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in Romance Scam
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
This article by Brian Greenberg, CIO/CTO of RHR International, discusses the prevalence of fake profiles and online scams in the digital age, noting that in 2022 Americans lost $1.3 billion to romance scams alone and $8.8 billion to overall online fraud, with bots comprising over 47% of internet traffic. Greenberg advocates for online platforms to offer free verified accounts to combat these threats by increasing user trust, protecting vulnerable populations like teenagers and elderly adults, and reducing the spread of misinformation. The proposal emphasizes that free verification would enhance platform safety and reputation while ensuring all users can protect themselves regardless of financial status.
cftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission charged Washington State pastor Francier Obando Pinillo with operating a fraudulent multilevel marketing scheme involving digital assets that defrauded at least 1,515 customers, primarily Spanish-speaking members of his church, of at least $5.9 million. Pinillo falsely claimed to operate an automated cryptocurrency trading platform offering guaranteed monthly profits up to 34.9% while actually misappropriating all customer funds and fabricating account statements; he also operated a Ponzi scheme by using later customers' assets to pay earlier investors. The CFTC is seeking restitution, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, civil penalties, trading
citizen.co.za
· 2025-12-08
A Ghanaian national posing as a boyfriend scammed a former South African teacher out of R1.8 million in a romance fraud scheme, convincing her to invest in a trucking business in October 2023 before disappearing. The Hawks arrested 33-year-old Mohoto Mangwejana, into whose account the stolen funds were deposited, though the primary perpetrator remains at large. The case highlights the ongoing threat of dating scams and the importance of recognizing red flags such as unsolicited business proposals and reluctance to meet in public or provide identification.
scrolla.africa
· 2025-12-08
Three people—Ugandans Derrick Nsubuga and Nassazi Joan, and South African Mmakgomo Doris Ngcobo—were denied bail after being accused of operating romance scams that defrauded victims of millions of South African rands. The scammers used dating apps to meet victims and posed as healers and businesspeople, convincing them to withdraw loans and transfer funds under the pretense of "blessings" for business ventures, with at least one victim losing R253,000 across multiple transfers. The accused faced additional charges including passport fraud and pending fraud cases, with their trial scheduled to resume in February.
bigcountrynewsconnection.com
· 2025-12-08
Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo, a 40-year-old Nigerian national, was arrested in Texas in December 2023 on 14 counts of wire fraud for operating a romance scam that defrauded victims of over $3.3 million. Using fake profiles under variations of the name "Giovanni" on dating websites like Match and Christian Café, Nwadialo posed as a deployed military officer and convinced victims to send money for various false expenses, including military fines, funeral costs, and investment schemes; individual victims lost between $270,000 and $2.4 million.
montgomeryadvertiser.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Alabama residents lost $96.4 million to online scams across 5,763 victims, ranking the state 27th nationally for scam susceptibility. The article identifies rising threats including AI-generated deepfakes (which accounted for 39% of national scam losses), look-alike fraudulent websites, and untraceable payment methods like cryptocurrency and gift cards, with scammers predominantly operating overseas where U.S. law cannot reach them and 95.7% of stolen money goes unrecovered.
kfab.iheart.com
· 2025-12-08
Nigerian national Abiola Kayode, a former FBI Most Wanted Cyber Criminal, was extradited to Nebraska to face charges for defrauding more than $6 million from Nebraska businesses through business email compromise schemes in which he and co-conspirators posed as company executives to direct wire transfers. The scheme utilized bank accounts from romance scam victims to launder stolen funds, with several co-conspirators already convicted and sentenced to federal prison with restitution orders totaling over $3 million, while other members remain at large.
securitybrief.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Australians are being warned of twelve categories of holiday season scams as cyber-security experts anticipate increased fraud risk during peak shopping periods, with previous festive seasons resulting in AUD $50 million in losses. Common scams include parcel delivery fraud, reward point exploitation, fake tax refund schemes, marketplace scams, romance scams, and AI-deepfakes, with New South Wales and Victoria reporting the highest state losses at AUD $13 million and AUD $15 million respectively. To protect themselves, consumers should verify URLs, enable two-factor authentication, keep detailed records of transactions, and stay informed through official scam alerts.
ici.radio-canada.ca
· 2025-12-08
A Toronto resident who lost $355,000 in a romance cryptocurrency scam beginning in June 2021 has recovered $225,000 following a three-year international investigation. The victim was deceived by a scammer posing as "Moshe Theodor McNigh" on Facebook who encouraged investment in cryptocurrency through a fraudulent website; a suspect was arrested in Nigeria and Nigerian courts ordered the recovery of funds. The case involved collaboration between Toronto police, Ontario Provincial Police, the RCMP, and Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
amny.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams increase during the holiday season when scammers target vulnerable individuals, particularly older adults, through online dating sites and social media by exploiting feelings of loneliness and generosity. The webinar features experts from Homeland Security Investigations and AARP New York providing tools and knowledge to recognize and avoid romance scams.
woodlandsonline.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines six strategies for protecting seniors from online threats on social media platforms. According to the FBI, seniors over 60 lost approximately $3.4 billion to online scams in 2023, with average losses of $34,000 per victim, with common threats including phishing scams, romance scams, misinformation, and privacy violations. The recommended protective measures include understanding online risks, promoting digital literacy education, implementing strong security practices (passwords, two-factor authentication), monitoring suspicious activity, and encouraging healthy social media habits.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Two suspects were arrested in Santa Clara County for operating a "pig butchering" scam in which they posed as "Aunt Amelia," an investment banker, on Facebook and defrauded a 66-year-old San Jose man of $170,000 in cryptocurrency investments. The victim became suspicious when the scammers requested an additional $348,000, leading him to contact authorities who arranged an undercover arrest at a parking lot. District Attorney Jeff Rosen warned that pig butchering scams typically involve human trafficking victims in Southeast Asia who are coerced into slowly extracting maximum funds from victims through false investment promises.
theworld.org
· 2025-12-08
Online romance scams and investment fraud schemes increasingly originate from Southeast Asia, with some perpetrators operating under coercion at gunpoint. The article highlights the story of one man who was captured and forced to participate in these scam operations, illustrating how victims of human trafficking are exploited to commit financial fraud against unsuspecting targets worldwide.
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 66-year-old San José man lost $170,000 in a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam, where scammers posed as investment advisors over Facebook and attempted to extract an additional $348,000 for fraudulent overseas taxes. Two Southern California residents, Liu Hong and Yalin Li, were arrested after law enforcement set up a sting operation at a bank parking lot; the case is notable because the victim realized the fraud while still in contact with the scammers, allowing authorities to intervene. Pig butchering scams cost Americans approximately $1 billion annually and typically involve multiple perpetrators, often including human trafficking victims forced to participate from Southeast Asia.
hometownstations.com
· 2025-12-08
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions issued a December 2024 alert warning Ohioans about the rising prevalence of gift card scams during the holiday season, noting that Americans lost nearly $217 million to such scams in the previous year. Common scam tactics include government impostors demanding payment for taxes, tech support fraudsters, romance scams, and fake prize claims, with scammers pressuring victims to purchase gift cards and insisting on immediate payment. The DFI recommends purchasing gift cards only from reputable sources, inspecting cards before purchase, avoiding third-party sellers, and remembering that legitimate businesses and government agencies never demand payment via gift cards.
cyberscoop.com
· 2025-12-08
Abiola Kayode, a 37-year-old Nigerian cybercriminal on the FBI's Most Wanted list, was extradited from Ghana to face wire fraud charges for his role in business email compromise (BEC) and romance fraud schemes that defrauded businesses of over $6 million between 2015 and 2016. The scheme involved impersonating executives to trick employees into making fraudulent wire transfers, with stolen funds diverted to accounts controlled by Kayode and co-conspirators. Several of Kayode's accomplices have already been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from 45 to 96 months.
wmur.com
· 2025-12-08
Two New Hampshire-based suspects, Naxin Wu and Mingdong Chen, reached a plea deal to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud as part of a sophisticated international gift card scheme. The criminal ring obtained gift cards through illegal means including theft, romance scams, and elder fraud, then used them to purchase Apple products for resale overseas, while also returning counterfeit Apple goods to stores for additional cards; a warehouse search uncovered nearly $2 million in fake iPhones and iPads. Wu and Chen each face up to 20 years in prison.
klkntv.com
· 2025-12-08
Abiola Kayode, a 37-year-old Nigerian man, was extradited to Nebraska to face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a $6 million email spoofing scam that operated from 2015 to 2016. Kayode and his accomplices impersonated company executives to trick employees into wiring transfers to accounts controlled by the fraud ring, with some funds laundered through victims of romance scams. Several co-conspirators have already been convicted and sentenced to prison with restitution orders, while Kayode remains in custody pending trial.
2gb.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers exploit emotional connections to manipulate victims into becoming unwitting drug mules, as exemplified by former Greens candidate Donna Nelson, who received a six-year jail sentence in Japan after being duped into transporting 2kg of methamphetamine by an online romance scammer. Over $201 million was reported lost to romance scams last year, with scammers building trust with vulnerable people over time before requesting money or package transport. To protect against such schemes, individuals should insist on video verification, meet in person in neutral locations, trust their instincts, never send money, and refuse to carry items for others.
americanbanker.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, while overall fraud rates decreased, financial exploitation of seniors emerged as a growing concern for regulators and state authorities seeking to combat it. The year saw notable fraud incidents including a pig butchering scam that contributed to a regional bank's failure and a viral check fraud scheme on Chase Bank, highlighting evolving scam tactics targeting both consumers and financial institutions.
ivoox.com
· 2025-12-08
A former Australian politician, Donna Nelson, was sentenced to six years in jail in Japan after being manipulated by a romance scammer into transporting 2kg of methamphetamine. Over $201 million was reported lost to romance scams last year, with scammers building relationships with vulnerable people before exploiting them into sending money or carrying packages across borders. To protect against such scams, experts recommend verifying identity through video chat, meeting in neutral locations, trusting your instincts, never sending money, and refusing to transport items for others.
highlandcountypress.com
· 2025-12-08
The Ohio Department of Financial Institutions warns consumers about gift card scams, which cost Americans nearly $217 million last year according to FTC data. Scammers impersonate legitimate businesses and government agencies to pressure victims into making payments via gift cards, particularly during the holiday season when gift card purchases are popular. The advisory provides protective measures including purchasing cards only from reputable sources, inspecting cards before purchase, and remembering that legitimate businesses and government agencies never demand gift card payments.
mobile.ghanaweb.com
· 2025-12-08
Abiola Kayode, a 37-year-old Nigerian cybercriminal on the FBI's Most Wanted list, was extradited from Ghana to face charges for orchestrating a business email compromise (BEC) scheme that defrauded multiple companies of over $6 million between 2015 and 2016. Kayode and his associates impersonated corporate executives using forged email accounts to manipulate employees into making unauthorized wire transfers to accounts he controlled, some linked to romance scams. Several of his co-conspirators have already been convicted and imprisoned, with sentences ranging from 45 to 96 months, and U.S. authorities continue pursuing the remaining four fugit
philstarlife.com
· 2025-12-08
South Korean actress Yoo In-na revealed she was victimized by a romance scam in her early 20s when a scammer stole her photos from Cyworld (a Korean social network) and used her identity to defraud a man of approximately 1-2 million won (roughly $800-$1,600). The scam was resolved only after the victim confronted the perpetrator with evidence of the real Yoo In-na's identity, prompting the scammer to repay the borrowed funds. Romance scams remain a significant problem in the Philippines and globally, with authorities warning the public to verify identities online and be cautious of deepfake AI videos used by scamm
wowt.com
· 2025-12-08
Abiola Kayode, a 37-year-old Nigerian national on the FBI's Most Wanted Cyber Criminal List, was extradited to Nebraska to face wire fraud charges for his role in a scheme that defrauded Nebraska businesses and individuals of over $6 million between 2015 and 2016. Kayode provided bank account information to co-conspirators who conducted romance scams and business email compromise fraud, directing victims to wire money to accounts under his control. He is the second of six identified Nigerian nationals to be extradited for the scheme; three co-conspirators have already been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from 45 to 96 months
wmar2news.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using cryptocurrency across multiple fraud schemes including investment scams, tech support fraud, romance scams, and employment schemes, exploiting victims' fear of missing out and unfamiliarity with the technology. In Maryland, reported losses from cryptocurrency-related employment scams surged dramatically from $32,033 in 2023 to $3.8 million between January and October 2024, with victims losing an average of $15,000–$20,000 each; scammers use fake cryptocurrency exchanges and work-from-home schemes requiring deposits to "unlock" higher-paying work that victims cannot ultimately access. While cryptocurrency transactions are instant and irreversible, the FBI
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals have used fake job advertisements to scam thousands of internet users in 2024, with over 20,000 fraudulent postings reported in just six months compared to 5,000 in all of 2023. The scams typically involve unsolicited text messages promising work completing "app optimization" or "product boosting" tasks, followed by requests to purchase equipment (often an Apple computer) that will supposedly be reimbursed—with victims losing an average of $2,000, including a college student who lost her entire $2,230 savings via Venmo. The FTC reports $41 million in cryptocurrency losses to job scams in the first half
myjoyonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Ghanaian nationals, 34-year-old Wigbert Bandie and 30-year-old Adam Khadijah, were sentenced in November 2024 to 63 and 30 months in prison, respectively, by a U.S. federal judge in Tennessee for internet fraud and money laundering. From June through December 2019, the defendants conducted romance and advance-fee scams via social media, impersonating overseas individuals and fake gold shippers to defraud at least 11 victims, including one victim (Richard Coleman) who lost $73,550; Bandie was ordered to pay $2.18 million in restitution.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Between January and September 2024, merchandise scams on platforms like Facebook Marketplace cost Canadians $7.1 million, with Ontario accounting for $2.6 million of losses. A Ontario woman lost $50 after a seller on Facebook Marketplace took her e-transfer payment for cast iron planters that were never delivered, and police note common red flags include sellers being overly eager, offering full price without negotiation, or requesting payment through third-party links. Authorities advise online buyers and sellers to question suspicious offers, verify addresses, and report fraud to help combat these scams that often involve money laundering schemes.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
This curated cybercrime report documents multiple fraud cases across India and internationally. Notable incidents include an Indore resident losing Rs 2.45 lakh to an AnyDesk remote access scam, a Rs 71 lakh online stock market fraud in Pune involving a Russian national, and a Chennai shopkeeper arrested for defrauding over Rs 1 crore through fake goods and job offer scams on social media. The report also highlights international cases including the extradition of a Nigerian cybercriminal to the US for wire fraud and romance scams, cryptocurrency scams targeting Jersey residents, and emphasizes that global scams cost $1.026 trillion annually
lamilano.it
· 2025-12-08
A 35-year-old man named Bruno Abbruzzese was arrested in Terzigno, Naples, for attempted extortion and fraud involving a "mirror scam." The scheme involved damaging a victim's vehicle (using rocks or fake damage created with black wax), falsely claiming the victim caused the damage, and demanding cash compensation while threatening the victim with a jack as a deterrent. Carabinieri arrived during the incident and arrested Abbruzzese, who is awaiting trial.
prunderground.com
· 2025-12-08
"Senior Savvy: A Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Scams" is an educational resource released by financial expert Andy LaPointe that teaches seniors to recognize and prevent fraud across multiple platforms, including phishing emails, social media scams, cryptocurrency schemes, romance scams, and door-to-door deception. The guide provides step-by-step explanations, real-world examples, and actionable strategies for responding to scams, with particular emphasis on protecting seniors during high-risk periods like the holiday season when scammer activity increases.
theintelligencer.net
· 2025-12-08
Gift card scams are increasingly popular during the holiday season, with American consumers losing nearly $217 million to these scams last year, according to FTC data. Scammers pose as legitimate businesses or government agencies to pressure victims into making payments via gift cards, using tactics such as false tax claims, fake tech support, romance schemes, and prize scams. To protect themselves, consumers should only purchase gift cards from reputable sources, inspect cards before buying, avoid third-party sellers, keep receipts, and remember that legitimate businesses and government agencies never demand payment via gift cards.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-enabled scams are projected to cause $40 billion in losses by 2027, up from $12.3 billion in 2023, as fraudsters increasingly adopt deepfake technology, voice cloning, and AI chatbots for romance scams and business email compromise attacks. Criminal activity on fraud-focused channels surged 644% between 2023 and 2024, with scammers now offering "fraud-as-a-service" tools and recruiting workers to create deepfake content. The FBI and fraud experts warn that 2025 will see AI scams become mainstream, particularly in targeted business fraud (like the $30 million Hong Kong Zoom imperson
manchesterjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Ellen, a 48-year-old widow, met "Frank," a purported widower, on social media in January 2022 and developed an online relationship that moved to private messaging platforms. Over approximately two years, Frank manipulated Ellen by fabricating emotional crises—particularly his son's cancer diagnosis requiring expensive treatment—and convinced her to send more than $60,000 before they ever met in person, making her a victim of a romance scam. The article outlines common characteristics of romance scams, including their extended timeline, emotional manipulation, avoidance of in-person meetings, and victim resistance to acknowledging the fraud, along with warning signs and verification steps victims can take.
inforum.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Maryland men were sentenced for operating a romance fraud scheme targeting elderly women on social media, where they posed as U.S. military members deployed overseas and convinced victims to send money for fake emergencies. Chinedu Ikenna Nwafor received 25 months in prison and ordered to pay $180,000 in restitution, while Vitus Uzoma Uzowuru received 10 months time served and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution; one North Dakota victim alone lost $200,000 ($150,000 and $50,000 in separate incidents), and another victim from Tioga lost $800,000. A third defendant
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Nigerian authorities arrested 792 suspects, including 148 Chinese and 40 Filipino nationals, in a raid on a Lagos call center that orchestrated romance scams and cryptocurrency fraud targeting victims in the Americas and Europe. The operation lured victims through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram with romantic overtures or fake investment opportunities, then pressured them to transfer money for phoney cryptocurrency schemes and non-existent projects. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission seized computers, phones, and vehicles, and stated it would investigate potential links to organized crime and collaborate with international partners.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Nigerian authorities arrested 792 individuals, including foreign nationals, in a raid on a Lagos fraud operation that targeted victims in North America and Europe through romance scams and fake cryptocurrency investment schemes conducted via WhatsApp and Instagram. The fraudsters, many recruited by international crime syndicates, would establish fake relationships or investment opportunities to pressure victims into sending money before handing off communication to foreign counterparts to complete the schemes. The EFCC seized evidence including phones, computers, and vehicles, and stated they are collaborating with international partners to dismantle the broader criminal networks involved.
valleynewslive.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly woman in New Town, North Dakota lost $200,000 in a romance fraud scheme where perpetrators posed as high-ranking U.S. military members on fake social media profiles to build false romantic relationships. Two men were sentenced in December 2024: Chinedu Ikenna Nwafor received 25 months in federal prison and must pay $180,000 in restitution for organizing the scheme, while Vitus Uzoma Uzowuru received time served (approximately 10 months) and must pay $50,000 in restitution for receiving victim payments; a third defendant's trial is scheduled for July 2025.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Enorense Izevbigie, a leader of the "Black Axe" crime organization, was extradited from South Africa to face federal charges in New Jersey for operating a decade-long romance scam and advance fee fraud scheme from 2011 to 2021. Izevbigie and his conspirators used fake identities on social media and dating websites to defraud U.S. victims of money and valuables, sometimes threatening to distribute intimate photos to coerce payments, then laundered the proceeds through U.S. bank accounts to South Africa. He faces two counts of wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy, each carrying up to 20 years in prison
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
On December 17, 2024, Chinedu Ikenna Nwafor was sentenced to 25 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $180,000 in restitution for his role as a U.S.-based middleman in a romance fraud scheme targeting elderly women, while his codefendant Vitus Uzoma Uzowuru received approximately 10 months imprisonment and $50,000 in restitution. The scheme involved foreign actors posing as U.S. military members on fake social media profiles who built romantic relationships with elderly victims and convinced them to send money for fabricated emergencies, with victims including a New Town, North Dakota resident who
azfamily.com
· 2025-12-08
Robert Giuliano, a multi-state romance scammer operating under the alias "Rob Scotto," defrauded an Arizona woman of $30,000 over several months by posing as a romantic interest on a dating site and requesting money for trips he claimed he couldn't afford. Giuliano, who was wanted by New York authorities for forgery, grand larceny, and identity theft, was arrested by Scottsdale Police in December after investigators received a tip from New York and discovered he was living in the area. He remains in custody awaiting extradition to New York.
wmar2news.com
· 2025-12-08
A Maryland man's family member lost $10,000-$20,000 to a romance scam involving a woman he met online over nearly a year, despite family efforts to convince him the relationship was fraudulent. According to the FBI Baltimore field office, romance scams are widespread, with 17,823 complaints reported last year resulting in losses exceeding $652 million, with victims typically losing $50,000-$100,000 on average. Scammers build trust over months before requesting money and often isolate victims; red flags include thick accents, unavailability by phone, and pressure to move conversations off dating platforms to apps like WhatsApp.
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This article announces a BBC World Service and CBC podcast called "Kaitlyn's Baby" about a woman named Kaitlyn Braun who deceived dozens of birth workers (doulas) with an elaborate false narrative involving pregnancy complications, rape, and health crises—only for the truth to eventually emerge that it was all fabricated. The six-part series, hosted by Sarah Treleaven, explores the psychological motivations behind Braun's deception and raises questions about accountability, though no specific financial losses are mentioned. This is a true crime podcast focused on deception and fraud rather than a news report of an actual elder fraud incident.
vice.com
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" is a sophisticated online scam in which fraudsters use romance or investment opportunities to manipulate victims into losing significant sums of money, often involving cryptocurrency theft. Interpol is urging governments and organizations to replace the dehumanizing term with neutral language like "romance baiting" or "investment scam," as the stigmatizing terminology discourages victims from reporting the crime and seeking help.
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2025-12-08
Interpol is calling for the cybersecurity community, law enforcement, and media to replace the term "pig butchering" with "romance baiting" when describing online relationship and investment scams, arguing that the former terminology shames victims and discourages them from reporting fraud to authorities. These social engineering scams involve fraudsters building trust with victims through fake relationships or friendships on social media before convincing them to invest money in fraudulent schemes, primarily involving cryptocurrency, with investment fraud losses increasing 38% from $3.31 billion in 2022 to $4.57 billion in 2023. Interpol advocates for victim-neutral language that places responsibility on perpetrators rather than
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
FBI Special Agent Edgar Koby highlighted the escalating threat of international scams targeting elderly Americans, particularly from West African and Indian call centers using law enforcement impersonation, romance, and tech fraud schemes. From January to October 2024, victims over 60 in Ohio lost more than $43 million, with some elderly victims losing homes, life savings, and taking their own lives due to shame. Koby urged victims to contact law enforcement immediately, as recovering funds becomes nearly impossible once money is transferred overseas.
thehackernews.com
· 2025-12-08
INTERPOL is advocating for the term "romance baiting" to replace "pig butchering" when describing online scams where fraudsters build fake romantic relationships with victims to manipulate them into investing in bogus cryptocurrency schemes. The agency argues that "pig butchering" dehumanizes victims and discourages them from reporting crimes, while the new terminology focuses accountability on perpetrators rather than shaming those defrauded. These sophisticated schemes, which originated in China around 2016, are often run by transnational organized crime groups operating from Southeast Asia and involve complex fake investment platforms designed to appear legitimate.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2025-12-08
A network of 792 people, including 148 Chinese, 40 Filipinos, and other foreign nationals, was arrested in Lagos on December 10 in connection with a large-scale cryptocurrency fraud and romance scam operation targeting victims in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. The suspects operated from a sophisticated facility where they trained young Nigerians to conduct romance and investment scams using fake profiles, foreign phone numbers, and phishing techniques, directing victims to a fraudulent platform (yooto.com) where activation fees began at $35. The operation involved over 500 SIM cards and high-end equipment, with the foreign nationals exploiting Nigeria's reputation to establish their
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 800 people were arrested in a raid on a luxury office building in Lagos, Nigeria, including 148 Chinese and 40 Filipino nationals allegedly operating an international romance scam ring. The scammers targeted vulnerable individuals in America, Canada, Mexico, and Europe through social media and messaging platforms, building romantic relationships before directing victims to fraudulent investment opportunities that often depleted their life savings. Investigators confiscated over 500 SIM cards, mobile phones, and dozens of computers, and are investigating potential links to organized international fraud networks.