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in Scam Awareness
nbcconnecticut.com
· 2025-12-08
State police are warning the public about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters build trust with victims through dating apps and social media over weeks or months before luring them into fake cryptocurrency or investment schemes that result in financial loss. Cryptocurrency investment fraud grew over 53% in 2023 to approximately $4.5 billion, and Connecticut's Cryptocurrency Working Group recovered nearly $4 million in assets for victims in 2023. Authorities advise people to be cautious of unsolicited investment advice from online contacts, verify that investment companies are registered with regulatory bodies, watch for pressure to invest quickly, and never use unconventional payment methods like wire transfers or cryptocurrency without proper verification.
whsv.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Virginia residents lost over $200 million to scams according to the Federal Trade Commission. The Better Business Bureau warns that AI-generated content is making scams increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect, with scammers using AI to create fake celebrity endorsements in shopping and investment schemes. The BBB recommends verifying legitimacy through reverse image searches, checking for audio/visual irregularities, and conducting thorough research before engaging with unfamiliar offers.
mha.gov.sg
· 2025-12-08
Singapore's scam problem affected over 46,600 victims in the prior year, with losses totaling approximately $650 million—averaging $14,000 per victim and affecting more than 100 people daily. Contrary to common assumptions about elderly vulnerability, nearly 75% of scam victims were under age 50, with 92% of losses driven by social engineering and deception tactics that manipulate victims into authorizing fraudulent transfers. Government agencies, banks, and telecommunications companies are collaborating through measures including the Anti-Scam Command (which froze over 19,600 accounts and recovered $100 million in 2023) and the ACT public awareness campaign to enhance vigil
welivesecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Loan fraud is surging as financial pressures from inflation and rising costs push vulnerable populations to seek credit, with scammers exploiting this desperation through various schemes. Common tactics include advance-fee fraud (requesting upfront payments for loans that never materialize), student loan forgiveness scams, phishing for personal information, and malicious loan apps—with victims in the UK losing an average of £255 ($323) per incident. Those most at risk are young people, seniors, low-income households, and individuals with poor credit scores who are targeted because they're most likely to be desperate for quick funding.
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Bengaluru woman lost Rs 77,000 in a refund scam after receiving spoiled milk from an online grocery platform on March 18, 2024. She contacted a fraudulent customer service number and was instructed to transfer money via PhonePe using a provided UPI ID, believing she would receive a refund; instead, her account was debited. The woman reported the incident to police, who are working to freeze the scammer's account under the Information Technology Act.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Jo O'Brien lost her $500,000 divorce settlement after being deceived by scammers who impersonated AMP employees through a fake comparison website and convinced her to transfer funds into what she believed was her own investment account but was actually controlled by a fraudulent shell company called Supercheap Security. Over $1.3 million from multiple victims was funneled through a NAB bank account, and O'Brien alleges the bank was slow to freeze the account even after she reported the fraud, allowing an additional $275,000 to be transferred overseas. The account operator, Hassan Mehdi, was arrested attempting to leave Australia but charges were later dropped, with the case highlighting vulner
deseret.com
· 2025-12-08
During election season, scammers exploit increased political communications by impersonating legitimate candidates and political action committees to solicit donations from voters, with particular targeting of older Americans. The Better Business Bureau and AARP warn against providing personal information via unsolicited emails, texts, and phone calls, and advise verifying organizations through trusted sources before donating. Suspicious activity can be reported to the BBB's Scam Tracker or the FBI.
boredpanda.com
· 2025-12-08
A 16-year-old boy was scammed by an online "girlfriend" he had never met in person, who pressured him into purchasing $50-$100 in in-game items by threatening to break up with him if he refused. His father discovered the unauthorized charges, paid them off, and confiscated the son's credit card while requiring reimbursement. The incident highlights how teenagers' emotional vulnerability and lack of online safety education make them susceptible to financial manipulation and exploitation by online predators.
doingitlocal.com
· 2025-12-08
Transnational criminal organizations are conducting "pig butchering" investment scams targeting Americans, with older Connecticut residents at particular risk. These scams involve fraudsters building trust with victims through dating apps and social media before directing them to fake trading platforms promising high returns on cryptocurrency or forex investments; cryptocurrency fraud alone reached approximately $4.5 billion in 2023, though total losses since 2021 may exceed $75 billion. Connecticut State Police recovered nearly $4 million in assets for victims in 2023, and residents are advised to watch for warning signs including unsolicited contact, promises of guaranteed returns, pressure to invest quickly, and requests for personal information.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational resource provides guidance on donating safely to charities supporting first responders, active duty military, veterans, and their families. The article emphasizes the importance of researching charities before donating to avoid scams, and covers related topics including crowdfunding platform safety, fake prize scams, and other fraud prevention strategies. Key advice includes verifying charity legitimacy and being cautious of unsolicited donation requests.
bai.org
· 2025-12-08
Visa's Spring 2024 Threats Report reveals that while the number of individual scam reports decreased from June to December 2023, total monetary losses increased, indicating fraudsters are executing more effective and costly schemes. Emerging scams include "pig butchering" (fake cryptocurrency investment schemes targeting 10% of surveyed adults), inheritance scams (affecting 15% of adults), and triangulation fraud (costing merchants up to $1 billion monthly), with fraudsters increasingly leveraging generative AI and other technologies to create more convincing campaigns. Organizational threats are also escalating, including a 300% increase in ransomware cases and an 83% rise in purchase return authorization frau
pbs.org
· 2025-12-08
This educational lesson plan teaches grades 6-12 students to identify and respond to online scams through instruction on recognizing suspicious communications via email, text, and phone calls. Key learning objectives include identifying phishing tactics, understanding how scammers manipulate emotions to bypass logical thinking, and knowing how to report scams to authorities like the FTC and APWG. The lesson emphasizes practical security measures such as using multi-factor authentication, avoiding sharing personal information with unknown contacts, and conducting reverse image searches to verify suspicious profiles.
wmtv15news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Dane County Sheriff's Office warned the public of AI-enhanced grandparent scams where criminals use artificial intelligence to mimic a grandchild's voice and claim they are in danger, pressuring victims to send money in the tens of thousands of dollars. The scam targets elderly grandparents across urban and rural areas, particularly during spring break when college and high school students are away, and succeeds by creating false urgency while telling victims not to contact parents. Law enforcement advises people to hang up and directly call the family member to verify the emergency, adjust social media privacy settings, and listen for robotic tones in the voice recording as a warning sign.
zdnet.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides six practical tips for avoiding online, phone, and in-person scams, using a personal anecdote about a friend who nearly fell victim to a fake Google support call. Key protective measures include being suspicious of unsolicited emails and messages, verifying links before clicking them, recognizing "too good to be true" offers, and contacting companies directly rather than through unsolicited channels. The author emphasizes that awareness and vigilance are essential defenses against increasingly sophisticated scammers.
nbc15.com
· 2025-12-08
The Dane County Sheriff's Office is warning the public about AI-powered grandparent scams where scammers use artificial intelligence to create realistic voice recordings impersonating grandchildren in distress, pressuring grandparents to send money urgently while threatening not to contact parents. These scams affect victims nationwide across urban and rural areas, with losses reaching tens of thousands of dollars per incident, though AI voices may still have a robotic quality that can serve as a warning sign. Law enforcement advises victims to hang up and call family members directly to verify emergencies and recommends adjusting social media privacy settings to limit scammers' access to personal information.
fox23.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonated Tulsa Animal Welfare and targeted pet adopters by calling them claiming their newly adopted animals were injured and required immediate payment via PayPal or Zelle. At least one person fell victim to the scam last week; TAW emphasized they never request money over the phone and advised adopters to call the shelter directly at 918-596-8010 to verify any suspicious communications.
thesuburban.com
· 2025-12-08
A series of robberies targeting seniors in West Island grocery store parking lots involve two-person teams who distract victims by claiming they dropped change, then steal purses, wallets, and phones from the passenger side while the victim is engaged. Incidents have been reported in multiple locations including Pointe-Claire and Kirkland, prompting a local seniors residence to hold educational conferences on safety measures such as parking near entrances, requesting store employee assistance, keeping valuables on person, and reporting suspicious activity immediately to police.
wtsp.com
· 2025-12-08
A 26-year-old Pinellas County man was arrested and charged with two counts of felony exploitation of elderly or disabled adults after stealing approximately $69,300 from two vulnerable victims he was close to by gaining access to their bank accounts and using the funds for personal expenses, including a house down payment. The victims were evicted from assisted living facilities as a result of depleted funds and forced to move in with the defendant in the home he purchased with their money. The case highlights a broader problem in Florida, where over 8,100 fraud reports involving seniors aged 60+ were filed in the past year, resulting in losses exceeding $290 million.
insidethemagic.net
· 2025-12-08
Scammers posing as Disneyland Resort employees are targeting senior citizens through text messages offering work-from-home jobs with $2,000-$4,000 monthly income and $30-$75 interview payments. These "pig butchering scams" use fake personas to gain trust before manipulating victims into fraudulent investments and payments, exploiting seniors' potential digital illiteracy and the scam's stated age range of 23-80 years old. Reddit users identified red flags including poor grammar, inconsistent fonts, and the fact that legitimate Disney HR would never impose age caps on employment.
globalnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
A North Vancouver woman lost nearly $2,000 in a "broken phone" scam after receiving text messages impersonating her son in Spain, who claimed he had lost his phone and needed money for payments he couldn't make through banking apps. North Vancouver RCMP reported this was the fourth such incident in the year with total losses exceeding $10,000, and warned that similar scams often originate from 289 area code numbers. The victim's bank declined her fraud claim, and authorities recommend reporting such incidents to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
tampafp.com
· 2025-12-08
A husband and wife from Burlington County, New Jersey (Martins Friday Inalegwu and Steincy Mathieu), along with a third codefendant, pleaded guilty to tax evasion and unlawful money-transmitting charges for their roles in a romance fraud scheme that defrauded over 100 victims of more than $4.5 million between October 2016 and May 2020. The conspirators, some based in Nigeria, posed as romantic interests on dating sites, built relationships with victims, and requested money for fake emergencies, which they then spent on personal expenses or transferred to overseas accounts without paying taxes.
morningjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating U.S. Marshals, court officers, and law enforcement officials are calling victims claiming they owe fines for identity theft, missed jury duty, or civil violations, then pressuring them to pay immediately via cash deposits to bitcoin ATMs to avoid arrest. The scammers use spoofed government phone numbers, real badge numbers, and actual official names to appear credible. The U.S. Marshals Service clarified that it never demands payment by phone or requests financial information, and victims should report such calls to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.
vancouversun.com
· 2025-12-08
British Columbians lost at least $46.4 million to online investment scams in 2023, with losses skyrocketing from $8.5 million in 2021, according to the B.C. Securities Commission. These "pig butchering" scams typically begin with unsolicited social media contact that evolves into a relationship, after which scammers direct victims to fraudulent investment websites, encourage them to invest via cryptocurrency, and then disappear with the money. The B.C. Securities Commission warns the public to be suspicious of unsolicited online messages, avoid investing based on advice from online contacts, and reject promises of quick, large returns.
cavazossentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division provides guidance on identity protection and outlines common scams targeting soldiers, veterans, and their families. Key recommendations include using strong passwords, password managers, two-factor authentication, and separating work and personal accounts, while growing threats include impersonation scams (where scammers pose as military officials), romance scams targeting those over 50, credit repair fraud, cryptocurrency schemes, social media account takeovers, and two-factor authentication exploitation. Supervisory Special Agent Deric Palmer emphasizes that data brokers sell personal information for as little as $20, enabling social engineering attacks, and warns that impersonation scams cause reputational
clickondetroit.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old Troy woman lost $669,500 to a prize scam in which a fraudster posed as an FTC attorney and claimed she had won $3.5 million from Publishers Clearing House. Over several months, the victim sent multiple cashier's checks, deposited money into Bitcoin ATMs, and purchased jewelry based on false claims she was securing funds and paying vehicle storage fees. Police say recovery is unlikely and advise that legitimate prize-givers never require upfront payments.
wbrc.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of text message scams where fraudsters spoof bank phone numbers and convince victims to transfer money to "secure" accounts for protection. One victim, Kelsey Herrett, lost nearly $2,000 after responding to a fake Wells Fargo alert and being guided through account transfers by a scammer who impersonated a bank agent; bank accounts offer less fraud protection than credit cards, and victims typically cannot recover funds they voluntarily transfer. The FTC reported $330 million in losses to text message scams in the previous year, and experts advise never responding to unknown numbers and always verifying urgent requests by calling trusted contacts.
journalofaccountancy.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS opened its 2024 Dirty Dozen list of scams with a warning about phishing and smishing scams designed to steal sensitive financial and personal information from taxpayers and tax professionals. Fraudsters impersonate the IRS via deceptive emails and text messages using tactics like fake refund offers or false threats of legal action to trick victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal data that can lead to identity theft. The IRS emphasized it only initiates contact through regular mail, never through email, text, or social media, and provided reporting resources for victims.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
New Jersey residents lost $441.2 million to scams in 2023, a 55% increase from 2022, making the state the fifth-highest in total losses nationwide, according to an FBI report. Over 12,000 New Jersey victims fell prey to various scams including phishing, tech support fraud, and personal data breaches, with seniors accounting for more than half of tech scam losses, particularly those ages 60 and older who lost $3.4 billion nationally.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
A 22-year-old man named Zhi Gao was sentenced to two years of probation for his role in defrauding a 65-year-old San Diego woman of over $200,000 in life savings through a multi-stage scam. The scam began with a fake Microsoft pop-up message on her computer, escalated to fraudulent Chase Bank calls claiming account fraud, and resulted in the victim making multiple cash withdrawals of $20,000-$30,000 that she handed to couriers; Gao was arrested during a sting operation while attempting to collect a final $30,000 payment, and has paid $30,000 in restitution
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old Michigan woman lost approximately $700,000 over several months after being deceived by a scammer posing as a Federal Trade Commission lawyer who claimed she had won a $3.5 million sweepstakes prize and a new car, but needed to send money upfront to secure the winnings. The victim purchased expensive jewelry and wired checks to the fraudster until a friend convinced her the scheme was illegitimate and urged her to contact police, prompting an investigation by Troy Police Department. The case underscores common sweepstakes scam tactics and highlights the importance of recognizing red flags such as unsolicited prize claims, requests for upfront payment, and impersonation
dglobe.com
· 2025-12-08
The Senior LinkAge Line, through the Minnesota Area Agency on Aging, is hosting a virtual fraud prevention class on April 9 to educate older adults about rising scams that increasingly target seniors. The class will cover fraud detection, prevention strategies, and reporting procedures to help protect personal information and safety.
fox56.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers have been selling counterfeit solar-viewing glasses ahead of the April 8 solar eclipse, capitalizing on consumer demand for eye protection during the event. Fake glasses lack the special filters needed to protect eyes from the sun's intense energy, unlike legitimate ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses. Pennsylvania authorities urge consumers to verify glasses are marked with the ISO 12312-2 certification number and to report suspected fake products to the Attorney General's office.
greenwichfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS launched its annual "Dirty Dozen" awareness campaign warning taxpayers about evolving phishing and smishing scams designed to steal sensitive personal and financial information. Fraudsters impersonate the IRS via unsolicited emails and text messages, using tactics like phony refund offers or false legal threats to trick victims into clicking malicious links or downloading malware. The IRS advises taxpayers and tax professionals to remain vigilant, avoid clicking links in unsolicited communications, and be especially cautious during tax season when such scams peak.
clarechampion.ie
· 2025-12-08
This Irish awareness article highlights the rising sophistication of financial scams and provides protective measures for potential victims. Key scam types targeting young people include money muling (using personal bank accounts to launder stolen funds, which carries criminal penalties), ticket fraud for sold-out events, and phishing schemes, with victims losing €8.6 million in the first half of 2023. The article advises protecting finances through strong passwords, two-factor authentication, vigilance against unsolicited contact, and using only official vendors for ticket purchases.
1011now.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old Lincoln, Nebraska resident lost $29,000 in a computer scam after a pop-up prompted her to call a fraudulent number posing as Geek Squad support, which resulted in the scammer gaining remote access to her computer and instructing her to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM. Lincoln Police reported that fraud cases have been rising with elderly people as primary targets, and advised residents to verify identities of callers, discuss scam awareness with loved ones, and hang up when in doubt.
pentictonherald.ca
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Canada recorded 41,111 fraud victims, prompting the Essex County OPP to host a community awareness event on recognizing and preventing scams. Key recommendations include avoiding unsolicited calls and emails, keeping personal information private, and recognizing urgency tactics—with common current scams including romance scams, grandparent/emergency scams, and Canada Revenue Agency impersonation. Officials emphasized that fraud cases are underreported due to embarrassment and encouraged victims to report incidents to help protect others.
universitystar.com
· 2025-12-08
College students, particularly those ages 20 and below, have experienced the fastest growth rate in scam losses since 2017, with scams taking forms such as fraudulent concert ticket sales, fake employment offers, and phishing emails. Texas State students are especially vulnerable due to the university's location between Austin and San Antonio, where scammers exploit students seeking discounted concert tickets and job opportunities. To combat this trend, universities should implement fraud prevention workshops, integrate scam awareness into orientation programs, improve email security filters, and educate students on safe transaction practices such as using PayPal's "Goods and Services" program.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational awareness piece from AARP Florida highlighting fraud prevention resources for older adults in Florida. AARP offers a 24/7 Fraud Watch Network hotline, community shredding events for secure document disposal, partnerships with law enforcement and financial institutions, and educational materials through the AARP Florida Fraud Resource Center to help seniors recognize and avoid common scams like phishing and grandparent fraud. The article emphasizes that fraud prevention requires ongoing vigilance, community collaboration, and staying informed about evolving scammer tactics.
kstatecollegian.com
· 2025-12-08
A recent study found that Generation Z members experienced more financial losses and data theft from online scams than older adults, contradicting the common perception that scams primarily target seniors. The article provides practical fraud prevention advice including using secure payment methods, verifying caller identities by calling back directly, avoiding suspicious links and remote access requests, and being cautious of impersonators posing as banks, retailers, landlords, and tech support providers.
witn.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, imposter scams remain the most commonly reported fraud category, with emerging threats including AI scams, synthetic identity fraud, and fake charity schemes. One Pitt County resident lost over $12,000 after scammers posed as Microsoft support and convinced her to call a fraudulent number, highlighting how scammers use fear tactics to manipulate victims. Experts recommend staying calm when receiving suspicious emails or calls, avoiding clicking links or calling provided numbers, and contacting legitimate technology professionals for verification.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Carla Magaly Alcedo Mendoza, a 43-year-old from Lima, Peru, was extradited to the United States to face federal charges for operating call center fraud schemes from 2013 to 2018 that targeted Spanish-speaking Americans. Alcedo and her co-conspirators falsely posed as representatives of universities and government agencies, luring victims with promises of financial assistance for English language programs, then extorted them by demanding payment for fabricated fees and threatening legal action or arrest. This marks the fourteenth arrest and tenth extradition in the investigation; if convicted on all 18 counts, Alcedo faces up to 20 years in prison per count.
insider.govtech.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud cases increased 84% in 2022 with losses in the tens of billions of dollars, with pension systems particularly vulnerable as they digitize and store sensitive personal and financial information online. Advanced digital identity verification measures, including real-time cross-referencing of personal information against multiple data sources and verification of beneficiary death status, are essential to prevent fraudsters from diverting benefits and to ensure pension funds reach legitimate recipients. Implementing proactive identity verification technology can achieve high auto-approval rates for legitimate transactions while significantly reducing fraud and false positives in pension systems.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers have created dozens of fake social media accounts impersonating Powerball winner Theodorus Struyck (who won $1.7 billion in a syndicate) to solicit private information and promise fake cash donations to followers, a scheme also used against previous lottery winner Edwin Castro ($2.04 billion winner in 2022). The fraudsters use fake screenshots of payments, misspelled messages, and requests for Cash App information or personal details to victimize unsuspecting users, particularly those experiencing financial hardship. Both winners have kept low profiles on social media to avoid these scams, which experts warn pose particular risks to elderly and less tech-savvy individuals.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 40-year-old man from Thane was defrauded of Rs 23 lakh in an online stock market investment scam after encountering a Facebook advertisement that led him to a fraudulent WhatsApp group promising lucrative trading returns. The scammers provided fake training, instructed him to invest in specific stocks, and routed his money through their own bank accounts under the guise of legitimate investments. When the victim attempted to withdraw his funds, he was told of a technical glitch and the scammers subsequently became unreachable.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A 34-year-old woman named Preethi from Coimbatore lost Rs 4.63 lakh (approximately $5,560 USD) to an online job scam initiated via Telegram, where a fraudster first offered her a part-time job writing Google reviews, then convinced her to invest money with promised returns. When she requested her investment returns, the fraudster demanded additional payments, prompting her to report the scam to cybercrime police who registered a case under fraud and Information Technology Act sections.
natwest.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational resource from NatWest Bank outlining fraud prevention strategies and reporting procedures. The bank provides tools including security scoring, biometric authentication, and step-by-step guides to help customers identify and avoid common scams such as holiday fraud and romance scams, while offering support through Victim Support services for those who have been defrauded.
ghanaweb.com
· 2025-12-08
Kofi Osei, a 30-year-old Ghanaian national, was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for orchestrating a romance fraud scheme that stole over $8 million from elderly victims between 2016 and 2020. Working with accomplices, Osei created fake identities and opened 77 bank accounts to receive and launder fraud proceeds, with specific victims deceived into sending $200,000 and $65,000 based on false claims about overseas emergencies involving fictitious romantic partners. In addition to his prison sentence, Osei was ordered to pay $4.1 million in restitution.
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
**Celebrity Impostor Scams Enhanced by AI Technology**
Criminals are leveraging artificial intelligence to make celebrity impostor scams increasingly convincing, moving from fake social media profiles and messaging to deepfake videos that impersonate celebrities like Dolly Parton, Elon Musk, and Tom Hanks. Scammers use these fraudulent schemes to establish false connections with fans, offering personal access, investment opportunities, or charity support to steal money. Consumers should be cautious of any personal contact claims from celebrities and report suspected scams to local law enforcement or AARP's Fraud Watch Network.
montgomeryadvertiser.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational awareness piece from the Social Security Administration encourages community members to help combat Social Security-related scams by educating others about government imposter fraud and reporting incidents promptly to the Social Security Office of the Inspector General. The article provides resources including a scam alert fact sheet and directs people to www.ssa.gov/scam and SSA OIG's social media channels for information on current scam tactics.
nbcdfw.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides safety guidance for consumers using Facebook Marketplace and similar online secondhand selling platforms, where consumers have lost over $2.7 billion to social media scams since 2021. Key recommendations include: never sharing personal information outside of Facebook Messenger, meeting in public well-lit locations (such as police station parking lots), avoiding cash payments in favor of secure payment methods with test transactions, and avoiding the purchase of used car seats. The advice emphasizes that scammers target both financial data and personal information from buyers and sellers on these platforms.