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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
wvnews.com
· 2025-12-11
During the holiday season, scammers increasingly target senior citizens through charity fraud, fake online shopping websites, and phone impersonation schemes, exploiting the elderly's trust and less familiarity with modern technology while people are distracted by festivities and shopping. West Virginia's Secretary of State warns that fraudsters use emotional appeals and urgency to manipulate victims into donating to fake charities or providing credit card information for nonexistent purchases. To protect yourself, verify charities using the official list at erls.wvsos.gov, be cautious of unsolicited donation requests, avoid clicking suspicious links, and never share payment information without independently confirming the legitimacy of the organization or seller.
hcamag.com
· 2025-12-11
A new report reveals that half of small and medium-sized businesses fell victim to scams in the past year, with scammers deliberately bypassing technical security by targeting employees through social engineering, phishing, and deception rather than sophisticated cyber attacks. Despite 64% of businesses reporting increased scam activity, 45% don't prioritize cybersecurity training, leaving staff vulnerable to manipulation when rushed or distracted. Businesses should implement employee training programs and use available security tools like two-step authentication and dual-approval payment processes to protect themselves, as victims lose an average of over $5,000 per scam incident.
sea.mashable.com
· 2025-12-11
In 2025, text message-based scams have become increasingly prevalent, with the E-ZPass toll scam being the most common—scammers falsely claim you owe unpaid tolls and threaten license suspension to pressure you into clicking malicious links. Other widespread scams include DMV scams, fake job offers, romance scams, and malware schemes that affect anyone with a phone or internet access. To protect yourself, never click links in unsolicited texts, don't respond to suspicious messages, and if you have legitimate concerns about tolls or other issues, contact official agencies directly rather than through text communications.
ibtimes.co.uk
· 2025-12-11
Identity theft in America has surged dramatically, with criminals using AI technology to create fake accounts, forge IDs, and impersonate trusted contacts—causing over half of victims to accumulate unwanted debt and experience significant credit score drops of 50-200 points. The problem has become so widespread that three in five American families now report a child targeted by identity theft, affecting access to mortgages, loans, and job opportunities. To protect yourself, monitor your credit reports regularly, use strong authentication methods, and consider credit monitoring services; if you suspect identity theft, contact the FTC and your financial institutions immediately.
whnt.com
· 2025-12-11
Franklin County, Alabama is experiencing a surge in scams targeting residents, including phone fraud where scammers impersonate deputies claiming victims missed court dates or jury duty, and romance scams conducted over the internet. A 90-year-old Red Bay woman lost over $18,000 after being tricked into sending money across 37 transactions by someone claiming to help with debt. Sheriff's officials urge residents to never send money over the phone and to report suspected scams to local law enforcement immediately.
bostonglobe.com
· 2025-12-10
During the holiday season, scammers exploit busy and stressed shoppers by impersonating trusted contacts and requesting payment through gift cards, which function like untraceable cash once the code is shared. To protect yourself, slow down when responding to unexpected calls, emails, or texts; verify the sender's identity independently; and never buy gift cards or share their codes with unfamiliar people, as this is one of the most common and costly scams year-round. Getting a second opinion from a trusted family member before responding to suspicious requests is an effective way to avoid becoming a victim.
thisismoney.co.uk
· 2025-12-10
A UK resident lost £488.88 to a Winter Fuel Payment scam after clicking a seemingly legitimate gov.uk link in a text message and entering their bank details, but their bank HSBC refused to reimburse them despite being notified of the fraud immediately. These scams have been widespread throughout 2025, particularly targeting pensioners worried about losing the crucial £300 winter heating allowance, with about 14% of targeted individuals losing money or personal data. To protect yourself, verify any government payments through official channels directly rather than clicking links in unsolicited texts, and contact your bank immediately if you suspect fraud, as quick action may help prevent unauthorized transactions.
androidpolice.com
· 2025-12-10
Google has added a new security feature to Android that uses Circle to Search to help users identify scams and fraud messages in real time—users can simply highlight suspicious messages, and the tool will indicate whether they're genuine or fraudulent. This feature addresses a common problem where scammers send deceptive messages through Google Messages and social media, and complements Android's existing protections like on-device fraud detection and call-blocking capabilities. To protect yourself, use this new Circle to Search feature whenever you receive questionable messages before responding or clicking any links.
forestparkreview.com
· 2025-12-10
Scams are increasingly widespread, affecting 73% of Americans across all age groups, with adults aged 30-49 being hit hardest at 77%. The author fell victim to a common scam where fraudsters posed as a streaming service after appearing in sponsored search results, gaining remote computer access and opening a $500 Home Depot account in her name before she disconnected. To protect yourself, verify phone numbers directly on official websites rather than through search results, never grant remote computer access to unsolicited callers, and be suspicious of requests for authentication codes—stopping the interaction immediately if something feels wrong.
wlbt.com
· 2025-12-10
# Holiday Phone Scams Summary
Scammers are increasingly targeting people during the holiday season using sophisticated tactics like spoofing local phone numbers and texting, with seniors targeted by phone and younger people via text and social media, according to the Better Business Bureau. Common scams include fake arrest calls about missed jury duty, requests to update healthcare information, and fraudulent IRS calls, which can result in damaged credit and take up to two years to recover from. To protect yourself, let suspicious calls go to voicemail, verify numbers by searching them online, block and report spam numbers, and consult the BBB if unsure about a caller's legitimacy.
aol.com
· 2025-12-10
Seniors are increasingly targeted by scammers who exploit their savings, home ownership, and relative unfamiliarity with technology to commit fraud. Common scams include unsolicited calls selling unnecessary products like medical-alert devices, lottery/prize schemes requiring upfront fees, and fake mobile health clinics that bill insurance and Medicare using stolen personal information. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls and emails, never pay upfront fees for prizes you've won, verify any medical services through official channels, and report suspicious activity to the FTC.
kpbs.org
· 2025-12-10
Elder scams cost San Diego County seniors $149 million in a single year, with scammers becoming increasingly sophisticated and targeting vulnerable populations during the holiday season and year-round. The San Diego District Attorney's Office is working to raise awareness about common scams and encourage reporting by removing the stigma and shame that often prevents seniors from coming forward, emphasizing that anyone—regardless of education or intelligence—can fall victim to these crimes. To protect yourself, stay vigilant about unsolicited contacts, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information or money, and report suspected scams to local authorities rather than suffering in silence.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-10
A Massachusetts couple in their seventies lost their entire life savings after falling victim to a common scam that exploited their concern over fraudulent charges—a scammer posing as their bank convinced them to withdraw $7,000 and purchase Apple gift cards, then disappeared with the codes. Americans aged 60 and older lost $4.8 billion to scams last year, making seniors nearly twice as vulnerable to fraud as the next age group. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited calls claiming to be from your bank, never purchase gift cards at a scammer's request, and verify caller identity by hanging up and calling your bank directly using the number on your card.
wflanews.iheart.com
· 2025-12-10
Florida officials have launched Operation Senior Shield, a free alert system designed to help seniors and caregivers identify and prevent scams through phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups. The initiative comes as Florida ranks second nationally in elder fraud complaints, with seniors losing an average of $32,000 per victim and totaling about $300 million statewide in 2023. Anyone concerned about scam targeting can sign up for Operation Senior Shield to receive alerts and educational resources that help seniors recognize fraudulent schemes before they result in financial loss.
waff.com
· 2025-12-10
# Franklin County Warns of Growing Scam Problem
Franklin County, Alabama law enforcement is warning residents about a surge in scams targeting people of all ages, including romance scams, fake sheriff's office bail bond offers, and debt relief schemes that have cost victims thousands of dollars—with one elderly person losing over $18,000 in 37 transactions. Authorities urge residents to never send money by phone, share personal information with callers, or conduct business via text or social media; instead, they recommend independently contacting the organization or sheriff's office directly if you're unsure about a request. Many scammers operate overseas and may never face prosecution, making prevention through awareness and family discussions about new technology particularly important.
psychologytoday.com
· 2025-12-10
Political scams are surging, with scammers impersonating politicians and campaigns to trick voters into donating money, particularly targeting seniors like Susan J., whose grandmother nearly fell for a call from a cloned campaign phone number. Adults over 60 lost an estimated $1.9 billion to fraud in 2023 (possibly much more), with political scams representing a growing portion of that total as elections become more polarized and digitized. To protect yourself, pause before giving financial information over the phone, verify requests by contacting campaigns directly through official websites, and discuss suspicious calls with trusted friends or family before taking action.
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NBC 6 South Florida
· 2025-12-09
An elderly woman named Christine lost $6,000 in a grandparent scam after receiving a panicked call from someone claiming to be her granddaughter Addison asking for emergency money; authorities believe the caller used AI-generated voice technology to impersonate her granddaughter, who was actually safe at work. The grandparent scam is a widespread fraud affecting over 147,000 victims annually with losses totaling nearly $4.9 billion, and scammers are increasingly using readily available AI voice-cloning tools that require minimal audio samples to create convincing impersonations.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-09
# Scam Text Message Protection
Many people receive multiple scam texts daily targeting them with phishing messages about taxes, free gifts, and other schemes. The good news is that enabling your phone's built-in message filtering—available in both iOS and Android—automatically separates texts from unknown senders into a separate folder, making it easy to avoid these scams. Experts recommend staying skeptical of any messages from unfamiliar numbers, never clicking links in suspicious texts, and ignoring offers that don't apply to you, as scammers increasingly use fake "wrong number" tactics and romance schemes to manipulate victims into sending money or joining fraudulent investments.
psychologytoday.com
· 2025-12-09
Political scams are surging as scammers impersonate politicians and campaigns to trick voters into donating money or sharing personal information, with seniors being particularly vulnerable targets. One example involved a scammer cloning a real campaign's phone number to solicit donations, affecting millions including a politically engaged grandmother in Virginia. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited political calls asking for credit card information over the phone, verify requests through official campaign websites, and discuss suspicious messages with trusted neighbors or family members before responding.
fox13now.com
· 2025-12-09
During the holiday shopping season, scammers are sending fake text messages and emails claiming to be from shipping companies or retailers, asking recipients to click links to update delivery information or warning that packages will be returned if personal details aren't provided. These scams aim to either steal money through bogus fees or harvest personal information and install malware that can be used for identity theft and account fraud. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages and instead go directly to retailer or shipping websites to track packages, and never pay fees to expedite delivery through suspicious links.
wwaytv3.com
· 2025-12-09
New Hanover County officials are warning seniors about a surge in online scams during the holiday shopping season, with the District Attorney's office hosting a prevention workshop to educate the community on recognizing and reporting fraud. Seniors are particularly vulnerable, and law enforcement emphasizes that recovering money after being scammed is extremely difficult. To protect themselves, seniors should avoid offers that seem too good to be true, be cautious of social media purchases, research unfamiliar sellers, and never share personal information like Social Security numbers with unknown callers.
wvva.com
· 2025-12-09
During the holiday season, scammers intensify their fraud schemes, targeting seniors who are often more trusting and polite, making them vulnerable to losing their retirement savings and pensions. West Virginia officials warn families to protect older loved ones by verifying charities through the official state registry before donating and being cautious of unsolicited phone and internet contacts. Anyone who suspects fraud should immediately report it to the Secretary of State's Investigations Division at 877-FRAUD-WV to help protect other seniors.
we-ha.com
· 2025-12-09
I don't have access to the full article text for "Consumer Diary: Seniors' Scam Losses, Virtual Casting Call." The content you provided only shows a list of headlines from West Hartford News, not the actual article about seniors' scams.
Could you please share the complete article text so I can provide an accurate 2-3 sentence summary with details about what happened, who was affected, and actionable advice?
fox16.com
· 2025-12-09
Law enforcement in Baxter County, Arkansas arrested three men acting as "money mules" who were sent to collect cash from senior citizens in elaborate scams. The arrests were part of undercover operations involving the FBI, Homeland Security, and a TV production company, where decoys and fake houses were used to catch the criminals—one operation involved a scammer trying to collect $250,000 from an 86-year-old and another targeting a 95-year-old for $60,000. Seniors should be extremely cautious of callers claiming to be FBI or government officials demanding urgent cash payments, overpayment refunds, or threatening legal action, and should always verify requests through official channels before sending money.
devdiscourse.com
· 2025-12-09
Law enforcement arrested four cybercriminals who defrauded a cancer patient of Rs 1.30 lakh by impersonating insurance officials and convincing victims they needed to pay processing charges for refunds. The suspects targeted policyholders expecting insurance settlements, exploiting their financial vulnerability. To protect yourself, verify official communications directly with your insurance company or regulatory bodies using contact information from their official websites, never through numbers provided by callers.
en.yna.co.kr
· 2025-12-09
Forty-six suspects have gone on trial in South Korea for their involvement in an international online scam ring operating from Cambodia and Thailand that defrauded over 110 victims of approximately $6.4 million through romance scams, impersonation fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes. The defendants, mostly men in their 20s, were repatriated from Cambodia in October as part of a crackdown that arrested 64 suspects total. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited romantic advances online, never trust callers claiming to be prosecutors requesting payment, and be wary of unsolicited cryptocurrency investment opportunities.
thv11.com
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old Port Richey, Florida man lost tens of thousands of dollars to a romance scam involving an AI-generated woman named "Bonnie" who claimed to be in Australia; the scammers, traced to Nigeria, convinced him to take out loans, wire money, and send Bitcoin, leaving him facing a $22,000 bank debt and potential bankruptcy and loss of his home. The victim, a retired firefighter and police officer, is now advocating for other seniors to recognize warning signs, noting that Florida ranks second nationally in elder fraud cases, with only one in five victims reporting the crime.
wafb.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational awareness piece highlights two prevalent scams targeting consumers: Amazon smishing, where scammers text victims impersonating Amazon to trick them into entering personal and purchasing information through fraudulent links under the guise of refunds or recalls; and fake sports gambling sites, where scammers operating unsecured platforms steal users' private information and refuse payouts or demand money after losses. The article recommends avoiding unexpected message links, using official Amazon customer service channels, and relying only on licensed sportsbooks when gambling online.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article addresses the widespread problem of spam calls in the US, noting that over 40% of Americans never answer unknown calls due to spam concerns. The piece provides practical guidance on blocking unwanted calls using built-in features on Android and iOS devices, as well as carrier-specific tools like AT&T's ActiveArmor and Verizon's Call Filter, many of which are available for free or at a low monthly cost.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scams resulted in $9.3 billion in reported losses in 2024, with $5.8 billion specifically from investment fraud schemes; seniors over 60 suffered approximately $2.8 billion in losses. Scammers increasingly use AI-generated deepfakes of celebrities and trusted contacts to convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrencies or surrender wallet access. The article advises investors to verify the legitimacy of coins and sources, never share private wallet information, use multi-factor authentication, and carefully examine exchange website URLs before investing.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
A PYMNTS Intelligence study of 10,103 U.S. consumers found that approximately 77 million adults (3 in 10) lost money to scams over the past five years, with many losing more than $500. Modern scammers use mass personalization to tailor fraud schemes by age, income, and habits—targeting Gen Z through social media, older adults via email and phone calls, and selecting contact channels that feel legitimate to each demographic. The study reveals that scams now account for 27% of U.S. financial institutions' fraud losses in 2024 (up from 12% in 2023), highlighting the need for dynamic defenses including behavioral monitoring
wtsp.com
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old Port Richey, Florida man lost tens of thousands of dollars to a romance scam involving an AI-generated persona named "Bonnie" that originated from Nigeria; the scammer convinced him to take out loans, wire money, and send Bitcoin, leaving him facing a $22,000 bank debt and potential bankruptcy with his home at risk. Cruz, a retired firefighter and police officer, attributed his vulnerability to loneliness after losing all his family members, and now advocates warning other seniors to trust their instincts when something feels wrong. Florida ranks second nationally in elder fraud cases, with only one in five victims reporting the crime and a 40% increase in reports over the past five
kpel965.com
· 2025-12-08
The "Phantom Hacker" scam has stolen over $1 billion from Americans since 2024, primarily targeting seniors age 60+ in Louisiana and nationwide. The sophisticated three-phase operation uses impersonators posing as tech support, bank officials, and government employees to gain access to victims' computers and financial accounts, often resulting in complete loss of retirement and savings accounts. Scammers now employ AI technology to personalize attacks through social media analysis, making their schemes more convincing.
wltx.com
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old Port Richey, Florida man lost approximately $22,000 to a romance scam involving an AI-generated woman named "Bonnie" who claimed to be working in Australia; the scammers were traced to Nigeria and used Facebook messages and videos to build trust before convincing him to take out loans, wire money, and send Bitcoin. Cruz now faces potential bankruptcy and the risk of losing his home as his bank demands repayment, though he is sharing his story to warn other seniors. The case highlights Florida's ranking as the second-highest state for elder fraud in 2023, with only one in five victims reporting such crimes and a 40% increase in reports over the past
losaltosonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Los Altos, where over 20% of the population is age 65+, has experienced significant elder fraud and abuse in recent years, with the police department responding to 12 elder abuse cases resulting in charges, 23 Adult Protective Services reports, and 17 identity theft and check fraud cases involving elderly victims since the beginning of the year. Most elder financial abuse involves strangers using email/text scams impersonating legitimate companies, phishing links, ATM card theft through distraction tactics, and emerging technologies like AI voice cloning and cryptocurrency schemes. Law enforcement emphasizes that seniors should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify caller identities through independent contact, remain cautious of emerging scam technologies
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
A new Social Security scam targets seniors by impersonating Social Security Administration officials through phone calls, texts, and emails, claiming victims must verify their details to receive Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) benefits or face account suspension. Scammers use pressure tactics and threats of benefit loss to extract personal information like Social Security numbers and bank details, or to pressure victims into sending money via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The SSA never initiates unsolicited contact requesting sensitive information; legitimate COLA notices are delivered by official mail or through secure online accounts, and victims should hang up, verify the caller independently, and report suspicious contact directly to the SSA.
thegeorgiasun.com
· 2025-12-08
Georgia ranks 7th nationally for senior fraud losses, with older residents losing an estimated $1.57 million per 100,000 people in 2024, while seniors across the U.S. reported $4.8 billion in fraud losses total. The most common scams targeting older adults include imposter scams, shopping fraud, and high-stakes crypto and romance schemes, with individual crypto and romance fraud cases averaging over $108,000 in losses. Experts recommend families discuss scams with elderly relatives, watch for pressure tactics and unusual payment requests, and report suspicious activity to protect the state's 1.7 million residents over 60.
tradingview.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting the UK's upcoming corporate transparency reform by sending phishing emails and making fraudulent calls to company directors, falsely claiming to represent Companies House and requesting personal information like dates of birth under the guise of identity verification requirements. Starting November 18, 2025, an estimated 6-7 million UK directors and significant shareholders must verify their identity through official GOV.UK channels, but Companies House has warned the public that only GOV.UK should be used for verification and to disregard unsolicited requests. The new identity verification system aims to improve corporate record integrity, though it faces early cyber security challenges as fraudsters exploit the reform announcement.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Modern fraud is perpetrated by sophisticated international criminal networks that finance human trafficking and forced labor operations, making scam prevention a matter of both personal financial protection and global harm reduction. Individuals can safeguard their finances through practical steps including blocking unknown callers, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, freezing credit, and monitoring credit reports regularly. Reporting fraud to local police and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) is critical, as underreporting obscures the true scale of the problem and hampers resource allocation for fraud prevention efforts.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned of a sophisticated three-phase scam called "Phantom Hacker" that has defrauded over $1 billion from Americans since 2024, predominantly targeting victims aged 60 and older. The scam involves criminals impersonating tech support and financial institution employees who manipulate victims into downloading malware and transferring their bank, savings, and retirement account funds to fraudulent third-party accounts under the guise of "protecting" their assets. Scammers exploit personal information from social media to appear authentic and use spoofed phone numbers and coordinated follow-ups to increase their success rate.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating local law enforcement officials in a jury duty fraud scheme, calling victims with claims of missed jury duty and threatening arrest warrants to extort payment via wire transfers or gift cards. The scam targets vulnerable individuals by using personal information and blocked numbers to appear credible, though legitimate jury summonses are always delivered by mail. Key protections include never trusting unknown callers demanding payment, verifying claims directly with official court or police numbers, and recognizing that government agencies never request payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency.
palletenterprise.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-powered scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using AI to craft convincing phishing emails, deepfake videos, and imposter messages targeting personal and financial accounts. Common 2025 scams include AI-generated phishing, imposter fraud on social media, and phone-based attacks like SIM swapping and rigged QR codes. Protection strategies include verifying sender information before responding, enabling two-factor authentication, using strong unique passwords, regularly monitoring account access, and contacting organizations directly to verify suspicious requests.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
AI impersonation scams have surged 148% in 2025, using voice cloning and deepfake video technology to fraudulently impersonate trusted contacts—including family members, executives, and government officials—across calls, video meetings, emails, and messaging apps. Notable cases include cybercriminals posing as a UK engineering company's CFO to trick employees into authorizing $25 million in wire transfers. Security experts recommend independently verifying identities through alternate contact methods and implementing multi-factor authentication as key defenses against these increasingly sophisticated frauds.
wnegradio.com
· 2025-12-08
The BBB warns of an ongoing phishing scam where callers impersonate process servers, claiming victims have unpaid debts, liens on their homes, or are involved in fictitious court cases to pressure them into revealing sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth. Scammers use intimidation tactics, threats of arrest, and claims of imminent home visits to create urgency, sometimes also targeting family members and friends; their goal is identity theft rather than legal service. Consumers should be wary of unsolicited calls with scare tactics and verify claims independently through official channels before providing any personal information.
inquisitr.com
· 2025-12-08
A widespread scam targets Social Security recipients, particularly vulnerable seniors living alone and dependent on benefits for survival. Scammers impersonate Social Security Administration officials via phone calls, texts, or emails, falsely claiming account problems or requesting verification of information to obtain personal data (Social Security numbers, bank details) or money directly through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The key warning signs include unsolicited contact, payment demands, pressure tactics, and suspicious links or misspellings; the legitimate SSA communicates only by postal mail and does not solicit sensitive information unsolicited.
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
Binance collaborated with law enforcement and blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis to freeze approximately $47 million in cryptocurrency proceeds from "Pig Butchering" scams—a fraud scheme where perpetrators build trust with victims through fake investment or romance opportunities before stealing their funds. The funds, held in Tether (USDT), were traced through multiple intermediary addresses concentrating money from dozens of victims before dispersal to five wallets, with Tether implementing a rapid asset freeze to prevent criminal organizations from cashing out.
newscentermaine.com
· 2025-12-08
Maine appointed its first statewide elder justice investigator, Candice Simeoni, to address the high prevalence of crimes targeting seniors—a population that represents one in ten victims of elder crime but rarely reports incidents to police. Simeoni, a 21-year veteran law enforcement officer, will gather data, investigate cases, and educate police and seniors about elder fraud and abuse, with approximately 85 percent of suspects being someone the victim knows and trusts. The $150,000 pilot program, which runs through September 2026, aims to create standardized reporting tools and secure funding for a statewide elder justice task force.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Former U.S. Postal Inspector Scott Kelley, 51, of Massachusetts, was indicted on 45 counts for stealing over $330,000 in cash from packages mailed by elderly victims of a Jamaican lottery telemarketing scam between 2019 and 2023. Kelley, who led the Mail Fraud Unit investigating senior citizen scams, used his position to intercept approximately 1,950 flagged packages, launder the proceeds through money orders and multiple bank accounts, and even framed a subordinate for a separate $7,000 evidence locker theft. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each wire fraud and mail frau
tampafp.com
· 2025-12-08
**Scam Type:** Mail interception fraud and money laundering related to Jamaican lottery scheme targeting elderly victims
**What Happened:** Former U.S. Postal Inspector Scott Kelley, 51, was arrested and indicted on 45 counts for allegedly stealing over $330,000 in cash from approximately 1,950 packages sent by elderly victims of a Jamaican telemarketing scam between 2019-2023. Kelley, who led the Mail Fraud Unit tasked with investigating scams targeting seniors, allegedly used his position to intercept victim mail, launder proceeds through money orders and multiple bank deposits, steal $7,000
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Singaporean woman in her 40s named Sabrina lost $250,000 to scammers impersonating Shanghai police officers who claimed she was involved in a money laundering scheme and threatened her with arrest and deportation to China. Despite her bank accounts being frozen and Singapore police warning her of the scam, she persisted in withdrawing her life savings and handed the cash to a stranger at a park; Singapore police recovered the money two weeks later. Government official impersonation scams surged dramatically in the first half of 2025, with victims losing $126.5 million compared to $67.2 million in the same period of 2024.