Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
3,332 results
in Tech Support Scam
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A mechanical engineer from Visakhapatnam lost Rs 28 lakh after being targeted by a romance scam on a dating app, where scammers created fake female profiles to build emotional trust before extracting money through fabricated stories and later blackmailing the victim with compromising photos. A 25-year-old man from Telangana was identified as part of a three-member gang operating this scheme, which police revealed uses rapid relationship escalation and emotional manipulation to exploit victims. Users of dating apps should verify identities through reverse image searches, avoid sharing personal information with unverified contacts, be skeptical of quick declarations of love, and report suspicious profiles to authorities.
bestlifeonline.com
· 2025-12-08
The Geek Squad scam is a phishing scheme where fraudsters impersonate Best Buy's legitimate tech support service, sending fake renewal invoices or emails claiming a membership is about to be charged or has already been renewed for a substantial amount. When victims call the provided number to cancel, they reach scammers posing as Geek Squad representatives who attempt to extract personal information, financial details, or computer access. Consumers can protect themselves by verifying communications directly through official Geek Squad channels, being skeptical of unsolicited renewal notices, and never providing sensitive information or remote access to callers they haven't independently verified.
unionleader.com
· 2025-12-08
More than 100,000 Americans fell victim to scams in the past year, with two-thirds being seniors; in New Hampshire alone, over 400 residents aged 60 and older lost more than $11 million to fraud in 2023. Seniors are targeted because they are often polite, trusting, financially stable, and own their homes, making them attractive victims for scammers who pose as bankers, government agents, IT experts, and romantic partners. Tech support scams are the most common form of elder fraud, while romance and confidence scams result in the largest financial losses, though experts note these crimes are vastly underreported due to victims' shame and embarrassment.
unionleader.com
· 2025-12-08
More than 400 New Hampshire residents age 60 and older lost over $11 million to scams in 2023, with tech support fraud being the most common type and romance scams causing the highest financial losses. Seniors are disproportionately targeted because they are often polite, trusting, financially stable, and own homes, while scammers increasingly use online tactics like phishing and email scams targeting Baby Boomers with computer skills. Experts attribute the rise in elder fraud to increased online activity that exposes personal information, scammers' use of impersonation and research tactics, and significant underreporting due to victims' shame and embarrassment.
moodyonthemarket.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will speak at a town hall in St. Joseph on August 4, 2024, to educate seniors about avoiding scams, following FBI data showing that elder fraud caused over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, with an average victim loss of $33,915. The event, hosted by Region IV Area Agency on Aging, will address the most common scams targeting people aged 60 and older, including tech support scams (nearly 18,000 reported cases), romance scams, investment scams, and non-delivery scams. The free community event will provide consumer protection tips and scam prevention strategies.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore found that approximately 13% of phishing scams analyzed were likely generated using artificial intelligence, marking the first disclosure of AI usage in such scams. While reported phishing attempts fell 52% to 4,100 cases and overall scam losses declined for the first time in five years, experts warn that scams are becoming more convincing due to generative AI tools like ChatGPT, which enable fraudsters to produce more authentic-looking emails and messages at scale. The agency recommends organizations strengthen cyber-security policies and conduct employee phishing simulations to combat this evolving threat.
home.barclays
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are rising seasonally, with claim values up 139% in May/June 2024 compared to March/April, and July 2023 accounting for 12% of all annual romance scam claims. While men represent 59% of romance scam victims, women lose significantly more per incident (averaging £8,900 versus £3,500 for men), with a 43% increase in reports from women during the peak period. The majority of romance scams originate on dating apps (35%) and social media (44%), with one-third of British consumers reporting they've avoided online dating due to scam fears.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A Colorado woman lost over $19,000 after falling victim to a fake Geek Squad email scam that directed her to call a fraudulent support number. In a related incident, another Colorado resident, Rhiannon Pearson, was targeted by scammers posing as Navy Federal Credit Union and now faces a $12,000 loan fraudulently taken out in her name. Authorities advise verifying unsolicited communications by contacting companies directly through official channels rather than using contact information provided in suspicious emails.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Three men from Maryland and Ohio were indicted for operating a $3.5 million technical support scam that defrauded over 1,000 victims, many of whom were older adults. The defendants used pop-up windows, unsolicited calls, and fake online listings to convince victims their computers had serious security issues requiring immediate payment for repair services. If convicted, each defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud conspiracy and related charges.
foxbaltimore.com
· 2025-12-08
Three men—Amit Ahuja, Kapil Gupta, and Priyanshu Walia—were indicted for operating a tech support scam that defrauded over 1,000 victims, many of them elderly, of at least $3.5 million by falsely claiming their computers were compromised and requiring payment for repairs. Each defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison on conspiracy to commit wire fraud and related charges.
birminghammail.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Barclays issued a warning about romance scams, revealing that while men account for 59% of reported cases, female victims lose significantly more money—averaging £8,900 compared to £3,500 for men. The bank urged customers to verify the identity of new romantic interests before transferring money and called for tech companies and governments to implement stronger anti-scam measures, particularly on social media platforms and dating apps where these scams primarily originate.
mondaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance fraud is rapidly rising globally, with UK banks reporting 20% increases in cases, predominantly targeting women (43% more victims than men) through dating apps and social media platforms. Fraudsters build trust over time before manipulating victims into sending money via cryptocurrency, which they believed was irretrievable; however, recent legal developments have enabled courts to freeze and potentially recover stolen cryptocurrency through blockchain-based legal orders. Victims should recognize warning signs including reluctance to video call, fake profiles, sudden requests for money, and excuses preventing in-person meetings, and should report cases despite feelings of embarrassment.
tech.hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A mechanical engineer from Visakhapatnam lost ₹28 lakh to a fake romance scam on a dating app, where scammers created fraudulent female profiles to build emotional trust before extracting money and subsequently blackmailing the victim with intimate images. Police arrested one member of a three-person gang operating the scheme and identified the scam pattern: fake profiles with attractive photos, intimate conversations to establish trust, fabricated stories to solicit large sums, and blackmail using personal details and compromising images. The article advises users to verify dating app profiles through reverse image searches, avoid individuals who profess feelings quickly, and refrain from sharing personal or financial information online.
fintech.global
· 2025-12-08
Barclays reports a 139% surge in romance scam claims in May-June 2024 compared to March-April, with men representing 59% of victims but women losing significantly more money (averaging £8,900 versus £3,500 for men). The bulletin highlights that 32% of consumers avoid dating apps due to scam fears, and emphasizes that stigma around reporting these scams—with 30% of Brits hesitant to disclose victimization—increases vulnerability and hinders fraud prevention.
wctv.tv
· 2025-12-08
The Thomasville Police Department is warning residents about "brushing scams" in which victims receive unsolicited packages containing cheap jewelry and products with QR codes that, when scanned, install malware enabling scammers to steal personal data and post fraudulent product reviews. Scammers use this scheme to artificially boost product ratings and sales numbers on multiple websites, potentially tricking consumers into purchasing worthless items. Residents are advised not to scan QR codes in suspicious packages, monitor their accounts and credit reports, change passwords, and notify authorities if they receive such items.
tech.co
· 2025-12-08
Microsoft's Vice Chair Brad Smith has called on lawmakers to urgently enact a "deepfake fraud statute" to combat AI-generated deepfakes, warning that senior citizens and children are particularly vulnerable to this technology being used for fraud, abuse, and manipulation. Smith argues that current laws are insufficient and that a comprehensive legal framework is needed to give law enforcement the tools to prosecute deepfake-related crimes as they proliferate. The company released a 42-page report emphasizing that while AI offers societal benefits, deepfakes have made creating deceptive synthetic media easier and more accessible, requiring immediate legislative action.
youarecurrent.com
· 2025-12-08
The Indiana Attorney General's office held an educational seminar at Allisonville Meadows Assisted Living to inform seniors about common fraud schemes, including high-tech theft exploiting data breaches and the grandparent scam where callers impersonate grandchildren in distress to solicit money. The presentation emphasized that people over 60 are frequent targets of fraud and recommended verifying unexpected contacts directly with banks or institutions rather than responding to suspicious emails or calls. The attorney general's office accepts consumer fraud complaints through its website (in.gov/attorneygeneral) and in-person at Government Center South.
auto.hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A scammer attempted to defraud Ferrari by using deepfake technology to impersonate CEO Benedetto Vigna through WhatsApp messages and a phone call to another company executive. The fraud was detected when the message came from an unfamiliar number and the executive, suspicious of inconsistencies, asked the caller to verify his identity by naming a book the real CEO had recently recommended; the imposter hung up without responding. The incident highlights the emerging threat of deepfake voice technology in corporate fraud and underscores the need for employee training to identify such attacks.
asianews.network
· 2025-12-08
Singapore's Cyber Security Agency reported that approximately 13 percent of scams analyzed in 2023 were likely AI-generated, making fraudulent communications increasingly convincing, though overall phishing cases fell 52 percent to 4,100 reported incidents and total scam losses declined for the first time in five years to $14.2 million. The agency attributed the decrease partly to new anti-scam measures implemented by major banks, but warned that reported cases likely represent only a fraction of actual phishing attempts and that generative AI tools like ChatGPT are enabling scammers to produce more sophisticated fraud at scale.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
An unmarried mechanical engineer in Visakhapatnam lost over Rs 28 lakh to an online dating scam in which cybercriminals created fake dating profiles featuring attractive women to build emotional connections and manipulate victims into transferring money under false pretexts. Police identified one gang member, Kommagoni Lokesh, and are searching for two accomplices; the scammers also threatened to blackmail victims by publishing personal information and compromising photos. The article advises users to verify profile authenticity through reverse image searches, never send money to online contacts, maintain clear boundaries on personal information, and immediately cease communication with suspicious individuals.
berkshireeagle.com
· 2025-12-08
An 88-year-old Dalton man lost $10,000 in a grandparent scam when a caller impersonating a lawyer claimed his grandson had been arrested and needed bail money. The victim handed the cash to a courier who came to his door, but became suspicious when the scammer called back demanding an additional $12,000, prompting him to contact police. Officers arrested 60-year-old Deborah Andrus of Pittsfield, who arrived to pick up money the police had replaced with bread in a box; Andrus claimed she was hired as a courier unaware of the scam, while investigators continue determining her level of involvement.
tristatealert.com
· 2025-12-08
Three Maryland and Ohio men were indicted on July 31, 2024, for operating a technical support scam that defrauded over 1,000 victims, many of them older adults, of at least $3.5 million by convincing them their computers were infected or vulnerable and required immediate paid repairs. Victims were targeted through unsolicited pop-ups, phone calls, or fake technical support websites that posed as legitimate companies. The defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted on wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud charges.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP Pennsylvania issued a fraud alert about rising AI-powered scams targeting older adults that use deepfake videos and voice cloning to impersonate trusted individuals and steal money and personal information. The alert was prompted by a recent incident in Hong Kong where a finance worker was defrauded of $25.6 million after a videoconference with AI-generated versions of his company's CFO and executives. AARP recommends verifying caller identity, being skeptical of unsolicited requests, using safe communication practices, and establishing family code words to protect against these sophisticated scams.
wtop.com
· 2025-12-08
Prince George's County police reported a surge in tech support scams, with over 20 incidents reported in 2024 resulting in nearly $574,000 in losses compared to 13 scams totaling $287,000 in the same period last year. Scammers use malware pop-ups to gain remote access to victims' devices, extract banking information from browsing history, then impersonate Social Security Administration or bank officials to convince victims to withdraw large sums of cash. Police warn that artificial intelligence is making scam communications more sophisticated and urged victims to report incidents rather than remain silent due to embarrassment.
kcentv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Temple Police Department reported a surge in phone and online scams targeting Central Texas residents, including Microsoft, IRS tax, Social Security/Medicare, and law enforcement impersonation schemes. One victim received a call from someone posing as a Bell County Sheriff's deputy demanding several thousand dollars for a fake failure-to-appear warrant, using real names of county officials to appear credible. Police advise residents to verify caller identities independently, never share personal or financial information unsolicited, and report suspected scams immediately.
finchannel.com
· 2025-12-08
Three Maryland and Ohio men were indicted for operating a technical support scam that defrauded over 1,000 victims, many of them seniors, of at least $3.5 million. The defendants used pop-up warnings, unsolicited calls, and fake search results to convince victims their computers were compromised and required immediate paid repairs from fraudulent "support companies." Each defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted of wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud charges.
claytodayonline.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, banks reported over $27 billion in suspicious elder fraud activity, with FBI reports indicating average losses exceeding $33,000 per case. Scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence and voice-cloning technology to impersonate trusted contacts and exploit elders through tactics that create urgency (tech support, government imposter, grandparent scams) or offer unrealistic rewards (investment, romance, lottery scams). The article recommends pausing when pressured, verifying identities through independent channels, and consulting trusted third parties before making financial decisions.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Five Chinese nationals were indicted for operating a multinational fraud ring that scammed over 2,000 seniors out of more than $27 million between 2021 and 2023. The defendants used unsolicited pop-up ads, emails, and phone calls to direct victims to scam call centers in India, then employed social engineering and remote access software to convince victims to send money via wire transfer or express mail packages to Southern California and Nevada addresses, which the defendants picked up using fake identities and laundered through cryptocurrency. Law enforcement arrested four defendants in a coordinated operation in July 2024, while the fifth was arrested in April 2024.
sgvtribune.com
· 2025-12-08
A multinational fraud ring involving five defendants from Southern California and Nevada targeted approximately 2,000 elderly people across the United States, defrauding them of more than $27 million between 2021 and 2023. The scammers used unsolicited pop-ups, emails, and phone calls to lure victims to call centers in India, then gained remote access to their computers and impersonated technical support, government, and bank officials to trick victims into sending money via wire transfer or express mail. The defendants allegedly laundered the stolen funds through cryptocurrency to co-conspirators in India, with four arrested in Los Angeles and Las Vegas in April and one arrested previously.
sandiegouniontribune.com
· 2025-12-08
Five Chinese nationals in California and Nevada conspired with India-based fraudsters to defraud more than 2,000 elderly Americans of over $27 million between 2021 and 2023 through pop-up ads, phishing emails, and phone calls that led victims to phony call centers where scammers impersonated bankers and government officials and gained remote access to their computers. The victims sent cash and wire transfers to real businesses like CVS Pharmacy where the defendants picked up packages using fake IDs, then laundered the money through cryptocurrency transactions with their India-based co-conspirators. Four defendants were arrested during coordinated raids in Nevada and Los Angeles County; the fifth was
miragenews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Australians lost $2.74 billion to scams, with older people experiencing the highest impact of any demographic group. COTA Australia and NAB's Group Security team hosted a Scams Awareness webinar designed to educate older adults on identifying common scams (investment, remote-access, and romance scams), prevention strategies, and secure online practices. The educational session aimed to provide practical guidance and expert knowledge to help vulnerable populations protect themselves against increasingly prevalent fraud.
metro.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams peak during summer months, with a 139% increase in reported scam value from May to June compared to March to April, according to Barclays analysis. While men report romance scams more frequently, women lose significantly more money on average (£8,900 versus £3,500 for men), as scammers pose as romantic interests or impersonate wedding vendors to gain trust and extract funds. Barclays advises online daters to verify identities before sending money and urges victims to report scams without shame, emphasizing that sophisticated tactics and time investment by scammers can fool anyone.
yourlocalexaminer.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Dr. Oliver Guidetti at Edith Cowan University developed the Fake Date Game, an educational simulation that teaches users to identify romance scams by analyzing animated dating app conversations and predicting outcomes. Romance scams cost victims $40 million collectively in 2023 with over 480 reported cases, and the game aims to empower players with skills to recognize manipulative tactics, protect personal boundaries, and engage in respectful online interactions. The tool is planned to expand into a smartphone app with diverse scenarios and demographics to serve as an educational resource in schools and on dating platforms.
commercialappeal.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the FTC received over 330,000 reports of business impersonation scams resulting in hundreds of millions in losses, with scammers most frequently impersonating Best Buy/Geek Squad, Amazon, and PayPal. Common tactics include fake alerts about suspicious charges or unauthorized purchases that trick victims into transferring money, buying cryptocurrency, or providing bank access, with losses ranging from thousands to over $124,000 per victim. To protect yourself, avoid responding immediately to unsolicited messages, never use contact information from suspicious messages, and verify requests by contacting companies directly through known legitimate phone numbers or websites.
superhits106.com
· 2025-12-08
The Dubuque Police Department reported a surge in internet-based scams over two months, including Bitcoin ATM scams where victims transfer money via QR codes to scammers' wallets, and pop-up scams falsely claiming computer compromise to trick victims into withdrawing cash for fake bank representatives. Authorities advise the community to be cautious of unsolicited online communications and to trust their instincts when something feels wrong.
timesofsandiego.com
· 2025-12-08
Five Chinese nationals were arrested in a coordinated operation for allegedly operating a multinational fraud ring that targeted over 2,000 seniors across the U.S. from 2021 to mid-2024, resulting in losses exceeding $27 million. The defendants used unsolicited pop-up ads, emails, and phone calls to direct victims to scam call centers in India, where they impersonated technical support and government officials, installed remote access software on victims' computers, and convinced them to send money via wire transfers or cash packages to addresses in Southern California and Nevada. The defendants allegedly picked up packages containing cash from CVS locations using fake IDs as part of an international money laundering operation for an Indian sc
siliconvalley.com
· 2025-12-08
Five Chinese nationals in California and Nevada conspired with India-based fraudsters to defraud over 2,000 elderly Americans of more than $27 million between 2021 and 2023 using tech support scams, government impersonation, and refund schemes. The defendants lured victims through pop-up ads and unsolicited calls to phony Indian call centers, then used remote access software to gain computer control and convince victims to send cash via wire transfer or express mail to businesses like CVS, which the defendants retrieved using fake IDs before laundering funds through cryptocurrency. Four of the five defendants were arrested during coordinated raids in Nevada and Los Angeles County in connection with the federal in
eastcountymagazine.org
· 2025-12-08
Five Chinese nationals were arrested in connection with a multinational fraud ring that defrauded over 2,000 seniors of more than $27 million between 2021 and June 2024. The defendants and their co-conspirators contacted elderly victims through pop-up ads, emails, and phone calls, posing as technical support, government, and bank workers to trick them into installing remote desktop software and sending money via wire transfers and express mail packages to Southern California and Nevada addresses. The defendants collected packages from retail locations using fake identities and laundered money for Indian-based scam call centers as part of an organized conspiracy involving mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.
news3lv.com
· 2025-12-08
Five Chinese nationals, including Henderson resident Zao Wang, were charged as part of a multinational fraud ring that defrauded over 2,000 senior citizens out of $27 million between 2021 and 2023. The scheme operated through pop-up ads, emails, and phone calls to lure victims into contacting scam call centers, where conspirators gained remote access to their computers, built trust, and directed them to send money via wire transfers or mail, which was then laundered through cryptocurrency. All five defendants face charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering, with potential sentences of decades in prison if convicted.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating airline customer service agents on social media to target frustrated travelers dealing with flight cancellations and delays, requesting personal information like booking confirmations, phone numbers, and bank account details or directing passengers to fake websites that steal their identity. The FTC warns that cybercriminals have exploited recent crises like the CrowdStrike outage to insert themselves into customer service interactions, with some airlines abandoning social media channels due to the prevalence of fraudulent accounts. Travelers are advised to verify account authenticity through Google searches and watch for common tricks like substituting numbers for letters in official handles.
nasdaq.com
· 2025-12-08
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, scammers are increasingly targeting Americans with election-themed donation and identity scams using evolving tactics including robocalls, text messages, social media, voice cloning, and deepfakes. Experts warn that scammers use voter data and advertising information to impersonate political candidates and parties, requesting donations through fake websites and fraudulent communications that sound official and convincing. Americans are advised to remain vigilant and learn to recognize these scams, which aim to steal personal information and money by leveraging election-related topics that are top of mind for voters.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-08
Consumers lost $210 million to payment app fraud in 2023, with losses on bank transfer services reaching $1.9 billion, as scammers increasingly target platforms like Zelle to impersonate legitimate services. Banks rarely reimburse victims, as existing law does not explicitly require reimbursement for authorized transactions induced by fraud, leaving consumers with little recourse. Congressional Democrats introduced legislation to close this loophole and protect consumers defrauded on peer-to-peer payment platforms, though passage faces industry opposition and uncertain prospects in the Republican-controlled House.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This article warns students and parents about common back-to-school scams, including fake textbook retailers that either misrepresent products or take payment without delivering, scholarship and student loan scams where criminals impersonate lenders to steal personal and financial information, and tech support scams mimicking school technicians. Security experts note that students, despite being tech-savvy, are vulnerable to these schemes, particularly because they may underestimate the value of their personal information, which can be used for identity theft and credit fraud with long-term consequences.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, scammers are using evolving tactics to steal personal information and money through election-themed scams, including robocalls, text messages, social media, and fake donation pages that impersonate political candidates and parties. Scammers leverage voter records and advertiser data to target victims with convincing messages, and increasingly use AI-powered voice cloning and deepfake technology to make fraudulent communications appear authentic. Americans should remain vigilant against these tactics, which manifest across multiple platforms and are designed to sound official and convincing.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article highlights how scammers exploit public events and periods of uncertainty—such as the July 2024 CrowdStrike global IT outage—to deceive victims through phishing emails, fake links, and malicious websites designed to steal personal and banking information. The piece identifies common phishing tactics (unsolicited links, spoofed websites, requests for OTPs) and provides examples of past scams tied to public events, including fake CDC and GST vouchers, fraudulent Budget 2024 eligibility checks, and impersonated tax authority emails. It emphasizes that individuals should verify information through official government channels, recognize warning signs, and maintain strong cyber hygiene practices to
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
More countries are establishing dedicated anti-scam centres to combat fraud through international collaboration, with Singapore's police urging every nation to create a direct point of contact for cross-border cooperation. Global scam losses reached an estimated US$1.02 trillion in the latest period, and successful fund recoveries—including a US$40 million business email compromise case and a $370,000 technical support scam recovery—demonstrate the effectiveness of rapid information-sharing and coordinated action among law enforcement agencies. Anti-scam centres enable swift fund tracing, account freezing, and sharing of emerging scam trends to prevent losses before stolen money reaches criminal syndicates.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Since May 2024, Monterey County Sheriff's Office received reports of a phone and online fraud scheme targeting senior citizens, resulting in $97,000 in losses across four incidents. Suspects impersonated FTC or bank employees, instructing victims to withdraw cash ($10,000–$40,000) from multiple bank branches and hand it over to couriers who arrived at their homes; on July 16, 2024, 34-year-old Yang Liu of Alhambra, California was arrested when apprehended collecting money from a victim. Authorities advise seniors to hang up on callers claiming to be from financial institutions or law enforcement, verify contact information through official
housingwire.com
· 2025-12-08
Older Americans are increasingly falling victim to elaborate, multi-faceted scams designed to drain retirement savings, with perpetrators impersonating government officials, tech support, or romantic interests while using psychological manipulation to keep victims engaged. One 76-year-old retired lawyer lost $740,000 in just three months, believing he was helping federal authorities protect his funds. Americans over 60 suffered losses exceeding $3.4 billion in 2023, with stolen funds typically moved to overseas accounts or cryptocurrency wallets, making recovery nearly impossible and often compounded by tax penalties on large retirement account withdrawals.
e.vnexpress.net
· 2025-12-08
A romance scam ring in Vietnam lured vulnerable singles through fake dating service pages on social media and Telegram, creating fictitious profiles of compatible partners and then requesting escalating payments ($39-$788 USD and higher) under false pretenses of meeting fees, compatibility assessments, or prize claims. At least three victims—Thao, Hong Hanh, and Pham Trung—lost between 20 million and 90 million Vietnamese dong (approximately $788-$3,550 USD), with scammers using fake versions of legitimate dating service websites and impersonating real companies like Rudicaf to build credibility.
tomsguide.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating bank employees via spoofed caller IDs, tricking victims into cutting up their debit cards while keeping the chip intact, then sending accomplices to collect the chip and coerce the PIN from victims' homes. Once obtained, the scammers use the chip and PIN to withdraw funds directly from victims' accounts in person, bypassing bank fraud detection systems. The FBI warns that to protect yourself, scrutinize the call quality and professionalism of the caller, ask verification questions, and never comply with requests to damage your debit card—legitimate banks never ask customers to do this.