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in Scam Awareness
theguardian.com
In February 2023, a man fell victim to a sophisticated telephone scam two days before heart surgery, losing £130,000 from accounts at NatWest, PayPal, and Starling Bank after scammers impersonated bank fraud teams. While NatWest and PayPal refunded the losses, Starling initially refused to return £10,000, claiming the victim was not grossly negligent; however, after the case was escalated and Starling learned of the victim's vulnerable circumstances (his daughter's recent murder and impending surgery), the bank agreed to refund the amount. The case illustrates how sophisticated scams can deceive even cautious victims an
beincrypto.com
A scammer impersonating crypto influencer Ansem stole over $2.6 million in Solana tokens by promoting a fake "BULL" token presale on X (formerly Twitter), with the largest individual victim losing nearly $1.2 million. The fraud occurred amid a broader surge in crypto scams, with 57,000 people losing approximately $47 million in February alone, primarily through phishing attacks on social media that impersonate verified accounts. Investors are advised to verify the legitimacy of investment opportunities and exercise caution, particularly during periods of intense market activity and meme coin frenzies.
the-sun.com
An 82-year-old woman and her 91-year-old husband lost $1.46 million over six months in a sophisticated scam involving fraudsters impersonating a Wells Fargo representative and U.S. Marshal who claimed their accounts were compromised and placed them in a witness protection program. The scammers isolated the couple by threatening legal consequences if they contacted family, directing them to liquidate savings into Bitcoin and gold supposedly held in a Federal Reserve account; the couple realized the fraud in October 2023 after losing contact with the scammer, and one arrest has been made in connection with the crime.
weau.com
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported over $12.5 billion in total fraud losses nationally in 2023, with Wisconsin accounting for 7,683 complaints and $92 million in losses. The FBI Milwaukee field office released a list of common fraud alert questions to help consumers identify potential scams, including cryptocurrency and investment fraud, impersonation of banks or government agencies, tech support scams, romance scams, and cash-for-gift-card schemes. Consumers who suspect they have been targeted are encouraged to file complaints at www.ic3.gov.
abcactionnews.com
Online scams are growing rapidly across multiple channels (text, email, phone, social media), with cryptocurrency/investment, employment, and online purchase scams ranking as the top three types reported to the Better Business Bureau, while debt relief and romance scams are also rising significantly. Red flags include demands for upfront payment, guaranteed outcomes, and unsolicited contact from scammers who may possess personal information to appear legitimate. Experts warn that consumers should never share personal information or click unknown links, as AI technology will likely make scams increasingly difficult to detect in the future.
states.aarp.org
In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission reported that fraud losses exceeded $10 billion for the first time, a 14% increase from 2022, with investment scams accounting for $4.6 billion and cryptocurrency fraud totaling $1.4 billion. Impostor scams were the most frequently reported fraud type, with victims losing an average of $7,000 each, and email became the primary method criminals used to contact victims, surpassing text and phone calls. The report notes that actual fraud losses likely far exceed reported figures, as most fraud goes unreported.
goldsborodailynews.com
This is an educational piece from the North Carolina Department of Justice providing prevention tips for spring break travel scams. The article advises travelers to research companies through the Better Business Bureau, read contracts carefully, obtain written details before paying, use credit cards instead of cash, and contact authorities if victimized. No specific fraud cases or dollar amounts are mentioned.
bgindependentmedia.org
Bowling Green is warning residents and businesses about an escalating utility imposter scam involving individuals posing as service technicians who enter properties and demand immediate payment for utilities. The Better Business Bureau reports numerous complaints about these coordinated scams, which appear to be perpetrated by organized groups targeting the region aggressively. Residents are advised to never allow unidentified individuals entry, verify worker identity by calling the city utilities office at 419-354-6252, and report suspicious activity to police, as legitimate city employees never demand on-the-spot payments or accept gift cards.
ktvb.com
Detective Brad Thorne of the Boise Police Department is hosting a live Q&A session on March 20 to educate the public about scams and fraud prevention. With over 15 years of experience investigating financial crimes, Thorne will address common scam methods, warning signs, and strategies for protecting vulnerable family members, as well as guidance for victims. The session will be broadcast live on the Boise Police Department's Facebook and Instagram stories at 2 p.m.
deeside.com
In 2023, over 22,500 people in the UK had their social media or email accounts hacked, resulting in £1.3 million in financial losses, according to Action Fraud data. The attacks employed methods such as on-platform chain hacking (where fraudsters impersonate account owners to trick contacts into sharing authentication codes) and phishing/leaked password schemes that exploit users' tendency to reuse passwords across multiple accounts. Action Fraud advises protecting accounts by using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-step verification, and never sharing passwords or verification codes.
stories.td.com
New Canadians face heightened vulnerability to financial fraud, with 90% of surveyed newcomers worried about becoming victims and 73% feeling particularly susceptible. Common scams targeting this population include phishing (stealing personal/financial information via fake emails or texts), job scams (fraudsters posing as employers to extract money for fake training or supplies), and romance scams, with 28% of affected new Canadians unsure how to respond if victimized. The best defense is awareness of warning signs, understanding common fraud tactics, and knowing how to report fraudulent activity.
sasknow.com
March is recognized as Fraud Prevention Month, with education identified as the primary defense against fraud. In 2022, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported $530 million in losses from fraud and scams across Canada.
battlefordsnow.com
March is recognized as Fraud Prevention Month, emphasizing that awareness and education are the most effective defenses against fraud. In 2022, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported that fraud and scams resulted in losses totaling $530 million, highlighting the significant financial impact of these crimes.
qns.com
A Flushing man, Fei Liang, 39, was charged with scamming more than $600,000 from seniors across the country by impersonating Social Security Administration officials and bank representatives, convincing victims to wire money to accounts he controlled for "safekeeping." Following the charges, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and elected officials held community presentations at senior centers to educate older adults about common scams including government impersonation, sweepstakes schemes, tech support fraud, and the grandparent scam, emphasizing the importance of never sharing personal information with strangers and contacting authorities if contacted by potential fraudsters.
finance.yahoo.com
This educational article outlines five types of auto loan fraud schemes, including yo-yo financing (where dealers falsely claim financing is final then demand worse terms later), car refinance scams (where scammers charge upfront fees to lower payments), and negative equity scams. The article advises consumers to obtain financing before visiting dealerships, contact lenders directly about payment modifications, and carefully review all loan paperwork to avoid these costly schemes that can result in lost money or repossession.
tribuneindia.com
This article presents recommendations from Chandigarh Tricity residents and police officials on protecting elderly citizens from crime and fraud. Key proposals include: maintaining police databases of seniors living alone with regular contact, forming dedicated senior citizen cells, creating community WhatsApp groups, establishing toll-free helplines, increasing CCTV surveillance and police patrols, conducting tech-literacy workshops to prevent online scams, and streamlining crime reporting procedures. The Panchkula police department confirmed they have already implemented a senior citizen cell with designated officers maintaining regular contact with elderly residents in their jurisdictions.
justice.gov
U.S. Justice Department and law enforcement officials attended the United Kingdom's first Global Fraud Summit in March, joining over 200 leaders from 11 countries and international organizations to address global fraud threats. The U.S. delegation participated in discussions on law enforcement collaboration, coordinated with international partners to enhance intelligence sharing and disrupt fraud networks at the source, and held bilateral meetings with Singapore and UK officials to strengthen transnational fraud-fighting efforts.
thetimes.co.uk
**Summary:**
Maria Woodhouse, a 34-year-old job seeker, lost £2,655 to a recruitment scam after being contacted via WhatsApp by a fake recruiter offering remote work for £13 per hour. The scammer created a false job using a cryptocurrency platform (OKX) as a payment method, tricking Woodhouse into depositing money for each "task" while the scammer redirected her funds out of the wallet. Recruitment scams are the third most commonly reported fraud type, with cases rising 156% year-over-year and averaging £3,000 in losses per victim.
theblaze.com
A 60-year-old Australian man, Renato Calalang, lost approximately $150,000 in an inheritance scam after responding to a fraudulent email claiming to be from a Philippine bank offering him a 3.8 million euro inheritance from a deceased relative. Over a three-month period, the scammer convinced Calalang to transfer funds to an Australian Commonwealth Bank account, using a fake death certificate and phone communication to establish credibility. After reporting the fraud to police and Commonwealth Bank in September 2023, the bank stated it could not recover the funds due to lack of cooperation from the Philippine bank, leaving Calalang unable to retire as planned.
straitstimes.com
Between January 1 and March 12, 2024, at least 960 people in Singapore lost over $538,000 to Taylor Swift concert ticket scams, with victims primarily being women aged 30 and below who purchased fake tickets from resellers or were contacted by scammers who disappeared after receiving payment. Police identified e-commerce ticket scams as a growing threat, noting that scammers operated across multiple platforms including Carousell, Facebook, X, Telegram, and Xiaohongshu, and expressed concern that this trend could become the top scam type in Singapore for the first half of 2024 as more major concerts are hosted.
nationthailand.com
Between January and March 2024, Singapore police reported at least 1,551 victims lost over $737,000 to e-commerce concert ticket scams, with 960 victims specifically targeted for Taylor Swift concert tickets, losing more than $538,000. Scammers used fake tickets, reseller platforms, and disappeared after receiving payment, primarily targeting women aged 30 and below through marketplaces like Facebook, Telegram, and Xiaohongshu. Police warned that e-commerce scams may become the top scam category in 2024 as more major concerts are hosted in Singapore, and called for regulation of ticket scalping and bot-purchasing practices to combat the growing fraud.
the-sun.com
Princo Oduro, a 34-year-old former Chase bank employee from Ohio, was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison for operating multiple fraud schemes that defrauded victims of $1.8 million. Using stolen personal information from at least five Chase customers, Oduro ran romance scams—posing as a soldier, medical patient, or precious metals dealer—and laundered stolen funds through PayPal accounts, including targeting a widow by falsely claiming her deceased husband had stored valuable artwork. He has been ordered to pay $1.8 million in restitution.
citizen.co.za
Financial predators exploit vulnerable individuals by gaining their trust, then isolating them from friends and family before extracting money through romance scams, predatory lending, or identity theft. The three most common types are romantic predators who establish fake relationships to manipulate victims, predatory lenders who trap borrowers in debt cycles, and identity predators who steal personal information for fraud. To protect yourself, maintain strong relationships with trusted friends and family who can spot suspicious behavior, and immediately cut all communication if you suspect someone is a financial predator.
cantonrep.com
IRS impersonation scams reappear annually in various forms, with scammers posing as tax agents via phone calls, emails, and mail to either demand immediate payment for back taxes (threatening arrest) or request personal information under the guise of issuing refunds. The IRS will only initiate contact by mail and never demands immediate payment, specific payment methods, or personal financial information over the phone or email. To protect yourself, file taxes early, obtain an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS, and remember that any urgent contact via phone, email, text, or social media claiming to be from the IRS is fraudulent.
bristolpress.com
Connecticut's Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz held a press conference on March 7 at the Newington Senior & Disabled Center to alert residents about potential scams during National "Slam the Scam" Day. The awareness event, part of National Consumer Protection Week, focused on government imposter scams—a widespread fraud scheme designated by Social Security's Office of the Inspector General as a particular threat to the public.
wxii12.com
**Summary:**
The Graham Police Department issued a warning about phone scams targeting seniors in their community, in which callers impersonate Federal Trade Commission or Department of Homeland Security agents to coerce victims into withdrawing large sums of cash from their bank accounts. The scammer has used various phone numbers, including spoofed numbers mimicking the police department's main line, with calls coming from the 336 area code. Police advised residents not to share personal or financial information over the phone, not to comply with demands to withdraw money, and to report suspicious calls to authorities or the FBI's Cybercrime Reporting Page at ic3.gov.
thesenior.com.au
During October-December 2023, Australians aged 65 and over reported 16,901 scams totaling $20.49 million in losses, with investment and online dating scams being major contributors. Seniors represented 30 percent of all social media scam losses—a 57 percent increase from the previous quarter—primarily through WhatsApp (47 percent of losses), Facebook (20 percent), and online dating sites (9 percent). The report emphasizes verification of contact sources, checking business registration, and reporting scams to authorities or contacting IDCARE for support.
newbritainherald.com
Residents at Middlewoods of Newington attended a scam awareness presentation led by local police officers to learn fraud prevention strategies. The event, organized by Chris Pisani of Fore Senior Benefits, focused on scams currently targeting seniors and provided residents with protective measures and information.
itemonline.com
This educational piece warns about Social Security scams in which fraudsters send fake letters, emails, and texts impersonating the Social Security Administration or Office of the Inspector General to steal personal information and money. The article advises recipients to ignore unsolicited contact, independently verify by calling SSA directly, and never share sensitive information through unsecured channels, noting that SSA will never threaten arrest or suspend benefits. Victims should report fraud to the Office of the Inspector General at oig-ssa.gov/report and local law enforcement to help authorities identify and prosecute perpetrators.
goldcountrymedia.com
I cannot provide a summary of this content as it does not contain information about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. The text appears to be a website error message and notification about a news website's 70th season opener, which falls outside the scope of Elderus database content.
spectrumnews1.com
The Cuyahoga County Scam Squad warned of a spike in arrest scams where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement, send fake court documents, and claim victims missed hearings or are under investigation—with a newer variant targeting PPP loan recipients using accurate loan information to appear credible. Scammers pressure victims to pay via gift cards or cryptocurrency, with one local resident losing $7,000 to such a scam this week. Law enforcement urges victims to hang up immediately, as legitimate police never demand money or threaten arrest over the phone, and to report incidents to local police or the Scam Squad hotline.
islandfreepress.org
Fictitious phishing emails targeting college students receiving SNAP benefits falsely claim eligibility for large sums of money ($15,000 to $30,000) through fake "relief funds" if they apply via suspicious links. The Dare County Department of Health & Human Services warns recipients not to share personal information like Social Security numbers, bank details, or EBT card information with unfamiliar organizations, and directs them to report suspected fraud to the USDA Office of the Inspector General.
ksby.com
In 2023, PG&E customers reported a record-high 43,000 utility scams impersonating the company, resulting in nearly $900,000 in losses with an average loss of $785 per victim. Scammers typically targeted elderly and low-income customers by threatening immediate service disconnection and demanding urgent payment via prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps. PG&E advises customers to hang up on suspicious calls, verify account details through official channels, and report suspected scams to 1-833-500-SCAM.
wrde.com
The Maryland Attorney General's Office issued guidance warning residents to beware of sports betting scams and fraudulent platforms as March Madness approaches, advising consumers to verify legitimacy through the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General's office before placing bets. Recommendations include reviewing promotion terms carefully, using only licensed betting programs through the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, avoiding unsolicited communications, and reporting suspected fraud to authorities or the FBI. The office also noted that gambling carries financial risks and directed those needing help to contact the Maryland Alliance for Responsible Gambling at 1-800-Gambler.
ca.movies.yahoo.com
Estate planning scams target vulnerable elderly individuals and grieving heirs through questionable legal advice, unnecessary fees, and aggressive trust-selling schemes. Seniors with reduced capacity and no close relatives are especially at risk of being manipulated into signing over property or power of attorney documents. To protect yourself, work with qualified estate planning attorneys early, verify credentials, and be cautious of unsolicited high fees or pressure tactics from financial professionals.
churchleaders.com
**Fake Clergy Scams: Overview and Prevention**
Fake clergy scams involve individuals impersonating religious leaders to exploit victims' trust through solicited donations, requests for personal information, and fraudulent spiritual services, often targeting vulnerable people during moments of grief or spiritual seeking. Scammers use psychological manipulation tactics—including authority bias and in-group favoritism—to establish credibility through mimicked religious language, attire, and social media profiles, causing victims financial losses alongside profound emotional and spiritual trauma. Awareness of warning signs such as aggressive donation solicitation, reluctance to provide verifiable credentials, and inconsistent stories can help communities protect themselves from these deceptive practices that damage
seattletimes.com
This is a reader's response letter, not a news article about a specific scam incident. The writer supports a college professor's published account of losing her life savings to fraud and shares her own experience as a fraud victim resulting from mail theft and identity misuse. The letter emphasizes that fraud affects educated professionals, advocates for fraud prevention education in high schools, and notes that scammers are sophisticated despite banks' security efforts.
ksat.com
A San Antonio woman was scammed out of money while attempting to sell garden pots online after a buyer convinced her to move the transaction from a neighborhood app to email, then sent a fake Venmo logo email to intercept the payment. Law enforcement and the Better Business Bureau report that mobile payment app scams are trending, with significant annual losses, and advise using these payment methods only with known and trusted individuals while being cautious of unsolicited emails and links.
wpr.org
The city of Chetek, Wisconsin recovered $2.6 million stolen in a phishing scam where fraudsters impersonated a contractor for the city's wastewater treatment plant project and redirected a wire transfer to a fake account in November. The city borrowed funds to continue construction while investigating, then successfully recovered the full amount by March 1st after contacting law enforcement and the FBI. Chetek subsequently enhanced its security measures and employee training, joining other Wisconsin communities that have fallen victim to similar contractor impersonation scams in recent years.
financemagnates.com
A joint survey by Finance Magnates and FXStreet of 631 traders found that over 60 percent of victims targeted by scammers on Telegram lost money, making it the platform where traders face the highest financial loss rates compared to Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and other social media. Telegram's features—including privacy, anonymity, ease of impersonation, lax content moderation, and planned payment system integration—make it particularly attractive to scammers targeting active trader communities, while experts recommend traders verify broker credentials through regulatory websites rather than relying solely on social media claims.
hindustantimes.com
A Gujarat businessman lost ₹95 lakh in a romance/investment scam after accepting a Facebook friend request from a woman named Steff Mhiz, who posed a fake business opportunity to buy herbal products at ₹1 lakh per packet and resell them for ₹2 lakhs. When he began making payments to a contact named Dr Virendra across multiple accounts, the scammers eventually disappeared, and upon opening the packages, he discovered they contained only powder and fried chips instead of herbal products.
adirondackdailyenterprise.com
Scams targeting vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, are rising statewide through phone calls, social media, and online channels. Common scams include Social Security imposter schemes (threatening suspended benefits or arrest), gift card fraud (posing as government agencies), fake rental listings, and warrant payment demands, with scammers using fear, fake documents, and fraudulent letterhead to coerce victims into providing personal information or money. Authorities recommend verifying caller identity by hanging up and calling agencies directly, never sending gift cards or money to unknown callers, and reporting scams to relevant agencies like the SSA's Office of the Inspector General.
wrtv.com
Following devastating storms in Delaware and Randolph County, the Better Business Bureau warned donors to verify charities before contributing, as scammers frequently exploit natural disasters through door-to-door solicitation, social media fundraisers, and pressure tactics. Red flags include vague descriptions of how funds will be used, demands for immediate donations, and charity names designed to confuse donors. The BBB recommends researching organizations through their websites, verifying nonprofit status (501c3), checking state attorney general registries, and using Give.org to confirm BBB accreditation before donating.
ncdoj.gov
This is an educational advisory from March 2024 providing consumer protection tips for travelers during spring break. The guidance emphasizes verifying travel companies' legitimacy through online research and the Better Business Bureau, reading contracts carefully, obtaining written trip details and confirmations, paying by credit card for refund protection, and reporting suspected scams to the state's Consumer Protection Division. The article does not describe specific incidents or fraud losses but rather aims to prevent travel-related scams before they occur.
wfft.com
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita warns residents to watch for storm repair scams where fraudsters pose as contractors, promise immediate repairs, collect down payments, and disappear with the money. The alert advises Hoosiers to verify contractor credentials and insurance, obtain multiple written estimates, avoid upfront full payment, and never use wire transfers or cash, while warning that legitimate FEMA assistance never requires application fees. Those who suspect scams can contact the AG's office at 800-382-5516.
ntd.com
Syretta Scherer, a 42-year-old Georgia woman, was sentenced to nearly four years in prison in March for her role in a romance scam conspiracy that defrauded at least 28 seniors across multiple states of $5.8 million between February 2018 and November 2019. The scheme involved cultivating fake online relationships through dating apps, then pressuring victims to send money for fabricated emergencies; Scherer laundered approximately $1.1 million through bank accounts created under a sham company called Precise Carriers. Multiple co-conspirators were also prosecuted, with one receiving 78 months in prison and ordered to pay over $
fox56.com
An elderly woman in Chapman Township, Clinton County lost $4,000 to a romance scam between January and February 2024, after an online scammer posing as an Army serviceman and romantic partner convinced her to send multiple payments for promised gifts that never arrived. The Renovo Police Department is warning residents to be cautious about sending money to unknown individuals and to be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
nzherald.co.nz
Brent Carey, CEO of New Zealand's Netsafe (which receives 15,000 scam reports annually with 25% year-over-year growth), discusses the expanding fraud landscape affecting victims across all demographics. Romance scams and sextortion are particularly devastating, with sextortion complaints up 88% and primarily targeting young males who are blackmailed after sending intimate images to fraudsters posing as young women. A Netsafe and Global Anti-Scam Alliance survey found New Zealanders lost over $2 billion to scams, with the average victim losing $3,165, contrary to the misconception that only elderly people are targeted.
nzherald.co.nz
International scammers drain hundreds of millions of dollars annually from New Zealand victims, with fraud cases nearly doubling between 2020-2022 and now representing the most common crime type in the country. Only 15 percent of victims recover their lost funds, and a significant majority of fraud occurs online or by phone, yet only 6.5 percent of fraud crimes are reported to police. The Independent Police Conduct Authority found major deficiencies in police responses to scam complaints, with authorities failing to prioritize fraud investigations and adequately support victims.