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in Financial Crime
nbcbayarea.com
· 2026-01-23
A Gilroy woman named Stacey Greenlee was sentenced to one year in jail for stealing over $100,000 from Guglielmo Winery, a century-old family business where she worked as an administrative assistant. She exploited her access to the company's bank accounts and credit cards by fraudulently opening accounts in her name and spending more than $60,000 at casinos, while hiding the theft by concealing bank statements and changing email passwords. To protect your business, employees with financial access should have their account activities regularly audited, and multiple people should be required to approve transactions or access sensitive financial information.
morganhilltimes.com
· 2026-01-23
A Gilroy woman named Stacey Greenlee was sentenced to four years in state prison (suspended pending probation) for stealing over $100,000 from Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill, where she worked as an administrative assistant from 2022 to 2024. Greenlee exploited her access to the winery's finances by fraudulently opening credit cards in her name and gambling away more than $60,000 at a casino, while hiding the theft by concealing bank statements and changing account email addresses. To protect yourself from similar schemes, businesses should implement strong financial controls like requiring multiple approvals for transactions, regularly reviewing bank statements, and limiting employee access to sensitive financial information.
lvpnews.com
· 2026-01-23
# Fraud Summary
A 25-year-old New Jersey man was sentenced to up to 3 years in prison for defrauding a 74-year-old victim of over $590,000 in gold and cash through a scam that started with a fake PayPal fraud alert email. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to such schemes because they typically have more savings and may be less familiar with digital payment methods like cryptocurrency and electronic transfers. Authorities urge residents to be suspicious of unsolicited requests for money, especially those demanding untraceable payments via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or precious metals, and to report suspected scams to the Elder Abuse Task Force at 610-782-3700.
mercurynews.com
· 2026-01-23
A 62-year-old Gilroy woman was sentenced to one year in jail for embezzling over $100,000 from Guglielmo Winery, where she worked as an administrative assistant from 2022 to 2024, by writing fraudulent checks, opening credit cards in her name, and concealing bank statements. She spent more than $63,000 of the stolen money at a casino and hid the scheme by changing the bank account's email address. To protect yourself, regularly monitor your business bank accounts, require multiple people to approve large transactions, and audit financial records frequently—especially if you notice employees obstructing access to statements or financial information.
dw.com
· 2026-01-23
South Korea repatriated 73 suspected scammers from Cambodia—the largest group return ever—after they allegedly defrauded nearly 870 South Korean victims of $33 million through online scams, romance cons using deepfake technology, and extortion schemes run from scam compounds. The repatriation follows public outrage sparked by the death of a South Korean college student who was found tortured after being forced to work at one of these scam operations. Authorities urge caution against online romance scams and advise citizens to report suspicious activity, as police have vowed to pursue these criminals and their operations "to the very end."
the-sun.com
· 2026-01-23
A 52-year-old IT specialist from New Jersey lost his entire $280,000 life savings to a "pig-butchering" scam after being contacted by a fake woman on Facebook who built a romantic relationship with him over months. The scammer, posing as "Ailis Danner," gained his trust through daily conversations before manipulating him into making fraudulent investments or transfers. The key takeaway for others is to be extremely cautious about unsolicited romantic contact online, verify the identities of people requesting money, and remember that scammers often target vulnerable individuals during difficult life periods.
theijf.org
· 2026-01-23
I appreciate you sharing this, but I notice there's a mismatch between the title (about romance scammers in Quebec) and the article text (about a gun licensing data breach). Based on the headline you provided, the article appears to discuss how romance scammers established operations in Quebec, though the actual content shown focuses on a separate 2021 federal data breach affecting over 2.2 million people through a gun licensing program hack—making it the largest federal breach in five years. To give you an accurate summary with actionable advice, I'd need the complete article text that matches the romance scammer title, or clarification on which story you'd like summarized.
lvpnews.com
· 2026-01-23
A 25-year-old New Jersey man was sentenced to up to 3 years in prison for defrauding a 74-year-old victim out of over $500,000 in gold and $91,000 in cash through an elaborate scam that began with a fake PayPal fraud alert email. The Lehigh County Elder Abuse Task Force warns that seniors are increasingly targeted for scams because they have more savings and are often unfamiliar with digital payment methods like Bitcoin and electronic transfers. Residents should be extremely suspicious of anyone requesting large sums of money via untraceable methods like cryptocurrency, precious metals, gift cards, or cash, and can report suspected scams to the Elder Abuse Task Force at 610-782-3700.
livelaw.in
· 2026-01-23
An 82-year-old senior citizen lost ₹22.92 crores (approximately $2.7 million USD) in a digital arrest scam, making it possibly the largest individual fraud case of its kind in India. The victim has filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the Union Government, RBI, CBI, and seven private banks, with the court issuing notices to investigate how such a massive fraud went undetected. The case highlights the vulnerability of elderly people to sophisticated digital scams where fraudsters pose as authorities to intimidate victims into transferring funds, underscoring the need for banks to implement stronger verification protocols and for seniors to never comply with unsolicited demands for money or sensitive information from callers claiming to be law enforcement.
thescottishsun.co.uk
· 2026-01-23
Rachel Munro, owner of The Rebel Baker in Scotland, lost £8,000 in a sophisticated phone scam where fraudsters impersonated her bank's fraud prevention team and gained access to her account. Although her bank Revolut initially refused to reimburse her because the payments were classified as "authorized," she launched a GoFundMe campaign to save her business. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from your bank, never provide account access over the phone, and hang up and call your bank directly using a number on your official bank card if you're unsure.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-23
An alleged mastermind of a massive international fraud operation, Chen Zhi, was arrested in Cambodia and extradited to China after being accused of running a billion-dollar cryptocurrency investment scam involving forced labor compounds. The scheme, known as "pig butchering" scams, used trafficked workers to pose as romantic interests or acquaintances and gradually manipulate victims into investing their savings, which scammers then stole. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities or romantic interests who encourage financial commitments, verify investment opportunities through independent channels, and never send money to people you haven't met in person or to unfamiliar platforms.
lexology.com
· 2026-01-23
Federal authorities seized cryptocurrency from a major scam operation called "pig butchering" (where fraudsters manipulate victims into cryptocurrency schemes), but some victims and their lawyers are now claiming a portion of those seized funds should go to them because they believe the scam money originated from a cryptocurrency mining operation used to evade US sanctions against Iran. The case highlights the complex intersection of financial fraud, sanctions enforcement, and victim compensation, with various claimants competing for the recovered assets in a New York federal court. If you're approached by anyone pressuring you to invest in cryptocurrency—especially through dating apps, job offers, or promises of guaranteed returns—this is a major red flag for a pig butchering scam.
moneylife.in
· 2026-01-23
"Pig butchering" scams—a fraud strategy where scammers build emotional relationships with victims over time before exploiting them financially—are rapidly spreading in India and globally. Victims have lost anywhere from ₹49 lakh to ₹1.53 crore after being manipulated by fraudsters posing as wealthy matches on dating/matrimonial sites, financial professionals, or old friends who lure them into fake investment schemes. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of romantic or professional connections that quickly pivot to investment opportunities, verify identities independently before trusting anyone with money, and never take loans based on promises from people you've only met online.
igamingbusiness.com
· 2026-01-23
Cambodia, long known as a Southeast Asian hub for online scams that generate an estimated $40 billion annually, is making progress against cyberfraud according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, which praised the country's thousands of arrests related to schemes like "pig butchering scams" that manipulate victims into investing money through fake romance and cryptocurrency offers. However, investigations reveal that government corruption and official complicity continue to enable the scam industry to thrive, with experts noting that Cambodia has become a safe haven for these criminal operations. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic advances online, especially those leading to investment opportunities, and verify employment offers before engaging with potential employers.
protos.com
· 2026-01-23
A major crackdown on Southeast Asian scam operations is underway following the arrest of billionaire scam kingpin Chen Zhi, with key money-laundering platforms shutting down and thousands of workers fleeing or being released from Cambodian scam compounds. These operations ran "pig butchering" scams on an industrial scale, using fake romantic relationships and investment opportunities to steal money (often in cryptocurrency) from victims. While the disruption is significant, human rights groups warn that released workers lack support and may be trafficked to new scam locations, highlighting the need for proper victim assistance and protection.
oconnellfuneralhomes.com
· 2026-01-22
Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors through schemes like grandparent scams, fake tech support calls, government impersonation, and gift card fraud, exploiting their kindness, trust, and fear. In this podcast episode, St. Croix County Sheriff Scott Knutson discusses why these crimes are difficult to track and why victims often don't report them, emphasizing that awareness and family communication are key to protection. To help protect elderly loved ones, families should stay informed about common scam tactics, maintain open conversations about suspicious contacts, and encourage reporting of fraud attempts to authorities.
attorneygeneral.gov
· 2026-01-22
Pennsylvania's Attorney General Dave Sunday reported major law enforcement achievements in his first year, including the seizure of 539 illegal firearms and over 56 million fentanyl doses worth an estimated $58 million. The office also launched new initiatives to protect seniors from financial abuse and expanded efforts against organized retail crime. Residents can protect themselves by staying vigilant against scams targeting older adults and being aware of the growing threats posed by illegal drugs and firearms in their communities.
losgatan.com
· 2026-01-22
A 62-year-old Gilroy woman was sentenced to one year in county jail for embezzling over $100,000 from her employer, a century-old family winery, where she worked as an administrative assistant with access to bank accounts and credit cards. She used her position to fraudulently open credit cards and wrote fake checks, spending more than $60,000 at a casino while concealing her theft by hiding bank statements and changing email passwords. To protect yourself, be cautious about granting financial access to employees, regularly monitor bank statements and credit accounts, and implement checks and balances that require multiple people to authorize transactions.
arnoldporter.com
· 2026-01-22
The Trump administration announced plans in January 2026 to create a new DOJ division focused on fighting fraud affecting government programs, businesses, and citizens, led by a presidentially appointed Assistant Attorney General reporting directly to the White House. However, officials have provided conflicting details about the division's structure, resources, and how it will avoid duplicating existing DOJ fraud enforcement efforts, leaving significant questions unanswered. While the administration emphasized recent prosecutions of immigrants accused of benefit fraud in Minnesota, consumers should remain vigilant about fraud targeting them directly and report suspected fraud to the FTC or their local law enforcement.
valleybreeze.com
· 2026-01-22
# Elder Fraud Presentation Summary
Hope Library in Scituate is hosting a free presentation on Tuesday, January 27th at 2 p.m. led by the Office of the Attorney General's Elder Abuse Unit, aimed at educating older adults about fraud schemes, scams, identity theft, and abuse they commonly face. The event will cover current scam trends and provide information about resources to help protect seniors from becoming victims. Interested attendees can visit hopelibraryri.org or call 401-821-7910 for more details.
harder.house.gov
· 2026-01-22
Representatives Josh Harder and Brian Fitzpatrick introduced bipartisan legislation called the Stop SCAMS Act to combat organized cybercrime by creating an FBI-led government task force that coordinates efforts across agencies like the FBI, FTC, and CFPB. The legislation aims to reduce scams targeting working families and seniors who lose significant savings to sophisticated criminal schemes including robocalls and fraud. The bill has received endorsement from AARP and seeks to improve government response through unified strategy and accountability to prevent and prosecute scammers more effectively.
lawrenceks.gov
· 2026-01-22
A Lawrence widow nearly fell victim to a sophisticated scam when hackers tried to gain access to her life savings, but an anonymous "Gray Hat Hacker" known as Deyoclub monitored the fraud operation from the inside, tracked down her son, and alerted him in time to stop the transfers and secure her accounts. The hacker, who infiltrates overseas fraud rings to disrupt their operations, had become motivated to fight scams after a close friend fell victim to a romance scam. The incident highlights how vigilant family members and cybersecurity experts can work together to prevent fraud, though victims are generally advised to contact local law enforcement and trusted financial institutions directly rather than relying on outside hackers.
knsiradio.com
· 2026-01-22
Minnesota has enacted a new law effective January 1st that strengthens legal protections for older adults who fall victim to scams or financial exploitation by family members or trusted individuals. The law allows vulnerable adults or their representatives to obtain orders of protection that can freeze accounts and cut off contact with perpetrators, giving courts and banks the authority to stop fraud faster than previously possible. Older adults should be aware of this resource if they experience financial scams or suspect exploitation, and financial professionals are now protected when reporting suspected crimes involving vulnerable populations.
lvpnews.com
· 2026-01-22
A 25-year-old man from New Jersey was sentenced to up to 3 years in prison for defrauding a 74-year-old Whitehall resident out of over $500,000 in gold and $91,000 in cash through an elaborate scam involving fake PayPal alerts and threats of arrest. The perpetrator used various pretexts—claiming payment errors and demanding cryptocurrency, gold, or cash—to manipulate the elderly victim into withdrawing retirement funds and purchasing gold bars, which he then collected in person. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected payment alerts via email, never send money via cryptocurrency or gift cards based on unsolicited calls, and verify suspicious claims by directly contacting your bank or PayPal using official phone numbers rather than numbers provided by the caller.
mk.co.kr
· 2026-01-22
# Article Summary
South Korean police are repatriating 73 fraud suspects from Cambodia—the largest single-case repatriation on record—who stole approximately 48.6 billion won (roughly $37 million USD) from nearly 900 victims in South Korea and Cambodia. The suspects used various schemes including romance scams with deepfake technology, fake investment fraud targeting retirees, and hostage-taking extortion, with some criminals even undergoing plastic surgery to evade capture.
**Actionable advice for potential victims:** Be extremely cautious of online romantic partners, especially those asking for money or investment opportunities; verify investment advisors' credentials independently; and report suspicious activity to local authorities immediately, as international cooperation can lead to arrests and asset recovery.
catcountry1073.com
· 2026-01-21
A Texas couple has been sentenced to prison for operating a romance scam that targeted elderly people, including at least one victim from New Jersey, by creating fake dating profiles and convincing victims to send money under false pretenses (such as claiming they needed to pay taxes on gold in Ghana). Felix Clark received five years in prison for wire fraud and conspiracy, having admitted to losses totaling over $501,000, while his girlfriend Esther Amppiaw received 18 months for operating an unlicensed money transmitter business. Elderly people should be cautious of online dating profiles from strangers who quickly profess romantic interest or ask for money, especially those claiming to need funds for international transactions or emergencies.
keloland.com
· 2026-01-21
Scammers are increasingly targeting South Dakota residents, particularly elderly people, by posing as government officials or businesses and directing victims to deposit money into cryptocurrency terminals where the funds disappear. A state senator and AARP are now pushing legislation that would require cryptocurrency kiosk operators to be licensed, implement daily and monthly transaction limits, and be responsible for refunding missing money. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contacts claiming financial emergencies and never move money into cryptocurrency based on such requests.
berkshireeagle.com
· 2026-01-21
A 23-year-old South Boston man pleaded guilty to defrauding a 75-year-old North Adams resident of $420,000 through a scheme that falsely claimed federal officials were protecting the victim's money. The scam targeted a senior citizen who was particularly vulnerable to the fraudster's claims of government involvement. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages claiming federal agencies are safeguarding your funds, verify any such claims directly with official government agencies, and never send money based on these types of requests.
fox29.com
· 2026-01-21
# Tax Scam Summary
During tax season, scammers impersonate the IRS to steal money and personal information from taxpayers by making false promises of refunds, threatening arrest, or creating fake official-looking messages designed to pressure quick action. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS typically contacts people first by mail through the postal service—not by unsolicited phone calls, emails, or texts—and watch out for red flags like promises of large refunds, urgent payment demands, threats of arrest, and suspicious website links with misspelled addresses. If you receive a suspicious tax message, verify it by checking the IRS website directly or searching for the specific notice rather than clicking any links provided.
973espn.com
· 2026-01-21
# Romance Scam Summary
A Texas man and woman have been sentenced to prison for operating romance scams that targeted elderly people, including victims from New Jersey, by posing as romantic interests online and tricking them into sending money under false pretexts like paying taxes on nonexistent gold in Ghana. Felix Clark received five years in prison and admitted to facilitating over $500,000 in losses, while his girlfriend Esther Amppiaw received 18 months for helping transfer the stolen funds. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating profiles from people who quickly profess love or ask for money, especially for overseas fees or emergencies, and verify identities through video calls before sharing any financial information.
herald.wales
· 2026-01-21
Romance scams are targeting Welsh people ahead of Valentine's Day and Dydd Santes Dwynwen, with scammers exploiting the Welsh language and cultural trust to deceive victims—over £11 million was lost to scams in 2025, with an average loss of £17,785 per person. The Money and Pensions Service is urging people to stay vigilant and remember that scammers can operate in any language, including Welsh, and that being scammed is not something to feel ashamed about. If targeted, victims should report the fraud and seek free, confidential support through MoneyHelper or Report Fraud rather than suffering in silence.
digitaljournal.com
· 2026-01-21
# Fraud Alert Summary
Finance Complaint List, a consumer protection organization, is warning of a global surge in sophisticated online scams targeting investors and everyday consumers through social media, messaging apps, and fake investment platforms. Common scams include fraudulent AI-trading bots promising guaranteed returns, romance scams that escalate to fake investment pitches, and cloned legitimate financial websites designed to steal deposits. The organization urges victims to report scams immediately through official regulatory channels or FinanceComplaintList.com, and advises consumers to verify platform legitimacy before investing, be skeptical of guaranteed returns, and watch for red flags like withdrawal restrictions or requests for "unlock fees."
theglobeandmail.com
· 2026-01-21
An 87-year-old Toronto retiree nearly lost $3,000 to a convincing "bank investigation" scam where a fraudster posed as an official and instructed her to withdraw cash, claiming her account had been compromised. Canadian seniors are increasingly targeted by cyberscams, with research showing that one in three Canadians fell victim to fake-job or CRA refund scams over a three-month period last summer. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls asking you to withdraw money or keep conversations secret, and alert bank staff or cashiers if you suspect fraud—in this case, a pharmacy cashier's intervention saved the victim from losing her money.
meathlive.net
· 2026-01-21
A woman in County Louth lost €2,000 to a Facebook scam promising unrealistic returns of €200,000 on a €10,000 investment, with the perpetrator claiming to offer Covid-related payments. Emmanuel Oweibe was charged with defrauding the victim, and while he partially compensated her with €2,000 and apologized in court, the judge expressed concern about how frequently these scams are occurring. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages offering guaranteed high returns on investments and never send money to strangers online, especially through social media platforms.
pembroke-today.co.uk
· 2026-01-21
Romance scams are surging in Wales, with over £11 million reported lost in 2025 and an average loss of £17,785 per victim, particularly ahead of Dydd Santes Dwynwen and Valentine's Day. Scammers operate in any language, including Welsh, exploiting the perceived trustworthiness of Welsh speakers and accents to target victims. Those affected are urged to seek free, confidential support through MoneyHelper and report crimes to Report Fraud, without shame, as victims have been targeted by criminals rather than at fault.
mezha.net
· 2026-01-20
The U.S. Justice Department is investigating whether Minnesota political figures, including Governor Tim Walz and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, received campaign contributions obtained through fraud schemes involving elderly care facilities and charitable organizations. So far, the FBI has found no evidence of campaign violations, though the investigation remains ongoing and has drawn scrutiny as potentially politically motivated. Voters and donors should be cautious about campaign contributions and report any suspicious fundraising activity to election authorities.
aol.com
· 2026-01-20
Scammers are targeting older Americans with increasingly sophisticated "grandparent scams" that combine personal data, emotional manipulation, and sometimes AI voice technology to impersonate family members in fake emergencies. A grandfather nearly wired his life savings after receiving a convincing call claiming his grandson needed bail money, complete with real details like the grandson's name and recent move. To protect yourself, fraud experts recommend asking the caller a question only your real family member would know—scammers typically hang up when challenged this way—and always verify emergencies by calling another trusted family member directly before sending money.
wrangellsentinel.com
· 2026-01-20
A 25-year-old man was sentenced to a year in jail for his role in an elaborate phone scam that defrauded a Petersburg elderly resident of $129,000, with a third suspect still at large. The scammer impersonated a government agent and convinced the victim that her identity had been stolen, persuading her to wire money in multiple transfers. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited calls from people claiming to be government officials asking for money, never wire funds based on such calls, and verify any claims by contacting official agencies directly through known phone numbers.
bbc.com
· 2026-01-20
A Cambodian businessman named Kuong Li has been arrested following a 2023 BBC investigation into online scam operations in Southeast Asia, where he was accused of running a compound that trafficked and exploited workers forced to conduct romance and financial scams targeting victims in Europe and the United States. The arrest is part of a broader crackdown on organized online fraud, with charges including human trafficking, fraud, and money laundering related to operations dating back to 2019. People seeking employment overseas should be cautious of job offers that seem too good to be true, verify opportunities through legitimate channels, and contact authorities if they suspect trafficking or exploitation.
the-independent.com
· 2026-01-20
A South Korean woman in her 30s was arrested for stabbing a man in his 40s during their first in-person meeting after connecting on a dating app, leaving him with injuries to his arm and face that are not life-threatening. The incident highlights growing safety concerns around dating apps in South Korea, where romance scams have surged to over 1,500 cases annually, causing financial losses exceeding $7 million. Users should exercise caution when meeting online contacts in person, meet in public places, inform trusted contacts of their whereabouts, and be alert to suspicious behavior or requests for money.
helpnetsecurity.com
· 2026-01-20
Millions of people turn to Reddit for help when facing cyberattacks, fraud, and account compromises because they lack the technical knowledge to handle these threats on their own. The threat landscape is rapidly evolving with faster, more automated attacks powered by AI, including sophisticated phishing, voice cloning, and text-message scams that cost victims globally around €850 million annually. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited messages and emails, verify requests through official channels before sharing information, use strong unique passwords, and consider seeking help from official support channels rather than relying on strangers online.
statetimes.in
· 2026-01-20
# Cyber Scam Summary
An elderly couple in Srinagar lost their lifetime savings of 48 lakh rupees to a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam in which fraudsters posing as CBI and telecom authority officials convinced them through WhatsApp video calls that they were under criminal investigation and threatened immediate arrest and asset seizure. The scammers used forged government documents, psychological pressure, and isolation tactics (forbidding contact with family or police) to coerce the victims into transferring money over several days. To protect yourself, verify government agency contact through official channels rather than responding to unsolicited calls, know that real authorities won't demand money transfers or threaten arrest over the phone, and report suspicious communications to police immediately instead of engaging further with the caller.
wrdw.com
· 2026-01-19
# Scams Rising Across the U.S.
Americans receive approximately 2.5 million scam and robocalls monthly, with scammers increasingly impersonating law enforcement to threaten arrest or demand payment via gift cards and wire transfers. In the Augusta area alone, ten of 22 counties have reported rising scam activity since November, including impersonations of local agencies like North Augusta Public Safety and major companies like Amazon and Georgia Power. To protect yourself, never provide personal information or payment to callers claiming to be law enforcement, verify suspicious calls by contacting the agency directly, and register your phone number on the Federal Trade Commission's Do Not Call list to reduce scam call volume.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-19
A 74-year-old terminally ill cancer patient in British Columbia lost $1,500 in a scam while attempting to buy a used camper van from a stranger, hoping to take one final camping trip with his grandson before he dies. The man, who is living in a hospice on a minimal pension, was approached by someone who showed him the vehicle and claimed to sell it, but the transaction turned out to be fraudulent. For anyone buying used vehicles or items from strangers, experts recommend meeting in safe public locations, verifying ownership documentation, and considering using escrow services or payment methods that offer buyer protection rather than cash transactions.
newtelegraphng.com
· 2026-01-19
An EFCC operative testified in court that over 600 Nigerian youths were trained and recruited into a sophisticated cyber fraud network involving cryptocurrency investment scams, romance scams, and money laundering, leading to the arrest of 792 people in December 2024. The trial centers on Friday Audu, who allegedly coordinated this international scam operation through a shell company called Genting International Ltd that posed as a gaming business while facilitating criminal activities. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities (especially cryptocurrency), romantic advances from online contacts, and verify the legitimacy of companies before sending money or personal information.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2026-01-19
A San Diego man pleaded guilty to his role in an international scam that defrauded over 500 elderly victims of more than $42 million since mid-2021, using fake tech support pop-ups and fake refund schemes to trick people into sending money. Victor Lee Marion, who operated the money laundering operation through his barbershop, transferred millions overseas to co-conspirators in India, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates while recruiting others into the scheme. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited tech support pop-ups, never share personal information or send money to resolve computer issues, and verify refunds directly with their banks rather than responding to unexpected notifications.
wkrn.com
· 2026-01-19
Two California residents, Auriona Lewis and Tatiyanna Foster, were arrested for using counterfeit $100 bills at approximately a dozen In-N-Out Burger locations across Los Angeles and Orange counties over several months. The scheme involved making small purchases with fake bills and pocketing the legitimate change—for example, buying a $5.92 burger to receive real currency in return. Customers and businesses should inspect cash carefully for signs of counterfeiting, report suspicious transactions to police immediately, and be aware that counterfeit money schemes can cause real financial harm to local restaurants and employees.
komu.com
· 2026-01-19
# Fraud Alert Summary
The Cole County Sheriff's Office is warning residents of a scam where callers impersonate deputies and claim victims have arrest warrants, demanding payment over the phone. Law enforcement will never contact you by phone about warrants or ask for payment, so if you receive such a call, hang up and independently contact your local sheriff's office using an official number to verify. If you've been targeted by this scam, contact the Cole County Sheriff's Office at 573-634-9160.
foxnews.com
· 2026-01-18
A Texas couple, Christopher and Raquelle Judge, pleaded guilty to defrauding dozens of homeowners out of nearly $5 million by posing as legitimate home renovation contractors on social media between 2020 and 2023. They lured customers with below-market bids but never completed the promised renovation projects, leaving homes unfinished and generating hundreds of building code violations. To protect yourself, verify contractors' credentials and licenses independently, avoid paying large upfront fees, and get detailed written contracts before any work begins.
whio.com
· 2026-01-18
Scammers in Centerville are calling bank customers while impersonating fraud investigators, asking them to share one-time authentication codes that give criminals access to drain their accounts. The scammers spoof legitimate bank numbers or use toll-free numbers that are difficult to identify as fraudulent. To protect yourself, hang up on unsolicited calls and contact your bank directly using the number on your card or statement—never share authentication codes with anyone who calls you.