Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
7,717 results
in Romance Scams
markets.financialcontent.com
· 2026-06-21
AsiaDatingGuide.com has launched a new resource series to help Western men navigate international dating in Asia while protecting themselves from romance scams, which the FBI reports cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars annually. The guide includes cultural etiquette primers, city-specific dating advice, and a dedicated scam-awareness section highlighting common manipulation tactics used by online predators. Users can learn red flags to watch for and practical protective steps to take when pursuing genuine long-term relationships across borders.
aol.com
· 2026-06-20
Young adults are increasingly targeted by scammers using fake job offers and investment schemes, particularly on platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and social media. Common tactics include requesting upfront fees or personal information for bogus jobs, using fake checks for "training costs," and promising unrealistic investment returns (especially in cryptocurrency), with employment scams accounting for 30% of reported fraud among 18-24 year-olds. To protect yourself, verify job offers directly through official company websites, never pay upfront fees for employment, be skeptical of promises of high returns, and avoid sending money or personal information to unverified sources.
thecommunityvoice.com
· 2026-06-20
The IRS Criminal Investigation division reports a significant surge in fraud targeting seniors, with 97 new elder fraud cases opened in fiscal year 2025 alone and $885.86 million in alleged fraud uncovered between 2021-2026. Common schemes include criminals impersonating government officials or attorneys, claiming emergencies involving loved ones, or building fake romantic relationships to extract money and personal information from older adults. Seniors should be wary of unsolicited contact demanding immediate payment, verify caller identities through official channels, and consult trusted family members or authorities before sending money.
yourohionews.com
· 2026-06-20
Wayne County commissioners declared June 15 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day and highlighted a growing problem: the county received over 400 protective services reports in 2025, with more than 200 cases investigated, though officials believe many more incidents go unreported. Older adults in the county are particularly vulnerable to financial scams, with romance scams and gift card scams being the most common threats. Authorities urge residents to watch for signs of abuse and exploitation, and advise being cautious about requests for money or gift cards, especially from people claiming to be celebrities or in distress.
news.bitcoin.com
· 2026-06-20
FBI Director Kash Patel has declared an intensified crackdown on "pig butchering" scams—sophisticated crypto fraud schemes where criminals build fake online relationships to trick victims into investing money in fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms. These scams particularly target elderly Americans and teenagers, and the FBI has already achieved significant results, including seizing $8 billion in cryptocurrency and arresting over 300 suspects across Asia and the Middle East in "Operation Blackout." To protect yourself, be skeptical of online investment opportunities and romantic interests asking for cryptocurrency deposits, verify investment platforms independently, and report suspicious activity to the FBI.
startupfortune.com
· 2026-06-20
The FBI under Kash Patel is aggressively cracking down on cryptocurrency fraud through coordinated international operations, treating it as organized crime rather than a regulatory issue—including a April 2026 operation that resulted in 276 arrests across scam compounds and a June operation with Meta and other tech platforms that removed 1.4 million fraudulent accounts and seized over $3 million in crypto. Victims are being targeted through "pig-butchering" scams that use fake relationships and investment platforms to steal their money, with cryptocurrency being the preferred vehicle for these crimes. Crypto business founders need to take these enforcement efforts seriously, as the FBI is now moving faster and more publicly than traditional regulators, coordinating with platforms, exchanges, and international law enforcement rather than waiting for formal policy frameworks.
bookandfilmglobe.com
· 2026-06-20
Carlos Barragan's book "The Yahoo Boys" explores the Nigerian romance scam industry through interviews with teenage scammers, motivated in part by his own mother falling victim to one of these schemes. The book profiles four young Nigerian men who use online relationships to manipulate victims into sending money, revealing that despite understanding the real harm they cause, these scammers show little genuine interest in stopping. For those vulnerable to romance scams, the key takeaway is to be wary of online relationships that quickly lead to requests for money, especially from people you've never met in person.
intellectia.ai
· 2026-06-20
FBI Director Kash Patel has issued a warning that the agency will aggressively pursue crypto scammers responsible for $11 billion in losses in 2025, with particular focus on "pig butchering" schemes that manipulate victims through social media relationships before directing them to fake investment platforms. The scams predominantly affect older Americans, though the FBI's Operation Level Up has already helped over 8,000 victims recover more than $500 million. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment offers on social media, verify any crypto platform's legitimacy through official channels before depositing money, and never send cash through cryptocurrency kiosks or use couriers for financial transactions.
u.today
· 2026-06-20
Americans lost a record $20.9 billion to cybercrime last year, with cryptocurrency fraud accounting for over half of that—$11 billion—through schemes like fake exchanges, investment scams, and "pig butchering" tactics that exploit victims' pseudonymity on blockchain. Elderly Americans were hit particularly hard, losing nearly a third of the total amount, with California, Texas, and Florida seeing the most crypto-related losses. In response, FBI Director Kash Patel vowed to intensify enforcement efforts, noting the bureau has already frozen over 3,000 illicit crypto wallets and recovered $500 million, with plans to expand these asset-recovery operations.
kucoin.com
· 2026-06-20
Americans lost $20.9 billion to cybercrime last year, with investment scams—including crypto fraud—accounting for approximately $10.7 billion of those losses, prompting FBI Director Kash Patel to announce intensified efforts to combat crypto scams. Common tactics include fake exchanges, "pig butchering" schemes, and fraudulent DeFi projects that exploit blockchain's anonymity to evade tracking, with elderly Americans being disproportionately targeted and accounting for nearly one-third of total losses. To protect yourself, avoid unsolicited investment opportunities promising high returns, verify the legitimacy of exchanges and platforms before transferring funds, and be cautious of unfamiliar cryptocurrency projects or complex financial terminology used by bad actors.
blog.knowbe4.com
· 2026-06-20
Americans lost approximately $900 million to AI-powered scams in 2025, with total scam losses reaching nearly $21 billion—a 26% increase from the previous year. Criminals are using AI technology like voice cloning, deepfakes, and automated scripts to execute sophisticated fraud schemes including romance scams, impersonation of government officials, fake kidnapping threats, and counterfeit influencer accounts. To protect yourself, the FBI recommends verifying identities through official contact channels rather than responding to unsolicited calls or messages, and being especially cautious of government impersonation attempts that use spoofed caller IDs and AI-generated audio or video.
punchng.com
· 2026-06-20
Thai police arrested six Nigerians in Bangkok for their suspected involvement in an international cocaine trafficking ring and an AI-powered romance scam targeting elderly women. The suspects, who had entered Thailand on student visas but lived in luxury apartments without legitimate employment, were caught during raids that recovered phones, computers, and bank records showing evidence of drug transactions and fraudulent online relationships created using AI-generated images. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships with attractive strangers claiming to be wealthy professionals, and verify identities through video calls before engaging financially or sharing personal information.
en.bloomingbit.io
· 2026-06-20
FBI Director Kash Patel has pledged to aggressively pursue cryptocurrency fraudsters, stating the bureau will find and prosecute offenders involved in crypto-related crimes. Recent enforcement efforts by the FBI and Department of Justice have targeted investment fraud, romance scams, and money laundering schemes involving digital assets. While regulators are cracking down on fraud, they're simultaneously working to support legitimate cryptocurrency industry growth.
wsaw.com
· 2026-06-20
Wisconsin has seen over $10.3 million stolen through investment scams since 2024, with reported cases surging 35% from 2023 to 2025, particularly targeting seniors and vulnerable individuals who have already lost money. Scammers are using sophisticated schemes including romance scams, fake digital assets, and especially fraudulent "asset recovery" services that falsely claim they can retrieve stolen funds for an upfront fee—sometimes even impersonating state regulators. To protect yourself, verify investment companies through trusted government sources before investing, be wary of unsolicited recovery offers, and report suspected scams to Wisconsin's Department of Financial Institutions.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-06-20
Cybercrime in Asia and the South Pacific has grown so rapidly that it now rivals traditional crime, with organized scam operations accounting for over 30% of all recorded crime in more than half of surveyed countries. The threats are evolving fast—criminals are increasingly using AI, ransomware, sophisticated phishing schemes, and infostealer malware to steal credentials and launch attacks on digital banking and financial platforms. To protect yourself, be wary of phishing emails, use strong unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading unexpected files.
yahoo.com
· 2026-06-19
A young man named Richie from Lagos, Nigeria, who had a difficult childhood marked by parental separation and family conflict, eventually became involved in romance scams targeting older women—a scheme detailed in a new book about Nigerian scammers. The excerpt traces his path from working as an underpaid baker's apprentice at age 16 to his later involvement in fraud, illustrating how economic hardship and personal circumstances can lead people into criminal activities. For protection, people—especially older adults—should be cautious about online relationships with individuals they've never met in person, verify claims through independent research, and be wary of requests for money or personal financial information.
beachmetro.com
· 2026-06-19
Seniors, particularly women, are increasingly vulnerable to romance scams on dating apps and social media, where scammers build fake relationships to extract money from victims. In 2023 alone, Canadians lost over $50 million to these schemes, with older adults lacking the peer verification that younger dating app users typically employ. To stay safe, seniors should verify matches' identities online before sharing personal information, and anyone who suspects they've been scammed should report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to help law enforcement prevent future incidents.
timeslive.co.za
· 2026-06-19
A 51-year-old South African woman lost over R300,000 in a romance scam orchestrated by a Ugandan man she met and fell in love with, who convinced her to loan money for supposed business ventures and emergencies before disappearing with her funds. The victim ended up hospitalized with depression and burdened her sister and colleague with loans they took out on her behalf, with her colleague now expecting monthly repayments of R6,500. To protect yourself from similar scams, be cautious of online or quickly-developed romantic relationships where partners request money, especially for emergencies or business opportunities, and verify their stories independently rather than relying on photos or claims.
freepressjournal.in
· 2026-06-19
Scammers are using AI-generated photos, deepfake videos, and voice-cloning technology to create fake romantic identities on dating and social media platforms, posing as wealthy professionals abroad to build emotional trust with victims over weeks before fabricating emergencies (visa problems, medical crises, gift customs charges) to extract money. The scam affects anyone using matrimonial or social media platforms, and victims often comply because the deepfakes appear convincing in video calls. Police advise never sending money or personal financial information to online contacts regardless of circumstances, and to conduct independent background checks and reverse-image searches before trusting anyone met online.
cryptobriefing.com
· 2026-06-19
Scammers are increasingly sending couriers to victims' homes to collect cash in person, bypassing bank fraud detection systems that have become better at blocking suspicious wire transfers. This emerging tactic, which the FBI warned about in June 2025, typically starts with romance or investment scams where fraudsters build trust with victims over time before pressuring them to send money, often framing it as taxes or penalties. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, never send cash to unknown couriers even if they provide verification codes, and verify any urgent financial requests directly with your bank before acting.
digitalinformationworld.com
· 2026-06-19
Hundreds of thousands of job seekers, particularly those with language skills or vulnerable circumstances, are being trafficked to Southeast Asian countries under false employment promises and forced to run online fraud schemes like "pig-butchering" scams. Scammers control victims through wage withholding, document confiscation, location tracking, and violence, while also extorting ransom from families. Research based on survivor testimonies identifies warning signs of trafficking recruitment, and experts recommend that job seekers verify employment offers through official channels, be cautious of unsolicited job opportunities abroad, and watch for red flags like requests for upfront payments or pressure to move quickly.
bitget.com
· 2026-06-19
The U.S. Department of Justice seized approximately $9 million USDT from a "pig-butchering" crypto scam network, targeting a widespread fraud scheme that deceives victims into investing in fake cryptocurrency opportunities. Pig-butchering scams typically lure victims through social media with romantic or investment promises before tricking them into sending money to fraudulent platforms. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities online, never send money to unknown contacts, and verify any cryptocurrency investment opportunities through official channels before committing funds.
aol.com
· 2026-06-19
Older adults lost $7.748 billion to scammers in 2025—a 59% increase from the previous year—according to an IRS warning, with common fraud schemes including investment fraud, government impersonation calls, identity theft, and romance scams. The IRS emphasized that nearly 97% of prosecuted elder fraud cases result in convictions and urged seniors to protect themselves by monitoring accounts, avoiding suspicious links, verifying callers' identities, and never sending money to unknown people. Those who suspect fraud can report it at IRS.gov or contact the Washington D.C. Field Office directly.
rdrnews.com
· 2026-06-19
New Mexico's Adult Protective Services received approximately 18,000 reports of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation in 2026, with scams—including fraudulent phone calls, impersonation schemes, and romance scams—being a significant form of financial exploitation targeting older adults. The state is urging residents to watch for warning signs such as unexplained injuries, sudden behavioral changes, withdrawal from social activities, unusual financial activity, and signs of neglect or poor living conditions. Anyone concerned about an older adult's safety should report suspected abuse and help combat elder abuse through awareness, social connection, and checking in on vulnerable neighbors.
chaincatcher.com
· 2026-06-18
U.S. authorities seized nearly $9 million in cryptocurrency (USDT) connected to "pig butchering" scams, a fraud scheme where criminals build fake romantic or personal relationships with victims to trick them into investing money in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. These scams typically target people looking for personal connections online, who are then persuaded to transfer funds based on false promises of investment returns. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly escalate to investment opportunities, verify any investment offers independently, and never send money to people you haven't met in person, especially for cryptocurrency investments.
wdhafm.com
· 2026-06-18
Bergen County prosecutors warned of a surge in "pig butchering" scams where criminals pose as friendly contacts online, build trust with victims, and convince them to invest money in cryptocurrency before disappearing with their funds. The scam works by gradually encouraging victims to deposit larger amounts while showing fake profits, exploiting emotional manipulation and the lure of quick riches. To protect yourself, authorities advise never trusting online strangers who mention cryptocurrency, remembering that legitimate investments don't sound too good to be true, and reporting any suspected scams to local police.
odaily.news
· 2026-06-18
The U.S. Department of Justice seized approximately $9 million in Tether cryptocurrency linked to "pig butchering" scams, which involve criminals posing as romantic interests to trick victims into depositing money on fake crypto investment platforms. The scam network affected over 70 U.S. victims who lost millions of dollars collectively. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious about unsolicited romantic advances online that lead to investment opportunities, verify the legitimacy of any crypto platform through official channels before depositing funds, and never share personal financial information with people you've only met online.
bitget.com
· 2026-06-18
The US Department of Justice seized approximately 9 million USDT (a stablecoin) from a criminal network running "pig-butchering" crypto scams, which defrauded over 70 American victims of millions of dollars. Pig-butchering scams typically involve criminals building trust with victims online before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment offers from new online contacts, verify the legitimacy of cryptocurrency platforms independently, and never invest money you cannot afford to lose.
time.com
· 2026-06-18
Scammers are using AI to impersonate popular Nashville rock band Sons of Legion on social media, creating convincing fake videos and profiles that trick fans into romantic relationships and sending thousands of dollars to fraudsters posing as the band members. The band reports 50-60 new fake accounts appearing daily, with fans showing up to concerts believing they had been in relationships with the impersonators and had been defrauded of significant money. To protect yourself, verify accounts directly through official band websites or verified social media profiles, be cautious of sudden relationship requests from celebrities or musicians, and never send money to online contacts you haven't met in person—no matter how convincing they appear.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-06-18
In 2025, Americans lost $3.5 billion to imposter scams where criminals pretended to be government agencies, banks, tech support, employers, and romantic partners—a nearly 20% increase from the previous year and the ninth consecutive year this was the most common fraud type. The scams exploit trust rather than technical tricks, with government imposter scams surging 40%, particularly fake toll payment messages that create urgency through threats of penalties. To protect yourself, verify any unexpected requests for payment or personal information by contacting the organization directly using official contact information, never respond to unsolicited messages, and be skeptical of anything demanding immediate action.
tomsguide.com
· 2026-06-18
Seniors aged 60 and older lost $7.7 billion to cybercrime in 2024—a 60% increase from the previous year—with investment scams, crypto fraud, romance scams, and tech support scams being the primary culprits. Fraudsters are now using sophisticated AI tools like voice cloning, deepfake videos, and realistic impersonations to make their scams more convincing than ever, targeting older adults who may be less familiar with these technologies. To protect seniors, families should educate them about red flags in romance scams, scrutinize messages for subtle signs of AI generation (even when grammar appears perfect), and verify requests for money or personal information through independent contact with the supposed sender.
freepressjournal.in
· 2026-06-18
Scammers are using AI-generated photos, deepfake videos, and voice-cloning technology to create fake romantic identities on matrimonial and social media platforms, posing as wealthy professionals abroad and building emotional trust with victims over weeks before fabricating emergencies to solicit money. The scam has affected people seeking relationships online, who are tricked into sending funds for fake visa problems, medical crises, or gift customs charges despite appearing to video call with their supposed partners. To protect yourself, never send money or personal financial details to someone you've only met online, conduct independent background checks and reverse-image searches before trusting anyone, and remember that realistic videos no longer guarantee authenticity in the age of AI.
richmondshiretoday.co.uk
· 2026-06-18
North Yorkshire Police have warned of a significant rise in romance scams using AI technology, where criminals build fake emotional relationships with victims over weeks or months before requesting money for emergencies or investments, sometimes impersonating celebrities with AI-generated content. Vulnerable people—particularly those experiencing loneliness or isolation—are being targeted, with romance fraud victims losing over £102 million in the past year, averaging £9,500 per person. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly become emotional, verify identities independently before sending money, and report suspicious activity to Action Fraud.
yahoo.com
· 2026-06-18
Utah's top federal prosecutor is touring the state to warn seniors about AI-powered scams that impersonate banks, the IRS, and family members, which have caused reported losses to adults over 60 to skyrocket from $600 million in 2020 to over $3 billion in 2025. The scams often involve imposter schemes, investment fraud, and romance scams that target older adults with increasingly sophisticated tactics. Seniors are being urged to stay calm when contacted by unknown callers or messages, verify identities independently, and ask detailed questions before sharing any financial information—especially when feeling pressured or hearing from someone claiming to be a trusted contact.
whsv.com
· 2026-06-18
Elder abuse affects millions of seniors and can take many forms, including financial exploitation through increasingly sophisticated scams and fraud. Experts warn that common red flags include unexpected messages pressuring quick action, such as claims that subscriptions have expired or that someone has won a prize they never entered. To protect yourself or older loved ones, verify suspicious messages by contacting companies directly using phone numbers or websites you look up independently—never use links or numbers provided in the suspicious message itself.
mk.co.kr
· 2026-06-18
Four major scam types—investment fraud, fake job schemes, commodity payment fraud, and romance scams—caused 68.7 billion won in damage in May, down 33% from April, marking the first significant monthly decline since police began tracking these crimes. The decrease reflects police efforts to implement targeted countermeasures against each scam type and increased cooperation with platforms like Naver and Kakao to disrupt criminal operations. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities and romantic advances from online contacts, verify job offers through official channels, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
amarillotribune.org
· 2026-06-17
Financial exploitation of elderly adults through investment scams, romance scams, impersonation fraud, and digital schemes remains a widespread problem, as highlighted during June's Elder Abuse Awareness Month recognition. Warning signs include unexplained withdrawals, pressure to send money or share personal information, and unsolicited contacts via text or social media. Seniors and their families can protect themselves by designating a trusted contact for financial decisions, consulting with family or professionals before major transfers, and reporting suspected fraud to the Texas State Securities Board.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2026-06-17
Scammers stole over $120 million from Kentuckians last year, with seniors aged 60+ losing more than $60 million, as criminals increasingly use cryptocurrency and AI-powered technology to make scams like romance and emergency schemes more convincing. The FBI warns that these frauds are growing more sophisticated and difficult to trace, particularly through the state's 400+ cryptocurrency ATMs. If you suspect a scam, the FBI advises stopping communication immediately, slowing down, and discussing suspicious interactions with trusted family members or friends before taking any action.
en.sedaily.com
· 2026-06-17
Losses from "new scams" in South Korea—including investment fraud, fake job schemes, and romance scams conducted through social media and apps—dropped 30% in May compared to the previous month, according to police data. The Korean National Police Agency attributes this success to targeted interventions such as blocking fraudulent social media accounts, removing malicious apps from app stores in cooperation with tech companies like Google and Apple, and sending warning notifications to potential victims. The advice for the general public is to be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities, job offers, and romantic contacts on social media platforms, and to report suspicious activity to authorities.
patch.com
· 2026-06-17
Fraudsters are increasingly targeting older Americans through various elaborate schemes including fake timeshare settlements, romance scams, lottery scams, and emergency impersonation tactics, with scammers defrauding seniors of over $885 million in the last five years. The IRS recently arrested more than 20 people in "Operation Silver Shores," a scheme where criminals posed as attorneys and government officials to trick timeshare owners into sending money, which was then laundered through shell companies. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact claiming you've won money or are entitled to settlements, verify caller identities independently, and report suspected fraud to the National Elder Fraud Hotline.
morungexpress.com
· 2026-06-17
Sri Lanka has become a major hub for international cybercrime, particularly telecom fraud and "pig-butchering" investment scams, with criminal networks from Southeast Asia relocating there due to economic instability and weak regulatory oversight. Victims worldwide are targeted through fake romance schemes and fraudulent investment platforms, while workers are recruited under false pretenses, have their passports confiscated, and are forced to operate scams from luxury hotels across the country. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic connections offering investment opportunities, verify investment platforms independently, never send money to unknown accounts, and report suspicious job listings that seem unusually lucrative or request upfront payments.
sarkaritel.com
· 2026-06-17
Sri Lanka has become a major hub for international cybercrime, with criminal networks relocating from Southeast Asia to operate sophisticated telecom and pig-butchering scams from luxury hotels and guesthouses across the country. Victims worldwide are targeted through fraudulent investment schemes, fake dating profiles, and mass phishing campaigns using stolen identities and SIM-box equipment that can manage hundreds of phone lines simultaneously. Authorities have intensified raids since mid-2024, arresting hundreds of suspected scammers, but victims can protect themselves by being cautious about unsolicited investment opportunities, verifying identities before sending money, and using strong security practices like enabling two-factor authentication and avoiding clicking links from unknown sources.
vancouver.citynews.ca
· 2026-06-17
A British Columbia senior lost over $60,000 in an online romance scam after connecting with a man who posed as a caring army doctor and repeatedly requested money with various excuses. Her story, shared on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, highlights how seniors are particularly vulnerable to financial scams, with reports of elder abuse steadily increasing in B.C. according to Seniors First BC. Experts advise seniors to be cautious of unsolicited online relationships requesting money, listen to warnings from family members, and report suspected abuse to local authorities or organizations like Seniors First BC's information line.
iomtoday.co.im
· 2026-06-17
Asian scam rings exploited lax oversight of the Isle of Man's online gambling sector to run fraudulent "pig butchering" schemes that defrauded victims, particularly in China, of millions of dollars. A Bloomberg investigation reveals that government regulators were "dangerously inattentive" and failed to act on multiple warning signs, with a major police raid on King Gaming's offices in 2024 uncovering the operation. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment or gambling opportunities, verify the legitimacy of gaming platforms through official regulatory bodies, and never send money to unknown contacts promoting financial schemes online.
news.usps.com
· 2026-06-16
Imposter scams—where criminals pose as relatives, romantic interests, or tech support—cost consumers $15.9 billion in 2025 and are becoming increasingly convincing through AI technology. The scams commonly target elderly people and vulnerable individuals by creating urgent situations (medical emergencies, bail money, computer viruses) to pressure victims into sending money. To protect yourself, verify requests through trusted contacts before acting, avoid sharing personal information with strangers online, be wary of urgent money requests, and never grant remote computer access or make payments via gift cards to unsolicited callers.
yahoo.com
· 2026-06-16
Romance scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect as criminals use AI to create realistic fake profiles and personalized conversations that build emotional connections before requesting money. According to the FTC, nearly 60% of romance scam victims reported losing money in 2025 after meeting scammers on social media, which accounted for $2.1 billion in reported losses across all fraud types. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that develop quickly with excessive personal attention and flattery, especially if the person eventually asks for money, and verify identities through video calls or independent research before sharing personal information or finances.
nbcdfw.com
· 2026-06-16
A Frisco couple was charged with stealing at least $2.5 million from emotionally vulnerable victims through a psychic fraud scheme that operated from 2021 to 2024. The perpetrators posed as psychics on social media, convincing victims that their personal problems were caused by supernatural curses that could only be removed through expensive "cleansing rituals," leading victims to liquidate homes, retirement accounts, and take out loans to send money and purchase gold coins. To protect yourself, be wary of anyone claiming to remove curses or supernatural problems for money, and remember that legitimate financial or relationship advice doesn't require sending large sums to strangers.
delta-optimist.com
· 2026-06-16
A 75-year-old British Columbia woman lost $60,000 to a sophisticated romance scam after a man posing as a military doctor befriended her on Facebook and manipulated her over 12 months with fabricated emergencies and false promises. The scammer exploited her loneliness following a separation, bullying her into sending 75% of her $2,500 monthly pension, leaving her unable to afford basic necessities and ultimately triggering a heart attack from the resulting stress. Seniors and vulnerable individuals should be cautious of unsolicited online relationships, verify identities independently, and speak with trusted family members about financial requests—particularly those involving emergencies or emotional manipulation tactics.
pcmag.com
· 2026-06-16
Scammers are increasingly using AI to launch sophisticated social engineering attacks through popular messaging apps, SMS, and email, making fraudulent messages nearly indistinguishable from legitimate communications. According to Fraud.org's 2025 report, internet-based scams now surpass phone calls as scammers' primary contact method, with phishing and spoofing attacks nearly doubling year-over-year. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited messages about deliveries or requests from contacts, verify suspicious communications through independent channels, and avoid clicking links or sharing information with unverified senders.
patch.com
· 2026-06-16
Bergen County, New Jersey residents are being targeted by "pig butchering" scams, in which fraudsters build trust with victims through online conversations before convincing them to invest money in cryptocurrency, only to disappear with their funds. The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office warns that these scams exploit emotions and gradually pressure victims into making larger investments. Residents should be skeptical of unsolicited online strangers promoting cryptocurrency or investment opportunities that seem too good to be true, and anyone who falls victim should report it to local police.