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in Crypto Investment Scam
koaa.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, scammers stole $243.5 million from Colorado victims and over $16 billion nationwide, according to FBI data—a $56 million increase in Colorado compared to 2023. Seniors aged 60 and older reported 3,125 complaints involving $74.5 million in losses, with the most costly schemes being investment fraud ($90 million), business email compromise ($48 million), and personal data breaches ($23 million). The FBI warns that scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using social media, dating sites, and text messages to build trust before pitching fraudulent cryptocurrency and other investment schemes, with recovery of stolen funds typically
futurism.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using AI-powered "realtime deepfakes" to commit fraud against elderly and younger users alike, altering their appearance and voices in live videos to impersonate trusted individuals or create convincing false identities. Common schemes include romance scams, Medicare fraud, and the "grandparent scam," in which criminals impersonate a loved one's voice to coerce money or sensitive information; one Canadian grandmother lost $9,000 CAD to such a scam. While elderly users are traditionally vulnerable, research shows younger generations (Gen Z, millennials, Gen X) are 34 percent more likely to lose money to fraud overall, though the growing sophist
mississauga.com
· 2025-12-08
A 28-year-old Toronto man was charged with defrauding two victims of over $610,000 through a romance scam conducted between June 2021 and July 2023, in which he posed as an oil rig owner seeking urgent financial assistance while communicating only electronically and never meeting the victims in person. The suspect, who faces multiple fraud and money laundering charges, was previously accused of using the same method to steal over $250,000 from another victim in November 2023, and police believe he is part of a larger criminal network targeting vulnerable users on dating websites.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired caregiver in Fresno, California discovered her identity had been stolen in a cryptocurrency investment scam when friends congratulated her on launching a crypto business; the fraudulent Facebook post falsely claimed she was a certified "Expert Crypto Trader" and garnered 160+ responses, though the actual number of victims who sent money remains unknown. California's Department of Social Services received over 190,000 reports of financial abuse against seniors between January 2022 and February 2025, with experts noting that older adults are particularly vulnerable to sophisticated scams involving cryptocurrency, phishing, impersonation, and romance fraud, especially as AI technology makes these schemes more convincing.
robesonian.com
· 2025-12-08
Wesley Pines Retirement Community is hosting its second annual Scam Jam awareness event on May 7, targeting seniors 60+ who are particularly vulnerable to fraud schemes including cryptocurrency, romance, and Medicare card scams. According to the National Council on Aging, individuals over 60 lost over $3 billion to fraud in 2023, affecting more than 100,000 people. The free event will feature educational speakers from financial institutions, Social Security, and law enforcement, along with a document shredding service to help attendees safely dispose of personal information.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Scams and fraud are surging at alarming rates, affecting millions of Americans and causing significant financial and emotional harm. The U.S. Government Accountability Office has called for a national strategy to combat fraud, including standardized definitions and measurements, with proposed legislation like the GUARD Act aimed at requiring federal agencies to report on the scope of scams to Congress. Industry leaders and policymakers argue that comprehensive federal data collection and cross-sector collaboration between government, financial institutions, technology companies, and law enforcement are essential to developing targeted fraud prevention strategies and protecting vulnerable consumers.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
Wesley Pines Retirement Community is hosting its second annual Scam Jam event on May 7 to educate seniors aged 60+ about common fraud schemes, including crypto, romance, and Medicare card scams. According to a 2025 National Council on Aging report, seniors lost over $3 billion to fraud in 2023, affecting more than 100,000 people. The free event will feature speakers from financial institutions and law enforcement, plus a document shredding service to help attendees safely dispose of personal information.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
A Cambodia-based gang with North Korean ties operating under the Huione Group has stolen billions of dollars from Americans through "pig butchering" romance scams and investment fraud since August 2021, according to federal officials. Between August 2021 and January 2025, Huione raked in at least $4 billion in proceeds, with the operation facilitating payments and cryptocurrency exchanges that enabled the scams targeting US retirees and others through dating apps and social media. The US Treasury Department has proposed a federal rule to sever Huione Group's access to the US financial system, with one victim, Beth Hyland, losing $26,000 to a Tinder sc
highlandcountypress.com
· 2025-12-08
Ohio's Departments of Commerce and Aging are warning seniors about escalating financial fraud, noting a 22% increase in scam complaints in Ohio (302 in 2024 vs. 247 in 2023) and $1.6 billion in elder fraud losses nationally from January-May 2024. Scams have become increasingly sophisticated, utilizing AI voice cloning and cryptocurrency transfers, with older adults aged 60+ now 60% more likely than younger adults to lose over $100,000. The departments recommend protective measures including verifying unfamiliar contacts, resisting pressure tactics, monitoring accounts regularly, and reporting suspected fraud immediately.
signalsaz.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraud affects all age groups but scammers tailor tactics to exploit generation-specific vulnerabilities: Gen Z faces employment and crypto scams via social media, Millennials encounter investment fraud through spoofed communications, Gen X targets investment schemes, and Seniors are most susceptible to romance, investment, and home improvement scams resulting in losses of $10,000 to $100,000 or more. Desert Financial Credit Union advises recognizing red flags such as unsolicited contact, requests for money or wire transfers, urgency, and coaching about what to tell financial institutions, recommending victims pause to research claims and consult trusted contacts before authorizing any transactions.
pulse2.com
· 2025-12-08
Scamnetic, a digital fraud prevention company, secured $13 million in Series A funding led by Roo Capital to expand its AI-powered scam detection and intervention services, bringing total investment to $16 million. The funding will support growth in marketing, sales, and customer support, as well as accelerate product development for services including email/message scanning, identity verification, victim assistance hotlines, and scam education resources. The company aims to address the growing global scam problem as fraudsters increasingly use AI-enhanced tactics to target consumers and businesses.
dailyhodl.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Houston men, Bradley Kane Zarco and Travis Castaneda Qawasmeh, along with three accomplices, pleaded guilty to stealing at least 120 credit cards and bank statements from the mail, then activating the cards, increasing credit limits, and using them to purchase retail items, gift cards, and withdraw cash over six months. The scheme resulted in $1 million in losses to JPMorgan Chase, with sentences ranging from 41 months to five years in prison for the five perpetrators.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns adults ages 55 and older that investment/cryptocurrency scams, online purchase scams, romance scams, and home improvement scams pose the greatest risks to this demographic. The BBB recommends protecting oneself by being skeptical of unsolicited calls (especially those impersonating government agencies), recognizing common scam red flags like pressure to act quickly or requests for unusual payment methods, researching investments carefully, and avoiding clicking links in unsolicited emails or messages.
indeonline.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau alerts adults 55 and older that investment/cryptocurrency scams, online purchase scams, and romance scams pose significant risks to this demographic. The BBB recommends protecting yourself by avoiding unsolicited calls and unverified callers, researching investments thoroughly, recognizing red flags like pressure tactics and requests for unusual payment methods, and being cautious of too-good-to-be-true offers for home improvement, medical equipment, and charities. Specific threats include phone fraud where scammers impersonate government agents or banks, Medicare fraud involving fake durable medical equipment, and malware from suspicious links in emails or social media.
saharareporters.com
· 2025-12-08
Friday Audu was arrested in December 2024 and arraigned in May 2025 on seven counts including retention of crime proceeds, forgery, and possession of fraudulent documents involving $2.5 million and N3.5 billion. According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Audu allegedly masterminded a 792-member syndicate engaged in cryptocurrency investment and romance scams. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody pending trial, with the case adjourned to June 2025.
therecord.media
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Myanmar militia group Karen National Army (KNA) and its leader Saw Chit Thu for profiting from large-scale cyber scam operations, particularly in Shwe Kokko where industrial scamming compounds force trafficked workers to defraud victims through fraudulent investment schemes. The KNA leases land to criminal groups, provides security, and facilitates human trafficking to support these operations, which have caused Americans to lose over $6.5 billion to cryptocurrency investment fraud alone. The sanctions block the militia leader and his family from U.S. business dealings and follow international designations by the UK and EU, as well as broader Treasury actions against money laun
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Older Americans (60+) lost nearly $4.9 billion to fraud in 2024—a 43% increase from the previous year—with an average loss of $83,000 per victim, according to the FBI's annual report. Investment scams were the costliest fraud type affecting seniors ($1.8 billion), followed by tech support scams ($982 million) and romance scams ($389 million), with cryptocurrency investment fraud and pig butchering schemes emerging as rapidly growing threats. The significantly higher average loss for older adults compared to the national average of $19,000 demonstrates that while fraud affects all ages, its impact on seniors is often financially catastrophic.
newtondailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
The "Pig Butchering Scam" combines romance fraud with cryptocurrency schemes, where scammers build trust with victims over weeks or months before pitching fake investment opportunities and stealing their money. The FTC reported record losses of $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024 (a 25% increase), with investment scams alone accounting for $4.7 billion in losses and a median loss of $9,196 per victim. Protection involves blocking unsolicited contacts, verifying investment opportunities through research and trusted advisors, and immediately reporting suspected scams to law enforcement and financial institutions.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Older Americans reported nearly $4.9 billion stolen through fraud in 2024, a 43 percent increase from the previous year, with victims 60 and older averaging losses of $83,000—significantly higher than the overall fraud average of $19,000 across all ages. Investment scams were the leading category affecting seniors, accounting for over $1.8 billion in losses, followed by tech support scams ($982 million) and romance/confidence scams ($389 million), with cryptocurrency investment fraud emerging as a rapidly growing threat often involving "pig butchering" schemes and fraudulent cryptocurrency ATMs. The actual financial impact likely exceeds reported figures due to underreporting,
news4jax.com
· 2025-12-08
Travel scams are widespread, with one in three Americans reporting they've fallen victim to schemes offering fake deals on hotels, flights, and rentals, with a third losing $1,000 or more. Common tactics include fake travel websites, non-existent properties, and Airbnb impersonation scams where scammers pose as hosts and direct victims to pay via wire transfer outside the official platform. The FTC advises travelers to book directly through official websites, use credit cards instead of wire transfers or cryptocurrency, research companies thoroughly, and avoid deals that sound too good to be true.
businessday.ng
· 2025-12-08
Nigerians lost N911.45 billion to Ponzi and related fraud schemes over 23 years, with recent victims falling prey to illegal schemes like Crypto Bridge Exchange that promised 100% returns in 30 days. The Securities and Exchange Commission released a 30-point scam advisory warning of red flags including pressure to act quickly, promises of guaranteed profits with no risk, and requests for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, emphasizing that investors should verify company registration and never yield to high-pressure tactics.
herald-dispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers commonly target adults 55+ with investment/cryptocurrency scams, online purchase fraud, romance scams, and home improvement schemes. The article outlines key warning signs including unsolicited calls from those claiming to be government officials or bank employees, requests for unusual payment methods, pressure to act quickly, and too-good-to-be-true offers. Recommended protections include registering with the National Do-Not-Call Registry, hanging up on unsolicited callers, researching investments thoroughly, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and verifying unexpected claims by contacting official sources directly.
thehackernews.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybersecurity researchers identified two threat actor groups—Reckless Rabbit and Ruthless Rabbit—operating investment scams that use spoofed celebrity endorsements on social media to direct victims to fake cryptocurrency exchanges and investment platforms. The scammers collect personal and financial information through deceptive web forms, validate victims using IP geolocation tools, and route qualified targets through traffic distribution systems to either steal funds directly or connect them with call centers that coach them into depositing money. Both groups primarily target users in Eastern Europe and use domain generation algorithms and cloaking services to evade detection.
lifehacker.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides consumer awareness about emerging tariff-related scams rather than reporting a specific fraud incident. The main scam types include: fake government emails impersonating U.S. Customs demanding direct tariff payments (identifiable by non-.gov domains and recent registration dates), fraudulent shipping company messages claiming packages are held for tariff fees, and counterfeit factory shopping schemes promoted on social media. Consumers should remember that tariffs are passed through higher prices, not paid directly, and should verify any suspicious communications through official company websites and customer service.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report, Americans aged 60+ reported approximately 147,000 cybercrimes totaling $4.885 billion in losses, averaging $83,000 per victim—representing 40% of all cybercrime losses despite being a portion of complainants. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to phishing, tech support scams, investment fraud, and romance scams due to declining digital literacy and social isolation, with investment scams causing the largest financial losses for this age group.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report, Americans over 60 lost approximately $4.885 billion to cybercrimes in 2024—about 40% of all reported cybercrime losses—averaging $83,000 per victim, representing a 46% increase in complaints from the prior year. Seniors are particularly vulnerable due to declining digital literacy and financial awareness, with investment scams, tech support scams, and romance scams causing the largest losses, often involving cryptocurrency. The most common cyberattacks targeting this demographic include phishing, spoofing, extortion, sextortion, and personal data breaches, with criminals exploiting loneliness and trust
fox5vegas.com
· 2025-12-08
The Solera Community Center in Henderson hosted a fraud prevention seminar called "Robbery Not Reported" to educate Las Vegas Valley seniors on recognizing and protecting themselves from sophisticated scams involving money theft, identity theft, and data breaches. An attendee shared that he lost $3,000 to a cryptocurrency scam and knew someone who lost $100,000 to a romance scam, emphasizing the importance of community communication and reporting without shame to combat fraud.
2news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau held educational classes during Older Americans Month to teach community members about fraud prevention, with imposter scams and identity theft identified as the most common threats overall, while cryptocurrency investment, romance, and employment scams pose the greatest risk to those 55 and older. The BBB emphasized that technology gives scammers an advantage, particularly against older adults less fluent with digital tools, and offered resources including a Scam Tracker for reporting incidents and a free Scam Survival Toolkit to help victims recover both financially and emotionally from fraud.
about.fb.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment and payment scams exploit current events and economic anxieties through fraudulent schemes promising quick returns on cryptocurrency, real estate, or other assets, often contacted via email, social media, or calls. Common tactics include fake investment coaching groups, advance payment schemes on resale platforms, and overpayment-refund fraud where scammers reverse legitimate payments after receiving refunds. Protection strategies include verifying investment advisers through FINRA BrokerCheck or SEC tools, recognizing warning signs of suspicious accounts, and using platform safety features like payment warnings and facial recognition verification.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta removed over 23,000 Facebook pages and accounts operating scam networks targeting users in India and Brazil, which used deepfakes of celebrities and financial influencers to promote fake investment apps and gambling websites. Victims were redirected to messaging apps or fake Google Play Store pages where scammers posed as investment advisors and collected payments before disappearing or reversing transactions. Meta implemented anti-fraud measures including facial recognition technology for identity verification, advance-payment warnings, and suspicious activity detection, while partnering with Indian government agencies to conduct cybersecurity awareness training.
aikenstandard.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial crime specialists from SRP Federal Credit Union presented information to the Aiken Senior Men's Club about recognizing and reporting online scams targeting seniors. The presentation covered major scam types including investment scams, imposter scams, and romance scams, noting that reported consumer losses from scams totaled $12.54 billion in 2024, and identified red flags such as unsolicited contact, urgent pressure, requests for personal information, and unconventional payment methods.
klaq.com
· 2025-12-08
The "wrong number" text scam is surging in Texas, where scammers initiate contact with seemingly innocent messages like "Is this Kevin?" to verify active phone numbers, then build rapport over days or weeks before soliciting money or sensitive information through romance scams or investment schemes. Texans are advised not to respond to unknown numbers, to block and report suspicious texts to their carrier (7726), and to avoid clicking links or switching to other messaging apps, while warning vulnerable relatives of this social engineering threat.
12onyourside.com
· 2025-12-08
An FBI report reveals that scams targeting adults 60 and older are increasing rapidly, with over 100,000 complaints filed in 2023 resulting in $3.4 billion in losses nationwide, with Virginia ranking 9th at over $90,000 in fraud losses. Romance scams, cryptocurrency scams, and impostor scams (such as fake bank agent calls) are the most common tactics exploiting older adults who have more time and financial resources. Experts recommend authenticating all communications, not trusting caller ID alone, and educating seniors about fraud prevention strategies.
nwitimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency investment fraud accounted for nearly $4 billion in losses in 2023 (71% of all crypto-related losses), a 53% increase from 2022, with victims often lured through "pig butchering" scams that build trust via dating apps and social media before directing them to fake investment platforms. Criminals exploit cryptocurrency's decentralized nature, irreversible transactions, and AI-enhanced deception tactics—including voice cloning and fake videos—to operate sophisticated call center operations that mimic legitimate businesses. While people aged 30-49 filed the most complaints, victims over 60 suffered the highest losses at over $1.24 billion.
klarna.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide from Klarna outlines common fraud and scam types affecting consumers, including phishing, impersonation, fake investment schemes, robocalls, online shopping fraud, job scams, and scams targeting elderly individuals. The article advises protecting personal information by never sharing credentials unsolicited, recognizing red flags such as unexpected urgent requests, untrustworthy websites, and promises that seem too good to be true, and verifying merchant legitimacy through store reviews, return policies, and contact information before making purchases.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
A Midwest woman fell victim to two interconnected online scams that have left her facing 29 years in prison and thousands in fines. She first lost thousands of dollars in a romance scam on Words with Friends, then unknowingly became a "money mule" transferring $300,000 in illegally obtained funds for cybercriminals. The scammers exploited her trust by moving conversations to untraceable messaging platforms, creating artificial urgency, and isolating her from verification opportunities, while she now faces legal consequences while the actual criminals remain at large.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
Detective Michelle Viney and Gwen Ruppert from the Dane County Sheriff's Office discuss the rising sophistication of scams across Wisconsin and the nation, including AI-generated dating scams and cryptocurrency fraud that exploit advancing technology. The detectives emphasize the importance of public awareness in combating these increasingly complex schemes.
nebraska.tv
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that cryptocurrency, online, romance, and home improvement scams pose significant risks to older adults, with scammers often impersonating government agencies, banks, or trusted sources through phone calls and spoofing tactics. The FTC cautions that these scammers may initially appear friendly before becoming aggressive and threatening to coerce victims into providing information or money. Consumers are advised to hang up on suspicious calls, independently verify caller identity, and check BBB.org's scam tracker for current fraud reports.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
A PYMNTS Intelligence and Featurespace report examining over 10,000 U.S. consumers reveals that scammers increasingly use personalized, sophisticated tactics targeting specific vulnerabilities across generations rather than employing generic approaches. Generation Z faces higher risks from employment and social media fraud, while older generations are disproportionately targeted by fake eCommerce and sweepstakes scams—with baby boomers and seniors experiencing eCommerce fraud at three times the rate of Gen Z. The report emphasizes that financial institutions must implement dynamic defenses, advanced analytics, and consumer training to combat these evolving threats that exploit psychological manipulation and consumer trust.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Former San Diego Deputy District Attorney Paul Greenwood shared insights on elder fraud at the 8th Annual Fairfax Scam Jam, highlighting why victims often remain silent—including impairment, isolation, shame, loyalty to abusers, fear of losing independence, dependence on caregivers, and retaliation fears. Greenwood advocates for a proactive community approach to fraud prevention, including training notaries to recognize fraud signs, public awareness campaigns, and educating the public about misconceptions such as ageism affecting investigations and the false belief that giving someone money cannot constitute a crime.
hometownstations.com
· 2025-12-08
In the first four months of 2024, elder fraud resulted in an estimated $1.6 billion in losses nationwide, with Ohio reporting a 22% increase in scam complaints year-over-year. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods including deepfakes, voice cloning, and cryptocurrency to target older adults, who are exploited due to perceived vulnerability and are often reluctant to report crimes due to shame or fear. Authorities recommend verifying unfamiliar contacts, establishing family code words, monitoring financial accounts regularly, and resisting high-pressure tactics to prevent fraud.
wilx.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned of an uptick in celebrity-impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as famous figures like Snoop Dogg and Garth Brooks to steal money through romance scams, cryptocurrency/investment schemes, or merchandise fraud. The AG advised residents to never send money or personal information to online contacts claiming to be celebrities, and to verify requests through official channels before responding.
clickondetroit.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a warning about increasing celebrity impersonation scams targeting state residents, involving fraudsters posing as celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Garth Brooks, and military leaders to perpetrate romance scams, cryptocurrency "pig butchering" schemes, and merchandise fraud. Common tactics include creating deepfake audio and videos, using high-pressure tactics and fear appeals, and requesting money, sensitive information, or unusual payment methods. The attorney general advises victims to avoid sending money to online contacts, never share personal or financial information with strangers online, and report suspected scams to Michigan's Consumer Protection Team.
wnem.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a consumer alert warning of an uptick in celebrity impersonation scams, where fraudsters pose as celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Kid Rock, and Garth Brooks to steal money through romance scams, cryptocurrency schemes, and merchandise fraud. The scams often exploit victims on dating apps and social media by building fake relationships or promoting fake investment opportunities, with scammers using AI to create convincing voice and video impersonations. The AG recommends victims avoid sending money to online contacts, verify caller information independently, and report scams to the Department of Attorney General.
mlive.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a public advisory warning residents about increasingly common celebrity impersonation scams, in which fraudsters pose as famous figures like Snoop Dogg, Garth Brooks, and Kid Rock to deceive victims into sending money. Common schemes include romance scams (where victims believe they're in relationships with celebrities and send substantial sums), cryptocurrency/investment scams, and merchandise fraud; one notable case involved a French woman who sent over $800,000 to someone impersonating Brad Pitt. Nessel advises never sending money to online contacts, avoiding pressure to rush into relationships, and consulting trusted contacts before engaging with strangers on social media.
fox47news.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned of a surge in online scams where perpetrators impersonate celebrities (Snoop Dogg, Garth Brooks, Kid Rock) and military/government officials to defraud victims. Common schemes include romance scams, cryptocurrency/pig butchering fraud, merchandise scams, and AI-generated deepfake calls, with scammers using high-pressure tactics and requests for money via untraceable methods like gift cards and cryptocurrency. The advisory recommends never sending money to online contacts, verifying identities through official channels, and avoiding sharing personal or financial information with unverified online sources.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned consumers about a rising trend of scams impersonating celebrities (including Snoop Dogg, Garth Brooks, and Kid Rock) and military leaders to defraud victims. The scams include romance schemes, cryptocurrency/pig butchering investment frauds, and merchandise scams, often using AI-generated deepfakes to appear authentic. Nessel advised consumers never to send money to online contacts claiming to be celebrities, to verify requests through trusted contacts, and to avoid sharing personal or financial information with unverified online sources.
wzzm13.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned of a surge in scams where fraudsters impersonate celebrities like Garth Brooks, Snoop Dogg, and Kid Rock, as well as military officials, to steal money from victims. The scams typically involve romance schemes, cryptocurrency/"pig butchering" investment frauds, and merchandise purchases, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes to create convincing audio and video impersonations. The attorney general advised consumers never to send money to online contacts, avoid sharing personal or financial information with strangers, and to be wary of high-pressure tactics, unusual payment requests, and demands for gift cards or cryptocurrency.
sbs.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost Australians over $23 million last year, with fraudsters creating fake online identities to build emotional connections and exploit victims for money or personal information. While older adults, widowers, divorcees, migrants, and Indigenous people are frequently targeted, anyone seeking love online can fall victim to increasingly sophisticated scammers. Key warning signs include love bombing, pressure to move off dating platforms, secrecy, avoiding in-person meetings, and requests for money—and protection requires never sharing personal/financial details, avoiding intimate photos, refusing to send money, and recognizing that AI-generated images can fake video verification.
dailypress.net
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued consumer alerts about a rising trend of scams impersonating celebrities (Snoop Dogg, Garth Brooks, Kid Rock) and military leaders. The scams include romance fraud, cryptocurrency/pig butchering schemes, merchandise fraud, and AI-generated deepfake audio and video impersonations designed to extract money from victims. The alert advises consumers never to send money or personal information to online contacts claiming to be celebrities or officials, to verify requests through trusted contacts, and to be wary of urgent investment opportunities or requests for banking details.