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in Identity Theft
time.com
· 2025-12-08
In February 2024, cybercriminals attempted to scam Tejasvi Manoj's 85-year-old grandfather through a fake email impersonating a relative requesting $2,000, but the scam was prevented when the family verified the request directly. Inspired by this near-miss and discovering that seniors lost nearly $5 billion to fraud in 2024 (a 32% increase from the prior year), the then-16-year-old Tejasvi developed Shield Seniors, a website educating adults over 60 about online scams, analyzing suspicious communications, and providing reporting resources. Her efforts earned her TIME's Kid of the Year 2025
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Imposter scams cost Americans $2.95 billion annually and rank as the second most costly fraud type, with scammers commonly posing as government agencies or law enforcement to demand immediate payment or personal information. Russell Tafron Weatherspoon was convicted of operating a multistate scam (March 2022–April 2024) where he and accomplices spoofed law enforcement phone numbers to tell victims that arrest warrants had been issued, demanding bond payments; similarly, Anthony Sanders was indicted in January 2025 for a jury duty scam in which he posed as a Sarasota sheriff and extorted over $12,000 in Bitcoin from a victim by threatening
brantfordexpositor.ca
· 2025-12-08
Brantford Police issued a scam alert regarding two fraud schemes targeting seniors: a card-compromise scam where callers pose as bank representatives and send agents to collect debit/credit cards and PINs for fraudulent purchases, and a fake gold chain scam where suspects lure elderly victims into their vehicle under false pretenses and steal their real jewelry by exchanging it for counterfeit items. Police emphasized that financial institutions never request card verification in this manner and provided prevention tips including verifying caller identity, avoiding unsecured screen sharing, and consulting trusted contacts before sending money.
greatnews.life
· 2025-12-08
This 2013 overview identifies the top scams affecting La Porte County and beyond, with phishing (stealing personal information for identity theft) ranked as the most prevalent fraud. The top ten scams include grandparent impersonation schemes targeting elderly relatives, doorstep contractor fraud using high-pressure sales tactics, work-from-home schemes, lottery scams, Nigerian advance-fee frauds, and account hijacking of email and social media platforms. The article emphasizes that internet growth and social networking have expanded scam delivery methods and increased victim numbers significantly, with many scams persisting or resurfacing over years despite awareness efforts.
militarytimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Retired Navy Rear Admiral Brian E. Luther, president and CEO of Navy Mutual, nearly fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam in which fraudsters spoofed his credit union's number and claimed to be fraud prevention staff investigating a suspicious charge on his shared credit card. The scammers escalated urgency through multiple contacts and eventually requested his account password, but Luther recognized the illegitimacy when told no legitimate financial institution should ask for passwords; he immediately contacted his actual credit union, which confirmed no such call had occurred and proactively changed his account numbers. Luther's experience illustrates that military consumers reported losing $584 million to fraud in 2024, and he now advises service members to
koat.com
· 2025-12-08
A 26-year-old certified nurse assistant in New Mexico, April Guadalupe Hernandez, was charged with 19 counts of misconduct including nursing without a license, identity theft, abuse of a resident, and fraud for falsifying nursing credentials and stealing identities of nurses from Texas, California, and Kansas. Over one year, Hernandez worked at three hospice centers using different name variations, claiming to hold higher nursing credentials than she possessed, and made a potentially fatal medication error (an overdose of morphine) that was caught before administration; she has an arraignment scheduled for September 8th.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A St. Louis postal carrier, Cambria M. Hopkins, pleaded guilty to stealing mail and selling her postal access key to co-conspirator Malik A. Jones, enabling a check fraud scheme from August 2022 to August 2023. Hopkins received cash, CashApp payments, and groceries in exchange for stolen checks and access to USPS collection boxes, while Jones used the stolen checks to commit bank fraud and identity theft through accomplices' bank accounts. Hopkins faces up to 5-10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines at her December sentencing, while Jones awaits sentencing on bank fraud and identity theft charges.
oig.hhs.gov
· 2025-12-08
April Guadalupe Hernandez was indicted on 19 counts after impersonating nurses to provide care to hospice patients in New Mexico, allegedly stealing approximately $40,000 through fraudulent billing. Operating under a stolen identity, Hernandez mis-transcribed a medication order that nearly resulted in a fatal morphine overdose for one patient, leading to charges including identity theft, unlicensed nursing practice, fraud, and resident abuse.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A former U.S. Postal Inspector, Scott Kelley, was arrested and charged in a 45-count indictment for stealing over $330,000 in cash from packages mailed by elderly scam victims between 2019 and 2023, then laundering the money and evading taxes. As Team Leader of the Mail Fraud Unit investigating lottery scams targeting seniors, Kelley exploited his position to intercept approximately 1,950 packages flagged by the USPIS algorithm, opening and stealing cash from parcels—with identified victims averaging 75 years old losing between $1,400 and $19,100 each. Additionally, Kelley st
krebsonsecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Hundreds of fraudulent online gambling websites have proliferated through a Russian affiliate program called "Gambler Panel" that lures victims with fake $2,500 credits advertised via social media with celebrity endorsements. The scam traps users into depositing cryptocurrency (typically $100) for "verification" before cashing out winnings, then pressures them into additional losing bets until their funds are depleted. Gambler Panel operates an organized operation with over 20,000 affiliates earning commissions per victim deposit, providing detailed instructions and marketing templates specifically designed to exploit players across social media platforms.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This AARP educational piece emphasizes three key protective measures against fraud: recognizing that most scams are run by organized international criminal networks (not individuals), taking proactive financial safeguards like strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and credit freezes, and reporting fraud to local police and the FBI's IC3.gov to help expose the true scale of the problem. The article also highlights emerging threats including AI-powered deepfake scams in banking, peer-to-peer payment app fraud (where scammers impersonate loved ones or create fake transactions), and identity theft, while advocating for federal legislation to combat AI-enabled financial crimes.
hospicenews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 27-year-old certified nurse assistant in New Mexico was indicted on 19 counts including identity theft, elder abuse, nursing without a license, and Medicaid fraud after assuming the identities of licensed nurses to provide unauthorized hospice care while receiving approximately $40,000 in fraudulent Medicaid payments. The fraud scheme lasted over 18 months across three hospice facilities and resulted in a near-fatal morphine overdose to a patient; Hernandez faces up to 27.5 years in prison if convicted.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
Florida ranks second nationally in romance scam losses, with victims losing over $70 million annually to catfishing schemes where scammers build emotional trust before requesting money for emergencies or investments. The state's large retiree population, social isolation, and prevalence of online dating platforms create ideal conditions for predators who often pose as military personnel or overseas businesspeople and are frequently based internationally, particularly in Nigeria. While Florida lacks a specific anti-catfishing statute, perpetrators can be prosecuted under existing fraud, identity theft, and cyberstalking laws, and victims are advised to report incidents to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and verify online identities before sending money.
ktar.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona ranks as the fourth most dangerous state for online dating, with a romance scam rate of 14 per 100,000 users—the highest in the nation—according to a Privacy Journal study. The state also reports elevated rates of fraud, identity theft, and STD reports on dating apps, though it ranks sixth in registered sex offender numbers. Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire are identified as the safest states for online dating.
azfreenews.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona residents are projected to lose over $4 billion to financial fraud in 2025, with the average loss per incident at $6,270—nearly 30 percent higher than the national average. Adults 60 and older account for two-thirds of internet-based fraud losses, with those 70 and older suffering the highest average dollar losses, according to a Common Sense Institute analysis. Fraud schemes include identity theft, phishing, romance scams, wire transfer fraud, and elder financial abuse, with experts warning that risks will grow as more commerce moves online.
azfreenews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2025 analysis by the Common Sense Institute projects that Arizona will lose over $4 billion to financial fraud, with only about 14 percent of cases being reported; in 2024 alone, Arizonans reported nearly 55,000 fraud cases resulting in $521 million in losses. Adults 60 and older are disproportionately affected, accounting for two-thirds of internet-based fraud losses, with the average loss per incident in Arizona ($6,270) nearly 30 percent higher than the national average. The report estimates that fraud-related losses shrink Arizona's GDP by $5.2 billion annually and cost the state over 45,000
azfreenews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2024 analysis by the Common Sense Institute projects that Arizona residents will lose over $4 billion to financial fraud in 2025, with reported losses alone estimated at $558 million plus $3.4 billion in unreported incidents—representing a 384 percent increase in reported fraud losses since 2020. Adults 60 and older are disproportionately affected, accounting for two-thirds of internet-based fraud losses, while the average loss per incident in Arizona ($6,270) is 30 percent higher than the national average. The report warns that fraud creates broader economic damage costing the state approximately 45,000 jobs and reducing GDP by $5.2
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Tech support scams cost consumers $1.464 billion in 2024, with scammers impersonating major tech company representatives and tricking victims—particularly Millennials and Gen Z—into believing their computers have security problems requiring expensive paid services. Common tactics include fraudulent pop-ups with phone numbers, phony calls with spoofed caller IDs, and requests for remote computer access or cryptocurrency payments; legitimate tech companies never initiate contact about security problems, request remote access, or demand cryptocurrency payment. One Massachusetts man was nearly defrauded of $12,000 through a cryptocurrency ATM before an off-duty police officer intervened.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A financial expert shares insights on common scams targeting individuals and businesses, with particular focus on the "emergency bank fraud" call scam where fraudsters impersonate bank employees to trick victims into moving funds to fraudulent accounts. One client lost $25,000 after receiving such a call, while another lost $50,000 due to password reuse that allowed scammers access to multiple accounts. The expert recommends protection measures including unique passwords managed through password managers, multifactor authentication on all accounts, and staying informed about current scam tactics to recognize red flags before falling victim.
theriverbanknews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article reports that scams cost Americans $16.6 billion in 2024, with 73 percent of U.S. adults experiencing online scams or attacks. The piece outlines common red flags—unsolicited contact, promises of easy money, requests for personal information or upfront payments—and describes prominent scam types including counterfeit merchandise, charity fraud, cryptocurrency investment schemes, bogus debts, home repair scams, and emergency/grandparent scams that particularly target elderly individuals.
escalontimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article reports that online scams caused a record $16.6 billion in losses in 2024, with 73% of U.S. adults experiencing some form of online scam or attack. The article outlines common scam tactics (unsolicited contact, promises of easy money, requests for personal information or upfront payments) and describes six prevalent scam types including counterfeit merchandise, charity fraud, cryptocurrency investment fraud, bogus debts, home repair scams, and emergency/grandparent scams that specifically target seniors. Awareness of these warning signs can help individuals avoid becoming victims.
losalamosreporter.com
· 2025-12-08
April Guadalupe Hernandez was indicted by a Bernalillo County grand jury for assuming the identities of licensed nurses and illegally providing hospice care, including mis-transcribing a medication order that nearly resulted in a fatal morphine overdose. Hernandez, a certified nurse assistant, allegedly stole the identities of three nurses from Texas, California, and Kansas to gain employment at three healthcare facilities over 18 months, defrauding them of approximately $40,000. She faces 19 charges including identity theft, nursing without a license, elder abuse, and violations of the Nursing Practice Act, with a potential sentence of up to 27.5 years in prison
wifr.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to remain vigilant against seasonal scams during the Labor Day weekend, noting that scammers exploit holiday distractions and increased spending activity. Common Labor Day scams include fake vacation rental listings, counterfeit event tickets, fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate sales, phishing emails and texts, door-to-door contractor schemes, and fake charities. The BBB recommends verifying vendors and websites, booking through trusted platforms, using official ticket vendors, researching charities before donating, and avoiding unsolicited ads and links.
globalvoices.org
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Brazilian scammers used deepfake videos impersonating well-known TV journalists and broadcasters to promote a fake government program called "Resgata Brasil," claiming victims of data breaches or people with forgotten bank funds could receive up to 7,000 reales (approximately $1,300 USD) in compensation. The phishing scheme tricked victims into clicking malicious links and surrendering personal data, with journalist Sandra Annenberg among those whose images and voices were illegitimately used in the fraudulent videos. The scam reflects a broader digital security crisis in Brazil, where nearly one-quarter of citizens over 16 fell victim to digital fraud schemes between
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Singaporean woman in her 40s named Sabrina lost $250,000 to scammers impersonating Shanghai police officers who claimed she was involved in a money laundering scheme and threatened her with arrest and deportation to China. Despite her bank accounts being frozen and Singapore police warning her of the scam, she persisted in withdrawing her life savings and handed the cash to a stranger at a park; Singapore police recovered the money two weeks later. Government official impersonation scams surged dramatically in the first half of 2025, with victims losing $126.5 million compared to $67.2 million in the same period of 2024.
tampafp.com
· 2025-12-08
**Scam Type:** Mail interception fraud and money laundering related to Jamaican lottery scheme targeting elderly victims
**What Happened:** Former U.S. Postal Inspector Scott Kelley, 51, was arrested and indicted on 45 counts for allegedly stealing over $330,000 in cash from approximately 1,950 packages sent by elderly victims of a Jamaican telemarketing scam between 2019-2023. Kelley, who led the Mail Fraud Unit tasked with investigating scams targeting seniors, allegedly used his position to intercept victim mail, launder proceeds through money orders and multiple bank deposits, steal $7,000
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Former U.S. Postal Inspector Scott Kelley, 51, of Massachusetts, was indicted on 45 counts for stealing over $330,000 in cash from packages mailed by elderly victims of a Jamaican lottery telemarketing scam between 2019 and 2023. Kelley, who led the Mail Fraud Unit investigating senior citizen scams, used his position to intercept approximately 1,950 flagged packages, launder the proceeds through money orders and multiple bank accounts, and even framed a subordinate for a separate $7,000 evidence locker theft. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each wire fraud and mail frau
wnegradio.com
· 2025-12-08
The BBB warns of an ongoing phishing scam where callers impersonate process servers, claiming victims have unpaid debts, liens on their homes, or are involved in fictitious court cases to pressure them into revealing sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth. Scammers use intimidation tactics, threats of arrest, and claims of imminent home visits to create urgency, sometimes also targeting family members and friends; their goal is identity theft rather than legal service. Consumers should be wary of unsolicited calls with scare tactics and verify claims independently through official channels before providing any personal information.
mytotalretail.com
· 2025-12-08
Back-to-school shopping season creates a surge in retail fraud activity, with fraudsters exploiting the high volume, time pressure, and omnichannel complexity of the period through return fraud, refund abuse, fake storefronts, phishing, and account takeovers. Retailers lost an estimated $101 billion to return-related fraud and abuse in 2024, with nearly 75 percent of retail executives citing this as their top operational concern during peak shopping periods. To combat these schemes, merchants are implementing real-time fraud detection across unified commerce channels, monitoring suspicious patterns in customer behavior, and empowering teams to act quickly on suspicious transactions.
onmanorama.com
· 2025-12-08
A cyber fraudster impersonated Kollam's District Police Chief through a fake WhatsApp account to solicit ₹40,000 from police personnel, but the scam failed when alert officers recognized the suspicious tactics. Police registered cases under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and IT Act, and are tracing a bank account in New Delhi linked to the fraud. This incident is part of a growing trend in Kerala where scammers impersonate senior officials via WhatsApp to deceive both law enforcement and corporate employees.
tradingview.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting the UK's upcoming corporate transparency reform by sending phishing emails and making fraudulent calls to company directors, falsely claiming to represent Companies House and requesting personal information like dates of birth under the guise of identity verification requirements. Starting November 18, 2025, an estimated 6-7 million UK directors and significant shareholders must verify their identity through official GOV.UK channels, but Companies House has warned the public that only GOV.UK should be used for verification and to disregard unsolicited requests. The new identity verification system aims to improve corporate record integrity, though it faces early cyber security challenges as fraudsters exploit the reform announcement.
losaltosonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Los Altos, where over 20% of the population is age 65+, has experienced significant elder fraud and abuse in recent years, with the police department responding to 12 elder abuse cases resulting in charges, 23 Adult Protective Services reports, and 17 identity theft and check fraud cases involving elderly victims since the beginning of the year. Most elder financial abuse involves strangers using email/text scams impersonating legitimate companies, phishing links, ATM card theft through distraction tactics, and emerging technologies like AI voice cloning and cryptocurrency schemes. Law enforcement emphasizes that seniors should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify caller identities through independent contact, remain cautious of emerging scam technologies
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scams resulted in $9.3 billion in reported losses in 2024, with $5.8 billion specifically from investment fraud schemes; seniors over 60 suffered approximately $2.8 billion in losses. Scammers increasingly use AI-generated deepfakes of celebrities and trusted contacts to convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrencies or surrender wallet access. The article advises investors to verify the legitimacy of coins and sources, never share private wallet information, use multi-factor authentication, and carefully examine exchange website URLs before investing.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article addresses the widespread problem of spam calls in the US, noting that over 40% of Americans never answer unknown calls due to spam concerns. The piece provides practical guidance on blocking unwanted calls using built-in features on Android and iOS devices, as well as carrier-specific tools like AT&T's ActiveArmor and Verizon's Call Filter, many of which are available for free or at a low monthly cost.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-07
Elderly Americans relocating face elevated fraud risk, as more than 3 million seniors move annually and scammers exploit exposed personal data from real estate listings, moving companies, and address changes published by data brokers. One woman's elderly mother fell victim to two consecutive scams immediately after moving to assisted living, illustrating how criminals target seniors during transitions. The article identifies common scams targeting downsizing seniors including identity theft, cash-rich fraud schemes, phishing, and harassment, and recommends protective measures such as using data removal services, official USPS address change forms, and limiting information exposure online.
tribunact.com
· 2025-12-07
Jackie Crenshaw, a Connecticut resident, lost nearly $1 million to a cryptocurrency romance scam in which a fraudster built emotional trust to manipulate her into making false investments. She testified before the Connecticut legislature in support of House Bill 6990, which passed and was signed into law, establishing a legal framework for law enforcement to seize virtual currency used in criminal offenses—legislation designed to help recover stolen funds from future victims. Crenshaw's advocacy highlights how romance scams, which exploit emotional connections for financial gain, have become increasingly prevalent, with the FTC estimating true annual fraud losses at $137 billion despite only $9 billion being reported.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-07
Antonio Peña and Brandi Durst were indicted in August 2025 for operating a "gold bar scam" that defrauded senior victims across the United States between April 2024 and July 2025. The defendants posed as Federal Reserve agents and government officials, convincing elderly victims to liquidate retirement funds to purchase gold under the false premise of protecting assets from identity theft, then stole the gold and laundered the proceeds. Both face up to 40 years in prison, fines, and restitution if convicted.
abc10.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers increasingly target seniors through digital platforms, with California consumers reporting over $1.7 billion in fraud losses in 2024, particularly involving identity theft and smartphone scams. Seniors are vulnerable because they are more likely to respond to unsolicited calls and urgent emails, and common tactics include impersonating government agencies or family members to pressure victims into quick payments via gift cards. Experts recommend that seniors never give personal information over the phone, keep antivirus software updated, verify website legitimacy before transactions, and immediately notify law enforcement and financial institutions if targeted, while family and friends can support prevention through regular check-ins and open conversations about fraud.
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece highlights the rising threat of sophisticated online scams targeting seniors, noting that FTC data shows reports of victims aged 60+ losing $10,000 or more quadrupled between 2020 and 2024. Scammers use impostor schemes impersonating businesses or government agencies, increasingly leveraging AI-generated deepfakes and voice technology, with a notable 2024 case involving 16 defendants charged in a grandparent scam ring that defrauded victims of over $55 million. The article recommends verification through trusted channels, raising awareness of scam tactics, and implementing cybersecurity tools as key defenses against elder fraud.
netflixjunkie.com
· 2025-12-07
Netflix's documentary series "Love Con Revenge" exposes the mechanics of romance scams, featuring victim Cecilie Fjellhøy and investigator Brianne Joseph as they examine how scammers use tactics like "love bombing" and "future faking" to manipulate victims for financial gain. The series highlights the emotional toll on victims including shame and self-blame, while providing guidance on recognizing warning signs, documenting suspicious behavior, and reporting to authorities, with emphasis on the need for stronger identity verification by social media platforms.
trmlabs.com
· 2025-12-07
This resource is a law enforcement guide for investigating cryptocurrency-enabled scams, which have caused at least $53 billion in losses since 2023, with figures likely underreported due to delayed victim reporting. The guide provides investigators with essential terminology, investigation methodologies, and blockchain forensics techniques to trace fraudulent cryptocurrency transactions and identify the real-world controllers behind pseudonymous addresses. It serves as a practical manual for police and law enforcement professionals to understand and combat crypto-related investment scams, phishing schemes, and other cryptocurrency fraud.
3bmedianews.com
· 2025-12-07
The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office warned of romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly seniors and widowed persons, after a local man nearly lost money to a scammer posing as a woman on social media. The scammer built emotional trust over time before requesting money, and the sheriff's office reported that hundreds of victims in the area have lost thousands of dollars and compromised identities to similar schemes. The agency urges residents to pause before sending money or personal information to online contacts and to contact their Fraud Unit at (931) 484-6176 if they suspect scam involvement.
501lifemag.com
· 2025-12-07
The Arkansas Securities Department reports a substantial increase in financial fraud targeting elderly Arkansans, with older Americans nationwide reporting $4.885 billion in losses from 147,127 complaints in 2024, including 1,063 Arkansas victims who lost $27.25 million. Common schemes include social media scams, romance fraud, and "pig butchering" scams that build trust before encouraging cryptocurrency investments, with seniors being targeted due to accumulated savings, higher trust levels, and social isolation. The ASD advises elderly investors to avoid unsolicited investment opportunities claiming guaranteed returns, secrecy, or low risk with high returns, and encourages reporting suspected fraud to 800.981.4
azcentral.com
· 2025-12-07
While Google's systems weren't directly breached, criminals obtained publicly available Gmail user data through a compromised Salesforce tool, giving scammers validated lists of names, emails, and phone numbers to craft more convincing phishing and vishing attacks. The article recommends several protective measures: use unique 16+ character passwords, enable passkeys where available, maintain two-step verification, review third-party app access, and remain skeptical of urgent messages claiming to be from Google or other organizations. Users should also monitor their accounts regularly and verify unexpected requests through trusted communication channels rather than clicking links in messages.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
An 85-year-old grandmother nearly fell victim to an imposter scam when scammers posing as her bank claimed she owed $50,000 in fraudulent charges, then connected her with someone impersonating an FTC official who pressured her to purchase prepaid debit cards for payment. According to the FTC, fraud losses for seniors have surged dramatically, with losses of $10,000 or more quadrupling between 2020 and 2024, as scammers exploit fear and use untraceable payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, and prepaid cards. Key protective measures include recognizing red flags such as unexpected contact from institutions, requests for unusual payment
investopedia.com
· 2025-12-07
Text message job scams have surged in recent years, with reported losses rising from $90 million in 2020 to $501 million by 2024. Contrary to expectations, younger Americans—particularly Gen Z (20%) and millennials (16%)—are more vulnerable to these scams than older generations, with young men being especially susceptible due to financial pressures, career inexperience, and the appeal of fast remote income. Among victims who engaged with scam texts, approximately 30% had money stolen from their accounts and 45% shared personal information with scammers.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational article explains why credit monitoring remains important for retirees and provides protective strategies against identity theft. Seniors lost $4.9 billion to scams in 2024, with scammers targeting retirees who neglect credit monitoring, as stolen identities can be used for loans, credit cards, or insurance applications. The article recommends four steps: monitor credit reports monthly (free weekly reports now available), place a fraud alert if suspicious activity occurs, freeze credit with all three bureaus for maximum protection, and secure personal data online.
gmtoday.com
· 2025-12-07
Federal authorities indicted Brookfield resident Ankurkumar Patel, 41, for participating in "phantom hacker scams" that defrauded elderly victims across multiple states of over $1 million. Patel allegedly served as a money launderer in the scheme, physically collecting gold bars and cash from victims who were tricked by scammers posing as government agents and company representatives claiming their identities had been compromised. Specific victims included a Vietnam veteran in Illinois who lost over $1 million in gold bars and a Sheboygan elderly woman who lost $27,500, with additional fraud occurring in Minnesota and Missouri.
koaa.com
· 2025-12-07
A 77-year-old Colorado homeowner nearly fell victim to a refinancing scam after being contacted by fraudsters posing as a loan company. After providing personal documents and signing over 100 unread electronic documents, Owen became suspicious when the scammers valued his home at $180,000—six times higher than his bank's actual appraisal of $30,000—and halted the process before losing his home. The FTC recommends that anyone who has shared personal information with suspicious companies contact their bank, check credit reports, and report the incident to authorities.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-07
Eight members of a transnational money laundering conspiracy, seven Indian nationals and one Ohio resident, were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 2 to 6 years for laundering proceeds from "phantom hacker" fraud schemes that victimized residents across Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana between May and November 2023. The scam involved fraudsters falsely claiming victims' accounts were compromised, then impersonating law enforcement to pressure victims into transferring their life savings under the guise of account protection. The eight defendants were ordered to pay nearly $4 million in restitution to victims who lost their life savings.