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in Scam Awareness
cheboygannews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Cheboygan County Sheriff's Department hosted a public forum on April 4 to address rising scam and fraud activity in the area, which officials attributed to increased internet use by consumers. The department provided protective measures including verifying business legitimacy through independent research, using secure payment methods, avoiding gift card payments, and monitoring credit reports. Officials noted that recovery of funds lost to scams—particularly those originating overseas—is extremely difficult.
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Peer-to-peer payment apps like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App lack fraud protections, making them attractive targets for scammers who can quickly transfer stolen funds with virtually no possibility of recovery. To protect yourself, avoid unsolicited money requests and only send funds to people you know personally, treating P2P transactions like cash that cannot be reclaimed. Report suspected scams to local law enforcement or contact AARP's Fraud Watch Network at 1-877-908-3360.
nasdaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Spring's increased home buying and selling activity creates opportunities for scammers to exploit homebuyers and sellers through fake wire transfer requests, impersonation of lenders and realtors, and fraudulent home warranty solicitations. Consumers are advised to verify payment instructions directly with their lender or agent using known phone numbers, avoid wire transfers under pressure, consider certified checks as alternatives, and research home warranty companies through trusted sources like Consumer Reports before making any payments.
newschannel6now.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau reports that AI-powered phone scams are increasing, with scammers using artificial intelligence to imitate loved ones' voices and create urgent situations claiming danger. Contrary to common assumptions, young adults aged 18-24 are the primary targets, not seniors, and these scams represent old fraud tactics repackaged with modern technology. Last year, Americans lost nearly $9 billion to various scams; experts recommend hanging up and calling loved ones directly at their known number to verify any emergency claims.
fox17online.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, U.S. consumers lost a median of $1,167 to travel and vacation scams, prompting the Better Business Bureau of West Michigan to issue warnings about common tactics used by scammers who exploit travelers with unrealistically low prices and fake deals. The BBB recommends consumers plan ahead, research thoroughly, obtain written trip details, use credit cards for payment, and avoid posting travel plans on social media to prevent falling victim to scams year-round.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Multiple victims across Australia, the US, and Canada were allegedly scammed out of approximately $120,000-$126,000 by Putry Thornhill in a fake Bali villa and furniture investment scheme. Thornhill promised high returns on property investments (earning $1,300 monthly on $66,000 investments) but provided only photos instead of contracts, avoided signing agreements, and became uncontactable after receiving funds. Most victims have recovered little to no money, though some received partial reimbursements; NSW police have an outstanding arrest warrant for Thornhill if she returns to Australia.
ncdoj.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Guilford County Sheriff's Office warned of a rising phone scam in which callers impersonate deputies using real officer names and spoofed phone numbers to demand immediate payment of fines under threat of arrest. The article provides guidance that legitimate law enforcement will never call to threaten arrest, victims should independently verify callers' identities, and payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency are red flags indicating fraud.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that using voice technology on smartphones to search for or auto-dial phone numbers can inadvertently connect users with scam numbers staffed by fraudsters posing as legitimate business representatives. These scammers can then steal payment information or personal data from unsuspecting callers. The BBB recommends using traditional search engines to verify numbers, consulting official business websites for contact information, and carefully checking URLs to avoid fake websites.
wusa9.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating "The Tax Group" are using voicemail messages before Tax Day to target taxpayers with offers to enroll them in a fake "Zero Tax Initiative" program, claiming past tax debts can be made non-collectible. The Better Business Bureau and IRS website confirm no such program exists, and the legitimate Tax Group business has reported being spoofed; experts note that tax preparers cannot access filing history without explicit permission, and the IRS never initiates contact by phone, text, or email.
wbay.com
· 2025-12-08
Tech support scammers use fake pop-up warnings claiming a computer is locked or infected to frighten users into calling fraudulent support numbers, where victims may lose money, install malicious software, or divulge personal information. The FBI and FTC report these scams are generating record profits, though one Wisconsin woman avoided financial loss by immediately shutting down her computer and seeking help from a trusted IT professional. To avoid these scams, users should never call numbers on security pop-ups, never grant remote access to strangers, and instead contact trusted tech support or use security best practices like two-factor authentication and regular software updates.
kyuk.org
· 2025-12-08
Alaska's internet fraud losses nearly doubled from $16.5 million in 2022 to $31.5 million in 2023—a 91% increase that far outpaced the national 21% rise—with the FBI noting actual losses are likely underreported. While older adults (60+) represented only about 13% of Alaska's 2,338 fraud victims that year, they accounted for over $8.7 million in losses (more than 25% of the total), with the top fraud types being compromised business emails, investment scams, and romance scams. The FBI emphasizes prevention through strong passwords, caution with virtual relationships and suspicious links,
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Shelley Smith, a 60-year-old Canadian woman, lost approximately $500,000 to a romance scam in 2021-2022 after meeting a man using a fake identity on the dating app Zoosk. The scammer, posing as "Carl Pettersson," gradually manipulated Smith into providing financial support by fabricating emergencies and problems, while isolating her from friends and family who might have warned her. Smith's case illustrates common romance scam tactics—including avoiding in-person meetings, creating false credibility by displaying wealth, and using guilt and emotional manipulation—and serves as a cautionary tale about how vulnerable individuals can fall victim to sophisticated catf
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A Cranbourne NAB banker prevented a woman in her 60s from losing $2000 in a romance scam after noticing red flags during a deposit transaction in February, including affectionate messages, vague answers about the recipient, and a single photo of her supposed boyfriend from Turkey. The scammer had convinced the victim over six months that he needed money for medical treatment abroad, with the funds to be sent to an unknown intermediary in Sydney, a common romance scam tactic. NAB reported a 29 percent increase in romance scam reports, and the bank is implementing additional safeguards including payment alerts and awareness campaigns on dating platforms.
columbiavalleypioneer.com
· 2025-12-08
This editorial highlights the persistent threat of fraud despite increased public awareness, noting that scammers continue to successfully target victims using various tactics. The piece details specific current scams including CRA tax refund text messages and follow-up BC Hydro impersonation calls, and one woman nearly lost access to her bank account before recognizing red flags. The editor advises readers to verify claims through official government websites, remain skeptical of unsolicited offers, and remember that "if it's too good to be true, it probably is."
koamnewsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond warned consumers about a rising wave of cryptocurrency ATM scams targeting elderly victims, where scammers convince people their banks are failing and convince them to withdraw funds and deposit them into virtual currency kiosks, with the crypto then sent irreversibly to the scammer's wallet. The advisory also detailed other related scams including romance scams, pig butchering schemes, fake investment platforms, computer antivirus scams, and impersonation of government agencies, all designed to trick victims into making cryptocurrency payments. Drummond advised Oklahomans to never pay anyone demanding advance cryptocurrency payments and to contact relatives or the Oklahoma Attorney General's office if victimized.
ca.movies.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2018, e-commerce scams were Singapore's leading fraud type with 2,125 reported cases totaling $1.9 million in losses, with approximately 70% occurring on the Carousell marketplace involving electronics and event tickets. Other rising scams included loan scams (which doubled to 994 cases) and China officials impersonation scams (surging 60.6% to 302 cases), though internet love scams declined by 20% following intervention by the Transnational Commercial Crime Task Force, which recovered over $1.4 million and closed 600 bank accounts.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Housing scams are tricking prospective tenants into illegally occupying properties by copying legitimate rental listings at lower prices, requesting deposits via cash apps, and instructing renters to hire locksmiths or replace locks themselves. Once victims move in believing they have a valid lease, they risk becoming unintentional squatters who can lose their occupancy rights despite being defrauded, particularly in jurisdictions with strong tenant protections. Experts recommend verifying property ownership and meeting leasing agents in person before signing agreements to avoid these scams.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
**Death-Hoax Scam Using AI-Generated Obituaries**
Scammers are creating fake AI-generated obituaries of real, living people and posting them on low-quality content sites to generate ad revenue through clicks and search traffic, a scheme recently discovered when Los Angeles Times reporter Deborah Vankin found a false obituary about herself online. The scam targets high-traffic names and fills obituaries with keywords to rank in Google searches; while not directly targeting victims for money, the scheme exploits ad networks and has the potential to significantly impact public figures and celebrities. Users should verify the legitimacy of online obituaries, as personal information is readily available on the
brainerddispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This article outlines three spring scams targeting homeowners: fake wire transfer requests from scammers impersonating lenders or realtors during home closings (which are difficult to reverse once sent), fraudulent home warranty solicitations claiming coverage is expiring or expired, and scams involving fake home cleaning or lawn service companies. The article advises homeowners to verify payment instructions directly with lenders using known phone numbers, avoid high-pressure urgency tactics, and confirm legitimacy of companies through official websites and trusted reviews before engaging services or sending money.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a consumer alert in March 2024 warning renters and homebuyers about fraudulent real estate listings on platforms like Zillow and Facebook Marketplace. The scams involved non-existent properties, artificially low prices, and upfront deposit demands, with one example requiring a $4,500 deposit before viewing and another property used for four separate scams. The alert advises consumers to watch for red flags including wire transfer requests, requests for verification codes or personal financial information, spelling/grammar errors, and prices significantly lower than comparable properties in the area.
kslnewsradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating the College Board and ACT/SAT organizations in phone calls to parents, using personal information about students (names, addresses, schools, testing dates) to appear legitimate and convince parents to pay for test-prep courses. Victims have been charged hundreds of dollars (at least $250 reported) via credit cards, with the Better Business Bureau advising parents to verify any test-prep solicitations directly with their child, school, or the College Board before providing payment information, as legitimate organizations do not request credit information over the phone.
aba.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary of this content. The text provided appears to be a navigation menu or table of contents from a banking industry website (likely the American Bankers Association), not an article or transcript about elder fraud, scams, or abuse.
To create a summary for the Elderus database, please provide the actual article or transcript content about a specific fraud case, scam scheme, or elder abuse incident.
fox5atlanta.com
· 2025-12-08
Georgia ranks as the third most dangerous state for online dating according to a Privacy Journal survey analyzing romance scams, identity theft, violent crime, and STDs. The state leads the nation in identity theft and fraud reports, with 985 STD cases per 100,000 residents, though it has a relatively low romance scam rate of 3.9 per 100,000. Nevada is the most dangerous state overall, while Vermont is the safest, and the article recommends online daters use Facebook groups to identify and avoid scammers.
pineandlakes.com
· 2025-12-08
The Walker office reports receiving daily scams and phishing attempts using various methods to steal personal and financial information from victims. The article highlights three specific scam types: tax season phishing emails impersonating the IRS to collect sensitive information; tech support scams using fake calls or pop-ups to trick users into paying for nonexistent computer problems; and general warnings about unsolicited communications requesting personal data. Victims have lost tens to thousands of dollars to these schemes, though many people successfully identify and report the attempts before losing money.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Albertans reported losing over $156 million to fraud since 2020, with losses reaching $62.5 million in 2023 alone—a fivefold increase from 2020—though experts estimate only 5-10% of incidents are reported due to victim reluctance and embarrassment. Investment scams, particularly cryptocurrency fraud, accounted for nearly 58% of 2023 losses ($35.9 million), followed by spear-phishing attacks that took $8.5 million, with technological advancements and the unregulated nature of cryptocurrency enabling fraudsters to operate across borders with relative anonymity.
wltx.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, 277 South Carolinians lost over $11 million to romance scams, though only 29 cases were reported to state authorities, indicating significant underreporting of this growing threat. Sandra Shealy exemplified the impact when she lost approximately $85,000 after developing trust with a scammer on Facebook who used fake photos, videos, and Zoom calls; she is still repaying the debt. The FBI emphasizes that romance fraud and confidence scams are increasingly common due to easier fake persona creation with AI technology and urges victims to report incidents to improve prevention efforts.
keyt.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, scammers impersonating Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) stole approximately $875,000 from nearly 43,000 customers across California, with an average loss of $785 per victim. The scams, which peaked in early 2024 with $67,000 stolen in January alone, targeted vulnerable populations including seniors, low-income communities, and non-English speakers through phone calls and emails demanding immediate payment via prepaid cards to avoid service disconnection. PG&E advises customers to verify bills through official channels, use only legitimate payment methods (checks, money orders, or ACH transfers), and report suspected scams to authorities or
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Australian families each lost $10,000 to rental scam advertisements on social media, where scammers copied legitimate property listings, forged tenancy agreements, and collected bond payments before victims discovered other occupants already living in the properties. This type of fraud has increased significantly over the past six months, with renters advised to verify properties in person, contact real estate agents directly, search addresses online, and avoid paying bonds or deposits until confirming legitimacy. The scam also poses risks of personal information theft, as criminals often request copies of identity documents during the rental process.
nbcwashington.com
· 2025-12-08
A 64-year-old woman in Leisure World, Maryland was defrauded of nearly $800,000 after a caller posing as a federal investigator convinced her to convert her savings into gold bars under the guise of protecting her from identity thieves. The suspect, Wenhui Sun, collected the gold bars in multiple parking lot exchanges before fleeing with the stolen assets. This cash-to-gold scam has affected at least a dozen seniors in Montgomery County, though police arrested Sun after setting up a sting operation with a decoy victim and $376,000 in gold bars.
reviewjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational piece warning Medicare beneficiaries about phone scams falsely claiming to represent Medicare and offering new plastic cards with chips. The article advises that legitimate Medicare will never call requesting personal information, recommends using a safety script to refuse unsolicited callers, and directs fraud victims to report scams to the Senior Medicare Patrol at 877-808-2468.
alaskapublic.org
· 2025-12-08
Alaska experienced a 91% surge in internet scam losses from 2022 to 2023, jumping from $16.5 million to $31.5 million—nearly double the national average increase of 21%—with seniors over 60 representing about 300 victims but accounting for over $8.7 million (more than a quarter of total losses). The FBI identified the three main fraud types affecting Alaskans as compromised business emails, investment fraud, and romance scams, while emphasizing that actual losses are likely underreported. Authorities stress prevention through strong passwords, anti-virus software, caution with virtual relationships, and reporting incidents to the FBI's Internet Crime
ktvq.com
· 2025-12-08
Montana's Commissioner of Securities and Insurance office is conducting community education across the state to help residents identify scams and recognize vulnerable populations, particularly seniors who are targeted because they typically have more accumulated wealth. The office has identified pig-butchering schemes—a cryptocurrency-based twist on romance scams where perpetrators contact victims online and eventually solicit money or investment advice—as a rising threat in Montana. The CSI emphasizes that education and awareness of common red flags are the most effective prevention methods.
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old South Carolina woman lost $30,000 after scammers posing as her bank instructed her to deposit cash into a Bitcoin ATM at a Circle K gas station, with the funds routed to the criminals instead. She filed a lawsuit against Bitcoin Depot and Circle K under a 2021 South Carolina law allowing civil claims against financial institutions that aid the exploitation of vulnerable adults, arguing the companies failed to prevent the fraud despite profiting over $7,500 from the transactions at inflated markups. The case is part of a broader pattern of elder fraud, with people over 60 losing more than $1.6 billion to fraud in 2022
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Lynn Schofield, age 60, from Louisiana, was sentenced to 12 months in prison (with 6 months home detention) in March 2024 for conspiracy to commit wire fraud involving fraudulent COVID-19 relief loan applications. Schofield and her two adult children submitted false Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications that misrepresented nonexistent or low-earning businesses and falsely claimed loan proceeds were for business purposes, resulting in approximately $282,650 in losses to the Small Business Administration. She was ordered to repay full restitution and serve three years of supervised release.
amac.us
· 2025-12-08
Scams are widespread dishonest schemes used by bad actors to defraud victims through various channels including text, phone, email, and in-person contact, with the goal of stealing money or personal information for identity theft. According to 2023 Gallup data, 15% of Americans reported being scam victims in the past year, with nationwide fraud losses exceeding $10 billion, including $4.6 billion from investment scams and $2.7 billion from imposter scams. The FTC monitors scam trends and urges consumers to protect themselves by safeguarding sensitive information, remaining vigilant against impersonators, and reporting fraud at reportfraud.ftc
tillamookheadlightherald.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 study analyzing Federal Trade Commission data found Oregon ranked 13th most defrauded state in the US, with $97.5 million lost across 29,002 fraud reports. Imposter scams were the most common fraud type in Oregon at 23% of all reports, followed by identity theft (15%) and online shopping scams (9%). The analysis provides guidance on recognizing and avoiding these common scam categories, emphasizing the importance of never sharing personal information with unknown callers and verifying legitimacy through official channels.
wyff4.com
· 2025-12-08
Global scam losses exceeded $1 trillion last year, with Amazon phishing scams among the most prevalent. Amazon has eliminated over 40,000 phishing websites and 10,000 fraudulent phone numbers impersonating the company, resulting in a 15% decrease in fake Amazon scams. The primary threat involves scammers calling unsolicited claiming a large purchase was made and requesting account information to "verify" it; consumers should verify purchases directly through their Amazon account and report suspicious activity to amazon.com/ReportAScam.
news-leader.com
· 2025-12-08
As the April 8 solar eclipse attracts tens of thousands of travelers to Missouri and Illinois, scammers are targeting consumers with counterfeit eclipse glasses and fraudulent rental listings, exploiting patterns from the 2017 eclipse when fake glasses and rental scams proliferated online. The Better Business Bureau advises buyers to purchase eclipse glasses only from vetted manufacturers meeting ISO 12312-2 safety standards, verify rental properties exist through address research and reverse image searches, and use credit cards rather than cash transfer apps to protect against deposit fraud. Consumers should report suspicious products and listings to BBB Scam Tracker.
hermoney.com
· 2025-12-08
Contrary to common stereotypes, younger adults (ages 18-59) are 34% more likely than older adults to report losing money to fraud, with particular vulnerability to online shopping and investment scams. Financial columnist Charlotte Cowles fell victim to an elaborate scam involving fake Amazon and FTC calls that threatened arrest and her child's safety, ultimately resulting in her handing over $50,000 in cash from her emergency fund. The key takeaway is that victims should speak with a trusted person before transferring money, as interruption by someone else is often what prevents financial loss rather than recognizing red flags.
fortune.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating FTC agents are increasingly successful in 2024, stealing an average of $7,000 per victim—more than double the $3,000 average from 2019. The FTC warns that legitimate agents never demand money transfers, direct victims to Bitcoin ATMs or gold purchases, or threaten arrest, and the agency received 228,282 complaints about government impersonation scams in 2023. Overall fraud losses reached a record $10 billion in 2023, with data showing that while younger adults are more susceptible to scams, those over 40 typically lose larger amounts.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Regina Smith, a 34-year-old experienced real estate investor, fell victim to wire fraud in January 2023 when she sent a $60,000 down payment to a scammer who had spoofed emails from her title company for a Memphis property purchase. The fraudster had hacked into the title company's system to access transaction details and create a convincing fake email, causing Smith's home purchase to fall through and resulting in a total loss of her down payment. This case illustrates how real-estate wire fraud is increasing significantly, with the FBI reporting that one in 20 homebuyers and sellers experienced such scams in recent years, with median losses exceeding $70
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating FTC agents are stealing an average of $7,000 per victim in 2024, more than double the $3,000 average from 2019, according to FTC warnings. The scheme typically involves fraudsters posing as government agents who pressure victims to move money to protect their accounts, often directing them to withdraw cash, purchase cryptocurrency or gold, or transfer funds—tactics the FTC explicitly states it never employs. The FTC received 228,282 complaints about government impersonation scams in 2023, highlighting a broader fraud crisis that cost Americans $10 billion in losses last year.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A renter lost $5,430 to an apartment rental scam after finding a fraudulent listing on Apartments.com and wiring money for first month's rent, security deposit, and last month's rent to a scammer posing as a legitimate realtor. The scammer, who was impersonating someone currently imprisoned for drug trafficking, cut off contact after receiving the payments, and the victim reported the incident to police and the FBI after discovering the fraud. The current tenant had reportedly flagged the listing as fraudulent to Apartments.com a week before the scam occurred, but the website did not remove it in time to prevent the victim's loss.
techradar.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating FTC and U.S. government workers to defraud victims, particularly elderly people, by claiming accounts are compromised and directing them to purchase gold bars or withdraw cash to send to couriers. The FTC has issued a warning clarifying it never demands money, threatens arrest/deportation, or directs consumers to Bitcoin ATMs or gold purchases; the FBI received over 14,000 government impersonation reports in the past year, with median losses increasing from $3,000 in 2019 to $7,000 in 2024.
winnipegfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 61-year-old Saskatchewan farmer lost approximately $60,000 to romance scammers over the past decade, including $7,000 in the last year to someone posing as a widowed mother from Utah who promised a romantic relationship in exchange for money for her daughter's medical expenses. Romance scams target vulnerable, isolated individuals through "love bombing"—building trust and affection before requesting money—and affect people across all socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. The Winnipeg Police Service and a local matchmaker partnered to hold a public seminar warning people about these increasingly sophisticated frauds.
independent.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Labour MP Emily Thornberry admitted she fell victim to a parcel delivery scam via text message in which she provided her bank details to fraudsters before realizing the deception. The incident highlights the widespread nature of fraud in the UK, with 3.3 million offences recorded in the year ending June 2023, accounting for approximately 40% of all crime and costing society £6.8 billion annually.
theatlantic.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost a collective $10 billion to fraud in the past year—a first-time benchmark—as scammers exploit social isolation and emotional vulnerabilities using increasingly sophisticated methods targeting romance, finances, immigration, and family emergencies. Risk factors include loneliness and secrecy rather than age alone, with research showing that 10 percent of people aged 18-29 reported being scam victims compared to 9 percent of those 65 and older, though older adults tend to lose higher dollar amounts per incident. Scammers deliberately trigger heightened emotional states to impair rational decision-making and create confidential relationships where victims feel pressured to keep conversations secret.
wuft.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating Federal Trade Commission employees to defraud consumers, with average losses increasing from $3,000 to $7,000 over the past five years. The FTC warns that it never contacts consumers to demand money, request wire transfers, order precious metals purchases, or direct people to cryptocurrency ATMs. Consumers who receive such calls should recognize them as scams and report suspected fraud to the FTC's website.
wmtv15news.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reports that Americans lost over $12.5 billion to fraud and scams in the previous year, with Wisconsin alone experiencing more than 7,000 complaints resulting in $92 million in losses. The FBI has released a list of common fraud warning signs including cryptocurrency investment schemes, impersonation of banks or government agencies, tech support scams, romance scams, and cash withdrawal schemes to help consumers identify if they may be targeted. Victims or those who suspect fraud are encouraged to report incidents to IC3 at www.ic3.gov.