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express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A survey of 2,000 adults found that 22% of Millennials have been victimized by phishing scams via email or text, with Millennials losing an average of £150 each and Gen Z losing £141, despite taking precautions like avoiding suspicious links and using strong passwords. Experts warn that scammers are constantly refining their methods and exploiting current events to make fraud increasingly sophisticated, while four in 10 respondents reported contact from fraudsters impersonating bank or government officials. The research emphasizes that individuals should not feel ashamed when targeted by scams and should rely on banks and companies to provide better online protection measures.
techstory.in
· 2025-12-08
AI-generated deepfakes—hyper-realistic fabrications of videos, audio, and images—are driving an estimated $12 billion in annual global fraud losses, with projections to reach $40 billion by 2027. Criminals use voice cloning and facial manipulation to impersonate business executives and loved ones in financial scams, with documented cases including a $243,000 CEO impersonation fraud. Detection tools currently offer 75-92% accuracy, and experts emphasize the need for heightened vigilance and authentication protocols as deepfake technology becomes increasingly accessible to malicious actors.
headtopics.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly man was defrauded through an AI-enabled romance scam involving impersonation of actress Jennifer Aniston, demonstrating how artificial intelligence has made scams increasingly difficult for older adults to detect. The case illustrates the growing sophistication of elder fraud and underscores the importance of family vigilance, including enabling spam filters, registering on the National Do Not Call Registry, and having regular conversations about recognizing scam red flags such as urgency, requests for secrecy, and demands for immediate payment transfers.
wbay.com
· 2025-12-08
A Consumer First Alert warns that holiday shoppers face increased fraud risks, with 82% of U.S. consumers experiencing some type of fraud in the past year, including over a third who were victimized through social media ads. Common holiday scams include fake package delivery texts and fraudulent social media product ads; experts recommend shopping directly from known retailers using credit cards rather than payment apps or clicking suspicious links, and reporting any fraud losses to banks, credit card companies, and police.
news9live.com
· 2025-12-08
A 26-year-old woman in Mumbai was scammed of Rs 1.7 lakh by fraudsters impersonating Delhi Police officers who falsely claimed she was involved in a money laundering investigation and threatened her with "digital arrest." The scammers forced her to strip on a video call and demanded bank transfers before she realized the deception and reported the incident to authorities. Police have registered a case and are investigating, while noting this is part of a growing trend of digital arrest fraud targeting both elderly and younger adults.
zanesvilletimesrecorder.com
· 2025-12-08
A Georgia man, Emmitt Ryan Wells, was indicted on nine felonies for his role in a four-person interstate fraud scheme targeting elderly people and registered sex offenders between January and May 2024. The defendants impersonated law enforcement electronically to coerce approximately $1,582 in payments, with Wells currently held on a $300,000 bond and co-defendants facing trial dates in January 2025.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
The IRS and Security Summit partners issued a Cyber Monday alert warning taxpayers to protect personal information from scammers during the holiday shopping season and approaching tax season. Common scams include sophisticated phishing emails impersonating delivery services (tricking victims into clicking malicious links) and fraudulent messages posing as the IRS offering refunds or requesting tax documents, which can lead to identity theft and tax fraud. The alert recommends taxpayers avoid clicking unknown links, verify sender authenticity, and shop only on secure websites (https) to reduce the risk of personal data theft.
coloradoan.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies six common holiday season scams targeting online shoppers, including phishing attempts via fake delivery notifications, impersonation of delivery drivers and IRS agents, social media gift exchange schemes, and cloned emails from known contacts. The article recommends protective measures such as using secure websites (https), strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, avoiding unsecured Wi-Fi, and never clicking suspicious links or sharing personal financial information with unsolicited contacts. Key advice includes verifying sender legitimacy by examining email addresses for discrepancies and contacting the original sender through independently verified contact information.
abc15.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece advises consumers to remain vigilant against holiday-season scams by avoiding AI phishing emails and texts, not clicking suspicious links or verifying passwords unless self-initiated, and researching charities before donating using irs.gov or give.org. Additionally, consumers should use purchase protection features when sending money through payment apps and be wary of anyone discouraging the use of such protections, as this is a common scam tactic.
rocklanddaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Clarkstown Parks & Recreation is hosting a Senior Scam Prevention Seminar on December 13, 2024, to educate seniors about common fraud schemes including the Grandparents Scam, IRS Scam, and Funeral Scams. The event, led by town officials and police, will provide practical tips for identifying and avoiding these fraudulent schemes, with pre-registration required due to limited space.
blog.ssa.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational episode of SSA Talks features Kate Kleinert, a widow who lost $39,000 in a romance scam, serving as a cautionary example for others. The Social Security Office of the Inspector General identifies four warning signs of scams—impersonation of trusted agencies, presentation of problems or prizes, pressure for immediate action, and requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—along with tips for protecting personal information and reporting scams.
westsidespirit.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal, state, and local authorities warn that scams targeting seniors are rising, particularly during the holiday season, with common schemes including charity fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, tech support scams, and government impersonation scams. Authorities advise seniors to avoid phishing emails, use secure networks for online purchases, verify websites and charities before donating, and be cautious of unsolicited offers. Victims can report suspected fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov), their state attorney general, or local law enforcement.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
David Cornejo Fernandez, a 36-year-old Lima resident, was extradited to the United States and faces federal wire fraud, extortion, and conspiracy charges for facilitating prize scams operated by Peruvian call centers from 2012-2019. The scheme targeted Spanish-speaking U.S. consumers by falsely promising prizes like tablets, then threatening victims with arrest, court proceedings, or immigration consequences to extort large payments, with Cornejo providing the technology including caller-ID spoofing, phone lines, and recordings impersonating government agencies to enhance the scams' legitimacy.
cambridgema.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Cambridge Police Department warns of multiple holiday-themed scams targeting shoppers and donors, including fake websites offering unrealistic discounts, puppy scams (80% of sponsored pet ads may be fraudulent), gift card schemes where criminals tamper with cards or request codes, phishing emails impersonating legitimate companies, and grandparent scams targeting elders through impersonation demanding payment via gift cards or wire transfers. The advisory recommends conducting reverse image searches before pet purchases, avoiding suspicious links and emails with grammar/spelling errors, purchasing gift cards from counters rather than kiosks, and verifying unexpected delivery or emergency requests directly with known contacts.
nbcmontana.com
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday season, scammers exploit people's charitable giving by creating fake charities with legitimate-sounding names and websites to steal money and personal information. To protect yourself, verify charities through resources like BBB Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Navigator, avoid pressure to donate immediately, pay by credit card rather than cash or gift cards, and never click links or provide personal information like Social Security numbers to unknown senders. Legitimate charities will not rush you, mask caller IDs, or request payment through untraceable methods.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned in 2024 that holiday shopping scams pose significant risks to consumers, with cybercriminals using sophisticated tactics like AI-generated fake websites and phishing emails to exploit the projected $260 billion in e-commerce sales. Younger shoppers aged 18-39 are 25% more likely to fall victim to scams, which include non-delivery fraud ($73 million in 2023 losses), gift card fraud ($148 million in losses), and fake charity schemes that exploit seasonal generosity. Consumers should be vigilant about suspicious deals, verify seller legitimacy, and avoid sharing sensitive information like gift card PINs with unknown parties.
localnews8.com
· 2025-12-08
Adults over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, with over 101,000 elderly individuals compromised through romance, tax, and emergency impersonation scams, according to the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Financial experts warn that scammers increasingly exploit elderly people through online methods by establishing false relationships, impersonating the IRS or law enforcement, and pressuring victims into sending money or personal information. Key protective measures include verifying online contacts through photo searches, moving slowly in new relationships, never sending money to online-only contacts, and remaining skeptical of individuals who avoid in-person meetings or request financial information.
thedailystar.com
· 2025-12-08
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection warned consumers ahead of Giving Tuesday to be cautious of charity scams, which increase during the holiday season when donors are motivated by generosity and tax deductions. Fraudsters often impersonate legitimate organizations or government agencies to solicit donations, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting 9,808 charitable solicitation fraud reports nationwide in 2022, though many scams go unreported. The department provided guidance including verifying charity legitimacy, avoiding third-party fundraisers, resisting high-pressure tactics, never disclosing personal information, and never giving cash.
mcknightsseniorliving.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC expanded the Telemarketing Sales Rule to cover inbound calls for technical support services, addressing a major threat to older adults who lost $175 million to tech support scams last year. The rule amendment protects consumers who call companies in response to deceptive pop-up alerts and advertisements claiming their devices are infected, preventing scammers from using hard-to-reverse payment methods like wire transfers and gift cards. This update allows the FTC to hold fraudulent tech support businesses accountable, as consumers aged 60 and older are five times more likely than younger people to fall victim to these scams.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Harold Richardson, 75, from Kent, lost £4,000 in a Microsoft impersonation phone scam in which fraudsters convinced him to grant remote access to his computer, allowing them to steal personal information and banking details. Though he eventually recovered most of the money, the process was lengthy and caused significant stress. The article notes that phone scams are widespread in Britain, with adults aged 35-55 actually losing the largest average amounts (£1,826), and recommends using the "Stop, Check, and Call Back" method to verify unexpected callers before sharing any personal information.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Singapore resident nearly fell victim to an identity theft and impersonation scam where fraudsters posing as an anti-scam center and police inspector requested personal banking details and demanded daily check-in calls about the victim's whereabouts, claiming the victim's identity was used for illegal purposes. The victim avoided financial loss after a family member grew suspicious and the victim verified the callers' identities by attempting to call them back, but the incident reflects an ongoing scam operation using similar tactics to a previously reported case involving $1.19 million in losses.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Victor Anthony Valdez, a 40-year-old New York man and Social Security Administration employee, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for serving as a courier in a transnational "grandparent scam" operated from Dominican Republic call centers between August 2020 and August 2021. The scheme targeted elderly American victims by falsely claiming their grandchildren had been arrested and needed bail money, with Valdez and other couriers collecting tens of thousands of dollars from victims' homes in New York and New Jersey. Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine at his April 2025 sentencing.
gizmodo.com
· 2025-12-08
A "pig butchering" romance scam targeting elderly people involves fraudsters impersonating actor Johnny Depp on Facebook, then moving conversations to messaging apps to convince victims to send money via cryptocurrency, gift cards, and other payment methods. The FTC received 197 complaints over one year from victims across the country, many in their 60s who lost thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars from retirement accounts, with one Minnesota woman losing $1,700 before her bank intervened. The scammers exploit emotional vulnerability and loneliness by posing as Depp or associates like his fictional "manager Jack Wingham," using flattery and false promises of romance or investment returns.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
The IRS warned taxpayers on December 4, 2024, about fraudulent "Charitable LLCs" schemes that target high-income filers by encouraging them to transfer assets to limited liability companies, donate majority nonvoting units to charities while retaining control, and falsely claim large charitable deductions. Participants in these abusive schemes face assessment of correct taxes owed plus penalties, interest, and potential criminal prosecution, with the IRS currently conducting audits and investigations that have resulted in multiple criminal convictions of promoters and donors. Taxpayers are advised to avoid any scheme promising personal benefits or control over donated assets, as valid charitable contributions require complete relinquishment of control to the
seattletimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The article provides holiday travel safety guidance, warning travelers about peak-season scams including phishing emails posing as airlines and hotels, distraction theft targeting travelers in public spaces, and fake street vendor "gifts" that result in overcharges. Additional scams highlighted include counterfeit travel websites offering unrealistically cheap bookings, ticketing fraud for popular events, and taxi drivers with "broken" meters charging inflated fares. The article advises verifying sender email addresses, booking through reputable sites with verified reviews, purchasing tickets from authorized sellers only, and being cautious of unsolicited offers from street vendors.
92moose.fm
· 2025-12-08
**Scam Type:** Phishing/SMS fraud targeting Camden National Bank customers in Maine.
**What Happened:** Belfast Maine Police Department reported a scam involving fraudulent text messages claiming to be from Camden National Bank, stating the recipient's account has been placed on hold due to a security threat and requesting they click a link to restore access. The messages and links are entirely fraudulent and designed to steal personal information.
**Advice:** Financial institutions never request sensitive information via text message; customers should contact their bank directly by phone or in-person if they receive such messages and report them to local police.
northwestsignal.net
· 2025-12-08
Pam Rybka of the Better Business Bureau of Toledo educated retired teachers on common senior scams, noting that loneliness and trust make older adults vulnerable targets. Key fraud prevention tips included: never say "yes" to telemarketers, use indelible black gel pens when writing checks to prevent check-washing scams, mail checks at post offices rather than leaving them in mailboxes, be aware that the IRS and Social Security Administration never initiate calls, and verify charities through the BBB website.
queanbeyanage.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Gen Z is the most vulnerable to holiday shopping scams in Australia, with nearly one in three experiencing scam victimization compared to one in five Australians overall, particularly through fraudulent websites impersonating platforms like "TikTok Mall" and fake celebrity endorsements for brands such as Adidas, Louis Vuitton, and Apple. Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes and imitation brand messages to deceive shoppers, with some victims losing over $10,000, though 74 percent of Australians report they will modify their online shopping behavior due to concerns about digital fraud. Experts recommend verifying deals that seem too good to be true, avoiding distracted shopping
weau.com
· 2025-12-08
Local financial professionals in Eau Claire, Wisconsin report an increase in elderly financial abuse cases, particularly during the holiday season, with seniors targeted through romance scams, government impostor schemes, and prize/sweepstakes fraud. Scammers exploit vulnerabilities in older adults, such as loneliness and access to larger bank accounts, often directing victims to send money via gift cards or cryptocurrency. Experts advise seniors to avoid responding to unknown contacts and to verify suspicious requests with trusted family members, friends, or local authorities before taking action, noting that recovering lost funds is extremely difficult once scammers have obtained them.
theroanokestar.com
· 2025-12-08
As holiday shopping season approaches with record-breaking online sales predicted, scammers are deploying increasingly sophisticated tactics to defraud consumers. Virginia Tech cybercrime expert Katalin Parti outlines key warning signs and prevention strategies, including: avoiding unsolicited requests for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, being skeptical of high-return investment ads, verifying company contact information through official websites rather than provided links, and remaining cautious of romance scams, job scams, and fake charitable solicitations. Consumers should also monitor financial statements for fraud, keep software updated, verify website URLs, and be aware that scammers can now spoof voices and area codes to impersonate trusted contacts.
hawaiinewsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides seven tips for protecting against holiday season scams and identity theft, including practicing caution with online shopping, avoiding phony delivery scams (particularly those impersonating the USPS), using strong password security practices, checking for card-skimming devices at ATMs and payment terminals, verifying charity legitimacy, being skeptical of unsolicited contacts, and monitoring financial accounts. The article notes that online shopping scams affected 82% of victims with financial losses in 2023, and that card skimming costs consumers and financial institutions over $1 billion annually.
carleton.edu
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday season, scammers target shoppers and donors through fraudulent shipping notifications, fake charities, bogus order confirmations, and counterfeit online stores. Common tactics include phishing emails and texts impersonating delivery services (UPS, FedEx, USDA) to steal personal information, fake charity websites that exploit generosity, and fraudulent retailers offering steep discounts that deliver counterfeit goods or nothing at all. To protect yourself, verify communications directly with organizations, avoid clicking unexpected links, use two-factor authentication, monitor financial accounts, and report suspicious activity to ic3.gov or relevant authorities.
kfyrtv.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides seven tips for protecting against holiday scams and identity theft during the busy shopping season. Key advice includes practicing caution with online marketplaces and using traceable payment methods, avoiding fake delivery notification scams (particularly impersonating USPS), safeguarding passwords with unique credentials and multifactor authentication, and checking for card-skimming devices at ATMs and payment terminals. The article emphasizes that online shopping scams affected 82% of targeted victims in 2023, and card skimming costs over $1 billion annually, making holiday vigilance essential.
wvua23.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns holiday shoppers to watch for common scams including misleading ads, fake gift cards, phishing emails and texts, and fraudulent online marketplaces. The BBB recommends slowing down before purchases, price-checking items, using credit cards for fraud protection, verifying return policies, and enabling two-factor authentication on accounts. Victims of holiday fraud should dispute charges with their credit card company, cancel compromised cards, change passwords, and report incidents to local police and state attorneys general.
daily-tribune.com
· 2025-12-08
Chatsworth Police Chief Josh Etheridge warned residents of an uptick in international scams targeting elderly victims through robocalls and fraudulent emails, noting that once victims purchase gift cards and provide the card numbers, the money cannot be recovered. The scammers often impersonate government agencies or trusted organizations to pressure victims into immediate payment, exploiting the elderly population who are viewed as trusting and less aware of modern fraud tactics. Police urge residents to report suspected scams and provided warning signs including requests to pay via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, as well as pressure to act immediately without verification.
13wmaz.com
· 2025-12-08
A Chinese national, Xiao Kun Cheung, was arrested and charged for his role in a scam that defrauded elderly people across the U.S. of $1.2 million through fake pop-ups and phone calls claiming computer or financial account compromises. Cheung and his co-conspirators convinced victims to withdraw money to purchase gift cards and gold bars, which were then collected by conspirators posing as government agents; victims in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee were affected. Cheung faces up to 20 years in prison and was charged with wire fraud, extortion conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, and drug possession charges.
womensweekly.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Perth grandmother Donna Nelson fell victim to a romance scam in which a man posing as a Nigerian businessman named "Kelly" wooed her online for two years before convincing her to carry a suitcase to Japan that contained 2kg of methamphetamine hidden in a false bottom. She was convicted of drug smuggling in December 2024 and sentenced to six years in prison; after losing her appeal in September 2025, her family has confirmed they will not pursue further legal action, though her five daughters continue advocating for her release while she serves her sentence in harsh conditions.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
Alfred Mancinelli, a 79-year-old widower, lost approximately $1 million in savings over several years to romance scammers posing as professional wrestler Alexa Bliss and other characters who exploited his loneliness and desire for companionship. When his son Chris attempted to protect his remaining $100,000 by securing it in an account, Alfred sued him, demonstrating how romance scam victims often reject intervention and become emotionally ensnared by their fraudsters. The case illustrates a broader problem: Americans lost $652 million to romance fraud in 2023 alone, with older adults and isolated individuals particularly vulnerable to scammers who manipulate emotional
blog.knowbe4.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS issued an advisory warning taxpayers of holiday-themed shopping scams, including phishing emails impersonating delivery services and the IRS itself that trick victims into disclosing personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank accounts, and passwords. These scams are expected to intensify during the holiday season and tax season, potentially leading to identity theft and fraud. The IRS recommends avoiding unsecured Wi-Fi, maintaining updated security software, using strong passwords, and enabling multi-factor authentication to protect against these threats.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Xiao Kun Cheung, 58, a Chinese national, was indicted for his role in a multi-state elder fraud conspiracy that targeted seniors up to age 92 across Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee, swindling over $1 million through phone calls and pop-up messages falsely claiming compromised accounts, then persuading victims to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, or buy gold bars. Cheung was arrested in March 2024 while attempting to collect approximately $132,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler, Georgia, and faces charges including wire fraud and extortion with potential penalties up to 20 years in prison. The case
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI has issued a public service announcement warning of increasing AI-generated scams targeting smartphone users, including deepfake audio and video calls impersonating loved ones, celebrities, and authority figures to commit fraud at scale. The agency advises users to hang up and independently verify caller identity, establish a secret word with family members for emergency verification, and avoid sharing sensitive information with online or phone-only contacts, as AI tools are becoming sophisticated enough that experts may struggle to distinguish authentic from fabricated content.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Research from Which? revealed that parcel delivery scams impersonating major couriers (USPS, Amazon, DHL, Royal Mail, InPost) are spiking ahead of the 2024 holiday season, with scammers using fake delivery notifications to pressure victims into clicking malicious links that steal credentials and enable fraud. Gmail's smart summary card feature, powered by AI defenses that block 99.9% of phishing attempts, offers additional protection against these scams when combined with user awareness and existing platform security measures.
timesherald.com
· 2025-12-08
The City Controller's Office Community Affairs Division hosted a senior awareness seminar in Philadelphia addressing the growing problem of elder financial abuse, which the FBI estimates costs seniors billions of dollars annually. The presentation covered why seniors are targeted by scammers (isolation, trust, cognitive vulnerabilities), common scam tactics (phone/internet fraud, IRS impersonation, lottery schemes, and family/caregiver exploitation), and protective measures including trusting instincts, avoiding suspicious links, and verifying unsolicited calls directly with institutions. Key advice emphasized vigilance and awareness of red flags such as unusual bank withdrawals, suspicious credit card activity, and changes in beneficiaries or demeanor, along with contact information for reporting concerns
news4jax.com
· 2025-12-08
Xiao Kun Cheung, 58, was charged in Georgia for operating a multi-state elder fraud scheme that extorted over $1 million from seniors up to 92 years old through phone calls and pop-up messages falsely claiming their accounts were compromised. Cheung convinced victims to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, and buy gold bars under the pretense of government safekeeping, and was arrested attempting to collect $132,000 in gold bars from one victim. The case highlights the broader crisis of elder fraud, with Americans over 60 suffering $3.5 billion in losses in 2023, including $92 million in Georgia alone.
mypunepulse.com
· 2025-12-08
A 54-year-old resident of Thane, Maharashtra lost ₹59 lakh in a cyber fraud scheme where scammers impersonating Customs and CBI officials threatened him with allegations of drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering between November 26 and December 2. The victim was coerced into transferring funds to accounts provided by the fraudsters before realizing the deception and reporting it to police, who filed cases under IPC sections 318(4) and 319(2) as well as IT Act provisions.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Model Shivankita Dixit lost Rs 99,000 in a "digital arrest" scam where fraudsters impersonating CBI officials contacted her via WhatsApp, falsely accusing her of involvement in human trafficking and drug smuggling, then coerced her into paying money to avoid arrest. Digital arrest scams are a sophisticated cybercrime tactic where scammers impersonate law enforcement, use video calls and fake documents to establish credibility, and exploit victims' fear through false allegations and threats of legal action. Key prevention measures include verifying caller identity through official sources, avoiding disclosure of sensitive information, staying calm under pressure, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
gisuser.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost victims an average of $2,000, with total losses exceeding $1 billion in 2023 alone, and 50% of Americans using dating apps between 2018-2023 experienced catfishing. Scammers use stolen photos, love bombing tactics, and requests to move communication off-platform before eventually asking for money, cryptocurrency investments, or personal financial data. To protect yourself, avoid sending money to online contacts, decline investments in digital assets, request video chats to verify identity, and trust your instincts if communication seems inconsistent or suspicious.
thebuglenewspaper.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Twelve years ago, Lynne Strong's travel debit card was cloned, likely at a restaurant or taxi, resulting in systematic unauthorized ATM withdrawals and daily shopping charges that her bank failed to detect for nearly a month. Her bank eventually reimbursed the fraudulent transactions but processed them individually, creating a tedious reconciliation process, and offered only a $400 credit and apology. The article highlights five common scams targeting Australians—investment fraud, phishing attacks, romance scams, remote access scams, and lottery scams—providing protective strategies for each, and emphasizes that Australians lost over $2.74 billion to scams in 2023 alone
startsat60.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines twelve common scams that surge during the Christmas season in Australia, including online shopping fraud, parcel delivery scams, fake charities, counterfeit gift cards, holiday travel scams, romance scams, cryptocurrency schemes, and phishing attacks. HSBC warns that festive season distractions and increased spending make consumers more vulnerable to fraud, with Australians expected to spend $11.8 billion on gifts in 2024. The article advises consumers to verify websites and retailers, donate through established charity channels, and remain cautious of unsolicited offers and suspicious links.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Ernakulam police arrested a Malappuram resident facilitating a multi-level cyber fraud network operating from the UAE and Cambodia, which defrauded victims of over Rs 80 lakh through fake share trading schemes and "digital arrest" scams. The accused used local "mule accounts" held by young college students to launder stolen money, receiving commissions of Rs 1,500 per lakh transferred, while the kingpin—identified as a Keralite based in Dubai—directed operations remotely with assistance from other handlers. The investigation also uncovered a separate "digital arrest" fraud where an 85-year-old lost Rs 17 lakh after being threatened by scamm