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in Government Impersonation
latintimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 79-year-old Narragansett man lost $35,000 in cash and $135,000 in gold bars to an online scam in which fraudsters falsely claimed he was under investigation for child pornography and money laundering, then physically collected the assets from his home. Two men—Jirui Liu of Canada and Kush J. Patel of Connecticut—were arrested and charged with wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy; Liu was caught attempting to collect a final $160,000 payment when police intervened, while Patel separately defrauded a 72-year-old victim of nearly $300,000 in gold bars
chicagotribune.com
· 2025-12-08
Long Leaf Trading Group, a Chicago-based boiler-room operation, cold-called victims to pitch a fraudulent commodity-trading scheme between 2020 and its prosecution, resulting in customer losses while company traders collected $1.2 million in commissions. The article uses this case to illustrate how consumer fraud has evolved dramatically, with modern scammers now employing AI voice cloning, personal data harvesting, and impersonation tactics that make scams increasingly difficult to detect, contributing to record losses of $10 billion in U.S. consumer fraud in the previous year.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
This editorial contrasts traditional scams like Long Leaf Trading Group's $1.2 million commodity fraud scheme with modern consumer fraud that leverages artificial intelligence, voice cloning, and personal data harvesting to create highly convincing imposter scams. Consumer fraud reached a record $10 billion in losses last year according to the FTC, with imposter scams representing the fastest-growing category as criminals exploit social isolation, political divisiveness, and technological sophistication to target vulnerable Americans. Law enforcement efforts have increased but remain outpaced by evolving fraud tactics, though a new generation of tech-savvy anti-scammers on platforms like YouTube are gaining traction in exposing these criminals.
newpittsburghcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides guidance on protecting oneself from common scams and fraud. Key advice includes recognizing red flags (urgency, unrealistic offers, suspicious communications), safeguarding personal and account information, and taking preventive steps such as ignoring unrecognized contacts, calling banks directly using verified numbers, avoiding suspicious links, and verifying legitimacy before financial transactions. The article covers major scam types including impersonation of financial institutions, fake retailer accounts, rental fraud, fraudulent tech support, malvertising, and AI-generated "deepfake" impersonations.
metro.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This article is primarily a reader opinion/letters section rather than a news piece. The relevant fraud content notes that thousands of people fell for a scam claiming to offer withdrawal from Meta's AI engine, while a separate letter discusses broader concerns about elderly individuals struggling to adapt to AI-driven systems for essential services like healthcare, tax, and benefits.
futurescot.com
· 2025-12-08
Research in Scotland revealed that 400,000 older people have been targeted by online scams, prompting the Cyber and Fraud Centre to relaunch a safety guide addressing cryptocurrency scams, fake calls/emails, and text message fraud. The Cyber and Fraud Hub has handled approximately £250,000 in cryptocurrency fraud cases across all age groups while preventing around £60,000 from reaching scammers, with older adults identified as particularly vulnerable due to lower technology familiarity and greater trust in unsolicited contacts. The guide recommends that seniors remain cautious of unexpected communications, protect personal information, be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, and discuss finances with trusted individuals.
observerlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Palm Coast woman discovered her 79-year-old friend had been duped by fake warranty scam mailings, paying approximately $300 per month to two home warranty companies and one car warranty company for coverage she never purchased. The official-looking letters with urgent language like "Final Notice" and "Past Due" convinced the senior she had existing warranties, and when she tried to cancel, one company refused a refund and suggested only a temporary hold. Law enforcement officials report that over 60% of fraud complaints in their jurisdiction involve seniors, with median individual losses ranging from $800 for ages 70-79 to $1,500 for those 80 and older, and they advise seniors
lawyer-monthly.com
· 2025-12-08
Wire transfer scams cost Americans $343.7 million in 2023, with fraudsters impersonating trusted contacts to redirect payments to their accounts through compromised emails, fake documents, or intercepted communications. Wire transfers are nearly impossible to reverse once processed, making them the scammer's preferred method; one victim lost his entire $900,000 life savings intended for a home down payment when scammers hijacked his email conversation with his real estate agent. Common wire transfer scams include real estate fraud, advance-fee loan schemes, fake checks, family emergency impersonations, rental fraud, tech support scams, and business email compromise attacks.
legalreader.com
· 2025-12-08
Abdul Mohammed, 31, of Des Plaines, Illinois, has been federally indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud involving a scheme targeting elderly victims. Mohammed and co-conspirators posed as FBI and Department of Justice agents, falsely claiming victims' information was compromised and instructing them to withdraw savings and retirement funds as cash or gold bars for "protection," with one elderly victim defrauded of at least $125,000 across multiple transactions. Mohammed is currently a fugitive, and if convicted, faces up to 60 years in federal prison.
thewesterlysun.com
· 2025-12-08
Two individuals, Jirui Liu (22, Canada) and Kush J. Patel (22, Connecticut), were charged with wire fraud and money laundering in separate but similar schemes targeting Rhode Island seniors. Liu's scheme defrauded a 79-year-old victim of $35,000 in cash and $130,000 in gold bars through fake pop-up warnings about illegal activity, while Patel's scheme extracted approximately $363,090 in gold bullion from another victim using the same tactics; both defendants were arrested when law enforcement arranged controlled deliveries of counterfeit items.
stopscamsuk.org.uk
· 2025-12-08
159 is a UK short code initiative that allows consumers to safely contact their bank directly when receiving unsolicited calls about financial matters, preventing fraud since the number cannot be spoofed or impersonated. Launched as a pilot program, the service has received over one million calls and now connects customers to more than 99% of UK retail bank current accounts across major institutions. The initiative's creators aim to expand 159's reach further and petition communications regulator Ofcom to designate it as a mandatory "Type A" number similar to emergency services.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal officials are warning Hurricane Helene victims of an anticipated surge in fraud schemes, including fake charities, identity theft, and fraudulent contractor scams targeting vulnerable disaster survivors. The National Center for Disaster Fraud has received over 220,000 complaints since 2005, and authorities say criminals exploit disaster victims before, during, and after storms by impersonating government officials, soliciting fake donations, and committing price gouging. Experts advise survivors to verify the identities of helpers, avoid sharing sensitive information, obtain multiple repair estimates, and report suspected scams to FEMA or local authorities.
newpelican.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece by attorney Tara David discusses preventing elder financial abuse through careful fiduciary planning and monitoring. Key recommendations include thoughtfully selecting trustees and power-of-attorney agents, reviewing these designations periodically, and revoking documents if agents become untrustworthy—with formal notification to both the agent and financial institutions. The article also advises monitoring elderly individuals' financial statements for suspicious activity, watching for new relationships (particularly remote ones, given that Florida seniors lost over $40 million to romance scams in 2023), and contacting authorities if exploitation is suspected, with guardianship available as a legal recourse for incapacitated individuals.
winnipegfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Winnipeg couple in their 70s lost $32,700—over one-third of their retirement savings—to a "church peer" scam in September 2024, where a fraudster impersonated a trusted church member and directed them to purchase Apple gift cards as "processing fees" for a fake $150,000 federal senior grant. Though the couple reported the crime to police and recovered $700, the remaining funds are unlikely to be returned, and they now fear their retirement security is jeopardized. The incident reflects a growing trend of fraud targeting seniors in Manitoba, with the Winnipeg Police Service reporting 4,851 fraud cases in 2023 and a low
foreignaffairs.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
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dhs.gov
· 2025-12-08
HSI arrested two men in Rhode Island in connection with elder fraud schemes targeting seniors through online pop-up scams. Jirui Liu, 22, of Canada was charged after allegedly defrauding a 79-year-old man of $30,000 in cash and $130,000 in gold bars by impersonating federal authorities and falsely claiming his assets were compromised; a 72-year-old victim lost nearly $200,000 in a similar scheme involving Kush J. Patel, 22, of Connecticut, who posed as an FTC agent directing the victim to purchase and deliver gold bullion.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans over age 60 lost more than $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, with 101,000 complaints filed—a 14.5% increase from 2022. Tech support scams were the most common fraud type, while data brokers' sale of personal information increasingly enables criminals to target seniors. The article recommends protective measures including monitoring financial accounts, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, limiting personal information sharing, and considering data removal services.
news.trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
Contrary to the stereotype of elderly victims, research shows younger people report losing money to scams more frequently than older adults, with those under 21 experiencing the largest surge in online fraud losses and 18-24 year-olds losing a median of $200 per scam. However, older adults suffer larger individual losses, with those aged 70-79 losing a median of $800 and those 80+ losing $1,500, reflecting how scams are tailored to different generations—younger people are targeted primarily on social media (40% of cases for ages 18-29) while older adults are targeted via phone (40% for those 80+). Different age groups face distinct
clintonherald.com
· 2025-12-08
The Iowa Department of Public Safety warned of an emerging trend in which scammers are demanding gold bars, coins, and bullion as payment instead of traditional methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency. Common scam types—including government impersonation, tech support, and romance scams—have shifted to this new payment method, with one central Iowa resident losing $305,000 in gold and silver to a fake Microsoft representative in June 2024, and the FBI reporting $55 million in precious metals losses nationwide during the second half of 2023.
japantimes.co.jp
· 2025-12-08
Investment fraud and romance scams conducted via social media tripled in the first eight months of the year, with 6,868 reported cases resulting in approximately ¥88 billion ($600 million) in losses, compared to 2,008 cases and ¥21.1 billion the previous year. Scammers employed two primary methods: posing as trusted investors or celebrities in investment fraud schemes, and courting victims through dating apps to solicit money in romance scams. The National Police Agency issued the warning to raise public awareness about these escalating threats.
techradar.com
· 2025-12-08
Travel booking scams have surged dramatically, with Booking.com reporting a 500-900% increase in travel scams over 18 months and Lloyds Bank noting a 7% spike in holiday purchase scams, where victims lost an average of £765. Scammers use social engineering tactics including vishing (voice phishing), smishing (SMS phishing), and AI-powered impersonation to trick travelers into revealing sensitive personal information such as payment details, passport numbers, and one-time passwords. Security experts recommend two-factor authentication and call for travel brands to prioritize mobile app security, as nearly 70% of working adults have encountered vishing attacks that exploit human psychology an
peoplenewspapers.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment scams targeting seniors and other consumers have become significantly more costly, with median losses rising from $1,000 in 2021 to nearly $6,000 in 2023, according to a Better Business Bureau study. Scammers increasingly blend romance/confidence tactics with cryptocurrency opportunities, primarily recruiting victims through social media and messaging apps, with Texas residents alone reporting $2.1 million in losses during 2024. Key red flags include guaranteed massive returns, pressure to invest for romantic reasons, aggressive responses to refusal, and unexpected high fees required to access returns.
winnipegfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Winnipeg couple in their 70s lost $32,700—over one-third of their retirement savings—to a "church peer" fraud scam in September 2024. A fraudster posing as a trusted church friend contacted them on Facebook about a fake federal grant, then a second scammer impersonating a government employee instructed them to purchase Apple gift cards for "processing fees"; the couple recovered only $700, with police indicating low prospects for recovering the remaining funds. The incident illustrates growing fraud targeting seniors in Manitoba, with police reporting a 15% increase in fraud cases in 2023 and only a 6% clearance rate.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Dolapo Lawal, a 34-year-old Baltimore man, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft targeting elderly victims through a stolen identity tax refund scheme. Lawal fraudulently obtained over $3 million in tax refunds using the identities of elderly victims, loaded the refunds onto debit cards opened in their names, and withdrew cash at ATMs; law enforcement discovered 24 fraudulent debit cards with over $80,000 in cash during an April 2022 traffic stop and over 300 additional cards during a June 2023 home search.
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman named Jane fell victim to a phishing scam when, while emotionally distressed, she received a fraudulent email appearing to be from her bank and unknowingly granted scammers remote access to her smartphone. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, adults over 60 have lost more to tech support scams than all other age groups combined, with some victims remortgaging homes or depleting retirement accounts to cover losses. Wise & Healthy Aging offers a free support group called "Seniors Against Scammers" to help scam victims and provides educational resources and workshops on recognizing and preventing elder fraud and abuse throughout Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Amondo Antoine Miller, 48, of Colorado, was sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in a $300 million nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme that defrauded over 150,000 victims, predominantly elderly and vulnerable individuals, between 2000 and at least 2023. The scheme involved Miller and co-conspirators fraudulently convincing victims with existing magazine subscriptions to "renew" them, when in reality they were signing up for unwanted new subscriptions, with some victims billed by up to ten companies monthly totaling over $1,000. This was prosecuted as the largest elder fraud case in the nation under the Senior Citizens Against Marketing Scams Act, marking
carolinapublicpress.org
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, scammers have been targeting disaster victims through multiple schemes including door-to-door fake donation collections, insurance fraud, and contractor scams. Police reported several reports of fraudsters posing as relief workers collecting donations in areas like Patton Avenue in West Asheville, while insurance adjusters may underestimate wind damage to shift liability to federal flood insurance programs, and unqualified contractors overcharge desperate homeowners for substandard repairs. Authorities advise residents to verify the legitimacy of donation solicitors and repair contractors, avoid upfront payments, and check online reviews before hiring services.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
During major retail shopping events like Amazon Prime Day and Target Circle Week, scams targeting consumers surge dramatically, with impersonation scams (phishing), fake customer service calls, and fraudulent shipping notifications being the most common types used to steal personal and financial information. Scammers exploit these busy shopping periods through deceptive emails, sophisticated AI-powered phone calls impersonating Amazon and Apple support, fake package delivery notices, and social media ads promoting products that never arrive, with phishing attempts tripling around Prime Day compared to normal periods. Consumers are advised to verify phone numbers independently, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, and report suspected scams to retailers and law enforcement.
grandhaventribune.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not relevant to the Elderus database. The content is primarily a weather forecast with unrelated comment policy guidelines. While a brief mention references the Long Leaf Trading Group case—a Chicago-based boiler room that defrauded customers through commodity trading schemes, collecting $1.2 million in commissions—the article's focus is on general fraud trends and AI-enabled scams rather than a specific elder fraud incident. No elder victims, specific dollar losses to seniors, or elder abuse details are provided.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams linked to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are surging in the UK, with Santander UK reporting £3.8 million stolen from customers over six months—a 27 percent increase from the previous period, with average losses of £4,500 per victim. Scammers use stolen images to build emotional relationships with targets across all age groups (18-93) before requesting money through fabricated sob stories about medical expenses or other emergencies. Research shows that 55 percent of people admit to loneliness, and nearly one-third would provide financial support to online romantic partners within six months of knowing them, creating vulnerability to these emotionally manipulative schemes.
keranews.org
· 2025-12-08
Gateway Church congregants filed a class action lawsuit alleging the megachurch committed financial fraud by falsely promising that 15% of tithes would fund global missions work, potentially totaling over $15 million annually, while church leaders allegedly ignored a certified public accountant's concerns about missing funds. The suit names former senior pastor Robert Morris and other church leaders, claiming they rejected congregants' requests for refunds despite Morris's previous sermons promising members could get their money back if unhappy. The proposed class action seeks over $1 million in damages on behalf of tens of thousands of church members across multiple states.
grandforksherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Long Leaf Trading Group, a Chicago-based boiler-room operation announced in 2020, cold-called victims to promote a commodity-trading scheme that promised 6%-12% annual returns; nearly all customers lost money while the company collected $1.2 million in commissions. The article contextualizes this case within a broader fraud epidemic, noting that consumer fraud cost Americans a record $10 billion in the previous year, with AI-enhanced scams using voice cloning, personalized data, and imposter tactics now replacing older low-tech fraud schemes and making it increasingly difficult for law enforcement to combat modern scammers.
cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
Employment scams ranked among the top five most common fraud schemes in 2023, with median losses exceeding $2,000 per victim, often targeting job seekers through fake job listings via text, email, or phone calls that request personal information like Social Security numbers or bank account details. Common tactics include fraudsters impersonating real companies, sending fraudulent checks for "supplies" then requesting refunds, and pressuring victims into communication on unmonitored platforms like WhatsApp. Job seekers can protect themselves by verifying company contact information, watching for unrealistic job offers, maintaining records of applications, and avoiding sharing personal information until directly confirming employment with the actual company.
thedailybeast.com
· 2025-12-08
Truth Social users, particularly retired older adults, have lost thousands to millions of dollars in scams on the platform over the past two years, with complaints to the FTC documenting "pig butchering" investment schemes, cryptocurrency fraud, and romantic scams that exploited victims out of amounts ranging from $21,000 to $500,000. The scams typically involved fraudsters creating fake investment accounts showing fictitious gains to lure victims into larger contributions, or posing as romantic interests to extract money for supposed emergencies or investment opportunities. Truth Social's parent company stated it has a team actively searching for and removing scams and bots from the platform.
independent.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A new mandatory bank transfer fraud reimbursement code took effect in the UK, requiring banks to reimburse victims of purchase scams, romance fraud, and investment scams where money was sent via bank transfer. The code protects individuals, small businesses, and charities, with an £85,000 reimbursement limit (covering 99% of claims) and a required refund timeline of 5 business days, though refunds may be denied if the victim was complicit or grossly negligent in the fraud.
union-bulletin.com
· 2025-12-08
Long Leaf Trading Group, a Chicago-based boiler-room operation announced in 2020, cold-called unsuspecting customers to promote a fraudulent commodity-trading scheme promising 6%-12% annual returns, resulting in nearly all customers losing money while insiders collected $1.2 million in commissions. The article contextualizes this relatively straightforward scam within the broader modern fraud epidemic, where AI-enhanced voice cloning, personalized targeting using social media and data breach information, and imposter schemes have driven consumer fraud losses to a record $10 billion annually, with law enforcement struggling to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated technology-enabled cons.
etvbharat.com
· 2025-12-08
During National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, cybersecurity expert Mohit Yadav shared key strategies to protect against evolving cyber threats, including "digital arrest" scams where fraudsters pose as law enforcement to extract sensitive information like Aadhaar numbers. Common threats include fake telecom company calls promoting malware-infected apps, deepfake extortion schemes (one case resulting in losses exceeding one crore rupees), and phishing emails with deceptive links and misspelled sender addresses. Key protective measures include using strong passwords with eight+ characters and mixed case/numbers/symbols, enabling two-factor authentication, carefully verifying email sources, and avoiding clicking unsolicited links
dailycommercial.com
· 2025-12-08
A Leesburg woman named Kimberly Bitting and two accomplices allegedly stole approximately $350,000 from a senior widow over 18 months by abusing power of attorney authority to issue fraudulent checks and purchase property. Bitting is charged with three counts of elderly exploitation and one count of organized fraud (both first-degree felonies), while co-defendants Lara Larsen and Ashton Silvis face lesser fraud charges; all defendants have pleaded not guilty. The case highlights the vulnerability of grieving seniors to exploitation by those posing as concerned caregivers, with law enforcement recommending that families remain vigilant about monitoring relationships and financial decisions involving elderly relatives.
kfgo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Colorado man, Amondo Antoine Miller, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for his role in a $300 million nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme that defrauded over 150,000 victims, primarily elderly and vulnerable individuals, by deceiving them into unwanted magazine subscriptions. The scheme, which operated from 2000 onward, caused some victims to face monthly charges exceeding $1,000 from multiple fraudulent billings simultaneously. This case marked the largest elder fraud prosecution in the nation and was the first in Minnesota prosecuted under the Senior Citizens Against Marketing Scams Act of 1994, which provides enhanced penalties for telemarketing fraud targeting seniors.
masslive.com
· 2025-12-08
A 24-year-old New York woman, Yuxin Fu, was arrested at JFK Airport in September 2023 after fleeing to China, in connection with a government impersonation scam that defrauded a Cape Cod resident of $46,000 in December 2022. The scammer posed as a DEA agent and convinced the victim that their Social Security number was linked to a Texas investigation, instructing them to transfer money to a "safe" government account to prevent seizure. Fu was charged with larceny and receiving stolen property, held on $100,000 bail following her arraignment.
paymentsjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
The UK has implemented new regulations requiring banks and payment firms to reimburse victims of authorized push payment (APP) fraud—where people are tricked into sending money to criminals—up to £85,000 within five business days. The rules aim to incentivize financial institutions to invest in fraud prevention technology and systems that identify scams before transactions occur, with experts noting this represents a significant consumer protection advancement that other countries may eventually follow.
newsbytesapp.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters in India are impersonating Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) officials and targeting pensioners through WhatsApp, sending fake forms and threatening to halt pension payments to extract sensitive information including bank account details and Pension Payment Order numbers. Pensioners can protect themselves by remembering that government agencies never request such personal information via WhatsApp or phone calls, and should verify any suspicious communications by contacting official agencies directly using verified contact numbers. Reporting these scams to authorities is critical to prevent further victimization of vulnerable senior citizens.
capecodtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 24-year-old New York woman was arrested and charged after allegedly scamming a Marstons Mills resident out of $46,000 in a Social Security fraud scheme where the victim was impersonated by someone claiming to be a DEA agent. The scammer instructed the victim to transfer funds into a "safe" government account to protect them from seizure based on a false claim that their Social Security number was linked to a Texas investigation. Fu fled the country to China in May 2023 but was apprehended at JFK Airport in September 2023 upon attempting to reenter the U.S. and was extradited to Massachusetts.
fox11online.com
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Helene, federal authorities in Wisconsin warned the public about charity scams targeting both disaster victims and well-intentioned donors nationwide, as fraudsters create fake websites and fraudulent communications to solicit contributions. Officials provided guidance on verifying legitimate charities, avoiding unsolicited communications, donating directly to known organizations, and using non-cash payment methods to prevent fraud. The National Center for Disaster Fraud investigates such scams, and the public can report suspected fraud through their online portal or 24/7 hotline at (866) 720-5721.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal officials warn of rapidly increasing cryptocurrency scams where fraudsters establish fake romantic or professional relationships on dating apps, social media, and messaging platforms, then convince victims to invest in crypto on fraudulent platforms. Consumers lost an estimated $5.6 billion to crypto-related scams in 2023 (up 45% from 2022), with relationship scams being the most prominent type and averaging $178,000 in losses per victim; the SEC brought its first enforcement actions against these schemes in operations involving platforms like WhatsApp and LinkedIn.
wkyc.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece warns consumers about three common scams targeting Amazon Prime Day shoppers: fraudulent requests for gift card payments, fake prize notifications requiring shipping fees, and phishing messages impersonating USPS with malicious links. The article advises that legitimate transactions never require gift card payments, prize claims are typically scams, and USPS never sends unsolicited tracking links—noting that Amazon-related scams cost consumers $19 million in 2023.
limerickpost.ie
· 2025-12-08
During the Covid-19 pandemic, criminals expanded their scamming operations online, and fraud attempts have become increasingly sophisticated since then. Two elderly women in Galway fell victim to a government impersonation scam offering home renovation grants; they were later contacted by someone posing as their bank and convinced to hand over their debit cards to a courier, resulting in unauthorized withdrawals and purchases totaling up to €8,000. A Garda Crime Prevention Officer advised the public to verify unexpected communications with trusted contacts before sharing sensitive financial information or clicking unfamiliar links.
abc6.com
· 2025-12-08
Wisdom Oghenekaro Onyobeno, 44, was sentenced to over 10 years in federal prison for leading a romance scam that defrauded elderly widows and divorcees across multiple states of more than $5.8 million. Onyobeno and his conspirators used fake personas on dating apps and online games to build trust with victims, then convinced them to send money through false scenarios involving military emergencies, stranded contractors, or overseas packages, with funds laundered through fraudulent business entities and bank accounts. The case underscores the need for seniors to be cautious about unsolicited financial requests from unknown contacts.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Wisdom Oghenekaro Onyobeno, 44, an Atlanta man, was sentenced to over 10 years in federal prison for his role in a romance scam and money laundering conspiracy that targeted elderly widows and divorcees across Rhode Island and other states, resulting in losses exceeding $5.8 million. Onyobeno and his co-conspirators used dating apps and online games to create false personas—posing as military members, contractors, or government officials—to convince victims to send money for fabricated emergencies, which was then laundered through shell bank accounts and business entities. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal
spotlightnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration warns that Section 1140 of the Social Security Act imposes severe penalties against anyone who engages in misleading Social Security-related advertising, imposter communications, fraudulent websites, or unauthorized fees for free services. Common scams include fake solicitations, imposter emails and text messages, spoofed websites and social media accounts, and illegal resale of free Social Security forms. The public is encouraged to report suspicious Social Security-related communications to the OIG at oig.ssa.gov/report, by calling 1-800-269-0271, or via email to [email protected].