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in Crypto Investment Scams
coindesk.com
· 2025-12-08
Chainalysis reports that crypto scams remain the dominant form of crypto crime in 2024, with "pig butchering" scams—where fraudsters build trust through romantic contact before stealing cryptocurrency investments—posing particular danger to crypto wallet holders. The report identifies Huione Guarantee, a Cambodian online marketplace that has processed $49 billion in crypto transactions since 2021, as a key off-ramp used by scammers to convert stolen digital assets into usable funds, as traditional exchanges have strengthened their compliance measures.
nst.com.my
· 2025-12-08
I appreciate your request, but I'm unable to provide a summary because the text you've shared appears to be only a website navigation menu and header structure from the New Straits Times website, not an actual article about fraud or elder abuse.
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2news.com
· 2025-12-08
Washoe County partnered with the Better Business Bureau to educate seniors about common scams, as fraud targeting this population is increasing. Imposter scams (posing as Social Security, revenue agencies, or retailers like Amazon) are most frequently reported, while investment, cryptocurrency, and romance scams pose the highest financial risk to those 65 and older; scammers often use phone calls rather than online methods, exploiting seniors' likelihood of answering calls. The BBB emphasizes that reporting scams—even those without financial loss—is critical since only about 5% of victims report fraud, and encouraging community reporting helps prevent others from becoming victims.
2news.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment and cryptocurrency scams pose the highest fraud risk for seniors aged 65 and older, with romance scams ranking as the second most prevalent threat. Senior citizens are increasingly falling victim to scams, according to Better Business Bureau experts who emphasize the need for targeted prevention awareness among this vulnerable population.
miragenews.com
· 2025-12-08
This awareness piece highlights sophisticated investment scams targeting Australians, particularly "pig butchering" schemes where scammers build trust over weeks or months before soliciting cryptocurrency investments. A Queensland victim lost approximately $244,000 AUD after being befriended on Facebook by a scammer who gradually encouraged increasingly larger investments in cryptocurrency, promising substantial returns; when the victim attempted to withdraw funds, the scammer blocked all contact. Recent data from the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre shows Australians lost at least $180 million to cryptocurrency investment scams in 12 months, with nearly half of all investment scam losses involving cryptocurrency and victims now more likely
coindesk.com
· 2025-12-08
Australians lost AUD$180 million (USD$122 million) in cryptocurrency investment scams over 12 months, representing 47% of the AUD$382 million lost to investment scams in the 2023-24 financial year. Contrary to assumptions that only older people are targeted, 60% of scam reports came from people under 50 years old, with scammers using pressure tactics, pig butchering schemes, and deepfake technology to deceive victims into making poor investment decisions.
multivu.com
· 2025-12-08
Crimes against seniors resulted in over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, with more than 100,000 complaints filed by people over 60—an 11% increase from the previous year, according to FBI data. Common senior scams employ tactics such as demanding urgent payment, requesting non-conventional payment methods (wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards), or threatening to contact authorities. Red flags include unsolicited emails, calls, or texts using pressure tactics, and victims or their families can report suspected fraud to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Brookdale Senior Living released educational guidance on protecting seniors from fraud, noting that crimes against seniors totaled over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, with more than 100,000 complaints filed by people over 60—an 11% increase from the previous year. The article identifies common scam types including tech support scams, romance scams, investment schemes, and non-payment fraud, advising seniors to recognize red flags such as urgent demands for payment, requests for wire transfers or cryptocurrency, and threats from authorities. Resources provided include awareness information at Brookdale.com and the National Elder Fraud Hotline (833-372-8311) for reporting suspecte
abc7.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using fake QR codes placed over legitimate parking meter codes to redirect drivers to fraudulent payment websites that steal credit card and personal information. In San Clemente and Redondo Beach, California, victims entered their payment details on fake sites mimicking legitimate parking apps, resulting in unauthorized charges detected within minutes. The FTC warns consumers to verify QR code destinations for misspellings, as fake codes can also install malware or direct users to phishing sites designed to harvest personal data.
lowyat.net
· 2025-12-08
Former Heartland Tri-State Bank CEO Shan Hanes was sentenced to 24 years in prison for illegally wiring $47.1 million from the bank in a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam, ultimately causing the bank's collapse. The scheme harmed multiple victims including church funds, investment clubs, and children's college savings, resulting in $9 million in losses for bank investors and forcing the FDIC to absorb the $47 million loss. Hanes faces an additional 28 charges in North Dakota with a potential 86-month sentence scheduled for trial in October.
media.anz.com
· 2025-12-08
ANZ reported a 49% reduction in customer scam losses between October 2023 and June 2024, preventing over $100 million in funds from reaching cybercriminals, while implementing multiple protective measures including AI-based scam detection, cryptocurrency payment restrictions, and enhanced customer education. The bank identified online platforms as the most common scam source (45% of reports), followed by telephone/SMS and email, and emphasized that community awareness and victim willingness to share experiences are critical to combating increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Hannah, a woman in her 70s, lost $300,000 in a cryptocurrency scam and nearly lost another $25,000 to a recovery scam perpetrated by the same fraudster posing as an investigator named "David." She avoided disclosing the losses to her family out of fear of losing independence, becoming increasingly isolated until a bank teller identified the second scam attempt. The case illustrates how older adults are vulnerable to follow-on scams exploiting emotional isolation, with people aged 55+ accounting for 47.6% of reported scam losses in the first half of 2024.
9now.nine.com.au
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" is a sophisticated romance scam operating from compounds on the Myanmar-Thailand border, where trafficked workers—held captive and beaten by Chinese organized crime gangs—use AI-generated avatars and psychological manipulation scripts to build romantic relationships with victims on dating apps, then convince them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms. The scams have become so prevalent and profitable that they rival the drug trade; Australian victim Sarah lost $100,000 after months of grooming, and law enforcement officials warn this criminal enterprise poses an unprecedented global threat to vulnerable populations worldwide.
cointelegraph.com
· 2025-12-08
Tether, a stablecoin issuer, has assisted over 145 law enforcement agencies in recovering more than $108.8 million in USDT linked to illegal activities since 2014, including a recent $5 million seizure from "pig-butchering" romance scammers who deceived victims by posing as romantic interests. The company has voluntarily blocked over 1,900 wallets connected to illicit activity and collaborated with the DOJ, FBI, and US Secret Service on investigations, with romance scams showing an 85-fold increase since 2020.
livebitcoinnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Tether, the issuer of the largest stablecoin USDT, assisted the US Department of Justice in recovering approximately $5 million stolen in a romance (pig-butchering) scam, where victims were deceived into investing in fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms. Since 2014, Tether has recovered $108.8 million in stolen USDT across more than 145 enforcement agencies in 40 jurisdictions by tracking and blocking wallets associated with illicit activity.
abc7news.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI launched a new public awareness campaign called "Take a Beat" to educate the public about major fraud schemes, including impersonation scams (posing as banks or law enforcement), cryptocurrency investment fraud, grandparent scams using AI voice cloning, and recovery scams targeting previous fraud victims. One Bay Area victim lost $950 to a scammer impersonating a Citibank employee, illustrating how fraudsters exploit emotional urgency and personal information to manipulate victims into sending money or revealing passwords.
androidauthority.com
· 2025-12-08
Phone scams are increasingly sophisticated and cost US consumers $2.7 billion in reported losses in 2023 alone, with numbers rising annually. The article identifies 12 common phone and text scams including the "loved one in need" (grandparent scam), government impersonation (FBI/IRS), and other fraudulent schemes that exploit emotional pressure and official-sounding tactics. Key prevention strategies include verifying caller identity through alternative contact methods, refusing to send money to unknown callers, and being skeptical of urgent payment demands, especially via wire transfers or gift cards.
techtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Shan Hanes, former CEO of Heartland Tri-State Bank, fell victim to a pig-butchering cryptocurrency scam and subsequently embezzled $47 million from the bank to fund fraudulent "investments," resulting in the bank's collapse and his conviction on embezzlement charges. Before stealing from the bank, Hanes had already victimized a local church, investor club, his daughter's college fund, and a neighbor in attempts to feed the scam. He received a 24-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to embezzlement.
theverge.com
· 2025-12-08
Shan Hanes, former CEO of Heartland Tri-State Bank in Kansas, was sentenced to 24 years in prison after embezzling $47.1 million from the bank and routing it to cryptocurrency accounts controlled by pig butchering scammers. Between May and June 2023, Hanes made 11 wire transfers using stolen bank funds while also embezzling from a local church, investment club, and his daughter's college savings account, ultimately causing the bank to collapse. Pig butchering scams, which lure victims into fake cryptocurrency investments through relationship-building on messaging apps and social media, have cost victims over $75 billion globally in recent years
1011now.com
· 2025-12-08
A 68-year-old woman in Lancaster County lost $7,000 after receiving a pop-up window on her computer warning of suspicious banking activity; she was directed to withdraw the money and convert it to Bitcoin, a common fraud tactic. In a separate incident, a man was targeted in an attempted sextortion scam via a dating app and Snapchat, where a woman threatened to share explicit photos unless he paid $2,000, though he avoided losing money by hanging up. The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office warns residents that anyone instructed to purchase Bitcoin by phone should hang up immediately, as these scams affect people of all ages.
ibtimes.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Shan Hanes, CEO of Heartland Tri-State Bank in Kansas, was sentenced to over 24 years in prison for embezzling $47 million after falling victim to a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam. Over eight weeks in 2022, Hanes transferred stolen funds from the bank, a local church, an investment club, and his daughter's college savings to cryptocurrency wallets controlled by scammers, ultimately losing all the money and causing the bank's collapse and FDIC takeover. The scheme devastated shareholders and community members, with victims losing 70-80 percent of their retirement savings and facing severe financial hardship.
blockonomi.com
· 2025-12-08
On August 22, 2024, Philippine authorities arrested 99 people (67 foreign nationals and 32 Filipinos) in a raid on AIA Company, an unregistered cryptocurrency scam hub in Parañaque City that operated romance scams and fake investment schemes. Customer service representatives were coerced into posing as wealthy models to lure victims into investing in manipulated cryptocurrency platforms, with some employees forced into additional exploitative activities. Authorities seized electronic devices and are preparing charges under cybercrime and securities regulations laws.
securityboulevard.com
· 2025-12-08
Kansas bank CEO Shan Hanes was sentenced to 24 years in prison for embezzling $47.1 million through wire transfers to cryptocurrency wallets as part of a "pig butchering" scam in which he was the victim-turned-perpetrator. His actions directly caused Heartland Tri-State Bank to collapse, resulting in $9 million in losses to investors, with the FDIC absorbing the remaining $47.1 million. Hanes circumvented internal banking controls with the help of employees to facilitate the fraudulent transfers between May and June 2023.
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scams have surged 900 percent since the pandemic began, with over 46,000 Americans losing more than $1 billion to crypto fraud in 2021 alone. Common scams include phishing attacks, Ponzi schemes, fake ICOs, and fraudulent exchanges that exploit crypto's decentralized and hard-to-trace nature. Consumers should exercise caution by only investing what they can afford to lose, verifying information through credible sources, using secure storage methods, and consulting state and federal watchdog organizations like California's Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
helpnetsecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
In the first half of 2024, Hiya detected nearly 20 billion suspected spam calls globally, with spam flag rates exceeding 20% of unknown calls in 25 of 42 countries, alongside a significant rise in AI deepfake voice-cloning scams—including a January robocall impersonating Joe Biden in New Hampshire. Medicare, health insurance, and tax scams dominated in the United States, while France and Spain experienced the highest European spam rates (53% and 51% respectively), Brazil received the most spam calls per capita (26 monthly), and Canada and the UK saw surges in Amazon and tax authority impersonation scams. Researchers anticipate voice
theconversation.com
· 2025-12-08
An 83-year-old Maryland woman named Mae fell victim to tech support fraud when she clicked a malicious link claiming to be from Apple, leading scammers posing as tech support and bank fraud personnel to convince her to purchase gift cards totaling thousands of dollars over a 10-hour period. The case illustrates a larger problem: an estimated $8 billion is stolen annually from seniors age 60 and older through stranger fraud, with gift cards increasingly becoming the preferred payment method for scammers because they lack consumer protections afforded to credit and debit cards and are easily converted to untraceable purchases or resold on dark web marketplaces. The investigation reveals that federal regulators have consistently
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
McDonald's official Instagram account was hacked in August 2024, resulting in a cryptocurrency scam that defrauded users of approximately $700,000 (Rs 5.8 crore). Hackers posted a fake giveaway promoting free cryptocurrency and directed users to a phishing website designed to steal personal information and wallet credentials; the scammers later bragged about the "rug pull" before McDonald's deleted the post and resolved the breach. The incident highlights the risks of cryptocurrency giveaway scams and underscores the importance of verifying the authenticity of digital currency offers before sharing financial information.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
McDonald's official Instagram account was hacked, and scammers used it to promote a fake cryptocurrency giveaway that directed thousands of victims to a phishing website, stealing personal information and cryptocurrency wallet credentials and netting $700,000 in Solana tokens in what became known as a "rug pull" scam. McDonald's confirmed the incident, apologized for offensive language posted during the hack, and stated the issue had been resolved. The scam demonstrates how compromised high-profile social media accounts can be weaponized to conduct large-scale fraud by exploiting users' trust in official brand accounts.
columbuscountynews.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal investigators in North Carolina seized approximately $5 million in cryptocurrency tied to a "pig butchering" scam, in which criminals pose as romantic partners to build trust with victims before directing them to fake cryptocurrency trading platforms. The scammers promised high investment returns on these fraudulent platforms, then prevented victims from withdrawing funds and demanded additional payments for supposed taxes and penalties. The FBI traced victim funds through multiple cryptocurrency wallets used to launder the proceeds, with one victim losing an entire individual retirement account to the scheme.
crypto.news
· 2025-12-08
Philippine authorities arrested 99 individuals (64 foreign nationals and 35 Filipinos) during an August 22 raid on a Chinese-run scam center in Manila that was operating cryptocurrency investment and romance scams. The operation deceived victims by using fake wealthy model personas to lure them into fraudulent trading platforms, with some arrested workers claiming coercion. The raid reflects intensified government crackdowns on unlicensed crypto services and online gaming operators following regulatory efforts announced by the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An 83-year-old Maryland resident named Mae fell victim to a tech support scam that ultimately resulted in fraudsters convincing her to purchase gift cards as payment. The article documents how gift card fraud has become a leading payment method in elder fraud schemes, with an estimated $8 billion stolen annually from seniors age 60 and older, yet federal regulators have failed to implement consumer protections for gift cards comparable to those for credit and debit cards. The investigation reveals that while fraudsters, gift card companies, and retailers profit from these schemes, the privately-held technology companies managing the gift card infrastructure are best positioned to prevent fraud but lack legal requirements to do so.
upi.com
· 2025-12-08
An 83-year-old Maryland woman named Mae fell victim to tech support fraud after clicking a malicious link on her frozen laptop, leading fraudsters to convince her to purchase gift cards worth thousands of dollars over a 10-hour period. The case illustrates a broader problem: an estimated $8 billion is stolen annually from seniors age 60 and older through fraud, with gift cards increasingly becoming the preferred payment method for criminals due to minimal consumer protections and difficulty in tracing funds. Federal regulators have failed to provide gift cards with the same protections as credit and debit cards, while retailers, technology companies, and fraudsters all profit from the scheme at victims' expense.
theitem.com
· 2025-12-08
An 83-year-old Maryland woman named Mae fell victim to a tech support scam when a fake Apple alert prompted her to contact fraudsters posing as Apple and bank employees, who ultimately convinced her to purchase gift cards totaling thousands of dollars over a 10-hour period. The case illustrates a broader problem: an estimated $8 billion is stolen annually from seniors age 60 and older through fraud, with gift cards increasingly becoming the payment method of choice for criminals because they lack consumer protections afforded to credit and debit cards. Federal regulators have failed to adequately protect consumers from gift card fraud despite it being a growing problem, while technology companies and retailers benefit financially from these crimes due to
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
Metro Detroit police report a surge in scam schemes targeting residents, in which perpetrators impersonate government agencies, tech support, or financial institutions to convince victims to withdraw large sums of cash or cryptocurrency. Victims are instructed to either hand cash to "couriers" or deposit funds into bitcoin ATMs, with one Northville Township woman in her 70s losing $300,000 through a combination of cash, bitcoin, and gold bars in summer 2024. Scammers keep victims on the phone to prevent them from seeking help and often direct them to multiple banks to avoid suspicion.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational awareness piece, not a news report of a specific scam incident. Here's the summary:
Romance scams are increasingly prevalent on social media, dating apps, and online platforms, with criminals evolving tactics to exploit lonely individuals into money laundering schemes, fraudulent cryptocurrency investments, and other fraud. AARP Texas hosted a Facebook Live educational event on September 4, 2024, featuring federal prosecutors and law enforcement to discuss warning signs of romance scams, protective measures, and resources for victims.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
A GOBankingRates survey of over 1,100 Americans found that nearly 40% reported being victims of identity theft, financial fraud, or financial scams. The article identifies 14 common scam types affecting Americans, including phone scams (17% of victims), money transfer scams (12%), online shopping fraud, phishing, imposter scams, Social Security scams, debt collection scams, romance scams, and tax scams, along with practical prevention tips for each. No specific dollar loss amounts are provided, but the survey emphasizes that scams are widespread and offer guidance on how to protect oneself from each type.
wilsoncountysource.com
· 2025-12-08
Police departments and the Better Business Bureau are issuing warnings about a growing wave of QR code scams that direct victims to phishing websites, fraudulent payment portals, and malware. Common schemes include parking meter payment fraud, cryptocurrency wallet scams, romance scams, utility/government impostor scams, and phishing attacks via email or text. Consumers should verify QR codes before scanning, avoid codes from unfamiliar sources, check for tampering on public codes, and report suspicious activity to the BBB or FTC.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Young adults ages 18-24 are increasingly targeted by scammers during back-to-school season, with this age group reporting a median loss of $155 per scam in 2022—higher than other age groups for the first time. Common scams include textbook fraud, scholarship schemes, and employment offers, which exploit college students' inexperience with financial transactions and life decisions. Protection strategies include verifying websites, using credit cards for purchases (which offer more protection than peer-to-peer payment apps), and being cautious of unsolicited offers and deeply discounted prices.
newschannel5.com
· 2025-12-08
The Tennessee Attorney General's Office warns that QR code scams are rising, including phishing scams that steal personal information, payment scams using fake codes in public places, package scams directing users to malicious websites, cryptocurrency scams, and donation scams impersonating charities. The office recommends verifying QR code sources, inspecting codes for tampering, using secure scanner apps, previewing URLs before clicking, avoiding unsolicited codes from mail/email/text, and keeping device security software updated.
williamsonsource.com
· 2025-12-08
Police departments and the Better Business Bureau are warning consumers about rapidly growing QR code scams, where fraudsters use QR codes to direct victims to phishing websites, fake payment portals, and malware-infected sites. Common scams include parking meter fraud, cryptocurrency wallet schemes, romance scams, utility impostor schemes, and phishing attacks, with victims experiencing significant financial losses and device compromise. Consumers should verify QR code sources before scanning, avoid codes from unfamiliar sources, check for tampering on public codes, and report suspicious activity to the BBB and FTC.
decrypt.co
· 2025-12-08
Shan Hanes, former CEO of Kansas Heartland Tri-State Bank, was sentenced to over 24 years in prison for embezzling more than $47 million between May and July 2023 to fund a cryptocurrency pig butchering scam. His fraudulent transfers, which also included stealing from a local church and investment club, directly caused the bank's collapse and resulted in $9 million in investor losses. Hanes pleaded guilty to embezzlement by a bank officer, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 30 years.
kdhlradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in Prescott, Wisconsin are impersonating IRS agents via phone calls and text messages, claiming victims owe back taxes and threatening arrest warrants to create urgency and panic. The Prescott Police Department advises residents to hang up and contact the IRS directly rather than responding to such unsolicited communications.
kvoa.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued an alert about cryptocurrency scams targeting consumers through investment schemes, impersonation fraud, and blackmail extortion. Scammers use phone calls, emails, social media, and dating apps to pose as investment managers, government officials, or love interests to trick victims into buying and transferring cryptocurrency. The Attorney General recommends verifying caller information independently, remaining skeptical of unsolicited requests for cryptocurrency payments, never sharing personal information with unknown callers, consulting trusted individuals before major financial decisions, and reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.
prunderground.com
· 2025-12-08
Traverse Bay Farms partnered with financial expert Andy LaPointe to promote senior fraud prevention through his book "Senior Savvy: A Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Scams." The guide educates seniors on recognizing and protecting themselves from various scams including door-to-door, telephone, phishing, social media, romance, and cryptocurrency schemes, while providing actionable strategies for internet safety, password management, and scam reporting.
rfa.org
· 2025-12-08
A South Korean court sentenced the leader of an international scam operation to eight years in prison for luring nearly 60 South Korean victims with promises of high-paying jobs and forcing them into fraudulent crimes in Laos and Myanmar, resulting in losses exceeding 23 billion won ($17 million) between May and October of the previous year. The scam group imprisoned victims in offices within special economic zones, confiscated their passports, and coerced them into illegal activities including voice phishing, investment scams, and romance scams while withholding travel and living expenses. In response to the escalating threat, South Korea imposed a level 4 travel ban on the Lao Golden
azag.gov
· 2025-12-08
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a warning about cryptocurrency scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly senior citizens, which exploit victims' unfamiliarity with digital currencies. Common scams include investment schemes promising high returns with zero risk, impersonation scams claiming account fraud or legal issues that can only be resolved via cryptocurrency transfer, and blackmail scams threatening to release compromising information unless paid in Bitcoin. The Attorney General advises Arizonans to verify caller information independently, remain skeptical of unsolicited requests, recognize that legitimate businesses never demand cryptocurrency payment, protect personal information, consult trusted family members before financial decisions, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement or the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
theadvocate.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In the 2023/24 financial year, Tasmania Police recorded 163 victims of investment scams, with combined losses totaling $7.92 million and an average loss of $48,500 per victim. Older people are particularly targeted through unsolicited phone calls, text messages, and emails offering high-return, low-risk investments, with scammers using fake websites and persistent pressure to extract funds, often followed by recovery scams. Police advise verifying caller identity independently, conducting due diligence on companies, and consulting friends and family before investing, warning that victims are unlikely to recover lost funds.
nbclosangeles.com
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" scams involve fraudsters building trust with victims over weeks or months through dating apps and social media before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. In 2023, investment scams resulted in $4.57 billion in losses, with $3.96 billion tied to fake crypto investments, representing a 38% increase from the previous year. One victim lost $152,000 after being courted on a dating app, and while law enforcement has identified funds traced to exchanges in Southeast Asia, recovery remains difficult due to multi-jurisdictional complications and the use of cryptocurrency.
the-review.com
· 2025-12-08
QR codes are increasingly being exploited by scammers to direct victims to phishing websites, fraudulent payment portals, malware downloads, and fake cryptocurrency wallets. Common schemes include placing fraudulent QR codes on parking meters to steal payment information, conducting romance scams that culminate in cryptocurrency investment requests, impersonating utility companies and government agencies to collect fraudulent payments, and sending malicious codes via email or mail. Consumers should verify QR codes before scanning, avoid codes from unsolicited sources, and confirm suspicious requests directly with the legitimate organization or person claiming to contact them.
concordmonitor.com
· 2025-12-08
New Hampshire's Consumer Protection hotline, staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers since 1992, helps residents report fraud and resolve consumer disputes. The article highlights four long-serving volunteers who field calls about scams, faulty purchases, and business problems, noting that crypto scams have become increasingly prevalent—with victims often transferring tens of thousands of dollars after being deceived by impersonators claiming to be from the IRS, PayPal, or Microsoft.