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in Government Impersonation
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 42-year-old man in Bengaluru lost ₹70,000 after downloading a malicious APK file disguised as the "Vahan Parivahan" app, which he accessed through a WhatsApp message falsely claiming he had a traffic violation. The malware compromised his phone, enabling unauthorized credit card transactions, though his wife's linked accounts were protected before fraudsters could access them. Police registered charges under the Information Technology Act and cheating statutes, and authorities advised the public to avoid downloading APK files from unknown sources.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security Administration official Rebecca Rose identified four key warning signs of scams: impersonation of trusted organizations, claims of problems or prizes, pressure for immediate action, and requests for payment via gift cards. Scam survivor Kate Kleinert shared her experience losing $39,000 to a romance scam, while SSA resources provide guidance on recognizing scams and reporting them to the Office of the Inspector General.
coinbase.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting cryptocurrency owners through social engineering scams, with scams causing $4.6 billion in losses across the crypto industry in 2023. Threat actors impersonate legitimate companies like Coinbase via unsolicited texts and phone calls, using publicly available personal information to appear credible while tricking victims into transferring funds to fraudulent self-custody wallets. The article advises users to ignore unsolicited communications, never share seed phrases or personal information with callers, and recognize that legitimate financial institutions will never request fund transfers or sensitive information via phone.
cmu.edu
· 2025-12-08
This guidance document provides travel and scam prevention advice for international students and scholars. It covers domestic and international travel documentation requirements and recommends monitoring official government websites for policy changes. A scam alert warns of IRS impersonators targeting people during tax season through unsolicited communications, along with alerts about fake delivery, SSN, and pyramid scheme scams, emphasizing that legitimate U.S. government agencies never request gift cards, checks, or wire transfers by phone.
wwaytv3.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns taxpayers of common tax season scams, including IRS impersonation schemes where fraudsters call demanding immediate payment via prepaid cards or wire transfers, tax identity theft involving fake returns filed with stolen Social Security numbers, and phishing emails/mail directing victims to fraudulent websites. The BBB advises filing taxes early, verifying that the IRS never initiates contact by phone or email, using trusted tax professionals, and monitoring financial accounts for suspicious activity.
jcpost.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security imposter scams remain widespread in the United States, with scammers using deceptive tactics to obtain sensitive information or money through suspicious letters, texts, emails, or calls. The Social Security Administration clarifies that it will never text/email ID images, suspend Social Security Numbers, threaten arrest, demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers, or promise benefit increases for payment. Victims should report suspected scams to the OIG's website at oig.ssa.gov/report and remember that legitimate SSA contact typically occurs via mail or calls only to those who recently applied for benefits or requested agency contact.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers have been sending phishing text messages impersonating the IRS to request personal information from taxpayers in exchange for Economic Impact Payments (up to $1,400), though the IRS automatically deposits these payments without requiring any action or personal data from recipients. The fraudulent texts aim to trick victims into disclosing sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, and passwords, which can lead to identity theft and financial fraud. Taxpayers should be aware that legitimate IRS payments arrive automatically via bank deposit or paper check with an accompanying official letter, and the IRS never requests personal information via unsolicited text messages.
www3.erie.gov
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams involve fraudsters creating fake online dating profiles to build romantic relationships and eventually request money from victims. Red flags include requests for urgent payments, use of untraceable payment methods, claims of living abroad or military service, reluctance to meet in person, and rapid relationship escalation. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, romance scam victims lost over $600 million in 2020 alone, and victims should immediately cease contact, document evidence, report to law enforcement and the FTC, and alert the dating platform.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned residents about a government imposter scam involving fraudulent letters claiming recipients owe overdue taxes and threatening property seizure if they call a specified number to pay. The fake letters use personal information from public records and official-looking forms to appear credible, but the actual Michigan Department of Treasury sends official correspondence through the U.S. Postal Service with governor and treasurer names on letterhead. Residents are advised to contact the Treasury Department directly to verify suspicious letters and report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission or Attorney General's office.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A federal jury convicted two Indian nationals, Pranay Kumar Mamidi (27) and Kishan Vinayak Patel (26), of money laundering conspiracy tied to a "phantom hacker scam" that defrauded victims across four states of their life savings between May and November 2023. In this scam, perpetrators impersonated bank employees, FTC agents, and DEA special agents to trick victims—particularly elderly—into withdrawing savings and surrendering cash or gold bars at drop-off locations, with investigators estimating tens of millions of dollars laundered through the U.S.-based operation directed by co-conspirators in India. Six additional co-conspi
kymkemp.com
· 2025-12-08
A Humboldt County family narrowly avoided losing money to an AI voice-cloning scam in which fraudsters used artificial intelligence to impersonate their son Izaak and demand $15,000 in bail for a fabricated car accident and DWI charge. The family verified the scam by contacting an attorney, bail bondsman, and ultimately reaching their son at home; however, a similar scam in Harris County, Texas resulted in a $5,000 loss when a couple believed the AI-cloned voice of their son requesting emergency bail money. The FTC advises using personal security questions or code words known only to family members to verify callers' identities, an
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
A man in Somerset was defrauded of £39 after scanning a fake QR code affixed to a car park payment board at Anderby Creek in Skegness, Lincolnshire. Lincolnshire Trading Standards warned that the county council does not use QR codes on car park signage and advised motorists to check whether codes are physically stuck over legitimate signage before scanning. QR code parking scams have become increasingly common nationally, with experts recommending drivers verify codes are embedded in original signage and consider alternative payment methods when available.
northfortynews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office warns Northern Colorado residents about 13 emerging scams in 2025, including cryptocurrency investment fraud, fake security warnings, rental and car buying scams on online marketplaces, romance schemes, and impersonation of law enforcement or government agencies. Common tactics involve pressure, secrecy, and requests for untraceable payments via Bitcoin, wire transfers, or gift cards. The advisory recommends verifying all financial transactions with official sources, never sending money to unknown parties, and treating urgent demands with skepticism.
sundancetimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Social Security Administration (SSA) public affairs specialist outlined four key warning signs of scams: impersonation of trusted organizations, claims of problems or prizes, pressure for immediate action, and requests for payment via gift cards. The episode featured testimony from scam survivor Kate Kleinert, who lost $39,000 to a romance scam, and provided resources for recognizing and reporting scams through the SSA's website.
tripwire.com
· 2025-12-08
Allen Giltman, a 59-year-old California man, was sentenced to seven years in prison for operating a scheme involving at least 150 fraudulent websites impersonating legitimate financial institutions between 2012 and October 2020. The scam defrauded over 70 victims—many elderly investors protecting their retirement savings—of approximately $50 million by luring them through search engine results and falsely promising higher investment returns. Giltman impersonated real FINRA brokers and funneled stolen funds to international accounts while using VPNs and encrypted communications to evade detection; he was ordered to forfeit $100,000 and various assets.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common fraud tactics and prevention strategies, emphasizing that scammers use urgency and panic to manipulate victims into sharing financial or personal information quickly. Key advice includes: taking time to verify requests before acting, being cautious of online shopping deals and "Hi Mum" impersonation scams on social media, scrutinizing emails for subtle fraudulent indicators, and hanging up on unexpected calls to verify identities independently.
kttn.com
· 2025-12-08
Andres "Manny" Lopez, 36, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for defrauding at least nine victims of over $1.4 million between November 2019 and July 2023 through his Arizona auto repair business. Lopez accepted advance payments for vehicle upgrades, parts, and vehicle purchases with no intention of delivering, instead using the money for personal expenses and making false excuses to victims, including impersonating a Toyota dealership manager. He continued defrauding victims even after being indicted in October 2023, defrauding one victim alone of approximately $567,892.
hometownstations.com
· 2025-12-08
A federal jury in Ohio convicted two Indian nationals, Pranay Kumar Mamidi (27) and Kishan Vinayak Patel (26), of money laundering conspiracy for their role in distributing proceeds from phantom hacker scams that defrauded victims across four states of their life savings from May to November 2023. In these scams, victims are contacted by fraudsters posing as customer service representatives, FTC agents, and DEA officials who trick them into withdrawing cash or gold bars under false pretenses of account fraud investigations, with the laundered funds estimated in the tens of millions of dollars. Both defendants face up to 20 years in prison per count, an
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
James Watt, 26, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 3 years of probation after pleading guilty to unlawful document production and money laundering for manufacturing over 30,000 fraudulent driver's licenses between 2019 and 2023. Watt was paid more than 14 Bitcoin (worth $1.3 million as of January 2025) to produce and mail fake IDs through U.S. Postal Service collection boxes, with customers uploading their photos and addresses to receive the false identification documents. While many fake IDs were purchased by underage individuals, others were bought by adults for fraudulent purposes including boarding planes, obtaining prescriptions, r
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-08
The Maharashtra Cyber Police issued a public alert warning senior citizens about four prevalent scam types targeting them: digital arrest scams (where fraudsters impersonate police demanding online payment), investment frauds (promising unrealistic returns), sextortion (extorting money after obtaining private photos), and phishing scams (using suspicious links and OTP theft). The alert emphasizes that legitimate authorities never demand online payments or threaten arrest via phone, and advises seniors to verify investments with trusted advisors, avoid sharing personal information online, and report suspicious activity to the Cyber Crime Helpline.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens in Kolkata are disproportionately vulnerable to digital arrest scams due to a combination of factors including low digital literacy, emotional vulnerability from isolation, generational trust in authority figures, and reduced confidence with age. Mental health professionals and law enforcement attribute the scams' success to elderly victims' concerns about reputation and security, their smaller social networks that prevent them from seeking advice, and the post-COVID shift to digital transactions without adequate support or updated knowledge of cyber threats. Police recommend awareness campaigns and encouraging victims to discuss suspicious requests with others before complying with threats, particularly those involving money.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Sandra Bullock warned fans that she has no social media presence and that any accounts claiming to be her are scams, following similar warnings from Brad Pitt after cybercriminals used his likeness in a confidence scheme that defrauded a French woman of $850,000. The article explains how modern celebrity impersonation scams have evolved from traditional "Spanish Prisoner" cons, now facilitated by AI-generated content and paid social media verification badges that allow scammers to easily pose as famous people. Experts warn that paid verification systems have replaced authentication requirements, making it increasingly difficult for users to distinguish legitimate accounts from fraudulent ones.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Justice filed civil actions against five telecom companies and three individuals for facilitating hundreds of millions of fraudulent robocalls originating primarily from India, targeting elderly and vulnerable Americans with government and business imposter scams. Despite repeated warnings, the defendants continued operating VoIP carrier services that enabled foreign-based fraud schemes involving fake Social Security, IRS, and tech-support calls designed to extort large sums of money from victims. A temporary restraining order was granted against Global Voicecom defendants, with the DOJ pledging to pursue both criminal and civil remedies against those knowingly facilitating these predatory calls.
coasttv.com
· 2025-12-08
A Millsboro nurse with 20 years of experience was targeted by employment fraud scammers posing as recruiters from IBSA Pharma on LinkedIn in November 2024; the scammers used nearly identical email addresses and the real names of actual company employees to convince her to deposit a check and purchase a MacBook Pro. After contacting the real company's HR department, Katrina discovered the deception and did not lose any money, though she was left without employment and emotionally distressed about her family's financial security. The scammers attempted to target her again two weeks later with a Walmart secret shopper scheme, which she recognized and avoided.
kstp.com
· 2025-12-08
During tax season, scammers pose as tax preparers and IRS agents to steal personal information, refunds, and identities, with some fraudsters filing returns to collect refunds of thousands of dollars in victims' names. To protect yourself, hire accredited local tax preparers with verifiable credentials and Preparer Tax Identification Numbers, be aware that the IRS initiates contact by mail (never by phone or email), and file your return early using trusted software or free IRS resources to prevent identity theft. Red flags include unsolicited IRS contact, pressure to pay immediately, or offers of instant refunds with high fees.
mynews4.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service issued a Valentine's Day alert about romance scams, which involve fraudsters creating fake identities online to build trust with victims before requesting money through mail, wire transfers, or gift cards for fabricated emergencies. The agencies recommend victims avoid relationships that escalate quickly or involve avoidance of video calls, never send money to online contacts, and report suspected scams to USPIS, local law enforcement, or the FTC.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old New York man, Carmine Maietta, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud for operating a multi-million dollar scheme that sent fraudulent prize notification mailings to thousands of consumers from 2013 to 2018, deceiving them into paying fees for cash prizes they never received. Five defendants total pleaded guilty in the scheme, with Maietta facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison at sentencing. The case highlights how mass mailing fraud schemes specifically target elderly and vulnerable victims, and the Department of Justice emphasized its commitment to prosecuting perpetrators of elder fraud.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Fabrisio Arias was sentenced to 41 months in prison and ordered to pay $395,536 in restitution for laundering money in an international sweepstakes scam that defrauded at least 22 elderly victims between November 2020 and September 2022. Scammers based in Costa Rica used spoofed phone numbers to call seniors, impersonating IRS and FTC officials, convincing victims they had won prizes but needed to pay fees first; victims sent cashier's checks and money orders to Arias in California, who deposited the funds and transferred most to co-conspirators abroad. Many victims in their seventies to n
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A federal court issued a permanent injunction against Michael Brian Cotter and five companies operating a large-scale technical-support fraud scheme that defrauded hundreds of elderly and vulnerable Americans from 2011 to 2020. The scheme used fake Microsoft security pop-ups to trick victims into calling India-based call centers, where fraudsters gained remote computer access and convinced victims to pay hundreds to thousands of dollars for unnecessary software and services. The injunction permanently bars the defendants from selling technical-support services via telemarketing or websites and transfers 19 fraudulent domain names to the U.S. government.
abc15.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona is advancing House Bill 2387 to combat Bitcoin ATM scams, which have surged dramatically—accounting for $112 million in fraud in 2023 compared to $12 million in 2020, with people over 60 being disproportionately targeted. The legislation proposes daily transaction limits of $1,000, state operator licensing, and refund policies; Arizona alone lost $127 million to virtual money fraud in 2023. One victim, Tamara, lost $17,000 after being impersonated by a fraudster posing as PayPal who convinced her to withdraw funds and convert them to Bitcoin through an ATM.
nemasket.theweektoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The Middleboro Senior Center is hosting an educational program on February 20 where Police Elder Affairs Officer Steve Valerio will teach seniors about common scams targeting them, including fake package delivery alerts, online romance schemes, Medicare/government impersonations, and fraudulent tech support calls, with advice on how to avoid scammers. The center is also offering other February activities including a Valentine's Day entertainment event on February 13 and a historical presentation about the Blizzard of 1978 on February 27.
news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The United States Postal Service warned consumers about romance scams that surge around Valentine's Day, in which fraudsters create fake identities on social media and dating apps to build trust with victims before requesting money, gift cards, or wire transfers under false pretenses. The USPS recommends avoiding online relationships that escalate quickly, refusing to send money to people you haven't met in person, and being alert to requests for secrecy or urgent financial assistance. Victims are encouraged to report incidents to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, local law enforcement, and the Federal Trade Commission.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Postal Service warned of romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, in which scammers create fake identities online, build trust over weeks or months, then request money through the mail by fabricating urgent financial emergencies. Victims suffer financial and emotional losses as scammers pressure them to send cash, checks, wire transfers, or gift cards that are difficult to recover. USPS advises never sending money to online contacts you haven't met in person, remaining cautious of quickly escalating relationships, and reporting suspected scams to the Postal Inspection Service, local law enforcement, or the Federal Trade Commission.
nbclosangeles.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service warned the public about romance scams, in which fraudsters create fake identities and build trust with victims over weeks or months before requesting money through transfers, checks, gift cards, or wire payments. The agencies recommend avoiding relationships that escalate quickly, refusing requests for money from people you haven't met in person, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities. Victims should report scams to the USPIS, local law enforcement, and the Federal Trade Commission.
nbcmontana.com
· 2025-12-08
The USPS and U.S. Postal Inspection Service warn consumers about romance scams that increase around Valentine's Day, in which scammers create fake online identities to build trust with victims before fabricating urgent financial needs and requesting money, checks, or gift cards be sent through the mail. To protect themselves, individuals should avoid online relationships that progress quickly, verify inconsistencies in profiles, never send money to people they haven't met in person, and report suspected scams immediately.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
John Sposato, a 73-year-old Mississippi resident, was sentenced to 10 months in prison plus an additional 6 months for violating supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. While on supervised release from a prior conviction, Sposato attempted to deposit a counterfeit $10,000 check drawn on a Florida nonprofit organization's account into a credit union account under his shell company name, Pegasus Consulting, and falsely claimed to probation officers that the check was legitimate consulting compensation.
deccanchronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters are increasingly using artificial intelligence to conduct sophisticated scams including deepfakes, voice impersonation, and highly personalized phishing emails that are difficult to detect even for experienced professionals. India reported over ₹11,000 crore in cyber fraud losses during the first nine months of 2024, prompting government cybersecurity budget increases and new measures like RBI-backed secure domain names (.bank.in, .fin.in) to combat fake financial websites. Experts emphasize that strong passwords, two-factor authentication, employee training on AI-driven scams, and regular security updates are now essential defenses as cybercriminals become more accessible to non-technical
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Seattle senior identified as David was defrauded of $435,000 by two brothers, Patrick and Matthew McDonagh, who convinced him his roof and foundation needed urgent repairs and then pressured him into paying for work that was never completed or unnecessary. The brothers pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges and were sentenced to 18 months in prison, though David was only able to recover $200,000 of the lost funds. The case highlights a common scam targeting homeowners, particularly seniors, who are approached at their doors with claims of urgent repairs and pressured into multiple payments.
moneywise.com
· 2025-12-08
A Seattle man identified as David lost over $400,000 to two brothers, Patrick and Matthew McDonagh, who convinced him his roof and foundation needed urgent repairs and then collected payment for work they never completed. The brothers pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges and were sentenced to 18 months in prison, though David was only able to recover $200,000 of the fraudulent wire transfer. The case highlights a common scam targeting homeowners, particularly seniors, and experts recommend never hiring door-to-door solicitors and always obtaining a second opinion from a trusted professional before authorizing any repairs.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Postal Service warns consumers about romance scams that develop over months, in which scammers cultivate trust through social media and dating apps before creating fake financial emergencies to solicit money from victims. Once detected, these scams are difficult to recover from and leave victims with significant financial and emotional losses. Consumers should avoid sending money to people they've never met in person, especially those who avoid video calls or request secrecy, and should report suspected romance scams to the United States Postal Inspection Service.
2news.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams surge around Valentine's Day, targeting lonely individuals seeking companionship through fake online identities and stolen photos. Scammers cultivate trust over weeks or months before fabricating urgent financial needs to extract money or valuables from victims. The USPS and U.S. Postal Inspection Service advise caution with rapidly escalating online relationships, verification of inconsistencies in profiles, avoiding financial disclosures to unmet contacts, and immediate reporting of suspected scams.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting fake Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems—automated phone systems used by banks and government agencies—to trick victims into revealing sensitive financial information through spoofed caller IDs and professional voice cloning. Recent incidents include a woman in Bengaluru who lost Rs 2 lakh and a man in Sri Vijaya Puram who lost Rs 80,000 after responding to fraudulent calls mimicking their bank and government agencies. Legitimate IVRs never request OTPs, CVVs, or passwords; senior citizens, non-English speakers, and new online banking users are most vulnerable, and people should hang up and independently verify contact numbers when
fox40.com
· 2025-12-08
A California man, Fabrisio Arias, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for his role in an international sweepstakes fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans between November 2020 and September 2022. Operating with co-conspirators in Costa Rica, Arias received fraudulent payments from 22 victims (many in their 70s-90s) who were tricked into paying fake taxes or fees to claim non-existent prizes, with perpetrators impersonating IRS and FTC officials using spoofed phone numbers. Arias was ordered to pay $395,536 in restitution after laundering over $395,000 through his bank accounts, keeping
kktv.com
· 2025-12-08
The United States Postal Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service warned the public about romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, which typically begin online and escalate to requests for money or valuables sent through the mail. One Colorado victim lost $500,000 to a romance scammer posing as an investment partner in a cryptocurrency scheme. The agencies recommend being cautious of relationships that escalate quickly, avoiding video calls, never sending money to people you haven't met in person, and reporting suspected scams immediately.
kauainownews.com
· 2025-12-08
The County of Kauaʻi Agency on Elderly Affairs, in partnership with multiple state agencies through Kupuna Alert Partners, is hosting a free fraud and scam prevention presentation to address a rising tide of scams targeting seniors, particularly romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day. Romance scams involve criminals creating fake online identities to build trust with victims over weeks or months before soliciting money through fabricated emergencies, often requesting payment via mail, wire transfers, or gift cards. The presentation will cover Medicare fraud, securities fraud, identity theft, and prescription drug misuse prevention, with the U.S. Postal Service emphasizing caution against online relationships that escalate quickly and recommending victims never
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams targeting older Americans have surged, with fraudsters impersonating celebrities like Keanu Reeves, Jason Momoa, and Sandra Bullock to build fake emotional relationships and extract money. The scams exploit loneliness among seniors, with victims losing an average of $35,000 each, as demonstrated by a recent case where someone lost over $800,000 in a Brad Pitt impersonation scam. Charlie, a banking service for Americans 62+, released this data to educate seniors on red flags including rapid professions of love, avoidance of in-person meetings, fabricated emergencies, and requests for secrecy.
businesswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams targeting older Americans have surged, with fraudsters impersonating celebrities like Keanu Reeves, Jason Momoa, Sandra Bullock, and Ryan Reynolds to build fake emotional relationships and extract money. Charlie, a banking service for seniors, released this data to raise awareness that scammers exploit lonely older adults through online dating sites and social media, fabricating crises to pressure victims into sending money—with one victim losing over $800,000 in a Brad Pitt impersonation scam. Seniors can protect themselves by recognizing warning signs including rapid professions of love, avoidance of in-person meetings, fabricated emergencies, and requests for
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Seattle senior was defrauded of $435,000 by two brothers, Patrick and Matthew McDonagh, who convinced him his roof and foundation needed urgent repairs and then pressured him into ongoing payments for work that was never completed or unnecessary. The victim paid through checks and wire transfers over several weeks; he was able to recover $200,000 through a wire transfer reversal, but the outcome of recovering additional funds remains unclear. The McDonagh brothers pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges and were sentenced to 18 months in prison, and the case highlights how door-to-door home repair scams disproportionately target seniors, who reported $3.4 billion in frau
cullmantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service warns about romance scams, which exploit people seeking companionship by building trust online before requesting money through mail, wire transfers, or gift cards. The article outlines how scammers create fake identities and fabricate emergencies to solicit funds, and provides protective measures including avoiding rapid online relationships, verifying identities through in-person meetings, and never sending money to strangers. Victims are advised to report scams to USPIS, local law enforcement, and the Federal Trade Commission.
wcnc.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams have surged significantly, with BBB reporting a 13% increase in 2021 and more than double the cases in early 2022 compared to the prior year. Scammers create fake dating profiles using stolen photos and fabricate elaborate backstories (often claiming military or overseas work) to build fake relationships, eventually requesting money with increasingly persistent demands. The BBB advises potential dating app users to watch for red flags such as reluctance to meet in person, rapid declarations of love, requests to move off dating platforms, suspicious language patterns, and hard luck stories before money requests are made.