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Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.

7,397 results in Robocall / Phone Scam
kiro7.com · 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old Aberdeen resident lost $12,000 in a jury duty scam on June 27, when a fraudster claimed he had missed court and owed a fine, then directed him to convert the money to Bitcoin via a Coinstar machine. The scammer used a fake website mimicking the Grays Harbor Sheriff's Office to appear legitimate, though the victim reported the incident to police within an hour. Aberdeen Police emphasized that law enforcement never requests payment by phone or Bitcoin and urged residents to share awareness of this scam with seniors.
Robocall / Phone Scam General Elder Fraud Cryptocurrency Bank Transfer
cxotoday.com · 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common financial fraud tactics and prevention strategies, noting that bank frauds in India exceeded 302.5 billion rupees in fiscal year 2023. Key warning signs include unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, requests for personal information, unrealistic investment promises, and demands for payment via unconventional methods. The article recommends staying informed about scams, verifying identities before sharing information, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious with app downloads to protect against fraud.
sandhillsexpress.com · 2025-12-08
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers' office warned nonprofits about donation refund scams targeting charitable organizations, where fraudsters posing as donors submit large fraudulent checks (often five figures or more) and then request partial refunds, causing financial losses when the original checks bounce. Similar scams occur with stolen credit cards, where scammers request refunds to different cards and the nonprofit receives chargebacks. The Attorney General recommended nonprofits educate staff about fraud recognition, verify unusual donor requests directly, research unfamiliar donors before processing refunds, and issue card refunds only to the original card used.
english.jagran.com · 2025-12-08
A civil service aspirant in New Delhi was defrauded of Rs 1,21,917.70 (approximately $1,465 USD) through an elaborate dating app scam orchestrated by Black Mirror Cafe owners and employees. The victim was lured to the cafe via a fake Tinder profile, abandoned by his date, and then threatened and coerced into paying a drastically inflated bill. Police arrested cafe owner Akshay Pahwa and accomplice Afsan Parveen after investigating the scheme, which involved fake female profiles created by "table managers" to lure men to the establishment, with profits divided among the conspirators; similar scams have been reporte
timesofindia.indiatimes.com · 2025-12-08
A 37-year-old woman named Rashmi Kar was arrested in Navi Mumbai for defrauding her 34-year-old widow neighbor of approximately Rs 7 lakh (approximately $8,400 USD) using an AI voice-changing app to impersonate a male named "Abhimanyu Mehra." Kar, working with her husband Dipanjal Biswas, posed as a job recruiter, developed a romantic relationship with the victim over seven months, and convinced her to transfer money without ever meeting in person. The victim became suspicious when the impersonator avoided in-person meetings and reported the scam to police, leading to
yahoo.com · 2025-12-08
**AI-Powered Scams and Protective Measures** This educational piece identifies two primary AI-enabled scams targeting vulnerable individuals: voice cloning of family members to solicit emergency financial assistance, and personalized phishing emails using AI-generated text customized with stolen personal data to increase credibility. The article recommends verifying suspicious communications by contacting the person through normal channels, avoiding attempts to detect fake voices, treating unknown contacts as suspicious, and remaining skeptical of personalized messages that reference recent purchases or locations.
wyff4.com · 2025-12-08
The FBI warned the public about a sophisticated scam in which fraudsters contact victims by phone or email claiming they failed to report for jury duty and face federal arrest warrants, then demand payment via virtual currency to avoid jail time. The scammers enhance credibility by using actual names of North Carolina law enforcement officers, manipulating caller IDs to appear as government agencies, and sometimes claiming offices are closed due to COVID-19 to discourage in-person payment verification. The FBI emphasized that legitimate arrest warrants are never issued via email or text and never require immediate payment, and recommends victims verify any legal claims directly with law enforcement or courts rather than paying unsolicited demands.
foxnews.com · 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting summer travelers through online booking scams, with popular destinations like Fort Myers Beach, Sandusky, and Chicago being the most frequently exploited. Common scams include AI-generated fake accommodations, fraudulent booking websites, impersonation schemes, phishing emails, and public Wi-Fi data theft. According to McAfee research, 25% of Americans have lost over $1,000 to travel scams, 15% experienced fraudulent charges after using fake sites, and 13% arrived to find their booked accommodations didn't exist.
backendnews.net · 2025-12-08
Online Alerto, a Facebook community page, serves as an educational resource to help users in Southeast Asia recognize and avoid romance scams through shared experiences and digital literacy guidance. The platform identifies common red flags in love scams—such as rapid declarations of love, requests for money, avoidance of in-person meetings, and attempts to isolate victims—along with manipulation tactics scammers use. Online Alerto recommends protective strategies including reverse image searches, video call verification, social media consistency checks, and use of dating app identity verification features to help users safely navigate online dating.
ghanaweb.com · 2025-12-08
Ghanaian actor Big Akwes warned that he would publicly name prominent musicians involved in romance scams if provoked, claiming they use their spouses to defraud foreigners. The warning came amid discussion of socialite Hajia4Real, who pleaded guilty in February 2024 to her role in a $2 million romance scam targeting older Americans and was extradited from the UK to the US; court documents suggest her ex-partner exploited her involvement in the scheme while she feared for her safety and her daughter's.
wsoctv.com · 2025-12-08
A former romance scammer named Christopher Maxwell, who operated from Nigeria and defrauded tens of thousands of dollars from North Carolina victims over years-long online relationships, revealed his tactics in an interview—including impersonating military personnel to explain why he couldn't video chat and requesting money for supposed deployment emergencies. Maxwell's guilt intensified after scamming an elderly woman out of $30,000, leading him to reform and work for Social Catfish, a company that verifies online identities, and he now warns victims to avoid anyone unwilling to show their face on video. The article also features a local victim, Lara Katherine Miller, who lost $50 to a similar scammer before recogn
justice.gov · 2025-12-08
Mona Faiz Montrage, a prominent Ghanaian Instagram influencer with 3.4 million followers, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison in June 2024 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money from romance scams. From 2013 to 2019, Montrage received over $2 million in fraudulent funds from approximately 40 vulnerable elderly victims who were deceived into sending money under false pretenses such as gold transport fees and fake FBI investigations. In addition to her prison sentence, she was ordered to forfeit $216,475 and pay restitution of $1,387,458.
12news.com · 2025-12-08
Arizona seniors have lost over $82 million to fraud, with tech support scams causing average losses of $23,000 per victim and affecting people 60+ at 500% higher rates than younger adults. The Peoria Police Department is actively combating the "Phantom Hacker Scam," where criminals use pop-ups to trick seniors into sending money via cryptocurrency ATMs while posing as fraud detectives, and authorities are installing warning signs at crypto machines and urging community members to educate elderly relatives about avoiding such scams.
candgnews.com · 2025-12-08
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido held an educational workshop in June to inform the public—particularly seniors—about common scams and fraud tactics, highlighting how personal information shared online is often sold to third parties and exploited by scammers. The workshop identified four key components scammers use (pretend, payment, prize/problem, and pressure) and covered various fraud methods including spoofing, phishing, vishing, and impersonation of authorities, banks, and tech support. Lucido recommended using "opt out" selections when filling out forms and published a 30-page guide called "S.C.A.M.S." to help prevent identity theft and financial fraud in
cbs58.com · 2025-12-08
The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau warned travelers ahead of July 4th of an increase in airfare scams targeting holiday travelers. Scammers were creating fake airline booking websites and customer service numbers, using fabricated flight cancellation notices to trick travelers into paying rescheduling fees or charging them for non-existent services. The BBB advised consumers to verify URLs and phone numbers, use secure websites, and contact airlines directly to confirm details before making payments.
myfloridalegal.com · 2025-12-08
Florida's new state law protecting consumers from moving scams took effect July 1, requiring movers to register with the state, provide transparent contracts, and disclose registration status in advertising, with enhanced penalties including felony charges for refusing to return household goods. Attorney General Moody's office has taken action against over 18 movers and moving brokers, resulting in approximately $27 million in fines and restitution since 2019, and updated consumer guidance recommends verifying mover licensing, reviewing contracts carefully, and reporting suspected scams to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
heraldguide.com · 2025-12-08
The Sheriff's Office reports a surge in scams and identity theft cases involving cryptocurrency, romance schemes, impersonation of law enforcement and government agencies, and grandparent extortion. The office provided guidance on common red flags including unsolicited requests for gift cards, wire transfers, remote computer access, and personal financial information, emphasizing verification of caller identity and avoidance of pressure tactics promising prizes or threatening legal action.
drgnews.com · 2025-12-08
In 2023, the FTC received nearly 500,000 reports of business and government imposter scams, revealing that fraudsters increasingly use text messages and emails rather than phone calls, persuade victims to pay via bank transfers or cryptocurrency, and often impersonate multiple organizations simultaneously. The five most prevalent imposter scams involve fake account alerts, bogus subscription renewal notices (particularly impersonating Geek Squad), fraudulent discounts or prize offers, false crime allegations paired with payment requests, and fake delivery notifications designed to steal financial information.
wcnc.com · 2025-12-08
During summer vacation season, scammers are actively targeting travelers and job seekers with three prevalent schemes: fake toll charges via text messages claiming overdue payments, travel scams offering free vacations or fake rental listings, and job scams requesting cryptocurrency payments to unlock employment opportunities. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs warns consumers to protect their bank accounts as carefully as their skin from the sun and is offering a free webinar on July 3 to discuss these scams and prevention strategies.
midmichigannow.com · 2025-12-08
Victor Valdez, a New York City man, was charged with conspiracy to defraud seniors through a "grandparent scam" in which call center operators in the Dominican Republic impersonated grandchildren claiming to need bail money between 2020 and 2021, with Valdez collecting the cash from victims' homes. The scheme resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in losses, and Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. The case reflects a broader trend: elder fraud reports to the FBI increased 14% annually, with seniors losing over $3.4 billion to scams, many of which go unreported.
wchstv.com · 2025-12-08
Victor Valdez, a New York City man, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy for helping operate a grandparent scam between 2020 and 2021, in which call center operators in the Dominican Republic impersonated grandchildren, lawyers, and court officials to convince senior victims they needed bail money, with Valdez collecting the cash from their homes. The scheme defrauded grandparents of tens of thousands of dollars, and Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; the FBI reports that scams targeting people over 60 caused over $3.4 billion in losses last year.
cbsaustin.com · 2025-12-08
Victor Valdez, a New York City man, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy for conspiring with Dominican Republic call center operators between 2020 and 2021 to defraud grandparents by impersonating their grandchildren, lawyers, and court officials claiming bail money was needed. Valdez collected tens of thousands of dollars from victims by picking up cash from their homes after the scammers convinced them to withdraw money, and he faces up to 20 years in prison. The case highlights a broader trend in elder fraud, with reports to the FBI increasing 14% annually and scams targeting seniors 60+ causing over $3.4 billion in losses.
yahoo.com · 2025-12-08
Former romance scammer Christopher Maxwell, who operated from Nigeria and defrauded tens of thousands of dollars from victims across North Carolina, revealed his tactics: building trust with women through dating apps over extended periods while posing as a deployed military member, then requesting money under false pretenses. Maxwell's guilt intensified when an older victim lost $30,000 and suffered physical and mental illness as a result, prompting him to reform and work for an online verification company. The article also features victim Lara Katherine Miller, who lost $50 to a similar scam before recognizing the red flags.
katu.com · 2025-12-08
Victor Valdez, a New York City man, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy for helping operate a "grandparent scam" between 2020 and 2021, in which call center operators in the Dominican Republic posed as grandchildren, lawyers, or court officials to convince elderly victims they needed bail money, with Valdez collecting the cash from victims' homes. The scheme defrauded grandparents of tens of thousands of dollars, and Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The case highlights a broader trend: elder fraud reports to the FBI increased 14% last year, with victims aged 60+ losing over $3.
finance.yahoo.com · 2025-12-08
Wire transfers and large cash transfers are increasingly targeted by online fraudsters and should be conducted in person at bank branches rather than online, according to banking experts and the Federal Trade Commission. Common wire transfer scams include utility shut-off threats, romance scams, prize scams, family emergency scams (including AI voice cloning), and fake check schemes—all of which exploit the irreversible nature of wire transfers to steal money from victims. The FTC recommends never wiring money to anyone you haven't met in person, and emphasizes knowing both the recipient and the reason for the transfer.
Romance Scam Lottery/Prize Scam Utility Impersonation Phishing Grandparent Scam Wire Transfer Bank Transfer Check/Cashier's Check Money Order / Western Union
dailyguidenetwork.com · 2025-12-08
Kumawood actor Big Akwes claimed on a Ghanaian television show that prominent musicians use their spouses to conduct romance scams against foreigners, threatening to publicly name them if provoked. He contextualized his warning while discussing the recent sentencing of socialite Hajia4Real for romance fraud, noting that such scams involve Ghanaians both domestically and abroad collaborating with swindlers, and some overseas Ghanaians unwittingly facilitate money laundering by lending their bank accounts to fraudsters.
clintonherald.com · 2025-12-08
A June 2024 Washington Post investigation revealed a massive scam operation centered in Myanmar's Kokang region, controlled by Chinese crime families, that employed approximately 120,000 coerced workers across over 300 call centers to perpetrate cryptocurrency investment scams and romance scams targeting US victims. Workers from 35 countries were lured under false pretenses and subjected to beatings, torture, and killings for attempting to escape or failing to meet quotas, demonstrating why legal consequences remain minimal for scammers operating from overseas jurisdictions.
justice.gov · 2025-12-08
Robert Louis Sanchez of New Mexico was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison as the fifth defendant in a grandparent scam that defrauded hundreds of victims across the United States, including Kentucky, of over $3 million between August 2020 and May 2021. The scheme involved callers convincing seniors that a grandchild needed emergency money, with co-conspirators posing as couriers to collect cash and launder proceeds through banks and cryptocurrency exchanges. Sanchez served as both a courier and "safehouse" keeper for stolen funds, with four other co-conspirators previously sentenced to terms ranging from 6 months to 6 years in prison.
thesmokymountaintimes.com · 2025-12-08
Tammy Williams and Ginger Frady from United Community Bank conducted a senior fraud awareness program at Swain Senior Center, educating older adults on recognizing and avoiding scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, older adults lost $1.6 billion to scammers in the previous year, with nearly half lost to fraudulent investments, lottery schemes, phishing, and grandparent scams being among the most common threats. The presenters advised seniors to use credit cards with low limits for online purchases, avoid clicking suspicious links, never send money for prizes they didn't win, hang up on pushy callers claiming to represent government or financial institutions, and consult with their banks when uncertain
todayswillsandprobate.co.uk · 2025-12-08
A 2023 survey by Re-engage of over 1,177 older people (predominantly age 75+) found that two-thirds experienced attempted scams and 8.3% were actual victims, with one-fifth facing weekly or more scam attempts. Telephone scams were the most common attack vector, and victims reported significant quality-of-life impacts, with over one-quarter experiencing high negative effects. Key recommendations include targeted support for isolated older people, increased fraud awareness education, and use of protective measures like call blockers and scam alert registration.
lawrencecountypress.com · 2025-12-08
The IRS warned Mississippi seniors about rising impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) via phone calls, emails, and texts to steal personal information and money. Scammers pressure victims into immediate payments using unconventional methods like gift cards, wire transfers, and cryptocurrency by creating false urgency through threats of arrest, deportation, or claims of unpaid taxes. The IRS advises recipients of unsolicited calls to hang up immediately, verify communications through official channels at 800-829-1040, and report scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Lottery/Prize Scam Government Impersonation Phishing Identity Theft Medicare Fraud Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Gift Cards Payment App
freep.com · 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating legitimate job recruiters and staffing companies (including Indeed, LinkedIn, Robert Half, and Kelly Services) to target job seekers with fake work-from-home offers promising $200-$1,000 daily pay. According to the FTC, consumers filed nearly 108,500 complaints about fake job opportunities in 2023, with about 32% resulting in losses averaging $2,169 each, totaling over $500 million in losses. The FBI warns that some scams involve cryptocurrency payment requirements disguised as part of the hiring process, trapping victims in schemes where they see fake earnings but cannot access real money.
Crypto Investment Scam Phishing Robocall / Phone Scam Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM Gift Cards Check/Cashier's Check
wthr.com · 2025-12-08
This educational article explains how to identify fraudulent debt collector scams, which often use threatening calls or texts to alarm potential victims. Warning signs include calls outside legal hours (8 a.m.–9 p.m.), threats to disclose debt to family or coworkers, requests for untraceable payment methods like cryptocurrency or gift cards, and failure to provide required information such as the creditor name and amount owed. The article advises consumers to verify debts through their credit report and avoid sharing personal financial information with callers.
Crypto Investment Scam Robocall / Phone Scam Cryptocurrency Gift Cards Payment App
boothbayregister.com · 2025-12-08
Door-to-door sales scams proliferate during summer, taking forms such as solar panel offers, magazine subscriptions, or construction services, with scammers using high-pressure tactics to obtain upfront payments or immediate commitments. The key warning sign across all variants is the demand for immediate signing or advance payment, and the recommended defense is to research services independently before making any purchasing decisions. AARP advises consumers to use their Fraud Watch Network resources to identify and prevent these scams.
cnet.com · 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans lost $10 billion to fraud, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated tactics that are difficult to detect. The article identifies 10 common banking scams—including check fraud, phishing, fake prize offers, advance fee schemes, and government imposter scams—and provides protective strategies such as verifying URLs before clicking links, never sharing banking details unsolicited, and using secure check writing practices. The key defense is awareness: recognizing these common schemes and understanding that legitimate institutions rarely request sensitive information through unsolicited messages or calls.
the-sun.com · 2025-12-08
Victoria Melhuish, an Instagram user with nearly 20,000 followers, was hacked and extorted for $300 in cryptocurrency after clicking a fraudulent verification email that appeared to be from Meta. The scammers, allegedly college students, threatened to sell her account unless she paid the ransom; though she regained access after payment, her account was subsequently banned for suspicious activity, forcing her into a dispute with Meta to restore it.
infosecurity-magazine.com · 2025-12-08
A UK industry survey found that 65% of payments professionals identify fraud as their top financial crime concern, with authorized push payment (APP) scams—where fraudsters impersonate trusted entities to trick victims into transferring money—being the most impactful type, affecting 27% of respondents' organizations. APP fraud cases rose 12% year-on-year in 2023 with losses reaching £460 million, primarily through purchase scams (67% of cases) and online sources (76% of cases), though the scams are relatively unsophisticated and succeed through mass targeting rather than complexity. Payment service providers are concerned about upcoming liability rules that would require them to split responsibility for APP
indiatoday.in · 2025-12-08
An X user shared screenshots of how he outsmarted a romance scammer who attempted to extract Rs 1,000 (approximately $12 USD) via Google Pay by posing as a dating app match. Instead of sending the requested amount, the user convinced the scammer to send Rs 20 first as a "test transaction," then blocked the scammer after receiving the money. The incident highlights the prevalence of dating app scams, which typically involve fake profiles building emotional connections before requesting money for emergencies or other expenses, and underscores the importance of skepticism, identity verification, and trusting one's instincts when using dating platforms.
havredailynews.com · 2025-12-08
Psychologists have identified that older adults, who hold significant financial assets and make important decisions, are increasingly vulnerable to financial exploitation, with over 90,000 victims losing $1.7 billion to fraud in 2021 alone. Research shows that susceptibility to deception in aging depends on both individual factors—such as cognitive decline, memory problems, emotional state, and loneliness—and contextual factors related to how victims are targeted across various platforms including emails, social media, and deepfakes. The study emphasizes that understanding these psychological vulnerabilities is critical for developing interventions to protect older adults, whose losses from fraud are typically larger and more devastating than younger victims' losses.
wthr.com · 2025-12-08
The Fishers Police Department is warning residents of an impersonation scam in which callers falsely claim to be FPD officers, use real officer names, and demand personal information and payment while threatening home visits for non-compliance. The department emphasizes that they never request payment over the phone and advises residents to verify any officer's identity by calling the Hamilton County Communications Center at 317-773-1282.
newstalkkzrg.com · 2025-12-08
Grandparent scams, also known as emergency scams, target older adults by impersonating grandchildren or loved ones over the phone or text, claiming they need money urgently for an emergency. Modern versions of these scams increasingly use AI-generated messages and voice cloning technology to sound authentic, making them harder to detect. To protect yourself, pause before reacting to urgent requests, verify the caller's identity by calling them directly, limit personal information on social media, and never send money through untraceable methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency if you have any doubts.
Government Impersonation Bank Impersonation Tech Support Scam Phishing Grandparent Scam Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Gift Cards Payment App
alaskapublic.org · 2025-12-08
Samantha Norman, a nurse in Palmer, Alaska, lost $3,000 in a "Jury Duty Scam" after a caller impersonating a police officer convinced her she had missed jury duty and had a warrant for her arrest. The scammer used social engineering tactics—claiming to be sympathetic, citing COVID protocols, and instructing her to pay bail via a Coinstar machine—to manipulate her into sending money. This nationwide scheme has been targeting Alaskans for years, with Palmer Police reporting multiple victims on the same day Norman was scammed.
9news.com · 2025-12-08
A Denver man lost over $600 in a phone scam where scammers impersonated his bank (Wells Fargo), claiming fraud had been detected on his account, and then tricked him into providing his Apple ID credentials and changing his password, resulting in the theft of his phone data and funds. Aurora Police reported 25 similar cases in the year and emphasized that once scammers gain access to a victim's device and accounts, there is little law enforcement can do to recover the lost money. Police advise people to hang up on suspicious calls and instead contact their bank directly using a trusted phone number.
rd.com · 2025-12-08
Work-from-home job scams are fraudulent job postings designed to steal personal information or trick applicants into paying upfront fees for fake background checks, training, or equipment. According to the Better Business Bureau, approximately 14 million job seekers encounter these scams annually, resulting in over $2 billion in losses. To protect yourself, job applicants should verify company legitimacy through official websites, watch for red flags like requests for payment before employment or overly quick hiring processes, and be cautious of positions advertised on social media or through direct messages rather than official job boards.
Investment Fraud Tech Support Scam Phishing Identity Theft Home Repair Scam Cryptocurrency Gift Cards Check/Cashier's Check
wvpublic.org · 2025-12-08
Elder financial fraud is trending upward in West Virginia and nationally, with Americans aged 60 and older losing $3 billion annually to scammers. U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld advises seniors and their families to resist pressure to act quickly, avoid clicking unexpected links in texts and emails, and to contact law enforcement immediately if money is sent fraudulently, as funds can sometimes be recovered or frozen. The fraud targets vulnerable populations and often involves schemes using artificial urgency, such as lottery processing fees or fake emergencies from loved ones.
secureworks.com · 2025-12-08
The film "Thelma" depicts a 93-year-old woman who loses $10,000 to a grandson impersonation scam, reflecting a real crisis: the FBI reported over 101,000 elder fraud victims aged 60+ in 2023, with tech support, romance, confidence, and investment scams being the most common types. Social engineering attacks exploit human psychology and create artificial urgency to manipulate victims into divulging sensitive information or making payments, and victims often experience lasting emotional harm including shame and loss of confidence. Key prevention strategies include educating oneself about scams, trusting instincts when requests seem unusual, verifying the identity of callers, an
foxnews.com · 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams—a 10.6% increase from 2022—with 101,068 reports filed, according to FBI IC3 data. Criminals obtained victims' personal information through data brokers and used it to perpetrate tech support scams (18,000 victims, $589.8 million lost), investment fraud (6,400 victims, $1.2 billion lost), and romance scams (6,700 victims, $356.9 million lost). The article advises seniors to use data removal services, place fraud alerts with credit agencies, and remain cautious of phishing
indiatoday.in · 2025-12-08
An X user shared a story of successfully turning the tables on a romance scammer who attempted to con him out of Rs 1,000 via Google Pay by posing as a dating app match. The user outsmarted the scammer by pretending payment failed twice, then convincing the scammer to send Rs 20 first as a "test," after which he blocked them. The article outlines common dating app scams including romance scams, location scams, and fake investment schemes, while offering protective measures such as identity verification, skepticism toward early money requests, and use of app security features.
marbleheadcurrent.org · 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old Marblehead woman fell victim to a tech support scam where fraudsters posed as federal investigators and convinced her that hackers had compromised her computer and identity, ultimately persuading her to withdraw $7,500 and mail it to California wrapped in foil and bubble wrap. Thanks to quick action by Marblehead Police, the package was intercepted and returned before delivery, allowing the victim to recover her money. The scam illustrates how perpetrators manipulate victims through urgency and fear, targeting their emotions rather than logic, and police emphasize that residents should never call numbers on suspicious pop-ups or provide personal information over the phone.
pmg-ky1.com · 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau's June Hot Topics report highlights ten prevalent scams affecting consumers, including employment fraud on Facebook ($5,000+ loss), fake family emergency calls, medical bill scams, customer service imposters, invoice scams, sweepstakes fraud, phishing schemes, online shopping and hotel booking scams, and used car parts fraud. The BBB advises consumers to verify businesses at www.bbb.org before transactions, never send money over the phone or to unverified callers, check official accounts and court websites to confirm suspicious claims, and always pay with credit cards to enable dispute protection.