporting documentation.
hypebae.com
This educational article identifies four warning signs of romance scams prevalent on dating apps: avoiding video calls or in-person meetings, lacking tagged photos with others on social media, requesting money before meeting, and unexplained gut feelings about the person. The piece references high-profile cases like "The Tinder Swindler" and Netflix's "Sweet Bobby" to illustrate how scammers manipulate victims emotionally to extract money, advising users to trust their instincts and never give more money than they can afford to lose.
wisbusiness.com
Extortion, particularly sextortion scams, ranked among the top five internet crimes in the FBI's 2023 report with over 48,000 cases, according to a Better Business Bureau warning. Sextortion scams operate through two primary methods: phishing (claiming to have hacked victims' devices and recorded compromising material) and romance schemes (building trust through fake relationships before blackmailing victims for money). Victims have reported losses ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, with the scams exploiting fear of public embarrassment and loneliness to pressure victims into paying via bitcoin, gift cards, or wire transfers.
indiatoday.in
Cybercriminals are exploiting Flipkart's Pay Later service during India's festive season sales by impersonating customer service representatives and requesting OTPs from users, claiming to prevent fraudulent transactions on their accounts. Flipkart confirmed this scam and emphasized it never requests sensitive information like OTPs via phone calls; users are advised to never share OTPs, hang up on suspicious calls, avoid falling for artificial urgency tactics, and report incidents to Flipkart or police immediately.
semissourian.com
Cape Girardeau police warned of the "Grandparent Scam," in which scammers posing as lawyers or government employees call victims claiming a grandchild has been arrested in Mexico and demanding large sums of money for their release. Two victims lost a combined $100,000 in the past month. Police recommend verifying the claim by contacting the alleged victim directly or the U.S. Embassy before sending money.
newswire.lk
A new financial scam in Sri Lanka targets SLTB depot employees and their relatives, with scammers calling to claim an accident occurred and demanding Rs. 10,000 be transferred via eZ Cash for vehicle repairs. The scammers impersonate senior officials, managers, garage owners, or police officers, with investigations revealing the phone numbers belong to deceased individuals or foreigners associated with drug trafficking. Police advise the public to verify such claims directly with relatives before transferring money.
pentictonherald.ca
The Palmyra Women's Institute is hosting a scam prevention education session featuring Chatham-Kent Police Special Constable Brenda Koldyk to address rising fraud losses in the community, including grandparent scams, romance scams (one victim lost $250,000), and various other schemes targeting seniors and vulnerable individuals. The November 7 session will cover warning signs, prevention strategies, and common scam types such as tax fraud, home renovation fraud, and impersonation scams, with Koldyk advising victims to verify requests with family members before sending money or gift cards.
livemint.com
This article provides general awareness about credit card fraud, which occurs when unauthorized individuals use someone's credit card details to make purchases without consent. The piece emphasizes that credit card fraud is a growing concern in the digital age and advises readers to stay informed about common scam tactics and implement preventive security measures to protect their finances.
news.trendmicro.com
Cybercriminals are conducting multiple scams this week involving deceptive texts and emails impersonating FasTrak, Apple, U.S. and Canadian customs services, and NY Toll Services to steal personal and financial data. These scams use urgent messaging and malicious links to harvest credentials and information, which scammers then use for identity theft, financial fraud, or sell on the dark web. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unexpected communications, avoid clicking unfamiliar links, verify sources directly with institutions, and use security tools like Trend Micro ScamCheck.
about.fb.com
Meta announced the expansion of facial recognition technology across its platforms (Facebook, Instagram) in the EU, UK, and South Korea to detect and remove celebrity-impersonation scams ("celeb bait"), where scammers use public figures' images to lure users to fraudulent websites requesting money or personal information. Since deploying these anti-scam measures, user reports of celebrity-bait ad scams dropped 22% globally in the first half of 2025, with facial recognition technology more than doubling the detection rate of such scams; the technology now protects nearly 500,000 public figures while remaining optional for users.
fox23.com
QR code scams are increasing nationwide, with fraudsters using fake codes on parking meters, in unsolicited texts and emails, and on packages to impersonate utilities companies and the IRS, claiming urgent payments are due. The BBB recommends avoiding QR codes sent unexpectedly or appearing on social media and instead visiting official company websites directly to access legitimate payment portals and information. QR codes used by trusted businesses in person, such as restaurant menus, are generally safe, but consumers should be cautious of any codes that arrive unsolicited or claim that regular payment methods are unavailable.
foxnews.com
A widow named "Beatrice" fell victim to a romance scam during the COVID-19 pandemic after matching with someone posing as a Spanish lumberjack on a senior dating site; after four months of building trust, the scammer requested money. According to the FTC and DHS, over 70,000 people reported romance scam losses in 2022, with older adults losing $240 million that year, as scammers use fake identities and emotional manipulation to extract savings from vulnerable individuals, often operating from West African countries. The article identifies warning signs including claims of living abroad, poor grammar despite English proficiency, excuses to avoid video calls, and requests to move conversations to
onmanorama.com
**Digital Arrests Scam in India**
Scammers in India are conducting "digital arrest" fraud, impersonating law enforcement officers via video calls to falsely accuse victims of crimes and extort money while confining them to their homes. High-profile victims include Malayalam actor Maala Parvathi (who avoided loss) and former church leader Dr. Geevarghese Mor Coorilos (who lost Rs 15 lakh), while an atomic energy institute employee was defrauded of Rs 71.33 lakh; Kerala Police advise victims to use common sense, noting that India has no law permitting arrests over phone or
au.finance.yahoo.com
An Australian couple lost $1,000 from their Centrelink payments after scammers impersonating a charity deceived them into providing sensitive information including their driver's license and myGov details. The National Anti-Scam Centre warns that criminals are increasingly targeting financially vulnerable Australians by posing as legitimate charities and government assistance programs to steal personal information and divert payments. People should independently verify organizations offering financial assistance and never share personal identifying information through social media or unsolicited contacts.
startribune.com
**Summary:**
October's Cybersecurity Awareness Month highlights the increasing sophistication of scams, including phishing emails, text spoofing, and caller ID spoofing. Security experts advise consumers to remain vigilant by remembering the "three S's"—stay suspicious, stop and think, and stay protected—as scammers use tactics based on fear, urgency, and money to trick victims into sharing personal information or sending funds through romance scams, job scams, and impersonation schemes.
nbcphiladelphia.com
**October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and experts emphasize protecting yourself from increasingly sophisticated scams using three key tactics: stay suspicious, stop to think, and stay protected.** Common scam methods exploit fear, urgency, and money incentives—such as fake tax return errors, impersonation of authority figures, and romance scams that can last years and target vulnerable individuals including seniors. Defensive measures include avoiding robocalls and suspicious texts, verifying contacts through official numbers, and using reverse-image searches to identify stolen photos used in romance scams.
azcentral.com
Americans lost an estimated $12.5 billion to online scams in the past year, with artificial intelligence-generated "deepfake" videos making investment frauds increasingly difficult to detect—the FBI estimates 39% of victims fell for deepfake-based schemes involving fabricated videos of business leaders, celebrities, or romantic interests. Scammers exploit AI to duplicate voices, crack passwords, and process large volumes of data, while most stolen money goes unrecovered, particularly when criminals demand payment in cryptocurrency and operate from overseas. Common defenses include using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and scrutinizing videos for unnatural movements, inconsistent lighting, and mismatched lip movements
express.co.uk
A text message scam is targeting vulnerable UK residents by impersonating the "UK Government Living Allowance Office" and falsely claiming recipients can receive a winter heating subsidy, with fraudulent links directing victims to fake government websites designed to steal personal information. The scam exploits recent government cuts to Winter Fuel Payments that reduced eligible recipients from 11.4 million to 1.5 million pensioners, creating confusion and urgency that scammers weaponize to pressure victims into acting quickly. Security experts advise recipients to verify messages independently and avoid clicking unsolicited links, especially those claiming to be from government bodies.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
A 54-year-old woman from Bengaluru was defrauded of Rs 47 lakh and 857 grams of gold by a police head constable, his wife, and an associate who promised to secure government jobs for her two children between November 2021 and June 2024. The accused claimed connections with senior police and IAS officers that did not exist; when the children's names did not appear on the official KPSC selection list, the accused issued cheques worth Rs 58 lakh that subsequently bounced.
lamilano.it
**Operation "Game Over" Scam Bust** — Italian Carabinieri arrested three men (a 40-year-old and two 20-year-old sons from Caserta) who operated an organized "Carabiniere scam" targeting elderly victims aged 75-81. The gang stole approximately €70,000 in cash and jewelry between January and June 2024 by posing as police or lawyers in phone calls claiming a family member had been arrested, then collecting payment in person; much of the stolen property was recovered and returned to victims.
globalnews.ca
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and security experts outline key scam prevention strategies as sophisticated fraud tactics continue to evolve. Scammers commonly exploit fear, urgency, and money as bait through phishing emails, spoofed caller IDs, robocalls, romance scams, and impersonation schemes targeting vulnerable populations including seniors and isolated individuals. The article recommends staying suspicious, stopping to think before acting, and staying protected by verifying requests through official channels and using tools like reverse image searches to identify potential fraud.
ironmountaindailynews.com
Computer scams continue to evolve with increasing sophistication, affecting even experienced and intelligent computer users. This educational piece outlines eight prevalent scam types: imposter/impersonation scams, pig butchering scams (fake investment schemes), romance scams, payment app scams, online shopping scams, delivery scams, lottery scams, charity scams, and robocalls—each employing psychological tactics like creating false urgency, building trust, or exploiting guilt to manipulate victims into surrendering money or personal information. The article advises readers to remain vigilant and informed about these tactics regardless of their computer experience level.
highcountryshopper.com
This educational article outlines four common scams affecting individuals today: work-from-home scams that exploit job seekers through fake employment offers and requests for upfront payments or personal account access; tech support scams initiated by unsolicited pop-ups or calls impersonating companies like Microsoft or Apple to steal data or demand payment; romance scams where fraudsters build trust online before fabricating emergencies to solicit money; and grandparent scams targeting vulnerable individuals with urgent requests for untraceable payments. The article advises readers to verify unsolicited job offers and tech support contacts, be cautious with online contacts requesting money, and report suspected fraud to law enforcement, the FTC, FBI's Internet Crime Complaint
abc17news.com
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and experts advise consumers to protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated scams by remembering the "three S's": stay suspicious, stop and think, and stay protected. Common scam tactics exploit fear, urgency, and money; frequent targets include seniors and vulnerable populations through robocalls, phishing emails, impersonation of authorities, and romance scams—with one 70-year-old woman losing tens of thousands over several months to a romance scammer. Experts recommend hanging up on unsolicited calls and texts, calling official numbers to verify requests, and asking trusted younger relatives to reverse-image search suspicious photos.
states.aarp.org
AARP Louisiana hosted an "Unmasking Fraud" educational event with nearly 150 attendees to equip older adults with knowledge to recognize and prevent scams, featuring expert speaker Paul Greenwood, a stakeholder roundtable, and resource fair. The Louisiana Attorney General's Office received the inaugural Fraud Fighter of the Year Award for its fraud-prevention efforts, and the event was broadcast on AARP Louisiana's Facebook, YouTube, and The Advocate's platforms to reach wider audiences. The event aims to inform future legislative solutions and strengthen Louisiana's protections against the fastest-growing threat to the state's aging population.
rollingout.com
An 81-year-old grandmother from Washington D.C. lost her entire life savings of $109,000 to a phone scammer posing as a Social Security Administration agent who convinced her that her personal information had been compromised and instructed her to transfer funds to secure her accounts. Despite red flags including grammatical errors in a fake Supreme Court certificate and the scammer's requests for unusual payment methods, Baxley made multiple transfers totaling $109,000 before her son discovered the fraud. This case reflects a broader trend in which scams targeting seniors aged 60 and older resulted in over $3.4 billion in losses last year, with experts advising that legitimate government agencies communicate
aol.com
Tennessee's Department of Disability and Aging is working to combat scams targeting seniors, a growing concern as the state's population over 60 is rapidly increasing and projected to reach 28% by 2030. Commissioner Brad Turner emphasizes that caregivers should monitor loved ones' communications and social media accounts for suspicious activity, particularly on Facebook where page cloning and identity theft scams are accelerating. The state offers resources through TN.Gov/disabilityandaging to help victims report scams and recover damages.
710keel.com
Louisiana residents over age 50 are nearly six times more likely to be targeted by scams, with older Americans losing approximately $3 billion to fraud between 2019-2020. Scammers exploit this demographic because they hold 85% of the nation's wealth, have higher credit limits, and tend to be more trusting, with nearly 60% of elder financial exploitation cases perpetrated by their own adult children. The article recommends that family members and friends educate older relatives about current scams, encourage reporting of attempted fraud, and advise contacting local law enforcement if victimized.
bbc.com
An NHS consultant lost £39,000 in a sophisticated scam where fraudsters impersonated his credit card and bank, convincing him to transfer savings to his Revolut account and then delete the app, allowing them to make unauthorized purchases. Dr. Ravi Kumar is one of over 100 customers who contacted the BBC with complaints about poor treatment by Revolut following scams, with the fintech firm named in more fraud reports than any other major UK bank. Revolut initially refused to refund Dr. Kumar despite his authorization being fraudulently obtained, leading him to pursue a claim with the Financial Ombudsman Service.
foxnews.com
Americans lost $5.6 billion to cryptocurrency scams in 2023, a 45% increase from 2022, with over 69,000 complaints filed to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. People aged 60 and older were disproportionately affected, reporting over $1.6 billion in losses across 16,806 complaints, primarily through investment fraud schemes and relationship-building scams that use fake websites and recovery schemes. Common tactics include scammers promising unrealistic returns via unsolicited contact, building trust through dating apps and social media before pushing crypto investment, and impersonating recovery specialists to steal additional funds from victims.
ktvq.com
A Billings business, Colima de Mis Amores, unknowingly facilitated an AI voice scam when a customer transferred several hundred dollars after being deceived into believing her daughter was being held hostage. The store owners later learned they were named in a public warning about the incident and filed a police report; they noted that scammers likely targeted the business after finding it through an online search for money transfer services. The store owners revealed they frequently receive fraudulent calls themselves, highlighting how businesses are common targets for multilingual scams using AI-generated voices, with the Better Business Bureau reporting a median business scam loss of $523 in 2023.
sbs.com.au
Bank impersonation scams, where criminals pose as bank representatives via phone, email, or message to solicit personal information or funds, are rising across Australia and caused $11 million in losses between January and September 2023, with over-55s accounting for 56 percent of impersonation scam losses. To protect yourself, independently verify any banking communication by contacting your bank directly using details from official statements or websites, and remember that legitimate banks never request passwords, security codes, PINs, or ask customers to transfer money for safekeeping over the phone.
bbc.co.uk
An NHS consultant lost £39,000 in May 2024 when scammers impersonated his bank, convinced him to transfer savings to his Revolut account for "safekeeping," then gained access and made unauthorized purchases. Dr. Ravi Kumar is one of over 100 customers who contacted the BBC regarding poor fraud response from Revolut, which refused his refund claim despite the scam. Revolut, a major UK e-money firm with nine million customers, was named in more fraud reports than any other major UK bank according to Action Fraud data.
aol.com
The Federal Trade Commission reported that seniors aged 60 and over lost $1.9 billion to fraud in 2023, with the actual figure likely higher due to underreporting. Older adults were disproportionately targeted by tech support scams, prize/lottery scams, and impersonation fraud, while the number of seniors reporting losses exceeding $100,000 has tripled since 2020. The FTC's Scams Against Older Adults Advisory Group released recommendations across four areas—employee training, research, consumer education, and technology—to help prevent fraud targeting this vulnerable population.
atlantablackstar.com
An 81-year-old Washington grandmother lost $109,000 to a phone scammer who impersonated a Social Security Administration agent and used a fake Supreme Court document to create urgency about bank fraud. The victim transferred funds to shell companies (Yongri Trading Inc. and Shengya WS Inc.) and mailed $15,000 in cash based on the scammer's instructions, while her bank stated it followed proper protocols during the fraudulent transactions.
dailydot.com
Two women were scammed out of $530 while attempting to purchase Gracie Abrams concert tickets through a Reddit and iMessage scheme. The scammer, posing as "Jesse," built trust by using professional communication, sharing photos of tickets, and switching payment methods multiple times (PayPal, Venmo, Facebook Messenger, Apple Cash) before ultimately blocking the victims once the full amount was transferred across various platforms. The women documented their experience on TikTok to warn others about this type of multi-platform payment scam.
ici.radio-canada.ca
Scammers are exploiting high demand for Taylor Swift's sold-out Eras Tour tickets in Canada by hacking social media accounts and posing as friends to sell fake tickets, defrauding victims of thousands of dollars each. One Toronto woman's hacked Facebook account was used to scam at least four people out of up to $1,600 each, and despite numerous reports to Facebook and police, the fraudulent account remained active. Experts recommend verifying seller identity by contacting the person directly, as police note recovered funds are rare due to the volume of fraud reports.
financialplanningtoday.co.uk
In the first half of 2024, investment scams in the UK fell 29% to 3,647 cases, yet losses decreased by only 1% to £56.4 million, indicating that remaining scams are targeting larger sums, with investment fraud accounting for 26% of all authorized push payment scam losses. Overall APP fraud losses dropped 11% to £213 million across 97,344 cases, though only 53% of investment scam losses were recovered by payment service providers. Separate research revealed that 12% of UK adults lost money to financial scams in the past year, with victims losing an average of £1,111.21, and one-
chroniclelive.co.uk
Scammers are placing fake QR codes on UK car park parking machines to redirect drivers to fraudulent websites where they steal credit card details—a phishing tactic known as "quishing." To avoid falling victim, drivers should inspect QR codes for signs of tampering, verify URLs before clicking them, check for website security features and legitimate design, avoid sites requesting excessive personal information, and use official parking apps instead of scanning codes. The article provides five protective measures as QR code scams become an increasingly common threat at parking facilities across the UK.