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jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake technology is being weaponized for widespread fraud, including financial scams where criminals impersonate executives or loved ones to steal money (one case involved a $25.6 million loss), sextortion schemes, and romance scams enhanced with fake video. The technology poses escalating threats to individuals, corporations, and institutions as criminals exploit AI-generated deepfakes faster than legal protections can be established, with victims including everyday people, minors, and public figures targeted for financial exploitation and non-consensual explicit content.
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams on social media and dating apps caused 45.4 billion won in damages in the first half of the year, with scammers building relationships with victims before luring them into fraudulent investments. Victims lost significant sums—including a man in his 40s who invested 100 million won after initial "profits" and a woman who lost tens of millions through a fake overseas trading site—while others faced extortion through sextortion schemes. Authorities recommend immediately reporting suspected romance scams and avoiding investment recommendations from unverified online sources or private exchanges.
greekreporter.com
· 2025-12-08
Virgin Media O2 launched Daisy, an AI-powered virtual grandmother, to combat rising phone and online scams targeting older adults by engaging fraudsters in lengthy, complex conversations that waste their time and prevent them from victimizing real customers. The initiative addresses a critical problem: Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023 (an 11% increase from 2022), with the average victim losing $33,915, while 22% of Britons report facing fraud attempts weekly. Daisy uses advanced natural language processing and realistic voice synthesis to convincingly pose as a vulnerable elderly person, gathering intelligence on scam tactics while raising public awareness about digital
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Disgraced financial adviser Kristofer Ridgway was charged with 26 counts of dishonest conduct for placing clients into two unlisted financial products (Steppes Alternative Asset Management and Trinus Impact Capital) between 2016 and 2020 without disclosing that he was taking illegal secret commissions of 17 percent. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment, and Ridgway faces additional charges for providing false information to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission; he was discovered after a client complained in 2022 about an investment scheme that never listed as promised and ultimately proved to be a scam that cost clients millions of dollars.
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
The article covers three financial topics: Over 800,000 people have used a dedicated fraud line in the UK over three years to report suspected scams and connect with their banks for protection, including one woman who lost £4,000. Complaints against wealth manager St James Place surged to 15,000 in the first half of the year during a historical fee review, with Financial Ombudsman complaints quadrupling year-over-year. Additionally, some first-time homebuyers find the government's Lifetime ISA scheme limiting due to a £450,000 property price cap that excludes them from purchasing in their areas.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Google identified five common online scams affecting its billions of users: deepfake content impersonating public figures to promote investment fraud, cryptocurrency investment schemes promising unrealistic returns, fake banking apps and websites designed to steal personal information, cloaking attacks that show different content to users than to Google's security systems, and fraudulent event ticketing pages that mirror legitimate sites to sell fake merchandise and tickets. The company recommends users verify app sources, examine URLs and website details carefully, watch for unnatural expressions in videos, avoid investment offers that seem too good to be true, and enable browser protections to identify malicious sites.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This column warns readers about the prevalence of holiday-season scams, which range from fake delivery notifications and fraudulent timeshare exit schemes to tech support scams and gift card draining. According to fraud prevention experts, sophisticated international criminal syndicates are targeting consumers through multiple channels, with older adults suffering particularly high losses despite millennials reporting fraud more frequently; one notable case involved an 85-year-old woman who lost $80,000 between Thanksgiving and Christmas to a fake virus warning scam. The article advises consumers to be vigilant when making purchases, booking travel, donating to charities, and handling gift cards, as stolen money is often transferred overseas and virtually impossible to recover.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Des Healey, a kitchen fitter from Brighton, lost £75,000 to a Facebook investment scam that used AI-generated deepfake videos falsely showing money-saving expert Martin Lewis and Elon Musk endorsing a bitcoin scheme. After initially investing £1,000 through a fraudster posing as financial adviser "Carl," Des was manipulated into taking out four loans totalling £70,000 to keep investing, only discovering the scam when his son heard suspicious background noise during a call with the scammer. Martin Lewis highlighted that scammers use psychological manipulation and urgency tactics, and emphasized that falling victim to scams does not indicate a lack of
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A 66-year-old Punxsutawney woman pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges for embezzling approximately $91,300 in Social Security benefits between May 2016 and January 2022. Merlo knowingly received benefits to which she was not entitled and converted the funds for her own use. She faces sentencing on March 26, 2025, with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
consumerreports.org
· 2025-12-08
Bank imposter fraud targeting customers is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers using phishing schemes, hacked personal data, and affordable "phishing-as-a-service" cybercrime kits (costing as little as $150/month) to steal billions from Americans' bank accounts. Major banks like Wells Fargo have faced multiple class-action lawsuits, with documented losses exceeding $700,000 in individual cases, yet banks frequently deny reimbursement claims citing the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, which does not require them to reimburse customers who are tricked into authorizing fraudulent transfers. Key advice includes being skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from banks,
wfsb.com
· 2025-12-08
An AARP report found that 82% of consumers fell victim to fraud in 2024, with online holiday shopping scams including gift card fraud, counterfeit products, and fake deliveries being the most prevalent. While elderly consumers are typically targeted with investment scams, younger adults aged 18-24 are losing the most money overall, particularly through employment scams involving fake work-from-home opportunities. The report recommends verifying company websites, researching before purchases, checking charities before donating, and reporting scams to the Better Business Bureau.
fincen.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has joined a multi-sector national task force convened by the Aspen Institute to develop a comprehensive strategy for preventing fraud and scams. FinCEN will participate in working groups alongside financial services, technology companies, consumer advocacy groups, and federal agencies to create cross-sector recommendations for combating fraud. This initiative expands FinCEN's public-private partnerships in addressing fraud, cybercrime, and illicit finance risks.
afp.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) partnered with Philippine authorities in October 2024 to dismantle a romance and cryptocurrency scam operation in Manila, resulting in the arrest of over 250 suspected cyber criminals and the seizure of hundreds of computers and thousands of mobile phones. The scammers targeted Australian men over 35 through dating apps and social media, building trust before directing victims to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms while operating shifts aligned with Australian time zones. The AFP gathered intelligence on victim targeting methodologies and financial structures to help identify Australian victims and disrupt similar scam centers globally under Operation Firestorm.
mytexasdaily.com
· 2025-12-08
A Collin College student, Mark Aiseosa Kadiri, was arrested on November 21, 2024, for operating a financial fraud scheme targeting elderly victims across multiple states, including Virginia and Texas. Investigators found approximately $61,000 in fraudulent funds deposited into his bank account and executed a search warrant at his campus residence to gather additional evidence. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify additional victims and file further charges.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Collin College student, Mark Aiseosa Kadiri, was arrested for allegedly operating an elder financial fraud scheme that exploited elderly victims across multiple states, resulting in approximately $61,000 in unauthorized deposits into his account. Kadiri was apprehended during class, and a subsequent search of his campus residence yielded additional evidence; authorities are continuing their investigation to identify more victims and determine if additional charges are warranted.
barbadostoday.bb
· 2025-12-08
This opinion piece discusses the vulnerability of elderly adults to digital scams and fraud, particularly in the Caribbean context. The author highlights that seniors aged 60 and older lost over US$3.4 billion to scams in 2023 according to FBI data, with the average victim losing US$33,915, and notes that older adults are targeted due to their trusting nature, substantial savings, technological inexperience, and emotional vulnerabilities exploited through tactics like grandparent scams and romance fraud. The article emphasizes that data breaches exposing personal information increase seniors' risk, and that most cannot recover financially from these losses due to their inability to re-enter the workforce.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Tracey Watkins, a 42-year-old accountant from Cardiff, lost £52,000 (her savings plus her daughter's savings and unauthorized loans) after being approached via WhatsApp by a scammer posing as an investment firm representative who promised to triple or quadruple her money through bitcoin investments. After granting remote access to her phone via the AnyDesk app under the pretense of facilitating the investment, the scammer used her device to authorize loans and drain her accounts, then disappeared; her bank and the Financial Ombudsman Service denied recovery because she had granted permission through the app. Citizens Advice warns against investment scams on social media, advising people
stimson.org
· 2025-12-08
Cyber scams targeting Americans represent a significant national security threat, with nearly a quarter of Americans victimized in 2023 and collective losses reaching $159 billion. Criminal networks operating from scam compounds in Indo-Pacific countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines) coordinate these operations while also engaging in modern slavery, with global annual profits from scams and fraud exceeding $3 trillion. The U.S. lacks coordinated government efforts to counter these operations and requires a whole-of-government approach including a national command center, improved interagency collaboration, and international partnerships to address this growing threat.
newscop.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Australian Federal Police conducted a significant raid on a scam compound in Manila, Philippines as part of Operation Firestorm, resulting in the arrest of over 250 individuals and seizure of hundreds of computers and thousands of mobile phones used to target Australian men over 35 through romance and cryptocurrency investment scams. The operation revealed how offshore scam centers operate in shifts aligned with Australian time zones to build rapport with victims before soliciting investments in fake trading platforms. The AFP and National Anti-Scam Centre will contact identified victims and advise Australians to remain vigilant against romance and investment scams by verifying identities, being skeptical of urgent requests, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities.
huntsvillebusinessjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau president identified five prevalent scams affecting consumers in 2023: investment/cryptocurrency schemes (averaging $3,800 in losses), employment fraud involving fake job postings and counterfeit checks, online purchase scams where goods don't arrive or misrepresent quality, and home improvement fraud targeting storm-damaged properties. The BBB recommends verifying secure websites (https), using credit cards for online purchases, researching businesses on bbb.org, and being skeptical of promises that seem too good to be true.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
In early October, Filipino authorities raided a romance scam operation in Manila that arrested over 250 people and seized more than 1,000 mobile phones, with the Australian Federal Police identifying possible Australian victims among those targeted. The scammers allegedly targeted Australian men over 35 through social media and dating platforms to lure them into cryptocurrency investment schemes, operating on shifts aligned with Australian time zones. The AFP is working with Philippine authorities to identify affected Australians and has gathered intelligence on the scam network's structure and methods.
thefintechtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
In the past 12 months, 6.6 million UK adults lost money to online scams, with nearly 75% of victims reporting fraud on platforms that signed the Online Fraud Charter—a voluntary agreement by tech giants like Facebook, Google, Amazon, and TikTok to remove fraudulent content. Despite the charter's promises, one in five people encountered suspicious ads or messages daily, with social media platforms (particularly Facebook at 37%) being the most common venues for investment fraud, fake product offers, and other scams. Consumer trust in online platforms has declined rather than improved since the charter's implementation, prompting calls for the government to urgently enforce the Online Safety Act to hold tech companies account
wibx950.com
· 2025-12-08
A survey by Investor Loss Center using FTC data identified the top fraud types affecting New Yorkers in the first three quarters of the year, with imposter scams leading at 27,191 reports, followed by online shopping scams (14,019 reports), internet service scams (6,589 reports), healthcare scams (4,570 reports), and fake job opportunities (4,369 reports). The report emphasizes that residents should be skeptical of unsolicited offers, verify caller identity by calling official numbers, and trust their instincts when something feels suspicious.
yourmoney.com
· 2025-12-08
Despite signing the Online Fraud Charter one year ago, major tech platforms have failed to reduce online scams, with 6.6 million UK adults losing money to fraud in the past 12 months—75% of whom were scammed on platforms that pledged to combat fraud. Social media platforms (Facebook, Google, Instagram) remain primary vectors, with one in five adults encountering suspicious ads daily. Which? is calling for urgent implementation of the Online Safety Act and earlier accountability measures, as consumer trust in online platforms has declined significantly with only 3% feeling more confident than a year ago.
wtsp.com
· 2025-12-08
Local law enforcement agencies across the Tampa Bay area are warning that elderly fraud has reached epidemic levels, particularly during the holiday season when seniors are vulnerable to scams involving romance, fake investments, and impersonation schemes. The Bradenton Police Department's Elder Fraud Unit has investigated cases resulting in nearly $3 million in losses this year, including a case where a 56-year-old man scammed a Texas woman of approximately $600,000 by impersonating billionaire Elon Musk via Facebook over several months. Authorities advise seniors to verify identities by calling contacts directly, hang up on suspicious calls, and recommend family members stay involved in elderly relatives' financial and digital activities.
barbadostoday.bb
· 2025-12-08
This opinion piece examines the escalating problem of elder fraud in the digital age, highlighting how seniors are disproportionately targeted by scammers who exploit their trusting nature, financial assets, and technological vulnerabilities. The 2023 FBI report revealed that seniors aged 60 and older lost over $3.4 billion to fraud, with individuals losing an average of $33,915, while data breaches exposing personal information make them prime targets for sophisticated, personalized attacks. The article emphasizes that common scams include tech support fraud, romance scams, and emergency/grandparent scams, and stresses the urgent need for awareness and protective measures given seniors' limited ability to recover
wfmd.com
· 2025-12-08
Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees warns that senior citizens are increasingly targeted by scammers, particularly during the holidays, due to their substantial savings, home ownership, and good credit. Recent scams affecting Maryland seniors include a gold bar scheme that cost seven residents $6.3 million, as well as fake check and phishing scams, with the FBI reporting that people over 60 lost more than $3.4 million to fraud in 2023, an 11 percent increase from 2022. DeWees recommends seniors verify unsolicited communications independently, never share personal information, stay informed about scam tactics through trusted sources, and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 35-year-old Oakland man, Zhongqiang Chen, was arrested on November 14 after scamming an elderly Stanislaus County woman out of $30,000 through a fake McAfee antivirus email that gave him remote access to her computer. Chen transferred $60,000 from her money market account, convinced her she owed him that amount, and collected an initial $30,000 payment before being arrested in an undercover operation when he arrived to collect the remaining $30,000. The case remains under investigation to determine if there are additional victims.
interpol.int
· 2025-12-08
A five-month global law enforcement operation (July-November 2024) involving 40 countries arrested over 5,500 financial crime suspects and seized more than USD 400 million in assets across seven types of cyber-enabled frauds including voice phishing, romance scams, investment fraud, and cryptocurrency scams. Notable outcomes included Korean and Chinese authorities dismantling a voice phishing syndicate that defrauded 1,900 victims of USD 1.1 billion, and the recovery of USD 39.3 million in a Singapore business email compromise case affecting a commodity firm that lost USD 42.3 million.
scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
A Korean-Chinese crime syndicate was arrested for orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded 84 victims of US$92 million over eight months. The gang impersonated Korean-heritage foreign women on social media to build trust with victims before convincing them to invest in fake cryptocurrency and gold trading platforms, with individual losses ranging from 1 million to 20 billion won. Police arrested 12 members, including recruiters and managers, who had trained South Korean operatives in Cambodia and Laos to execute the scheme.
ia.acs.org.au
· 2025-12-08
Australian and Philippine authorities raided a Manila scam centre in October, arresting over 250 people (190 foreign nationals and 68 Filipino nationals) involved in a transnational romance scam operation targeting Australian men over 35. Australians lost $34.3 million to romance scams in 2023, with the operation using over 300 computer systems and 1,000 mobile phones to conduct "pig-butchering" scams where victims were gradually convinced to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms. The raid, part of Operation Firestorm, yielded valuable intelligence on scam centre structures and money laundering methods to help identify and assist Australian victims.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 29-year-old man in North East Delhi lost Rs 17.5 lakh in an online investment scam after receiving a promotional call in October and being convinced by fraudsters to invest in trading with promises of profits. The scammers repeatedly requested additional funds under pretexts like taxes and account unfreezing before the victim realized the fraud and reported it to police, who registered a case under cheating charges.
klaq.com
· 2025-12-08
A con man named Matt Thrash defrauded victims across multiple states, including Texas, from 2012 to 2024 using investment scams that posed as a successful businessman offering lucrative opportunities through fake ventures including a sports management company, sports memorabilia store, and cannabis dispensary stock. The FBI has apprehended Thrash and is seeking additional Texas victims who may not yet realize they were defrauded or are too embarrassed to come forward.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC approved final amendments to the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) in November to extend coverage to "inbound" telemarketing calls for technical support services, aiming to combat tech support scams that defraud consumers. Tech support scams, which use false malware alerts to trick people into calling scammers who sell bogus services, accounted for $2.7 billion in losses in 2023 and were the most widely reported form of elder fraud that year, with 17,696 victims aged 60+ reporting such scams to the FBI.
fticonsulting.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Australians lost $2.7 billion to scams, with older Australians and those from culturally diverse backgrounds being disproportionately vulnerable, particularly to investment, phone, and social media scams. Australia has implemented a new regulatory framework through ASIC oversight, the National Anti-Scam Centre, and the Financial Accountability Regime, which holds bank directors and senior executives personally accountable for scam management failures with potential financial penalties. Global banks are being required to develop documented scam strategies, improve detection and payment-delay capabilities, and enhance responses to scam victims to address identified gaps in current anti-scam practices.
nationthailand.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudulent materials are circulating that falsely use C.P. Group's name and Mr. Chearavanont's image to promote fake investment schemes promising high returns. C.P. Group issued a statement denying all claims and warning the public not to engage with these schemes, which could result in financial loss or identity theft. The organization urges people to report suspicious content to Cyber Police and avoid sharing misleading messages.
bitcoinist.com
· 2025-12-08
An Ohio man lost his $425,000 life savings to a cryptocurrency scam that began with a fake pop-up warning about a "technical issue" in October 2023; after granting remote access to his computer, scammers transferred the funds into crypto wallets and converted them to approximately 947,883 Tether tokens. Federal authorities used blockchain analysis to trace and recover the stolen cryptocurrency on July 31, 2024, with the US Attorney's Office filing a civil forfeiture complaint to return the funds to the victim. This case illustrates how malicious actors exploit inexperienced investors in the cryptocurrency market through social engineering and remote access tactics.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
This article does not contain information relevant to the Elderus elder fraud research database. It concerns a political and religious dispute in Tamil Nadu regarding the lighting of a ceremonial lamp during Deepam festival, not elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. This content falls outside the scope of elder fraud documentation.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Two senior citizens in Noida fell victim to online investment scams totaling over Rs 8 crore. In the first case, a retired government officer's son was convinced to join a fraudulent WhatsApp trading group impersonating Franklin Templeton, where his father invested Rs 7.7 crore before being asked to pay Rs 3 crore in commission to withdraw profits; police froze Rs 1.02 crore and 15 accounts. In the second case, a retired government officer lost Rs 65 lakh after being lured by scammers posing as Motilal Oswal Group through WhatsApp, who pressured her to invest
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
As Bitcoin approaches $100,000, cybercriminals are exploiting FOMO and market excitement through increasingly sophisticated cryptocurrency scams, including fake celebrity endorsements (particularly deepfakes of Elon Musk), phishing emails, Ponzi schemes, and "pig butchering" romance scams. The FBI received over 69,000 cryptocurrency fraud complaints last year resulting in losses exceeding $5.6 billion—nearly half of all reported fraud losses. Consumers should verify communications directly with providers, avoid one-time promotional offers, and never respond to unsolicited messages claiming account compromises.
knoxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Estate attorney Lisa Gammeltoft emphasizes that financial scams are prevalent year-round, particularly during holidays, and target people of all intelligence levels by exploiting vulnerable emotions and neurochemistry through schemes like "pig butchering" (fake cryptocurrency investments), catfishing (romance scams that cost Americans $740 million in 2022), and grandparent scams enhanced by voice cloning technology. Key defensive measures include keeping devices updated, never allowing remote access to computers, avoiding sharing financial information with online contacts, and seeking a second opinion from trusted sources before sending money, since scammers are sophisticated professionals who make fraud their full-time job.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Dale Lake of Hanford, California, agreed to a consent decree resolving federal allegations that he operated as a "money mule" in a mail and wire fraud scheme targeting senior citizens. Victims were deceived into believing they had won lotteries or sweepstakes and sent money to Lake, who then transmitted the funds to accomplices in Jamaica; the decree permanently prohibits Lake from participating in prize promotion fraud or money transmitting businesses and authorizes postal inspection monitoring of his mail.
dvidshub.net
· 2025-12-08
Soldiers, veterans, and their family members face multiple growing scams including romance, confidence, and online impersonation fraud, according to Army Criminal Investigation Division officials. Data brokers sell personal information for as low as $20, which scammers use for targeted attacks such as impersonating military officials requesting gift cards, romance schemes targeting those over 50, and social media account takeovers. To protect themselves, individuals should use strong passwords with two-factor authentication, password managers, and separate work and personal accounts.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old retired ship captain in Mumbai lost Rs 11.1 crore in a share market scam after being added to a fraudulent WhatsApp group impersonating a legitimate financial services company. The scammers, posing as "Anya Smith," convinced him to download a fake trading app and make 22 transfers between September and October; when he later demanded withdrawal of funds, they requested additional taxes and fees before he discovered the fraud. The case illustrates how scammers exploit investors' trust in reputable company names and highlights the importance of verifying investment platforms directly through official channels and avoiding unfamiliar WhatsApp groups.
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammer duped a 42-year-old single mother out of £80,000 by posing as a businessman in an accident who needed hospital bills paid; he used stolen photos and emotional manipulation to isolate her and convince her to transfer funds repeatedly with false promises of repayment from a fake $600,000 account. A separate investment scam targeting a woman through a hijacked Instagram account claiming her friend had made £5,000 from a £500 investment resulted in her losing £1,200 and compromising her Apple ID credentials, which the fraudsters then used to hijack her account and recruit additional victims. Both cases demonstrate how scammers exploit emotional connections and trust to
zikoko.com
· 2025-12-08
Adeoti recounts falling victim to multiple scams throughout her life, including a recharge card scheme in secondary school, a rigged ring-toss game that cost her ₦2,000, a fake currency exchange scam that drained ₦20,000 from her account, and a romance scam where she paid ₦35,000 for non-existent goods. She also invested in Ponzi schemes after hearing success stories from others and was deceived by a fabricated sob story about hospital bills, reflecting on her tendency to see good in people as a vulnerability that scammers exploit.
davidsonlocal.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is an educational resource warning North Carolinians about common holiday scams targeting vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. It covers four main fraud categories: holiday mail scams (phishing emails and porch theft), holiday shopping scams (fraudulent retailers and gift card schemes), and charity/investment scams, providing practical prevention tips such as verifying sender information, using secure networks for purchases, and researching charities before donating. The article emphasizes that consumers should be cautious during the high-spending season and recommends using resources like the BBB Scam Tracker and AARP Fraud Watch Network for protection and verification.
regtechtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Dale Lake of Hanford, California, agreed to a consent decree with the U.S. government after being accused of serving as a "money mule" in a lottery prize fraud scheme targeting senior citizens; he received money and gift cards from victims and transferred them to accomplices in Jamaica. Under the consent decree, Lake is permanently banned from participating in prize promotion fraud or any money transmission business, with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service monitoring his mail for compliance. The case represents a collaborative effort between federal authorities to dismantle fraud networks that exploit vulnerable elderly populations.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old retired ship captain from Mumbai lost Rs 11.1 crore (approximately $1.3 million USD) to scammers operating through a fake WhatsApp group impersonating a financial services company between August and October. The victim was lured into downloading a fraudulent trading app and made 22 transactions over two months, with scammers justifying multiple bank accounts and repeated payment requests as tax-saving measures and service fees. Police registered a case and identified bank accounts across multiple Indian banks and cities, with investigators suspecting a coordinated fraud network; the article also provides protective measures including adjusting WhatsApp privacy settings, verifying investment sources,
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired Navy Commodore in Bhopal lost Rs 68.49 lakh (approximately $82,000 USD) to a sophisticated "digital arrest" cyber-scam in January 2024, making him the first reported victim of this scam in the city. The fraudsters, operating from Southeast Asia, impersonated Indian government officials and used fake documents, RBI-stamped letters, and Skype communications to convince the officer that his Aadhaar ID was linked to drug trafficking and money laundering, coercing him to transfer funds in three installments as "security verification" before cutting off contact. The victim emphasized that the criminals conducted extensive research on him an