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gov.uk
The UK government proposed new legislation extending the time banks can delay suspicious payments from one business day to up to 72 hours to investigate potential fraud and protect consumers. This measure aims to address the £460 million lost to fraud annually, particularly from romance scams and purchase scams targeting vulnerable people, by giving banks time to contact customers and intervene before money reaches scammers. Banks must have reasonable grounds to suspect fraud, inform customers of delays, and compensate them for any resulting fees or interest.
perspectivemedia.com
The UK government proposed legislation extending the window for banks to delay suspicious payments from one business day to up to 72 hours, allowing more time to investigate potential fraud and block high-risk transactions. The measure aims to combat authorized push payment (APP) fraud, romance scams, and purchase scams that cost hundreds of millions of pounds annually, with banks required to compensate customers for any interest or late fees resulting from delays.
newpelican.com
This educational piece by attorney Tara David discusses preventing elder financial abuse through careful fiduciary planning and monitoring. Key recommendations include thoughtfully selecting trustees and power-of-attorney agents, reviewing these designations periodically, and revoking documents if agents become untrustworthy—with formal notification to both the agent and financial institutions. The article also advises monitoring elderly individuals' financial statements for suspicious activity, watching for new relationships (particularly remote ones, given that Florida seniors lost over $40 million to romance scams in 2023), and contacting authorities if exploitation is suspected, with guardianship available as a legal recourse for incapacitated individuals.
independent.co.uk
Romance scams in the UK surged 27% in the first half of 2024, with Santander UK customers losing nearly £4 million (average £4,500 per victim), affecting people aged 18 to 93. Key warning signs include rapid declarations of love, avoidance of in-person meetings, vague backstories (often military or overseas workers), requests for financial help during emergencies, and suspicious or unverifiable profile images. Victims should use reverse image searches to verify identities and never send money via untraceable methods like wire transfers or gift cards.
usatoday.com
Federal officials are warning Hurricane Helene victims of an anticipated surge in fraud schemes, including fake charities, identity theft, and fraudulent contractor scams targeting vulnerable disaster survivors. The National Center for Disaster Fraud has received over 220,000 complaints since 2005, and authorities say criminals exploit disaster victims before, during, and after storms by impersonating government officials, soliciting fake donations, and committing price gouging. Experts advise survivors to verify the identities of helpers, avoid sharing sensitive information, obtain multiple repair estimates, and report suspected scams to FEMA or local authorities.
theguardian.com
Meta has partnered with Australian banks through the Fraud Intelligence Reciprocal Exchange (Fire) program to combat celebrity deepfake investment scams, removing over 17,000 fraudulent pages and scam posts in its first six months. Australians reported $43.4 million in social media scam losses to Scamwatch from January to August 2024, with nearly $30 million attributed to fake investment schemes featuring manipulated images of public figures. The initiative enables direct information sharing between Meta and seven major banks to identify and block scams more rapidly, though the program's impact remains limited compared to the overall volume of reported losses.
wdsu.com
This educational alert warns consumers about three common online shopping scams to watch for during major retail sales events (Target Circle Week, Amazon Prime Day, and Walmart's shopping holiday). The scams include: phishing emails/texts falsely claiming account issues and requesting payment updates; fake social media ads directing users to fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate retailers; and untrustworthy third-party sellers who attempt to move transactions off official platforms. Consumers are advised to access company websites directly, verify HTTPS security in URLs, research sellers, and never make payments outside official retail sites.
npr.org
Cambodian investigative reporter Mech Dara was arrested and charged with incitement to commit a felony for social media posts, facing up to two years imprisonment. Dara is known for exposing online scams, human trafficking at scam compounds, and corruption across Cambodia—including "pig butchering" romance scams where victims are defrauded of large sums. His arrest has been condemned by international press freedom organizations and the U.S. State Department, which previously honored him for his anti-trafficking work.
elmoreautauganews.com
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to avoid fraudulent charity scams following Hurricane Helene, as scammers create fake donation websites, social media campaigns, and crowdfunding pages to exploit donors' generosity. The BBB recommends verifying charities through trusted sites like Give.org and Charity Navigator, donating directly through official websites using credit cards, and avoiding unsolicited requests via social media or payment apps. The advisory provides a list of verified national and state-specific relief organizations where donations can be made safely.
spectrumlocalnews.com
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs warns residents to be vigilant against post-Hurricane Helene scams, including fraudsters impersonating FEMA and utility companies to steal personal information through unsolicited calls. The department reminds the public that legitimate government agencies never charge for disaster relief and advises verifying charitable organizations before donating, with resources available through the Secretary of State's office or by calling 1-888-CHARITI.
thewesterlysun.com
Two individuals, Jirui Liu (22, Canada) and Kush J. Patel (22, Connecticut), were charged with wire fraud and money laundering in separate but similar schemes targeting Rhode Island seniors. Liu's scheme defrauded a 79-year-old victim of $35,000 in cash and $130,000 in gold bars through fake pop-up warnings about illegal activity, while Patel's scheme extracted approximately $363,090 in gold bullion from another victim using the same tactics; both defendants were arrested when law enforcement arranged controlled deliveries of counterfeit items.
justice.gov
Tonya Denise Brown, a 48-year-old licensed practical nurse at Tangipahoa Parish Jail, was indicted on nine federal counts in September 2024 for defrauding vulnerable populations. Her schemes included soliciting money under false promises of assistance with criminal cases and disaster benefits (targeting hurricane victims), misusing a notary's identity to defraud FEMA rental assistance and HUD's Restore Louisiana programs, and illegally selling controlled substances including oxycodone online. Additionally, she was charged with making false statements to the FBI and lying to a judge, with potential sentences ranging from 5 to 30 years depending on the charges.
ibtimes.co.uk
An 80-year-old California widow lost her entire $720,000 life savings to an online scammer on WeChat who used "pig butchering" tactics to build trust and convince her to invest in cryptocurrency between August and September 2022. After JPMorgan Chase Bank failed to flag the suspicious transactions despite red flags and her long account history, Lin sued the bank and successfully prevented its dismissal of the case; her experience prompted California State Senator Bill Dodd to introduce Senate Bill 278, which would require banks to implement emergency contact programs and delay suspicious transactions over $5,000 for three business days for elderly customers.
kiro7.com
A 68-year-old South Sound woman lost nearly $140,000 to a Microsoft tech support scam in which a scammer gained remote access to her computer, faked an overpayment error, and instructed her to send two $69,000 cashier's checks to Georgia. According to the FBI, tech support scams are the number one reported cybercrime among seniors 60+, with 18,000 victims losing $3.4 billion last year, and victims often experience shame and hesitation to report the crime due to societal blame rather than receiving the empathy given to violent crime victims.
yahoo.com
A 68-year-old South Sound woman lost nearly $140,000 to a Microsoft tech support scam after a remote access scammer convinced her to send two $69,000 cashier's checks to Georgia under false pretenses. The victim delayed reporting the fraud due to shame and fear of judgment, highlighting how cybercrime victims experience different treatment than victims of violent crime. According to the FBI, tech support scams are the top reported cybercrime among seniors aged 60+, with 18,000 victims losing $3.4 billion in the past year, and resources like AARP's Fraud Watch Helpline (877-908-3360) are available to provide
pcmag.com
As Election Day approaches, scammers are impersonating political campaigns and organizations through text messages to steal personal information and money using three main tactics: fake voter registration alerts with malicious links, fraudulent polling requests, and donation solicitation scams. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links from unknown senders, verify voter registration through official state websites only, and never respond to unsolicited political texts; additionally, enable spam filtering on your phone by using built-in settings like "Filter Unknown Senders" on iPhones or spam protection features on Android devices.
lawyer-monthly.com
Wire transfer scams cost Americans $343.7 million in 2023, with fraudsters impersonating trusted contacts to redirect payments to their accounts through compromised emails, fake documents, or intercepted communications. Wire transfers are nearly impossible to reverse once processed, making them the scammer's preferred method; one victim lost his entire $900,000 life savings intended for a home down payment when scammers hijacked his email conversation with his real estate agent. Common wire transfer scams include real estate fraud, advance-fee loan schemes, fake checks, family emergency impersonations, rental fraud, tech support scams, and business email compromise attacks.
ibsintelligence.com
A Social Market Foundation report found that one in five adults (21%) across 15 countries experienced fraud in the last three years, with the UK alone losing over £9 billion from 10 million victims averaging £907 each in losses. The global fraud crisis costs affected economies £420 billion when including indirect costs like lost productivity, and beyond financial harm, 40% of victims reported reduced trust in others and 12% decreased their use of online technology. The report recommends the UK government lead international cooperation efforts through comprehensive agreements, cross-departmental coordination, enhanced law enforcement resources, and legal obligations for private sector organizations in the fraud prevention chain.
therakyatpost.com
A 50-year-old contractor from Johor Bahru lost RM688,000 in an online investment scam that promised 410% returns over three months, after being lured through a Facebook advertisement and WhatsApp group where scammers posed as investment educators and sent a fake guarantee letter along with a fraudulent mobile app. The victim made 17 transfers between July and September, received an initial return of RM64,000 to build confidence, but had his account frozen when he refused to invest additional funds, ultimately discovering the supposed investment company did not exist. Police are investigating under cheating laws and probing whether money mule accounts were involved in the fraud.
mashable.com
In the first six months of 2024, Americans lost $65 million to Bitcoin ATM scams, with losses increasing nearly 10-fold since 2023. Scammers use various tactics—such as impersonating law enforcement and threatening arrest—to manipulate victims into depositing cash at Bitcoin ATMs; one Houston man lost nearly $60,000 after being told he had an active warrant. The median loss across all ages is $10,000, though consumers over 60 are more frequently targeted, and the FTC warns that if anyone directs you to use a Bitcoin ATM, it is a scam.
wdtv.com
Following Hurricane Helene, West Virginia's Attorney General and the Better Business Bureau warned residents about charity and disaster scams, in which fraudsters solicit donations for fake charities that redirect funds to personal use rather than relief efforts. To protect themselves, donors should verify charities' legitimacy through established databases, avoid cash or wire transfers, pay by credit card, and research organizations independently before giving. Residents who encounter suspected fraudulent charities can report them to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 800-368-8808.
wthr.com
The Indianapolis FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association is hosting a free elder fraud awareness workshop on October 8, featuring forensic accountants and consumer protection officials to educate the community about fraud schemes. The event is being held in response to findings that Indiana seniors lost over $37.8 million to elder fraud in 2023, with Indiana ranking 25th among U.S. states and territories for elder fraud losses.
nola.com
Georges Media Group and AARP Louisiana are hosting "Unmasking Fraud," a free public educational event on October 15 in New Orleans featuring AARP Fraud Ambassador Paul Greenwood, a retired prosecutor with 22 years of experience leading elder abuse prosecution, along with local law enforcement and legal experts who will discuss fraud prevention tactics and resources. The event includes a resource fair, stakeholder roundtable, and will be livestreamed, with AARP reporting that an estimated 141.5 million U.S. adults have been targeted by fraud, emphasizing the need for community-wide prevention efforts and the AARP Fraud Watch Network helpline at 877
thestar.com.my
A 72-year-old woman in Malaysia lost over RM670,000 in a Macau scam after criminals deceived her into believing her identity had been used for criminal activities, then visited her home to steal her savings and jewelry. The incident highlights how scammers deliberately target elderly individuals with limited cybercrime awareness, as younger generations are more resistant to such deception.
insidenova.com
Dumfries town officials signed a TRIAD charter with Virginia's Attorney General on September 26 to protect seniors from online scams and fraud. TRIAD is a collaborative program involving law enforcement, community members, and seniors that aims to reduce crime victimization through awareness campaigns, education, and resource-sharing about local scams and available support services. Virginia has over 200 signed TRIAD agreements and is recognized nationally for having the highest number of active local TRIAD groups.
futurescot.com
Research in Scotland revealed that 400,000 older people have been targeted by online scams, prompting the Cyber and Fraud Centre to relaunch a safety guide addressing cryptocurrency scams, fake calls/emails, and text message fraud. The Cyber and Fraud Hub has handled approximately £250,000 in cryptocurrency fraud cases across all age groups while preventing around £60,000 from reaching scammers, with older adults identified as particularly vulnerable due to lower technology familiarity and greater trust in unsolicited contacts. The guide recommends that seniors remain cautious of unexpected communications, protect personal information, be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, and discuss finances with trusted individuals.
justice.gov
Abilash Kurien, Vice President of International Cargo Airline Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, was sentenced to 32 months in prison for his role in a decade-long fraud scheme that defrauded the company of more than $32 million in revenue. Kurien personally received over $7 million in kickbacks from vendors in exchange for ensuring they received favorable business arrangements, and was ordered to forfeit $7.2 million and pay $23 million in restitution. The scheme involved at least 10 senior executives and employees at Polar and its vendors and operated from 2009 through July 2021.
irvinetimes.com
Romance scams cost Santander UK customers £3.8 million in the six months from March to August 2024, a 27% increase from the previous period, with victims aged 18 to 93 losing an average of £4,500 each. Research found that 50% of people have received suspected scam messages, yet 65% believe they would never fall victim, while nearly 30% would offer financial help to someone they've known less than six months. Santander recommends removing emotion from financial decisions, verifying photos through reverse image searches, being wary of those who avoid video calls, and never sharing money or personal details with online-only contacts.
dailystar.co.uk
Between March and August 2024, Santander UK customers lost £3.8 million to romance scams, representing a 27% increase from the previous six months, with victims ranging in age from 18 to 93 and losing an average of £4,500 each. A survey found that nearly one-third of respondents would send money to someone they've known for less than six months, while half had received suspicious romantic messages online. The bank advises potential victims to remove emotion from financial decisions, verify photos through reverse image searches, request video calls, and never share personal or banking information with new online contacts.
mirror.co.uk
Romance scams targeting UK bank customers increased 27% in six months, with Santander reporting £3.8 million stolen from victims aged 18-93, averaging £4,500 per person. Scammers primarily operate on Facebook and Instagram, building emotional connections before requesting money for flights, medical expenses, or gifts, with nearly a third of victims willing to provide financial support to partners known for less than six months. Beyond financial losses, victims face significant emotional trauma and isolation, though 65% of British adults believe such fraud will never happen to them.
chroniclelive.co.uk
Santander reported that UK customers lost £3.8 million to romance scams in the past six months (a 27% increase), with victims averaging £4,500 lost each across ages 18 to 93. Criminals build emotional relationships with victims before manipulating them into sending money through fabricated emergencies, with the bank noting that 65% of surveyed customers believed they would never fall victim despite half receiving suspected scam messages. Santander recommends performing reverse image searches on photos, refusing video call refusals as red flags, never sending money to online-only contacts, and removing emotion from financial decisions by consulting trusted friends before giving money.
hellorayo.co.uk
Romance scams across the UK resulted in £6.8 million in losses over 12 months, with North Yorkshire police warning that 65% of people believe it won't happen to them despite the significant threat. Scammers typically build trust through fake profiles and emotional manipulation, sometimes persuading victims to sell assets or homes based on false promises, with losses ranging from hundreds to millions of pounds. Police advise against sharing personal information online, sending money to unknown contacts, moving conversations off legitimate dating platforms, or accepting money transfers that could constitute money laundering.
states.aarp.org
Kate Kleinert, a widow, lost tens of thousands of dollars to a romance scam when a fake doctor contacted her on Facebook during the pandemic, posing as a romantic interest. The financial devastation prevented her from repairing her air conditioning, and a resulting house fire destroyed her home and killed her six hospice dogs. Her story was featured on AARP Connected, a new Tennessee television program that addresses fraud prevention and other issues affecting older adults.
states.aarp.org
AARP Connecticut offers a free bimonthly webinar series called "Fighting Fraud with AARP Connecticut" that educates participants on current fraud schemes including artificial intelligence scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and romance scams through expert speakers and safety tips. The next session is scheduled for Friday, October 25 at noon and can be accessed via Zoom by registering at events.aarp.org/FightFraudOct.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
A Bengaluru resident narrowly avoided an iPhone 15 scam when a fraudster posing as a delivery agent attempted to hand over a counterfeit package while refusing to allow the promised "open box" inspection. The resident became suspicious of this policy violation, began recording the interaction, which caused the scammer to flee, and minutes later received the legitimate iPhone from the actual Flipkart delivery agent. The incident highlights the importance of vigilance during high-value online purchases and verifying delivery agent identity and enforcing agreed-upon inspection policies.
icrt.com.tw
A survey of nearly 25,000 Asian respondents found that approximately 30% of Taiwanese scam victims fell for scams within one hour of encountering them, with over 50% reporting weekly scam encounters. Identity theft was the most prevalent scam type in Taiwan at 24%, followed by shopping, investment, and business impersonation schemes, with Facebook (63% of users) and LINE (47% of users) being the primary platforms for fake investment ads and phishing links. Nearly 40% of Taiwanese respondents reported receiving AI-generated scam messages, reflecting a regional trend across Asia.
we-ha.com
The article highlights two major scams: (1) "Card declined" fraud, where fake websites capture credit card information after displaying declined messages, causing victims to lose money and have personal data exposed; and (2) Bitcoin ATM scams, which have resulted in over $65 million in losses in the first half of 2024, with seniors over 60 losing a median of $10,000 each after scammers convince them to deposit cash into machines. The FTC and BBB advise consumers to verify website legitimacy before entering financial information and never withdraw cash or use Bitcoin ATMs in response to unsolicited calls or messages.
newpittsburghcourier.com
This educational article provides guidance on protecting oneself from common scams and fraud. Key advice includes recognizing red flags (urgency, unrealistic offers, suspicious communications), safeguarding personal and account information, and taking preventive steps such as ignoring unrecognized contacts, calling banks directly using verified numbers, avoiding suspicious links, and verifying legitimacy before financial transactions. The article covers major scam types including impersonation of financial institutions, fake retailer accounts, rental fraud, fraudulent tech support, malvertising, and AI-generated "deepfake" impersonations.
news.chubb.com
A global survey of 2,600 respondents across eight countries found that 61% have reduced their use of digital payment platforms due to cyber scam fears, while 46% mistakenly believe their payments are already protected. The survey revealed that 63% have experienced or know victims of cyber scams, with phishing, impersonation, and fake purchase scams being the most common concerns; 75% of respondents indicated that transaction insurance would increase their trust and adoption of digital payments.
prnewswire.com
A global survey by Chubb found that 61% of respondents have reduced their use of digital payment platforms due to cyber scam concerns, despite 46% mistakenly believing their payments are already protected. The study across eight countries revealed that 63% have been cyber scam victims or know someone who has, with phishing, impersonation, and fake purchase scams being the most common threats. Results show that 75% of respondents would increase their trust and adoption of digital payments if transaction insurance were available.
wired.com
Over 200,000 people in Southeast Asia have been forced into operating online "pig butchering" scams by Chinese organized crime groups, generating billions in stolen funds through a scheme that builds false relationships with victims before directing them to fraudulent investment platforms. The FBI reported nearly $4 billion in losses from these scams in 2023 alone, with total global losses estimated at $75 billion or more, and similar operations have now expanded to the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and West Africa. Despite crackdowns by Beijing and international law enforcement efforts, experts warn that the scam continues to proliferate globally as criminal groups replicate the model in regions with weak governance and enforcement.
aol.com
This editorial contrasts traditional scams like Long Leaf Trading Group's $1.2 million commodity fraud scheme with modern consumer fraud that leverages artificial intelligence, voice cloning, and personal data harvesting to create highly convincing imposter scams. Consumer fraud reached a record $10 billion in losses last year according to the FTC, with imposter scams representing the fastest-growing category as criminals exploit social isolation, political divisiveness, and technological sophistication to target vulnerable Americans. Law enforcement efforts have increased but remain outpaced by evolving fraud tactics, though a new generation of tech-savvy anti-scammers on platforms like YouTube are gaining traction in exposing these criminals.
chicagotribune.com
Long Leaf Trading Group, a Chicago-based boiler-room operation, cold-called victims to pitch a fraudulent commodity-trading scheme between 2020 and its prosecution, resulting in customer losses while company traders collected $1.2 million in commissions. The article uses this case to illustrate how consumer fraud has evolved dramatically, with modern scammers now employing AI voice cloning, personal data harvesting, and impersonation tactics that make scams increasingly difficult to detect, contributing to record losses of $10 billion in U.S. consumer fraud in the previous year.
premier.sa.gov.au
South Australia reported 13,183 scams totaling over $15 million in 2023, with romance, investment, classified, and selling scams being most prevalent. A fraudulent Seniors Card website (www.seniorscardportal.au) was also identified, charging $29 for a service that should be free. Authorities urged residents to watch for red flags including pressure to act quickly, requests for unusual payment methods, and suspicious links or attachments.
parisstaronline.com
Three Sarnia seniors lost over $1 million in separate online scams, including a 67-year-old woman defrauded of $350,000 by a man posing as a physician who claimed to need money to evacuate a war zone, a 63-year-old man scammed of $52,500 through a romance and extortion scheme involving fake intimate photos, and a 70-year-old man who lost $710,000 to both a lottery prize scam and a romance fraud by the same perpetrator. Police emphasized that such large losses are common among vulnerable seniors and warned residents to avoid risky online behavior and educate elderly relatives about these schemes.
newshub.medianet.com.au
International Justice Mission (IJM) Australia presented evidence to a parliamentary committee highlighting social media companies' inadequate responses to crimes facilitated on their platforms, including livestreamed child sexual abuse and fraudulent job advertisements that lead to worker trafficking. The organization noted that while AI tools exist to detect and block such content, platforms like Facebook and Skype are not implementing them, and called for stronger action given that Australians lost over $210 million to romance scams in 2022-23 and online child abuse reports increased 45% year-over-year.
justice.gov
Two individuals were charged in federal court for operating online scams targeting Rhode Island seniors. Jirui Liu, 22, of Canada, defrauded a 79-year-old man of $35,000 in cash and $130,000 in gold bars through a scheme involving fake pop-up warnings and impersonation of federal authorities; Kush J. Patel, 22, of Connecticut, defrauded a 72-year-old victim of approximately $363,000 in gold bullion using similar tactics. Both perpetrators were ordered detained and face charges including wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering
khqa.com
First Baptist Church in Quincy, Illinois hosted a senior awareness seminar featuring a presentation by the Better Business Bureau on common phone and mail scams targeting older adults. Key advice emphasized thinking before acting, avoiding sharing personal information, and maintaining vigilance about suspicious communications—described as maintaining "eagle eyes" when answering calls and protecting sensitive data.
dailydodge.com
Investment scams are rising and have surpassed online shopping scams in complaints, according to a Better Business Bureau study. Scammers target victims' desire for easy money through complex cons involving false business opportunities or portfolio schemes, often convincing victims that bank employees are complicit in fraud to prevent them from seeking help from financial institutions. Experts recommend verifying investment opportunities through research, consulting trusted professionals at financial institutions, and avoiding pressure tactics or demands for immediate payment.
forbes.com
The U.S. Senate's Special Committee On Aging held a hearing on elder financial fraud, featuring testimony from AARP's Kathy Stokes revealing that organized transnational crime rings operate like corporations, using emotional manipulation to bypass victims' logical thinking, and that identity fraud alone cost Americans $43 billion in 2023. Scammers are increasingly using AI to create convincing fake communications, emails, and deepfakes, making tech support scams and bank impostor scams harder to detect, though awareness of common tactics and red flags can help protect vulnerable adults.