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in Identity Theft
uppermichiganssource.com
· 2025-12-08
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), hosted by United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula, received $920 in funding to host educational sessions called "Financial Empowerment for Everyone" aimed at seniors in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The presentations will teach participants how to recognize and avoid scams, spot signs of financial abuse, report fraud, protect financial documents, and practice technology safety.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Samuel Kristofer Bunner was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for defrauding a Jefferson County man with dementia of approximately $1.9 million through real estate sales, account emptying, and identity theft. Bunner used the stolen funds to purchase homes, campers, vehicles, and consumer goods, and was ordered to pay full restitution to the victim.
wymt.com
· 2025-12-08
FEMA issued a warning to survivors of April 2 storms in Kentucky about fraudsters using stolen personal information (names, addresses, Social Security numbers) to apply for disaster assistance on their behalf. Officials advise disaster survivors to verify FEMA communication through the official helpline (800-621-3362), avoid anyone demanding payment for disaster grants, and never share banking information with individuals claiming to be FEMA housing inspectors, as legitimate inspectors never request personal financial data.
wsaz.com
· 2025-12-08
Following severe weather in Kentucky on April 2, scammers targeted disaster survivors by fraudulently applying for FEMA assistance using stolen personal information including names, addresses, and Social Security numbers. FEMA warned survivors to verify their own applications and contact authorities if they receive unsolicited FEMA correspondence or inspectors, and advised that legitimate FEMA representatives carry official identification, never charge fees, and do not collect banking information. Survivors should report suspected scams to local law enforcement, the Kentucky Attorney General, or FEMA's fraud hotline.
wsvn.com
· 2025-12-08
**Not applicable for this database.** This article ranks states for single people based on dating prospects and mental health resources, but does not describe a specific scam, fraud incident, or elder abuse case. While it mentions that Florida has heightened risks of catfishing and romance scams generally, it provides no details about actual victims, perpetrators, financial losses, or fraud outcomes relevant to elder fraud documentation.
commbank.com.au
· 2025-12-08
One in four Australians have been exposed to tax-related scams, with SMS phishing being the most reported scam type during tax season. Scammers impersonate myGov and the Australian Tax Office to trick recipients into clicking fake links and entering bank card details on fraudulent websites that mimic official pages. Australians are advised to verify suspicious messages by contacting organizations directly using verified phone numbers or official websites rather than following links in unsolicited texts or emails.
eyeonannapolis.net
· 2025-12-08
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown warns of increasingly sophisticated imposter scams that use AI-generated voices to mimic trusted figures such as government officials, banks, law enforcement, and family members in order to steal money or personal information. Common scam types include government imposters threatening legal action, family/friend imposters claiming emergencies, and tech support scams, which typically involve unsolicited contact, urgency tactics, requests for sensitive data, or payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency. Consumers can protect themselves by hanging up on suspicious calls, independently verifying caller identity through official contact numbers, never sharing personal information, and reporting suspected scams to the Attorney General, FTC, AARP Fraud Watch Network,
cessnockadvertiser.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Australian banks and government officials, led by Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones, are strengthening international collaboration against scammers by meeting with counterparts in Singapore and New Zealand to share information and prevention strategies. The National Anti Scam Centre and Australian Banking Association are implementing new technologies to prevent identity fraud and payment delays, with financial losses from scams trending downward in Australia. The effort recognizes scam prevention as a transnational challenge requiring coordinated global responses to protect customers across borders.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 19-year-old California man was indicted for stealing over $20,000 from a 74-year-old Kettering woman through a tech support scam that began with a phishing email. The victim was manipulated into mailing cash and transferring funds through multiple interactions before police arrested the suspect during an attempted in-person money exchange. The case highlights the prevalence of tech support scams targeting seniors, which the FBI identified as the most common elder fraud type in 2023, with victims aged 60+ losing an average of $33,915 each.
examiner-enterprise.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not relevant to the Elderus database. It is a community events listing for Bartlesville, Oklahoma, featuring recreational activities such as farmers markets, historical tours, children's activities, and a health fair. It contains no information about scams, fraud, elder abuse, or related incidents.
theintermountain.com
· 2025-12-08
After disasters, scammers target vulnerable survivors through impersonation of government workers, fake aid offers, unlicensed contractors, and fraudulent charity solicitations. FEMA advises residents to verify the legitimacy of disaster assistance contacts by checking official ID badges, calling (800)-621-3362 to confirm personnel, and reporting suspicious activity to the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866)-720-5721.
elliptic.co
· 2025-12-08
AI-enhanced scams are emerging as a potential threat in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, though not yet widespread. Criminals are exploiting AI technology through deepfake videos of celebrities and public figures to promote fake crypto investment schemes, and by creating fraudulent "AI-related" tokens designed for pump-and-dump schemes and rug-pulls that defraud investors. Elliptic released a horizon scanning report identifying five typologies of AI-enabled crypto crimes and recommends industry stakeholders implement best practices and develop strategies to prevent these threats from becoming mainstream.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
"Grief harvesting" scams targeting recently bereaved individuals in the UK exploit publicly available social media data and obituaries to conduct identity theft, impersonate funeral homes and charities, and manipulate grieving families emotionally. Fraudsters harvest personal information from deceased individuals' public profiles and social media accounts to send convincing phishing emails, open fraudulent loans or credit cards in the deceased's name, and solicit donations through fake charities. Cybersecurity experts recommend that people plan ahead for data protection after death, verify charity communications, and adjust Facebook privacy settings, as current data protection regulations leave a legal grey area regarding personal data after death.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
This article describes a growing scam involving fraudulent QR codes, where scammers place fake QR codes over legitimate ones—such as on parking meters or in messages—to direct victims to phishing websites designed to steal financial information. The article cites the example of David Birch's sister, who nearly lost money after scanning a malicious QR code at a parking facility but was saved when her bank blocked the fraudulent transactions. The US Federal Trade Commission has issued consumer alerts about QR code scams, which have become increasingly prevalent as the technology spreads and criminals exploit the difficulty in verifying whether codes are legitimate.
dailymontanan.com
· 2025-12-08
Roxanna Rae Lewis-Stella, 60, of Billings, Montana, stole over $700,000 from her elderly mother while serving as her primary caretaker through forged checks, identity theft, and intercepting bank statements, forcing her mother to sell her home and enter assisted living. Lewis-Stella pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to four years in prison; she also misused her deceased father's credit cards and stole a life insurance check, spending the stolen funds on personal expenses including travel, clothing, and cosmetic procedures. The case highlights the vulnerability of elderly individuals dependent on family caregivers and was noted as particularly eg
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Roxanna Rae Lewis-Stella, 60, was sentenced to four and one-half years in prison for forging approximately 70 checks and stealing over $700,000 from her elderly mother in Lewistown between November 2021 and July 2023 while serving as her caregiver. Lewis-Stella also stole other assets including a silver bar, used her deceased father's credit cards, and forged a life insurance check, concealing her crimes by impersonating her mother to banks and intercepting statements. The theft forced her mother to sell her home and move into assisted living, and Lewis-Stella was ordered to pay $725,145 in restitution
wng.org
· 2025-12-08
A 96-year-old World War II veteran lost over $322,000 of his retirement savings to Ternion Group International LLC, a fraudulent Christian investment company that promised to build a vocational school and purchase homes in Chicago, with his own son (age 70) convincing him to invest; the DOJ charged five people in April 2024, including the son, after the promised projects never materialized and contact ceased in 2020. The case highlights the rising threat of investment scams targeting seniors, with Americans over 60 losing $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023, and demonstrates the particular vulnerability of elderly victims who may distrust reporting due to family involvement
kulr8.com
· 2025-12-08
Roxanna Rae Lewis-Stella, 60, of Billings, Montana, was sentenced to four and one-half years in prison for stealing over $700,000 from her elderly mother in Lewistown between November 2021 and July 2023 while serving as her caregiver. Lewis-Stella forged approximately 70 checks, impersonated her mother to banks, intercepted statements, and also stole jewelry and misused her deceased father's credit cards to fund personal expenses including travel, cosmetic procedures, and shopping. The victim was forced to sell her home and move into an assisted living facility after the thefts were discovered, and Lewis-
nbcboston.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI and Identity Theft Resource Center report thousands of toll road scams targeting drivers since March, using text messages claiming small unpaid toll balances and directing victims to fake websites that closely resemble legitimate state toll services. If victims click the links and enter payment information, scammers can steal credit card details and personal information, potentially using credential harvesting to access financial accounts at banks and investment firms. To protect against the scam, consumers should ignore unsolicited toll payment messages, never click suspicious links, use unique passwords for each account, and enable two-factor authentication on financial accounts.
fncu.org
· 2025-12-08
Spoofed websites are fraudulent sites mimicking legitimate ones to steal personal information, financial details, and payment credentials from unsuspecting users. Key risks include identity theft, financial loss, and malware infection; these fake sites appear through social media ads, search results, and phishing emails. To stay safe, verify URLs for correct spelling and "https://", check for contact information, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
chicago.suntimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This is a personal essay by columnist Mary Mitchell about retirement planning and lifestyle, not a news article about fraud or elder abuse. While the piece briefly mentions that scammers target seniors and that elder fraud resulted in $3.4 billion in losses in 2023 (an 11% increase), the main focus is Mitchell's advice on avoiding depression, staying active, protecting finances from scams, decluttering thoughtfully, and appreciating retirement privileges. The fraud reference serves as one of five general retirement tips rather than detailing a specific scam incident.
daytondailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
An elder victim in Kettering, Ohio lost over $36,000 after clicking a phishing email and providing personal information to scammers posing as tech support personnel; she made payments totaling $5,000 by mail, $18,000 in cash, and $1,000 was stolen electronically before police arrested suspect Karan Karan during an attempted in-person money collection. The case exemplifies tech support scams, which the FBI reports were the leading type of elder fraud in 2023, causing victims 60+ over $3.4 billion in losses that year with an average loss of $33,915 per victim.
fintechnews.sg
· 2025-12-08
ASEAN's banking sector has experienced a significant surge in phishing and fraud scams, with over 200 DBS Bank customers in Singapore losing S$446,000 to SMS phishing in early 2024, and OCBC experiencing losses exceeding S$13 million in a 2021-2022 SMS phishing scheme. Singapore's scam and cybercrime cases increased by 49.6% to 50,376 in 2023, driven by rapid digital banking adoption, low digital literacy among elderly customers, and the cross-border nature of scams. Banks are strengthening defenses through biometric verification, AI-driven fraud analytics, and multi-layere
fingerlakesdailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Title:** New York Department of State Warns of Elder Fraud Epidemic
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection issued guidance on elder fraud following the FBI's 2023 report showing that scams targeting adults over 60 resulted in $3.4 billion in losses (an 11% increase from 2022), with the average victim losing $33,915. The advisory describes eight common scams affecting older adults—including medical device, grandparent, ghosting, jury duty, funeral notification, sweepstakes, IRS imposter, and free grant scams—and provides prevention tips such as resisting immediate action, verifying caller identity, an
troyrecord.com
· 2025-12-08
New York's Department of State Division of Consumer Protection released guidance on scams targeting older adults, noting that elder fraud caused over $3.4 billion in losses nationally in 2023, with the average victim losing $33,915. The advisory outlines common scams including medical device, grandparent, jury duty, funeral notification, and IRS imposter schemes, and recommends that seniors hang up on unrecognizable numbers, avoid unsolicited links, and verify requests through trusted phone numbers. Officials emphasized that elder abuse is widely underreported and urged anyone suspecting abuse to contact the New York State Adult Services Helpline at 1-844-697-3505.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
Two emerging scams exploit people's willingness to help others: the "borrow your phone" scam, where strangers ask to use your phone and secretly transfer money from payment apps to their accounts (stealing $150-$200 or more), and the "accidental deposit" scam, where scammers claim they mistakenly sent you money via Venmo and request you send it back, potentially involving fraudulent transactions. Experts recommend never handing phones to strangers and verifying overpayment claims directly with payment app customer support rather than trusting unsolicited requests.
heraldnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Washington residents lost approximately $250 million to fraud in 2023, with 53,269 complaints filed to the Federal Trade Commission—roughly $3.2 million per 100,000 residents. Imposter scams (22% of cases) and identity theft (14% of cases) were the most common fraud types, followed by online shopping fraud, bank and lender scams, and prize/sweepstakes schemes. Victims are advised to report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and avoid providing personal information to unknown callers, even those claiming to be legitimate authorities.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud complaints are rising significantly, with the FBI reporting 101,000 victims who lost $3.4 billion in 2023, though AARP estimates actual losses exceed $28 billion annually due to underreporting driven by victim shame and embarrassment. Common scams targeting seniors include AI voice cloning, romance scams, tech support fraud, impersonations of banks and government agencies, and investment schemes. Key protective measures include establishing code words with family to verify identity, never sending money to unknown contacts, ignoring unsolicited pop-up and email messages, hanging up and calling back known numbers to verify callers, and remembering that legitimate government agencies contact by mail rather than
gobankingrates.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines 11 common scams expected in 2025 and protective measures for consumers. Key scams include AI-powered fraud (voice cloning, deepfakes, phishing, and fake job postings), check fraud through digital alteration, debt relief scams, and fake package delivery schemes, with seniors particularly targeted through "grandparent scams." The article advises consumers to verify identities before sharing information, use secure payment methods instead of checks, contact legitimate financial institutions directly, and remain vigilant as scammers use advancing technology to make frauds harder to detect.
wbiw.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud incidents rose 14% in 2023, with seniors over 60 losing over $724 million to scams in 2022—more than all other age groups combined. The article identifies five prevalent fraud types targeting seniors: impersonation scams (using AI voice technology), robocalls and phishing, the grandparent scam, sweepstakes scams (costing victims nearly $70 million in 2022), and investment/charity scams (causing $1.2 billion in losses in 2023). Key protective measures include verifying caller identity through alternative channels, hanging up on suspicious calls, confirming situations with family members, and researching
dos.ny.gov
· 2025-12-08
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection issued guidance on elder fraud awareness, reporting that scams targeting adults over 60 caused $3.4 billion in losses in 2023 (an 11% increase from 2022), with average victim losses of $33,915. The advisory outlined common scams affecting older adults including medical device scams, grandparent scams, identity theft targeting deceased persons, jury duty scams, and sweepstakes scams, while recommending protective measures such as avoiding unsolicited calls, not clicking unknown links, and verifying requests through trusted phone numbers.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Medicare fraud costs an estimated $60 billion annually and affects beneficiaries through loss of medical identity, time, stress, and potential health consequences. The Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol launched Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 5-6) to educate beneficiaries, caregivers, families, and healthcare providers on protective measures such as monitoring insurance statements, verifying medical equipment orders, safeguarding Medicare numbers, and reporting suspicious activity.
kkyr.com
· 2025-12-08
Arkansas ranks #10 among the most dangerous states for online dating, according to a study by PrivacyJournal.net that analyzed FBI and Federal Trade Commission data on romance scams, identity theft, fraud, sex offenders, and other risk factors per 100,000 residents. Arkansas reported 4.6 romance scams per 100,000 people, 133 identity theft cases, 200 fraud cases, 606 registered sex offenders, and 926 reported STDs, with Nevada and Alaska ranking as the most dangerous states overall.
which.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This Which? article provides consumer awareness about common scams rather than reporting a specific fraud incident. The piece highlights three prevalent scam types: hotel booking fraud where hackers gain access to hotel systems to send phishing messages requesting card details (with 40 reported Booking.com scams in early 2024); phone/broadband provider impersonation calls offering refunds or upgrades while tricking victims into sharing remote access or making unauthorized payments; and hidden subscription scams where victims are charged recurring fees (up to £50/month) through misleading ads and fake QR codes. The article emphasizes that all consumers are vulnerable to sophisticated fraud and recommends awareness and protective measures.
detroitnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Older adults lose an estimated $3.4 billion annually to financial scams (averaging $33,915 per victim), with tech support scams, data breaches, and romance scams being most prevalent due to older adults' assets, trusting nature, and lower likelihood of reporting fraud. Experts recommend protecting against scams through basic data hygiene practices (secure websites, strong passwords, two-factor authentication), using credit cards for online purchases, verifying suspicious communications directly with sources, establishing multiple trusted contacts to monitor accounts, and fostering open conversations about fraud to reduce shame and encourage reporting.
biometricupdate.com
· 2025-12-08
First-party fraud—using one's own identity to commit dishonest acts like requesting false refunds or disputing legitimate transactions—costs U.S. financial institutions and merchants over $100 billion annually, with over one-third of Americans admitting to engaging in this behavior. The fraud is difficult to detect because it lacks obvious signals and appears less malicious than other fraud types, making it particularly prevalent in online gaming, Buy Now Pay Later services, and marketplace lending. Socure recommends cross-industry data sharing and analytics tools to combat the problem, noting that consumers with multiple closed accounts linked to first-party fraud are 189 times more likely to reoffend.
theage.com.au
· 2025-12-08
This opinion piece provides guidance for victims of scams on steps to take after falling victim to fraud. The article outlines three key actions: immediately report the scam to your bank and contact IDCARE (1800 595 160) to limit recovery losses; remain vigilant against follow-up scams targeting victims with stolen personal information; and develop a financial recovery plan through budgeting adjustments, investment strategy changes, or seeking professional financial advice. The piece emphasizes that scam victims often experience profound emotional and psychological impacts, with one in three victims being scammed multiple times.
mdjonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Georgia ranks among the top ten states targeted by organized scam operators who extract millions of dollars annually from senior citizens through romance scams, jury duty scams, grandparent scams, and identity theft. As law enforcement catches up to scammers' money laundering methods—which have evolved from cash deposits to gift cards to cryptocurrency ATMs—sophisticated criminals continue adapting by using new untraceable methods like gold bullion to hide stolen funds and avoid detection.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior Medicare Patrol Hawaii is hosting Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 3-9) to educate the public about Medicare fraud schemes, offering a free webinar on June 8 and providing resources like the "My Health Care Tracker" booklet to help seniors detect fraudulent claims. Medicare loses approximately $60 billion annually to false claims, and the program teaches seniors and their caregivers how to prevent, detect, and report fraud by monitoring billing statements, protecting their Medicare numbers, and reporting suspected identity theft.
kauainownews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Medicare Fraud Prevention Week Educational Piece**
Senior Medicare Patrol Hawai'i is promoting Medicare fraud awareness during June 3-9, highlighting that Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion annually to false claims. The organization recommends beneficiaries use a free "My Health Care Tracker" booklet to log health services and cross-check against billing statements, monitor for unauthorized use of their Medicare number, and never share their Medicare number with unsolicited callers—while caregivers, families, and community members should watch for suspicious medical equipment deliveries and encourage loved ones to protect their Medicare information as they would a credit card number.
readthereporter.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) and emphasizes that elder abuse—including physical, emotional, neglect, and financial mistreatment—affects approximately 5 million U.S. older adults annually, with older victims losing roughly $30 billion yearly to financial fraud, yet only one in 14 cases are reported. The article provides prevention guidance including recognizing common scams (lottery schemes, identity theft, phishing), using technology safeguards (bank alerts, direct deposits), maintaining social connections, and leveraging reporting resources such as Adult Protective Services, local law enforcement, and the National Center on Elder Abuse to combat exploitation.
wjtv.com
· 2025-12-08
A Privacy Journal study analyzing FBI, FTC, CDC, and Census Bureau data ranked U.S. states by online dating safety, identifying Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire as safest and Nevada, Alaska, and Georgia as most dangerous based on rates of violence, STIs, romance scams, identity theft, and registered sex offenders per 100,000 people. The research highlights that romance scams pose significant fraud risks to online daters, with victims targeted for cash or personal information used for identity theft, and recommends safety precautions including refusing money requests, meeting in public places, and avoiding sharing private information with unvetted contacts.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Privacy Journal study analyzing FBI, FTC, and CDC data ranked states by online dating safety risks, including romance scams, identity theft, STIs, violent crime, and registered sex offenders per 100,000 people. South Carolina ranked among the 10 most dangerous states for online dating, alongside Nevada, Alaska, Georgia, and Florida, while Vermont and Maine were identified as safest. The study notes that while dating apps facilitate connections (with 1 in 4 couples meeting online), users should avoid money requests, meet in public locations, and refrain from sharing personal information until after meeting someone in person.
chroniclelive.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines eight common WhatsApp scams and prevention strategies. The scams include impersonation schemes (where fraudsters pose as family members or romantic interests), verification code theft, cryptocurrency and investment fraud, and malware distribution, with each targeting different types of personal information or money from victims. The key advice emphasizes verifying sender identity through independent channels, never sharing sensitive codes or personal data, researching investment opportunities thoroughly, and reporting suspicious activity to WhatsApp and authorities.
powerretail.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Delivery package scams are the most prevalent fraud affecting Australians, with 73% of survey respondents reporting receipt of fake delivery messages and over 25% falling victim to losses, including some exceeding $20,000. Over 80% of Australians receive between one to ten scam texts and calls weekly, with more than half initially believing fraudulent messages were legitimate before detecting the deception. Australia Post warns that scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and urges the public to verify communications, emphasizing that Australia Post never requests personal information, financial details, or payments via unsolicited contact.
news-journalonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 556 into law, which allows financial institutions to delay suspicious transactions from seniors aged 65+ or vulnerable adults for up to 15 business days (extendable to 30 days) while investigating potential fraud. The bill addresses the rising threat of scams targeting elderly Floridians, who lost nearly $294 million to fraud in 2023, with seniors nationwide losing over $3.4 billion that same year to schemes including fake calls, investment fraud, and romance scams. The law takes effect January 1, 2025, and requires banks to notify trusted contacts and develop employee training programs to identify and prevent financial exploitation.
macombgov.org
· 2025-12-08
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office and Chase Bank are co-hosting two free educational presentations on June 18, 2024, to help seniors recognize and avoid scams. Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido will distribute an informational booklet covering common scams targeting seniors including identity theft, telemarketing fraud, internet fraud, home improvement fraud, and caregiver fraud, with discussions on recent financial scams and protective measures. The events are open to all Macomb County residents at two college campuses with no reservations required.
tristatealert.com
· 2025-12-08
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown warned consumers about the rising threat of imposter scams that use sophisticated technologies, including AI-generated voices, to impersonate trusted figures such as government officials, bank representatives, law enforcement, and family members in order to steal money or personal information. Common scam types include government imposters threatening fines or arrest, family/friend imposters claiming emergencies, and tech support scams demanding payment for unnecessary repairs. To protect yourself, verify callers' identities by contacting organizations directly using official numbers, establish code words with family members, avoid sharing personal information, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, FTC, or AARP Fraud Watch
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An AARP report found that 141.5 million U.S. adults (42%) have been victims of fraud, with those buying or selling homes facing elevated risk from cyber-thieves using peer-to-peer payment platforms, fake social media ads, and high-pressure tactics. Key protective measures include avoiding peer-to-peer payments with unknown vendors, using credit cards for online transactions, verifying service providers through official websites rather than unsolicited contacts, and confirming wire transfer instructions directly with legitimate lenders before sending funds.
independentri.com
· 2025-12-08
Narragansett, Rhode Island police warned residents about increasing social media scams, including impersonation, extortion, identity theft, romance schemes, and sweepstakes fraud. Detective James Wass reported that while the number of reported cases fluctuated between 10-18 annually from 2020-2023, losses peaked in 2021 at $614,466 before declining, suggesting scammers may be targeting smaller payouts. The department advised residents to be skeptical of unsolicited sweepstakes and to resist pressure to act quickly.