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in Scam Awareness
nbc15.com
· 2025-12-08
The Dane County Sheriff's Office is warning the public about AI-powered grandparent scams where scammers use artificial intelligence to create realistic voice recordings impersonating grandchildren in distress, pressuring grandparents to send money urgently while threatening not to contact parents. These scams affect victims nationwide across urban and rural areas, with losses reaching tens of thousands of dollars per incident, though AI voices may still have a robotic quality that can serve as a warning sign. Law enforcement advises victims to hang up and call family members directly to verify emergencies and recommends adjusting social media privacy settings to limit scammers' access to personal information.
zdnet.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides six practical tips for avoiding online, phone, and in-person scams, using a personal anecdote about a friend who nearly fell victim to a fake Google support call. Key protective measures include being suspicious of unsolicited emails and messages, verifying links before clicking them, recognizing "too good to be true" offers, and contacting companies directly rather than through unsolicited channels. The author emphasizes that awareness and vigilance are essential defenses against increasingly sophisticated scammers.
wmtv15news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Dane County Sheriff's Office warned the public of AI-enhanced grandparent scams where criminals use artificial intelligence to mimic a grandchild's voice and claim they are in danger, pressuring victims to send money in the tens of thousands of dollars. The scam targets elderly grandparents across urban and rural areas, particularly during spring break when college and high school students are away, and succeeds by creating false urgency while telling victims not to contact parents. Law enforcement advises people to hang up and directly call the family member to verify the emergency, adjust social media privacy settings, and listen for robotic tones in the voice recording as a warning sign.
pbs.org
· 2025-12-08
This educational lesson plan teaches grades 6-12 students to identify and respond to online scams through instruction on recognizing suspicious communications via email, text, and phone calls. Key learning objectives include identifying phishing tactics, understanding how scammers manipulate emotions to bypass logical thinking, and knowing how to report scams to authorities like the FTC and APWG. The lesson emphasizes practical security measures such as using multi-factor authentication, avoiding sharing personal information with unknown contacts, and conducting reverse image searches to verify suspicious profiles.
bai.org
· 2025-12-08
Visa's Spring 2024 Threats Report reveals that while the number of individual scam reports decreased from June to December 2023, total monetary losses increased, indicating fraudsters are executing more effective and costly schemes. Emerging scams include "pig butchering" (fake cryptocurrency investment schemes targeting 10% of surveyed adults), inheritance scams (affecting 15% of adults), and triangulation fraud (costing merchants up to $1 billion monthly), with fraudsters increasingly leveraging generative AI and other technologies to create more convincing campaigns. Organizational threats are also escalating, including a 300% increase in ransomware cases and an 83% rise in purchase return authorization frau
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational resource provides guidance on donating safely to charities supporting first responders, active duty military, veterans, and their families. The article emphasizes the importance of researching charities before donating to avoid scams, and covers related topics including crowdfunding platform safety, fake prize scams, and other fraud prevention strategies. Key advice includes verifying charity legitimacy and being cautious of unsolicited donation requests.
doingitlocal.com
· 2025-12-08
Transnational criminal organizations are conducting "pig butchering" investment scams targeting Americans, with older Connecticut residents at particular risk. These scams involve fraudsters building trust with victims through dating apps and social media before directing them to fake trading platforms promising high returns on cryptocurrency or forex investments; cryptocurrency fraud alone reached approximately $4.5 billion in 2023, though total losses since 2021 may exceed $75 billion. Connecticut State Police recovered nearly $4 million in assets for victims in 2023, and residents are advised to watch for warning signs including unsolicited contact, promises of guaranteed returns, pressure to invest quickly, and requests for personal information.
boredpanda.com
· 2025-12-08
A 16-year-old boy was scammed by an online "girlfriend" he had never met in person, who pressured him into purchasing $50-$100 in in-game items by threatening to break up with him if he refused. His father discovered the unauthorized charges, paid them off, and confiscated the son's credit card while requiring reimbursement. The incident highlights how teenagers' emotional vulnerability and lack of online safety education make them susceptible to financial manipulation and exploitation by online predators.
deseret.com
· 2025-12-08
During election season, scammers exploit increased political communications by impersonating legitimate candidates and political action committees to solicit donations from voters, with particular targeting of older Americans. The Better Business Bureau and AARP warn against providing personal information via unsolicited emails, texts, and phone calls, and advise verifying organizations through trusted sources before donating. Suspicious activity can be reported to the BBB's Scam Tracker or the FBI.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Jo O'Brien lost her $500,000 divorce settlement after being deceived by scammers who impersonated AMP employees through a fake comparison website and convinced her to transfer funds into what she believed was her own investment account but was actually controlled by a fraudulent shell company called Supercheap Security. Over $1.3 million from multiple victims was funneled through a NAB bank account, and O'Brien alleges the bank was slow to freeze the account even after she reported the fraud, allowing an additional $275,000 to be transferred overseas. The account operator, Hassan Mehdi, was arrested attempting to leave Australia but charges were later dropped, with the case highlighting vulner
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Bengaluru woman lost Rs 77,000 in a refund scam after receiving spoiled milk from an online grocery platform on March 18, 2024. She contacted a fraudulent customer service number and was instructed to transfer money via PhonePe using a provided UPI ID, believing she would receive a refund; instead, her account was debited. The woman reported the incident to police, who are working to freeze the scammer's account under the Information Technology Act.
welivesecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Loan fraud is surging as financial pressures from inflation and rising costs push vulnerable populations to seek credit, with scammers exploiting this desperation through various schemes. Common tactics include advance-fee fraud (requesting upfront payments for loans that never materialize), student loan forgiveness scams, phishing for personal information, and malicious loan apps—with victims in the UK losing an average of £255 ($323) per incident. Those most at risk are young people, seniors, low-income households, and individuals with poor credit scores who are targeted because they're most likely to be desperate for quick funding.
mha.gov.sg
· 2025-12-08
Singapore's scam problem affected over 46,600 victims in the prior year, with losses totaling approximately $650 million—averaging $14,000 per victim and affecting more than 100 people daily. Contrary to common assumptions about elderly vulnerability, nearly 75% of scam victims were under age 50, with 92% of losses driven by social engineering and deception tactics that manipulate victims into authorizing fraudulent transfers. Government agencies, banks, and telecommunications companies are collaborating through measures including the Anti-Scam Command (which froze over 19,600 accounts and recovered $100 million in 2023) and the ACT public awareness campaign to enhance vigil
whsv.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Virginia residents lost over $200 million to scams according to the Federal Trade Commission. The Better Business Bureau warns that AI-generated content is making scams increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect, with scammers using AI to create fake celebrity endorsements in shopping and investment schemes. The BBB recommends verifying legitimacy through reverse image searches, checking for audio/visual irregularities, and conducting thorough research before engaging with unfamiliar offers.
nbcconnecticut.com
· 2025-12-08
State police are warning the public about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters build trust with victims through dating apps and social media over weeks or months before luring them into fake cryptocurrency or investment schemes that result in financial loss. Cryptocurrency investment fraud grew over 53% in 2023 to approximately $4.5 billion, and Connecticut's Cryptocurrency Working Group recovered nearly $4 million in assets for victims in 2023. Authorities advise people to be cautious of unsolicited investment advice from online contacts, verify that investment companies are registered with regulatory bodies, watch for pressure to invest quickly, and never use unconventional payment methods like wire transfers or cryptocurrency without proper verification.
investopedia.com
· 2025-12-08
Pig butchering scams are a sophisticated investment fraud scheme in which scammers create fake online identities to build trust with victims before stealing their money, often through fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. The scams use social engineering, AI-generated content, and emotional manipulation to exploit victims' vulnerabilities, with billions of dollars in global losses reported. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited messages, verify financial advice independently, and immediately report any suspected scam to your bank and law enforcement.
colorado.edu
· 2025-12-08
Employment scams targeting job seekers pose risks of identity theft and financial loss through unsolicited offers, fake interviews, social media impersonation, and requests for upfront payment. Red flags include vague job descriptions with grammatical errors, pressure to respond quickly, offers that seem too good to be true, and any request for money from applicants. Job seekers should verify opportunities through trusted platforms, research companies independently, trust their instincts, and contact Career Services or report suspicious activity to OIT if they encounter potential scams.
thetimes.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Holidaymakers lost over £12 million to travel fraud last year, with victims averaging £1,851 in losses, according to Action Fraud. Common scams include fake booking websites and clone airline/villa sites, counterfeit ATOL licenses, phishing emails impersonating Booking.com, bogus visa and insurance service fees, and fraudulent airport parking services. To protect themselves, travelers should verify website authenticity, check ATOL certificates at atol.org, pay by credit card for protection, and avoid unsolicited payment requests from booking companies.
globalnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
According to a Valley First branch manager, fraud is a growing threat in Canada, with common scams including investment, grandparent, tech support, romance, and spoofing schemes. In 2023, Canada recorded over 62,000 fraud reports affecting more than 41,000 victims with losses exceeding $554 million, though actual figures are likely higher due to underreporting. Protection strategies include maintaining updated antivirus software, enabling multi-factor authentication, using complex passwords, setting up banking alerts, and avoiding sharing personal information or upfront fees.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
**Ticket Scam Alert: March Madness and NFL Draft**
As Detroit prepares to host NCAA March Madness games (March 29-31) and the NFL draft (April 25-27), scammers are using social media and AI to target fans seeking tickets by posing as sellers with fake or non-existent tickets. Threat intelligence research reveals that crime rings use AI-assisted automation to quickly identify and engage potential victims through social media posts, often using generic language and fraudulent documentation, and victims should only purchase tickets through official platforms like NCAAtickets.com and Ticketmaster, never through third-party payment methods like gift cards or money orders
news8000.com
· 2025-12-08
The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau issued an alert about "can you hear me?" phone scams, where callers immediately ask that question to record a "yes" response for fraudulent purposes. Scammers use the recorded affirmation to authorize unauthorized purchases, target consumers with future scams, or extract personal information by impersonating banks, government agencies, and insurance companies. The BBB recommends screening calls with caller ID, hanging up on unfamiliar callers, joining the Do Not Call Registry, and monitoring financial statements.
desmoinesregister.com
· 2025-12-08
John F. Clarke, a 55-year-old Des Moines man with a long history of scamming women through dating apps to steal their personal and financial information, received a five-year prison sentence for violating probation in Polk and Linn counties by leaving the state, losing employment without notification, and missing probation appointments. The sentence is expected to be followed by additional prison time for his underlying fraud convictions.
canberratimes.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Western Australian scam victims lost over $20 million across 1,398 reported incidents, with investment scams (primarily cryptocurrency) accounting for $12.1 million and dating/romance scams causing $3.7 million in losses. Facebook-based scams topped reported cases, up 62% from 2022, including fake classifieds, rental listings, job offers, and cryptocurrency schemes, with authorities recommending consumers use secure payment methods and verify legitimacy before sharing personal information or funds online.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Three men—Blade Bai, Bowen Hu, and Tairan Shi—were sentenced to 15, 10, and 8 years in prison respectively for laundering gift card fraud proceeds between June 2019 and November 2020. The defendants acquired over 5,000 Target gift card numbers (typically valued at $500 each) from a Chinese fraud ring called "Magic Lamp," then used runners to quickly liquidate the cards by purchasing high-value electronics, targeting mostly elderly victims who had been deceived by telephone scammers posing as government officials or tech support personnel. The scheme involved a transnational network designed to prevent Target from reimburs
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Three Los Angeles County men were sentenced to federal prison (15, 10, and 8 years respectively) for laundering gift cards stolen from telephone scam victims, acquiring over 5,000 Target gift card numbers from a Chinese fraud operation called "Magic Lamp" and using runners to quickly liquidate them at retail stores. The scheme targeted mostly older adults between June 2019 and November 2020, with victims defrauded through impersonation scams by government officials and tech support, and the defendants ordered to pay restitution totaling $194,387.
blog.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP is backing the bipartisan Casualty Loss Deduction Restoration Act to provide tax relief for fraud victims who face unexpected tax liabilities on stolen funds withdrawn from tax-preferred accounts like 401(k)s. The proposed legislation would allow victims to retroactively deduct up to $50,000 in fraud losses, addressing the "double injury" of losing money to criminals and then owing taxes on those losses. Fraud costs Americans $10 billion annually, and this bill aims to provide relief to past victims unable to recover their stolen funds.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued consumer alerts warning residents about disaster-related scams and government imposter scams ahead of severe weather forecasts in March 2024. The alert advises homeowners to avoid price-gougers and fraudulent contractors who exploit storm damage situations by recommending verification of contractor credentials, consultation with insurance companies, obtaining written contracts, and avoiding cash payments or upfront full payment. Residents were also encouraged to report power outages to help the Attorney General's office advocate for consumers regarding utility service reliability.
highlandcountypress.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Indian nationals, Anil Mangukia, 39, and Yash Navadia, 25, were indicted on money laundering conspiracy charges for their roles in an elder fraud courier scam targeting older Americans, including a victim in Warren, Ohio. The defendants and coconspirators stole more than $127,000 and attempted to steal an additional $650,000 by posing as bank employees and government agents, falsely claiming victims' accounts were compromised and instructing them to transfer money, purchase gold, or meet in person to hand over cash and valuables. The perpetrators employed multiple deception tactics including cryptocurrency transfers, direct bank transfers, and physical courier exchanges of
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
The Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG), a violent Mexican drug cartel, orchestrated a sophisticated timeshare scam that defrauded Americans of approximately $40 million in 2022, with victims including many elderly citizens who lost their life savings. The scheme, which evolved from Puerto Vallarta to popular tourist destinations like Cancun, involved multiple layers of deception including high-pressure sales tactics, upfront fees, and fake recovery lawyers making restitution promises over years-long periods. The FBI received over 600 complaints with losses of $39.6 million in 2022, prompting federal sanctions against the cartel's network and a multi-agency
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG) orchestrated a sophisticated timeshare scam that defrauded Americans of approximately $40 million in 2022, with many elderly victims losing their life savings. The scheme, originating in Puerto Vallarta and expanding to tourist destinations like Cancun, involved high-pressure sales tactics, upfront fees, and years-long follow-up scams posing as recovery lawyers—one victim alone lost nearly $1.8 million through 99 wire transfers. The U.S. Treasury and FBI responded with sanctions and warnings starting in 2023, freezing assets and restricting dealings with identified companies and fugitives involve
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
The Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG), a Mexican drug cartel, orchestrated a sophisticated timeshare fraud scheme that defrauded Americans of approximately $40 million in 2022 alone, with the scam now estimated to steal hundreds of millions annually. The operation targeted elderly U.S. citizens, using high-pressure tactics to collect upfront fees for timeshare sales, then became evasive; scammers later posed as lawyers offering false restitution to keep victims engaged through repeated wire transfers. The FBI received over 600 complaints in 2022, and the U.S. Treasury imposed multiple rounds of sanctions against cartel members and Mexican companies involve
ksnblocal4.com
· 2025-12-08
Right at Home, a home health care service in Nebraska, is warning families about common scams targeting older adults, particularly government impersonation scams (IRS, Social Security, Medicare) and charity fraud. The company advises vulnerable seniors to verify suspicious mailings with family members, be cautious of charity solicitations on social media, and allow trusted individuals to monitor bank statements, while noting that their caregivers are trained to identify and help prevent elder fraud.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Between 2022 and 2023, sextortion reports involving children in Greater Manchester increased by 300 percent, rising from 22 to 88 cases, with a greater than 600 percent increase since 2020. Sextortion is a blackmail scam in which criminals create fake identities to befriend victims online, request explicit photos, then demand money under threat of sharing the images with the victim's social media contacts. Greater Manchester Police emphasized the seriousness of these crimes and encouraged victims to report to authorities or contact Crimestoppers anonymously, noting that victims should not feel ashamed as this crime is not their fault.
knoxpages.com
· 2025-12-08
Ohio residents lost over $150 million to financial scams in 2023, with identity theft, imposter fraud, and online shopping scams being the most prevalent types, according to state authorities. Ohio ranked 12th nationally for identity theft cases in 2023, with younger residents at risk through social media exploitation and seniors vulnerable due to larger financial holdings. Law enforcement recommends reviewing financial statements regularly, avoiding unsolicited requests for payment via gift cards or prepaid cards, and remembering that legitimate government agencies do not solicit personal information via email.
wibx950.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending fraudulent emails impersonating streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, claiming memberships have expired and directing recipients to click links and enter credit card information. The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to verify emails directly with companies, watch for red flags like suspicious sender addresses and poor grammar, track subscription renewal dates, and report suspected scam emails rather than clicking links or providing payment information.
longmontleader.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 QRFY study found that Colorado ranked seventh in the nation for fraud losses, with residents losing $161.2 million total ($2.8 million per 100,000 residents) across 40,625 reported scams to the FTC. Imposter scams were the leading fraud type at 19% of incidents, followed by identity theft at 17%, with scammers commonly posing as banks, utilities, or police to trick victims into sending money or purchasing gift cards via phone, email, or text.
helpnetsecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and costly, with consumers losing more money despite fewer individual reports, according to Visa research. Key threats include pig butchering scams (targeting 10% of adults via fake cryptocurrency schemes), inheritance scams (affecting 15% of adults), humanitarian relief scams, and triangulation fraud (costing merchants up to $1 billion monthly), all leveraging generative AI and emerging technologies to deceive victims more effectively. Additionally, threat actors are exploiting organizational vulnerabilities, with PRA fraud attacks rising 83% and ransomware cases increasing 300% year-over-year, while over one-third of scam victims do not report their losses, indicating actual
clickondetroit.com
· 2025-12-08
Pig butchering is a rapidly growing cryptocurrency investment scam originating in Southeast Asia where fraudsters create fake profiles on dating apps and social media to build romantic or personal relationships with victims. Scammers gradually introduce cryptocurrency investment opportunities through fake platforms, encouraging victims to invest small amounts initially (showing modest returns to build trust) before manipulating them into depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars, after which the scammer disappears with all funds. Victims are advised to avoid strangers requesting cryptocurrency investments, be wary of those refusing video calls, and verify investment platforms match official websites before depositing money.
businessworld.in
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams in India have evolved significantly, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes and voice technology to create convincing fake profiles and impersonate romantic interests. According to 2023 reports, 43% of Indians fell victim to AI voice scams (83% of whom lost money), 77% encountered AI-generated fake profiles on dating apps, and 66% have been targeted by online dating scams. Experts recommend public education on scam warning signs, stronger regulations from dating platforms and law enforcement, and user vigilance—particularly protecting vulnerable populations like elderly widowed individuals—through identity verification and avoiding sharing sensitive personal information with online strangers.
knoe.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of Bitcoin ATM scams in which fraudsters contact victims and pressure them to transfer money from legitimate accounts to Bitcoin ATMs, exploiting the virtual currency's lack of security. Victims should only discuss fund transfers with their actual investment banker or representative and report suspected scams to the BBB at (318)-387-4600.
6abc.com
· 2025-12-08
West Chester, Pennsylvania police received over 25 calls over a weekend from residents targeted by scammers posing as police officers claiming they had warrants or felonies pending, an international scam that is difficult to trace. Authorities warn that scammers are attempting to obtain personal information from victims, with past cases showing that people who provide information believing it will resolve legal issues often experience additional fraud problems. Imposter scams reported to the FTC increased 12% year-over-year, and while no confirmed victims were reported in this particular incident, residents are advised to contact police if they receive such calls.
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Last year, New Zealanders reported losses of nearly $200 million to scams, though actual losses may exceed $2 billion when unreported cases are considered, with two-thirds of Kiwis encountering scams monthly. ASB Bank is spearheading a multi-sector anti-scam initiative with telcos, police, and social media companies, while launching an awareness campaign that outlines common scam types—including phishing, marketplace fraud, investment schemes, and romance scams—along with protective measures such as verifying contacts directly, inspecting goods in person, researching investments thoroughly, and guarding personal information.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A 34-year-old woman lost $60,000 in a wire fraud scam when she received a fraudulent email impersonating her title company to send a down payment for a home purchase in Memphis, Tennessee in January 2023. Scammers had hacked the title company's system to obtain property details and mimic the agent's communication style, making the fake email appear legitimate until she noticed a misspelled realtor's name an hour after wiring the funds. Although the Secret Service eventually recovered her money, she missed out on the property purchase, highlighting the increasingly sophisticated nature of wire transfer fraud targeting real estate transactions.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
A pharmacist fell victim to an elaborate impersonation scam when scammers spoofed the Ohio Board of Pharmacy's number, falsely claiming her license was linked to a narcotics investigation and threatening arrest unless she paid a $500,000 bond. Over three months, the scammers manipulated her into moving $500,000 of her savings and retirement funds into a "protected account" and taking out two additional loans totaling $250,000, all of which went directly to the fraudsters. The article notes that scams are rising nationally, with Americans losing over $159 billion in 2023, and that professionals with specialized licenses and higher incomes—such as pharmacists
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Allegheny County Sheriff's Office reported an increase in phone scams over a 10-day period targeting medical and education professionals. Scammers impersonated legal authorities, claiming victims missed jury duty or court testimony and threatened arrest unless they paid fines via gift cards or payment apps. Authorities identified requests for gift card or app-based payments as a red flag indicator of fraudulent calls and urged victims to report them to the sheriff's office.
wpxi.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old New Castle, Pennsylvania man lost $18,600 ($15,000 in cash plus $3,600 in gift card codes) in October after clicking on a malware pop-up that mimicked Microsoft or the FBI and prompted him to call a scammer for technical support. Pennsylvania State Police warn the public to avoid calling numbers on suspicious pop-ups, never allow remote computer access to unknown parties, and remember that legitimate companies never request payment via gift cards or cash; victims should contact their bank, change passwords, and consider a credit freeze.
heraldextra.com
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration recently warned of increasing fraud schemes in which scammers change bank account numbers to divert benefit checks to themselves. AARP's Fraud Watch Network offers free, comprehensive resources to help people of all ages combat fraud through educational materials, scam-tracking maps, real-time alerts, and a community reporting system. The platform covers various fraud types including identity theft and online scams, accessible via newsletters, social media, and a dedicated website.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonate legitimate businesses via email, claiming subscriptions have expired or will auto-renew, and direct recipients to fake websites to steal credit card and personal information. Consumers should verify emails by checking sender addresses for red flags, contacting businesses directly using official phone numbers, tracking subscription dates, and consulting BBB Scam Tracker before providing payment information. One victim received a fake Sirius XM renewal notice the day after their actual renewal date but avoided loss by verifying their account directly with the company.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Spring's busy home-buying and home-improvement season creates opportunities for scammers to target homeowners through three main schemes: fake wire transfer requests impersonating lenders or realtors to intercept down payments and closing costs, fraudulent home warranty solicitations claiming policies are expiring or offering fake coverage, and home improvement scams. Homeowners can protect themselves by verifying payment instructions directly with lenders through known phone numbers, avoiding high-pressure tactics, using certified checks when possible, and purchasing warranties only from legitimate companies verified through Consumer Reports or trusted referrals.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
Police warn that lonely and retired seniors are susceptible to investment and love scams, with victims losing substantial sums including one retiree who lost RM2 million in a cryptocurrency investment scheme and a 60-year-old widow who transferred RM200,000 to a fake online romantic interest. Scammers exploit victims' lack of cybersecurity awareness and isolation by posing as investment opportunities or authority figures on social media, with victims often refusing to believe they've been defrauded. Authorities recommend frequent family contact, cybersecurity education, and vigilance against online relationships that involve requests for money or gifts.