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wyso.org
Richard Opoku Agyemang, a Cincinnati man, was indicted on 11 counts including money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy for scamming dozens of victims out of more than $2 million through fake online romance profiles, requesting money for medical expenses and gold transportation before laundering funds to China. He faces up to 30 years in prison. The U.S. Secret Service recommends verifying online profiles, being skeptical of requests for money or photos, and avoiding sending funds to people you have not met in person.
wired.com
The Yahoo Boys, a loosely organized collective of thousands of scammers primarily based in West Africa, operate openly on social media platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, TikTok, and YouTube, conducting romance scams, sextortion schemes, business email compromise, and AI-generated deepfake fraud that collectively total hundreds of millions of dollars annually. These cybercriminals openly share their identities, sell fraudulent scripts and fake identification documents, and coordinate their activities across dozens of groups with hundreds of thousands of combined members, with social media companies providing what experts describe as "free office space" for their criminal operations. While major platforms have removed many Yahoo Boys accounts after media scrut
wthr.com
An FBI report found that scammers stole $3.4 billion from people over 60 in 2023, an 11% increase from the previous year, with tech scams, data breach scams, and romance/confidence scams being the most common. Key prevention strategies include ignoring suspicious fraud alerts and calling card numbers directly, verifying data breach notifications through official mail channels, freezing credit with major bureaus, and being alert to scams that create urgency or demand immediate action. Educating older adults about these tactics is critical to preventing them from losing retirement savings or Social Security benefits.
mcalesternews.com
The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office provided guidance on identifying charity scams that may emerge following severe weather in the state. The advisory recommends verifying charities through the IRS, Oklahoma Secretary of State's Office, Better Business Bureau, and Guidestar; avoiding recently created charities with limited public information; not clicking links in unsolicited emails or texts; and exercising caution with crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe. Suspected charity fraud should be reported to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit at 1-833-681-1904 or online.
aarp.org
AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline director Amy Nofziger discusses six fast-growing scams identified through thousands of annual helpline calls, including celebrity impersonation, check fraud, sweepstakes and grandparent scams, voice printing fraud, and Olympics-related schemes. The Fraud Watch Network offers free resources to consumers of any age, including a helpline staffed by 150 trained fraud specialists who provide support and guidance to scam victims and those seeking fraud prevention advice.
forbes.com
This article is an educational overview of online fraud tactics, particularly on social media platforms. In 2024, 70% of authorized push payment (APP) fraud originated online, with criminals impersonating legitimate businesses, charities, or loved ones to manipulate victims into sending money through fake profiles and targeted ads. The UK introduced new consumer protections in October 2024, including up to £85,000 reimbursement coverage and a five-day claims process, as social media's anonymity, ease of account creation, and access to personal information make it an ideal environment for fraudsters to operate at scale.
goldrushcam.com
In 2023, the FBI reported that Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to fraud—an 11% increase from 2022—with tech support scams and investment schemes causing the most damage at $600 million and $1.2 billion respectively. Call center schemes were particularly devastating for seniors, accounting for nearly $770 million in losses and reportedly leading some victims to remortgage homes, drain retirement accounts, and in extreme cases, take their own lives. California reported the highest losses nationally at $620 million across over 11,000 complaints from elderly victims, and the FBI recommends seniors verify unsolicited contacts, resist pressure to act quickly, and report suspecte
wlos.com
According to an FBI report, elder fraud complaints increased 14% in 2023, with victims aged 60 and over reporting over 101,000 incidents and suffering approximately $3.4 billion in total losses (averaging $33,915 per victim). Tech support scams were the most common type, while investment scams proved costliest at over $1.2 billion, with criminals increasingly using cryptocurrency to facilitate fraud. Local authorities emphasize that victims should verify payment requests directly with companies before sending money to prevent falling victim to these scams.
consumerfinancemonitor.com
FinCEN's 2023 Financial Trend Analysis examined 155,415 Bank Secrecy Act filings reporting approximately $27 billion in elder financial exploitation (EFE) between June 2022 and June 2023, with scams accounting for 80% of reports and theft for 20%, where family members—particularly children—perpetrated 40% of theft cases. The analysis found that perpetrators primarily use unsophisticated methods avoiding direct contact with financial institutions, such as account takeover (22% of scams), tech support scams (10%), and romance scams (9%), with funds typically transferred via checks, wires, and online transfers, averaging
forbes.com
Financial exploitation of elders increased 14% over the past year according to the FBI, with tech support scams, data breaches, romance scams, and investment fraud being the most commonly reported types among those over 60. While public education programs have long warned seniors about these risks, the article argues that awareness campaigns targeting elders alone are insufficient, as early-stage cognitive decline—particularly loss of financial judgment—often goes unrecognized by the affected individuals themselves. The authors recommend that families take a more active role in monitoring aging relatives' finances and spending, especially for those spending significant time online, rather than relying solely on elder-directed fraud prevention education.
waff.com
The FBI reports that seniors over 60 are prime targets for fraud, with Alabama residents in this age group losing over $33 million to scams. Elder fraud complaints increased 14% in 2023, with tech scams, personal data breaches, and romance scams—particularly the "grandparent scam"—leading the way, as scammers increasingly use urgency and fear tactics to pressure victims into sending money or revealing sensitive information. Experts recommend that seniors and their family members hang up immediately when pressured for banking information, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, as these are hallmarks of fraud.
pymnts.com
In 2023, elder fraud complaints increased 14% with losses rising 11%, as individuals age 60+ reported 101,068 scams totaling $3.4 billion, averaging $33,915 per victim, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. Tech support scams were the most frequently reported fraud type (17,696 victims), while investment scams proved costliest at $1.2 billion in losses, followed by tech support scams ($590 million) and business email compromise scams ($382 million). The actual numbers are believed to be significantly higher due to underreporting and incomplete victim age data in crime reports.
aarp.org
Scammers stole over $3.4 billion from Americans aged 60 and older in the past year, representing an 11 percent increase from the previous year, according to an FBI report. The FBI received more than 100,000 complaints from older victims, with nearly 6,000 losing over $100,000 each, as organized criminal enterprises increasingly use sophisticated tactics including tech support scams, romance scams, investment frauds, and in-person courier schemes to drain bank accounts. Investigators warn that these scams have a devastating impact on older Americans who may lack the ability to replace lost funds.
wvua23.com
Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from Americans over age 60 last year, representing an 11% increase from the prior year, according to an FBI report. The FBI received over 100,000 complaints from older victims, with nearly 6,000 losing more than $100,000 each, and investigators warn of rising sophistication in schemes including tech support scams, romance fraud, investment fraud, and in-person courier pickups of cash and precious metals. The losses may be significantly underreported, and experts caution that these crimes can leave elderly victims financially devastated and destitute.
winchesterstar.com
An FBI report revealed that scammers stole over $94 million from Virginia residents over age 60 in 2023, representing a 56% increase from the prior year and moving the state into the top 10 nationally for elder fraud losses. Tech support fraud was the most commonly reported scam type, with victims over 60 losing more than all other age groups combined, some resorting to remortgaging homes and emptying retirement accounts to cover losses. The significant increase has been partially attributed to increased virtual activities and isolation following the COVID-19 pandemic, with experts noting that many cases go unreported to law enforcement.
nbcphiladelphia.com
Romance scammers stole $1.1 billion from consumers in 2023, targeting people across all backgrounds through classic manipulation tactics. NBC10 reporter Tracy Davidson documented her interaction with a scammer posing as "James Williams," a military surgeon supposedly working for the United Nations in Syria, who built trust over two weeks before requesting $14,000 in bitcoin to fund a fake vacation certificate—a scheme involving fake UN emails, money mules, and grammatical red flags that Secret Service investigators confirmed followed standard romance scam protocols. The article illustrates how scammers operate as organized operations using multiple identities and aliases, targeting lonely individuals through relationship-building techniques before requesting money.
click2houston.com
Cryptocurrency investment scams—often initiated through dating apps, LinkedIn, or text messages—have caused over $82.7 million in losses across the Houston area in the last 16 months, with the FBI receiving new reports approximately weekly. Scammers build romantic relationships with victims over weeks or months, then convince them to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes that show fraudulent gains; one Harris County man lost over $800,000 after being lured through a dating app. Once funds are transferred, most money moves overseas within minutes to southeast Asia and west Africa, making recovery extremely difficult, though one victim was ordered restitution of less than 20 percent of his losses.
abc7ny.com
People over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, representing an 11% increase from 2022, with 101,068 complaints filed—a 14% rise—and an average loss of $33,915 per victim, according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Tech support fraud was the most common scam type targeting seniors, while investment scams caused the greatest financial losses at over $1.2 billion; the FBI urged financial institutions to strengthen protections and victims to report losses quickly, noting that scammers often operate from call centers in India, Western Africa, Laos, and Cambodia.
whbc.com
The Better Business Bureau advises seniors to report scams proactively rather than hide them due to shame or fear of losing independence, as concealment can allow fraud to escalate. The BBB recommends that both seniors and others use "block and delete" tactics to protect themselves from scams, and emphasizes that seniors should overcome embarrassment to inform family and friends when targeted by fraud.
timberjay.com
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported a 14% increase in elder fraud complaints in 2023, with financial losses exceeding $3.4 billion and an average victim loss of $33,915. Over 101,000 seniors aged 60+ reported fraud to IC3, with investment scams, tech support scams, and romance scams being among the most common schemes, while cryptocurrency scams affected over 12,000 seniors. The report notes that actual fraud rates are likely higher due to underreporting, and scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create convincing deepfakes and chatbots to target elderly victims.
nbcnews.com
At least 101,000 Americans ages 60 and older lost an average of $33,915 each to digital fraud in 2023, totaling approximately $3.4 billion in losses, according to FBI data. Cryptocurrency scams accounted for nearly 40% of total losses ($1.33 billion), often preceded by romance or confidence schemes, while call center and tech support scams remained the most common complaint type. Some victims reported devastating consequences including selling homes, depleting retirement accounts, and in severe cases, suicide due to financial losses and shame.
newsday.com
Small business owners should be vigilant against several common scams: fraudulent invoices and unordered merchandise schemes (where scammers demand payment for unsolicited goods), illegitimate business coaching services that charge fees for non-existent or inflated services, and directory scams where fraudsters solicit payment for fake or misrepresented business listings. The FTC and Better Business Bureau recommend reporting suspected scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov or BBB.org/ScamTracker, and seeking business coaching only through legitimate sources like local Small Business Administration offices.
nypost.com
Baby Boomers lost over $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023, with the FBI receiving more than 100,000 complaints from Americans over 60—an 11% surge from the previous year. The most common scams involved phone calls from fraudsters impersonating tech support or banking officials, tricking victims into transferring funds to fake accounts, liquidating assets for gold, or using courier services and cryptocurrency transfers, with some victims losing over $100,000 and becoming destitute. The actual financial losses are likely higher, as only half of reported complaints included victim age data, and these schemes have expanded to include dangerous in-person courier pickups.
news4jax.com
Online vehicle scams have increased significantly, with reports rising to 256 cases in 2023, affecting predominantly buyers aged 45 and above who account for over three-quarters of victims. Scammers employ multiple tactics including listing non-existent vehicles on fake or real websites, creating fraudulent vehicle history lookup sites (up 30% in 2023), and impersonating dealerships—particularly targeting high-end classic car buyers—often using fake escrow companies to steal money before disappearing. The BBB advises consumers to view vehicles in person before purchasing and avoid sending money through payment services to unknown sellers.
murrayledger.com
At least two people in Calloway County, Kentucky fell victim to an impersonation scam over the weekend in which fraudsters posed as sheriff's deputies and claimed victims had missed jury duty and had active arrest warrants, demanding immediate payment via electronic transfer, wire services, or Bitcoin to avoid arrest. One victim lost approximately $900. Sheriff Nicky Knight emphasized that legitimate law enforcement will never solicit money over the phone or in person for warrants or charges, and warned that scammers are becoming more sophisticated by spoofing official phone numbers and using publicly available information to appear credible.
wisbusiness.com
Moving scams cost victims a median of $350 in 2023, with the Better Business Bureau receiving 5,918 complaints against moving companies that year. Common scams include no-shows, unexpected upcharges, weight-based extra fees, and theft of belongings or hostage-holding for additional payment. To protect themselves, consumers should verify a company's licensing and insurance, avoid large upfront payments, get all terms in writing, maintain an inventory of belongings, and check the company's FMCSA and DOT numbers before hiring.
cbsnews.com
U.S. seniors over 60 experienced record elder fraud losses of $3.4 billion across over 101,000 reported complaints in 2023, with a 14% increase from 2022, according to an FBI report. Investment scams, tech support scams, romance scams, and "grandparent scams" were identified as the most costly schemes, with individual victims losing over $100,000 in some cases. The FBI urged financial institutions to implement stronger safeguards and emphasized that early reporting and public education are critical to preventing victims from completing fraudulent transfers.
usatoday.com
Sixteen people were charged in connection with a "grandparent scam" that defrauded hundreds of older Americans across the Northeast out of millions of dollars between January 2019 and December 2023. Scammers operating call centers in the Dominican Republic used spoofed phone numbers to call elderly victims, impersonating distressed grandchildren or relatives needing bail money, then posed as attorneys and officials to extract payments via couriers or mail. The charges carry penalties up to 20 years in prison, with elder fraud complaints rising 14% nationally and victims losing an average of $33,915 each in 2023.
foxbusiness.com
In 2023, Americans over 60 lost more than $3.4 billion to fraud schemes, with 101,068 complaints filed—an 11% increase from 2022—according to an FBI report compiled by the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Tech support scams were the most common fraud type targeting this age group, followed by personal data breaches, romance scams, and investment fraud, with investment crimes alone costing victims over $1.2 billion. Cryptocurrency was involved in $1.1 billion of losses, while the FBI noted these figures likely underestimate actual fraud against seniors since only about half of all complaints included age data.
wsbtv.com
Georgia seniors lost $92.4 million to online fraud in 2023, representing an 18% increase in cyber crimes and fraud, with investment fraud ($32 million), tech support scams ($12 million), and romance scams ($10 million) being the top offenses affecting more than 2,100 victims. The FBI advises seniors to avoid sending money to unknown individuals, verify requests through legitimate vendors, and report incidents to their banks and trusted contacts, as these scams can cause severe emotional and financial damage.
fox17online.com
An FBI report found that Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, with fraud complaints against seniors rising 14% year-over-year. Tech support scams generated the most complaints, while investment scams proved costliest, with 6,000 victims each losing over $100,000. Experts recommend seniors verify payment methods, seek second opinions before transactions, and recognize that many scams are technology-based despite myths that older adults don't use digital platforms.
wgme.com
Scammers stole $3.4 billion from Americans over 60 last year, an 11% increase, with nearly 400 Maine victims losing approximately $7.1 million combined. Tech support scams impersonating companies like Microsoft topped the list of fraud schemes targeting seniors nationwide. Experts believe actual losses are significantly higher due to underreporting, as many victims are embarrassed to come forward, and victims are encouraged to contact family, friends, or law enforcement to prevent further victimization.
wsaz.com
This is an educational awareness piece promoting scam prevention resources. The article directs readers to the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) as a key information source for protecting themselves against scams, though specific protective measures are not detailed in the provided content.
forbes.com
Real estate scams are surging, with the FBI's IC3 receiving 9,521 complaints in 2023 resulting in $145.2 million in losses, primarily through business email compromise (BEC) schemes targeting homebuyers and sellers. Notable cases include a Connecticut homebuyer who nearly lost $426,000 after receiving a spoofed email posing as their attorney, and a Texas realtor who identified a fraudulent property listing scheme. Common tactics include fake closing/wire fraud emails, rental listing scams, and home warranty schemes, with scammers exploiting the busy March-June real estate season by impersonating attorneys, lenders, and property owners to steal money
theconversation.com
Job scams in Australia experienced a dramatic 150% increase in financial losses in 2023, making them among the top ten scam categories despite an overall 13.1% decline in reported scam losses nationally. Scammers use fake job advertisements across social media, emails, and employment websites to extract upfront fees, personal information, or banking credentials from vulnerable victims—particularly targeting unemployed individuals, students, recent graduates, and immigrants unfamiliar with legitimate employment practices. To protect themselves, job seekers should use only legitimate job boards, verify employer information independently, and be wary of positions offering unrealistic pay, upfront fees, or requests for sensitive personal details.
mainstreetdailynews.com
In 2023, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center received over 100,000 complaints from individuals over 60, representing a 14% increase from the previous year, with scammers stealing $3.4 billion from seniors (an 11% increase from 2022). Tech support scams were the most common complaint, while investment scams caused the greatest financial losses at $1.2 billion, with the average loss per incident reaching nearly $34,000. California, Florida, and Texas experienced the highest concentrations of senior scam complaints.
cbsnews.com
Scammers are targeting recent college graduates entering the workforce by posing as recruiters and faculty members, using fake job offers to deceive vulnerable job seekers. The scheme typically involves convincing applicants to pay upfront money for home office equipment or other expenses that goes directly to the scammers instead. The Federal Trade Commission warns job seekers to verify company information, request written job details, consult trusted advisors, and remember that legitimate employers never ask employees to pay money upfront.
mysuncoast.com
According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, Americans over 60 reported $3.4 billion in fraud losses in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022, with tech support fraud being the most commonly reported scam type and investment scams causing the greatest financial damage. Florida ranked second nationally for elder fraud complaints and losses, with seniors reporting over $90 million in investment scheme losses, $51.5 million in tech support fraud, and over $40 million in romance scams. The FBI emphasized its commitment to investigating these crimes and encouraged victims to report fraud through their complaint center, hotline, or tip submission website.
the-sun.com
Romance fraud cost victims over $1 billion in 2023, according to a report that prompted Match Group's CEO Bernard Kim to defend the company's safety efforts. Scammers use catfishing and emotional manipulation to trick dating app users into sharing personal information and money, with 25-30% of profiles on Match's sites previously identified as fraudulent by the FTC. Cyber experts recommend users watch for red flags including requests to move conversations off-platform, avoidance of video calls, travel-related money requests, and requests for explicit photos or personal secrets.
abcnews.go.com
Americans aged 60 and older lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022, with 101,068 complaints filed—a 14% rise from the previous year—according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Tech support fraud was the most common scam type, while investment scams caused the highest financial losses at over $1.2 billion. The FBI is urging financial institutions to take greater responsibility in protecting elderly customers and working with international law enforcement to arrest perpetrators, while also noting an increase in violent threats and intimidation tactics used by scammers.
fortune.com
The FBI reported that scammers stole over $3.4 billion from Americans aged 60 and older last year, representing an 11% increase from the previous year, with criminals employing increasingly sophisticated tactics including impersonation of officials and in-person courier services to collect cash and precious metals. The FBI received more than 100,000 complaints from older victims, with tech support scams being the most commonly reported fraud, followed by romance scams and investment schemes, while investigators warned of organized transnational criminal enterprises targeting this vulnerable population.
fox5atlanta.com
The FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report found that seniors over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scammers, representing a 14% increase in complaints, with Georgia accounting for approximately $92 million in losses. Tech support scams remain the most common fraud type targeting this age group, while investment scams cause the greatest financial damage; one victim, Joan Stone, lost $350 to an impersonation scam claiming to be law enforcement threatening license suspension. The FBI emphasizes that these are professional criminals and advises seniors to exercise caution with solicitations for money and report fraud to their bank and the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
justice.gov
Sixteen individuals—eleven from the Dominican Republic and five from New York—were charged in connection with a "grandparent scam" that defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans out of millions of dollars. The defendants allegedly impersonated grandchildren in distress, claiming they had been arrested and needed immediate cash for bail or legal fees, with victims sometimes losing tens of thousands of dollars before authorities intervened. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies including HSI, the FBI, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.
tomsguide.com
The FBI warns that scammers are using fake "free" verification services on dating apps to steal victims' financial and personal information through recurring subscription charges. Scammers lure dating app users to encrypted platforms by claiming verification prevents contact with offenders, then direct them to fraudulent websites that request credit card numbers and personal data under the guise of safety verification. To protect themselves, users should avoid clicking links from new online contacts, refrain from moving conversations off dating platforms, and never provide financial information to unverified verification services.
wbbjtv.com
In 2023, romance scams affected over 64,000 people and resulted in losses exceeding $1.1 billion, according to the American Special Investigative Group. Scammers use fake identities, AI-generated images, and fabricated online relationships to gain victims' trust before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes. To avoid becoming a victim, individuals should meet potential romantic interests in person, verify their identity through social media, and report suspected scams to their bank and the Federal Trade Commission.
voanews.com
The FBI reported that scammers stole over $3.4 billion from Americans aged 60 and older in the past year, representing an 11% increase from the previous year, with more than 100,000 complaints filed and nearly 6,000 victims losing over $100,000 each. The most common schemes include tech support scams and impersonation frauds where criminals convince victims their accounts are compromised and direct them to move funds or liquidate assets into cash or precious metals, with a rising trend of using couriers to collect money in person. Investigators attribute the rise to increasingly sophisticated tactics by organized criminal enterprises operating transnationally, targeting vulnerable older Americans who may lack the
whsv.com
Older Americans lost over $3.4 billion to scams in the past year, a rise of 11% from the previous year, according to an FBI report showing increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics targeting victims over 60. The most common fraud was tech support scams, with a rising trend of in-person couriers collecting cash or precious metals from victims convinced their bank accounts had been compromised. Federal investigators warn of organized, transnational criminal enterprises using romance scams, investment fraud, and impersonation schemes, with nearly 6,000 victims losing over $100,000 each last year.
ici.radio-canada.ca
Austrian weatherman Sigi Fink discovered his photos have been stolen and used in dozens of romance scams targeting vulnerable people online, after a CBC journalist exposed one scammer who posed as "Bobby Brown," a wealthy oil rig engineer. Romance scams have grown dramatically, with reported losses increasing from $15.6 million in 2013 to over $52 million in 2023, and Fink now receives reports of fake profiles using his images almost daily, leaving him distressed about his image being weaponized despite his innocence.
commercialappeal.com
Romance scammers, typically operating from overseas crime rings in West Africa, Russia, and Ukraine, deceived 64,003 victims in the U.S. in 2023, causing a median loss of $2,000 per victim and total losses exceeding $1.14 billion. Victims span all demographics and are often intelligent people seeking genuine connection; common tactics include creating fake profiles, requesting money for emergencies or investments, and threatening to publish intimate photos unless paid. Key prevention strategies include never sending money to people met online, conducting reverse image searches on profile pictures, and maintaining communication with trusted friends and family about new relationships.
kagstv.com
Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from Americans over 60 last year, an 11% increase from the previous year, according to an FBI report that documents increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics. The FBI received over 100,000 complaints from older victims, with tech support scams being the most common fraud type, followed by rising schemes involving in-person couriers collecting cash or gold from victims deceived into believing their accounts were compromised. Investigators warn that organized criminal enterprises are using romance scams, investment fraud, and impersonation tactics, with losses potentially underreported as many victims never report their victimization.