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nypost.com
· 2026-05-20
A Pennsylvania woman lost $24,000 after receiving a text message claiming to be from Apple warning of fraudulent account activity, then following instructions to call a number where scammers posed as bank officials and convinced her to wire money "for protection." This "bank impersonator" scam is spreading rapidly across the country, exploiting people's trust in financial institutions and fear of losing money by creating false urgency. To protect yourself, authorities advise never wiring money based on unsolicited contact—instead, hang up and call your bank directly using a number from your statement or official website.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-05-20
Scammers are increasingly using AI-powered deepfake technology to clone voices and create fake kidnapping scenarios, particularly targeting seniors through emotionally manipulative phone calls that sound like distressed family members demanding immediate payment. The FBI warns that criminals need only a few seconds of audio from social media to create convincing voice imitations, and they often use fabricated videos and photos as "proof" to pressure victims into sending money via cryptocurrency or wire transfers before they can verify the emergency. To protect yourself, pause before responding to urgent requests for money, independently verify any emergency by calling your family member directly, and be cautious about what personal information and audio you share online.
sandmountainreporter.com
· 2026-05-20
A seminar at Guntersville Library educated seniors about fraud and scams, which are increasingly targeting this vulnerable population through tactics like imposter scams, fake urgency threats, and AI-generated voices. According to the Federal Trade Commission, reported losses jumped from $10 billion in 2023 to $12.5 billion in 2024, with seniors being disproportionately preyed upon despite younger people reporting losses more frequently. The presentation recommended learning to recognize common scam tactics, verifying caller identities independently, and staying cautious of unsolicited contact that creates pressure or emotional appeals.
arise.tv
· 2026-05-20
A Nigerian national, Samuel Ugberaese, has been extradited to the United States and arrested for operating an international romance scam that targeted elderly victims, defrauding them through fake emotional relationships and fabricated stories to extract money. Working with accomplices, Ugberaese allegedly laundered the stolen funds through bank accounts linked to fake export companies to conceal their origin. Elderly individuals should be cautious of online relationships with people claiming to need money urgently, verify the identities of new contacts through independent means, and never send money to strangers regardless of their story.
sudbury.ma.us
· 2026-05-19
Grandparent scams target elderly victims by impersonating a grandchild in distress, claiming they need money urgently due to arrests, accidents, or kidnapping, while a second scammer posing as law enforcement or an attorney pressures victims to send payment via gift cards or cash. Scammers research victims on social media to make their stories believable and use tactics like voice disguise and urgency to prevent victims from verifying the story with family members. To protect yourself, verify emergencies by calling family directly, be suspicious of requests for gift cards or cash, and never act on urgent requests before confirming with trusted family members.
insightnews.com
· 2026-05-19
Governor Tim Walz signed eleven bills into law that include new protections for renters and homeowners, expanded mental health services in prisons, and a statewide framework to protect older Minnesotans and vulnerable people from financial fraud and exploitation. Key housing reforms address submeter billing practices and homeowners association governance, particularly benefiting renters in shared-meter buildings and first-time Black homeowners who have faced surprise charges and hidden assessments. To protect themselves, renters should review their lease terms carefully regarding digital rent payments and submeter charges, while homeowners should scrutinize HOA documentation and request transparent governance disclosures before purchasing property.
unionleader.com
· 2026-05-19
A 41-year-old man was murdered in Derry, New Hampshire in May 2025 during what authorities believe was a coordinated theft operation linked to an international gift card fraud scheme. The victim, Gui Lin, was stabbed while unloading boxes of iPhones and Apple products purchased with stolen gift cards at a warehouse; three men have been arrested in connection with the killing, with the investigation revealing that multiple warehouses across Southern New Hampshire were being targeted for bulk electronics purchases made fraudulently. To protect yourself, be cautious about unsolicited gift cards, monitor your accounts for unauthorized purchases, and report suspicious activity to your bank or payment provider immediately.
grafa.com
· 2026-05-19
China, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates jointly dismantled nine scam centers and arrested 276 suspects involved in "pig-butchering" fraud schemes, which use fake online relationships to lure victims into fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. These scams have caused nearly $6 billion in losses in the U.S. alone during 2024, with global losses exceeding $75 billion since 2020, and many operations are linked to human trafficking rings in Southeast Asia. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic connections online that quickly pivot to investment opportunities, verify the legitimacy of cryptocurrency platforms independently, and never send money to strangers or invest based on promises of guaranteed high returns.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-19
Authorities from China, the United States, and the UAE conducted a major international operation called Tri-Force Sentinel that dismantled a cryptocurrency fraud ring operating in Dubai, arresting 276 people across nine scam sites. The criminals ran "pig-butcher scams" where they posed as romantic interests or friends on social media to build trust with victims, then convinced them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms like CoinswiftTrading and SwiftLedger, often pressuring them to take out loans to maximize "returns" before disappearing with the money. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited romantic or investment offers from strangers online, never send money to unfamiliar investment platforms, and verify any investment opportunity through official channels before committing funds.
riponadvance.com
· 2026-05-19
U.S. Representatives Bryan Steil and Zach Nunn introduced a bipartisan bill to designate May 14 as National Scam Survivor Day, aimed at raising awareness and combating the stigma surrounding fraud victims. Americans lost over $195 billion to scams in 2024, with roughly 3 million fraud reports filed in 2025—affecting seniors, families, and people of all ages through schemes like romance scams and fake investments. The resolution encourages scam survivors to share their stories and calls for collaboration between government, private sector, and nonprofits to help victims access support and prevent future fraud.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-05-19
AI scammers are using voice-cloning technology to impersonate loved ones in fake emergency scenarios, with one in four adults experiencing or knowing someone affected by these scams, and 77% of victims losing money (ranging from $500 to $15,000). Criminals need only seconds of audio from social media posts, voicemails, or videos to create convincing voice replicas that exploit panic and emotional reactions, particularly targeting seniors. To protect yourself, verify emergencies through independent contact methods before sending money, be cautious about voice content you share online, and remember that legitimate contacts won't pressure you for immediate payment.
kjrh.com
· 2026-05-19
Scammers are using artificial intelligence to spoof trusted phone numbers—including news stations and government agencies like Medicare—to trick people into revealing personal information, with a recent incident targeting a Tulsa-area woman. According to the FBI, AI-enabled fraud surged dramatically in 2025, generating $893 million in losses and hitting seniors particularly hard, with those 60 and older losing $7.7 billion that year. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls asking for personal or financial information, verify caller identity independently by hanging up and calling the organization's official number, and remember that legitimate agencies won't ask for sensitive data over the phone.
newswire.lk
· 2026-05-19
Indian comedian Ankita Shrivastav lost 900,000 rupees after falling victim to an elaborate "digital arrest" scam in which fraudsters impersonated FedEx and police officials, falsely claiming she had received a package containing drugs and keeping her under video surveillance for eight hours while pressuring her into financial transfers. The scam exploits psychological manipulation and fear of legal consequences, and Shrivastav went public with her story to warn others that anyone—regardless of education or street-smarts—can be targeted. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected calls about packages or legal issues, never transfer money based on phone calls from supposed authorities, and remember that real law enforcement won't demand payment over video calls or keep you under digital surveillance.
cryptonews.net
· 2026-05-18
Law enforcement agencies from China, the US, and the UAE conducted a joint operation that dismantled nine cryptocurrency fraud operations and arrested 276 people who were running romance scams. The scammers used social media to build fake romantic relationships with victims before tricking them into investing in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes, resulting in millions of dollars in losses. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic connections formed online, especially those who quickly push you toward investment opportunities, and verify the legitimacy of any crypto platforms before sending money.
nypost.com
· 2026-05-18
A Brooklyn developer named Sam Sprei was arrested by the FBI after allegedly bragging to his lawyer about manipulating the court system, including successfully getting two judges removed from his case and claiming connections to courthouse officials. Sprei was involved in a $2 million lawsuit and used schemes like hiring lawyers with prior relationships to judges to force them to recuse themselves from his cases. The advice here is straightforward: if you're involved in legal proceedings, avoid any attempts to improperly influence courts or judges, as federal law enforcement actively investigates such corruption and prosecutors have been making arrests—Sprei's own boastful messages became evidence used against him.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-18
Authorities from China, the US, and the UAE conducted a historic joint operation in Dubai that arrested 276 suspects and dismantled nine scam compounds running "pig-butchering" investment schemes, which use fake romantic relationships and fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms to defraud victims worldwide. The criminal networks specifically targeted people in Asia, Europe, and North America, stealing millions of dollars through sophisticated social media manipulation and fake investment schemes. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited romantic advances online that lead to investment opportunities, verify cryptocurrency platforms through official channels before depositing money, and report suspicious activity to local authorities.
cryptoadventure.com
· 2026-05-18
Law enforcement agencies from the U.S., China, and UAE dismantled nine cryptocurrency scam centers operating in Dubai, resulting in 276 arrests and charges against six defendants accused of running "pig-butchering" fraud schemes that manipulated victims into fake crypto investments. The scammers targeted people globally by building fake relationships before directing them to fraudulent platforms, where victims lost millions of dollars that were then laundered through various crypto accounts. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities or romantic connections online, verify investment platforms independently, and never transfer funds to unverified sources, especially for cryptocurrency investments.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-18
China, the US, and the UAE jointly dismantled nine cryptocurrency romance scam operations in Dubai, arresting 276 suspects who were running "pig-butchering" schemes that defrauded victims globally. These scammers used fake romantic relationships built on social media to gain victims' trust before directing them into fraudulent high-return crypto investment schemes that often resulted in total financial loss. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic connections on social media that quickly encourage cryptocurrency investments, verify investment opportunities independently, and never send money to people you've only met online.
wfmj.com
· 2026-05-17
The Warren-Trumbull County Public Library will host an FBI presentation on May 16, 2026, to help seniors protect themselves from fraud schemes that increasingly target older adults. The free event will cover common scams, prevention strategies, and resources available to victims. Interested attendees can register at the library located at 444 Mahoning Avenue NW in Warren.
phemex.com
· 2026-05-17
Law enforcement from China, the US, and the UAE jointly dismantled nine scam operations in Dubai, arresting 276 suspects who ran "pig-butchering" schemes—where scammers build fake romantic relationships with victims on social media before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency. The operation represents the first major collaborative effort between these three nations to combat international telecom and online fraud. People should be cautious of romantic contacts pressuring them to invest in cryptocurrency or other high-return schemes, verify investment opportunities independently, and report suspicious activity to local authorities.
thecooldown.com
· 2026-05-17
An international law enforcement operation led by the FBI, Dubai Police, and China's Ministry of Public Security has dismantled a major "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam network, resulting in 276 arrests, the shutdown of nine scam centers, and the freezing of over $701 million in laundered funds. The scams targeted Americans through fake investment platforms, often beginning with friendly or romantic contact before manipulating victims into transferring money to fraudulent crypto accounts, sometimes even borrowing from loved ones to invest more. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment offers, especially from people you've recently met online, and verify any investment platform's legitimacy through official regulatory channels before sending money.
yahoo.com
· 2026-05-17
An international law enforcement operation led by the FBI, Dubai Police, and China's Ministry of Public Security has dismantled a major "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam network, resulting in 276 arrests, the closure of 9 scam centers, and the freezing of over $701 million in laundered crypto assets. The scheme targeted Americans through fake investment platforms, using romantic or friendly contact to build trust before manipulating victims into sending money to fraudulent crypto accounts, with some victims even borrowing from family and friends. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers from people you meet online, verify investment platforms through official channels before sending money, and never send funds to crypto wallets or accounts you cannot independently verify.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-17
Americans lost over $11 billion to crypto fraud last year, prompting governments worldwide to intensify enforcement efforts, with Myanmar proposing some of the world's harshest penalties including life sentences and even execution for digital currency scammers—particularly those operating forced labor scam centers. The crackdown extends beyond Myanmar, as China has executed people involved in scam operations, and the US has arrested over 200 people and shut down nine scam centers in coordinated efforts targeting compounds across Southeast Asia. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities, romance scams, and requests involving cryptocurrency, and verify the legitimacy of platforms before sending money.
startupfortune.com
· 2026-05-17
Myanmar is proposing severe penalties—including the death penalty and life imprisonment—to combat large-scale online scam compounds that operate across Southeast Asia, which use cryptocurrency and fake investment schemes to defraud victims while exploiting forced labor. These criminal operations, far larger than typical fraud, use tactics like romance scams and fake trading platforms to manipulate victims into sending cryptocurrency that can be quickly moved across borders. The harsh legal response reflects how governments now view cryptocurrency-enabled fraud as a major security threat rather than just a consumer protection issue.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-17
A US law firm is attempting to seize over $344 million in Tether stablecoins linked to Iranian entities to satisfy unrelated legal judgments, though blockchain investigators say this strategy unfairly delays restitution to actual fraud and hack victims. Myanmar's military government has proposed an extreme anti-fraud law including life sentences and death penalties for cryptocurrency scams, targeting the widespread "pig-butchering" schemes where trafficked workers are forced to operate fake investment platforms along the country's borders. The US Senate Banking Committee has advanced the CLARITY Act, a regulatory framework for digital assets and altcoins, moving it toward a full Senate vote after processing over 100 amendments.
poststar.com
· 2026-05-17
A Queens man was arrested for stealing over $3,000 from an elderly Saratoga County resident by instructing them to mail cash to a Bronx address under the pretense of it being "evidence" in a fraud investigation. The scam is part of a broader pattern of elder fraud targeting seniors in the region. Elderly residents should be cautious of unsolicited calls or requests for cash, and should verify any claims directly with official agencies before sending money.
gna.org.gh
· 2026-05-17
Two Ghanaian brothers and a U.S.-based woman have been indicted for operating romance scams that targeted elderly Americans through dating websites and social media between July 2024 and April 2026, deceiving victims into sending money via wire transfers to accounts controlled by the conspiracy members. The defendants used fake identities to build fake romantic relationships with victims and funneled stolen funds to co-conspirators in Ghana and other locations. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic interests you meet online—especially if they quickly ask for money, avoid video calls, or have inconsistent personal details—and verify identities through independent means before sending any funds.
yahoo.com
· 2026-05-17
A retired local news anchor in Hawaii lost nearly $70,000 of her retirement savings to a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes scam, where she was tricked into paying taxes and fees for a fake $5.5 million prize. The scam, which the FBI reports cost Americans close to $200 million last year, uses convincing fake documents and kind-sounding scammers to prey on victims of all ages, though older adults tend to lose larger amounts. Experts advise being skeptical of unsolicited prize notifications and remembering that legitimate lotteries never ask winners to pay upfront fees or taxes before claiming winnings.
cnn.com
· 2026-05-16
A Tennessee woman named Gabryele Watson was sentenced to 20 months in prison for running an elaborate adoption scam targeting thousands of couples over seven years. She would impersonate pregnant teenagers on social media, build relationships with hopeful adoptive parents by discussing baby names and sending fake ultrasound photos, then emotionally abuse them with threats of harming the babies or their children. The scam caused significant psychological harm to vulnerable couples desperate to adopt, though Watson never actually solicited money—instead profiting through identity theft of the pregnant teenagers she impersonated.
theguardian.com
· 2026-05-16
Scammers are increasingly targeting wealthy athletes through sophisticated schemes ranging from phishing and AI-enabled cyberattacks to fraud by trusted advisers, making sports fraud a billion-dollar criminal enterprise. Notable cases include Shohei Ohtani's interpreter stealing $17 million for gambling debts and an investment adviser defrauding NBA players of $5 million through unauthorized transfers and inflated insurance sales. Athletes and fans attending major sporting events are advised to be cautious with ticket purchases, verify communications from trusted contacts independently, and carefully vet financial advisers and inner-circle members handling their money.
tradingview.com
· 2026-05-16
Myanmar's military government has proposed an Anti-Online Fraud Bill that would impose sentences ranging from ten years to life in prison, and potentially the death penalty, for cryptocurrency fraud and online scamming—with the harshest penalties targeting those responsible for deaths in scam centers that exploit victims into committing fraud. The law represents one of the world's toughest responses to digital currency crime and comes as Southeast Asia has become a hub for sophisticated scam operations (including romance scams and fake investment schemes) that have victimized people globally and prompted coordinated international crackdowns. To protect yourself, remain vigilant about unsolicited investment opportunities, romantic advances from online strangers, and requests for cryptocurrency payments, and verify any financial opportunity through official channels before committing money.
bbc.com
· 2026-05-16
Nine Ghanaians have been jailed for up to 50 years for romance fraud and money laundering schemes targeting older Americans through dating websites and social media, with three additional suspects including two brothers recently arrested in Virginia. The scammers used fake identities to build romantic relationships with victims and trick them into sending money via wire transfers, with funds directed to bank accounts in Ghana and elsewhere. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romance prospects who quickly ask for money, avoid wire transfers to people you haven't met in person, and verify identities through video calls before sending any funds.
wbay.com
· 2026-05-16
Scammers in Winnebago County, Wisconsin are escalating their tactics by showing up in person at residents' homes, posing as federal agents, police officers, or IRS officials to demand payment for fines or pose as couriers. Victims of all ages have lost significant sums to these in-person scams as well as online schemes like identity theft, cryptocurrency cons, and romance scams, with some cashing out entire retirement accounts. The sheriff's office urges residents to verify any claims by closing the door, calling local authorities to confirm legitimacy, and exercising caution even when dealing with someone face-to-face, since physical presence can make scams seem more credible.
wmar2news.com
· 2026-05-15
A Baltimore man nearly fell victim to a sweepstakes scam where a caller claiming to represent Reader's Digest and Publishers Clearing House told him he'd won $9.4 million and a Mercedes-Benz, then requested $500 in Apple gift cards for "document fees." The scam is part of a wider problem in Maryland—the Department of Justice recently charged Jamaican nationals with running a lottery fraud scheme that stole over $9.5 million from victims who were similarly asked to pay taxes and fees upfront. The key takeaway: legitimate sweepstakes will never ask you to pay money to claim a prize, so if you're contacted about a prize you don't remember entering and asked for upfront payment, it's a scam.
steil.house.gov
· 2026-05-15
A bipartisan group of seven congressmen introduced a resolution to establish May 14th as National Scam Survivor Day, aimed at recognizing victims of fraud and raising awareness about the growing scam epidemic affecting millions of Americans. According to the resolution, scammers stole over $21 billion from Americans in 2025, with seniors, veterans, small business owners, and young people among the most vulnerable targets. The initiative encourages scam survivors to share their experiences to combat stigma and calls for collaboration between government, private sector, and nonprofits to prevent future scams and support those affected.
thesun.co.uk
· 2026-05-15
Romance scammers are targeting lonely people—particularly widows and divorcees—on dating websites, with cases rising 9% in 2024/2025 and Britons losing £109 million total. Perpetrators use cruel tactics like fake illnesses or dead children to extract money, with some victims losing over £400,000; one heartbreaking case involved a grandmother who lost £1 million and died in a car crash while trying to recover her losses in Ghana. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating connections who quickly ask for money, verify identities through video calls before deepening relationships, and report suspicious activity to authorities or the FCA immediately.
punchng.com
· 2026-05-15
Nigerian police have extradited Samuel Ugberease to the United States to face charges for operating an online romance scam that defrauded victims of $1.5 million between 2014 and 2018. The suspect and his accomplices targeted American women—particularly in North Carolina—by creating fake dating profiles to build fraudulent relationships and trick victims into sending money for fabricated emergencies. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic interests who quickly ask for money, verify identities through video calls, and never send funds to people you haven't met in person or to unfamiliar accounts.
vocal.media
· 2026-05-15
Romance scammers are targeting people through dating apps and social media, building trust over weeks before convincing victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes, often resulting in thousands of dollars in losses. Experts are urging victims to report these scams immediately because criminals quickly move stolen cryptocurrency through multiple exchanges and laundering channels, making the money nearly impossible to trace within hours. If you suspect you're being scammed, report it right away to law enforcement and fraud reporting platforms rather than waiting—delays significantly reduce the chances of recovering stolen funds.
kiro7.com
· 2026-05-15
A 57-year-old financial advisor in Fox Island was sentenced to three years in prison for stealing over $920,000 from a 70-year-old widow he was supposed to advise, exploiting her trust and cognitive decline to fund a luxury lifestyle including a home purchase and new car. The advisor, John Winslow, systematically moved the victim's life savings and inheritance through multiple accounts to hide the theft from his employer's oversight. People should be cautious about giving financial control to advisors, especially vulnerable elderly individuals, and consider having independent oversight of major financial transactions.
yahoo.com
· 2026-05-15
A Fox Island financial advisor, John Winslow, was sentenced to three years in prison for stealing over $920,000 from a 70-year-old widow he was supposed to be helping manage her finances. Over four years, Winslow exploited the elderly woman's trust and cognitive decline by building a close relationship with her, then systematically transferring her life savings and inheritance into his own accounts to fund a luxury lifestyle including a home, hot tub, and new car. To protect yourself, be cautious about granting financial access to advisors, monitor your accounts regularly, involve family members in major financial decisions, and consider working with established firms that have oversight systems rather than individuals acting independently.
nunn.house.gov
· 2026-05-14
Iowa residents lost approximately $96 million to fraud in 2025, with scammers increasingly targeting seniors through sophisticated schemes like "pig butchering" scams. Two bipartisan bills have advanced through the House Financial Services Committee to address these threats: the GUARD Act, which strengthens law enforcement's ability to investigate fraud and recover stolen funds using blockchain tracing tools, and the AI PLAN Act, which requires federal agencies to develop a coordinated strategy against AI-driven fraud and financial manipulation from foreign adversaries. Retirees should remain vigilant against unsolicited financial offers and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement and the FBI.
scmp.com
· 2026-05-14
In a landmark joint operation called Tri-Force Sentinel, the FBI, Chinese Ministry of Public Security, and Dubai Police dismantled nine fraud centers and arrested 276 suspects—mostly from Southeast Asia—who were running high-yield investment scams, "pig butchering" schemes (romance/investment fraud), and cryptocurrency fraud targeting people worldwide. Three of those arrested face federal charges in California for defrauding Americans. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment offers promising unusually high returns, romantic connections from strangers asking for money or investment help, and any pressure to move funds into cryptocurrency or offshore accounts.
latimes.com
· 2026-05-14
Two con artists from the San Gabriel Valley executed a sophisticated scam targeting a Ventura senior citizen, convincing him to hand over $25,000 by impersonating law enforcement and demanding he provide a secret code. When the scammers attempted to contact the same victim again demanding double the amount, they made a critical mistake by calling while he was already speaking with police detectives, leading to their arrest. Shaohua Sun and Yanwen Gu pleaded guilty to elder abuse conspiracy and face up to four years in prison, with authorities emphasizing the importance of verifying unexpected requests for money by contacting law enforcement directly through official channels rather than using phone numbers provided by callers.
ia.acs.org.au
· 2026-05-14
Three Chinese nationals operating a major scam compound in the Philippines were sentenced to life imprisonment after authorities rescued over 1,200 trafficked workers in May 2023. The operation, disguised as an online gambling company, forced victims from multiple countries to conduct romance and cryptocurrency scams targeting people in the Philippines and abroad. The case highlights the dangers of online scams and human trafficking networks, so people should be cautious about unsolicited romantic contacts online and verify investment opportunities through official channels before sending money.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-05-14
Financial scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and targeting seniors at alarming rates, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting that from 2020 to 2024, reports of older adults losing at least $10,000 to scams increased fourfold, and those losing $100,000 or more increased sevenfold. Seniors are particularly vulnerable because fraudsters believe they have substantial savings, and many victims don't report the crimes due to embarrassment, creating a false sense of low risk for scammers. To protect yourself, stay vigilant about recognizing warning signs of scams and be proactive in verifying any unsolicited financial requests before responding.
mercurynews.com
· 2026-05-13
Older adults are losing billions of dollars to increasingly sophisticated scams, with fraud losses rising from $600 million in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024, according to federal data. Seniors are targeted because they often have retirement savings and assets, plus may be less familiar with evolving technology like AI-powered voice mimicry and phishing schemes. Experts advise older adults and their families to be cautious of urgent requests for money, verify caller identities through independent contact information, and stay skeptical of unsolicited communications—especially those creating emotional pressure.
arise.tv
· 2026-05-13
A Ghanaian Member of Parliament, Kwame Ohene Frimpong, was detained at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport by Dutch authorities as part of a joint FBI investigation into suspected financial crimes, including money laundering and romance scams totaling approximately $32 million. The investigation has been ongoing for over a year and involves law enforcement from multiple countries, though formal charges have not yet been publicly confirmed. Ghana's Parliament is working with diplomatic officials to clarify the details of the detention and advise affected individuals to be cautious of romance scams and unsolicited financial schemes, particularly those involving requests for money transfers or personal information.
vindy.com
· 2026-05-13
A 25-year-old Indian man pleaded guilty to money laundering in a scheme that defrauded six elderly Americans of nearly $5 million, including a 77-year-old Salem resident who lost $61,000 after responding to a fake Microsoft Security pop-up ad and an 82-year-old New York man who was tricked into sending over $3 million to someone impersonating a U.S. Attorney. The scam operated from December 2022 to December 2023 and involved multiple tactics to convince victims to hand over large sums of money. To protect yourself: be suspicious of unsolicited pop-up ads and phone numbers they display, never trust callers claiming to be government officials without verifying through official channels independently, and always verify requests for large money transfers directly with trusted sources before sending anything.
kjrh.com
· 2026-05-13
AI-powered scams stole nearly $900 million from Americans last year and are rapidly growing as scammers use artificial intelligence to create increasingly convincing fraud—including fake dating profiles, deepfake videos, and realistic ads—with average losses more than doubling to over $2,000 per victim. Experts recommend staying vigilant this summer by questioning unsolicited contacts, verifying requests through official channels, and being skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, especially as online shopping and travel bookings increase. The FBI has now flagged AI-enabled scams as a distinct category, warning that these "supercharged" frauds are harder to detect than ever, so consumers should take time to verify authenticity before sharing personal information or money.
morningjournalnews.com
· 2026-05-13
A 25-year-old Indian man pleaded guilty to money laundering in connection with a $5 million scam targeting elderly Americans, including victims who lost $61,000 and $3 million respectively after responding to fake Microsoft security pop-ups or being impersonated by scammers claiming to be U.S. attorneys. The scheme, which operated from December 2022 to December 2023, involved at least three conspirators who defrauded six older adults across the United States. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unexpected pop-up ads that freeze your computer or unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies or tech companies—hang up and call official numbers directly rather than using numbers provided in the suspicious communication.