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in Government Impersonation
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.
wdbj7.com
· 2025-12-08
A "brushing" scam involves scammers mailing unsolicited items (such as jewelry) to consumers' addresses without their knowledge or order. The scam's purpose is to create fake positive reviews on the scammers' websites using the recipient's address and to potentially harvest personal or financial information through QR codes included in the package. Consumers are advised not to register items, scan QR codes, or provide any information if they receive unexpected packages they did not order.
vancouver.citynews.ca
· 2025-12-08
Vancouver police warned the public about ticket scams targeting Taylor Swift Eras Tour attendees, advising buyers to use only verified ticketing platforms and trusted resellers. A Toronto woman lost $600 after being defrauded by an online scammer posing as a teenage girl on TikTok and Instagram who sold her fake concert tickets via PayPal, leaving her and her friend with only one ticket instead of two.
kwqc.com
· 2025-12-08
A Pittsburgh woman received an unsolicited package containing a diamond ring and a QR code card, exemplifying a "brushing scam" that USPS reports is occurring nationwide. In this scheme, scammers send unrequested items to addresses to create fake positive reviews and trick recipients into scanning QR codes or registering products to steal personal and financial information. The woman avoided the scam by recognizing she had not placed an order and warns others not to register or interact with unexpected packages.
themirror.com
· 2025-12-08
A 79-year-old Massachusetts woman, Dinora Cardoso, died after being found stuck to a mattress infested with cockroaches, bedbugs, and feces due to severe neglect by her daughter Eva Fontes Cardoso, granddaughter Kayla Cardoso, and nurse Lisa Hamilton, who had to surgically separate her from the bed at a hospital where she died two days later from necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis. The three defendants face charges including manslaughter, elder caregiver neglect, and Medicaid fraud after authorities discovered that Eva Cardoso received over $140,000 in state benefits for care she did not provide, including frau
dailyrecord.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A 79-year-old Massachusetts woman, Dinora Cardoso, died in 2023 after being found bedridden on a mattress infested with cockroaches, bedbugs, and feces; she required surgical removal from the mattress and died two days later from necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis. Her daughter Eva Fontes Cardoso, granddaughter Kayla Cardoso, and caregiver Lisa Hamilton face charges including manslaughter, elder neglect, larceny, and Medicaid fraud, having allegedly collected over $140,000 from MassHealth while providing no care, failing to manage her diabetes, and submitting frau
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Dennis Latour, 41, a convicted felon, pleaded guilty to illegally possessing firearms, conspiracy to purchase guns for a felon, and 13 counts of wire fraud, while his accomplice Jennifer Keegan, 50, pleaded guilty to conspiracy in the firearms scheme. Latour defrauded two investors of $830,000 total ($718,271 and $112,340) by falsely claiming successful cannabis industry investments, using the proceeds to purchase 29 firearms, vehicles, and jet skis that were discovered during an ATF search in September 2023. Both face sentencing in March 2025, with potential sentences up to 20
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are using AI-generated phishing emails claiming that recipients' Apple IDs have been suspended, creating false urgency especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping season to trick users into clicking malicious links and surrendering account credentials. The scams target Apple's 2 billion+ users by impersonating legitimate Apple communications, sometimes including sophisticated 2FA-bypass methodologies, and exploiting the affluent Apple user demographic. Apple advises users to verify sender email addresses, avoid clicking suspicious links, recognize that Apple never requests passwords or authentication codes via email, and contact Apple directly through its official website if they suspect account issues.
ucf.edu
· 2025-12-08
Scammers stole over $1.6 billion from victims in the first five months of 2024—a 20% increase from 2023—though actual numbers are higher due to underreporting. Researcher Nichole Lighthall at UCF's Adult Development and Decision Lab found that while most older adults recognize scams as a problem, they feel disempowered to prevent them, and scams range from minor losses of $50 to financially catastrophic amounts. Lighthall's research aims to empower seniors with knowledge and solutions, noting that modern scammers use increasingly relentless tactics like impersonation texts, robo-calls, and social engineering because
federalwaymirror.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal Way Police Department community engagement coordinator Tiffany Clemmings presented crime prevention education to local seniors at a November 13 meeting, covering situational awareness, vehicle theft prevention, home safety, and common scams. The presentation emphasized that while criminals need desire, ability, and opportunity to commit crimes, individuals can reduce criminal opportunities through crime prevention awareness and situational awareness. Key information included that tech support scams, government imposter scams, grandparent scams, and romance scams are the top threats to seniors, and that Federal Way experienced a 50% decline in auto thefts in 2024 compared to 2023.
advocacy.consumerreports.org
· 2025-12-08
Consumer Reports investigation found that wire transfer scams targeting bank customers are increasingly common, with victims rarely reimbursed—major banks like JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America reimbursed customers at rates of only 2-24 percent in 2023. The scams exploit banks' security gaps using readily available "phishing-as-a-service" kits sold on Telegram and the Dark Web for as little as $150 monthly, with phishing complaints to the FBI more than doubling since 2019 to nearly 300,000 reports annually. Consumer Reports is calling on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to investigate these scams and support reforms including stronger account authentication, security
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,
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old woman from Staffordshire was targeted by a romance scammer posing as a widower named "John" who claimed to be a civil engineer in Dubai and eventually requested £100 in gift cards after fabricating a story about being shot and hospitalized. The victim became suspicious and did not send money, contacting authorities instead. This case exemplifies the surge in dating scams reported to Action Fraud, which received 4,109 dating fraud reports in the first six months of 2024—a 56% increase from the same period in 2019—as fraudsters emotionally manipulate vulnerable people online into sending money.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Six individuals were indicted in St. Louis for installing ATM skimming devices to steal bank account information and PINs from customers between January and May 2024, with the conspiracy involving multiple attempted and successful fraudulent withdrawals at banks in Frontenac, Clayton, and other St. Louis-area locations. Five defendants have pleaded not guilty, one remains at large, and all face charges including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Authorities recommend regularly reviewing bank statements and avoiding card insertion at ATMs by conducting transactions directly with merchants or tellers to prevent hidden skimmer fraud.
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.
travelandtourworld.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-powered travel scams have surged 900% in the past 18 months, with US travelers losing $265,000 in 2023 and nearly 1 in 4 losing $1,000 or more per scam. Scammers use AI to create fake booking websites, fraudulent chatbots, convincing phishing emails, and fake reviews to exploit holiday travelers, with defenses including verifying URLs, avoiding suspicious links, and cross-checking reviews across multiple platforms.
advocate.com
· 2025-12-08
A phishing scam targeting members of the trans community in Washington, D.C. attempted to redirect employee payroll by sending fraudulent emails impersonating workers and requesting banking information changes. At least two individuals—SC Nealy, founder of LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative, and SK Smigiel, a content creator—were targeted, with Nealy falling victim after providing banking details based on a convincing fake email. The scammers reportedly gathered personal information from social media to craft targeted messages, highlighting how phishing scams evolve and exploit vulnerable communities.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
David B. Crosby, 28, from St. Louis pleaded guilty to fraud with identification documents after producing and selling fraudulent IDs and Social Security numbers via social media, causing at least $103,000 in losses. His fraudulent documents were used in schemes including an attempted $70,000 BMW purchase through fraud and a $33,000 auto loan application. Crosby faces up to 15 years in prison at his February 25, 2025 sentencing.
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
wvva.com
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday season, seniors are being warned about phishing scams, particularly text messages impersonating postal services and shipping companies that trick recipients into clicking malicious links to "confirm delivery." State Senator Chris Head and local aging advocates are urging seniors to avoid clicking unsolicited links, verify requests independently, and never share personal information via text messages, as these scams are actively circulating and targeting vulnerable populations.
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.
lockhaven.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common holiday scams targeting seniors, including fake online stores, gift card fraud, phishing emails, government impersonation, grandparent scams, lottery schemes, and romance scams (which caused $652 million in losses to Americans in 2023). The article provides practical prevention advice such as verifying legitimate websites, not clicking suspicious links, and remembering that the IRS never calls by phone. It also lists warning signs of financial exploitation, including unusual bank visits, large cash withdrawals, unpaid bills, and sudden changes in financial habits or relationships.
yorkdispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
Holiday shoppers face increased online scams during peak shopping season, including puppy scams (fake breeders requesting upfront deposits for dogs never delivered), toy scams (counterfeit or non-existent products offered at discounted prices on fraudulent websites), and Facebook Marketplace scams (sellers disappearing after collecting payment via payment apps or gift cards). Security experts advise shoppers to be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, avoid clicking links from social media ads, shop directly on official websites, and avoid sending payment in advance to unknown sellers.
nbclosangeles.com
· 2025-12-08
Brushing scams involve fraudsters using stolen personal information to create fake Amazon accounts and send unsolicited packages to victims' homes; once the recipient confirms delivery, scammers post positive reviews under the victim's name to boost their seller ratings. A more dangerous variant includes QR codes in packages that, when scanned, can compromise the victim's personal and banking information. Experts advise consumers to avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes, update passwords regularly, and monitor bank accounts for suspicious activity.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This article outlines six common gift card scams that surge during the holiday season, including display rack tampering (where scammers record activation codes or swap barcodes to drain cards before use), impersonation schemes (where fraudsters pose as trusted contacts requesting gift card purchases), resale fraud (fake or empty cards sold on online platforms), and phishing attacks. The piece provides practical prevention advice for each scam type, such as checking packaging for tampering, verifying caller identity through independent contact, using reputable retailers only, and avoiding unsolicited requests for gift card information or payment.
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.
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.
thehindu.com
· 2025-12-08
SBI staff in Hyderabad prevented a 78-year-old doctor from losing ₹30 lakh when they grew suspicious during his request to close his Senior Citizen Savings Scheme account. The branch manager discovered the customer was being pressured by scammers impersonating Delhi Customs and Crime Police officers who falsely claimed his identity was linked to money laundering and that his wife required emergency hospital treatment. Police confirmed no such patient existed at the hospital, revealing the elaborate digital fraud scheme.
wlos.com
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Helene, approximately 70% of scams tracked by the Carolina Cyber Center have been linked to relief donation fraud, with criminals impersonating charities, sending phishing emails, and using fake text messages to steal money and personal information from victims. Experts recommend donating only through trusted established organizations like the Red Cross or Salvation Army, verifying websites and social media profiles before giving, and avoiding clicking suspicious links. The center warns that fraudulent activity is expected to continue for years as donations keep coming in.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters are operating thousands of fake websites impersonating major retailers like Wayfair, IKEA, and The North Face to exploit Black Friday shoppers, stealing personal and payment information when consumers attempt purchases. Online shopping fraud reached $12.5 billion in potential losses in 2023 (a 22% increase from 2022), with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics including AI and fabricated "Trusted Store" badges to appear legitimate. To protect themselves, consumers should use multifactor authentication, avoid unfamiliar links, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
news.virginmediao2.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
O2 has launched Call Defence, a free AI-powered service that flags suspected scam and nuisance calls to customers before they answer, using Adaptive AI technology to analyze call behavior in real-time. The rollout comes as data shows 16% of UK consumers fell victim to phone scams last year, losing an average of £798 each, with nearly a quarter of Brits targeted by scammers at least weekly. O2 is the first UK mobile operator to offer this protection at no extra cost to Pay Monthly and business customers on both Android and iOS 18+ devices.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A 25-year-old IIT Bombay student lost Rs 7.28 lakh in July after receiving a call from fraudsters impersonating Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) officials, who claimed 17 complaints of illegal activities were registered against his mobile number and threatened "digital arrest" if he didn't comply. The victim transferred the money across multiple transactions out of fear of legal consequences. Digital arrest scams exploit urgency and fear to manipulate victims—including educated professionals and seniors—into sending money by falsely claiming investigation for serious crimes; protection involves verifying caller identity through official channels, never sharing sensitive information with callers, and reporting suspected scams to
en.cibercuba.com
· 2025-12-08
A Venezuelan content creator in Spain used her TikTok platform to expose a "reverse Bizum" scam after a fraudster posing as a vehicle company representative tried to trick her into confirming a fake payment for a car sale. The scammer falsely claimed funds were "on hold" and needed her confirmation through the Bizum app, but the creator recognized the scheme after seeing prior warnings and avoided losing money. The incident prompted numerous users to share similar experiences with the same scam targeting car sales, apartment rentals, and motorcycle sales, highlighting the importance of never confirming transactions without verifying their legitimacy.
digit.in
· 2025-12-08
A 61-year-old child specialist in Hyderabad was targeted by scammers using a digital arrest scam who convinced him to withdraw over Rs 13 lakhs to settle a supposed legal dispute, but alert SBI employees Surya Swathi and Kumar Gaud recognized his distressed behavior and continuous incoming calls, educating him about the scam with newspaper evidence before he lost his money. The scammers used fear-mongering tactics common in digital arrest schemes, which prey on elderly and less digitally aware individuals, but the victim severed contact with the fraudsters after realizing the deception.
republicworld.com
· 2025-12-08
An SBI bank officer in Hyderabad prevented a 61-year-old doctor from losing Rs 13 lakh in a digital arrest scam by recognizing suspicious behavior and educating the victim about the fraud scheme. The article documents several recent digital arrest scams in India where fraudsters impersonate government officials and threaten victims with virtual arrest to extort money, including cases involving a 77-year-old woman (Rs 3.8 crore lost), an IIT student (Rs 7.29 lakh lost), and a business chairman (Rs 7 crore lost). Key protection measures include never sharing banking details or OTPs with callers claiming to be
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 61-year-old doctor in Hyderabad was targeted by scammers using a "digital arrest" fraud scheme that pressured him to withdraw Rs 13 lakh from his bank accounts, but alert SBI employee Surya Swathi recognized his anxious behavior and inconsistent story during multiple branch visits, ultimately preventing the loss. Through persistent intervention and sharing educational materials about the scam, Swathi and branch manager Kumar Gaud helped the senior citizen recognize he was being defrauded and disconnect from the criminals. The incident highlights the importance of verifying caller identity, protecting financial information, and remaining suspicious of urgent withdrawal demands.
dailyexcelsior.com
· 2025-12-08
Three individuals were arrested in Srinagar for operating a "digital arrest" scam that defrauded a senior citizen of Rs 21 lakh (approximately $25,000 USD). The fraudsters impersonated TRAI and CBI officials, fabricating money laundering allegations and arrest warrants to psychologically manipulate the victim into withdrawing fixed deposits and transferring funds to a fraudulent account. Police recovered Rs 4.13 lakhs for the victim and seized multiple phones, SIM cards, debit cards, and other materials; authorities emphasized that legitimate government agencies never conduct arrests or demand payments via video calls.
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.
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.
telecomtv.com
· 2025-12-08
O2 has launched Call Defence, a free AI-powered service that automatically alerts customers to suspected scam and nuisance calls before they answer, using Adaptive AI technology to analyze call behavior in real-time. The service addresses a significant problem in the UK where 16% of consumers fell victim to phone scams last year, losing an average of £798 each, with 22% of Brits targeted by scammers at least weekly. O2 is the first UK mobile operator to offer this fraud detection tool at no cost to all Pay Monthly and Business customers on compatible devices.
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
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Research by Virgin Money surveying 2,000 adults found that Millennials and Gen Z are most vulnerable to scams, with one in five Millennials having fallen victim to phishing scams; Millennials lost an average of £150 per scam while Gen Z lost around £141, with a third of victims reporting embarrassment. The survey highlights that scam attempts are at an all-time high and constantly evolving, with nearly 75% of scams now occurring online, and experts warn that even financially savvy individuals can be deceived—as demonstrated by a money influencer who lost 50 euros to a street art scam in Rome.
nbcboston.com
· 2025-12-08
Boston police have issued a holiday season fraud alert identifying six common scams: online shopping fraud using fake websites and social media ads, temporary job scams impersonating legitimate employers, phishing emails mimicking major retailers and banks, mail delivery scams requesting personal information via fake links, and gift card schemes involving PIN theft or manipulation. Police advise consumers to verify websites and employers directly, avoid clicking suspicious links, purchase gift cards from counters or legitimate online retailers, and report incidents to local police, the FTC, or the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI issued a holiday shopping warning highlighting four common scams: non-delivery, non-payment, auction fraud, and gift card fraud, which collectively cost consumers over $309 million in 2023. The agency advised shoppers to verify website security (https URLs), avoid suspicious links, check seller reviews, never use prepaid gift cards for payment, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as fraudsters use advanced tactics like credential-testing bots during peak shopping periods.
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
This article is an entertainment interview about the TV series "Fake," in which actress Asher Keddie plays Birdie Bell, a woman deceived by a charming man she meets online who is not who he claims to be. The piece discusses how intelligent, capable people can fall victim to liars and catfishers, with Keddie explaining that most people want to trust others and see the best in them, making them vulnerable to manipulation and self-deception.
**Note:** This is an entertainment/awareness article rather than a news report of an actual elder fraud case, so it does not contain specific victim information or financial losses related to a real scam incident.
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.
deccanchronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
A 90-year-old man in Gujarat lost his entire life savings of ₹1 crore in a digital scam when cybercriminals posing as bank officials tricked him into sharing sensitive banking details including OTPs through phone calls using fear tactics and technical jargon. The fraud was discovered by his family when they noticed unauthorized transactions, and police and the cybercrime cell launched an investigation to trace the perpetrators who used fake caller IDs and cloned websites. The incident underscores the vulnerability of elderly individuals to digital fraud and the need for greater cybersecurity awareness among seniors.
mustsharenews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old Singapore woman lost S$1.2 million (approximately USD $890,000) to scammers who impersonated OCBC Bank and police officers, claiming her account was involved in money laundering. Over 14 transfers made between May and June, she was deceived by forged documents and instructions delivered via WhatsApp, initially hiding her actions from relatives and bank staff by providing false explanations. The scam was uncovered by an OCBC investigator who grew suspicious of the "Datatronics" account receiving large transfers, leading to police intervention that ultimately made the victim realize she had been defrauded.
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