Explore the Archive

**Scammer Payback Answers Scam Questions** (11/05/2024) YouTube scambaiter Pierogi from Scammer Payback identifies key red flags of scams, including pressure to make quick decisions, requests for remote computer access, and demands for payment via gift cards, Cash App, wire transfers, or Bitcoin. The video addresses common scam types including tech support pop-ups, romance scams (citing a case where a 90+ year old woman was defrauded of tens of thousands of dollars by someone posing as a celebrity), and explains why scammers prefer gift cards for money laundering and anonymity, while demonstrating

A 74-year-old woman in Hyderabad lost ₹37.9 lakh in retirement savings to a fake money laundering account scam, while a 63-year-old man lost ₹50 lakh to a WhatsApp stock trading fraud—part of a rising trend of sophisticated cyber crimes targeting India's elderly population. Research and expert analysis reveal that older adults are particularly vulnerable because they often underestimate their cognitive decline, experience reduced cognitive flexibility and increased impulsivity, and may be unaware of these changes, while scammers deliberately target lonely seniors and exploit emotional manipulation and false profit promises. India's estimated 3.8 million people living with dem

This content is a compilation of legal case summaries and does not contain a single article suitable for Elderus summarization. However, the relevant elder abuse item is: The DOJ released its sixth Annual Report to Congress detailing federal progress in combating elder fraud, abuse, and nursing home neglect from July 2023 to June 2024, noting that multiple new and ongoing federal programs have been implemented in partnership with law enforcement agencies to address financial fraud and caregiver abuse affecting elderly Americans.

An educational video game called "Dodgy or Not?" is teaching Australian primary school students to identify online scams and deepfake fraud by analyzing real-world messages and social media posts in real time. The game addresses the growing sophistication of cyber criminals using AI-generated deepfakes, with Australia losing $3-4 billion annually to reported online fraud, and educators warning that emerging threats like sextortion targeting young people are increasing globally.

Deepfake technology is being weaponized for widespread fraud, including financial scams where criminals impersonate executives or loved ones to steal money (one case involved a $25.6 million loss), sextortion schemes, and romance scams enhanced with fake video. The technology poses escalating threats to individuals, corporations, and institutions as criminals exploit AI-generated deepfakes faster than legal protections can be established, with victims including everyday people, minors, and public figures targeted for financial exploitation and non-consensual explicit content.

Police warn that criminals are rapidly exploiting artificial intelligence to commit fraud, child sexual abuse, and other crimes at scale. High-profile cases include deepfake video conference scams that defrauded a finance worker of £20.5 million, generative AI systems used to create thousands of child abuse images, and sextortion schemes using manipulated photos. Law enforcement identifies child abuse imagery and fraud as the primary criminal uses of AI currently, while also warning of emerging threats including terrorist radicalization through AI chatbots.

A survey by Investor Loss Center using FTC data identified the top fraud types affecting New Yorkers in the first three quarters of the year, with imposter scams leading at 27,191 reports, followed by online shopping scams (14,019 reports), internet service scams (6,589 reports), healthcare scams (4,570 reports), and fake job opportunities (4,369 reports). The report emphasizes that residents should be skeptical of unsolicited offers, verify caller identity by calling official numbers, and trust their instincts when something feels suspicious.

A five-month global law enforcement operation (July-November 2024) involving 40 countries arrested over 5,500 financial crime suspects and seized more than USD 400 million in assets across seven types of cyber-enabled frauds including voice phishing, romance scams, investment fraud, and cryptocurrency scams. Notable outcomes included Korean and Chinese authorities dismantling a voice phishing syndicate that defrauded 1,900 victims of USD 1.1 billion, and the recovery of USD 39.3 million in a Singapore business email compromise case affecting a commodity firm that lost USD 42.3 million.

Irish law enforcement (Gardaí) recovered approximately €3.5 million from bank accounts as part of an international operation targeting organized fraud networks that employed sextortion, romance scams, and phishing tactics. Irish nationals were identified as victims across multiple types of cyber-enabled fraud schemes. The operation demonstrates coordinated global efforts to combat sophisticated organized fraud affecting vulnerable populations.

**Summary:** Interpol's Operation HAECHI V (July-November) arrested over 5,500 suspected cybercriminals across 40 countries and seized more than $400 million in digital and fiat currencies. The operation targeted seven crime types including romance scams, investment fraud, voice phishing, and business email compromise, with a joint Korea-China effort dismantling a voice phishing syndicate responsible for $1.1 billion in losses from over 1,900 victims. Interpol identified an emerging trend involving romance scams that trick users into purchasing Tether stablecoins and surrendering wallet information through phishing links.

A five-month international law enforcement operation led by Interpol arrested over 5,500 people and seized more than $400 million across 40 countries for cybercrimes including investment fraud, romance scams, and sextortion. Notable cases included a China-based voice phishing syndicate that defrauded at least 1,900 victims of $1.1 billion using fake law enforcement personas, and a business email compromise scheme that stole $42.3 million from a Singapore firm (of which $39.3 million was recovered). The operation, called Haechi V, achieved record results with nearly 8,309 cases solved.

Ian Mitchell, founder of The Knoble—a network of over 7,000 members across 600+ financial institutions dedicated to combating human trafficking, child exploitation, and elder financial exploitation—discusses his organization's mission to fight human crimes alongside law enforcement and banks. Mitchell co-founded Mission Omega, a fraud consulting firm that donates 10% of gross revenue to The Knoble while helping financial institutions address fraud vulnerabilities. Mitchell transitioned into this work after his banking career, inspired by learning that human trafficking is a financially motivated crime, and now combines his expertise with creative pursuits, including releasing purpose-driven music on Spotify.

Local and federal authorities warn that scam attempts increase during the holiday season, with criminals using text messages, phone calls, and emails to target victims through blackmail, charity fraud, debt collection schemes, grandparent scams, and other deceptive tactics. Common red flags include unsolicited contact using fear or emotional manipulation to pressure victims into sending money via untraceable methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency. Authorities recommend verifying the legitimacy of charities through trusted resources, being skeptical of unsolicited requests, and hanging up if something sounds suspicious rather than providing personal or financial information.

**Article:** "I know where you live!": the latest sextortion scam exposed The "Hello Pervert" sextortion scam emails intimidate victims to pay in cryptocurrency by threatening to expose compromising content and now include a new tactic—photos of recipients' homes obtained from Google Maps Street View. To protect themselves, victims should never pay or respond to such emails, report them to law enforcement and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and take preventive measures including blurring their homes on Google Maps, conducting dark web scans, maintaining strong passwords, and running regular security scans on all devices.

This educational guide defines scams as illegal schemes designed to steal money or personal information, and describes current fraud methods including "quishing" (fake QR codes at parking meters), fraudulent text messages impersonating government energy credit schemes, and spoofed business emails requesting payment. The article provides protective measures such as avoiding QR code payments, using multi-factor authentication, verifying websites through cybersecurity tools, recognizing warning signs (unsolicited contacts, pressure to act quickly, grammatical errors), and safeguarding personal information by only sharing details in initiated communications and checking website security features.

This article provides six free strategies for protecting finances from fraud, particularly during high-risk periods like the holiday season. The recommended safeguards include staying informed about trending scams (adoption, romance, grandparent, and elder fraud), freezing credit with major bureaus when not applying for loans, enabling multi-factor authentication on accounts, using password managers to create strong unique passwords, avoiding clicking links or calling numbers in unsolicited communications, and monitoring accounts regularly for suspicious activity. These preventive measures require no financial investment but can significantly reduce vulnerability to identity theft and fraud year-round.

Fraudsters increasingly use AI-generated deepfakes and voice cloning to impersonate family members in scams demanding urgent money for emergencies like kidnappings or accidents. The FBI and banks now recommend families create secret passphrases to verify identity during suspicious calls or messages, using unique phrases unrelated to publicly available personal information and kept strictly private. While family passphrases offer a useful defense layer, experts caution that victims in genuine emergencies may struggle to remember them due to panic or adrenaline.

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.

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.

An Isle of Man Bank customer lost nearly £200,000 after fraudsters impersonated the bank's fraud team and convinced the victim to purchase gold and send it via mail to London; the scam succeeded because it coincided with the customer's genuine card problems, making the call seem legitimate. The Cyber Security Centre's report for late 2024 also documented additional fraud cases including a £200,000 cryptocurrency scam, sextortion attempts, smishing schemes, and fake Facebook travel offers, with 2,721 suspicious emails reported to authorities and recommendations emphasizing independent verification and family communication about financial matters.

A 53-year-old French woman lost €830,000 to Nigerian scammers who used AI-generated photos to impersonate actor Brad Pitt and convince her they were in a romantic relationship, claiming the actor needed money for medical treatment. The case highlights how Nigerian internet fraudsters, known as "Yahoo Boys," are adopting AI and deepfake technology to conduct romance scams, a tactic experts warn could significantly increase the effectiveness and prevalence of such fraud schemes.

Hampton residents lost nearly $1 million to phone, email, text, and social media scams over 13 months, with many involving cryptocurrency, according to Hampton Police Chief Alex Reno—though he notes this represents only reported cases. One particularly devastating case involved a "pig butchering scheme" where a resident lost $480,000 after a scammer built trust through social media before introducing a fraudulent investment opportunity. The Hampton Police Department has become New Hampshire's first law enforcement agency to open a Coinbase account to potentially freeze and recover stolen cryptocurrency, and the chief urges residents to contact police before sending money rather than after they've been victimized.

A 53-year-old French woman lost €830,000 ($850,000) to Nigerian scammers who impersonated actor Brad Pitt through AI-generated photos and fake romantic contact on Instagram, claiming he needed money for medical treatment. The case highlights how Nigerian fraudsters are evolving romance scams by incorporating deepfake and AI technologies, with authorities investigating three men in their 20s based in Nigeria. This represents a dangerous escalation of traditional "Yahoo Boys" internet fraud schemes that have plagued West Africa for years.

A 53-year-old French woman lost €830,000 ($850,000) to Nigerian scammers who used AI-generated photos to impersonate Hollywood actor Brad Pitt and convince her they were in a romantic relationship, claiming he needed money for medical treatment. The case exemplifies how Nigerian fraudsters, historically known for romance and sextortion scams, are adopting AI and deepfake technology to exploit victims, with cybercrime experts warning this technological evolution threatens to undermine years of progress in combating internet fraud.

Sextortion scams are evolving to use personalized intimidation tactics, including victims' home addresses, phone numbers, and images of their neighborhoods in emails to create a false sense of immediate threat. Scammers now exploit invoicing platforms to bypass email security filters, claim devices are infected with malware like Pegasus, and demand cryptocurrency payments while threatening public humiliation or physical visits. Organizations and individuals can reduce vulnerability through robust email filtering and user education about these sophisticated social engineering tactics.

Over $1.03 trillion was lost to scams globally in 2024, with scammers increasingly using artificial intelligence, imposter tactics, and evolving technology to deceive victims. Key emerging threats include AI-powered phishing, deepfake videos, and voice cloning, alongside traditional imposter scams (including grandparent and romance scams) where median losses reached $800-$14,740 depending on the scam type. Scammers are shifting from phone calls to email and text messages as their primary contact method, making it essential for people to remain skeptical of unsolicited communications.

Scams and fraud losses reached over $1.03 trillion globally in 2024, with scammers increasingly leveraging new technology to evolve their tactics. Key emerging threats for 2025 include AI-powered scams (using deepfakes, AI-generated images, and synthetic voices to enhance phishing and imposter schemes), traditional imposter scams (including grandparent and romance scams, with median losses of $800 in 2023 and $14,740 for government imposter scams), and a shift toward email and text-based contact methods rather than phone calls. Learning about these developments helps potential victims stay ahead of scammers who aim to steal personal information

Australian authorities warned more than 5,000 potential victims via text message about romance scammers operating from the Philippines who targeted men over 35 using fake female personas on dating apps. The scammers convinced victims to invest AUD $300-$800 in cryptocurrency before stealing their funds, with the scheme uncovered after Philippine authorities raided a scam compound in Manila in November 2024 and identified Australian phone numbers linked to the operation. The investigation, known as Operation Firestorm, has resulted in over 250 arrests in the Philippines, and authorities advised victims to report funds to their banks and police immediately.

Australian authorities identified over 5,000 potential victims of a romance scam operation run by Philippine-based cybercriminals who posed as Filipino or local females on dating apps to deceive mostly male victims over 35. The scammers convinced victims to invest AUD $300–$800 in cryptocurrency before transferring funds to their accounts; the investigation resulted in over 250 arrests and led authorities to send warning text messages to potential victims advising them not to send money and to report any losses to banks and police. This operation was conducted under Operation Firestorm, a global initiative by the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Collaboration Centre to disrupt offshore organized crime networks targeting

Romance scams are highly sophisticated fraud schemes that exploit emotional vulnerability and loneliness, affecting victims across all age groups but particularly targeting middle-aged adults (55-64) and older adults (65-74). In 2023, romance scams resulted in approximately $1.14 billion in reported losses in the United States, with a median loss of $2,000 per victim, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated images and fake social media accounts to build trust before requesting money for fabricated emergencies. A notable 2024 case involved a 53-year-old French woman who lost her entire life savings of $850,000 to scammers posing as

A Norton study reveals that while 60% of online daters encounter AI-generated responses and many welcome AI tools for dating profiles, AI also enables increasingly sophisticated scams. Dating app users face significant threats: 40% have been targeted by scams with 41% of those becoming victims, including catfishing (55%), romance scams (34%), and sextortion (31%), while only 46% of users can identify fake AI-generated images and 27% have had their photos stolen without permission. Norton launched Genie, a free AI-powered scam detection app, to help users identify fraudulent profiles and protect themselves against these evolving threats.

The Maharashtra Cyber Police issued a public alert warning senior citizens about four prevalent scam types targeting them: digital arrest scams (where fraudsters impersonate police demanding online payment), investment frauds (promising unrealistic returns), sextortion (extorting money after obtaining private photos), and phishing scams (using suspicious links and OTP theft). The alert emphasizes that legitimate authorities never demand online payments or threaten arrest via phone, and advises seniors to verify investments with trusted advisors, avoid sharing personal information online, and report suspicious activity to the Cyber Crime Helpline.

Romance scams cost victims over a billion dollars annually and typically begin with a scammer initiating contact through text or dating apps, building trust over time, and then requesting money, gift cards, or bank account information under false pretenses such as military deployment or travel expenses. Common red flags include stolen profile photos (which can be identified through reverse image searches), requests to move conversations off dating platforms, and inconsistencies in stories. To protect yourself, use unique dating app photos, avoid connecting with people who have no mutual friends, inform trusted contacts about new online connections, and conduct reverse image searches on suspicious profiles.

Romance scams cost victims over a billion dollars annually, with scammers using tactics like the "meet-cute" text and military impersonation to build trust before requesting money or financial information, sometimes defrauding victims of tens of thousands of dollars. To protect yourself, use reverse image searches to verify photos, avoid using dating app photos from social media, and consult friends and family about new online contacts, as anyone—from young people targeted in sextortion schemes to lonely older adults—can fall victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.

Romance scams cost victims over a billion dollars annually, with scammers using tactics like fake "meet-cute" encounters, impersonating military personnel, and requesting money or banking information under the guise of plane tickets or other expenses. To protect yourself, perform reverse image searches on photos, avoid using the same profile photos across platforms, and inform trusted friends and family about online contacts, as anyone—from young people to lonely seniors—can fall victim to these increasingly sophisticated schemes.

Romance scammers exploit Valentine's Day and other occasions by impersonating military personnel, celebrities, or fake dating agencies across social media and messaging platforms to build trust with victims before soliciting money via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. A tech company disrupted multiple romance scam networks operating across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, and other platforms, with schemes originating from Nigeria and Kenya targeting users in the US, UAE, Japan, Africa, and other regions. The company recommends users verify identities, avoid sending money to unknown contacts, and use platform safety tools to protect against these schemes.

Cyber-enabled scams originating primarily from criminal gangs in Southeast Asia, India, and Nigeria have become a global security emergency, with over 57,000 Americans scammed daily, resulting in $158 billion in annual losses and an average victim loss of $14,197 ($33,915 for seniors). These transnational fraud operations, often run by Chinese crime bosses using forced labor, fund additional criminal activities including human trafficking, drug manufacturing, and hostile nation weapons programs, while U.S. law enforcement capacity is severely overwhelmed and can only address a fraction of cases.

Sextortion has emerged as one of the most devastating romance scams, with fraudsters using fake profiles to manipulate victims into sharing intimate content before threatening exposure and demanding ransom payments. The FBI reported over 12,000 complaints in 2023 resulting in millions in financial losses, severe psychological trauma, and in some cases fatalities, with younger and newer online daters being particularly vulnerable. The article recommends that social media and dating platforms implement stronger identity verification measures, including biometric and government ID verification, to eliminate fake profiles and make it harder for scammers to operate across multiple platforms.

Moody's identified 1,193 new entities and people globally with potential ties to romance scams in 2024, marking a six-year high and 14% increase from 2023. Romance scammers build fake online identities to manipulate victims into sending money or financial information, with older adults and emotionally vulnerable individuals (such as those experiencing divorce or grief) being particularly targeted. Financial institutions must strengthen their anti-fraud screening processes using advanced technologies like AI and machine learning, robust anti-money laundering protocols, and cross-sector collaboration with regulators and law enforcement to detect and prevent these schemes.

Romance scam-linked entities reached a six-year high in 2024, with 1,193 new profiles globally (a 14% increase from 2023), exposing banks to significant reputational risks and regulatory fines as criminals attempt to launder proceeds through the traditional financial system. The United States accounted for 38% of new romance scam profiles, followed by Nigeria (14%) and India (12%), with notable surges in Malaysia (64 profiles in 2024 vs. 6 in 2023) and the Philippines (45 vs. 10). The rise has been linked to pandemic-era isolation and increased online vulnerability, with romance scam profiles in

Thai police launched a "Senior's Community Cyber Police Club" to combat rising online fraud targeting older citizens, who lost 4.4 billion THB (125 million USD) in nearly 14,000 reported cases during 2024. The program provides weekly educational Zoom sessions teaching seniors about common scams such as fake product sales, fraudulent job offers, and extortion calls impersonating officials, with early results showing declining victimization rates and increasing membership. The initiative complements other awareness efforts including weekly Facebook programs and daily scam alerts as part of Thailand's broader cybercrime prevention strategy.

Romance scams, where fraudsters create fake profiles on dating apps and social media to manipulate victims emotionally and extract money, have increased 14% globally in 2024 with over 1,193 new scam profiles detected. The United States (38%), Nigeria (14%), and India (12%) are the most affected countries, with scammers employing tactics like "love bombing," fake personas, and blackmail to exploit victims over weeks or months. Tech companies including Meta, Tinder, Bumble, and Google are implementing AI-powered detection systems, safety notices, and content filters to identify and remove fraudulent accounts and warn users of suspicious activity.

Scammers are sending mass extortion emails threatening to expose alleged compromising material unless recipients pay money (often in Bitcoin), using publicly available personal information like names and addresses to create a false sense of familiarity and urgency. One Pennsylvania resident received such an email demanding $2,000 after the sender claimed to have malware and webcam access, though experts note that scammers rarely possess actual evidence and send these threats indiscriminately to thousands of people obtained from data breaches. The FBI advises recipients not to respond, not to pay, and to report such emails as spam or phishing.

Cryptocurrency investments carry substantial risk and have become a prime target for scammers, with crypto-related fraud losses reaching $5.6 billion in 2023, a 45 percent increase from the previous year according to the FBI. Common crypto scams include fake investment opportunities promising guaranteed returns, phishing schemes using counterfeit websites, celebrity endorsement fraud, and Ponzi schemes that recruit investors but misuse funds. Individuals considering cryptocurrency investment should familiarize themselves with these scam tactics and verify the legitimacy of any platform before providing personal information or money.

While younger people in their 20s and 30s fall for scams at more than twice the rate of those over 60, older adults lose significantly more money when victimized—the FTC estimates seniors lost $61 billion to fraud last year compared to $158 billion total across all ages. Scammers tailor tactics by age group, targeting seniors with tech support and gift card scams while exploiting millennials through romance, shopping, and employment fraud. The key takeaway is that vulnerability to scams is not age-specific; rather, financial impact differs substantially based on available resources.

**Summary:** While younger people (ages 20-30) fall for scams at more than twice the rate of those over 60, older adults lose significantly larger amounts of money when victimized, accounting for approximately $61 billion of the $158 billion in total consumer fraud losses last year. Scammers employ age-specific tactics, targeting seniors with computer support and gift card scams while using shopping, romance, employment, and sextortion schemes against younger demographics. The key finding challenges the common misconception that older adults are the primary scam victims, revealing instead that vulnerability varies by age group in terms of both frequency and financial impact.

While older adults are commonly perceived as primary scam victims, data shows that people in their 20s and 30s fall for scams at more than twice the rate of those over 60, though seniors who do lose money typically lose significantly larger amounts. Younger people are frequently targeted by shopping, romance, employment, and identity theft scams, while older adults are more susceptible to tech support and gift card scams. Despite accounting for only some of the overall scam losses, people over 60 lost approximately $61 billion to fraud last year, highlighting that all age groups face risk and require vigilance.

Multiple closeted gay and bisexual men in Pune were victimized by organized extortion gangs operating on dating apps like Grindr, with victims losing between Rs17,500 and Rs89,000 through blackmail schemes involving forced videos and threats of outing them to family members. The scams, which have persisted for nearly two years, involved gangs posing as romantic matches, luring victims to isolated locations, and using threats of public exposure to coerce money transfers. Police response has been inadequate, with officers dismissing complaints or refusing to file reports, thereby emboldening the perpetrators to continue targeting vulnerable individuals.

While older adults are commonly perceived as the primary scam victims, data shows that people in their 20s and 30s fall for scams at more than twice the rate of those over 60, though seniors lose significantly larger dollar amounts per incident. Scammers tailor tactics by age group, targeting younger people with shopping, romance, employment, and sextortion scams, while seniors face computer support, gift card, and financial fraud schemes. The Federal Trade Commission reported consumers lost over $158 billion to fraud last year, with people over 60 accounting for approximately $61 billion of those losses.

A 70-year-old Missouri man fell victim to a sextortion scam in which he sent intimate photos to someone posing as a romantic interest, who then threatened to publish the images unless he paid $2,500; a second scammer then impersonated police and demanded additional money by threatening to contact his employer. Sextortion—coercing victims into financial or behavioral compliance by threatening to share intimate images—affects not only children and teenagers but also older adults, with surveys indicating that 7.6% of adults ages 50-64 and 8.4% of those 65+ have experienced it, though experts believe actual numbers are higher due to underreporting caused by shame