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americanbar.org
· 2025-12-08
This article is an educational piece for estate planning practitioners on protecting vulnerable clients from elder financial exploitation. The article advises practitioners to first ensure their own cybersecurity and document security measures are adequate, then implement firm-wide policies to recognize and prevent elder exploitation, including staff training to identify "procurement" schemes where beneficiaries control client access and educating aging clients about securing sensitive documents through digitization and secure storage. Key recommendations include developing protocols for suspected exploitation, obtaining trusted contact information, and incorporating security discussions into estate planning conversations to address risks from identity theft, document loss, and abuse.
haveagonews.com.au
· 2025-12-08
CyberWest Hub, supported by Edith Cowan University, launched "Scams and Scones," an educational program designed to help seniors understand and protect themselves from scams through accessible, jargon-free presentations and one-on-one support from cyber students. The program addresses seniors' unique vulnerabilities to scams by combining expert-led presentations on scam identification with informal conversations and practical tips, with pilot sessions showing positive outcomes including attendees gaining confidence in recognizing and preventing fraud.
housebeautiful.com
· 2025-12-08
**Title Piracy Fraud** - Real estate scammers are increasingly hijacking property titles by forging deeds, forging signatures, and exploiting public records to fraudulently sell homes and vacant land, particularly targeting absent owners, out-of-town buyers, and investors. The FBI received over 9,500 title fraud complaints in 2023, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated techniques including AI-generated fake documents that can deceive banks, title officers, and real estate agents. Real estate professionals recommend in-person verification and working with vigilant title insurers to detect and prevent these fast-growing scams.
nbcbayarea.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta has alerted Facebook users to a widespread scam in which fraudsters send fake messages claiming account violations of trademark rules and directing users to click a link to file complaints. The scam aims to trick users into clicking malicious links that could compromise their accounts. Meta advises users who receive such messages to block and report the sender rather than clicking any links.
fairmontsentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
Fairmont Police report that seniors in their community face consistent threats from online scams, with tech support scams and romance/friendship scams being the most common types targeting the local older population. Scammers use various payment methods including gift cards and cryptocurrency to extract money, often directing victims to crypto ATMs or banks, and many cases originate outside the United States making recovery unlikely. Police Sergeant Beletti advises recognizing four warning signs: impersonation of trusted sources, claims of immediate danger or reward, pressure to decide quickly, and requests for specific payment methods.
wmar2news.com
· 2025-12-08
A WMAR-2 News reporter received text messages from someone impersonating her HR director and news director, requesting she purchase "google certificates" from a store; she avoided the scam by verifying the sender's identity directly with the HR department. This type of social engineering fraud targets new employees at vulnerable moments by researching victims and their organizations, beginning with small requests (gift cards, certificates) that escalate to larger financial or credential demands, with scammers often using job networking sites to identify recent hires. Experts recommend verifying unexpected requests through official company directories or in-person contact, never sharing credentials or clicking links, and reporting suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) or the
kbsi23.com
· 2025-12-08
The Marion Police Department reported a scam targeting seniors that resulted in a $40,000 loss in a single day, wherein victims received a fake McAfee Security pop-up warning of viruses and were instructed to call a number where a scammer impersonated a federal agent claiming their computer and phone were compromised. The victims were then coerced into withdrawing $40,000 from their bank accounts and depositing the funds into Bitcoin kiosks and purchasing gift cards. Marion police advise residents to never provide personal information, money, or computer access to unsolicited contacts, and to verify company authenticity by contacting the company directly using official account information rather than responding to pop-ups
oysterbaytown.com
· 2025-12-08
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino partnered to host educational seminars in spring to help seniors and caregivers recognize and combat fraud. The seminars, held at community centers in Oyster Bay, covered topics including common scam tactics, identification methods, personal information safeguarding, and fraud reporting resources, addressing seniors' heightened vulnerability due to limited technology familiarity, loneliness, and other risk factors.
americanbar.org
· 2025-12-08
Law firms are frequent targets of sophisticated scams despite their size, as scammers exploit limited security measures and access to valuable personal information. Common schemes include voice-cloning fraud, email impersonation of attorneys to solicit unauthorized payments, and phishing attacks that compromise email systems to redirect client funds—with firms facing disciplinary action and financial losses when wire transfer instructions are not independently verified. Attorneys and staff should be cautious about clicking links in emails and verify requests through direct contact, as cybersecurity breaches can expose sensitive client data and enable ransomware attacks.
tribtoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Organized scam operations, particularly from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, are increasingly targeting older adults and professionals through sophisticated "pig butchering" schemes that involve months of psychological grooming before stealing victims' money via cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or money transfer apps. Victims—including financial advisers, bank presidents, attorneys, and even FBI agents—lose funds that are rarely recovered, with artificial intelligence making scams more effective and harder to detect. The article recommends older adults protect themselves by verifying all communications, avoiding online dating sites, limiting social media activity, refusing cryptocurrency offers, and consulting trusted contacts before sending any money.
digit.in
· 2025-12-08
A man in Shanghai lost approximately $28,000 (200,000 yuan) in a romance scam where scammers used AI-generated images, videos, and fake identification documents to convince him he was in a long-distance relationship with a woman named Ms. Jiao who never existed. The victim was manipulated into sending money to support the supposed girlfriend's business and family healthcare expenses over an extended period without ever meeting in person. Shanghai police are investigating the case, which highlights growing concerns about the misuse of generative AI and deepfake technology in online romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals.
wccbcharlotte.com
· 2025-12-08
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.
waka.com
· 2025-12-08
**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.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
**Human Trafficking and Cyber Scams:** Vulnerable individuals from Vietnam and other regions are being trafficked to Myanmar and forced to operate cryptocurrency and romance scams that have cost Australians over $1 billion in investment losses and $190 million in romance scams over five years. Victims like Duong are deceived with false job offers, enslaved in remote compounds, subjected to physical abuse and starvation, and forced to create fake online profiles to defraud unsuspecting targets globally, with families often required to pay ransoms of $5,000-$10,000 to secure their release—amounts prohibitively expensive in countries where average monthly salaries are
cjme.com
· 2025-12-08
A 27-year-old Winnipeg man was arrested after attempting to defraud a 73-year-old Regina woman through a tech support scam on February 26, in which he posed as a Microsoft representative and falsely claimed her accounts had been hacked, then impersonated a bank employee to coerce her into withdrawing money under threat of money laundering charges. The victim became suspicious before handing over cash and contacted police, who apprehended the suspect during the planned pickup; he was charged with fraud over $5,000, extortion, and possession of fraudulent credit cards.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Fraud targeting older adults in Arizona and nationwide represents a significant crisis, with those 60 and over reporting $3.4 billion in losses nationally in 2023, including $128 million in Arizona, according to FBI data. AARP volunteer Jerry Watterworth and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes are leading prevention efforts by educating seniors about evolving scams including romance frauds, Bitcoin schemes, identity theft, and tech-support scams, emphasizing that fraudsters continuously adapt their methods and prevention through awareness of red flags is key. The article stresses that because scammers exploit human nature—the desire to trust and connect—older residents must remain vigilant across all communication
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This article highlights AARP Arizona's fraud prevention efforts in response to a significant crisis: people over 60 reported $3.4 billion in fraud losses nationwide in 2023, with $128 million in Arizona alone. The article details common scams targeting older Arizonans—including romance scams, Bitcoin/cryptocurrency schemes, identity theft, and tech-support fraud—and emphasizes that prevention through awareness of red flags (unsolicited contact, high-pressure tactics, requests for personal information) is essential, as scam methods continually evolve with changing technology.
local3news.com
· 2025-12-08
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.
grandforksherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Grand Forks Public Schools fell victim to a phishing scam in August when staff members transferred approximately $2.2 million to a fraudster posing as a construction vendor, resulting in a net loss of $842,730 after recovery efforts and insurance payments. The scam highlights the increasing prevalence of phishing and other online fraud schemes targeting both individuals and public entities, with the FBI reporting 298,878 phishing complaints in 2023 alone. The article emphasizes that phishing scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and persuasive, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds, and urges the public to exercise extreme caution with online transactions.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
Bradley Yates, the digital navigator for the Albemarle Commission Area Agency on Aging, educates seniors across 10 North Carolina counties on technology use and fraud prevention through courses such as "Identifying and Avoiding Scams," "Using Technology to Live a Healthier Life," and others. Yates offers both group training sessions at senior centers and individual device assistance, including advice to never send money over the phone if uncertain about a caller's legitimacy. His work helps seniors access helpful apps, government services, and stay connected with family while protecting themselves from scams.
kfiz.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence technology—including AI-generated images, deepfakes, and chatbots—to create convincing fake profiles on dating platforms and social media, making traditional detection methods like reverse image searches less effective. These scammers use AI to optimize targeting of vulnerable users and engage with multiple victims simultaneously, often without human interaction, to steal money and personal information. Consumers can protect themselves by verifying potential romantic interests' online histories, avoiding sharing money or personal details until identity is confirmed, and being cautious of "love bombing" and quick requests for money or personal information.
kaaltv.com
· 2025-12-08
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.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article warns retired Americans about task scams, a rapidly growing job fraud scheme that cost victims over $220 million in 2024 and accounted for 40% of all job scam reports to the FTC. The scams target economically insecure retirees seeking side income by advertising easy online work but ultimately pressuring victims to invest their own money or use cryptocurrency. The article advises retirees to recognize red flags such as unsolicited job offers via text, vague job descriptions, and requests for personal investment, while recommending data removal services to reduce the risk of scammers obtaining their contact information from public data brokers.
ipsos.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2025 Ipsos poll found that younger Canadians are more likely than older adults to have experienced impersonation scams on social media and phone, contrary to common stereotypes about elder vulnerability. While 84% of Canadians are confident detecting email scams, confidence drops significantly to 57% for detecting smart device intrusions, with those 55+ showing the lowest confidence at 51%. Notably, most Canadians—including seniors—are aware of AI's rapid advancement and its use in creating realistic voice and video impersonations, though older adults show lower awareness (60%) than younger groups of how easily scammers can access AI tools like ChatGPT.
eastidahonews.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly couple in Rexburg was scammed out of $35,000 after receiving a fraudulent email impersonating PayPal's fraud department, which directed them to withdraw cash from multiple bank branches under the pretense of investigating unauthorized Bitcoin purchases. The scammers instructed the victims to lie to bank employees about the withdrawal reason and later sent two men to the home to physically collect the cash in an envelope. The Rexburg Police Department is investigating and warns that scammers often keep victims on the phone for extended periods to exploit their emotional vulnerability and lack of technological knowledge.
murrayledger.com
· 2025-12-08
A resurgence of toll-charge texting scams is circulating, where recipients receive messages claiming unpaid tolls in states they may or may not have visited, with links directing them to fake websites requesting payment. Law enforcement officials note that scammers increasingly replicate legitimate toll company messaging (like FastTrak or EZ Pass) and create sophisticated fake websites, making scams harder to identify, though legitimate toll agencies never request payment via text and instead send physical mail with license plate photos. Police advise recipients to verify they actually visited the state in question and to research any suspicious requests before responding, as scammers are becoming increasingly skilled at mimicking legitimate communications across multiple platforms including email and phone calls.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
According to the FBI's 2024 Elder Fraud Report, elder fraud complaints increased 46% with losses rising 43%, while New York ranked fourth nationally in complaints and monetary losses among seniors over 60. The median loss for victims aged 60+ exceeded $83,000, with investment scams causing the highest losses at $6.6 billion overall and New York seniors losing $257.7 million in 2024. AARP warns that holiday season scams are escalating, particularly gift card fraud, phishing, and delivery scams, and recommends shopping directly from official websites, purchasing gift cards only from authorized locations, and being wary of urgent requests for payment via gift cards or
foxsanantonio.com
· 2025-12-08
A USAA customer was targeted by scammers who spoofed the bank's caller ID and posed as the fraud department to warn her about unauthorized charges. The scammers manipulated her into transferring $3,400 through Apple Cash by claiming to help secure her compromised account, ultimately stealing the funds before disappearing when she discovered the deception. The case highlights a growing imposter scam trend affecting bank customers nationwide, with such scams resulting in $2.7 billion in annual losses, and demonstrates how criminals exploit familiar bank names and personal information to build false trust.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines key strategies for retirees to protect themselves from AI-powered banking scams that increasingly target seniors. The recommended preventive measures include staying informed about current scam tactics, using strong mixed-character passwords with two-factor authentication, monitoring accounts regularly, verifying claims directly with financial institutions before sharing information, avoiding sharing personal details online, and installing antivirus software on devices.
bostonglobe.com
· 2025-12-08
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digit.in
· 2025-12-08
A 33-year-old man in Bengaluru lost Rs 1.7 lakh after clicking a malicious link in a fake traffic challan WhatsApp message that downloaded an APK file and compromised his phone, leading to unauthorized transactions on e-commerce platforms and his credit cards. By acting quickly to contact Flipkart, Amazon, and his banks before orders were dispatched, he recovered Rs 80,000 of the stolen amount. The article advises avoiding unknown links, refusing APK downloads, verifying messages through official channels, enabling transaction alerts, and reporting fraud immediately to banks and platforms.
thelogicalindian.com
· 2025-12-08
Meenu Rani from Greater Noida lost ₹51.5 lakh in a stock trading scam that began with a ₹1,000 Amazon gift voucher used to build trust before scammers lured her into investments through a fake trading app displaying fabricated profits. When she demanded her money back, the scammers stopped responding; police have registered a case under the IT Act and recovered ₹4.8 lakh so far. The incident exemplifies the growing threat of cyber scams in India targeting individuals through social media and messaging platforms, with authorities advising victims to verify investment opportunities through regulatory bodies like SEBI and avoid sharing financial details online.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
A Darien, Connecticut resident lost $25,000 in a tech support scam on February 26 after scammers impersonating Apple security and Bank of America representatives displayed a fraudulent notification claiming unauthorized access to their accounts. The victim was convinced to withdraw $25,000 in cash and hand it to an unidentified individual at their home; no arrests have been made and an investigation is underway. The FTC warns against responding to pop-up messages about computer problems or calling numbers provided in such notifications, as unsolicited tech support calls are always scams.
shu.edu
· 2025-12-08
National Slam the Scam Day (March 6, 2025) is an awareness initiative by Social Security's Office of the Inspector General to combat government imposter scams, where fraudsters impersonate officials from trusted agencies like the SSA and IRS to steal money and personal information. The advisory highlights the "4 P's" of scams—pretend, problem, pressure, and payment demand—and emphasizes that legitimate government agencies never request payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or other untraceable methods. Individuals are urged to stay alert, hang up on suspicious contacts, guard personal information, and report suspected fraud to the appropriate authorities.
substack.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly targeting Substack writers and readers through impersonation of public figures like Keanu Reeves and the author themselves, using engagement patterns and trust-building tactics to gather information before attempting to defraud victims. The author, who lost one-third of her retirement funds to a scam in 2022, warns that sophisticated scammers profile users by age, hobbies, and interactions, and notes that recent romance scams alone exceeded half a billion dollars. She urges the community to be vigilant about fake celebrity accounts and impersonators, as even highly educated individuals and tech professionals have fallen victim to these schemes.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercrime marketplaces are dramatically lowering the barriers to entry for fraud, enabling less-skilled individuals to conduct sophisticated scams through "cybercrime-as-a-service" platforms that sell malicious tools, stolen data, and hacking expertise. These organized underground markets—including darknet sites and public platforms like Huione Guarantee—operate with corporate-like structures and cryptocurrency payments to facilitate illicit activities, with vendors on major platforms processing billions in transactions. Experts warn this professionalization and accessibility of cybercrime resources poses unprecedented global cybersecurity and fraud threats.
thehackernews.com
· 2025-12-08
Google is rolling out AI-powered scam detection features for Android devices that identify suspicious patterns in text messages and phone calls in real-time, particularly targeting conversational scams and spoofing techniques used by fraudsters. The on-device detection system, launching in English in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, alerts users to likely scams during conversations without accessing private chat content unless users choose to report a message. Google is simultaneously expanding similar phone call scam detection to Pixel 9+ users and enhancing its Chrome browser's Safe Browsing capabilities with AI models designed to identify phishing and social engineering tactics.
investmentnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The North American Securities Administrators Association identified cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence-based scams as major threats to retail investors in 2025, with fraudsters increasingly using social media platforms (31.7% on Facebook and X, 31.3% on Telegram and WhatsApp) and AI-generated content to deceive victims with promises of unrealistic returns. Nearly 39% of state regulators expect scammers to use AI-generated videos and graphics for false credibility, while affinity and romance scams remain significant risks, with seniors losing $357 million to such schemes in 2023 alone. NASAA advised investors to verify the legitimacy of investment promoters and their registration status before investing
newsday.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, New Yorkers over 60 lost more than $203 million to scams including sweepstakes, tech support fraud, and government impersonation schemes, with Long Islanders accounting for $38 million of those losses. Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed legislation that would train bank employees, brokers, and financial advisers to recognize elder exploitation and legally empower them to place temporary holds (up to 55 days) on suspicious transactions while law enforcement investigates. The bill, supported by 43 consumer protection groups including AARP, aims to prevent funds from being permanently lost to scammers before fraud can be detected and stopped.
punekarnews.in
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are targeting Netflix users with phishing emails that mimic official Netflix communications, warning of suspended accounts and directing users to fake login pages where scammers steal login credentials and financial information. To protect themselves, users should verify sender email addresses, avoid clicking suspicious links, access their accounts directly through Netflix's official website, and never provide passwords or payment details via email.
blackburn.senate.gov
· 2025-12-08
U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn introduced the bipartisan Romance Scam Prevention Act to require dating apps to notify users who have interacted with individuals removed for fraudulent activity, addressing a growing threat to senior citizens. Romance scams cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022, with Tennesseans over 60 losing $43 million in 2023 alone, as scammers target recently widowed or divorced seniors through fake identities and move conversations to private platforms after account deactivation.
thefinancialbrand.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 MIT and AARP study found that household wealth declines by more than half—from $217,000 to $104,000—in the eight years before a dementia diagnosis, as individuals make poor financial decisions and become vulnerable to exploitation while cognitive decline goes undetected. Nearly one in ten adults over 65 have diagnosable dementia, with financial red flags like missed payments and declining credit scores appearing up to six years before diagnosis, yet most financial institutions lack adequate proactive measures to protect at-risk clients during this critical pre-diagnosis window.
tampafp.com
· 2025-12-08
Senator Marsha Blackburn introduced the bipartisan Romance Scam Prevention Act to protect dating app users, particularly seniors, from romance scams that cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022 and $43 million to Tennessee seniors over 60 in 2023 alone. The bill requires dating platforms to notify users when they have interacted with someone banned for fraud, addressing a gap where scammers shift conversations to private platforms like WhatsApp to avoid detection. Romance scam losses increased 70% between 2020 and 2022, with median individual losses of $4,400, prompting support from advocacy groups like AARP, though tech companies have raise
vvdailypress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old Apple Valley man foiled a tech support scam when he recognized a fraudulent pop-up ad claiming his information was compromised and asking him to withdraw $35,000. After reporting the scheme to the sheriff's department, the victim arranged for the suspect to pick up the money at his home, where deputies arrested 29-year-old Alex Yu of San Francisco on suspicion of attempted fraud. The incident underscores the importance of recognizing that legitimate banks and government agencies never request cash withdrawals or in-person money transfers.
denvergazette.com
· 2025-12-08
A 27-year-old man from New Jersey was sentenced to six years in prison for stealing over $120,000 from an 80-year-old Highlands Ranch woman through a fake federal agent gold bar scam in July 2023. Sagar Jayeshkuma Patel posed as law enforcement after she clicked a virus pop-up, convincing her to purchase gold bars and hand them over at a convenience store; he was caught through cellphone records, credit card records, and surveillance footage, and ordered to pay approximately $144,000 in restitution. Patel is also under investigation for similar crimes in New York and Delaware and faces an ICE hold for being an un
thinkstewartville.com
· 2025-12-08
A man in Shanghai lost over $26,000 in an AI-powered romance scam where he believed he was in a genuine relationship with a woman who was actually a sophisticated artificial intelligence program. The scammers used AI-generated photos and videos, fabricated medical reports and identity documents, and created false scenarios requiring financial assistance to manipulate the victim into transferring approximately 200,000 yuan. The case illustrates the growing threat of AI-enabled fraud and highlights the emotional and financial devastation these scams inflict on victims seeking genuine human connection.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are targeting Apple customers with phishing text messages that falsely claim suspicious purchases or unauthorized account activity, urging recipients to call a fraudulent support number or risk being charged. When victims call the fake support line, scammers impersonate Apple representatives to steal personal information or gain remote access to devices to install spyware and access bank accounts. Users should avoid clicking links or calling numbers in unsolicited messages and instead verify account security directly through official Apple channels or their bank.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages impersonating toll collection services (E-ZPass, EZDriveMA, FasTrak, and North Carolina Toll Services) to drivers, claiming unpaid tolls and threatening license suspension or increased fines to create urgency. If victims click the links or provide payment information, scammers can install malware on their devices or steal credit card data for fraudulent charges. The FBI and FTC have issued alerts about this scam; victims should verify toll violations directly through official agency websites rather than clicking links in unsolicited texts.
san.com
· 2025-12-08
The FCC issued a consumer alert warning about AI-powered voice cloning scams that impersonate loved ones, often using social media videos to create convincing deepfakes requesting urgent money transfers. These scams exploit fear and pressure tactics—such as fake arrest scenarios and "don't tell anyone" instructions—to bypass victim skepticism, with elder fraud complaints rising 14% in 2023 and 25 Canadian nationals recently charged with using similar schemes across 45 states.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
This article presents two perspectives on a major UK call centre scam that defrauded approximately 6,000 people. A Which? director argues that organized criminal networks exploited weaknesses in consumer protections, calling for stronger regulation of tech firms and banks to prevent scam advertisements and enforce financial reimbursement rules more quickly. A victim's letter reveals how fraudsters used spoofed London telephone numbers and fake social media advertisements to convince the family to "invest" their house sale proceeds, resulting in the loss of their home.