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in Robocall / Phone Scam
glasgowtimes.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in East Dunbartonshire impersonated police officers and defrauded multiple older residents of four and five-figure sums by calling them at home, claiming concerns about fraudulent bank card use, and convincing victims to withdraw cash or provide bank details. The criminals would then collect the money in person while posing as plain-clothed officers. Police Scotland issued an urgent warning that legitimate officers and banks will never phone to request money transfers, withdrawals, or personal financial information, and advised residents to hang up on such calls and contact police on 101 if unsure.
newstalkkzrg.com
· 2025-12-08
Utility impostor scams involve fraudsters posing as electric, water, or gas company representatives via phone, email, or in-person visits, claiming customers have overdue bills requiring immediate payment or claiming they need home access for "repairs" or "energy audits." These scams are particularly common during extreme weather when people rely on utilities and are especially dangerous because scammers pressure victims to pay via untraceable methods like prepaid cards or wire transfers, or gain entry to homes to steal valuables and personal information. The BBB advises verifying requests by calling the utility company directly using a number from an actual bill, refusing unsolicited entry to your home, and remembering that legitimate utilities request payment
wxxinews.org
· 2025-12-08
The FBI is warning about a scam targeting seniors nationwide in which fraudsters impersonate bank or government officials and convince victims to withdraw cash or purchase gold bars to "protect" their accounts, then send a courier to collect the assets and disappear. From May to December 2023, the Internet Crime Complaint Center recorded losses exceeding $55 million from this scheme, with individual victims losing up to $1 million or more. The FBI advises that legitimate officials never request account liquidation and urges people to refuse requests to meet unknown individuals for cash or precious metal transfers.
moodyonthemarket.com
· 2025-12-08
Indiana Michigan Power reported 240 scam attempts targeting its customers through June of this year, an increase from the previous year, with scammers using spoofed caller IDs and claiming customers owe money requiring immediate payment. The company warns customers that legitimate I&M representatives will never demand payment via gift cards or third-party apps, will carry company ID and wear I&M logos, and the company always offers multiple payment notices and plan options before service disconnection. Customers should hang up on suspicious calls and report them to I&M or local police.
wboi.org
· 2025-12-08
Indiana Michigan Power reported a significant surge in utility scams during the first half of 2024, receiving 240 reports by the end of June—125 more than all of 2023 combined. Scammers impersonated I&M using spoofed caller IDs and phone/text messages to demand immediate payment through various methods (prepaid cards, wire transfers, mobile apps) while threatening disconnection, requesting overpayment refunds, or claiming customers needed to pay for meter installations; some scammers also approached customers in person. The Better Business Bureau recommends verifying callers by hanging up and calling the official utility number on your actual bill, avoiding payment through prepaid cards or
fox61.com
· 2025-12-08
Connecticut police have warned consumers about "shimming," an evolved fraud technique where criminals insert paper-thin devices into chip card readers to steal payment information and PINs for fraudulent purchases. The Connecticut Better Business Bureau recommends protecting yourself by monitoring accounts regularly, using contactless payment methods like Apple Pay or tap-and-go features, being alert for card readers with unusual resistance, and using ATMs located inside banks rather than standalone machines.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Guernsey Police warned of a large-scale scam in which fraudsters impersonated NatWest or HSBC representatives, using a recent IT outage as a pretext to call residents and direct them to fake websites or malicious software downloads, resulting in emptied bank accounts for multiple victims including individuals and businesses. Police reported a sharp rise in these reports over one week and advised recipients of suspicious calls to hang up and contact their bank independently, with scam victims encouraged to contact their bank's fraud team or Action Fraud.
wilx.com
· 2025-12-08
Smishing scams use text messages to trick people into clicking malicious links or calling scammer numbers, often impersonating delivery services or well-known companies to steal login credentials and personal data. These scams can result in identity theft, financial loss, and malware installation on devices. To protect yourself, avoid clicking unknown links, enable two-factor authentication, contact companies directly using verified numbers, and report suspicious texts to the FTC by forwarding to 7726.
k99.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in Colorado are targeting pet owners who post about lost animals by impersonating Humane Society representatives and demanding immediate payment over the phone for veterinary care before releasing the pet. The Northern Colorado Humane Society warns that legitimate animal shelters never request money by phone or electronic app to reunite owners with their pets; any fees are handled in person upon pickup.
connexionfrance.com
· 2025-12-08
France is warning residents and tourists this summer about multiple scams targeting travelers and holidaymakers, including fake emergency pleas at service stations (€400-900 requests), roadside panic schemes where fraudsters flag down drivers to distract and rob them, staged tire-slashing in parking lots, inflated restaurant bills, and fraudulent vacation rental listings with AI-generated photos. To avoid these scams, authorities recommend being skeptical of urgent cash requests, never stopping for roadside emergencies, keeping vehicles locked, verifying bills before payment, and scrutinizing too-good-to-be-true accommodation offers.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
In June, 63 people in Singapore lost at least $10.6 million to scammers impersonating bank officers and government officials in a multi-stage fraud scheme. Victims received unsolicited calls from fraudsters claiming to be bank officers who reported suspicious transactions, then were transferred to additional scammers posing as police or Monetary Authority of Singapore officials who accused them of money laundering and pressured them to transfer funds to fake "safety accounts." Authorities stressed that government officials never request money transfers, personal information, or clicks to banking websites over the phone or text, and advised victims to enable two-factor authentication and verify suspicious claims through official channels.
skooknews.com
· 2025-12-08
Schuylkill County police reported two victims lost a combined $34,000 to an online scam involving fake child pornography warning messages that directed them to call a number and deposit funds via Bitcoin machines at a local store. The scam targeted residents from St. Clair and Blythe Township, with victims depositing $10,000 and $24,000 respectively before the scammers vanished. Law enforcement is investigating and urging other potential victims to contact police immediately.
ifamagazine.com
· 2025-12-08
Research from LV= found that young adults aged 18-34 reported more scam victimization than older adults, with 3.8 million UK victims losing money to purchase fraud last year; young adults experienced higher rates across all scam types (phishing, trusted organization impersonation, refund, befriending, and investment scams) compared to those 65 and over, possibly due to greater daily online time averaging 4 hours 35 minutes. The findings highlight that despite increased financial scams over three years, many consumers lack knowledge about reporting mechanisms and that those with financial advisers were more likely to take appropriate action and understand relevant regulatory bodies like the FCA
longisland.news12.com
· 2025-12-08
An 18-year-old Deer Park teenager fell victim to a car wrap scam in which he deposited a fake $3,900 check from scammers impersonating NOS Energy drink, resulting in his bank account being closed and his name placed on a five-year blacklist preventing him from opening accounts at any financial institution. Employment scams like this, which have increased 54% between 2022 and 2023, trick victims into depositing counterfeit checks and sending money to fraudsters; the typical victim loses around $2,000. After a news investigation contacted Bank of America, the bank determined he was a victim rather than a perpetrator and removed him from the black
seattlemag.com
· 2025-12-08
A Seattle magazine intern nearly fell victim to a phishing scam when she received a spoofed email from her CEO's address requesting she purchase $600 in Apple gift cards for employee appreciation; she was stopped from completing the purchase only after calling her mother. The article highlights that phishing attacks are increasingly sophisticated and widespread, with over 500 million attacks reported in 2022 resulting in more than $52 million in losses across 300,000+ victims, and advises readers to be skeptical of unexpected requests, especially those involving urgent financial transactions.
independent.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Barclays reported a 139% increase in romance scam reports between March-April and May-June 2024, with scammers targeting victims through dating apps, websites, and social media. While men report romance scams more frequently, women lose significantly more money on average (£8,900 compared to £3,500 for men), and female reports increased 43% during the period studied. The bank advises verifying the identity of online romantic interests before sending money and emphasizes that victims should report scams without shame, as scammers use sophisticated tactics to build trust.
kktv.com
· 2025-12-08
A Colorado woman lost over $19,000 to scammers who impersonated Best Buy's Geek Squad support services via a fraudulent email claiming her subscription was expiring. The victim followed the scammers' instructions across multiple calls, ultimately transferring the funds before realizing she had been defrauded. Authorities recommend verifying suspicious communications by contacting companies directly using official numbers found on their legitimate websites, rather than using contact information provided in the suspicious message.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that children are increasingly vulnerable to online scams due to their inexperience and trust, with more than half of American children under 11 now owning smartphones. Common scams targeting kids include social media contests requesting personal information, deceptive free ringtone offers with hidden subscription fees, malware-infected video games, and webcam security breaches. The BBB recommends parents educate children about scams, establish internet safety rules, monitor downloads, use security software, and report suspected fraud to the BBB Scam Tracker or FTC.
indeonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Jury duty scams remain persistent threats that use spoofed caller ID, personal information verification, and intimidating claims of missed court dates or arrest warrants to pressure victims into paying thousands of dollars via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Scammers may also use variations involving malware-infected email attachments or identity theft, with one recent victim losing $1,000 before recognizing the fraud. To protect themselves, people should verify court summons through official postal mail only, independently confirm any judicial claims by contacting official court numbers, ignore urgent pressure tactics, avoid untraceable payment methods, and consult trusted contacts before responding to suspicious communications.
gantnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, banks reported over $27 billion in suspicious elder fraud activity, with FBI reports indicating average losses exceeding $33,000 per case, driven partly by advanced AI technologies like voice cloning that enable realistic impersonation. Common scams targeting elders employ two main strategies: creating urgency (tech support, government imposter, grandparent scams) or offering attractive opportunities (investment, romance, lottery scams). Protective measures include pausing when rushed, verifying identities through independent channels before acting, avoiding nontraditional payment methods, and consulting trusted confidants about unusual requests.
birminghammail.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Barclays reported a 139% year-on-year increase in romance scams from March-June 2024, with female victims losing significantly more money on average (£8,900) compared to male victims (£3,500), despite men representing the majority of romance scam reports. The scams typically originate on dating apps, social media, and dating websites, where perpetrators build trust before manipulating victims into sending money or personal information. The bank urged customers to verify the identity of new online contacts before transferring funds and emphasized the importance of reporting incidents without shame, as scammers use sophisticated tactics to exploit victims.
metro.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams peak during summer months, with a 139% increase in reported scam value from May to June compared to March to April, according to Barclays analysis. While men report romance scams more frequently, women lose significantly more money per incident—averaging £8,900 compared to men's £3,500—as scammers build trust to extract financial assistance. The bank also warns of wedding-related invoice scams and advises online daters to verify identities and be cautious of money requests from people they haven't met in person.
gbnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Barclays Bank warns of a sharp rise in romance scams, with a 139% increase in reported cases between March-June 2024 and losses reaching up to £9,000 per victim. While men report romance scams more frequently, women lose significantly more money on average (£8,900 vs. £3,500 for men), with female victims reporting a 43% increase in cases. The bank advises potential victims to verify the identity of online dating contacts before sending money, perform reverse image searches on profile photos, and seek advice from trusted contacts before transferring funds for urgent-sounding requests.
chroniclelive.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Barclays reported a 139% increase in romance scam reports comparing March-April to May-June 2024, with women losing significantly more money on average (£8,900 versus £3,500 for men), though men report these scams more frequently. The bank found that romance scams, where perpetrators build false relationships to extract money or personal information, frequently originate on dating apps, social media, and dating websites, with a 43% increase in reports from women during the peak period. Barclays urged potential daters to verify identities before transferring money and emphasized the importance of reporting scams without shame, while calling for industry-wide collaboration to prevent fraud.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Barclays bank reported a 139% increase in romance scam claims between March-April and May-June 2024, with a 43% rise specifically among female victims who lose an average of £8,900 compared to men's average loss of £3,500. While men report romance scams more frequently, the analysis found that men are more willing to send money to newly-met online contacts, and the bank urged people to verify identities before transferring funds, emphasizing that scammers use sophisticated tactics and victims should not feel ashamed to report incidents.
halesowennews.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Barclays reported a 139% increase in romance scam claims between March-April and May-June 2024, with women losing an average of £8,900 compared to men's £3,500 per incident, despite men reporting scams more frequently. Romance scams involve fraudsters posing as romantic interests to manipulate victims into sending money or personal information, often originating on dating apps, social media, and dating websites. The bank advises people to never send money to unmet individuals, verify identities before transfers, and report suspected scams to their bank and Action Fraud.
unionleader.com
· 2025-12-08
More than 100,000 Americans fell victim to scams in the past year, with two-thirds being seniors; in New Hampshire alone, over 400 residents aged 60+ lost more than $11 million to scams in 2023. Seniors are targeted because they are often polite, trusting, financially stable, and own homes, making them attractive to scammers who use impersonation tactics (posing as bankers, government agents, IT experts, romantic partners, and relatives) and increasingly sophisticated online methods like phishing and email scams. Tech support scams were the most common type nationally, while romance and confidence scams caused the highest losses in New Hampshire
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
A businessman in Muzaffarpur, Bihar lost Rs 89.9 lakh in a sophisticated impersonation scam where fraudsters posed as TRAI officials and police officers via phone and video call, claiming his number was linked to money laundering and that an arrest warrant had been issued. The scammers directed him to a fake Supreme Court website (http://www.main-scoi.in/) where he unknowingly entered his bank details, allowing them to steal the funds. The article advises avoiding unsolicited calls, never sharing sensitive information with unknown contacts, verifying suspicious claims directly with official sources, and remaining skeptical of video calls used to appear legitimate.
techtarget.com
· 2025-12-08
**Pig butchering** is a romance scam where fraudsters build false romantic or friendship relationships with victims, then convince them to invest in cryptocurrency on fake platforms controlled by the scammer, resulting in theft of the victim's money. In 2022, crypto scams caused $5.9 billion in losses. To avoid this scheme, people should be suspicious of unsolicited contact, promises of guaranteed high investment returns, fake investment apps on legitimate app stores, and should verify website legitimacy before investing.
english.hani.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Scammers are using AI-generated deepfake voices to conduct voice phishing fraud, requiring only brief voice recordings (as little as 2-5 seconds) to impersonate victims and defraud their family members. Notable cases include a 2021 incident where a UAE bank was deceived into transferring $35 million based on a cloned executive's voice, and a 2022 case where a Canadian couple lost CA$21,000 to scammers using a deepfake of their son's voice. Experts advise people to avoid speaking during calls from unknown numbers, as even simple phrases like "hello" can provide sufficient audio samples for creating convincing frau
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
A mechanical engineer from Visakhapatnam lost Rs 28 lakh to an organized romance scam gang operating from Telangana, who created fake dating profiles, built emotional trust, and manipulated the victim into transferring money while threatening to release compromising photos. The article advises protection strategies including identity verification through reverse image searches, caution against rapid relationship escalation, safeguarding personal information, recognizing red flags like money requests and avoided video calls, and reporting suspicious profiles to platforms and authorities.
standard.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Barclays Bank reported a 139% increase in romance scam reports between March-April and May-June 2024, with scammers posing as romantic interests to manipulate victims into sending money or personal information. While men report romance scams more frequently, women lose significantly more money on average (£8,900 versus £3,500 for men), and reports from female victims increased 43% during the period. The bank urged people to verify the identity of online romantic interests before sending money and emphasized that romance scams often originate on dating apps, social media, and websites.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A mechanical engineer from Visakhapatnam lost Rs 28 lakh after being targeted by a romance scam on a dating app, where scammers created fake female profiles to build emotional trust before extracting money through fabricated stories and later blackmailing the victim with compromising photos. A 25-year-old man from Telangana was identified as part of a three-member gang operating this scheme, which police revealed uses rapid relationship escalation and emotional manipulation to exploit victims. Users of dating apps should verify identities through reverse image searches, avoid sharing personal information with unverified contacts, be skeptical of quick declarations of love, and report suspicious profiles to authorities.
moneyweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Barclays reported a 139% increase in romance scam losses during May and June compared to the previous two months, with men averaging £3,500 in losses and women £8,900 per incident. Romance scammers create fake online profiles on dating apps and social media to build false romantic relationships before requesting money for claimed emergencies. To protect against these scams, people should verify online profiles through reverse image searches, ask probing questions, never send money to online-only contacts, and report suspicious accounts immediately.
bestlifeonline.com
· 2025-12-08
The Geek Squad scam is a phishing scheme where fraudsters impersonate Best Buy's legitimate tech support service, sending fake renewal invoices or emails claiming a membership is about to be charged or has already been renewed for a substantial amount. When victims call the provided number to cancel, they reach scammers posing as Geek Squad representatives who attempt to extract personal information, financial details, or computer access. Consumers can protect themselves by verifying communications directly through official Geek Squad channels, being skeptical of unsolicited renewal notices, and never providing sensitive information or remote access to callers they haven't independently verified.
courier-journal.com
· 2025-12-08
Juan Carlos Arcena Cabrera, a New York resident, was sentenced to two years and two months in federal prison for defrauding a Kentucky senior of $59,000 through a "grandparent scam" in which he posed as the victim's grandson claiming an emergency need for money. Cabrera, who pleaded guilty to targeting multiple victims over years, coordinated with others to fabricate scenarios such as car accidents or legal troubles, then repeatedly contacted victims impersonating attorneys and professionals to extract additional funds. The case is part of a national trend of grandparent scams that the U.S. Justice Department has prioritized, with some scammers using voice-cloning technology to increase authent
unionleader.com
· 2025-12-08
More than 100,000 Americans fell victim to scams in the past year, with two-thirds being seniors; in New Hampshire alone, over 400 residents aged 60 and older lost more than $11 million to fraud in 2023. Seniors are targeted because they are often polite, trusting, financially stable, and own their homes, making them attractive victims for scammers who pose as bankers, government agents, IT experts, and romantic partners. Tech support scams are the most common form of elder fraud, while romance and confidence scams result in the largest financial losses, though experts note these crimes are vastly underreported due to victims' shame and embarrassment.
unionleader.com
· 2025-12-08
More than 400 New Hampshire residents age 60 and older lost over $11 million to scams in 2023, with tech support fraud being the most common type and romance scams causing the highest financial losses. Seniors are disproportionately targeted because they are often polite, trusting, financially stable, and own homes, while scammers increasingly use online tactics like phishing and email scams targeting Baby Boomers with computer skills. Experts attribute the rise in elder fraud to increased online activity that exposes personal information, scammers' use of impersonation and research tactics, and significant underreporting due to victims' shame and embarrassment.
moodyonthemarket.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will speak at a town hall in St. Joseph on August 4, 2024, to educate seniors about avoiding scams, following FBI data showing that elder fraud caused over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, with an average victim loss of $33,915. The event, hosted by Region IV Area Agency on Aging, will address the most common scams targeting people aged 60 and older, including tech support scams (nearly 18,000 reported cases), romance scams, investment scams, and non-delivery scams. The free community event will provide consumer protection tips and scam prevention strategies.
dallasnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Kelly Mitchell, 58, had her Facebook account hacked and used to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme through fake images and religious messaging—a tactic combining impersonation and "pig butchering" scams where criminals pose as trusted contacts to solicit ongoing investments. According to FTC data, cryptocurrency scams cost Americans $1.41 billion across 47,537 reports in 2023, with experts recommending basic security measures like two-factor authentication and strong passwords as essential protection against these increasingly common social media fraud attacks.
wsfa.com
· 2025-12-08
The Central Alabama Aging Consortium held its annual Elder Justice and Fraud Caregiver Conference in Prattville to educate the public about scams targeting elderly people. Conference organizers emphasized that scammers continuously evolve their tactics across online and phone fraud schemes, making it challenging to stay current on threats. The conference provided resources and recommended warning signs of fraud, such as elderly individuals being reluctant to discuss finances or having difficulty paying bills, with additional tips available on the CAAC website.
local12.com
· 2025-12-08
The AT&T hack exposed customer phone numbers and contact lists, putting even non-AT&T customers at risk for targeted scams impersonating retailers like Walmart. Scammers use the exposed contact information to send fraudulent texts, calls, or voicemails claiming order issues or account updates, appearing legitimate because they reference actual interactions. Consumers should avoid clicking links or calling numbers provided by suspicious messages, instead visiting company websites directly or using verified contacts, and report suspected scams to IC3.gov.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
The UK communications regulator Ofcom introduced stricter rules effective January 2025 requiring phone companies to block incoming calls from abroad that spoof UK landline numbers, a common scam tactic designed to increase answer rates. Nearly half of UK landline users received suspicious calls in 2024, with over-75s particularly vulnerable; the new measures aim to protect the public from scam calls that cause significant financial and emotional harm. Ofcom advises people not to trust caller ID displays and to avoid sharing personal information with unsolicited callers, with victims encouraged to report incidents to Action Fraud.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has ordered all phone companies to block international scam calls that spoof UK landline numbers, with implementation required by January 2025, after fraudsters have exploited this technique for years to impersonate banks and government departments. Spoofed number scams contributed to £1.17 billion in unauthorized and authorized fraud across the UK in 2023, with one 2019 investigation revealing a dozen victims collectively lost £290,000 to this scam method.
home.barclays
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are rising seasonally, with claim values up 139% in May/June 2024 compared to March/April, and July 2023 accounting for 12% of all annual romance scam claims. While men represent 59% of romance scam victims, women lose significantly more per incident (averaging £8,900 versus £3,500 for men), with a 43% increase in reports from women during the peak period. The majority of romance scams originate on dating apps (35%) and social media (44%), with one-third of British consumers reporting they've avoided online dating due to scam fears.
independent.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Denise Welch, a 66-year-old television presenter, lost £2,000 in a phone scam where the caller impersonated a Barclays fraud officer and convinced her to provide personal information including her full name, date of birth, address, and mother's maiden name over multiple calls. She publicly warned viewers about the scam on Good Morning Britain to prevent others from falling victim to similar fraud.
motor1.com
· 2025-12-08
A scammer used deepfaked audio to impersonate Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna in WhatsApp messages and a phone call to another company executive, attempting to manipulate them into approving a "big acquisition" requiring discretion. The executive became suspicious due to the unusual phone number used for the messages and, when asked to verify details during the call, the imposter hung up after failing to answer a security question. The incident highlights the emerging threat of voice deepfake technology being used for corporate fraud and espionage, with companies needing to develop new employee training protocols to detect such scams.
fox4news.com
· 2025-12-08
A Dallas woman nearly fell victim to a jury duty scam in which a caller impersonated a Dallas County Sheriff's deputy, claiming she needed to settle a legal matter related to missed jury duty. The woman became suspicious when the caller couldn't provide legitimate credentials and confirmed with the actual Sheriff's Office that it was a scam involving a name of a former employee. Dallas County Sheriff's Office officials warn that they never call requesting money for jury duty, warrants, or payments via gift cards or digital payment apps, and any legitimate court communication comes through U.S. mail or in-person visits.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A Colorado woman lost over $19,000 after falling victim to a fake Geek Squad email scam that directed her to call a fraudulent support number. In a related incident, another Colorado resident, Rhiannon Pearson, was targeted by scammers posing as Navy Federal Credit Union and now faces a $12,000 loan fraudulently taken out in her name. Authorities advise verifying unsolicited communications by contacting companies directly through official channels rather than using contact information provided in suspicious emails.
cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old Medina County woman was scammed out of over $100,000 after being contacted by someone claiming she had won $8 million from Publisher's Clearing House and instructed to send money for taxes. Thanks to coordinated efforts by the Medina County Scam Squad, FBI, U.S. Postal Service, and local police, the package containing two cashier's checks was intercepted en route to New York City and the victim's money was recovered; defendant Raldane A. Cunningham was charged with two counts of telecommunication fraud and ordered to post a $50,000 bond. The Medina County Scam Squad adv