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in Scam Awareness
fox8.com
· 2025-12-07
The Westlake Police Department warned residents about the "Pigeon Drop Scam," an in-person fraud targeting seniors in which scammers approach victims in public places claiming to have found cash, then request "good faith" money before switching the bag containing promised funds with worthless material, leaving victims with nothing. Police advise residents to avoid giving money to strangers, be suspicious of unsolicited offers to share found money, and report suspicious activities immediately.
aol.com
· 2025-12-07
**Educational/Awareness Piece**
Older adults lose billions annually to online scams, with phishing, tech support scams, and extortion topping the list—the FBI reported $4.8 billion in losses to people age 60+ in 2024 alone. Cybercriminals target seniors believing they have accumulated savings and exploit stereotypes about technological comfort, though scams can deceive anyone regardless of age or tech-savviness. Key protection strategies include avoiding suspicious email links, verifying unexpected messages directly with senders, installing security software, and resisting pressure to act quickly—treating internet navigation as defensive driving that requires constant vigilance.
stuttgartdailyleader.com
· 2025-12-07
Fraudsters in Arkansas and nationwide are increasingly targeting seniors by offering free medical equipment in exchange for their Medicare numbers, then billing Medicare for devices the seniors never ordered or needed. This scheme not only costs Medicare millions but can deny seniors legitimate coverage when they actually need medical care. Seniors should verify any medical orders with their doctors, return unsolicited items, contact Medicare to dispute fraudulent claims, and report suspected fraud to the Arkansas Attorney General or by calling 1-800-Medicare.
owensoundsuntimes.com
· 2025-12-07
A Hanover resident lost over $117,000 to a romance scam that began in 2021, in which a scammer posed as a romantic interest on social media and gradually built emotional trust before requesting money for false emergencies and investments. Police report these scams are increasing across Canada with hundreds of thousands in annual losses, though many cases go unreported, and note that investigating these crimes is challenging since perpetrators often operate from offshore locations. Authorities advise residents to be cautious of online relationships that require secrecy or repeated financial requests and to report suspicious interactions.
news.cumbria.police.uk
· 2025-12-07
Romance fraud victims in Cumbria reported 74 dating scams in the year ending October 1, with losses exceeding £630,000, predominantly affecting people aged 50-79. Scammers create fake online profiles to build trust and manipulate victims into sending money through fabricated emergencies or financial needs. Police emphasize that romance fraud is never the victim's fault and urge reporting, as many cases go unreported due to embarrassment and shame.
columbian.com
· 2025-12-07
A woman lost thousands of dollars in a romance scam where she believed she was in a relationship with a celebrity who communicated with her daily before disappearing with her money. Romance scams and other online crimes have surged dramatically in the United States, with the FBI reporting record losses of $16.6 billion in 2024.
natlawreview.com
· 2025-12-07
Interpol arrested 260 cybercrime suspects across 14 African countries in Operation Contender 3.0, dismantling 81 criminal networks involved in romance scams and sextortion schemes. The operation affected approximately 1,500 victims with total losses of $2.8 million, with perpetrators using fake profiles, forged identities, and stolen images to commit fraud through fake courier fees and blackmail schemes. Romance scams and sextortion continue to affect millions globally across all ages and genders.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-07
A woman in her 70s lost over £500,000 in a romance scam after being targeted on social media by a fraudster impersonating actor Jason Momoa who promised her a life in Hawaii; the victim, recently widowed and vulnerable, was manipulated over three years into selling her house and sending money, leaving her homeless and in debt. Cambridgeshire Police report seeing four romance fraud incidents weekly but face challenges in prosecuting cases due to organized criminals using cryptocurrency, operating outside UK jurisdiction, and moving money quickly. Police emphasize that education and awareness are key prevention tools, as romance fraud cases have risen nearly 60% over four years.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-07
A widow in Cumbria was defrauded three times by romance scammers who posed as potential romantic partners online, losing £30,000 in total. Police reported 74 dating scams in the county over 12 months, resulting in losses exceeding £630,000, with victims aged 50-79 most vulnerable and fraudsters using emotional manipulation tactics such as claiming to need money for inheritance release. Police emphasized that romance fraud is not the victim's fault and encouraged reporting to Action Fraud, noting many cases likely go unreported due to victim shame.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-07
Rome Police Department warned residents about the rising sophistication of scams targeting locals, particularly seniors who have lost significant amounts to romance, investment, and elder fraud schemes. Three recent victims lost a combined $1,019,000 to scammers, while national data shows fraud losses reached $16.6 billion in 2024, up 33% from the previous year. Police advise residents to avoid sending money or personal information to strangers and to verify communications, cautioning that about half of current local fraud cases involve seniors who often don't report incidents due to embarrassment.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-07
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned residents of a smishing scam in which fraudulent text messages falsely claim to be from a nonexistent "State of Michigan Department of Vehicles," threatening license or registration suspension over unpaid tickets and directing victims to fake payment sites to steal personal and financial information. Consumers are advised to delete suspicious texts without clicking links, use spam-blocking tools, and report smishing messages to SPAM (7726) and the Federal Trade Commission.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-07
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned of potential government imposter scams during the federal government shutdown, where fraudsters may pose as officials to steal personal information or money by falsely claiming issues with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or SNAP benefits. Nessel advised consumers not to click links or download attachments in suspicious communications, and to verify any government contact directly with the agency, noting that legitimate government agencies never request personal information via email, phone, or text, and never demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps.
aol.com
· 2025-12-07
Nigerian national Tochuwku Albert Nnebocha, 43, was extradited from Poland and charged in federal court in Miami for operating a transnational inheritance fraud scheme that defrauded American seniors over five years. The scheme involved sending letters falsely claiming recipients were entitled to multi-million-dollar inheritances from Spain, then requesting upfront fees for delivery and taxes; victims' money was routed through U.S.-based money mules and never resulted in any inheritance payments. Nnebocha faces up to 20 years in prison, and two co-conspirators previously extradited from Portugal and the United Kingdom were each sentenced to 97 months in prison.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
In 2023, scammers stole approximately $158.3 billion from Americans ($434 million daily), making fraud prevention a critical concern for older adults. AARP's Fraud Watch Network combats this epidemic through community education, a free helpline (877-908-3360), podcasts, and legislative advocacy including the cofounding of the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center and passage of state laws targeting cryptocurrency ATM and gift-card scams. The organization emphasizes that victimization is not the victim's fault and encourages public participation in fraud prevention awareness campaigns.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-07
Impostor scams in Ohio surged 47% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with scammers impersonating government and business officials. A Sheffield Lake business owner received a voicemail from someone claiming to be a Lorain County Sheriff's sergeant threatening arrest warrants and demanding payment, but he avoided the scam by contacting law enforcement directly. Law enforcement advises that legitimate government agencies contact residents by mail, not phone, and warns people not to provide personal information or make payments over the phone.
northjersey.com
· 2025-12-07
During government shutdown periods, fraudsters target federal employees, contractors, and benefit recipients with scams impersonating Social Security, Medicare, and food assistance officials, falsely claiming benefits are suspended and demanding fees or personal information to restore them. Common tactics include phishing emails with subject lines like "Government Shutdown Notice," requests for upfront payments via wire transfer or cryptocurrency for fake "relief programs," and malware-laden links designed to steal credentials. Authorities emphasize that most federal benefits are not actually cut off during shutdowns and that legitimate government agencies will never demand money or sensitive information via phone or email.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers targeted Amazon user Kate Rudy with a fake account lock message claiming suspicious activity and a fraudulent $500 iPhone purchase, then attempted to trick her into sending $200 by falsely claiming it would verify her identity. Rudy recognized the scam and avoided financial loss by ending contact with the fraudsters. Amazon advises customers never to provide payment information via third-party gift codes and recommends verifying account issues by logging in directly rather than responding to unsolicited messages.
theleafchronicle.com
· 2025-12-07
Consumers lost $470 million to text message scams in 2024, with fake package delivery notifications being the most common type, followed by phony job offers, fraudulent fraud alerts, fake toll notices, and romance scams. The FTC and BBB recommend never clicking links or replying to unexpected texts, not assuming messages from known companies are legitimate, and reporting suspicious messages using the phone's spam reporting feature.
freep.com
· 2025-12-07
Criminals are impersonating banks via fake texts and calls to convince customers their debit cards have been compromised, then intercepting replacement cards sent by mail or hiring accomplices to steal them from porches. In a metro Detroit case, David Andrew Williams was arrested in September 2024 after attempting to steal a Chase Bank customer's replacement debit card from a UPS delivery, and was charged with identity theft and theft of financial transaction devices. Debit card fraud ranked as the top payment method for both attempted fraud and actual dollar losses in 2024, with criminals using various tactics including card skimming and exploiting information obtained through spoofed communications to drain bank accounts.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-07
New York State announced inflation refund checks ranging from $150-$400 for over 8 million eligible residents, but scammers have begun targeting recipients with fraudulent text messages impersonating the Department of Revenue and requesting payment information. Red flags include non-U.S. area codes, non-dot-gov links, and threats of disqualification; legitimate inflation checks require no action from recipients, and the state will not contact citizens via unsolicited text messages.
thecourier.com.au
· 2025-12-07
A Ballarat grandmother lost money intended for her granddaughter's kindergarten expenses to a Facebook shopping scam in September 2025 when she rushed to purchase furniture and was pressured into sending a $100 deposit by the fraudster, who then demanded additional payments and refused refunds. The incident reflects broader trends showing that shopping scams were the most common fraud type in Australia in the first half of 2025, with reported losses reaching $174 million—a 26 percent increase despite fewer overall scam reports—as scammers increasingly target people on social media and e-commerce platforms.
onlineathens.com
· 2025-12-07
An Athens man was threatened in a sextortion scam involving a fake prostitution site, while an elderly Athens woman was defrauded after being told she had won a Publishers' Clearing House prize. Both incidents were reported to Athens-Clarke police in September 2025, though no suspects have been identified in either case.
wkrg.com
· 2025-12-07
During government shutdowns, scammers exploit public confusion by impersonating government agencies and financial institutions to steal money and personal information, particularly targeting vulnerable populations like seniors who rely on government services. Regions Bank advises the public that essential payments like Social Security and Medicare continue uninterrupted during shutdowns, and recommends verifying contact by independently calling known phone numbers rather than responding to unsolicited communications. The bank emphasizes using their "Stop, Call, and Confirm" protocol: stop and review messages for red flags, call the requestor using a verified number, and confirm legitimacy before providing any information.
patch.com
· 2025-12-07
Passaic County Sheriff Thomas Adamo's office is conducting a Fall Senior Scams Tour educational program at the Wayne Public Library to help seniors recognize and prevent fraud. The event provides practical advice on identifying scams and protecting retirement savings, with registration available online.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-07
Digital literacy programmes in Malaysia are helping seniors bridge the "grey digital gap" and reduce their vulnerability to online scams and fraud. Participants aged 73-83 reported gaining practical skills in smartphone usage, cybersecurity awareness, fact-checking, and e-wallet management, enabling them to independently access government services, identify fraudulent schemes (including impersonation of banks and tax authorities), and navigate the cashless economy. A 2024 study found that elderly Malaysians, particularly those 75 and above, remain highly vulnerable to cyber victimization and financial loss, highlighting the critical need for such protective education.
shorenewsnetwork.com
· 2025-12-07
A 92-year-old Brooklyn man lost $10,000 in a phone scam on September 18 when multiple callers impersonating Amazon representatives convinced him his account was compromised and instructed him to withdraw cash for "safeguarding." The victim placed the money in a box and handed it to an in-person collector who fled the scene; the suspect remains at large and police warn seniors to be cautious of similar unsolicited phone calls.
facebook.com
· 2025-12-07
This is a personal complaint rather than a documented scam or fraud case. An individual reports outstanding debts totaling PHP682,743.01 across multiple Philippine financial institutions and alleges they have been blacklisted for credit unworthiness, claiming a broker continues employing someone involved in the debt situation despite reports to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
**Note for Elderus database:** This entry lacks corroborating documentation, specific details about elder fraud or abuse, and details about victim impact. It may not meet criteria for inclusion in an elder fraud research database without additional verified information.
timesandstar.co.uk
· 2025-12-07
Cumbria Police warned the public about romance scams, where fraudsters use fake identities to build online relationships and extract money from victims. In the 12 months to October 1, there were 74 reports of dating scams in Cumbria resulting in losses exceeding £630,000, with victims predominantly aged 50-79. Key protective measures include never sending money to online contacts, verifying identities through reverse image searches, and reporting incidents to Action Fraud.
cknxnewstoday.ca
· 2025-12-07
A Hanover resident lost approximately $117,000 in an online romance scam that began in 2021, prompting police to warn the community about the growing frequency of such fraud. Romance scammers pose as romantic partners on dating platforms and social media, building emotional connections before fabricating emergencies or business opportunities to extract money from victims. Police note that investigating these crimes is challenging due to offshore perpetrators operating outside Canadian jurisdiction, and urge residents to report suspicious online interactions and remember that legitimate relationships should never require secrecy or repeated financial requests.
cmscritic.com
· 2025-12-07
This article discusses the rising threat of romance scams enhanced by AI technology, particularly targeting vulnerable populations. Romance scam losses in the United States increased dramatically from $547 million in 2021 to over $1.3 billion in 2024, with victims averaging $15,000 in losses, and the problem is expected to worsen as AI-generated avatars and voice cloning become more convincing. The article emphasizes that seniors aged 50-80 are especially at risk due to widespread loneliness and isolation, and advocates for education and awareness as primary defenses against this emotionally and financially devastating crime.
berkshireeagle.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece explains why fraud and scam victims deserve compassion rather than shame, contrasting them with armed robbery victims who typically receive community support. The article emphasizes that scams—particularly romance and relationship scams targeting lonely or recently bereaved individuals—are methodical crimes where criminals build trust over time, repeatedly extract money, and compromise personal information that can be exploited for years. Key warning signs include requests to move communication off dating platforms, claims of inability to meet in person, and repeated requests for money, with intervention best approached through trusted third parties when direct intervention may be rejected.
news.met.police.uk
· 2025-12-07
The Met Police, in collaboration with regional partners, launched a campaign to raise awareness of Romance Fraud, a crime that cost victims an estimated £106 million last year. The campaign features three victim testimonials in videos released for World Romance Fraud Prevention Day (October 3rd), highlighting the tactics criminals use, the financial losses involved, and the emotional impact on victims. The initiative emphasizes that awareness and verification of online contacts are key defenses, and encourages reporting to prevent further victimization.
studyfinds.org
· 2025-12-07
Americans face approximately 100 scam attempts monthly—significantly more than any other surveyed country—encountering roughly 25 separate fraudulent messages weekly through calls, emails, and texts. Only 23% of people feel confident in spotting fraud, with financial scams cited as the top concern by 46% of respondents, while emerging threats like AI-driven phishing, deepfakes, and fake apps pose increasing risks. Experts attribute heightened vulnerability to weak password practices and urge adoption of stronger authentication methods like passkeys to combat the growing "trust nothing era."
aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
Scammers exploited the Camp Lejeune Justice Act by posing as attorneys and claims administrators, sending phishing emails with malware to steal personal information and demanding upfront administrative fees for payouts. The Better Business Bureau warned that criminals used these tactics to commit identity theft and disappear with victims' money and data, even as law firms spent over $145 million legitimately advertising the settlement opportunity that generated more than 400,000 claims by end of 2022.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
During Medicare's open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), scammers impersonate insurance providers through calls, emails, and in-person contact to steal beneficiaries' money, Medicare information, and personal identity using tactics like free gifts and limited-time offers. Beneficiaries should protect themselves by never sharing personal information with unsolicited contacts, only using official channels like medicare.gov or 1-800-633-4227 to compare plans, and being cautious of unapproved medical devices. To report suspected fraud, individuals can contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 1-877-908-3360.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-07
This article discusses how scammers exploit legitimate class action settlement notifications by creating fake settlement websites that harvest personal data from victims seeking payouts. The piece provides broader privacy protection advice, including being cautious of app permissions, using passkeys instead of passwords, and understanding emerging security threats like post-quantum encryption vulnerabilities.
ktnv.com
· 2025-12-07
The FBI is warning about a sophisticated "Phantom Hacker" scam that has stolen over $1 billion nationwide since last year, targeting older Americans. The three-phase scam uses fake pop-ups or calls impersonating banks and government agencies to trick victims into voluntarily transferring their money to fraudulent accounts, with many victims losing their entire savings. Protection requires refusing unsolicited links, hanging up on unexpected calls, and remembering that legitimate institutions never ask you to move money "to protect it."
gizmodo.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are impersonating Elon Musk to defraud victims through cryptocurrency investment schemes, using tactics including fake livestreams during SpaceX/Tesla events, AI-generated videos, and fake endorsements from family members or political figures. FTC complaints reveal multiple victims, primarily elderly individuals, losing substantial sums ranging from $10,000 to $225,000, with some victims remaining confused about whether they interacted with the real Musk or impersonators. The scams exploit vulnerable populations, including those with serious illnesses or cognitive impairment, and often target victims through YouTube, Facebook, and fake cryptocurrency matching schemes.
theindependent.sg
· 2025-12-07
A Punggol resident paid $50 for a Cash-on-Delivery (COD) parcel he assumed a family member had ordered, only to discover no one in his household had made the purchase and the package contained only a plain T-shirt. This is part of a COD scam scheme where fraudsters send unwanted packages to addresses, relying on delivery personnel to collect payment that ultimately returns to the scammers. J&T Express and authorities recommend verifying all COD orders before payment, rejecting suspicious deliveries, and reporting suspicious activity to prevent falling victim to these scams targeting vulnerable recipients.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-07
According to a 2025 report by KHOU, Generation Z and young adults aged 20-29 in Texas are losing more money to scams than seniors aged 70-79, driven by their high daily online activity and vulnerability to phishing, fake job, and rental scams when facing time pressure. The Federal Trade Commission findings highlight that young people's desperation during job or housing searches makes them susceptible to sophisticated scams, including those using AI. The article advises Texans of all ages to avoid sharing personal information online, verify trusted retailers and contractors, and research charitable organizations before donating to prevent falling victim to common scams circulating in the state.
wpbf.com
· 2025-12-07
A rise in pet scams targeting vulnerable buyers on social media has been reported by the Martin County Sheriff's Office, with scammers posing as puppies and kitten breeders to steal deposits. One victim, Carmen Weinand, lost approximately $500 after sending money to a scammer who claimed her puppy had health issues and needed money for veterinary care, transportation, and fines, but never delivered the animal. Scammers typically initiate contact through social media, request deposits and additional funds through various pretexts, and may escalate to requesting gift cards before disappearing with victims' money.
wcax.com
· 2025-12-07
An Upper Valley resident nearly became a victim of a check scam that state authorities have warned residents to avoid. The scam appears to involve fraudulent checks, though specific details about the scheme and any financial loss are not provided in this excerpt.
kroc.com
· 2025-12-07
A fake permit invoice scam has been circulating across Minnesota, where fraudsters send convincing emails with forged letterhead, legal language, and signatures requesting payment via PDF instructions in an attempt to obtain banking information. Red flags include use of free email domains (such as USA.COM), requests for online payment, and instructions stating "no calls," and residents are advised to verify any suspicious invoices directly with the government agency rather than responding to the email.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
This opinion piece argues that Canada lacks adequate community-level protections against online scams, despite strong workplace defenses. The authors advocate for bringing scam awareness into homes through family conversations, simple verification habits (such as confirming suspicious messages with a quick call), and normalizing discussion about fraud to reduce victim shame and reporting barriers. They contend that scams exploit human psychology rather than just technical vulnerabilities, making education and behavioral change essential to closing this protection gap.
wtip.org
· 2025-12-07
Minnesota Aging Pathways representatives will present an educational session on detecting and reporting fraud and scams on October 22, noon to 1 pm, available in-person at Cook County Higher Education in Grand Marais or via Zoom. The Lunch & Learn aims to equip participants with knowledge to identify fraudulent schemes and appropriate reporting procedures.
shorelinemedia.net
· 2025-12-07
This article is not a fraud case itself, but rather a community announcement about senior center activities in Ludington. The relevant section notes that elder fraud cases have increased 84% since 2021, with three out of four adults aged 50+ targeted by scams at some point; the center is offering a fraud prevention educational session with Detective Sergeant Michael Kenney on October 20 to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud schemes.
fox61.com
· 2025-12-07
The Better Business Bureau is warning Connecticut residents about a "relief check" phone scam that has generated over 800 reports nationally in less than two months. Scammers call, text, or leave voicemails claiming victims have an unclaimed relief payment and direct them to fraudulent websites that steal personal and financial information, install malware, or enroll victims in unwanted services. The BBB advises residents to hang up on such calls, never visit caller-provided websites, verify information directly with government agencies using official contact details, and avoid sharing personal or financial information with strangers.
wxyz.com
· 2025-12-07
Hundreds of Medicaid and Medicare recipients in Michigan received fraudulent text messages claiming their insurance coverage was terminated, with scammers exploiting federal government shutdown fears to pressure victims into clicking malicious links and surrendering personal information. At least 200 patients of EPIC Health fell victim to the scam, which caused significant disruptions to healthcare delivery and delayed medical care for vulnerable populations with chronic conditions. The Michigan Attorney General issued a warning advising recipients to block messages, avoid clicking links, and report the fraud.
ncdoj.gov
· 2025-12-07
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson warns that scammers are exploiting the federal government shutdown by impersonating agencies like Social Security Administration, Medicare, and SNAP to steal personal information and money through unsolicited calls, texts, and emails. Residents should never provide personal information, make payments, or wire money in response to these contacts, and should instead hang up and call agencies directly to verify legitimacy. Complaints can be filed with the North Carolina Department of Justice at ncdoj.gov/complaint or 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-07
A man named Kent encountered a web injection scam when a fake bank login pop-up appeared during an online financial transaction, successfully tricking him into providing his email and phone number before he recognized the "Credit Donkey" redirect as suspicious and closed his browser. Web injection scams hijack browser sessions to overlay fraudulent verification screens that feel authentic because they appear while users are already logged in, with the goal of capturing login credentials or two-factor authentication codes. To protect against such scams, individuals should monitor accounts daily with login alerts enabled, change passwords using a password manager, check for personal data exposure in breaches, and consider using data removal services to limit scammers' access to personal information.