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in Crypto Investment Scams
thestarnews.com
San Diego County seniors lose approximately $100 million annually to scams, though actual figures are likely higher due to underreporting caused by victim shame. A prevalent scam involves fraudsters posing as tech companies, gaining remote access to victims' computers to steal financial information, often resulting in cash pickups by couriers or victims purchasing gold under false pretenses. The San Diego District Attorney's Elder Justice Task Force, composed of local and federal law enforcement, prosecutes perpetrators through state and federal charges while providing public education on prevention strategies including never allowing remote access, avoiding unsolicited pop-ups, and immediately reporting suspicious activity to the FBI IC3 and local police.
thealpinesun.com
San Diego County seniors lose approximately $100 million annually to scams, though the actual figure is likely higher due to underreporting from shame. The San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, comprising local and federal law enforcement, collaborates to prosecute perpetrators and identify criminal rings, with a focus on common schemes like fake virus alerts that trick victims into granting remote computer access or purchasing gold, often followed by cash pickup via courier. The District Attorney's office provides preventive guidance including never allowing remote access to devices, refusing to meet unknown individuals with cash, and immediately reporting suspected fraud to the FBI IC3 and local police.
bleepingcomputer.com
The U.S. Department of Justice seized over $8.2 million in Tether cryptocurrency stolen through "romance baiting" scams, where victims were manipulated into investing on fraudulent platforms offering false returns, then prevented from withdrawing funds. The seizure involved 38 victimized cryptocurrency accounts with confirmed losses exceeding $5.2 million, with named victims from five states losing over $1.6 million collectively, and the worst individual loss reaching $663,352; the scam operation is believed linked to human trafficking syndicates in Cambodia and Myanmar. The recovered assets will enable restitution to identified victims and others the FBI is attempting to locate through wallet tracing.
securityaffairs.com
On February 27, 2025, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Ohio filed a civil forfeiture complaint for $8.2 million in cryptocurrency linked to a "pig butchering" romance scam, in which fraudsters built false romantic and financial relationships with victims via anonymous messaging apps before exploiting them. One Cleveland victim liquidated over $650,000 in retirement savings; the FBI used blockchain intelligence to trace funds across multiple crypto platforms and networks, ultimately leading to the seizure and reissuance of the frozen Tether tokens for victim restitution. This case highlights the rapidly growing threat of pig butchering scams—often operated by human trafficking syndicates from
onlineathens.com
An Athens man lost over $70,000 to a cryptocurrency investment scam after being befriended by a woman named "Lyra" on Instagram who convinced him to invest through a fraudulent app. When he attempted to withdraw funds to pay off his car, he was told to deposit more money first, and upon checking the app again, his $74,000 balance had been reduced to 25 cents. The FBI warns that these "pig butchering" scams manipulate victims into making repeated deposits into fake cryptocurrency investments controlled by overseas criminals, with victims typically losing all invested funds.
slate.com
This article discusses the broader normalization of gambling and speculative behavior in American society, using Delta Air Lines' partnership with DraftKings as a launching point. The piece argues that cryptocurrency and the deregulation of gambling represent a "casino economy" where compulsive consumption and speculation have become central to American life, with reported gambling addiction increasing 30 percent between 2018 and 2023. While not a report of a specific scam, the article contextualizes how vulnerable populations may be increasingly exposed to gambling and speculative financial risks through mainstream platforms and algorithmic manipulation designed to encourage addictive behavior.
abc7ny.com
More than 72 million Americans use cryptocurrency, but they face significant vulnerability to scams that stole nearly $10 billion in 2024. Common scams include phishing, romance scams luring victims into crypto investments, and "rug pulls" where celebrities or developers promote tokens then abandon them, leaving investors with worthless assets. Experts recommend sticking to established cryptocurrencies with proven track records, researching developer credentials, and questioning why payments are requested in cryptocurrency, as these transactions are difficult or impossible to reverse.
saanichnews.com
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the420.in
A 70-year-old woman in Pune lost Rs 2.5 crore in a sophisticated cyber scam where fraudsters impersonating Maharashtra Police and Enforcement Directorate officials falsely implicated her in a money laundering case involving Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal. Over three weeks from mid-February to March 10, the woman made 74 transfers after being coerced through fabricated legal notices, fake "digital arrest" orders, and forged government documents. Authorities suspect international cybercrime syndicates orchestrated the scheme, using mule accounts and cryptocurrency to launder the stolen funds, and have advised citizens to verify official identities independently and never
technologyreview.com
Gavesh, a South Asian man facing financial hardship, was trafficked into a "pig butchering" scam operation after responding to a fraudulent Facebook job posting promising $1,500 monthly salary. Criminal syndicates operating from compounds in Myanmar-Thailand border regions use social media platforms and tech services to recruit victims and conduct romance/investment fraud schemes that have netted billions of dollars globally, exploiting trafficked workers through coercion and violence. The investigation reveals that major tech companies—including social media, dating apps, cryptocurrency platforms, and messaging services—have enabled the industrialization of these fraud operations and may hold the key to dismantling them if compelled to take action.
whbl.com
Manitowoc Police reported a dramatic increase in scams targeting residents, including romance scams that develop over weeks or months with escalating requests for money, impersonation scams where criminals pose as officials demanding payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and a novel tactic involving fraudulent crypto ATMs. Police advise residents to avoid currency transfers to unknown sources, be cautious of aggressive payment demands, and contact them with concerns, noting that government entities never use crypto ATMs or electronic payment methods for fines and fees.
wxyz.com
Fraud losses reached $12.5 billion in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, affecting consumers nationwide including older adults who are increasingly targeted through evolving scam tactics that exploit vulnerabilities. Tanjai Green lost money through a money transfer app scam and was unable to recover her funds despite repeated requests, while psychologist Dr. Peter Lichtenberg emphasizes that scammers specifically target retired individuals and those with disabilities or anxiety. Experts recommend approaching potential scam victims by listening to their perspective rather than confronting them directly, maintaining trusted confidants for financial discussions, and following best practices such as verifying identities online, being skeptical of urgent requests, and avoiding money
forbes.com
From 2020 to 2023, job scam losses more than tripled, with over $220 million lost in the first half of 2024, according to FTC data. Common schemes include remote work scams offering unrealistic pay, fake check scams (median loss $1,900), task-based scams requiring upfront payments, and identity theft recruitment scams that harvest personal information. Job seekers should verify employer legitimacy through official channels, avoid paying for work opportunities, and be cautious of offers involving cryptocurrency or requests for sensitive personal information.
corkbeo.ie
A 61-year-old man from North Cork lost his life savings of approximately €18,200 to a romance scammer who posed as a Filipino woman online and promised to move to Ireland after he sent money for her travel expenses. Devastated by the loss and struggling with his mental health, Ted publicly shared his story on local radio, prompting community support including a GoFundMe fundraiser that raised over €1,200. The case highlights a widespread problem, with Irish gardaí reporting approximately 50 romance fraud cases annually, with victims losing an average of €28,500, though many cases go unreported due to shame and embarrassment.
htrnews.com
The Manitowoc Police Department reported a dramatic increase in scams in recent months, including romance scams conducted over social media and phone that unfold over weeks or months, impersonation scams where perpetrators pose as law enforcement demanding payment for fictitious fines, and schemes using cryptocurrency ATMs to extract money from victims. Scammers typically request payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or electronic transfers to avoid detection, with some victims losing thousands of dollars or their life savings. Police advise residents to avoid transferring money to unknown sources and to contact local law enforcement if they suspect scam activity.
cnbc.com
Tax season is a prime target for scammers seeking to steal refunds and identities, with Americans losing $9.1 billion to tax and financial crimes in 2024, and nearly one in four Americans impacted by tax scams at some point. Key protective measures include setting up an IRS Identity Protection PIN, ignoring unsolicited tax-related emails and texts, avoiding cryptocurrency payments for taxes, and implementing strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Experts stress that the IRS never initiates contact via email or text and does not accept cryptocurrency or demand immediate payment under threat.
bostonglobe.com
Modern scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and effective due to advanced technology and organized criminal groups operating internationally. The article illustrates this trend through the example of a utility company impersonation scam targeting a Maine resident, and explains how scammers exploit phishing, deepfakes, AI-generated content, and cryptocurrency investment schemes to defraud victims. Key protective strategies include verifying accounts directly through official channels and remaining suspicious of urgent payment demands, particularly those requesting digital payment methods like Zelle.
wcexaminer.com
**Summary:**
State Rep. Tina Pickett hosted a free senior scam awareness seminar on April 25 in Sayre, Pennsylvania, led by an investor education coordinator from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities. The educational event focused on identifying popular scams targeting seniors, including cryptocurrency fraud, and teaching residents how to protect themselves from financial exploitation.
fox11online.com
Manitowoc police are warning of a dramatic increase in scams, including romance schemes where scammers gradually request money and personal information before using explicit photos for blackmail, and impersonation scams where callers pose as law enforcement demanding payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency for alleged court fines or debts. Police emphasize that government agencies never request payments through cryptocurrency ATMs or gift cards, and advise victims to verify any such requests before sending funds.
thesun.co.uk
This is not an article about fraud or elder abuse—it is a website access verification notice from News Group Newspapers explaining their automated content access policies. It does not contain content relevant to the Elderus database and should not be summarized as a scam or fraud case.
newsbreak.com
An elderly woman lost over $400,000 to online scammers who contacted her via Facebook over seven years, manipulating her into sending money through Apple gift cards and cryptocurrency while operating under various aliases. Despite her son's efforts to seek help from law enforcement and lawyers, they reported being unable to intervene, and the woman continued sending money to the fraudsters even after moving in with her son, eventually taking out loans at their urging. The article includes expert warnings about cryptocurrency scam red flags, including unsolicited crypto solicitations on social media, promises of unusually high returns, and overly friendly strangers using deepfake technology to build trust.
lexology.com
A federal court in Arizona ordered the fraudulent digital asset platform Debiex to pay a penalty for operating an online romance scam network that targeted victims. The case involved cryptocurrency and digital assets used to facilitate the romance scam scheme. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission pursued enforcement action against the platform for its role in the financial fraud operation.
salemnews.com
Beverly police recovered and returned more than $21,000 to elderly Essex County residents who had fallen victim to bitcoin scams, marking one of the first successful recoveries of its kind in the nation according to the Essex County District Attorney's office. The recovery effort demonstrates authorities' ability to trace and reclaim cryptocurrency fraud losses for senior victims.
ca.news.yahoo.com
Investment scams remain the most prevalent fraud scheme in Canada, with over $310 million in reported losses in 2024 and more than $1 billion since 2021, often employing artificial intelligence and deepfake videos featuring public figures to appear legitimate. Scammers typically lure victims through social media ads, fraudulent Google search results, and fake endorsements, initially providing small returns to build trust before preventing withdrawals once larger sums are invested. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and Royal Newfoundland Constabulary advise victims to avoid pressure tactics, conduct due diligence before investing, and report incidents to authorities, noting that fraud networks operate as sophisticated criminal enterprises targeting vulnerable
cbc.ca
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported over $310 million in investment fraud losses in 2024, with more than $1 billion lost since 2021, as scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence and deepfakes to create convincing fraudulent investment platforms and cryptocurrency schemes. Victims are typically lured through social media ads, fake search results, or impersonated contacts, receive small returns on initial investments to build trust, but lose their money when attempting larger withdrawals. Law enforcement warns that fraudsters use urgency tactics and target vulnerable populations, with romance scams also prevalent; Canada's fraud industry is estimated at $100 million annually.
goldrushcam.com
On March 21, 2025, the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office arrested suspects in an ongoing phone scam targeting an elderly male customer who was instructed to withdraw $50,000 from Wells Fargo in Oakdale. A vigilant bank teller alerted law enforcement after the victim attempted a second large withdrawal, prompting detectives to coordinate an undercover operation that successfully apprehended the scammers at a pre-arranged collection point. The case highlights the importance of reporting suspicious requests for large cash withdrawals to authorities immediately.
fxnewsgroup.com
Debiex, a fraudulent cryptocurrency platform, was ordered by a U.S. District Court in Arizona to pay $2.4 million in restitution and penalties after misappropriating over $2 million from customers through a sophisticated romance scam involving "solicitors" who befriended victims on social media, fake trading accounts, and money mules to launder funds. The scheme targeted U.S. citizens by posing as a legitimate digital asset trading platform while never actually conducting any trades, instead stealing customer deposits.
northfortynews.com
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office highlighted nine trending scams affecting Northern Colorado residents in March 2025, including "neighbor in trouble" calls requesting bail money, stolen/altered checks, fake PayPal fraud alerts, door-to-door sales schemes, tech support scams impersonating Microsoft and Apple, and cryptocurrency investment frauds. Seniors are frequently targeted and often listed on "sucker lists" shared among scammers, making compassionate reporting and victim support critical. The advisory recommends verifying requests independently, using secure payment methods, and reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the FTC.
abc11.com
In 2024, scammers stole a record $12.5 billion from Americans, a 25% increase from the previous year, with investment scams and imposter scams causing the largest losses according to FTC data. A Raleigh woman lost nearly $3,000 to a Microsoft imposter scam after being tricked into purchasing gift cards, a common tactic where fraudsters impersonate legitimate companies or government agencies. Red flags include requests to buy gift cards, cryptocurrency, or send money through payment apps to unknown individuals.
cbsnews.com
An 80-year-old Texas man lost $5,000 to a bitcoin ATM scam after receiving a false call claiming his son was in jail; according to FTC data, bitcoin ATM scams targeting seniors over 60 increased nearly tenfold from $12 million in 2020 to $114 million in 2023, with victims three times more likely to be older adults. Scammers exploit the speed and irreversibility of cryptocurrency transactions by directing victims to deposit cash at bitcoin ATMs using QR codes that transfer funds directly to criminal accounts. Most states lack regulations on bitcoin ATMs, making recovery difficult, though some jurisdictions have successfully returned funds when caught quickly
jdsupra.com
This educational article uses a cautionary legal case (Dowling v. Uriostegui) to illustrate estate plan fraud targeting elderly individuals. A woman systematically befriended an elderly man, isolated him from family, and exerted undue influence to redirect his $1.8 million estate to herself and her gambling-addicted son (a lawyer) instead of his biological son, while the scammer's son flaunted ill-gotten assets including a Corvette and 12 racehorses. The article advises families to protect vulnerable elderly relatives through regular communication and vigilance against potential scammers seeking to manipulate estate planning documents.
ccpc.ie
This Global Money Week awareness article outlines common scams targeting young people, including money mule schemes (where individuals are tricked into laundering illegal funds through their bank accounts), fake ticket sales for sold-out events, and risky cryptocurrency and forex investments that often operate as scams through romance schemes or phishing. The piece emphasizes protective measures such as never sharing bank details with untrusted parties, purchasing tickets only from official sources, and verifying investment legitimacy before committing funds.
nzherald.co.nz
Dating and romance scams cause significant financial and emotional harm, with victims in New Zealand losing an average of $18,000 per incident, and some cases exceeding $375,000 when scammers impersonate celebrities like Martin Henderson and Brad Pitt. Victims often experience shame and delayed awareness of losses as money drains gradually from their accounts, while some scammers themselves are victims held in "scam farms" under exploitative conditions. The rise of dating apps and AI-generated deepfakes has made these schemes increasingly difficult to detect and prevalent.
cknxnewstoday.ca
During the first two months of 2025, the Grey Bruce OPP received 72 fraud reports, with romance scams, grandparent scams, cryptocurrency schemes, gift card scams, and e-transfer fraud being the most common. Constable Krista Linthorne advises the public to avoid pressure to act quickly on money requests, never share personal or financial information via unsolicited calls or texts, and remember that legitimate government agencies and banks will never contact citizens requesting such information. Those who suspect fraud or lose money should immediately contact their bank and credit bureau, while confirmed victims should report to police and use the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for additional resources.
cknxnewstoday.ca
During March Anti-Fraud Month, the Ontario Provincial Police reported 72 fraud calls in the Grey Bruce area from January through early March 2024, with romance scams, grandparent scams, cryptocurrency schemes, gift card scams, and e-transfer fraud being the most common types. Constable Krista Linthorne advised the public to avoid acting under pressure, never share financial information via unsolicited communications, and verify requests by contacting institutions directly. Victims should immediately contact their bank and credit bureau to freeze accounts, report losses to police, and those who identify attempted scams should contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
occrp.org
Friday Jeremiah Adejoh, a 30-year-old Nigerian, is wanted by U.S. prosecutors for allegedly operating a romance scam that defrauded an Orange County, California e-sports athlete of $1.3 million in bitcoin. Working with co-conspirators, Adejoh created a fake dating profile under the name "Mabel" and a fraudulent cryptocurrency trading platform called "Whalepool.tech" to trick the victim into depositing bitcoin, which they promised would generate investment returns. Shortly after cashing out the stolen cryptocurrency in 2020, Adejoh purchased two Dubai properties worth approximately $860,000 combined, and currently res
finance.yahoo.com
A Texas retiree lost approximately $500,000 in a romance-investment scam after meeting a woman named "Gianna" on the dating site Silver Singles, who gradually persuaded him to invest in cryptocurrency over several months. The scammer used fabricated account statements showing investment gains to encourage him to withdraw his 401(k) and continue sending money, eventually disappearing with his funds. To recover his losses, Dalrymple plans to return to full-time work and sell his home; the scam exemplifies a growing trend combining romance and cryptocurrency fraud, with investment scams accounting for nearly half of all reported fraud cases involving cryptocurrency in 2024.
states.aarp.org
This AARP educational piece outlines multiple fraud schemes targeting older adults: gold bar scams where criminals impersonate bank officials to convince victims to withdraw savings for "safekeeping," fake cruise deal scams using fraudulent websites and ads, and romance scams involving cryptocurrency investments. The article provides prevention strategies including verifying legitimate sources, using credit cards for purchases, and recommends that family members support fraud victims through compassionate questioning and regular scam awareness discussions rather than blame.
wsfa.com
The Better Business Bureau's 2024 scam tracker report identified investment and cryptocurrency scams as the most dangerous fraud type, with a median loss of $5,000 per victim, often involving fake accounts showing false profits to lure additional investors. The report highlighted a concerning rise in "financial grooming" scams, where perpetrators build false romantic or business relationships to gradually extract money from victims until they have nothing left, targeting vulnerable individuals across all demographics, particularly those experiencing personal or financial hardship.
fox7austin.com
Scammers are increasingly using fake online dating profiles on apps and social media to defraud people seeking romance, often investing months or years building trust before requesting money for fabricated emergencies or investment opportunities. One Austin resident lost $60,000 after being lured into cryptocurrency investments by a scammer posing as someone named Anna, while others face extortion threats if intimate photos are shared. The Better Business Bureau recommends avoiding sending intimate images, being suspicious of vague answers about personal details, insisting on in-person meetings, and never sending money to people you haven't met.
therecord.com
A Guelph-area senior lost $250,000 to an online romance scam that operated over approximately one year, during which the victim sent roughly $20,000 monthly to someone they met online and was instructed to purchase gift cards and provide the card numbers to the scammer. The victim eventually grew suspicious and reported the fraud to Wellington OPP, whose investigation is ongoing. The article also outlines common romance scam tactics—including fake profiles, requests for money under false pretenses, pressure to use private communication platforms, and discouragement from discussing the relationship with others—and provides resources for reporting suspected fraud.
boredpanda.com
This article is a collection of various scam examples and general awareness advice rather than a single incident report. It showcases multiple types of fraud including restaurant billing schemes, GoFundMe donation fraud using deceased pets, charity scams involving emotional appeals (cancer), fake charity sales, and robocalls targeting business owners. The article highlights that scammers use psychological tactics such as professional language, appeals to trust, fear and urgency, and confusion to manipulate victims, and emphasizes the importance of verifying receipts, checking credentials, and remaining cautious even when feeling pressured.
usatoday.com
Job scams targeting unemployed individuals have surged dramatically, with reported losses exceeding $220 million in the first half of 2024—a more than threefold increase since 2020. Scammers use text messages and messaging apps to lure victims with fake remote job offers promising unusually high pay ($100-$500/day), often pivoting to "task scams" where victims are asked to invest their own money to complete work, with cryptocurrency becoming the primary payment method and accounting for $41 million in losses in early 2024 alone. The FTC warns that these scams typically start with vague job offers, show small initial payments to build trust, then request personal
fox23.com
According to the Better Business Bureau's 2024 Scam Tracker Risk Report, cryptocurrency investment scams top the list of riskiest frauds, with 80 percent of victims losing an average of $5,000 through fake exchanges and pressure tactics. The report identifies five major scam categories affecting consumers: employment scams (involving fake job offers and training fees), romance scams (targeting people in online relationships), online purchase scams (non-delivery of goods), and home improvement scams (particularly prevalent after severe weather, involving door-to-door solicitors who take payment without completing work).
moneycheck.com
An Arizona federal judge ordered crypto platform Debiex to pay $2.5 million in damages after the CFTC proved it operated a "pig butchering" romance scam, in which staff members created fake romantic relationships with victims on social media to convince them to invest in fraudulent crypto trading. Five victims lost approximately $2.3 million total; the court also ruled against an accomplice "money mule" and ordered the transfer of nearly 63 ETH and $5.70 USDT from his wallet to a victim. The case demonstrates how scammers exploit trust-building tactics and cryptocurrency platforms to defraud vulnerable individuals.
newstalkzb.co.nz
Actor Martin Henderson warned his 1.2 million Instagram followers to ignore fake accounts impersonating him after romance scammers fleece fans out of hundreds of thousands of dollars by posing as him and requesting money for flights, medical treatments, and legal fees. At least seven victims have come forward reporting losses ranging from $160,000 to $375,000, with scammers even attempting secondary scams posing as private investigators after the initial romance fraud was exposed. Henderson emphasized he has only one official Instagram account and urged people to be cautious as scammers become increasingly sophisticated with AI and deepfake technology.
blockonomi.com
The CFTC secured a $2.5 million judgment against crypto platform Debiex for operating a "pig butchering" romance scam, in which scammers posed as successful female traders to defraud five victims of approximately $2.3 million. Federal Judge Douglas Rayes granted summary judgment after Debiex failed to respond to the lawsuit and ordered the platform to return about $2.26 million in stolen funds plus nearly $221,500 in civil penalties. The court also identified Zhāng Chéng Yáng as a "money mule" and ordered cryptocurrency assets from his OKX wallet to be returned to one victim.
mitrade.com
Malaysian authorities warned of a surge in cryptocurrency investment scams targeting professionals and seniors, with one 74-year-old victim's family losing tens of millions of ringgit to a fraudulent syndicate. Phone scams impersonating tax officers, banks, and law enforcement remain prevalent, often using AI and deepfake technology to appear legitimate and pressure victims into transferring funds to fake "safe accounts." Malaysian police arrested over 23,000 suspects in financial scams last year and are using AI and blockchain technology to combat these evolving threats.
livebitcoinnews.com
Cryptocurrency scams targeting seniors in Malaysia have resulted in millions of ringgit in losses, with fraudsters impersonating government officials via fake phone calls to convince victims to transfer crypto funds and investments. A 74-year-old investor lost millions after falling victim to these schemes, which promise excessive profits but result in complete loss of deposited funds. Malaysian authorities warn that seniors aged 60 and above should exercise extreme caution with digital asset investments, as scammers increasingly use sophisticated phone tactics and impersonation to target older investors and professional workers.
nzherald.co.nz
Romance scammers impersonated New Zealand actor Martin Henderson across dozens of fake social media accounts, defrauding his fans of hundreds of thousands of dollars by posing as him and claiming he needed money for flights, medical treatment, and legal fees. At least seven victims came forward, including a woman who lost $375,000 believing she was in a relationship with Henderson; scammers continued pursuing victims with follow-up scams even after the romance scheme was exposed. Henderson publicly warned his 1.2 million Instagram followers that he has only one official account and urged them to ignore all impersonators, expressing concern that deepfake technology could make future scams even more convincing.