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ice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Twenty-five Canadian nationals were charged in Vermont federal court for operating a multi-million dollar "grandparent scam" that defrauded elderly victims across more than 40 U.S. states of over $21 million between summer 2021 and June 2024. Perpetrators operating from call centers near Montreal posed as grandchildren claiming to need bail money for fabricated arrests or as attorneys representing them, convincing victims to provide cash that was collected in person and laundered through Canada using cryptocurrency. Canadian law enforcement arrested 23 of the defendants on March 4, 2024, following search warrants executed at the call centers where they were actively making calls to elderly victims.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal prosecutors charged more than two dozen Canadian nationals in a "grandparent scam" that defrauded elderly victims of over $21 million across more than 40 U.S. states between summer 2021 and June 2024. Scammers operating from Montreal call centers impersonated grandchildren claiming to need bail money after accidents or posed as attorneys, using spoofed U.S. phone numbers and sometimes extracting multiple payments from victims by claiming bail amounts had increased; money was laundered back to Canada through various methods including cryptocurrency. Twenty-three of the 25 defendants were arrested in Canada, with two remaining fugitives facing up to 40 years in prison
boston.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly two dozen Canadians were arrested Tuesday and charged in a "grandparent scam" conspiracy that defrauded elderly Americans in over 40 states of $21 million between 2021 and 2024. The perpetrators, operating from call centers near Montréal, called elderly victims claiming a grandchild had been arrested and needed bail money, with some posing as attorneys or bail bondsmen to collect funds that were then transferred to Canada via cash or cryptocurrency. The 25 charged individuals face up to 20-40 years in prison depending on their role in the scheme.
richlandsource.com
· 2025-12-08
Star Strategies is hosting a free Financial Elder Fraud Workshop on March 28, 2025, in Wooster, Ohio, featuring FBI Cleveland Division special agents who will educate seniors and their families about current investment scams targeting older adults. The workshop will cover the evolution of sophisticated fraud schemes (which resulted in $538 million in losses to older adults in 2024 according to the FTC) and provide practical protection strategies.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Julie Anne Darrah, a 52-year-old Santa Barbara County investment advisor, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for stealing approximately $2.25 million from elderly clients between November 2016 and July 2023 through her company Vivid Financial Management Inc. Darrah gained clients' trust by posing as a caretaker figure, then obtained control of their assets through forged documents and unauthorized liquidations, using the funds for personal purchases including properties and luxury vehicles, leaving some victims unable to afford end-of-life care. She faces up to 20 years in prison and has been ordered to pay $2,416,511 in restitution.
thomsonreuters.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, U.S. financial institutions filed slightly fewer Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) than in 2023, marking the first decline in SARs filings in a decade, though the decrease was minimal. The preliminary count of 3.8 million original SARs filings in 2024 is expected to reach approximately 4.5-4.6 million when amended, corrected, and continuing activity SARs are included, roughly matching the record 4.6 million filings from 2023. The top reasons for SARs filings in 2024 included suspicion of fund sources, transactions without lawful purpose, check fraud,
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial institutions are increasingly using behavioral analytics and "smart friction" to combat escalating fraud, which costs the industry an estimated trillion dollars annually. Investment scams average $1,104 in losses while romance scams result in median losses of $1,996 and involve nearly twice as many transactions as other fraud types. Banks are adopting real-time data analysis, AI-powered pattern recognition, and inter-bank information sharing to identify suspicious transactions and strategically introduce authentication challenges that balance security with customer convenience.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal prosecutors charged more than two dozen Canadian nationals operating from Montreal call centers in a "grandparent scam" that defrauded over 300 elderly victims across 40+ U.S. states of more than $21 million between summer 2021 and June 2024. The scammers posed as grandchildren or lawyers claiming relatives needed bail money after accidents, used spoofed U.S. phone numbers, sent in-person "bail bondsmen" to collect cash, and sometimes targeted repeat victims ("whales") with inflated bail amounts, with proceeds laundered to Canada via cryptocurrency. Most of the 25 defendants arrested in Canada face up to 20 years in prison
radio.wpsu.org
· 2025-12-08
Twenty-five Canadians, mostly based in Quebec, were charged with operating an elaborate "grandparent scam" that defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans across 46 states of more than $21 million between summer 2021 and June 2024. The scheme involved call centers in the Montreal area using spoofed technology to impersonate relatives in distress, claiming bail money was needed, with victims often targeted multiple times and referred to as "whales" if they provided substantial funds. All 25 defendants face conspiracy to defraud charges carrying up to 20 years in prison, with five also charged with money laundering conspiracy.
business-standard.com
· 2025-12-08
A 26-year-old man named Priyesh Giri was arrested by Delhi Police for defrauding multiple senior citizens by posing as a health insurance agent and collecting renewal fees under false pretenses. A 74-year-old victim lost Rs 95,000 after receiving a fake insurance policy, prompting her complaint that led to Giri's arrest through online tracking; he confessed to cheating more than five seniors over the past year and reportedly had an accomplice still being sought. The case reflects India's broader surge in fraud, with cybercrime cases increasing by over 100% in early 2024, including investment and trading scams affecting thousands of victims.
thelogicalindian.com
· 2025-12-08
Meenu Rani from Greater Noida lost ₹51.5 lakh in a stock trading scam that began with a ₹1,000 Amazon gift voucher used to build trust before scammers lured her into investments through a fake trading app displaying fabricated profits. When she demanded her money back, the scammers stopped responding; police have registered a case under the IT Act and recovered ₹4.8 lakh so far. The incident exemplifies the growing threat of cyber scams in India targeting individuals through social media and messaging platforms, with authorities advising victims to verify investment opportunities through regulatory bodies like SEBI and avoid sharing financial details online.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Julie Anne Darrah, a Santa Maria investment advisor and president of Vivid Financial Management Inc., pleaded guilty to wire fraud for stealing approximately $2.25 million from elderly clients between November 2016 and July 2023 by obtaining unauthorized control of their assets and liquidating their holdings without consent. Darrah exploited her clients' trust by convincing them to grant her power of attorney and trustee status, then used the stolen funds for personal expenses, property purchases, and luxury vehicles, leaving some victims unable to afford end-of-life care; she also defrauded an acquiring investment firm of $5.4 million through misrepresentation. She faces up to
presstelegram.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Southern California men were arrested for operating a $10 million fraud and money laundering scheme targeting over 100 victims, predominantly elderly individuals. Using fake identification documents and shell companies, the defendants posed as law enforcement and company employees via phone and email to convince victims their accounts were compromised, then redirected them to fraudulent accounts controlled by the perpetrators; they also posed as real estate sellers to solicit wire transfers and checks. Each defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted of money laundering conspiracy.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Ambrose A. Obinna Warrior, 44, of Maryland, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business that facilitated romance, business email compromise, and investment scams from March 2018 through August 2021. Warrior transmitted or attempted to transfer over $700,000 in fraudulent proceeds by depositing victims' funds into bank accounts and shell companies, retaining approximately 20% in fees while distributing the remainder to other scheme participants, with documented victim losses of at least $467,912.
vermontbiz.com
· 2025-12-08
On February 20, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted 25 Canadian nationals for operating a "Grandparent Scam" from call centers in Montreal that defrauded elderly victims in Vermont and 40+ other states between summer 2021 and June 2024. Scammers posed as arrested grandchildren or their attorneys, convincing elderly victims to provide bail money (totaling over $21 million) that was then laundered to Canada through cash deliveries and cryptocurrency; 23 defendants were arrested in Canada on March 4, 2025, while two remain at large.
dailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
An "anti-poverty advocate" named Joseph Sanberg was arrested by federal prosecutors in connection with an alleged fraud scheme that cost investors $145 million. The article indicates charges were filed against Sanberg and at least one other person, though specific details about the fraud mechanism are not provided in the excerpt.
ocregister.com
· 2025-12-08
An anti-poverty advocate named Joseph Sanberg was arrested in connection with an alleged investment fraud scheme that cost investors $145 million, according to federal prosecutors. The charges were announced in March 2025, though specific details about the fraud mechanism and victim demographics were not included in the available excerpt.
wral.com
· 2025-12-08
Michon Griffin, 46, of Wake County was sentenced to two years in prison for her role as a money mule in a $2 million international romance scam, where she received and laundered fraudulent funds through 16 financial institutions before wiring them to coconspirators in Nigeria. Griffin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and making false statements on her tax returns, earning $300,000 in commissions that she failed to report, and was ordered to pay $109,119 in restitution to the IRS.
punchng.com
· 2025-12-08
A 47-year-old Nigerian national, Darlington Akporugo, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy for operating a nationwide romance scam from Houston that defrauded more than 25 elderly and retired victims of over $3 million. Operating over seven years, Akporugo and co-conspirators used fake identities on social media to build trust with victims, then manipulated them into sending money for fictitious business ventures and emergencies, with much of the stolen funds funneled overseas. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine at sentencing scheduled for June 6.
thenationonlineng.net
· 2025-12-08
A 47-year-old Nigerian national, Darlington Akporugo, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy charges for orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded over 25 elderly and retired Americans of more than $3 million across multiple states. Akporugo used fake identities on social media to manipulate victims into sending money, opening lines of credit in his name, and purchasing luxury items, and now faces up to 20 years in federal prison with sentencing scheduled for June 6, 2025.
foxsanantonio.com
· 2025-12-08
A USAA customer was targeted by scammers who spoofed the bank's caller ID and posed as the fraud department to warn her about unauthorized charges. The scammers manipulated her into transferring $3,400 through Apple Cash by claiming to help secure her compromised account, ultimately stealing the funds before disappearing when she discovered the deception. The case highlights a growing imposter scam trend affecting bank customers nationwide, with such scams resulting in $2.7 billion in annual losses, and demonstrates how criminals exploit familiar bank names and personal information to build false trust.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
According to the FBI's 2024 Elder Fraud Report, elder fraud complaints increased 46% with losses rising 43%, while New York ranked fourth nationally in complaints and monetary losses among seniors over 60. The median loss for victims aged 60+ exceeded $83,000, with investment scams causing the highest losses at $6.6 billion overall and New York seniors losing $257.7 million in 2024. AARP warns that holiday season scams are escalating, particularly gift card fraud, phishing, and delivery scams, and recommends shopping directly from official websites, purchasing gift cards only from authorized locations, and being wary of urgent requests for payment via gift cards or
murrayledger.com
· 2025-12-08
A resurgence of toll-charge texting scams is circulating, where recipients receive messages claiming unpaid tolls in states they may or may not have visited, with links directing them to fake websites requesting payment. Law enforcement officials note that scammers increasingly replicate legitimate toll company messaging (like FastTrak or EZ Pass) and create sophisticated fake websites, making scams harder to identify, though legitimate toll agencies never request payment via text and instead send physical mail with license plate photos. Police advise recipients to verify they actually visited the state in question and to research any suspicious requests before responding, as scammers are becoming increasingly skilled at mimicking legitimate communications across multiple platforms including email and phone calls.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A Bankrate Financial Fraud Survey found that 34% of U.S. adults experienced financial fraud or scams in the past 12 months, with 37% of victims losing money to schemes ranging from fake prize claims to job recruitment and investment scams. Of Americans scammed in the past year, 90% had their personal financial information accessed or targeted, though 57% of those attempts were unsuccessful; baby boomers and Generation X experienced the highest lifetime fraud rates at 73% and 71% respectively, and experts warn that economic stress and the pending wealth transfer of baby boomers may embolden scammers.
evertiq.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Swedish high school students, Henning Lindeberg and Erik Apelqvist, are developing a mini-computer device designed to detect phone scams by identifying words commonly associated with fraud and alerting users in real-time. The invention was motivated by personal experience—both students' grandparents were targeted by scammers—and addresses a significant problem in Sweden where nearly 30,000 phone scams were reported in 2023, resulting in approximately 66 million dollars in losses primarily targeting elderly individuals. The students aim to complete a fully functional prototype by their summer graduation.
myjoyonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Aurora Phelps, 43, used online dating apps to meet at least four older men in 2021-2022, then drugged them with sedatives and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars through a scheme that resulted in at least three deaths. Phelps, currently in custody in Mexico, faces 21 federal charges including wire fraud, identity theft, and one count of kidnapping resulting in death, with prosecutors alleging she stole vehicles, drained bank accounts, sold stock worth $3.3 million, and purchased luxury items using her victims' accounts.
edmontonjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Edmonton lost approximately $48.1 million to fraud in 2024, with investment scams being the largest category at $14.1 million, followed by romance, employment, and identity fraud scams. Edmonton Police Service launched Fraud Prevention Month to educate the public on common tactics used by increasingly sophisticated scammers, including phone spoofing, phishing, social engineering, grandparent scams, and person-in-authority scams that exploit psychological manipulation and urgency to steal money and personal information.
edmonton.citynews.ca
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Edmonton residents lost over $48 million to fraud, with investment scams leading at $14.1 million, followed by romance scams at $1.7 million and employment fraud at $1.3 million. Police highlighted the emotional toll of these crimes, featuring the case of Heather Robicheau, who lost money to a year-long romance scam involving a fake cheque and false emergencies. During fraud prevention month, Edmonton Police and community partners urged residents to avoid sharing personal or financial information and to be skeptical of unsolicited requests for money, particularly those involving emotional manipulation or crisis scenarios.
viconsortium.com
· 2025-12-08
During National Consumer Protection Week (March 2-8, 2025), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service warned of rising imposter scams in which fraudsters pose as trusted entities like family members, banks, or government agencies to manipulate victims into revealing personal information or sending money. The USPIS advises consumers to avoid responding to pressure tactics, verify contacts independently before sharing information, be cautious of grandparent and romance scams, ignore unsolicited USPS messages, and register with the National Do Not Call Registry. Suspected fraud can be reported to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 or online at www.uspis
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A man was sentenced to over eight years in prison for his role in an international fraud scheme originating from India that targeted older Americans, including a Georgetown woman who lost $300,000, with 21 identified victims losing nearly $6 million total. The scheme involved impersonating U.S. government officials to convince victims to transfer money from retirement and savings accounts, part of a growing problem highlighted by FBI data showing an 11% increase in financial losses for people over 60 in 2023. AARP Texas is advocating for increased law enforcement funding and expansion of the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center to combat online fraud schemes that disproportionately impact older adults who have accumulated significant lifetime savings
eastidahonews.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly couple in Rexburg was scammed out of $35,000 after receiving a fraudulent email impersonating PayPal's fraud department, which directed them to withdraw cash from multiple bank branches under the pretense of investigating unauthorized Bitcoin purchases. The scammers instructed the victims to lie to bank employees about the withdrawal reason and later sent two men to the home to physically collect the cash in an envelope. The Rexburg Police Department is investigating and warns that scammers often keep victims on the phone for extended periods to exploit their emotional vulnerability and lack of technological knowledge.
localnews8.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly couple in Rexburg, Idaho lost $35,000 after being targeted by scammers who impersonated PayPal's fraud department and their local bank, convincing them to make large cash withdrawals under the false pretense of investigating fraudulent Bitcoin purchases. The victims were instructed to lie to bank tellers about the withdrawals and later deposit the cash into a Bitcoin ATM, after which two men arrived at their home to collect the money in person. Rexburg Police warn seniors to verify requests directly with their financial institutions and note that legitimate banks never conduct fraud investigations through individual customers.
indiatvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old bedridden woman in Kolkata was defrauded when a bank employee falsely claimed her son had authorized a Rs 40 lakh fixed deposit, convincing her to sign documents without verification. The funds were transferred from her savings account on February 27, 2025, shortly after she had received an inheritance following her uncle's death in January. The woman's son has since reported the incident to bank officials, alleging the employee fabricated the authorization to meet sales targets and exploited her vulnerability and isolation.
iomtoday.co.im
· 2025-12-08
Isle of Man residents lost £2.2 million to scams and fraud in 2024, with suspicious email reports surging 50.7% to 9,372 cases, according to the Cyber Security Centre's Annual Threat Update. Investment scams caused the most damage at £1,278,920 across 35 cases, while account compromise, bank fraud, gift card fraud, and fraudulent websites also affected residents through phishing attacks, credential theft, and impersonation schemes. The report highlights the need for stronger cybersecurity awareness, including password protection and verification of requests for personal information or financial transactions.
mytexasdaily.com
· 2025-12-08
A 47-year-old Houston man pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy in a romance scam that defrauded over 25 elderly and retired victims nationwide of more than $3 million. Darlington Akporugo used fake identities on social media to build trust with victims, then convinced them to invest in fake businesses or send money for fabricated personal emergencies, directing funds to accounts he controlled, often overseas. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine at sentencing scheduled for June 6.
bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly couple lost Rs 1.3 crore (approximately $155,000 USD) over six months in a "digital arrest" scam that began in August 2024 when fraudsters impersonating officials from mobile service providers, TRAI, cybercrime, and police departments convinced the victim she faced arrest for money laundering and other crimes. The scammers manipulated her into liquidating savings, breaking fixed deposits, and pledging gold and mutual funds through repeated threats and false claims delivered via phone, video calls, Skype, and WhatsApp, with the fraud only discovered when contact abruptly ceased. The victim experienced severe mental distress and health issues; a police
newindianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A special Anti-Corruption Bureau court in Mumbai ordered police to file criminal charges against former SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and five senior officials of the Bombay Stock Exchange for alleged stock market fraud, regulatory violations, and collusion in facilitating the fraudulent listing of a company that did not meet prescribed norms. The court found prima facie evidence of regulatory lapses and noted that SEBI and law enforcement had failed to act despite multiple complaints, directing the ACB to file a status report within 30 days and oversee the investigation.
nigerianeye.com
· 2025-12-08
Nigerian singer Paul 'Rudeboy' Okoye has accused his twin brother Peter 'Mr P' Okoye of orchestrating fraud charges against their older brother Jude Okoye, the former manager of their group Psquare, who was arraigned for allegedly laundering N1.38 billion and over $1 million. Paul claims the charges stem from a long-standing family feud between the twins that began in 2017 and resulted in the group's split, and he has pledged to support Jude's bail application while implying that he and Peter may also be culpable in the same financial crimes.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS released its 2025 "Dirty Dozen" annual warning list identifying twelve common tax scams, including phishing/smishing attacks impersonating the IRS, misleading tax advice on social media, fake charity donations, ghost tax preparers, and schemes involving false fuel tax credits and inflated withholding claims. The IRS urges taxpayers to verify information through official channels, avoid unsolicited communications, use registered tax professionals, and report suspected fraud to protect against identity theft, financial losses, and legal penalties during tax season.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This article highlights AARP Arizona's fraud prevention efforts in response to a significant crisis: people over 60 reported $3.4 billion in fraud losses nationwide in 2023, with $128 million in Arizona alone. The article details common scams targeting older Arizonans—including romance scams, Bitcoin/cryptocurrency schemes, identity theft, and tech-support fraud—and emphasizes that prevention through awareness of red flags (unsolicited contact, high-pressure tactics, requests for personal information) is essential, as scam methods continually evolve with changing technology.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Fraud targeting older adults in Arizona and nationwide represents a significant crisis, with those 60 and over reporting $3.4 billion in losses nationally in 2023, including $128 million in Arizona, according to FBI data. AARP volunteer Jerry Watterworth and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes are leading prevention efforts by educating seniors about evolving scams including romance frauds, Bitcoin schemes, identity theft, and tech-support scams, emphasizing that fraudsters continuously adapt their methods and prevention through awareness of red flags is key. The article stresses that because scammers exploit human nature—the desire to trust and connect—older residents must remain vigilant across all communication
southtahoenow.com
· 2025-12-08
El Dorado County Senior Services hosted a free educational presentation on March 3 featuring local law enforcement discussing current scams affecting the area, including romance, gift card, pig butchering, arrest warrant, check fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes. The presentation highlighted that the Federal Trade Commission reported $10 billion stolen in 2023, with actual losses likely much higher due to underreporting, and encouraged seniors to protect themselves and their loved ones from these fraud types.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michael P. Garcia, 36, of Miami was arrested in Florida and indicted on conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud for his role in a scam that defrauded at least four victims of over $550,000. Garcia allegedly recruited couriers to collect cash, gold bars, and other valuables from victims after conspirators falsely claimed to represent financial institutions and told victims their accounts had been compromised. Specific victims included individuals in Brooklyn and North Carolina, and a 76-year-old Fenton, Missouri resident who lost $20,000 in cryptocurrency and approximately $200,000 in gold bars.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Three Southern California men were arrested in connection with a $10 million fraud scheme that targeted at least 100 elderly victims through phone calls, emails, and fake real estate offers between fall 2021 and the present. The defendants created fake identities, shell companies, and fraudulent bank accounts to impersonate law enforcement and company employees, convincing victims their accounts were compromised and tricking them into transferring funds or purchase fake property. If convicted of money laundering conspiracy, each defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Craig Case, a 76-year-old Santa Barbara security company owner and part-time TV host, was found guilty on 63 of 64 counts for embezzling approximately $690,000 from Constance McCormick Fearing, a Montecito arts patron who died in 2022. Between 2018 and April 2021, Case conspired with Nancy Coglizer (who held power of attorney over Fearing) to write checks to Case in small amounts disguised as security service payments, avoiding financial institution oversight. The jury determined multiple aggravating factors applied, including the victim's vulnerability, the significant financial loss, and Case's exploitation of
wsbtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Andrew Hood, a former caregiver at Charter Senior Living in Cobb County, Georgia, was accused of stealing four credit cards from an 81-year-old resident and using them to make unauthorized purchases including a Six Flags season pass, gas, and food in 2024. Hood faces nearly 20 felony charges, with the arrest warrant issued recently after a multi-month investigation involving multiple businesses. The case highlights the vulnerability of elderly individuals to fraud by trusted caregivers, with law enforcement emphasizing the importance of public awareness about elder fraud.
humaneworld.org
· 2025-12-08
Online pet purchase scams deceive consumers into sending money for puppies that never exist, with scammers often claiming shipping delays or customs complications to extract additional payments before disappearing with victims' funds—sometimes hundreds or thousands of dollars. Legitimate online pet sales also pose risks, as many puppies come from overseas puppy mills and arrive sick or diseased, with buyers often unaware of the animals' foreign origins. Experts recommend avoiding online pet purchases entirely and instead meeting breeders in person to see breeding conditions and parent animals before committing to a purchase.
lafayettestudentnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Lafayette College students have been targeted by phishing scams impersonating college officials and offering fraudulent job positions at $700 per week, though most emails are flagged as suspicious and few students report financial losses. College campuses are increasingly vulnerable to phishing attacks due to innovative hacking techniques, AI, and students' frequent email use combined with low cybersecurity awareness. The college addresses the threat through mandatory cybersecurity training for first-year students and recommends that students verify sender information, check for grammar errors, and hover over links before clicking.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A 47-year-old Houston man pleaded guilty to operating a romance scam that defrauded over 25 victims, primarily elderly and retired individuals, of more than $3 million. The perpetrator used fake identities on social media to build relationships, then pressured victims to send money for fake business investments or personal emergencies, sometimes directing funds overseas and even obtaining credit lines in victims' names. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison at his June 6 sentencing.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A man in Shanghai lost approximately £22,000 in a romance scam involving an AI-generated fictional "girlfriend" named Ms Jiao, who scammers claimed needed money for medical bills and business funding. The scammer team used generative AI to create fake photos, videos, and medical documents to manipulate the victim, who never met the woman in person. This case exemplifies the growing threat of AI-enabled fraud, with similar scams targeting victims worldwide using deepfakes and AI-generated personas to impersonate celebrities or create fictional romantic interests.