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in Tech Support Scam
mb.com.ph
· 2025-12-08
RCBC Executive Vice President Lito Villanueva highlighted the bank's use of artificial intelligence and public-private partnerships to combat rising fraud in the Philippines, where 29 percent of consumers have experienced financial crimes and deepfake cases surged 4,500 percent. AI-powered fraud detection tools have achieved up to 85 percent accuracy in identifying anomalies and suspicious behavior, while RCBC is upskilling senior officers in AI and collaborating with government and industry through initiatives like the "#WagMagpaLokoMagingScamAlerto" campaign to promote financial literacy and fraud awareness. The discussion underscored the importance of technological innovation and multi-sector cooperation in
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Wisconsin residents shared their experiences with tech support scams. Charlotte Siverling of Cadott received a fake warning claiming her computer was hacked and was pressured to withdraw $8,300 from Walmart after being falsely accused of possessing child pornography, but avoided losing money by calling her son who confirmed it was a scam. Nancy Wheeler of Ladysmith nearly fell victim to a similar scheme where a scammer gained remote access to her computer, manipulated her bank balance to appear as $3,000 owed, and pressured her to buy gift cards, though she ultimately hung up and avoided financial loss but had to replace her compromised bank account.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
On December 11, 2024, a federal grand jury in Tucson indicted Ahmed Maqbul Syed (57) and Rupesh Chandra Chintakindi (27), both Indian citizens, for conspiracy to launder money derived from tech support scams targeting elderly victims across the United States. The scheme used fake pop-up warnings to convince victims their computers were compromised, then directed them to fraudsters posing as tech support or government officials who instructed victims to withdraw cash, purchase gold and gift cards, and deposit money into bitcoin ATMs. Both defendants face up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 fines if convicte
marbleheadcurrent.org
· 2025-12-08
Two elder fraud attempts were reported in Marblehead during December 5-17, 2024. On December 5, a resident received a fraudulent DocuSign/Norton Antivirus email and granted scammers remote computer access; they fabricated fake subscription charges ($299.99 and $399.99) and a false $3,999.99 credit to pressure the victim into buying CVS gift cards, but the resident recognized the scam before losing money. On December 13, another resident fell victim to a fraudulent travel documentation scheme via a fake "UK-ETA.com" website, submitting passport information before realizing the site was fraudulent; the victim pro
digit.in
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A 61-year-old retired senior bank manager from Canara Bank lost Rs 20 lakh to fraudsters posing as stock market experts who contacted him via WhatsApp in September 2024. The scammers, operating under names Kruti, Ravi Agarwal, and Namit, built trust by promising high investment returns and extracted Rs 13 lakh between October-November 2024, then an additional Rs 7 lakh through a second investment group before disappearing when the victim demanded his money back. The article advises verifying investment sources, being skeptical of unrealistic returns, researching investments thoroughly, protecting personal financial information, an
hometownsource.com
· 2025-12-08
The Senior LinkAge Line is offering a free virtual educational presentation on January 8 covering health care fraud, waste, and abuse prevention, with instruction on detecting and reporting scams that increasingly target older adults. The presentation, delivered via Microsoft Teams in partnership with the Senior Medicare Patrol, requires pre-registration through Eventbrite or by calling 800-333-2433, and accommodations are available upon request.
foxbangor.com
· 2025-12-08
Janet D. fell victim to a tech support scam when a fake Windows Defender pop-up with audio alarms froze her computer and directed her to call a displayed number. The scammer instructed her to download UltraViewer, a legitimate remote access tool commonly exploited by fraudsters to gain control of victims' systems. The article outlines key warning signs of this scam type—unsolicited pop-ups claiming to be from Microsoft, urgent audio/visual cues, and requests to install remote access software—and provides protective steps including refusing to call displayed numbers, uninstalling suspicious software, updating passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
A Toronto-Dominion Bank employee in New York used her access to customer data to distribute sensitive information to criminals via Telegram, a case that exemplifies a broader pattern of low-paid bank employees selling customer details to fraudsters across the United States. Detectives found images of 255 customer cheques and personal information on approximately 70 others on her phone, with similar schemes documented at major financial institutions and credit unions. This insider vulnerability is particularly concerning given that US retirees face record elder fraud losses exceeding $28 billion annually, as scammers with inside knowledge of customers' finances can target victims more effectively.
law.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
PayPal faced a proposed class action lawsuit alleging it wrongfully retained sales commissions that belonged to YouTube influencers who promoted products and services through their content. The lawsuit targets PayPal's practice of misappropriating earnings that should have been paid to the content creators.
siasat.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, India experienced a surge in digital scams targeting individual citizens, with reported losses of approximately Rs 1,750 crore (about $210 million USD) across over 740,000 complaints, according to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre. Major scam types included digital arrest fraud (affecting 92,323 victims who were threatened by impersonators claiming to be law enforcement), TRAI fraud calls, online investment scams, and dating fraud schemes that exploited victims through social media and dating apps. The Indian government predicts losses could reach Rs 1.2 lakh crore ($14.4 billion USD) in 2025
lexology.com
· 2025-12-08
DeepFake technology—AI-generated audio, video, and images that convincingly impersonate real people—has already caused an estimated $12 billion in fraud losses and can be created for under $15 in less than 10 minutes. Scammers use DeepFakes to impersonate executives for financial fraud (one employee transferred $25.6 million after a fake CFO video call), manipulate employees via fake voice calls to access company data, and spread political misinformation. Users should verify online connections before sharing personal or financial information, as the technology makes traditional visual and audio verification unreliable.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers and hackers are employing increasingly sophisticated methods, including social engineering schemes and AI-generated voice/content, to target individuals in 2025. A cybersecurity expert recommends four key protections: using unique strong passwords stored securely, remaining vigilant against social engineering tactics on social media and professional platforms, establishing "secret word" protocols with family and friends to verify AI-generated calls, and staying alert to AI-enhanced phishing emails that are now grammatically correct and harder to identify.
outlookbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Artificial intelligence has become a powerful tool for fraudsters in India, with 64% of respondents reporting increased fraud and 67% struggling to keep pace with evolving threats. Scammers use AI techniques including voice cloning, deepfakes, synthetic identity creation, and personalized phishing to impersonate trusted figures and extract money from victims across all demographics, though senior citizens are particularly vulnerable; notably, 83% of voice scam victims in India have lost money to cloned voice fraud. Financial institutions and individuals must implement more sophisticated detection systems, as the combination of AI with social engineering and offline techniques proves especially dangerous by exploiting human psychology and bypassing traditional security measures.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2025, scammers are expected to escalate their targeting of consumers' money and identities, with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance reporting over $1 trillion in losses during 2024. Key emerging threats include AI-generated scams creating increasingly realistic fake websites and impersonation content, cryptocurrency investment scams using manipulated websites to simulate earnings, and text-based impersonation scams posing as job recruiters, banks, or family members—all made harder to detect as AI improves grammar and personalization. The FBI advises consumers to avoid quick reactions, scrutinize images for imperfections, and never send money via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash apps, as
dvidshub.net
· 2025-12-08
An estimated $10 billion was lost to online fraud in the United States last year, with scammers targeting seniors through romance scams, government imposter schemes, tech support fraud, and investment scams that exploit emotions and fear rather than technical sophistication. Common tactics include posing as romantic interests to solicit travel costs, impersonating government agencies demanding immediate payment via gift cards or cash, displaying fake virus alerts on computers, and offering unrealistic investment returns before disappearing with victims' funds. Experts recommend verifying unexpected contacts independently, keeping emotions in check during high-pressure situations, and confirming urgent requests from family members by hanging up and calling them back directly.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
A Perth County senior lost $320,000 in a computer pop-up scam that began in November 2024 when she clicked a malicious pop-up claiming to be Microsoft and was convinced her finances were compromised. The scammer directed her to withdraw cash and purchase gold bars, which suspects then picked up from her home under the pretense of depositing them at the "Bank of Canada" for safekeeping. Police are seeking to identify the suspects described as men aged 25-35 years old driving a white Lexus sedan and dark-colored sedan.
identityweek.net
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Phishing attacks targeting senior executives at major companies like eBay and Beazley are increasing in sophistication, with attackers using AI-generated personalized communications that leverage scraped employee data to bypass basic security filters. These scams impersonate trustworthy entities and exploit human error among high-level employees to gain access to sensitive company and customer data. The use of generative AI makes fraudulent emails more convincing and harder to detect, creating significant security breach risks for large organizations and their customers.
rotary.org
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost a record $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with impostor scams and email impersonations being increasingly common threats to individuals and organizations like Rotary clubs. Scammers are leveraging artificial intelligence tools and multiple communication channels (text, email, social media) to impersonate trusted contacts and request money, making fraud harder to detect and investigate. To protect yourself and your network, verify suspicious requests through alternative contact methods, report fraud promptly, and share alerts with your community, as most fraud goes unpunished and victims rarely recover their money.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
A senior from Perth County lost $320,000 in a computer pop-up scam that began in November 2024 when she clicked on a malicious pop-up claiming to be Microsoft and was instructed to withdraw cash and purchase gold bars for "safekeeping." Suspects later picked up $80,000 in cash and over $240,000 worth of gold bars from her home, claiming they would deposit the items at the "Bank of Canada" for her protection. Ontario Provincial Police are seeking help identifying the male suspects, described as men aged 25-35 with short dark hair driving white and dark sedans.
techbullion.com
· 2025-12-08
The Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 792 people involved in cryptocurrency romance scams, including 148 Chinese nationals, 40 Filipinos, and local accomplices, following a raid on a suspected fraud operation. The arrests came after authorities charged a Nigerian man with defrauding 139 Australians of $5 million through crypto schemes that used phishing links to steal victims' login credentials and drain both fiat and cryptocurrency accounts. The operation targeted citizens worldwide, primarily from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe, with foreign kingpins recruiting Nigerian accomplices to prospect for victims online.
komando.com
· 2025-12-08
Over 64,000 Americans lost $1 billion to romance scams, double the amount from four years prior. The proposed Online Dating Safety Act would require dating apps to notify users who contacted scam accounts, though critics question why platforms cannot simply remove fraudulent accounts entirely.
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 57-year-old DRDO officer in Pune lost Rs 13 lakh after receiving a fraudulent WhatsApp message impersonating his bank requesting a KYC update; he downloaded a malicious file attachment that gave scammers remote access to his smartphone and banking app, allowing them to execute unauthorized transactions. The article advises protecting against such scams by avoiding downloads from unknown sources, verifying bank communications directly, monitoring OTPs for suspicious activity, and installing antivirus software.
livemint.com
· 2025-12-08
A 78-year-old woman from South Mumbai lost ₹1.51 crore in a cyber scam where fraudsters impersonated police officials and government representatives, claiming she was under investigation for money laundering and drug offenses. The scammers initiated contact by falsely claiming illegal items were in a courier package she sent to her daughter in the US, then convinced her to transfer funds to protect her assets through forged documents and video calls with actors in police uniforms. She discovered the fraud only after discussing the situation with family and reported it to authorities; police advise the public to verify caller identities and avoid sharing personal details over the phone.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans aged 60 and over filed over 101,000 internet crime complaints resulting in losses exceeding $3.4 billion, with fraud remaining significantly underreported. AARP's hearing center provides practical defense strategies, emphasizing that scam vulnerability is universal regardless of intelligence or education level, and recommends adopting practices such as radical skepticism toward unsolicited contacts, pausing when pressured emotionally, being wary of requests for secrecy, monitoring accounts regularly, and educating oneself about fraud threats.
cnbctv18.com
· 2025-12-08
Bitcoin has been plagued by a series of major scams and security breaches costing billions globally, including the BitConnect Ponzi scheme ($2.4 billion), the FTX exchange collapse (billions lost), and over $3.7 billion in crypto-related scams in 2022 alone through phishing attacks and romance scams. The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have been prime targets for Bitcoin fraud, particularly fake investment opportunities exploiting the cryptocurrency's pseudonymous nature. Beyond fraud, Bitcoin's decentralized structure has facilitated illicit activities on the dark web, while its extreme price volatility and energy-intensive operations present additional risks to investors and the environment.
lovellchronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
Scams are becoming increasingly frequent, sophisticated, and successful, with law enforcement reporting a notable uptick in impersonation schemes where scammers pose as government officials or law enforcement to threaten arrest and extort money. Phishing—the collection of personal information through unsolicited communications—is being used as an initial phase to make scams appear legitimate, with one recent Big Horn County victim losing over $20,000 after being convinced by a scammer posing as a government agent that they owed money. The FBI reported that online fraud complaints doubled from 2019 to 2023, with financial losses exceeding $12.5 billion, and law enforcement advises citizens to verify suspicious
news18.com
· 2025-12-08
A 57-year-old senior technical officer from DRDO in Pune lost Rs 13 lakh after clicking on a malicious WhatsApp message claiming to be from his bank requesting KYC updates. The downloaded file gave scammers remote access to his phone, allowing them to execute unauthorized transactions totaling Rs 12.95 lakh while the victim missed alert notifications. The incident highlights the importance of verifying bank communications directly and remaining vigilant about OTP notifications.
webwire.com
· 2025-12-08
Barclays' 2024 research found that one in five British consumers fell victim to a scam in the past year, with 93 percent occurring online, while investment scams generated the highest financial losses (averaging £15,564 per claim and representing one-third of total claim value) despite being only 4 percent of reported incidents. Purchase scams were most common by volume (74 percent of claims), with fake delivery, HMRC, and "Hello Mum" WhatsApp scams ranking as the top three most encountered scams. The research indicates that 52 percent of Britons feel overwhelmed by evolving scam tactics, with 75 percent
tampafp.com
· 2025-12-08
Florida's Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit dismantled six major cybercrime schemes in three months, seizing nearly $2.4 million in stolen cryptocurrency with over $100,000 returned to victims and $2.2 million pending restitution. Three schemes specifically targeted seniors, including a bank employee stealing from 13 elderly victims, a grandparent scam, and a fraudulent cryptocurrency trading website. Additional cases involved identity theft operations and mail interception schemes, with perpetrators prosecuted for stealing from individuals and businesses across the state.
hongkongfp.com
· 2025-12-08
Hong Kong police arrested 31 people operating a deepfake-enabled romance and cryptocurrency investment scam that targeted victims in Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore, resulting in losses exceeding HK$34 million. The syndicate recruited local youth to pose as attractive women on dating apps using deepfake technology, building trust with victims before convincing them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms. Five leaders were charged with conspiracy to defraud and money laundering, while authorities plan international cooperation to pursue further investigations.
independent.ie
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams exploit vulnerable individuals during isolating periods like January, when people are emotionally susceptible to manipulation and seeking connection or hope. The article emphasizes that romance scams are particularly effective because they target emotional needs rather than logic, making them difficult to defend against regardless of a person's intelligence or awareness. Ireland is noted as the most phished country in the world, highlighting the widespread nature of online fraud targeting emotionally vulnerable populations.
gbcode.rthk.hk
· 2025-12-08
Police dismantled a deepfake-enabled investment scam syndicate operating from Kowloon Bay, arresting 31 suspects aged 20-34 who used AI face-swapping technology to pose as attractive individuals, build romantic relationships with victims, and persuade them to invest in fake platforms. The scam targeted people internationally—primarily in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States—resulting in losses exceeding HK$34 million over more than a year of operation, with police recovering HK$10 million in suspected criminal proceeds and charging five core members with conspiracy to defraud.
scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
Hong Kong police arrested 31 members of a syndicate that used deepfake technology to conduct romance and investment scams targeting victims in Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia, defrauding them of over HK$34 million (US$4.37 million). The operation utilized two premises in Kowloon Bay where recruited members, including students, were trained to use dating apps and fake images of attractive women to lure victims into fraudulent schemes. This marks the second major deepfake-based fraud operation dismantled in Hong Kong.
scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
Hong Kong police arrested 31 members of a syndicate that used deepfake images of attractive women to conduct romance and investment scams targeting victims in Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan, defrauding them of over HK$34 million (US$4.37 million). The operation ran from two premises in Kowloon Bay where recruits, including students, were trained to use dating apps to lure victims and extract money through romantic or investment schemes. This marks the second time local authorities have dismantled a deepfake-based fraud operation.
news.rthk.hk
· 2025-12-08
Police dismantled a sophisticated investment scam syndicate operating from Kowloon Bay that used deepfake and AI face-swapping technology to impersonate attractive individuals and build romantic relationships with victims online. The 31 arrested members (aged 20-34) defrauded victims primarily from Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States of over HK$34 million over more than a year before being persuaded to invest in a fake platform. Police recovered HK$10 million in suspected criminal proceeds and charged five core members with conspiracy to defraud, while investigating possible connections to a similar case from October.
dnaindia.com
· 2025-12-08
Popular YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a digital arrest scam in January 2024, during which scammers held him hostage for approximately 40 hours by impersonating customs officials and police officers. The scammers manipulated him through fake calls claiming illegal items were found in a package sent to China, threatened him with serious criminal charges including money laundering and drug trafficking, and extracted money from him while causing significant financial and mental health damage. Bahuguna publicly shared his experience on Instagram to raise awareness about the growing threat of digital arrest scams and how extensively scammers can control victims.
etvbharat.com
· 2025-12-08
The "pig butchering scam" is a long-term romance and investment fraud where cybercriminals build trust with victims over weeks or months through dating apps and social media before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes and stealing their money. Notable victims include an Indian software professional in the US who lost $450,000, a Malaysian nurse who accumulated $270,000 in debt, and a San Francisco man who lost over $1 million; the scam predominantly targets students, unemployed youth, homemakers, and financially vulnerable individuals. India's Ministry of Home Affairs recently issued a warning about the rising prevalence of these scams in the country.
komando.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams typically involve fraudsters posing legitimate employment opportunities to steal personal information or charge fake fees from job seekers. The article provides guidance on identifying red flags and protecting oneself from these schemes.
midfloridanewspapers.com
· 2025-12-08
A man in assisted living fell victim to a misleading Medicare plan advertisement that eliminated critical health services from his previous coverage, requiring emergency intervention two days before the enrollment deadline to reverse the policy. The article highlights that seniors lose approximately $2.9 billion annually to scams, with vulnerable populations like those with memory loss facing particular risk; it emphasizes that awareness, research through the Federal Trade Commission, caregiver vigilance, and proactive financial safeguards (such as limiting access to credit cards and personal information) are essential protective measures.
savannahbusinessjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Georgia Power warned customers in January 2025 about increasing scams during post-holiday and tax season periods, including threats of power disconnection and requests to update billing information. The utility highlighted evolving tech scams such as fraudulent payment requests through Cash App using fake company logos and fake digital ads directing customers to non-company websites to steal personal information. Georgia Power provided guidance to customers on legitimate payment methods, verification procedures, and reporting mechanisms to protect against scammers impersonating company representatives.
govinfosecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Trace Fooshee of Datos Insights predicts that scams and fraud reimbursement will persist through 2025, with governments implementing minimum care standards and requiring collaboration between financial institutions, tech platforms, and telecom companies to address the issue effectively. He warns that focusing solely on reimbursement without addressing root causes—such as mobilizing telecom providers and law enforcement—risks enabling criminal activity rather than preventing it. Emerging regulatory frameworks in markets like Australia, Canada, and the U.K. are shaping how the financial services sector approaches fraud prevention as a multi-sector challenge.
news.abplive.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article from Kaspersky outlines nine major types of online scams targeting internet users: fake job offers with counterfeit checks, lottery scams, inheritance scams, romance scams, charity fraud, tech support scams, social media scams, robocall fraud, messaging scams, and online shopping scams. For each scam type, the article provides warning signs and protective measures, such as verifying charity status through trusted databases, avoiding remote access to unknown individuals, and checking website security features before making purchases. The overarching advice emphasizes vigilance, scrutinizing suspicious offers, and remembering that offers that sound too good to be true typically are.
scoopwhoop.com
· 2025-12-08
Popular YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna was held in a "digital arrest" scam for nearly 40 hours after receiving a fraudulent call claiming his package contained illegal items and had been seized by customs. The scammers used his personal information and fear tactics to manipulate him into complying with their demands, resulting in financial loss and significant emotional trauma. Bahuguna publicly shared his experience on Instagram to raise awareness that tech-savvy individuals remain vulnerable to sophisticated scams that exploit psychological manipulation and panic.
bollywoodshaadis.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam in January 2025 after receiving an automated call claiming his courier delivery was cancelled. The scammers, impersonating police officers via WhatsApp video calls and armed with his personal information, isolated him from family and friends while holding him virtually hostage for 40 hours, threatening him with illegal substance charges. A vigilant friend's intervention ended the ordeal and prevented further financial loss, prompting Ankush to publicly share his experience to raise awareness about the evolving tactics and psychological manipulation tactics used in digital scams.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau released its 2024 annual Scam Tracker report showing that online shopping scams remained the top fraud scheme for the fifth consecutive year, followed by phishing and employment scams. Scammers increasingly exploit new technologies like AI and deepfake video to impersonate legitimate organizations, conduct fake interviews, and use emotional manipulation and urgency tactics to target victims across all age groups. The BBB emphasizes that vigilance and refusing to engage with fraudsters is essential to combating these schemes.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns that criminals are increasingly using generative AI and deepfakes to exploit victims through 17 common techniques, including voice cloning, fake video calls impersonating authority figures, and phishing emails designed to manipulate people into revealing personal information or transferring funds. These tactics exploit emotional manipulation during crises and use AI-generated content that mimics trusted individuals and public figures. Individuals should remain vigilant by verifying identities through independent contact methods and remaining skeptical of unsolicited urgent requests for money or sensitive information.
vpnranks.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud losses reached $3.4 billion in 2023 with over 101,000 victims aged 60 and older reporting fraud, representing an 11% increase in losses and 14% increase in complaints compared to 2022. Tech support scams are the most commonly reported fraud type affecting seniors, while investment scams cause the highest financial damages at over $1.2 billion. Projections estimate elder fraud losses could rise to $4.47 billion by 2025 with approximately 121,229 victims, underscoring the need for stronger awareness and protective measures.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI has issued a warning that criminals are increasingly using generative AI technologies, particularly deepfakes, to exploit individuals through scams. The alert highlights the growing sophistication and accessibility of these tools and emphasizes the need for public vigilance in protecting against potential fraud.
cdispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman in New Hope became the victim of a romance scam after sending her entire life savings ($20,000) via FedEx to an online boyfriend who did not actually exist. Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins highlighted this case while warning the public about multiple prevalent scams, including phone spoofing schemes impersonating the sheriff's office, utility companies, and government agencies, as well as employment, cryptocurrency, lottery, and tech support scams. Hawkins emphasized that scammers are sophisticated professionals and advised victims to hang up and call official numbers directly rather than staying on suspicious calls.
7news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Former TV host David Koch's image was used without permission in a fraudulent investment scam that convinced victim Allison to lose $250,000. The article reports that fake celebrity-endorsed investment advertisements have defrauded over 600,000 Australians as part of a multi-billion-dollar scam industry, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes to impersonate celebrities and create fake endorsements. NAB warns that common red flags include unexpected contact, artificially created urgency, and celebrity or expert endorsements, particularly on social media platforms.