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in Scam Awareness
daytondailynews.com
An elder victim in Kettering, Ohio lost over $36,000 after clicking a phishing email and providing personal information to scammers posing as tech support personnel; she made payments totaling $5,000 by mail, $18,000 in cash, and $1,000 was stolen electronically before police arrested suspect Karan Karan during an attempted in-person money collection. The case exemplifies tech support scams, which the FBI reports were the leading type of elder fraud in 2023, causing victims 60+ over $3.4 billion in losses that year with an average loss of $33,915 per victim.
cbsnews.com
Two Irish nationals, Dean Morgan and John McNamara, were arrested at JFK Airport after being identified in a roofing scam targeting Denver residents, particularly older homeowners in the Congress Park area. The scam involved the men approaching homeowners, claiming to spot roof damage, then planting worms under shingles and falsely presenting them as maggots requiring immediate paid repairs; victims lost over $10,000 each, with some having their roofs deliberately damaged. The investigation expanded from an initial three confirmed victims to a wider international case after CBS News Colorado's report generated community leads, with prosecutors believing the men may have perpetrated similar scams in California and other states.
sundayworld.com
Two Irish nationals, Dean Morgan and John McNamara, were arrested at JFK Airport after running a roofing scam targeting Denver residents, primarily older homeowners, between mid-April and May. The scammers approached homeowners claiming to have spotted roof damage, then planted worms under shingles and falsely claimed they were maggots requiring immediate paid repairs, resulting in victims losing thousands of dollars for work never completed. The investigation expanded from initial reports of three Denver victims to an international case after CBS News Colorado's coverage prompted additional victims to come forward, with prosecutors investigating potential scams in other states including California.
the-sun.com
Joe John, an Ontario business owner and TD Bank customer, lost $38,300 after checks from his account were duplicated and fraudulently deposited through a mobile account in September 2023. Although the bank initially withdrew $60,800 and launched an investigation, it refunded only two of eight fraudulent checks and refused to reimburse the remaining amount, citing a 48-hour reporting deadline that John claims he was not aware of. The unresolved fraud has forced John to consider shutting down his business.
fintechnews.sg
ASEAN's banking sector has experienced a significant surge in phishing and fraud scams, with over 200 DBS Bank customers in Singapore losing S$446,000 to SMS phishing in early 2024, and OCBC experiencing losses exceeding S$13 million in a 2021-2022 SMS phishing scheme. Singapore's scam and cybercrime cases increased by 49.6% to 50,376 in 2023, driven by rapid digital banking adoption, low digital literacy among elderly customers, and the cross-border nature of scams. Banks are strengthening defenses through biometric verification, AI-driven fraud analytics, and multi-layere
kanivatonga.co.nz
A Tongan licensed immigration consultant in New Zealand allegedly defrauded community members by demanding payments for fake job offers to assist with immigration applications, a practice that is illegal as employers cannot charge for job offers. The consultant reportedly departed for Australia, and experienced Immigration Advisor Sālote Heletā Lilo urged victims to contact her office for assistance with Immigration New Zealand. The warning follows a 2021 scam involving a South Auckland church that collected over $500-$800 per person from visa seekers, and a separate case where a Licensed Immigration Advisor was arrested for charging migrants $20,000-$40,000 for non-existent jobs.
ag.ny.gov
New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning New Yorkers about "pig butchering" scams, in which fraudsters use dating apps, social media, and text messages to build romantic relationships with victims before manipulating them into fake investment schemes, often involving cryptocurrency or foreign currencies. Victims typically see fake account balance increases that encourage larger deposits, ranging from tens of thousands to over a million dollars, before scammers cut off contact and prevent withdrawals or demand prepayment of fees. The Attorney General recommends avoiding money transfers to unknown individuals, researching online profiles for authenticity, and reporting suspected scams to both the platform and law enforcement.
riverreporter.com
New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert about "pig butchering" romance scams, where fraudsters use dating apps, social media, and text messages to build trust with victims before convincing them to invest in cryptocurrency or foreign currencies. Victims are shown fake account statements showing gains, but cannot withdraw funds once they deposit substantial sums, at which point the scammers disappear. The Attorney General's Office encourages reporting suspected scams to the relevant platforms and law enforcement at 1-800-771-7755.
brooklyneagle.com
New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning of "pig butchering" scams, in which fraudsters use dating apps, social media, and text messages to build romantic relationships with victims before convincing them to invest money in fraudulent schemes. The scammers typically move conversations to encrypted platforms like WhatsApp or WeChat to hide their identities, gradually building trust before requesting investments. The Attorney General advises New Yorkers to vet recipients before sending money, research online profiles for AI-generated images, and be alert to sudden requests to use encrypted messaging.
cnet.com
Digital payment apps like Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal are increasingly targeted by scammers, with customers at three banks losing over $870 million to Zelle fraud since 2017. Common scams include cash flipping schemes, phishing attacks, fake item sales, counterfeit tickets, software update tricks, and rental deposit frauds—all designed to trick users into sending irretrievable payments to criminals. To protect yourself, never click links from unsolicited emails, avoid paying sight unseen, use official app stores for updates, and verify requests directly through the payment app's customer service.
cointelegraph.com
The FBI warned in June of a rising work-from-home job scam where fraudsters contact victims with offers of simple remote work (like rating restaurants), show fake earnings on a fake interface, then demand cryptocurrency payments to "unlock" additional work—with payments going directly to the scammer. Red flags include job postings that overuse the word "optimization" and don't require references, and victims should be cautious of any employer demanding cryptocurrency as a condition of employment.
abc7chicago.com
The Better Business Bureau's 2023 study found that phishing scams nearly doubled, with over 9,000 scams reported and billions in business losses documented by the FBI. Phishing remains effective despite being a longstanding technique because it adapts to various communication methods and evolves faster than defenses can keep pace, with red flags including suspicious activity alerts, account problems, requests for financial information, urgent language with typos, and impersonation of known companies or authority figures.
spectrumlocalnews.com
In 2023, the Better Business Bureau reported over 9,000 phishing scams resulting in more than $11 million in losses, with texting scams doubling in frequency. These scams involve fraudsters impersonating trusted entities to trick victims into divulging personal information. The BBB recommends awareness and protective measures to help people avoid falling victim to these schemes.
elkhornmediagroup.com
The FBI Portland Division reported an increase in government impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as FBI or other federal agents and demand payment via cash, gold, or courier pickups, using intimidation tactics and threatening arrest. In 2023, 14,190 people nationally reported being victims of these scams with losses exceeding $394 million, with the Portland Division alone losing $1.7 million; adults over 60 accounted for 40% of victims but suffered 58% of national losses, with some experiencing home foreclosures, emptied retirement accounts, and suicides due to financial devastation. The FBI advises that legitimate federal agencies never call demanding money or threatening arrest, an
fingerlakesdailynews.com
**Title:** New York Department of State Warns of Elder Fraud Epidemic
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection issued guidance on elder fraud following the FBI's 2023 report showing that scams targeting adults over 60 resulted in $3.4 billion in losses (an 11% increase from 2022), with the average victim losing $33,915. The advisory describes eight common scams affecting older adults—including medical device, grandparent, ghosting, jury duty, funeral notification, sweepstakes, IRS imposter, and free grant scams—and provides prevention tips such as resisting immediate action, verifying caller identity, an
ncdoj.gov
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein released a resource card in June 2024 to help seniors and families navigate long-term care options and understand available health insurance plans, addressing concerns about costs, staffing, and residents' rights in care facilities. The initiative, part of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, connects residents with state and federal agencies and includes the Department of Justice's Medicaid Investigations Division, which has recovered over $1 billion in restitution and penalties since 1979 and investigates fraud and abuse in Medicaid-funded facilities.
kvia.com
According to a 2023 AARP report, approximately $28.3 billion is lost annually to scams in the United States, with senior citizens being frequently targeted by scammers. Investment advisor Brian Mirau notes that retirees are particularly vulnerable and emphasizes the importance of understanding these financial threats.
troyrecord.com
New York's Department of State Division of Consumer Protection released guidance on scams targeting older adults, noting that elder fraud caused over $3.4 billion in losses nationally in 2023, with the average victim losing $33,915. The advisory outlines common scams including medical device, grandparent, jury duty, funeral notification, and IRS imposter schemes, and recommends that seniors hang up on unrecognizable numbers, avoid unsolicited links, and verify requests through trusted phone numbers. Officials emphasized that elder abuse is widely underreported and urged anyone suspecting abuse to contact the New York State Adult Services Helpline at 1-844-697-3505.
messenger-inquirer.com
AARP's Scam Prevention Guide addresses the growing threat of fraud targeting seniors through increasingly sophisticated schemes including fake pop-up warnings, romance scams on social media, grandparent scams involving multiple perpetrators, home repair fraud, and impersonation of government agencies like the IRS. The guide emphasizes that seniors are vulnerable to these scams because scammers exploit emotions like fear, loneliness, and the desire to help family members, with perpetrators using personal information and legitimate-sounding tactics to build trust. Protection strategies include not answering calls from unknown numbers, verifying social media profiles before accepting requests, and remembering that legitimate agencies like the IRS contact people by mail, not phone
wbbjtv.com
The Better Business Bureau reported a record-high 9,000 phishing scam reports in 2023, nearly doubling from the previous year, with scammers increasingly using text messages and other new technologies to target victims. Red flags include unsolicited emails, texts, and calls claiming suspicious account activity or requesting confirmation of financial information via links. The BBB advises consumers to verify the source of communications and avoid clicking links, noting that banks rarely contact customers via text or email except for fraud alerts, with younger adults (18-24) particularly targeted by text scams and seniors by phone calls.
indiatoday.in
A 75-year-old man from the US lost approximately $716,212 (Rs 6 crore) in a "pig butchering" romance scam after meeting a scammer posing as a wealthy Chinese woman named Violaine Chen on LinkedIn. The scammer built romantic trust over time, then convinced the victim to invest in a fake trading platform (Fuex) that showed false returns, and blocked withdrawal attempts while demanding additional fees. Despite FBI reporting, the victim was unable to recover his funds and suffered significant emotional and financial consequences.
birminghammail.co.uk
Between December 2023 and May 2024, Santander identified 439 customers who fell victim to Facebook Marketplace purchase scams, losing a total of £284,000 (averaging £647 per person), with 263 victims deliberately bypassing the bank's fraud prevention measures after being pressured by scammers. The bank prevented 1,899 suspicious transactions during this period and warns customers to shop in person, avoid bank transfers or PayPal Friends and Family payments, and be wary of communications outside the official marketplace platform.
paymentsdive.com
Zelle parent Early Warning Services and the National Council on Aging launched a joint educational initiative to reach elderly Americans with content about business impostor scams, text messaging scams, and online scams, distributing materials through senior centers and community organizations. About one-third of fraud victims last year were over age 60, with older Americans losing approximately $1.6 billion to scams, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The effort comes as Zelle faces increasing congressional scrutiny over fraud reimbursement policies and criticism that fraud on the platform remains unacceptably high.
wtsp.com
Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida's "Protection of Specified Adults" bill into law, which allows banks to delay disbursing funds for up to 15 days if employees suspect seniors aged 65 and older or vulnerable adults are being scammed. Florida seniors reported nearly $300 million in losses from scams, the second-highest in the nation, with cases ranging from phone impersonation schemes to elaborate financial exploitation; the law takes effect in January 2025. Experts recommend protecting against scams by hanging up on suspicious calls, avoiding unverified links, and verifying requests directly with official sources rather than numbers provided by potential scammers.
uppermichiganssource.com
Michigan's Assistant Attorney General Kristen Stinedurf held a Zoom presentation at the Ishpeming Senior Center to educate seniors about evolving scam tactics, including urgency tactics, secrecy demands, and gift card scams. Attendee Joe Ellen Yeadon reported her bank account had been targeted three times, reflecting a broader community problem. Stinedurf advised seniors to hang up calls or delete texts when offers seem too good to be true.
broadbandbreakfast.com
Older adults' losses to fraud and scams have increased significantly, from $1 billion in 2021 to approximately $1.8 billion in reported losses in 2023, with the FTC estimating actual losses may reach as high as $48 billion when accounting for unreported cases. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to business impersonation scams (especially Amazon impersonation), romance scams, tech support scams, and investment scams involving fake cryptocurrency opportunities. Government agencies, tech companies, and nonprofit organizations are working to combat fraud through education, awareness tools, and new coalitions like Tech Against Scams, while also recognizing the significant mental and emotional health impact on scam
newschannel5.com
This is an educational segment featuring Kate Kleinert discussing warning signs and prevention strategies for romance scams. The interview covers what individuals should watch for to protect themselves from this type of fraud.
turnto10.com
Romance scammers are increasingly using AI technology, including deepfake videos and voices, to impersonate romantic interests and manipulate victims into sending money, eliminating traditional red flags like refusing to video chat. To protect themselves, people should reverse image search photos shared by romantic prospects and be wary of anyone who mentions cryptocurrency investments, as these are common tactics used in romance scams that have cost victims billions of dollars.
freep.com
Two emerging scams exploit people's willingness to help others: the "borrow your phone" scam, where strangers ask to use your phone and secretly transfer money from payment apps to their accounts (stealing $150-$200 or more), and the "accidental deposit" scam, where scammers claim they mistakenly sent you money via Venmo and request you send it back, potentially involving fraudulent transactions. Experts recommend never handing phones to strangers and verifying overpayment claims directly with payment app customer support rather than trusting unsolicited requests.
timesnownews.com
A 75-year-old man from the American Midwest lost approximately $716,212 (Rs 6 crore) in a "pig butchering" scam that began with a fake LinkedIn profile posing as a young Chinese woman named Violaine Chen. The scammer built a romantic relationship with the victim over time, then manipulated him into investing heavily in a fraudulent trading platform called Fuex, which blocked his withdrawal requests and demanded additional fees until he had exhausted his savings, stocks, mutual funds, and taken out loans. Despite reporting to the FBI, the victim has been unable to recover his lost funds.
infosecurity-magazine.com
The FBI issued a public service announcement warning of a surge in fraudulent work-from-home scams that pose as legitimate job opportunities, luring victims with promises of easy tasks and using tactics like impersonating reputable companies, requesting cryptocurrency payments, and displaying fake earnings on phony interfaces. Red flags include unsolicited job offers with simplistic descriptions, demands for upfront cryptocurrency payments, and no reference checks, while the FBI advises people to avoid sending money to unfamiliar entities and protect personal financial information. Experts emphasize trusting one's instincts about suspicious job offers and recognizing warning signs like confusing payment structures, particularly as remote work becomes more normalized.
employeebenefits.co.uk
Research from WEALTH at work found that over one-third (34%) of people who lost money to scams in the past year fell victim to multiple scam types. The most common scams involved purchase fraud (27%), investment schemes (19%), impersonation of friends or family (18%), fake bank account compromise claims (18%), and tech support fraud (15%), with other prevalent schemes including romance scams, pension fraud, tax refund scams, and lottery scams.
13newsnow.com
A Norfolk, Virginia woman discovered her monthly energy bill had dramatically increased from approximately $80 to over $1,100 between February and March 2024, prompting her to suspect she was a scam victim. Dominion Energy advised customers concerned about billing irregularities to contact the company immediately, noting that while the utility will investigate potential fraud, customers remain responsible for paying bills but may receive flexible payment arrangements.
caswellmessenger.com
**Summary:**
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey warned residents about door-to-door scammers impersonating N.C. Department of Insurance agents to sell fake insurance policies. At least two recent incidents were reported, marking the fourth occurrence since 2020, with fraudsters sometimes presenting fake business cards bearing the department's logo. The department clarified that it does not sell insurance and urged consumers to report such impersonation attempts to law enforcement.
usatoday.com
Summer months see an increase in fraud targeting popular activities, with young adults ages 18-24 particularly vulnerable to scams involving fake concert tickets, vacation rentals, and travel websites. Common schemes include fraudsters offering discounted tickets through fake sites, spoofed travel websites requesting payment via gift cards or wire transfers, and fake vacation rental listings on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. To protect themselves, consumers should verify website authenticity, book directly from official providers, use credit cards instead of peer-to-peer payment apps, and exercise caution with QR codes.
ktvz.com
The FBI Portland Division reported an increase in scammers impersonating federal agents and government officials to extort cash and gold from victims, with couriers collecting payments directly from homes. Seniors over 60 are the primary targets, and in 2023, government impersonation scams resulted in over 14,190 victim reports nationally with losses exceeding $394 million, including $1.7 million in Oregon alone. The FBI emphasized that legitimate federal agencies never call or email threatening arrest or demanding money, and encouraged victims to report suspicious contacts to local law enforcement and the IC3 at ic3.gov.
heraldnet.com
Washington residents lost approximately $250 million to fraud in 2023, with 53,269 complaints filed to the Federal Trade Commission—roughly $3.2 million per 100,000 residents. Imposter scams (22% of cases) and identity theft (14% of cases) were the most common fraud types, followed by online shopping fraud, bank and lender scams, and prize/sweepstakes schemes. Victims are advised to report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and avoid providing personal information to unknown callers, even those claiming to be legitimate authorities.
fox13news.com
The Bradenton Police Department established a dedicated Elder and Vulnerable Adult Fraud Unit in response to a surge in elder fraud cases, investigating 36 incidents this year with victims averaging 75 years old and total losses of $2 million. Common scams targeting seniors include phishing messages (one victim lost nearly $50,000 after clicking a fraudulent Facebook link claiming account compromise), romance scams, and untraceable payment methods like gift cards and cryptocurrency. The unit focuses on prevention through education at assisted living facilities and partnerships with banks to identify potential victims before scammers strike.
spectrumnews1.com
Over 140 million American adults have been victims of fraud according to AARP's Fraud Watch Network. Patricia Kaster lost approximately $1.7 million in a 2023 impersonation scam where fraudsters posed as her bank's fraud department and the FTC, convincing her to liquidate assets and sell her house by falsely accusing her of money laundering. The FTC reported that consumers lost $10 billion to fraud in 2023, and AARP recommends hanging up on unsolicited calls and avoiding providing money or information to unknown callers as key fraud prevention strategies.
finance.yahoo.com
Two men were indicted for allegedly stealing over $8.5 million from thousands of people through a short-term rental scam on Airbnb and Vrbo, operating nearly 100 properties across 10 states by listing the same properties at different prices, overbooking, and canceling reservations with false excuses while using fake identities and addresses. Over two years, they completed more than 10,000 fraudulent reservations and allegedly discriminated against Black renters. To protect themselves, consumers should reverse image search property photos, verify consistent addresses and descriptions, avoid off-site payment requests, maintain host communication, be suspicious of last-minute cancellations, and use credit
ca.style.yahoo.com
During Melbourne's lockdown, Australian comedian Michelle Brasier transferred $500 AUD to a man named Jacob on Facebook Marketplace for a discounted Pilates Reformer that was never delivered; when Jacob blocked her after refusing a refund, she tracked down his contact information and confronted him, discovering he had scammed multiple people. Rather than pursue legal action, Brasier chose to befriend Jacob after suspecting he was in personal distress, eventually establishing an ongoing relationship based on empathy and radical forgiveness.
thenevadaglobe.com
A North Las Vegas woman lost approximately $9,000 in a sophisticated phone scam where a caller impersonated her bank, reported fraudulent charges, and convinced her to surrender her debit card to a fake courier who arrived at her door. The scammer used urgent pressure tactics, spoofed caller ID, and already possessed personal details like her address, ultimately gaining access to her account information after the victim handed over her card. The victim has filed a police report and contacted her bank, though recovery of the stolen funds remains uncertain.
intouchweekly.com
Romance scams, which exploited approximately 70,000 Americans in 2022 resulting in $1.3 billion in losses (a 78% increase from 2020), typically begin on social media platforms (40% of cases) or dating apps where scammers build trust before requesting money for investments, emergencies, or travel. Older adults aged 65 and above are the most frequently targeted demographic and suffer the highest financial losses, with victims experiencing not only severe financial consequences but also profound emotional trauma including shame, betrayal, and lasting psychological harm.
fscs.org.uk
This article from the Financial Conduct Services (FSCS) outlines common financial scams targeting their customers as of September 2025, including fraudulent compensation claims for failed firms like MH Carbon Ltd, London Court Ltd, and various investment companies. Key warning signs include unsolicited calls from non-FSCS numbers, requests for upfront payments, screen-sharing requests, emails with suspicious domains (not @fscs.org.uk), and mentions of URNs or compensation entitlements. FSCS emphasizes that legitimate claims are completely free and advises customers to verify communications directly through official channels and check the FCA register before providing any personal financial information.
usatoday.com
Elder fraud complaints are rising significantly, with the FBI reporting 101,000 victims who lost $3.4 billion in 2023, though AARP estimates actual losses exceed $28 billion annually due to underreporting driven by victim shame and embarrassment. Common scams targeting seniors include AI voice cloning, romance scams, tech support fraud, impersonations of banks and government agencies, and investment schemes. Key protective measures include establishing code words with family to verify identity, never sending money to unknown contacts, ignoring unsolicited pop-up and email messages, hanging up and calling back known numbers to verify callers, and remembering that legitimate government agencies contact by mail rather than
scamwatch.gov.au
Scams succeed by mimicking legitimate communications and targeting people when they're distracted or rushed, with criminals exploiting new technology and current events to build credible stories that trick victims into sharing money or personal information. The key to protection is pausing to verify requests before acting, as scammers depend on victims being too hurried or eager to spot warning signs or question seemingly trustworthy sources.
purplesneakers.tv
This article documents scams targeting musicians by fraudulent PR representatives who take upfront fees ($800-$8,000) without delivering promised services, then disappear with no accountability or evidence of work performed. The scammers exploit artists' insecurities and lack of industry knowledge, often discouraging them from seeking legitimate representation and causing some to abandon music careers entirely. The article provides guidance on vetting PR representatives by asking specific questions about their client load, their genuine interest in the artist's work, their pitch strategy, and requesting references from recent clients.
justice.gov
The U.S. Attorney's Office, along with Age-Friendly Mecklenburg and AARP-Charlotte, hosted a Walk for Awareness event on June 15, 2024, to highlight World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and increase community recognition of elder exploitation, neglect, and abuse. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals 60 and older filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses from online fraud, with tech support scams, government impersonation, phishing, and romance scams being particularly prevalent threats to older adults.
gobankingrates.com
This educational article outlines 11 common scams expected in 2025 and protective measures for consumers. Key scams include AI-powered fraud (voice cloning, deepfakes, phishing, and fake job postings), check fraud through digital alteration, debt relief scams, and fake package delivery schemes, with seniors particularly targeted through "grandparent scams." The article advises consumers to verify identities before sharing information, use secure payment methods instead of checks, contact legitimate financial institutions directly, and remain vigilant as scammers use advancing technology to make frauds harder to detect.
wbiw.com
Elder fraud incidents rose 14% in 2023, with seniors over 60 losing over $724 million to scams in 2022—more than all other age groups combined. The article identifies five prevalent fraud types targeting seniors: impersonation scams (using AI voice technology), robocalls and phishing, the grandparent scam, sweepstakes scams (costing victims nearly $70 million in 2022), and investment/charity scams (causing $1.2 billion in losses in 2023). Key protective measures include verifying caller identity through alternative channels, hanging up on suspicious calls, confirming situations with family members, and researching