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natlawreview.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Department of Justice charged 16 defendants in April 2024 for a scam that defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans out of millions of dollars using impersonation tactics. In 2023, individuals over 60 reported losses exceeding $3.4 billion from elder fraud—an 11% increase from 2022—with common scams involving investment fraud, tech support impersonation, and government impersonation. To prevent losses, experts recommend regular financial account monitoring, setting wire transfer restrictions, and establishing verbal verification processes before sending money.
mininggazette.com
· 2025-12-08
Little Brothers — Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) warned the public of a texting scam in which fraudsters impersonated the organization to solicit donations, falsely claiming to represent the group's services. The organization emphasized that all its programs are free and advised residents never to provide personal or financial information via unsolicited calls, texts, or emails, noting that scammers use "spoofing" techniques to appear as trusted sources.
wsbtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Work-from-home job scams have surged over 500 percent, with scammers increasingly using AI technology to create convincing fake job postings and impersonate legitimate companies on platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Jessica Brown nearly fell victim to a scam impersonating medical consulting firm Synterex, which offered her a $30/hour remote position but required her to cash a $5,000 check for office equipment; the Identity Theft Resource Center reported a 545 percent increase in AI-generated scam reports in one month, noting that AI has made fraudulent documents and profiles significantly harder to distinguish from legitimate ones. The FTC recommends verifying job opportunities by
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Since early March, the FBI has received over 2,000 reports of "smishing" scams targeting drivers in three states, where scammers send text messages falsely claiming outstanding toll bills and directing victims to fraudulent links designed to impersonate state toll services. Victims who click these links risk compromise of their financial accounts and should immediately secure their accounts, check legitimate toll service websites, and file complaints with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, while reporting any unauthorized charges.
wmdt.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2022, Maryland residents age 60 and older lost $63.6 million to fraud, with online scams being the most common method. Common schemes targeting older adults include grandparent scams (requesting emergency money), romance and investment scams, and impersonation of law enforcement, often facilitated through information gathered on social media. Red flags to watch for include unexpected emails or calls with misspellings, suspicious URLs, and unsolicited requests for money or personal information; protective measures include enabling multi-factor authentication on accounts, verifying caller identity through official channels, and reporting suspected fraud to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.
miaminewtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, romance scams resulted in over 64,000 reports and $1.1 billion in losses, predominantly affecting elderly victims who were deceived by scammers posing as romantic partners on dating apps and social media. Cristine Petitfrere, a 30-year-old from Florida, was arrested and sentenced to 30 months in prison for laundering nearly $3 million from romance scams by funneling money to Ghana; she personally facilitated transfers from three elderly victims in their 60s-70s who lost over $158,000 combined. Federal law enforcement has intensified prosecution efforts against romance scam networks, with romance fraud losses increasing
newlinesmag.com
· 2025-12-08
A 36-year-old Indian woman named Jhumpa Biswas was targeted by a romance scammer posing as "Mark Anthony," a Scottish cosmetic surgeon who initiated contact via Instagram with flattering messages. Over weeks of increasingly intimate communication across social media and WhatsApp, the scammer built emotional trust through romantic gestures, personal attention, and carefully crafted backstory, exploiting Biswas's limited romantic experience and emotional vulnerability. The article details how the scammer's grooming tactics—including flattery, validation, and demonstrations of care—set the stage for financial exploitation that would follow.
delawarelive.com
· 2025-12-08
Delaware's elderly population lost over $14 million to fraud in 2022, with 305 victims aged 60 and over suffering average losses of $45,977 each, according to FBI data analyzed by cybersecurity experts. The state recorded 106.6 fraud victims per 100,000 elderly residents, with investment scams, business impostor schemes, and romance scams being the most costly types nationally, while those aged 60 and over were 517% more likely to fall victim to tech support scams than younger adults.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Massachusetts residents over age 60 lost more than $70 million to fraud in 2022, with 1,653 victims averaging $42,408 in losses per person, according to an analysis of FBI and FTC data by VPNPro. Seniors aged 60 and older were 517 percent more likely to fall victim to online tech support scams than younger adults, with investment scams, business imposter scams, and romance scams being the most prevalent types. Experts recommend that families discuss fraud prevention with elderly relatives, including warning signs such as requests for unusual payment methods, pressure to act quickly, and unsolicited offers.
boston25news.com
· 2025-12-08
Massachusetts residents over age 60 lost more than $70 million to fraud in 2022, with 1,653 victims averaging $42,408 in losses each, according to VPNPro's analysis of FBI and FTC data. Seniors in the state were 517 percent more likely to fall victim to online tech support scams than younger adults, with investment scams, business imposter scams, and romance scams being the most prevalent types. Experts recommend that adult children have conversations with elderly parents about fraud red flags and caution them against providing personal or financial information over the phone or through unusual payment methods.
wetaskiwintimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Wetaskiwin RCMP warned the public of an active grandparent scam in the community where victims have lost six-figure amounts of money. Scammers impersonate judges, lawyers, or police officers claiming a family member is incarcerated and needs bail money, sometimes using AI-generated voice replications of victims' loved ones. Police emphasized that bail is never paid by phone, courts and police will not request payments or personal information by phone, and victims should verify claims by contacting the relevant agency directly.
bgindependentmedia.org
· 2025-12-08
Bowling Green Police reported eight scams in a single week, increasingly targeting young people alongside traditional elderly victims. Common schemes included fake vehicle sales on Facebook Marketplace requiring deposit payments via gift cards or Bitcoin, impersonation of federal agents, sextortion involving nude photos, and fake bond payment requests. Police advise residents to trust their instincts, verify purchases in person, consult trusted contacts before acting, and resist pressure for immediate payment or photo sharing, noting that alert business employees have helped prevent some losses by identifying suspicious large purchases of gift cards and cryptocurrency.
iowastartingline.com
· 2025-12-08
A Central Iowa woman nearly fell for a sophisticated jury duty scam in which a caller impersonated a Polk County sheriff's sergeant, provided her correct personal information, and falsely claimed she had missed jury duty and had a warrant for her arrest. The scammer spoofed the sheriff's office phone number and used detailed personal data found online to appear credible, but the victim's husband identified red flags including incorrect county information and the demand for payment. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, these scams are increasingly common and difficult to investigate; legitimate fines for missed jury duty are only imposed by judges in court, never by law enforcement over the phone.
collins.senate.gov
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters are impersonating U.S. Marshals and federal officials by spoofing their phone numbers to target Maine residents, claiming they must pay fines to avoid arrest or promising payments that require upfront fees. The scammers use convincing tactics such as publicly available personal information, fake badges, and case numbers to appear credible. Victims are urged to report suspected scams to the FBI or FTC, and to avoid taking immediate action on unsolicited calls demanding payment or personal information.
lfpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams involve fraudsters posing as romantic interests online to manipulate victims into sending money, personal information, or cryptocurrency, often citing emergencies or investment opportunities. Recent cases in Ontario have resulted in significant losses, including one victim losing over $2 million and a Toronto woman losing $450,000; nationally, nearly 800 Canadians lost almost $42 million to romance scams in 2023, with one in four victims in their 60s. Protection strategies include avoiding sharing personal or banking information with online strangers, refusing to invest in unfamiliar platforms, and being wary of people who confess love quickly or consistently make excuses to avoid meeting in person.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office has launched an online fraud complaint form to help seniors report suspected scams, which are increasingly targeting older adults through schemes like fake lotteries, tech support scams, and romance/grandparent scams. According to FBI data, seniors over 60 reported $3.4 billion in financial fraud losses in 2023, an 11 percent increase from the previous year. The A.G.'s office urges seniors to protect themselves by avoiding sharing personal information unsolicited, verifying emails before clicking links, and rejecting high-pressure payment requests.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, elderly Americans lost over $3.4 billion to fraud, with the FBI reporting an 11% increase in elder fraud losses compared to 2022, and the DOJ charging 16 defendants in April 2024 connected to a scam defrauding hundreds of seniors. Common schemes include tech support fraud, government impersonation, and "grandparent scams" where perpetrators use spoofed phone numbers to impersonate distressed relatives or officials, convincing victims to wire money. To mitigate losses, experts recommend regular elder check-ins with financial account monitoring, restricting wire transfers by amount or location, and implementing verbal verification protocols before funds are transferre
nasdaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Losses from scams targeting adults age 60 and older reached $3.4 billion last year—an 11% increase from the prior year—with an average loss of $33,915 per victim, according to FBI data. Older adults are frequently targeted through tech support scams, personal data breaches, and romance scams because they often have substantial assets and may be more trusting and less likely to report fraud. Experts recommend protective measures including strong data hygiene practices, using credit cards for online purchases, verifying unsolicited communications directly with trusted sources, establishing account oversight with multiple trusted contacts, and fostering open conversations about scams to reduce shame and encourage reporting.
nerdwallet.com
· 2025-12-08
Older adults are increasingly targeted by financial scams, with losses reaching $3.4 billion in the past year—an 11% increase from the previous year, with an average loss of $33,915 per victim. Scammers target this demographic because they typically have savings and assets, are more trusting, and less likely to report fraud, with tech support scams, personal data breaches, and romance scams being most common. Protective measures include adopting basic data hygiene practices (using secure websites, strong passwords, two-factor authentication), verifying unsolicited contacts directly with known sources, establishing multiple trusted contacts to monitor accounts, and reducing stigma around reporting scams.
tinleypark.org
· 2025-12-08
The Tinley Park Police Department reported an increase in phone and email scams targeting elderly residents, including government impersonation, sweepstakes, robocalls, tech support, and grandparent scams. The advisory recommends seniors protect themselves by avoiding sharing personal information over phone or email, monitoring financial statements, using multifactor authentication, refusing to send money to strangers, and being skeptical of callers claiming to be law enforcement or pressuring immediate action.
kroc.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the FTC reported that Americans lost over $10 billion to scams, with Minnesota residents falling victim to various schemes including law enforcement impersonation, phishing emails, social media fraud, and fake streaming service emails. The article provides awareness of common scams while promoting a free document shredding event in Rochester, Minnesota on May 22, 2024, co-hosted by AARP and the Better Business Bureau to help residents safely dispose of sensitive documents and protect against identity theft.
floridatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
A Florida opinion piece highlights the prevalence of elder fraud targeting Space Coast seniors, featuring the case of 80-year-old Judy Kirk who nearly fell victim to a tech support scam demanding $25,000. According to FBI data, seniors over 60 lost $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023, with Florida ranking second nationally; common scams affecting state residents include tech support, investment, romance, gift card, and roofing schemes. The article emphasizes that while Kirk avoided financial loss by sensing something wrong at the last moment, many of her peers were successfully scammed, underscoring the need for elder awareness and vigilance.
abc15.com
· 2025-12-08
Employment scams are the second riskiest scam type according to the Better Business Bureau, with incidents increasing as recent graduates and remote work seekers apply for positions. A Phoenix woman nearly fell victim to an employment scam but avoided financial loss by recognizing red flags including grammar errors, suspicious links, and inconsistent sender names, then verifying the company through the BBB Scam Tracker. The article advises job seekers to research companies thoroughly, avoid sending payments for employment, and watch for employers who hire without interviews.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Voice cloning scams are a growing threat, with scammers using AI-powered websites to impersonate loved ones and business contacts, resulting in over $752 million in losses last year. The technology is easily accessible—requiring only a 30-second audio clip (often sourced from social media) and taking just 2-4 minutes to create a convincing fake voice. Law enforcement recommends protecting yourself by establishing secret code words with family members, trusting your instincts when requests for money or sensitive information arise, and double-checking suspicious calls, while regulators work on legislation requiring digital watermarking of AI-generated content.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This AARP educational article outlines three major scams targeting homeowners and consumers, particularly older adults: contractor fraud involving upfront payment demands and shoddy work; digital package delivery scams using fake text messages from shipping companies to steal personal information and payment details (which cost Americans $330 million in 2022); and Medicare scams including false billing for unreceived services, fraudulent "free" product offers, and genetic testing schemes designed to obtain Medicare numbers. The article recommends getting multiple contractor estimates, avoiding upfront payments, ignoring unsolicited messages, verifying package issues directly with retailers, and carefully reviewing Medicare statements while protecting Medicare numbers from unauthorized parties.
countryherald.com
· 2025-12-08
The Tinley Park Police Department warns of an increase in phone and email scams targeting elderly residents, with common schemes including government impersonation, lottery scams, robocalls, tech support fraud, and grandparent scams. The department recommends protecting personal information, monitoring financial statements, using multifactor authentication, avoiding wire transfers and gift card payments, and being skeptical of urgent demands or threats. Victims should contact local police immediately or report scams to the Federal Trade Commission to preserve evidence.
dvidshub.net
· 2025-12-08
Special Agent Johnny Guerrero and other U.S. Air Force cybersecurity experts warn that scammers exploit information shared on social media and dating sites to target military personnel and civilians through fake personas, romance scams, and AI-enabled voice cloning schemes. Social media fraud losses exceeded $2.7 billion in the first half of 2023, with online purchase scams accounting for 44% of losses, while romance scams on dating sites cost victims $1.3 billion in 2022 with a median loss of $4,400. Experts recommend applying a "never trust, always verify" approach: avoid sharing personal details online, verify suspicious requests with family directly, and use
berkshireeagle.com
· 2025-12-08
This article explains why fraud victims often experience greater shame and social stigma than victims of violent crimes, despite both being theft. Romance and relationship scams are particularly devastating because criminals invest time building emotional connections with vulnerable individuals (often those seeking companionship after loss) through fake profiles on social media, then repeatedly extract money by fabricating emergencies or personal crises. The article advises recognizing red flags such as requests to move communication off dating platforms, inability to meet in person, and repeated requests for money, while recommending early intervention through trusted intermediaries and resources like the AARP Consumer Hotline.
freepressokc.com
· 2025-12-08
The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office launched an online senior fraud complaint form to help older Oklahomans report scams, as financial fraud targeting people over 60 reached $3.4 billion nationally in 2023, an 11 percent increase from the previous year. Common schemes include fake lotteries, tech support scams, and impersonation of grandchildren, government officials, or romantic interests. The office advises seniors to protect themselves by avoiding sharing personal information unsolicited, not clicking email links or attachments, being wary of upfront payment demands, and rejecting high-pressure tactics from unknown callers.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Two Florida and Michigan residents were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in an international fraud conspiracy that defrauded senior citizens of millions of dollars. The scheme involved fake tech support warnings that led victims to surrender cash, wire transfers, and gift cards through various ruses, including impersonation of federal agents and false claims of compromised bank accounts; White was sentenced to 97 months and ordered to pay $3.2 million in restitution, while McNamara received 51 months and must pay $693,073 in restitution. One West Michigan victim lost $398,000 to the conspiracy, which operated with scammers based in India and used U.S.-based oper
michigansthumb.com
· 2025-12-08
McKhaela McNamara (Flint, Michigan) and Jmyla White (Florida) were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in an international wire fraud conspiracy targeting senior citizens across multiple states, with McNamara receiving 51 months and ordered to pay $693,073 in restitution, while White received 97 months and was ordered to pay $3.2 million. The scam began with fake virus warnings on victims' computers, prompting them to call numbers where perpetrators impersonated tech company representatives or federal agents, then convinced victims to withdraw cash, make wire transfers, or purchase gift cards through various ruses involving compromised bank accounts, infected computers, or criminal
news18.com
· 2025-12-08
Arup, a British multinational engineering firm, lost $25.6 million in January 2024 to a deepfake scam targeting a finance employee in Hong Kong. The victim was deceived by fake video calls impersonating the company's CFO and other officials and authorized 15 transfers totaling 200 million Hong Kong dollars before the fraud was discovered. The incident highlights the increasing sophistication of deepfake technology and cyber threats, with company leadership warning employees to remain vigilant against evolving scamming techniques.
foxsanantonio.com
· 2025-12-08
Texas ranks third nationally for elder fraud, with 7,035 complaints from people over 60 resulting in losses exceeding $278 million in 2023, involving scams such as phishing, romance schemes, and cryptocurrency fraud. The article features Dennis and Joy Shockey, an elderly couple who lost nearly $170,000 to a pop-up computer scam and recovered only about one-third through crowdfunding, illustrating how swift action is critical for potential fund recovery. Experts note that elderly Texans are particularly vulnerable targets, with scammers often funneling stolen money through fake accounts near the Mexican border.
news4jax.com
· 2025-12-08
McAfee data predicts one in four people will fall victim to travel scams during summer 2024, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes and realistic phishing emails to target travelers. Nearly 25% of victims lost $1,000 or more per scam, with common tactics including copycat websites, fake reviews, and requests for wire transfers or gift cards. Experts recommend booking through verified websites, exercising skepticism about online reviews, avoiding public Wi-Fi, and reporting suspected scams to the FTC.
kwch.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that rental scams surge from May to August, with victims losing money and housing during peak moving season. Scammers often lack verifiable contact information and use fake online listings to defraud renters. The BBB recommends working only with rental companies that provide contact details, requesting virtual tours or video calls with owners, and avoiding companies unwilling to verify their legitimacy before payment.
wmur.com
· 2025-12-08
The "Say Yes" scam, where scammers allegedly record someone saying "yes" to authorize fraudulent purchases, is largely a myth with no documented financial losses reported to the Better Business Bureau. Cyber security experts explain that a recording of the word "yes" alone cannot authorize purchases, and the urban legend likely originated from telemarketers using automated systems to verify active phone numbers. Consumers should be aware of related scams where callers impersonate law enforcement claiming to have intercepted packages containing drugs, but the specific "Say Yes" recording scam is not a legitimate financial threat.
ksal.com
· 2025-12-08
According to 2022 FBI and FTC data analyzed by VPNPro, Kansas experienced $24.4 million in losses to elderly fraud affecting an average of 68.6 victims per 100,000 residents aged 60 and over. Nationally, investment scams caused the largest losses ($404 million), followed by business imposters ($271 million) and romance scams ($240 million), with seniors being 517% more likely to fall victim to tech support scams than younger adults. Online fraud and bank transfers were the most common contact methods and payment methods respectively, resulting in $564 million and $570 million in losses to elderly victims in 2022.
highlandcountypress.com
· 2025-12-08
The Highland County Health Department is offering free online safety and privacy training sessions for seniors throughout May and June, covering topics such as identifying scams, phishing attempts, and protecting personal information online. Each session includes hands-on technical support from experts who will provide one-on-one assistance to help seniors navigate the digital world safely. The program is funded through an Ohio Healthy Aging Grant and a partnership between Highland County Commissioners and the Community Action Organization.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
A 37-year-old Illinois man, Ligneshkumar Patel, was charged with stealing $148,000 in gold Krugerrand coins from a 73-year-old Edwardsville woman in March 2024 after scammers posing as PayPal convinced her to purchase the coins with her retirement funds and hand them over to him. Patel, arrested in Wisconsin while attempting to scam another victim, served as the middleman in the scheme and faces two felony counts. Police Chief Michael Fillback warned that such scams targeting vulnerable individuals through fake identity fraud alerts and high-pressure tactics demanding immediate payment have become increasingly common, and advised victims
krforadio.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 study by Incogni found that U.S. residents over age 60 lost $3.4 billion to fraud—a 10.6% increase from 2022—with 101,068 reports filed, up 14.5% from the prior year. Minnesota elderly were among the hardest hit nationally, with victims over 60 losing an average of $44,623 each, ranking third-highest per-victim loss behind only DC and Hawaii. The article advises protecting against scams by scrutinizing emails for misspellings, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and verifying requests directly with companies' official websites or customer service.
news4sanantonio.com
· 2025-12-08
Texas ranks third in the nation for elder fraud, with 7,035 complaints from seniors over 60 resulting in losses exceeding $278 million in 2023, according to the FBI report. Scams include phishing, romance schemes, investment fraud, and cryptocurrency theft, with one couple in their 80s losing nearly $200,000 through a pop-up computer scam. Experts note that quick reporting is critical for potential fund recovery, though victims like the Shockeys have had limited success retrieving losses.
7news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A 28-year-old Sydney woman named Monica discovered that her photos from her public Instagram account had been used to create a fake Tinder dating profile under the name "Tayla," which remained active for approximately six months and matched with multiple users. Monica reported the fraudulent account to Tinder and sought help from friends and online safety groups, though the fake profile persisted despite multiple removal requests, leaving her concerned about potential romance scams or real-life encounters with those who had matched with the imposter account. The incident highlights the risks of maintaining public social media profiles and demonstrates how easily personal images can be misappropriated for dating app fraud schemes.
wsiu.org
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters are sending text message phishing scams impersonating toll collection services like the Illinois Tollway and Florida Turnpike, claiming recipients owe small amounts (typically around $12) and threatening $50 late fees to pressure immediate payment. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to verify any toll debt by visiting the official toll service website or calling their customer service line directly rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages.
kunc.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers across Colorado are using phone calls, texts, and emails impersonating law enforcement, the IRS, tech support, and other trusted entities to defraud victims of thousands of dollars. In 2023, Colorado reported $188 million in losses across 11,000+ victims, ranking 7th nationally per capita, with Summit County Sheriff's Office reporting 80 fraud cases so far this year totaling tens of thousands in losses. Authorities advise remaining skeptical of urgent requests, offers that seem too good to be true, and unsolicited contact, and recommend reporting suspicious activity to StopFraudColorado.gov or IC3.gov, noting that once funds are
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Voice cloning scams use artificial intelligence to impersonate loved ones requesting emergency money, as exemplified when fraud attorney Gary Schildhorn nearly lost $9,000 after receiving a call from what he believed was his injured son in jail. Scammers obtain voice samples from social media, voicemail, and phone recordings, making complete protection difficult despite technology companies offering verification features. To protect against such scams, experts recommend using secret code words with family members, hanging up and independently verifying caller identity through known contact information, and remaining skeptical of urgent requests for immediate payment.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
AI voice cloning scams use just a three-second voice clip from social media to impersonate victims and deceive their family and friends into sending money. Nearly a quarter of British adults have experienced or witnessed such scams, with 78 percent losing money, as criminals exploit emotional manipulation and high-pressure scenarios (like fabricated accidents or emergencies) to bypass victims' logic. The technology is readily available online through free and paid tools, making it increasingly accessible to scammers.
tradingview.com
· 2025-12-08
Daren Li and Yicheng Zhang orchestrated a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam that defrauded victims of $73 million by cultivating fake romantic relationships on social media and dating apps, then luring victims into investing in fraudulent crypto platforms that generated fabricated returns. The scam exploited human psychology and the desire for connection, with perpetrators using stolen photos and fabricated life stories to build emotional trust before introducing fake investment opportunities. The article advises victims to maintain skepticism toward online romantic interests promising financial returns, research investments thoroughly, and protect personal financial information from strangers online.
winonapost.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** U.S. Department of Justice - Elder Fraud Overview
Millions of elderly Americans lose over $3 billion annually to financial fraud schemes including romance, tech support, grandparent, government impersonation, sweepstakes, home repair, and caregiver scams. Seniors are frequently targeted because they tend to be trusting, have savings and good credit, and are often reluctant to report fraud due to shame or concerns about losing independence. The DOJ recommends protection strategies including recognizing scam attempts, verifying contact information online, resisting pressure to act quickly, avoiding unsolicited offers, never sharing personal information with unverified sources, maintaining updated security
sandhillsexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nebraska identified an impersonation scam using U.S. Attorney Susan Lehr's name, image, and title in fraudulent emails requesting payment from victims; several concerned citizens reported receiving the emails, but no financial losses occurred. The office advises recipients to avoid opening attachments or sharing personal information, and to report such emails to the FBI Tip Line and FTC Fraud Line, noting that the U.S. Attorney's Office only collects money for court-ordered restitution in criminal cases.
palmbeachpost.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams affected 70,000 people in 2022, resulting in $1.3 billion in losses with an average loss of over $4,000 per victim, according to the FTC. Florida ranked third nationally with 1,474 reported victims losing $53.4 million. The article identifies ten warning signs of romance scammers, including unusually fast professions of love, reluctance to video chat, requests to move communications off dating platforms, claims of emergencies requiring money transfers, poor grammar, and pressure to keep the relationship secret from friends and family.