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in Scam Awareness
norfolkdailynews.com
In 2023, U.S. consumers reported losing over $10 billion to fraud—a 14% increase from 2022—with investment scams accounting for $4.6 billion and imposter scams for $2.7 billion of those losses. Government imposter scams are increasingly prevalent, particularly those falsely claiming to be law enforcement or court officials demanding immediate payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to avoid arrest or jail. The FTC advises consumers never to send money to unsolicited government callers or share personal and financial information with unverified sources.
belltimescourier.com
Following disasters, scammers target vulnerable victims through recorded calls promising government grants, flood insurance, or disaster assistance in attempts to steal credit card and banking information. Key prevention strategies include asking detailed questions of service providers, independently verifying identities by contacting organizations directly, avoiding high-pressure decisions, and consulting trusted sources before committing to any offers or contracts. Residents should report suspected scams to the Iowa Attorney General's Office and consult FEMA resources to verify legitimate disaster assistance.
aol.com
Robert Louis Sanchez, a 57-year-old from New Mexico, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for his role in a grandparent scam that targeted hundreds of elderly victims across the United States, resulting in over $3 million in losses. The scheme involved scammers calling seniors posing as grandchildren in distress (claiming car accidents or legal trouble) and then sending couriers to collect cash from victims' homes, with the money subsequently deposited in banks or laundered through cryptocurrency exchanges. Four other conspirators have also been convicted and sentenced, with charges pending against additional participants in the operation.
bernama.com
Malaysia's elderly population faces significant digital literacy gaps, with only 3.4% of those aged 60+ using the internet in 2020, making them vulnerable to scams and unable to access essential services. Senior citizens lost RM552.5 million to internet fraud between 2021-2023, highlighting the urgent need for targeted digital literacy programs that teach password security, phishing identification, and safe online practices. Improving digital skills among older adults would reduce fraud victimization while enabling them to access healthcare, maintain social connections, and participate in modern society.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Ernakulam rural police in Kochi issued a warning against cyber fraud after scammers defrauded residents of at least Rs 3 crore over four months, with victims losing approximately Rs 2 crore through fake online trading schemes and another Rs 1.15 crore in an impersonation scam where fraudsters posed as investigative officers. Notable cases include a senior citizen from Aluva who lost Rs 1.15 crore after scammers falsely claimed a Supreme Court warrant was issued and demanded money for a "security check," while other residents lost between Rs 22 lakh and Rs 50 lakh in trading fraud schemes; police
westerniowatoday.com
The Des Moines County Sheriff's Office warned the public about jury duty scams in which fraudsters impersonate court officials, demand payment or personal information via phone, and threaten arrest to coerce victims into paying fines through prepaid cards or electronic transfers. Scammers use spoofed caller IDs, personal information, and official-sounding details to appear legitimate, though legitimate courts never demand payment by phone or serve warrants this way. Residents are advised to verify any court contact independently and report suspected fraud to law enforcement.
lancasteronline.com
**70-year-old Mark Heath lost his entire $161,000 retirement savings to a "pig butchering" romance scam** in which a woman named Libby Collins contacted him on Facebook, built an emotional relationship with him, and convinced him to invest in cryptocurrency and NFT schemes through multiple transfers. After his son identified the scam during the holidays, Heath contacted the FBI, but the money and the scammer had already disappeared, leaving him dependent on Social Security and his son's financial support.
newsregister.com
Americans age 60 and older lost more than $3 billion to scammers in 2023, with elder fraud complaints to the FBI increasing 14% year-over-year, though actual losses are likely far higher due to underreporting and unreported crimes. Older adults are disproportionately targeted because they tend to be trusting, have savings, and may be less comfortable with technology, with tech-support scams, romance scams, and investment frauds being the most common schemes. Prevention through education—such as being cautious of unsolicited contacts, verifying businesses online, and never sharing personal information with unverified sources—can help mitigate the psychological and financial
times-herald.com
Scammers are impersonating the Coweta County Sheriff's Department in phone calls, claiming victims failed to appear for jury duty and threatening legal consequences to pressure them into paying money. The scam uses personal information and legal terminology to appear credible, creating a false sense of urgency that makes vulnerable populations, particularly elderly individuals, more likely to comply before verifying the caller's legitimacy. Law enforcement advises that courts and police never request personal information, Social Security numbers, or payment over the phone, and recommends hanging up and independently verifying caller identity if such a call is received.
wbrc.com
Scammers are defrauding victims across the country, including Alabama, by using stolen photos and videos from legitimate dealerships to sell classic cars that don't exist. Victims typically lose $5,000 to $30,000 after sending deposits electronically, with little chance of recovery as the money is often moved offshore and scammers disappear after payment. The Better Business Bureau recommends personally inspecting vehicles and paying in person rather than sending money electronically to avoid this scam.
radiotexaslive.com
The FBI is warning Texas residents about an increasing number of scams operating in the state, noting that criminals are becoming more sophisticated by using AI tools to improve their fraud techniques. The agency advises people to never share banking information or purchase gift cards in response to unsolicited requests via text, email, or messaging apps, and to verify requests for money directly with family members before sending funds. Victims are urged to contact law enforcement immediately if they are scammed.
news5cleveland.com
Cryptocurrency scam victims in Northeast Ohio face a secondary threat from recovery scams, where fraudsters posing as lawyers from fake firms promise to retrieve lost funds but instead steal additional money. Between February 2023 and February 2024, such fictitious law firm schemes targeting crypto victims resulted in nearly $10 million in losses reported to the FBI. The FBI's Cleveland Midwest Cryptocurrency Task Force warns victims against recovery schemes and advises reporting all suspected scams to the BBB Scam Tracker or FBI.
greenvilleadvocate.com
Spoofing and phishing scams are increasingly common, with scammers using disguised online identities to steal personal and financial information from victims. Law enforcement recommends three key prevention steps: never share personal information or send money via gift cards to unknown callers (legitimate companies don't request this), avoid answering calls from unknown numbers, and verify caller identity by independently contacting the official organization. Victims can report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov or 877-382-4357, or to local law enforcement.
ksat.com
As Hurricane Beryl approaches Mexico, the Federal Trade Commission warns of disaster-related scams, including unlicensed contractors demanding advance payment for repairs with no written contracts, and online sellers offering discounted supplies that are never delivered. The FTC recommends verifying contractor credentials and insurance, obtaining written contracts, checking online reviews for authenticity, and seeking referrals from trusted sources to avoid fraudulent schemes following weather emergencies.
cbsnews.com
A 62-year-old Menlo Park woman, Rebecca Violette, was sentenced to 28 months in jail for a decade-long rental scam in which she posed as an affluent investor, wrote bad checks for deposits, and then refused to pay rent, forcing landlords through costly eviction processes. Violette pleaded guilty to three counts of grand theft, three counts of passing bad checks, and one count of attempted theft, and had previously been convicted and jailed for the same scheme in 2014. The case demonstrates the importance of thorough background checks by landlords, as one prospective landlord avoided victimization by discovering her history through an online search.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
A sound engineer in Chennai was extorted by an eight-member gang after meeting a woman through a dating app, who filmed him in a compromising position and demanded 27,000 rupees; four suspects were arrested. Dating app scams in Chennai are surging, with criminals using AI chatbots, deepfake videos, sextortion, and impersonation of law enforcement to target victims—often shifting conversations to encrypted platforms like Telegram and stealing personal/financial information. Experts recommend caution when contacts request app transfers or money, and advise reporting scams despite potential embarrassment, as many incidents go unreported due to victim fear.
newsbytesapp.com
An X user named Jay outwitted a romance scammer on a dating app who had requested ₹1,000 by pretending to attempt payment twice, then convincing the scammer to send him ₹20 as a "test transaction" before blocking them. The incident, which gained over two million views online, highlights the prevalence of dating app scams and demonstrates the importance of skepticism, identity verification, and reporting suspicious behavior to protect against romance fraud, investment scams, and other schemes on dating platforms.
pulse.com.gh
This educational article provides Ghanaians with practical strategies to avoid scams, emphasizing the importance of verifying sources, recognizing red flags like urgent requests and unsolicited sensitive information demands, and identifying inconsistencies such as poor grammar and unprofessional presentation. Key protective measures include conducting thorough research on companies, using secure payment platforms, seeking advice from trusted sources, and verifying regulatory compliance before engaging with any offer.
click2houston.com
On May 28th, a Pearland, Texas resident named Missy Edwards lost $17,633 to scammers who spoofed a Wells Fargo phone number and falsely convinced her there was fraudulent activity on her account, then tricked her into initiating a wire transfer herself. Because Edwards voluntarily sent the money under false pretenses rather than having it stolen outright, the bank may not reimburse her, and recovery is extremely difficult since the funds are typically converted to cryptocurrency, which law enforcement agencies struggle to track.
ksstradio.com
This educational article identifies common characteristics of scam calls targeting seniors by analyzing a recorded conversation between a scammer and a fraud researcher. Key red flags include calls to do-not-call-listed numbers, use of fake names shared across multiple scams, spoofed caller IDs, vague product information, and immediate requests for financial details rather than legitimate company information.
ibsintelligence.com
AI-powered fraud is escalating rapidly, with deepfake fraud attempts jumping 3,000% year-over-year in 2023 as malicious actors exploit accessible generative AI tools to conduct sophisticated scams at scale. Key emerging threats include deepfakes targeting high-profile figures and biometric systems, increasingly convincing phishing and smishing attacks that exploit AI-generated authentic-appearing content, and social engineering schemes leveraging AI—all of which require businesses and individuals to remain vigilant and deploy AI-based defensive systems to keep pace with evolving fraud tactics.
pmg-ky1.com
The Better Business Bureau's June Hot Topics report highlights ten prevalent scams affecting consumers, including employment fraud on Facebook ($5,000+ loss), fake family emergency calls, medical bill scams, customer service imposters, invoice scams, sweepstakes fraud, phishing schemes, online shopping and hotel booking scams, and used car parts fraud. The BBB advises consumers to verify businesses at www.bbb.org before transactions, never send money over the phone or to unverified callers, check official accounts and court websites to confirm suspicious claims, and always pay with credit cards to enable dispute protection.
organiser.org
The Enforcement Directorate arrested two individuals, Arvind Singh and Trilok Singh Dhillon, in connection with an alleged Rs 2,100 crore liquor scam that operated in Chhattisgarh under the previous government regime. Dhillon is accused of money laundering through bank accounts and firms used to layer proceeds from the scam, while Singh allegedly played an active role collecting cash and supplying illegal liquor and duplicate holograms. The case involves approximately 70 accused including bureaucrats, liquor suppliers, government officials, and political figures, with multiple arrests and a 9,000-page chargesheet filed by the Economic Offence Wing.
ajc.com
In 2021, elderly couple Dorothy and George Williams of Southwest Atlanta hired contractor Steven Chastain for home repairs, paying him $147,000 (including a $60,000 upfront payment) after he promised quality work and claimed to be a man of God. Chastain, a known scam artist with a history of targeting homeowners, never obtained permits and abandoned the project after stripping the house down to its frame, leaving the couple unable to recoup their losses despite his later conviction for felony theft by deception and theft by conversion. The Williams family has spent three years displaced from their home, living without plumbing, running water, or proper walls, and Dorothy suffered health
marbleheadcurrent.org
A 72-year-old Marblehead woman fell victim to a tech support scam where fraudsters posed as federal investigators and convinced her that hackers had compromised her computer and identity, ultimately persuading her to withdraw $7,500 and mail it to California wrapped in foil and bubble wrap. Thanks to quick action by Marblehead Police, the package was intercepted and returned before delivery, allowing the victim to recover her money. The scam illustrates how perpetrators manipulate victims through urgency and fear, targeting their emotions rather than logic, and police emphasize that residents should never call numbers on suspicious pop-ups or provide personal information over the phone.
indiatoday.in
An X user shared a story of successfully turning the tables on a romance scammer who attempted to con him out of Rs 1,000 via Google Pay by posing as a dating app match. The user outsmarted the scammer by pretending payment failed twice, then convincing the scammer to send Rs 20 first as a "test," after which he blocked them. The article outlines common dating app scams including romance scams, location scams, and fake investment schemes, while offering protective measures such as identity verification, skepticism toward early money requests, and use of app security features.
foxnews.com
In 2023, Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams—a 10.6% increase from 2022—with 101,068 reports filed, according to FBI IC3 data. Criminals obtained victims' personal information through data brokers and used it to perpetrate tech support scams (18,000 victims, $589.8 million lost), investment fraud (6,400 victims, $1.2 billion lost), and romance scams (6,700 victims, $356.9 million lost). The article advises seniors to use data removal services, place fraud alerts with credit agencies, and remain cautious of phishing
secureworks.com
The film "Thelma" depicts a 93-year-old woman who loses $10,000 to a grandson impersonation scam, reflecting a real crisis: the FBI reported over 101,000 elder fraud victims aged 60+ in 2023, with tech support, romance, confidence, and investment scams being the most common types. Social engineering attacks exploit human psychology and create artificial urgency to manipulate victims into divulging sensitive information or making payments, and victims often experience lasting emotional harm including shame and loss of confidence. Key prevention strategies include educating oneself about scams, trusting instincts when requests seem unusual, verifying the identity of callers, an
cnbc.com
Romance scammers exploit emotional vulnerabilities to gain victims' trust and access to their financial accounts, with U.S. consumers losing $1.14 billion to romance scams in 2023 and a median loss of $2,000 per victim—the highest among imposter scams. These scams typically develop over time on social media platforms, with about 40% of victims reporting initial contact there, and 73% of victims being men. Warning signs include requests for money, refusal to meet in person, isolation attempts, and pressure tactics, though victims often struggle to recognize the fraud because they trust the person manipulating them.
rd.com
Work-from-home job scams are fraudulent job postings designed to steal personal information or trick applicants into paying upfront fees for fake background checks, training, or equipment. According to the Better Business Bureau, approximately 14 million job seekers encounter these scams annually, resulting in over $2 billion in losses. To protect yourself, job applicants should verify company legitimacy through official websites, watch for red flags like requests for payment before employment or overly quick hiring processes, and be cautious of positions advertised on social media or through direct messages rather than official job boards.
nbcnewyork.com
In 2023, consumers lost $1.14 billion to romance scams, with a median loss of $2,000 per victim—the highest for any imposter scam category, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Romance scammers build trust with victims over time, often through social media, to manipulate them into sending money or providing account access. Key warning signs include unsolicited contact, requests for money, refusal to meet in person, and attempts to isolate victims from family and friends.
consumer.ftc.gov
**Summary:**
Fraudulent passport websites mimic official government sites, charging $60 to several hundred dollars on top of regular passport fees and collecting personal information from victims. The legitimate passport service is exclusively available through Travel.State.Gov; forms are free, appointments are free, and paying third parties does not expedite processing. Victims should report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and monitor for identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov.
alaskapublic.org
Samantha Norman, a nurse in Palmer, Alaska, lost $3,000 in a "Jury Duty Scam" after a caller impersonating a police officer convinced her she had missed jury duty and had a warrant for her arrest. The scammer used social engineering tactics—claiming to be sympathetic, citing COVID protocols, and instructing her to pay bail via a Coinstar machine—to manipulate her into sending money. This nationwide scheme has been targeting Alaskans for years, with Palmer Police reporting multiple victims on the same day Norman was scammed.
northjersey.com
Gas station fraud includes skimming devices, hidden cameras, and attendant overcharging that can compromise card data and drain bank accounts. To protect yourself, inspect card readers for skimmers, watch for hidden cameras, use cash or credit cards instead of debit cards, choose pumps near the building entrance, monitor attendants during transactions, and regularly review card statements with fraud alerts enabled.
wsiltv.com
Older adults are frequently targeted by scammers who impersonate government officials, bank employees, Medicare representatives, or tech company workers to steal personal information. The Better Business Bureau recommends protecting seniors by establishing open communication with loved ones and including their caregivers in conversations about fraud awareness.
indiatoday.in
An X user shared screenshots of how he outsmarted a romance scammer who attempted to extract Rs 1,000 (approximately $12 USD) via Google Pay by posing as a dating app match. Instead of sending the requested amount, the user convinced the scammer to send Rs 20 first as a "test transaction," then blocked the scammer after receiving the money. The incident highlights the prevalence of dating app scams, which typically involve fake profiles building emotional connections before requesting money for emergencies or other expenses, and underscores the importance of skepticism, identity verification, and trusting one's instincts when using dating platforms.
infosecurity-magazine.com
A UK industry survey found that 65% of payments professionals identify fraud as their top financial crime concern, with authorized push payment (APP) scams—where fraudsters impersonate trusted entities to trick victims into transferring money—being the most impactful type, affecting 27% of respondents' organizations. APP fraud cases rose 12% year-on-year in 2023 with losses reaching £460 million, primarily through purchase scams (67% of cases) and online sources (76% of cases), though the scams are relatively unsophisticated and succeed through mass targeting rather than complexity. Payment service providers are concerned about upcoming liability rules that would require them to split responsibility for APP
the-sun.com
Victoria Melhuish, an Instagram user with nearly 20,000 followers, was hacked and extorted for $300 in cryptocurrency after clicking a fraudulent verification email that appeared to be from Meta. The scammers, allegedly college students, threatened to sell her account unless she paid the ransom; though she regained access after payment, her account was subsequently banned for suspicious activity, forcing her into a dispute with Meta to restore it.
cnet.com
In 2023, Americans lost $10 billion to fraud, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated tactics that are difficult to detect. The article identifies 10 common banking scams—including check fraud, phishing, fake prize offers, advance fee schemes, and government imposter scams—and provides protective strategies such as verifying URLs before clicking links, never sharing banking details unsolicited, and using secure check writing practices. The key defense is awareness: recognizing these common schemes and understanding that legitimate institutions rarely request sensitive information through unsolicited messages or calls.
boothbayregister.com
Door-to-door sales scams proliferate during summer, taking forms such as solar panel offers, magazine subscriptions, or construction services, with scammers using high-pressure tactics to obtain upfront payments or immediate commitments. The key warning sign across all variants is the demand for immediate signing or advance payment, and the recommended defense is to research services independently before making any purchasing decisions. AARP advises consumers to use their Fraud Watch Network resources to identify and prevent these scams.
click2houston.com
In 2023, Americans reported losing $10 billion to fraud, with imposter scams, phishing, investment scams, and romance scams being particularly prevalent. The FTC partnered with Houston Ethnic Media to educate community leaders about these threats, emphasizing that underserved and immigrant communities face heightened vulnerability due to language barriers and economic desperation. Experts stress that verification of recipients and sources is crucial to protecting oneself and one's family from fraud.
freep.com
Scammers are impersonating legitimate job recruiters and staffing companies (including Indeed, LinkedIn, Robert Half, and Kelly Services) to target job seekers with fake work-from-home offers promising $200-$1,000 daily pay. According to the FTC, consumers filed nearly 108,500 complaints about fake job opportunities in 2023, with about 32% resulting in losses averaging $2,169 each, totaling over $500 million in losses. The FBI warns that some scams involve cryptocurrency payment requirements disguised as part of the hiring process, trapping victims in schemes where they see fake earnings but cannot access real money.
actionnews5.com
This article provides educational guidance on summer fraud prevention, featuring advice from Early Warning's Chief Fraud Risk Management Officer on best practices for safe money transfers and avoiding digital scams. The piece emphasizes proactive measures to protect against current fraud threats during the summer season.
fox26houston.com
According to the FBI, scams targeting seniors aged 60 and older resulted in over $3.4 billion in losses in the past year, with no indication that fraudster activity is decreasing. A Harris County Sheriff's Office elderly abuse unit investigator was interviewed to discuss protective measures for families vulnerable to elder fraud.
lawrencecountypress.com
The IRS warned Mississippi seniors about rising impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) via phone calls, emails, and texts to steal personal information and money. Scammers pressure victims into immediate payments using unconventional methods like gift cards, wire transfers, and cryptocurrency by creating false urgency through threats of arrest, deportation, or claims of unpaid taxes. The IRS advises recipients of unsolicited calls to hang up immediately, verify communications through official channels at 800-829-1040, and report scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
todayswillsandprobate.co.uk
A 2023 survey by Re-engage of over 1,177 older people (predominantly age 75+) found that two-thirds experienced attempted scams and 8.3% were actual victims, with one-fifth facing weekly or more scam attempts. Telephone scams were the most common attack vector, and victims reported significant quality-of-life impacts, with over one-quarter experiencing high negative effects. Key recommendations include targeted support for isolated older people, increased fraud awareness education, and use of protective measures like call blockers and scam alert registration.
thesmokymountaintimes.com
Tammy Williams and Ginger Frady from United Community Bank conducted a senior fraud awareness program at Swain Senior Center, educating older adults on recognizing and avoiding scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, older adults lost $1.6 billion to scammers in the previous year, with nearly half lost to fraudulent investments, lottery schemes, phishing, and grandparent scams being among the most common threats. The presenters advised seniors to use credit cards with low limits for online purchases, avoid clicking suspicious links, never send money for prizes they didn't win, hang up on pushy callers claiming to represent government or financial institutions, and consult with their banks when uncertain
govinsider.asia
Singapore has joined the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) to combat the rising tide of scams in Southeast Asia, with scam cases in Singapore increasing 46.8% from 2022 to 2023 (31,728 to 46,563 cases). The GASA Singapore chapter, led by Mastercard and Amazon with participation from tech, finance, and academic sectors, aims to protect consumers through information sharing, public awareness campaigns, and anti-scam solutions targeting threats including e-commerce fraud, phishing, job scams, and AI-generated deepfake extortion (ranging from S$700 to over S$2,000). The initiative
clintonherald.com
A June 2024 Washington Post investigation revealed a massive scam operation centered in Myanmar's Kokang region, controlled by Chinese crime families, that employed approximately 120,000 coerced workers across over 300 call centers to perpetrate cryptocurrency investment scams and romance scams targeting US victims. Workers from 35 countries were lured under false pretenses and subjected to beatings, torture, and killings for attempting to escape or failing to meet quotas, demonstrating why legal consequences remain minimal for scammers operating from overseas jurisdictions.
nigerianbulletin.com
A South African woman lost R510,000 in a romance scam after meeting a man posing as "Deron Mundari" from South Sudan on Tinder, who was later identified as Joseph Ssekasi from Uganda. The scammer gained her trust over four months before convincing her to invest money in a scheme involving "ancestors" and prayers, then disappeared. Police closed the case due to insufficient evidence, but the victim has since come forward to warn others about red flags including rapid declarations of love and excessive interest in finances.