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in Tech Support Scam
signalscv.com
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old Newhall resident lost $54,000 in a grandparent scam between July 22-23 when a caller impersonating an attorney claimed his grandson was in jail and needed bail money, instructing him to place cash in boxes for Lyft drivers to collect. The victim later discovered his grandson had not been in an accident or incarcerated, and despite detective investigation tracking the Lyft drivers through security footage, no arrest has been made. Sheriff's officials emphasize that law enforcement never solicits money by phone and advise victims to verify custody claims directly through the LASD custody records website or by calling their local station.
theroanokestar.com
· 2025-12-08
As holiday shopping season approaches with record-breaking online sales predicted, scammers are deploying increasingly sophisticated tactics to defraud consumers. Virginia Tech cybercrime expert Katalin Parti outlines key warning signs and prevention strategies, including: avoiding unsolicited requests for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, being skeptical of high-return investment ads, verifying company contact information through official websites rather than provided links, and remaining cautious of romance scams, job scams, and fake charitable solicitations. Consumers should also monitor financial statements for fraud, keep software updated, verify website URLs, and be aware that scammers can now spoof voices and area codes to impersonate trusted contacts.
thecyberexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned that criminals are increasingly using generative AI tools to create highly convincing fraudulent content—including fake social media profiles, websites, audio recordings, and deepfake videos—making scams more believable and scalable across larger victim populations. AI-generated text, images, voice cloning, and videos are being weaponized in romance scams, investment fraud, job hiring schemes, extortion, and identity theft, with criminals exploiting the technology's ability to produce realistic-seeming content that overcomes traditional fraud detection signs. The sophisticated nature of AI-generated content makes it increasingly challenging for individuals and businesses to identify fraudulent schemes before becoming victims.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday season, scammers deploy sophisticated phishing emails impersonating trusted companies like Apple, Target, Temu, and delivery services to trick recipients into revealing personal and financial information. Common tactics include fake giveaway offers, free product promotions, package delivery alerts with artificial urgency, and deceptive survey requests that use official logos, capital letters, and urgent language to appear legitimate. Users are advised to verify tracking numbers and sender addresses before clicking links, and to be skeptical of unsolicited prize notifications and requests for personal information.
digitalinformationworld.com
· 2025-12-08
"Malvertising" (malicious digital advertisements) is rapidly increasing as a scam vector, with a 42% month-over-month increase in US cases in 2023 and 41% growth from July-September 2024, primarily originating from Vietnam and Pakistan. Scammers use these deceptive ads in search results to distribute malware, conduct investment scams, credit card fraud, phishing attacks, and romance scams, with ads disguised as legitimate businesses that steal victim information when clicked. Internet users across all websites are at risk, as malvertising is difficult to detect and remove; Google blocked 5.5 billion ads in 2023 but sc
daily-tribune.com
· 2025-12-08
Chatsworth Police Chief Josh Etheridge warned residents of an uptick in international scams targeting elderly victims through robocalls and fraudulent emails, noting that once victims purchase gift cards and provide the card numbers, the money cannot be recovered. The scammers often impersonate government agencies or trusted organizations to pressure victims into immediate payment, exploiting the elderly population who are viewed as trusting and less aware of modern fraud tactics. Police urge residents to report suspected scams and provided warning signs including requests to pay via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, as well as pressure to act immediately without verification.
13wmaz.com
· 2025-12-08
A Chinese national, Xiao Kun Cheung, was arrested and charged for his role in a scam that defrauded elderly people across the U.S. of $1.2 million through fake pop-ups and phone calls claiming computer or financial account compromises. Cheung and his co-conspirators convinced victims to withdraw money to purchase gift cards and gold bars, which were then collected by conspirators posing as government agents; victims in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee were affected. Cheung faces up to 20 years in prison and was charged with wire fraud, extortion conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, and drug possession charges.
wjcl.com
· 2025-12-08
Chinese national Xiao Kun Cheung was federally indicted for operating a scheme targeting senior citizens in Savannah and Pooler, Georgia; he was arrested while attempting to pick up approximately $132,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler.
dailysentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2019 Financial Advisor article by Karen DeMasters, citing Comparitech research, reveals that elder financial abuse in the United States is vastly underreported—with actual cases potentially reaching 5 billion annually costing $27.4 billion, compared to the previously reported 200,000 cases and $1.7 billion. One in ten Americans over 65 experience financial abuse, with an average loss of $2,415, perpetrated primarily by trusted family members or acquaintances who exploit victims' reluctance to report due to shame, fear, or lack of awareness, though telephone scams are expected to increase significantly.
news.uthsc.edu
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common red flags across multiple scam types—including romance, delivery, grandparent, and tech support scams—and provides prevention strategies. Key advice includes not responding to unexpected texts, hanging up and calling back through verified numbers, establishing family safe words, refusing suspicious payment methods (gift cards, crypto, wire transfers), and being cautious on social media and dating apps. The article recommends victims stop payment immediately, take screenshots for evidence, and report incidents to their bank, local police, or relevant authorities.
dailygazette.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Montgomery County resident lost $40,000 in a cryptocurrency investment scam where the suspect posed as customer service and falsely claimed the victim's activity was being monitored. When the suspect, Zixiong Wang, 27, of Flushing, attempted to collect additional funds at a predetermined location in Amsterdam, New York State Police arrested him on charges of third-degree attempted grand larceny and criminal possession of cocaine; investigators also discovered he was wanted in Delaware for similar crimes against an elderly victim.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Xiao Kun Cheung, 58, a Chinese national, was indicted for his role in a multi-state elder fraud conspiracy that targeted seniors up to age 92 across Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee, swindling over $1 million through phone calls and pop-up messages falsely claiming compromised accounts, then persuading victims to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, or buy gold bars. Cheung was arrested in March 2024 while attempting to collect approximately $132,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler, Georgia, and faces charges including wire fraud and extortion with potential penalties up to 20 years in prison. The case
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Xiao Kun Cheung, 58, was formally charged with wire fraud, conspiracy, extortion proceeds receipt, and drug possession for orchestrating a multi-state elder fraud scheme targeting seniors aged up to 92 in Savannah, Pooler, Naples, and Cleveland. The scam involved phone calls and pop-up messages falsely claiming victims' computers or accounts were compromised, then persuading them to withdraw cash, buy gift cards, or purchase gold bars under the guise of government safekeeping; Cheung was arrested in March attempting to collect over $130,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison
wtoc.com
· 2025-12-08
Xiao Kun Cheung, a 58-year-old Chinese national, was indicted for his role in a multi-state elder fraud conspiracy that defrauded senior citizens (up to age 92) of over $1 million across Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. The scheme involved contacting victims by phone or pop-up messages claiming their computers or accounts were compromised, then convincing them to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, or buy gold bars; Cheung was arrested in March while attempting to collect approximately $132,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler, Georgia. He faces charges including wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud, carrying up to 20 years in federal
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI has issued a public service announcement warning of increasing AI-generated scams targeting smartphone users, including deepfake audio and video calls impersonating loved ones, celebrities, and authority figures to commit fraud at scale. The agency advises users to hang up and independently verify caller identity, establish a secret word with family members for emergency verification, and avoid sharing sensitive information with online or phone-only contacts, as AI tools are becoming sophisticated enough that experts may struggle to distinguish authentic from fabricated content.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI has warned of increased cyber scams during the holiday season, and CNET senior cybersecurity reporter Bree Fowler provides guidance on protecting oneself from these threats. The video segment offers cybersecurity advice and protective measures specifically tailored to the holiday shopping and online activity period.
news4jax.com
· 2025-12-08
Xiao Kun Cheung, 58, was charged in Georgia for operating a multi-state elder fraud scheme that extorted over $1 million from seniors up to 92 years old through phone calls and pop-up messages falsely claiming their accounts were compromised. Cheung convinced victims to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, and buy gold bars under the pretense of government safekeeping, and was arrested attempting to collect $132,000 in gold bars from one victim. The case highlights the broader crisis of elder fraud, with Americans over 60 suffering $3.5 billion in losses in 2023, including $92 million in Georgia alone.
mypunepulse.com
· 2025-12-08
A 54-year-old resident of Thane, Maharashtra lost ₹59 lakh in a cyber fraud scheme where scammers impersonating Customs and CBI officials threatened him with allegations of drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering between November 26 and December 2. The victim was coerced into transferring funds to accounts provided by the fraudsters before realizing the deception and reporting it to police, who filed cases under IPC sections 318(4) and 319(2) as well as IT Act provisions.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Model Shivankita Dixit lost Rs 99,000 in a "digital arrest" scam where fraudsters impersonating CBI officials contacted her via WhatsApp, falsely accusing her of involvement in human trafficking and drug smuggling, then coerced her into paying money to avoid arrest. Digital arrest scams are a sophisticated cybercrime tactic where scammers impersonate law enforcement, use video calls and fake documents to establish credibility, and exploit victims' fear through false allegations and threats of legal action. Key prevention measures include verifying caller identity through official sources, avoiding disclosure of sensitive information, staying calm under pressure, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A convincing phishing scam impersonates Spotify by sending fraudulent emails claiming payment failures and threatening account cancellation, using official branding and logos to appear legitimate. The scam directs victims to a fake login page that harvests personal information including names, addresses, dates of birth, and credit card details, which could be used for unauthorized payments and identity theft. Spotify advises users never to share payment information via email and to verify account issues directly through the official platform.
technology.inquirer.net
· 2025-12-08
Government agencies (CICC and DOJ) and online bank Maya discussed the eight most common online scams affecting Filipinos—including phishing, identity theft, ransomware, online shopping fraud, tech support scams, social media scams, investment/crypto scams, and romance scams—at the Protecta Pilipinas launch event. Panelists warned that scams have become increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using tower hijacking techniques to send spoofed messages from legitimate institutions and targeting online shoppers with losses ranging from ₱3,500 to ₱17,000. Authorities advised the public to avoid clicking suspicious links and carefully verify messages claiming to be from
thebuglenewspaper.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Twelve years ago, Lynne Strong's travel debit card was cloned, likely at a restaurant or taxi, resulting in systematic unauthorized ATM withdrawals and daily shopping charges that her bank failed to detect for nearly a month. Her bank eventually reimbursed the fraudulent transactions but processed them individually, creating a tedious reconciliation process, and offered only a $400 credit and apology. The article highlights five common scams targeting Australians—investment fraud, phishing attacks, romance scams, remote access scams, and lottery scams—providing protective strategies for each, and emphasizes that Australians lost over $2.74 billion to scams in 2023 alone
breitbart.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating actor Johnny Depp on social media have defrauded elderly Americans of millions of dollars through a "pig butchering" scheme, according to 197 FTC complaints targeting primarily victims in their 60s and older. The fraudsters, who often pose as Depp or his manager, manipulate victims through false promises of romance, investment opportunities, or financial assistance, extracting funds via cryptocurrency, wire transfers, and gift cards, with documented losses ranging from $1,700 to $350,000 per victim. The scams employ sophisticated social engineering tactics including deepfake images and instructions to keep communications secret, with particularly vulnerable elderly victims—including those with
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece examines romance scams and their emotional and financial impact on victims. It features insights from cyber safety educator Paul Litherland (former WA Police Technology Crime Unit officer) and Professor Cassandra Cross (Queensland University of Technology) who provide expert advice on recognizing and avoiding romance scam tactics.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Scammers created deepfake videos impersonating Australian diabetes expert Professor Jonathan Shaw and TV personality Karl Stefanovic to promote Glyco Balance, a dietary supplement, falsely claiming it treats type 2 diabetes better than metformin medication. The fraudulent ads, which circulated on Facebook before removal, raised serious health concerns as patients contacted Shaw's clinic considering stopping their prescribed medications based on the fake medical advice. This represents an escalating trend of AI-generated video scams targeting public figures to market unproven health products, with experts warning that such sophisticated deepfakes are increasingly difficult for the public to identify as fraudulent.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Tech support scammers are targeting users with unsolicited calls and pop-up warnings claiming their computers have been hacked, exploiting fears by impersonating legitimate companies like Microsoft and demanding immediate payment via non-reversible methods. A Florida resident named Tammy contacted authorities after receiving a fraudulent Microsoft call warning her not to touch her computer. To protect yourself, immediately disengage from suspicious contacts, disconnect from the internet, avoid granting remote access, run antivirus scans, change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity.
outlooknewspapers.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines why seniors are targeted by financial scammers—they typically have substantial liquid assets, low credit card debt, and high credit scores that fraudsters exploit to open unauthorized accounts. The piece identifies common scam types (impersonation, grandparent scams, health fraud, disaster relief scams, and delivery scams) and warning signs (demands for untraceable payments via gift cards or wire transfers, urgent threats, and requests for personal information), then provides protective measures including never sharing login credentials, avoiding suspicious links, using strong passwords, and being cautious about unsolicited calls and messages.
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
Former Miss India Shivankita Dixit lost Rs 99,000 in a "digital arrest" scam after fraudsters impersonating CBI officials falsely accused her of human trafficking and drug smuggling via WhatsApp, coercing her into immediate payment. Digital arrest scams exploit fear and urgency by using fake documents and credible-seeming video calls to convince victims they face legal action unless they pay fines. To stay safe, victims should verify caller identity through official sources, never share sensitive information, remain calm under pressure, consult trusted contacts, and report suspicious activity to police immediately.
azcentral.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Phishing scams remain a persistent threat because cybercriminals exploit human emotions like fear, greed, and urgency rather than attempting direct system hacks, making them low-effort yet highly profitable attacks. The article advises that if you fall for a phishing scam, immediate action is necessary, and warns that AI advancements and continuous testing of new scams will make phishing an increasingly common threat going forward.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 58-year-old man, Xiao Kun Cheung, was indicted for his role in a multi-state scheme that defrauded elderly victims out of more than $1 million, targeting seniors in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee through phone calls and pop-up messages falsely claiming their computers or financial accounts were compromised. Cheung convinced victims to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, or buy gold bars for "safekeeping," and was arrested in March attempting to collect $132,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler, Georgia. He faces up to 20 years in prison and financial penalties upon conviction, reflecting a broader crisis where seniors lost over $3
wsbtv.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Xiao Kun Cheung, a 58-year-old deported Chinese national, was indicted in September for his role in a multi-state elder fraud conspiracy targeting seniors in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. The scheme involved fraudsters contacting elderly victims via phone or pop-up messages claiming their accounts were compromised, then convincing them to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, or buy gold bars for "safekeeping"; Cheung was arrested in March attempting to collect $132,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler, Georgia. According to the FBI, seniors lost over $3.5 billion to fraud in 2023, with Georgia victims alone losing
knkx.org
· 2025-12-08
British mobile phone company O2 created "Daisy," an AI-powered chatbot designed as a scam-baiting "granny" that wastes scammers' time by engaging them in prolonged conversations about irrelevant topics like her kitten. The technology, trained with the help of YouTuber Jim Browning, can keep scammers on the phone for up to 40 minutes, preventing them from targeting real victims while raising awareness about phone scam dangers.
npr.org
· 2025-12-08
O2, a British mobile phone company, developed an AI chatbot named "Daisy" designed to waste scammers' time by engaging them in prolonged conversations about innocuous topics like her fictional kitten, thereby preventing them from targeting real victims. The technology, trained with help from YouTuber Jim Browning, can keep scammers on the phone for up to 40 minutes and was seeded onto scammer contact lists to attract fraudsters. The initiative aims both to reduce actual scam calls to real people and to raise public awareness about phone fraud risks.
radio.wpsu.org
· 2025-12-08
British mobile phone company O2 created Daisy, an AI-powered "granny" chatbot designed to waste scammers' time by engaging them in lengthy, meandering conversations about unrelated topics like her cat. The technology, developed with help from YouTuber Jim Browning, can keep scammers on the phone for up to 40 minutes, preventing them from targeting real victims while raising public awareness about phone scams. O2 used "number seeding" to place Daisy's number on scammer lists, and the initiative is part of the company's broader fraud prevention strategy.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Blockchain and cryptocurrency scams are increasingly common and exploit victims through deceptive schemes such as "Pump and Dump" price manipulation, fraudulent Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), phishing attacks, fake giveaways, and cloned platforms. Key warning signs include unsolicited contact promising easy returns, pressure to act quickly, requests for upfront payment, and suspicious links designed to steal credentials. Understanding these red flags and recognizing common scam tactics can help individuals protect themselves from losing money or digital assets to cryptocurrency fraud.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned consumers about AI-enabled scams during the holiday season, specifically targeting voice cloning fraud where scammers impersonate loved ones in distress to demand money through untraceable payment methods. Nessel recommends establishing family verification phrases, not trusting caller ID, verifying suspicious calls through known numbers, and being wary of unusual payment requests. Victims should report incidents to local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission (877-382-4357), their bank, or the Michigan Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team (877-765-8388).
businessjournalism.org
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans experienced scams in the past year, with consumers reporting over $10 billion in fraud losses to the FTC in 2023—a 14% increase from the previous year. While scammers target all age groups through different methods (younger adults face online shopping and cryptocurrency scams, while older adults are vulnerable to tech support and imposter scams), seniors are particularly lucrative targets due to their collective wealth of $84 trillion. As scammers become increasingly sophisticated using AI-powered techniques like voice cloning, deepfakes, and convincing phishing schemes, awareness and education remain the most effective defenses against fraud.
signalscv.com
· 2025-12-08
Multiple U.S. regulatory agencies reported in December that elder financial exploitation costs Americans over $28 billion annually, with over 155,000 cases reported between June 2022 and June 2023 linked to approximately $27 billion in suspicious activity. The FBI documented over 101,000 elder fraud complaints in 2023, with victims over 60 losing an average of $33,915—nearly 270% higher than 2020—primarily through investment scams, business email compromise, romance scams, and government impersonation schemes. Regulatory agencies urged financial institutions to strengthen protections by increasing account oversight, training employees to recognize exploitation, and coordinating with law enforcement and elder
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 66-year-old San José man lost $170,000 in a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam, where scammers posed as investment advisors over Facebook and attempted to extract an additional $348,000 for fraudulent overseas taxes. Two Southern California residents, Liu Hong and Yalin Li, were arrested after law enforcement set up a sting operation at a bank parking lot; the case is notable because the victim realized the fraud while still in contact with the scammers, allowing authorities to intervene. Pig butchering scams cost Americans approximately $1 billion annually and typically involve multiple perpetrators, often including human trafficking victims forced to participate from Southeast Asia.
hometownstations.com
· 2025-12-08
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions issued a December 2024 alert warning Ohioans about the rising prevalence of gift card scams during the holiday season, noting that Americans lost nearly $217 million to such scams in the previous year. Common scam tactics include government impostors demanding payment for taxes, tech support fraudsters, romance scams, and fake prize claims, with scammers pressuring victims to purchase gift cards and insisting on immediate payment. The DFI recommends purchasing gift cards only from reputable sources, inspecting cards before purchase, avoiding third-party sellers, and remembering that legitimate businesses and government agencies never demand payment via gift cards.
shu.edu
· 2025-12-08
Smishing—a phishing scam conducted via SMS text messages—is surging among Android and iOS users, with cybercriminals impersonating banks, government agencies, and retailers to steal personal information, trigger identity theft, or install malware. The FBI urges users to avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown numbers and recommends enabling multi-factor authentication, accessing official websites directly, and reporting suspicious texts to carriers. Common smishing tactics include fake bank alerts, false tax refunds, account suspension warnings, fraudulent delivery notices, and unrealistic prize offers.
moco360.media
· 2025-12-08
A 26-year-old Rockville man was sentenced to five years in prison (10 years with suspension) for his role in a gold bar scam targeting a 94-year-old Silver Spring resident who nearly lost approximately $230,000. Mathon posed as a federal agent, convincing the elderly victim that his identity had been stolen and he needed to purchase gold bars for safekeeping, but law enforcement interrupted the scheme with a sting operation that caught Mathon attempting to collect the package. This marks Montgomery County's first conviction in a local gold bar scam case, which prosecutors note involves organized, international criminal networks that specifically target vulnerable elderly victims.
zeenews.india.com
· 2025-12-08
A man from Tripunithura, Kerala lost Rs 4.05 crore after being contacted on WhatsApp by a scammer posing as a financial services representative who persuaded him to download a malicious investment app called "Br-Block Pro." Over two and a half months (September 26 to December 9), the victim made multiple deposits expecting returns, but was denied withdrawal access when attempting to retrieve funds, leading him to report the fraud to cyber police. The scam exemplifies a growing trend in India where fraudsters use WhatsApp to lure victims with fake success stories and promises of guaranteed profits.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
The "digital arrest" scam, which has cost Indians ₹120 crore in the first four months of 2024, involves fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials via phone calls to falsely accuse victims of crimes like money laundering and extort money by threatening immediate "digital arrest"—a term that does not exist in Indian law. The scam targets individuals across all sectors, including professionals, by creating psychological pressure through urgency, threats of isolation, and demands for confidentiality, and can be identified by suspicious unofficial contact numbers, pressure tactics, and threats against disclosure to family members.
kroc.com
· 2025-12-08
A fake PayPal invoice scam is circulating in Minnesota, with fraudsters sending official-looking emails claiming payment is owed for unauthorized purchases and threatening account suspension to pressure victims into calling fake customer service numbers or clicking malicious links. The scam exploits holiday season distractions and mimics legitimate PayPal formatting to trick recipients into divulging financial information or compromising their accounts. The article advises verifying claims directly through PayPal's official website/app, avoiding links and phone numbers in suspicious emails, and reporting phishing attempts to PayPal.
highlandcountypress.com
· 2025-12-08
The Ohio Department of Financial Institutions warns consumers about gift card scams, which cost Americans nearly $217 million last year according to FTC data. Scammers impersonate legitimate businesses and government agencies to pressure victims into making payments via gift cards, particularly during the holiday season when gift card purchases are popular. The advisory provides protective measures including purchasing cards only from reputable sources, inspecting cards before purchase, and remembering that legitimate businesses and government agencies never demand gift card payments.
wmar2news.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using cryptocurrency across multiple fraud schemes including investment scams, tech support fraud, romance scams, and employment schemes, exploiting victims' fear of missing out and unfamiliarity with the technology. In Maryland, reported losses from cryptocurrency-related employment scams surged dramatically from $32,033 in 2023 to $3.8 million between January and October 2024, with victims losing an average of $15,000–$20,000 each; scammers use fake cryptocurrency exchanges and work-from-home schemes requiring deposits to "unlock" higher-paying work that victims cannot ultimately access. While cryptocurrency transactions are instant and irreversible, the FBI
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A senior citizen in Bengaluru lost Rs 1.94 crore from his fixed deposit after falling victim to a "digital arrest" scam that began with a WhatsApp video call on November 30th. Fraudsters impersonating a Mumbai Crime Branch officer falsely accused him of money laundering involvement, threatened legal action, and isolated him from help while manipulating him into transferring funds in multiple installments over a week. The victim's daughter discovered the fraud on December 7th when he confided in her, leading to a police complaint.
dailyexcelsior.com
· 2025-12-08
Digital arrest scams are a sophisticated cyber fraud where perpetrators impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money or personal information from victims through false accusations of crimes like money laundering or identity theft. Multiple victims in India lost significant sums—ranging from 46 lakhs to 5.9 crore—after being intimidated by scammers using phone spoofing, deepfake technology, and legal jargon to create urgency and fear. These scams leverage psychological manipulation, phishing portals, and demands for untraceable payments via cryptocurrency or gift cards to exploit victims who are prevented from verifying the legitimacy of communications.