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miragenews.com
Operation Spincaster, a joint AFP and blockchain platform Chainalysis initiative, identified over 2,000 compromised cryptocurrency wallets belonging to Australians and targeted "approval phishing" scams that have stolen more than $4 billion globally since May 2021. This tactic deceives victims into signing malicious blockchain transactions that grant criminals access to drain their crypto wallets, particularly through investment and romance scams. The AFP is conducting ongoing investigations into Australian losses and, alongside multiple law enforcement agencies and cryptocurrency exchanges, is implementing training and intelligence-sharing to detect scams in real time and support victims.
noozhawk.com
Chief Investigator Kristina Perkins has taken over as host of the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's weekly podcast "Scam Squad," which educates the community about scams targeting elderly residents, including internet, romance, telemarketing, and other fraud schemes. The podcast, which launched in 2017 and airs on KTMS Newstalk 990 and multiple streaming platforms, will continue featuring guests sharing personal fraud experiences and providing guidance on identifying and avoiding scams. Residents can report scams or request community presentations by contacting the District Attorney's Scam Hotline at 805-568-2442.
uk.news.yahoo.com
Lloyds Bank reported a 32% increase in Premier League football ticket scams during the 2023/24 season, with victims losing an average of £177 and some losing over £1,000. People aged 25-34 were most frequently targeted, with fraudsters using fake social media posts featuring real ticket images to trick buyers into bank transfers for non-existent tickets. The bank recommends purchasing tickets only through official club channels or authorized partners to avoid scams.
thetottenhamindependent.co.uk
Football ticket scams increased by 32% during the 2023/24 Premier League season, with victims losing an average of £177 and some losing over £1,000, according to Lloyds Bank analysis. People aged 25-34 were most vulnerable, and scammers typically created fake social media posts with real ticket images to trick buyers into bank transfers before disappearing. Lloyds recommends purchasing tickets only from official club channels or authorized partners to avoid these frauds.
housingwire.com
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.
goldrushcam.com
**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
sinardaily.my
This is an educational piece on the challenges elderly populations face during Malaysia's transition to cashless payments. Experts recommend that government, media, and businesses provide security guidance and payment flexibility—including cash options, discounts for digital use, and targeted education via social media—to help seniors overcome fears of online fraud and build confidence in e-wallet and digital payment systems within the next 5-10 years.
freepressjournal.in
Seven professionals in Nashik, India, including a doctor, lost ₹1.21 crore ($145,000 USD equivalent) to a share trading investment scam between March and July 2024. Cybercriminals contacted victims via social media and messaging apps, added them to groups with fake investment content (videos, presentations, testimonials), and promised high returns, with one victim investing ₹50 lakh before realizing the scam when promised refunds never materialized. Police advise avoiding unknown groups and suspicious links, verifying information through official channels only, and contacting cyber authorities immediately if targeted.
wrat.com
This educational article from the Federal Trade Commission outlines common online scams and fraud schemes affecting consumers. Key scams discussed include spoofing (falsifying caller ID to impersonate legitimate organizations), the 809 scam (international callback schemes with high rates), catfishing (creating fake online identities for romance or exploitation scams), cramming (unauthorized small charges on bills), and family emergency scams (targeting grandparents with urgent requests for money). The article advises consumers to hang up on unsolicited callers, verify numbers independently, never share personal information with unknown callers, and be cautious of suspicious requests—noting that while younger adults report romance scams more frequently, older consumers typically lose
kjct8.com
**Summary:**
Scammers are exploiting Colorado wildfires by creating fake fundraising appeals for firefighting efforts and personnel. The Boulder Office of Disaster Management warns residents to avoid clicking email links from unverified sources and to research organizations before donating, directing people instead to legitimate charities like Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active, Colorado Baptist Disaster Relief, and Volunteers of America Colorado.
theguardian.com
Australia's Labor government proposed scam reform legislation requiring banks, telcos, and social media platforms to compensate fraud victims if their systems are inadequate, but consumer advocates and scam victims criticize the plan as too slow and insufficiently holding banks accountable. Critics argue the government has adopted banking industry talking points—particularly the "honey pot" concern that mandatory reimbursements would invite fraudster claims—rather than adopting the UK's stricter model that makes banks primarily responsible for reimbursing victims except in cases of gross negligence. One victim lost over $800,000 to fraud, and reformers contend banks have failed to exercise proper due diligence in preventing mule accounts used by sc
straitstimes.com
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.
news5cleveland.com
Scammers impersonated the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department using the fake name "Lt. Justin Branberry" in phone calls to extract money from residents across multiple states including Ohio, Arizona, and Florida. At least one victim lost $3,000 (her entire Social Security check) to the scheme, which used professional-sounding language, badge numbers, and case numbers to establish false authority; authorities warn that legitimate sheriff's departments contact people in person or by mail, not by phone.
boothbayregister.com
In 2023, post-disaster fraud cost Americans over $9.3 billion, with scammers impersonating government, utility, and insurance workers to solicit upfront fees or deposits for promised federal grants, priority repairs, or faster claim processing following hurricanes and wildfires. Legitimate FEMA agents never request payment and carry government-issued photo badges, while victims should verify any offers through established channels before providing money. AARP advises caution with door-to-door solicitations and offers resources through its Fraud Watch Network to help identify and prevent disaster-related scams.
aol.com
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.
lehighvalleylive.com
A 57-year-old Emmaus man lost $62,115 in a cryptocurrency investment scam that operated from October 2023 to April 2024. The victim was deceived by a scammer impersonating a legitimate cryptocurrency investor and entrepreneur over a Google Workspace chat, who convinced him to complete multiple bitcoin transactions over seven months. Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office are investigating the case.
bbc.com
Premier League ticket fraud against UK customers increased by approximately one-third in the past season, with an estimated 6,000 fans victimized and losses averaging £177 per person, though some victims lost over £1,000. Criminals posted fake tickets on social media platforms—primarily Facebook Marketplace (56%) and X (26%)—targeting young people aged 18-34, particularly fans of Arsenal and Liverpool, using bank transfers to prevent recovery. Authorities recommend fans purchase only through official channels, use credit cards for added protection, and remain skeptical of rushed offers or deals that seem too good to be true.
gvwire.com
During Fresno's ArtHop event, street vendors operated despite a city ban announced by officials, creating confusion and frustration among vendors and artists who reported scams involving fake permits and fraudulent parking fees. Despite code enforcement presence, city officials issued no citations and stated that voluntary compliance was largely achieved, while vendors expressed anger over poor communication from the city and financial hardship from the prohibition.
ireland-live.ie
Lloyds Bank warned football fans of a 32% surge in ticket scams during the 2023/24 Premier League season, with victims losing an average of £177, though some lost over £1,000. The scams typically involve criminals creating fake social media posts or marketplace listings with photos of real tickets, then disappearing after victims transfer payment via bank transfer; people aged 25-34 were most frequently targeted. Lloyds recommends purchasing tickets only from official club channels or authorized resellers and avoiding suspiciously low prices, as fraudsters exploit high-demand events across all major clubs.
cbsnews.com
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.
cnn.com
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.
nasdaq.com
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.
dailyhodl.com
A Senate investigation found that JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America reimbursed only 2%, 4%, and 24% respectively of scam claims reported on Zelle in 2023, with fraud reimbursement rates dropping from 50% to 38% across the three banks. Customers reported over $372 million in scams and fraud losses on Zelle in 2023, with approximately $270 million—roughly three-quarters of total claims—going unreimbursed. The banks argue that legislation requiring reimbursement of authorized payments is not the solution, contending instead that efforts should focus on stopping criminal activity.
usatoday.com
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.
cbc.ca
Toronto police arrested 10 people in a year-long investigation into a "SIM swap" fraud scheme that compromised over 1,500 cellular accounts across Canada, resulting in losses exceeding $1 million to victims, telecommunications companies, and financial institutions. The criminals used fraudulent identification and phishing techniques to take over victims' phone numbers, then exploited two-step authentication processes to access banking, email, and social media accounts. Police recommend protecting against SIM swaps by using authentication apps instead of phone-based verification, monitoring for loss of cell service, and limiting personal information shared online.
kwch.com
A Nebraska middle schooler created a scam awareness flyer after his grandmother fell victim to fraud, which the Better Business Bureau expanded into a distribution campaign across senior centers in Nebraska and Kansas. The flyer, "A Senior's Guide to Scam Prevention," includes a QR code to help seniors easily report scams, addressing an issue where the BBB estimates seniors lose billions of dollars annually to fraud. According to 2023 data, adults 65+ reported a median loss of $109 per scam and were increasingly targeted through social media, phone calls, and online classifieds.
siliconvalley.com
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
independent.com
Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch announced that Chief Investigator Kristina Perkins will become the new host of the weekly "Scam Squad" podcast, which educates the public about fraud schemes targeting seniors, including internet, romance, and telemarketing scams. The podcast, launched in 2017 and produced by Patti Teel, airs on KTMS Newstalk 990 and is available on Apple Podcasts and YouTube, with Chief Perkins available to speak at community events and the District Attorney's Scam Hotline available at 805-568-2442 for reporting fraud.
97x.com
An Ohio woman lost $6,000 in a multi-stage scam that began with a spoofed call impersonating her bank, claiming fraudulent activity required her to transfer funds to a Chase account. The scammers then escalated the scheme by FaceTiming her posing as a bank employee and fraudulently convincing her to undress on camera for a "full body identity verification," causing additional humiliation. The victim was unable to recover her funds, highlighting the importance of verifying bank contacts independently and never sharing personal information or performing unusual actions based on unsolicited calls.
cleveland19.com
A Mayfield Heights woman lost nearly $6,000 to a sophisticated phone scam in which fraudsters spoofed a Huntington Bank number, convinced her to withdraw cash and transfer it via Chase Bank ATM, and then coerced her into undressing on FaceTime under the pretense of identity verification. The scammers used panic tactics about fraudulent charges to pressure the victim into moving her money, a common technique that exploits people's fear of losing their accounts. Authorities advise hanging up on unsolicited calls and independently verifying any banking concerns by contacting your bank directly, as legitimate financial institutions will never request personal verification through video call or ask for login credentials.
superhits106.com
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.
commercialappeal.com
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.
bgindependentmedia.org
Bowling Green Police are warning residents about a rising tide of online scams affecting all age groups, including a notable shift toward younger victims who are three times more likely to fall for scams than older adults. Recent local cases included a 23-year-old woman who lost $3,734 to a fake job offer using counterfeit checks, a 25-year-old man deceived into sending $11,000 via a computer virus scam, and an 18-year-old extorted for $600 after being sextorted. Police advise residents to heed red flags such as pressure to act quickly, requests to deposit unknown checks and send money, and suspicious online interactions, an
business.outlookindia.com
A woman in Delhi lost over Rs 24 lakh in a fraudulent Upstox investment scam within two months after being lured through fake social media ads and WhatsApp groups promising stock tips and guaranteed returns. The article documents multiple similar cases, including a Kerala businessman who lost Rs 7.55 crores, and outlines the scammers' tactics: impersonating legitimate financial firms, directing victims to rigged apps displaying fake profits, and pressuring them to invest more while blocking withdrawals. Key warning signs include social media advertisements for high-return schemes, fake investment groups on WhatsApp/Telegram, brand spoofing, and requests for personal documents like Aadh
japantimes.co.jp
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yourlocalexaminer.com.au
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.
metro.co.uk
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.
foreignaffairs.co.nz
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miaminewtimes.com
Florida ranks second nationally for fraud incidents with 1,589 cases per 100,000 residents, according to FTC data from April 2023 to March 2024, with scammers taking $171 million from state residents in just the first quarter of 2024. The most common fraud schemes include impostor fraud, online shopping scams, and prize/investment fraud, with romance scams particularly targeting elderly residents in high-senior-population areas like South Florida. A Miami woman was recently arrested for operating a 15-year romance scam that defrauded more than a dozen elderly men of $7 million.
miragenews.com
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.
nbcwashington.com
Scammers in the D.C. area are targeting residents with calls impersonating law enforcement, claiming loved ones face arrest for missing jury duty and demanding payment to avoid arrest. A Silver Spring, Maryland woman lost $5,800 after receiving a fraudulent call claiming to be from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office; the scammer provided a fake arrest warrant, initially demanded $88,000, and instructed her to pay via bitcoin at a grocery store kiosk. Law enforcement officials emphasize that legitimate authorities never call to collect fines and advise residents to verify any jury duty concerns directly through official court websites.
iberkshires.com
The Berkshire District Attorney's Office reported a rising increase in scams targeting senior citizens, particularly the Grandparent Scam, in which fraudsters call claiming to be a grandchild in urgent need of money for bail or medical emergencies and request wire transfers, gift cards, or cash pickup from the home. Scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence to impersonate family members and create a false sense of urgency, making victims act without critical thinking. The DA's office advises seniors to verify claims by contacting family directly, never send money via wire transfer or gift cards in response to unsolicited calls, and report suspected fraud to law enforcement immediately, noting that legitimate agencies never request money in
kpel965.com
An elderly woman in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana received a spoofed phone call from someone impersonating Sheriff Becket Breaux claiming she had an outstanding warrant related to a magazine purchase and was being sought by the FBI. The scammer convinced her to withdraw $2,000 from her bank, purchase gift cards at Dollar General, and provide the card numbers and CVV codes while remaining on the line with her. The St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office warns that these impersonation scams targeting elderly residents use scare tactics and caller ID spoofing, and advises victims to hang up and contact local law enforcement rather than providing personal information.
ag.state.mn.us
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a warning about telemarketing fraud, which generates $40 billion annually and disproportionately targets seniors and people with disabilities through high-pressure sales tactics, fake prize notifications, and requests for payment via untraceable methods. The warning provides guidance on protection strategies including verifying caller identity, avoiding immediate payment decisions, safeguarding personal information, and researching unfamiliar companies or charities before engaging. Ellison encourages victims to report scams to local law enforcement or the Attorney General's office rather than remaining silent due to embarrassment.
rlsmedia.com
On July 31st, Detective Kimberly McColligan of the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office led an elder fraud awareness seminar at the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center in Newtonville, educating seniors about current financial scams, fraud identification, and reporting resources. The presentation was part of the ACPO's proactive effort to combat the millions of identity theft and fraud incidents reported nationally each year, with seniors comprising a significant portion of victims. The ACPO offers additional fraud awareness presentations and provided contact information for seniors seeking to report fraud or request community presentations.
coloradocommunitymedia.com
On July 30, a Lunch and Learn event in Commerce City educated approximately 60 seniors about financial fraud, featuring Sarah Domke, a senior deputy district attorney specializing in financial crimes, who discussed common scams including phone and computer fraud, romance scams, fake warranty schemes, and threats of legal action. Domke outlined six hallmarks of scams—unsolicited contact, promises of money, requests for personal information, upfront payment demands, wire transfers or gift card payments, and emotional manipulation—and advised attendees on warning signs and protection strategies. The event highlighted that older adults are particularly vulnerable to financial fraud and provided practical awareness to help seniors recognize and avoid becoming victims.
reviewjournal.com
A Medicare card scam continues to target seniors by impersonating Medicare officials via phone calls to verify personal information and claim new plastic cards with chips will arrive. Medicare and Social Security never initiate calls requesting personal or banking information; instead, they communicate through official letters, so recipients should immediately contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report compromised information and set up fraud alerts. The article provides protective guidance including never sharing Medicare or Social Security numbers with unsolicited callers and being wary of "free" offers, noting that Medicare and Medicaid fraud costs taxpayers over $100 billion annually.
sandiegouniontribune.com
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
justice.gov
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.