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nypost.com
· 2025-12-20
# Holiday Scam Summary
During the 2024 holiday season, scammers are targeting shoppers with five main schemes—including fake shipping alerts, non-delivery scams, and too-good-to-be-true deals on social media—that cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying links by going directly to retailer websites rather than clicking suspicious messages, being wary of urgent demands for payment, and checking URLs for signs of fraud. If a deal seems too good to be true or a message pressures you to act immediately, it's likely a scam designed to steal personal information or install malware on your device.
abc7.com
· 2025-12-20
During the holiday shopping season, cybercrimes surge as scammers target rushed shoppers through fake text messages, emails, and websites designed to steal money and personal information. Common scams include fake package delivery notices that redirect victims to fraudulent sites asking for credit card details, and fear-based scams that pressure victims into buying gift cards. To protect yourself, slow down before clicking links, verify sender information carefully, avoid urgent or too-good-to-be-true offers, and use a credit card rather than a debit card when shopping online.
aol.com
· 2025-12-20
A New York City man has been indicted for allegedly stealing approximately $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble through an elaborate romance scam that began in 2019. The perpetrator posed as a Stanford-educated finance professional and convinced the victim to send money for a Brooklyn property auction, claiming he needed funds to maintain their bid position and later to increase their offer. To protect yourself from similar scams, be extremely cautious about anyone you meet online asking for money for investments or urgent financial matters, verify identities independently, and never wire funds or send checks to strangers—especially for property or investment deals you cannot directly verify.
wthr.com
· 2025-12-20
Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors by impersonating trusted companies like Amazon and Norton, then posing as law enforcement to trick victims into withdrawing their life savings under the guise of "safekeeping." To protect yourself, hang up on suspicious calls and independently verify caller identity by looking up official phone numbers yourself rather than using the number provided by the caller. CarDon & Associates and local police departments recommend consulting trusted resources like their Senior Resource Hub for additional safety information and guidance on recognizing common fraud tactics.
tbrnewsmedia.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old woman from North Dakota was tricked by scammers posing as her granddaughter and lawyer who claimed the granddaughter needed bail money after a car accident; she mailed $8,500 in cash, but authorities in Suffolk County intercepted the package before the scammers could retrieve it and returned the money. This "grandchild bail" scam specifically targets senior citizens by creating urgency and requesting secrecy to prevent victims from consulting family members. If you receive a similar call, authorities advise hanging up, verifying the caller's identity independently, and reporting the incident to local law enforcement rather than sending money via mail or wire transfer.
patch.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old grandmother from North Dakota was nearly scammed out of $8,500 after receiving a phone call from someone impersonating her granddaughter, claiming she had been arrested in Suffolk County and needed bail money. Law enforcement officials intercepted the cash before scammers could access it and arrested those responsible, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to protecting seniors from such predatory schemes. To protect yourself, be suspicious of urgent requests for money from family members, never send cash through the mail for bail or legal fees, and always verify claims by calling your family member directly at a known number or contacting local police.
ktar.com
· 2025-12-20
# Bitcoin ATM Scams Targeting the Elderly
Criminals are using Bitcoin ATMs to steal money from elderly people through scams that typically start with urgent phone calls, texts, or pop-ups impersonating the IRS, Social Security, banks, or law enforcement, then directing victims to withdraw cash and transfer it via Bitcoin ATM where the money cannot be recovered. Older adults are especially vulnerable because scammers create fear and pressure while staying on the phone to guide victims step-by-step, sometimes convincing them to transfer tens of thousands of dollars. To protect yourself or elderly relatives, be suspicious of any unsolicited contact demanding immediate cash withdrawal or cryptocurrency transfers, verify any urgent claims by contacting the organization directly using a phone number from their official website, and remember that legitimate agencies will never ask you to send money via Bitcoin ATM or demand secrecy about financial transactions.
newsday.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old North Dakota grandmother lost $8,500 to scammers who called pretending to be her granddaughter claiming she needed bail money for a traffic accident, then posed as a lawyer to collect cash sent through the mail. Suffolk County prosecutors and postal inspectors tracked the mailed package to a Shirley address and successfully intercepted and returned the money within two hours of its arrival. To protect yourself, be skeptical of urgent calls from relatives asking for money, never send cash through the mail, and always verify claims by contacting family members directly through known phone numbers.
telus.com
· 2025-12-20
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology to clone people's voices from social media videos and YouTube, then impersonating loved ones in fraudulent calls to extract money. According to recent research, about one-third of people in North America and Europe encountered deepfake voice scams in 2024, with victims losing an average of $1,479 in Canada and over $6,000 in the U.S. To protect yourself, be cautious about sharing videos online, verify unexpected requests for money by calling the person directly using a known number, and alert your bank if someone pressures you to withdraw cash for an "emergency."
liherald.com
· 2025-12-20
# Fraud Alert Summary
Lynbrook Police are warning residents about a surge in sophisticated scams targeting the community, particularly older adults, where fraudsters impersonate IRS agents, FBI officials, and banks to pressure victims into sending money via Zelle, wire transfers, and gift cards—with losses ranging from hundreds to over $30,000. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming urgent account problems, never send money or buy gift cards based on phone requests, and contact authorities immediately if you suspect fraud, as police can only intervene effectively if caught early before money is transferred electronically.
ciso.economictimes.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-20
Scammers in India are increasingly exploiting Telegram's encrypted channels to run fake investment schemes, lottery scams, and job offer frauds, resulting in over ₹1,100 crore in losses during the first half of 2025. The fraudsters use pressure tactics, deepfake videos, and "pig butchering" schemes to build trust before stealing money through fake trading apps and QR code redirects. Users should be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities on Telegram, avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes or downloading apps from private chats, and remember that private channels offer no guarantee of safety.
localnewsmatters.org
· 2025-12-19
Marin County authorities have launched a program where local banks alert customers—especially seniors—to potential fraud when they request unusual cash withdrawals or cashier's checks, handing them informational cards that encourage them to reconsider if someone else requested the money. The two-month pilot program involves three branches each of Bank of Marin and Westamerica Bank working with the District Attorney's Office and police to identify victims before scammers can steal their funds. If you're an older adult or helping one, be cautious of unsolicited requests for large sums of money and contact local police before transferring funds to unknown people, particularly around holidays when such scams increase.
ksat.com
· 2025-12-19
San Antonio police report a rising tide of scams targeting seniors, with 330 reported crimes against older adults in 2025, though authorities believe many more go unreported due to victims' embarrassment or shame. The most common scam is imposter fraud, where callers pose as law enforcement or government officials and pressure victims to send money via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers—methods that legitimate agencies never use. Experts recommend that seniors slow down before acting on urgent requests, seek education through community awareness programs, and report scams to authorities so patterns can be tracked and others protected.
wfiwradio.com
· 2025-12-19
An Effingham County man was sentenced to 12 years in prison for defrauding an 89-year-old victim of over $400,000 by posing as a landscaper, gaining Power of Attorney, and stealing the victim's life savings, insurance payouts, and valuables while neglecting his medical care. The elderly man, who is particularly vulnerable to such schemes, lost his life insurance funds and personal possessions including a gold coin collection and jewelry. Seniors should be cautious about granting Power of Attorney to service providers, verify requests for large financial transactions with trusted family members, and report suspected fraud to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at (833) 372-8311, available weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
aol.com
· 2025-12-19
A man met a woman on the dating app Bumble in 2019 and used a fake identity to build her trust, eventually convincing her to send him approximately $272,000 under the pretense of purchasing a Brooklyn home together—money that he allegedly transferred to accounts he controlled with an associate. The 45-year-old suspect, Brandon Dae Up Kiehm, was charged with grand larceny after the scheme was uncovered. To protect yourself from similar romance scams, be cautious about moving money quickly for someone you've only met online, verify property transactions directly with legitimate brokers (not through your romantic interest), and be skeptical of requests to send funds to third parties, especially early in a relationship.
usmagazine.com
· 2025-12-19
# Romance Scam Summary
A New York City man was indicted for stealing approximately $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble in 2019, posing as a Stanford-educated finance professional. Using a fake property auction scheme, he convinced her to send multiple payments totaling over $270,000 to accomplices posing as real estate brokers. To protect yourself: be wary of online dating matches who quickly push financial decisions, verify property transactions directly with official sources rather than through romantic partners, and never send money to people you've only met online, especially for investments or time-sensitive deals.
pix11.com
· 2025-12-19
A 45-year-old man in New York has been charged with stealing $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble in a "romance scam," where he falsely claimed they were buying a home together and convinced her to send money for a property auction that never occurred. This is the suspect's second offense—he was previously convicted of similar scams on Tinder in 2016, targeting at least two other women. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic partners who quickly push for financial involvement, verify any major purchases through official channels independently, and be wary of requests to wire money or send checks to third parties you haven't personally vetted.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-19
Singapore police arrested Nigel Tang, a former superyacht captain, in December 2025 for suspected money laundering connected to Chen Zhi, an alleged Cambodian scam kingpin accused of operating one of Asia's largest fraud networks that stole billions through "pig butchering" scams (where victims are tricked into investing in fake cryptocurrency schemes). Tang, who managed a luxury yacht owned by Chen and was previously sanctioned by the US, is currently out on bail. For general audiences: Be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those involving cryptocurrency or romantic relationships online, and verify any investment opportunity independently before sending money.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-18
A 45-year-old man named Brandon Kiehm met a woman on the dating app Bumble in 2019, posed as a finance professional, and over the course of about a year convinced her to send nearly $300,000 in cash under the pretense of purchasing a Brooklyn home together—money that he actually stole for himself. The woman, who lived with Kiehm and believed they were in a serious relationship, sent multiple payments totaling over $270,000 after he falsely claimed to be bidding on a property at auction and needed funds to secure their position. To protect yourself from romance scams, verify personal details independently, be wary of requests for money from romantic partners you haven't met in person for extended periods, and never send funds for major purchases like real estate without consulting a trusted financial advisor or attorney.
ksdk.com
· 2025-12-18
# Fraud Summary
Scammers in the Fenton, Missouri area posed as fundraisers selling candy bars outside a Walmart, but when customers used tap-to-pay on their phones, the fraudsters altered the transaction amount from $5 to $1,000 and fled the scene. Multiple victims were targeted by at least four or five young males claiming to raise money for a football team, though one victim's bank caught the fraud and prevented the charge. To protect yourself, avoid using tap-to-pay with unfamiliar vendors, treat digital payments like handing over cash, and report any suspicious activity to St. Louis County Police at 314-349-8120.
rte.ie
· 2025-12-18
Banks are warning of a significant rise in "smishing" scams—fraudulent text messages impersonating banks, delivery services, or government agencies—which accounted for 57% of reported fraud incidents at AIB this year, particularly affecting busy people during the holiday season. Customers are advised to never click links or call numbers from unsolicited texts, always verify contact through trusted sources, and be especially cautious of "safe account" scams where criminals pose as bank staff asking people to transfer funds for security reasons. Additional threats include investment scams promising unrealistic returns, and the key protection is to stay vigilant, hang up on suspicious callers immediately, and seek independent financial advice before any investment.
wftv.com
· 2025-12-18
A Cocoa Beach man named Elias Staker was arrested for stealing over $33,000 from an elderly victim by writing and cashing forged checks over several months. The victim lost significant funds before the months-long investigation led to Staker's arrest on 38 counts of uttering forged checks and one count of fraud scheme. Anyone who suspects they or an elderly relative are victims of similar fraud should contact the Cocoa Beach Police Department, and be alert to unauthorized check activity on bank accounts by regularly monitoring statements.
thexradio.com
· 2025-12-18
A 42-year-old Effingham County man was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for defrauding an 89-year-old victim out of over $400,000 through a scheme that began with lawn care services and escalated to gaining power of attorney, liquidating the victim's life insurance and bank accounts, and stealing personal valuables. The perpetrator, Edward Stief Jr., also persuaded the victim to leave nursing home care and move under his supervision, where the elderly man's medical needs went unmet. To protect yourself or elderly relatives, be cautious about granting financial power of attorney to service providers, monitor bank account activity regularly, and contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline if you suspect exploitation.
manhattanda.org
· 2025-12-18
# Romance Scam Summary
A 45-year-old man in Manhattan was indicted for stealing approximately $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble by posing as a finance professional and convincing her they were buying a home together. Brandon Kiehm used fake identities, forged documents, and elaborate lies about property auctions to repeatedly extract money from the victim between 2020 and 2021. The Manhattan District Attorney warns that romance scams are increasingly common and urges anyone who may be a victim to contact their office at 212-335-8900; people should be cautious when meeting partners online and verify financial transactions independently rather than relying solely on what a romantic partner tells them.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-18
# Romance Scam Summary
A 45-year-old serial romance scammer named Brandon Kiehm was arrested for stealing nearly $300,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble by posing as a Stanford-educated financial professional and convincing her the money was for a Brooklyn home purchase. This is Kiehm's second major romance scam conviction—he previously defrauded multiple dating app users of $50,000 in 2015-2016 by fabricating stories about needing money for cancer treatment. To protect yourself, be wary of online dating matches who quickly move toward financial requests, use video calls to verify identities, and never wire money or send cashier's checks to people you haven't met in person or for property purchases without independent verification.
fox5ny.com
· 2025-12-18
A Manhattan man was charged with grand larceny after allegedly stealing $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble by posing as a Stanford-educated finance professional and convincing her they were buying a home together. Over the course of about a year, he exploited her trust by requesting multiple wire transfers totaling tens of thousands of dollars under the pretense of securing a Brooklyn property auction, claiming additional funds were needed as bids progressed. To protect yourself, be cautious of individuals you meet online who quickly move into serious financial discussions, verify identities independently, and never wire money to people you haven't met in person or whose credentials you haven't verified through official channels.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-18
A 45-year-old man named Brandon Kiehm was charged with stealing $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble in a "romance scam." Kiehm fabricated a fake home purchase, convincing his girlfriend to send him money for down payments and wire transfers over several years before she discovered his real identity and learned the property auction never happened. To protect yourself: verify the identities of people you meet online, be cautious of requests for money from romantic partners—especially for large sums or investments—and independently confirm major financial claims through official sources before sending any funds.
islandernews.com
· 2025-12-18
Scams targeting seniors aged 60 and older have surged to $2.4 billion in 2024, representing a 26% increase from the previous year and a staggering 300% rise since 2020, with the majority of losses coming from cases exceeding $100,000. Key Biscayne Police are raising awareness about these frauds and offering residents guidance on recognizing warning signs. To protect yourself, stay alert to common fraud indicators and consider attending educational sessions like the one being offered by local law enforcement on how to avoid becoming a scam victim.
fox2now.com
· 2025-12-18
A Pennsylvania couple in their late 70s lost over $1.3 million in a scam where someone posing as a Social Security Administration employee convinced them their Social Security number was compromised and instructed them to buy gold as a security measure. The scammers then collected the gold under the pretense of issuing a new Social Security number, with law enforcement noting this "gold bar" scam is a recurring tactic that has victimized other elderly residents in the area. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies requesting you convert assets to gold or other valuables, and verify any such claims by contacting the agency directly through official phone numbers.
blackchronicle.com
· 2025-12-18
Florida authorities seized $1.5 million in cryptocurrency from a Chinese national involved in an internet investment scam that defrauded a Citrus County resident of $47,421. The case, investigated by the state's Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit, resulted in charges of money laundering, grand theft, and organized fraud scheme against Tu Weizhi. To protect yourself, report suspected investment scams immediately to local law enforcement, be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities online, and remember that legitimate investments never pressure you or guarantee unrealistic returns.
wfmz.com
· 2025-12-17
A Palmer Township woman named Nicole Daley, who worked as an in-home care assistant, was arrested for financially exploiting three elderly victims in their 80s and 90s. Over several months, Daley allegedly stole more than $13,000 in cash and unauthorized credit card charges, forged checks totaling $6,700, and stole jewelry from all three clients—some of which she pawned for over $5,000. For those using in-home care services, experts recommend monitoring bank accounts and credit cards regularly, keeping valuables secured, and thoroughly vetting caregivers through background checks and references.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-17
Throughout 2025, Hawaii residents fell victim to increasingly sophisticated scams, including phone impersonations of police officers and sheriffs who falsely claimed victims had legal issues and demanded payment via gift cards or other methods. Law enforcement agencies warned the public that legitimate police officers never request payments over the phone and urged residents to be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from authorities. To protect yourself, hang up on unexpected calls from law enforcement, independently verify any legal claims by contacting your local police department directly, and never purchase gift cards or send money in response to phone calls.
cbs8.com
· 2025-12-17
Organized retail theft rings are costing U.S. retailers an estimated $45 billion annually, with losses projected to exceed $53 billion by 2027, prompting San Diego's District Attorney to testify before Congress urging federal coordination to combat these criminal operations that cross state and international lines. Local law enforcement agencies struggle to stop these organized theft rings because criminals operate across multiple jurisdictions and often move stolen goods out of the country before they can be recovered or the ring leaders arrested. The proposed Combating Organized Retail Crime Act would create a national coordination center and improve data-sharing between agencies to help track and prosecute these large-scale theft operations more effectively.
akronlegalnews.com
· 2025-12-17
A recent FINRA report surveyed over 2,800 investors and found that 50% would invest in an opportunity promising a guaranteed, risk-free 25% annual return—a major red flag for fraud. Surprisingly, younger investors (ages 18-34) were most vulnerable at 64% acceptance, while those 55+ were most skeptical at only 36%, contradicting the assumption that elderly people are the primary fraud targets. The key takeaway: if an investment promises guaranteed, risk-free returns that seem too good to be true, it almost certainly is, and investors of all ages should be cautious about such offers.
savingadvice.com
· 2025-12-17
A sophisticated phone fraud wave is targeting older adults, particularly during winter when seniors spend more time indoors and rely heavily on phone communication. Scammers are using spoofed local phone numbers and impersonating government agencies (Medicare, IRS, Social Security) or medical providers to manipulate seniors into sharing personal information or sending money through high-pressure tactics. Experts advise older adults to remain skeptical of unexpected calls, verify caller identity independently by hanging up and calling official numbers directly, and never provide personal or financial information over the phone.
adn.com
· 2025-12-17
Scammers posing as government officials and law enforcement are targeting Alaskans with calls demanding payment for missed jury duty or arrest warrants, causing losses exceeding $1.3 million in 2024—more than five times the previous year. To protect yourself, never provide personal information or make payments to callers claiming to be officials, and report suspicious calls immediately to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and your bank, as early reporting may allow funds to be recovered. The scammers use caller ID spoofing, personalized details, and intimidation tactics to appear legitimate, so staying calm and verifying through official channels is crucial.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-17
# Crypto ATM Scam Summary
Thousands of Americans, particularly elderly retirees, lost over $250 million in 2024 to scams involving cryptocurrency ATMs, with Circle K convenience stores emerging as a major hub for these frauds. A CNN and ICIJ investigation found that Circle K profited from renting space to crypto ATMs while dismissing responsibility, even as employees witnessed repeated scams at the same locations and police were called repeatedly. Victims should be cautious about unfamiliar pressure to move money through crypto ATMs—especially if contacted by someone claiming to represent banks, government agencies, or tech companies—and should verify requests through official channels before taking any action.
expresscomputer.in
· 2025-12-17
India experienced a dramatic surge in cybercrime losses, with reported losses exceeding ₹22,845 crore in 2024—a 206% increase from 2023—affecting people across all demographics and professions. Scammers exploit psychological vulnerabilities like fear, urgency (FOMO), overconfidence, and false legitimacy to trick victims into revealing personal information or transferring money. To protect yourself, pause before acting on threatening messages or time-limited offers, verify requests through official channels independently, and remember that scams can target anyone regardless of education or expertise.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-17
A fitness trainer named Jerry Genesis defrauded at least eight apartment hunters out of over $100,000 by posing as a landlord offering fake sublets in desirable Manhattan and Brooklyn neighborhoods, collecting move-in fees ranging from $8,000 to $17,200 that he never returned. Genesis, who was also previously indicted for scamming personal training clients, fled to Connecticut but was arrested and extradited to face grand larceny and fraud charges. To protect yourself from similar scams, verify apartment listings directly with property management companies or official landlords, avoid paying upfront fees before seeing a signed lease from a verified owner, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true in competitive rental markets.
wect.com
· 2025-12-17
Pender County, North Carolina lost over $650,000 in taxpayer funds after scammers impersonated the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority and changed banking details on payment invoices. The FBI and SBI are now investigating the fraud scheme, which raises concerns that other counties may have been targeted similarly. County officials advise verifying payment routing information directly with vendors through known contact methods rather than relying solely on email instructions, especially when banking details change.
fox2now.com
· 2025-12-17
# Article Summary
Shanita Gray was convicted of stealing over $450,000 from her elderly uncle and sentenced to eight years in prison after showing no remorse during her trial, leading a federal judge to impose a harsher sentence than prosecutors recommended. Gray used forged documents to gain access to her uncle's finances and spent the stolen money on luxury items like designer clothes and first-class vacations while falsely presenting herself online as a community justice advocate. To protect elderly relatives from similar fraud, families should monitor financial accounts, restrict power of attorney access, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
idtechwire.com
· 2025-12-17
Identity theft has become criminals' primary target in 2025, with AI-powered attacks making scams easier to execute at scale through stolen credentials, synthetic identities, and automated impersonation—resulting in billions of dollars in annual losses that affect consumers across financial services and social media platforms. The report reveals that weak passwords and outdated authentication methods remain the biggest vulnerability, while many people worldwide lack reliable identity verification systems that fraudsters can exploit. To protect themselves, consumers should strengthen their passwords, enable multi-factor authentication on critical accounts, monitor their credit reports regularly, and be cautious of unexpected account access attempts or requests for personal information.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-16
Online scams are disproportionately targeting seniors, who are vulnerable due to isolation, loneliness, and less familiarity with technology, according to local aging offices. Common scams include fraudulent texts and phone calls (especially during Medicare enrollment and tax season), romance scams on social media, and requests for gift card purchases. Seniors who suspect they've been scammed can contact Lifespan of Greater Rochester at 585-244-8400 or 866-454-5110 (toll-free) for counseling, support groups, and assistance in potentially recovering funds.
wfmz.com
· 2025-12-16
# A Northampton County caregiver was arrested for exploiting three elderly women in her care, stealing tens of thousands of dollars in cash, jewelry, forged checks, and credit card charges—with some irreplaceable items like a 1948 class ring being melted down at pawn shops. The 45-year-old suspect allegedly used the stolen funds for personal purchases, including items for her pregnant daughter. Authorities urge families to closely monitor elderly relatives' care and finances, and to report any suspicious activity to police immediately, noting that about 90% of elder financial abuse is perpetrated by people close to the victims.
wengradio.com
· 2025-12-16
A 31-year-old Venice woman has been arrested and jailed for allegedly defrauding an elderly victim of tens of thousands of dollars through unauthorized bank account access starting in 2021, using the victim's debit card for personal purchases and transfers while intercepting mail and posing as a bank and attorney to cover her tracks. The victim, who is 65 or older, reported the ongoing theft to Venice Police, leading to multiple felony charges against Tiffany Lynn Blair that could result in a life sentence. Seniors should monitor their bank accounts regularly, protect their mail and personal information, and verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent financial institutions or law firms before sharing account details.
journal-news.net
· 2025-12-16
# Fraud Investigation Summary
A Berkeley County resident fell victim to a government impersonation scam in which fraudsters sent a fake Apple Pay alert, then threatened her with false criminal allegations to extort money. Following law enforcement's advice to report the incident to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, the victim's case contributed to international law enforcement raids in Jaipur, India, that shut down fraudulent call centers and arrested approximately 60 suspects. If you receive unsolicited payment alerts or calls impersonating government agencies, hang up, contact official agencies directly using verified phone numbers, and report the incident to IC3.gov, the FBI, or the Federal Trade Commission.
foxcarolina.com
· 2025-12-16
Scammers are targeting seniors and veterans in South Carolina's Upstate region by using stolen Medicare numbers to bill them for medical equipment they never ordered, with fake bills sometimes charging thousands of dollars. One veteran received a bill for nearly $7,000 in urinary catheters from a Texas company he'd never contacted, and the Oconee County Sheriff's Office has received around five similar complaints. To protect yourself, treat your Medicare number with the same security as your Social Security number or bank account information, and report any suspicious bills to local authorities immediately.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-16
A scammer in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania impersonated a Social Security Administration representative and convinced two residents their Social Security numbers had been compromised, persuading them to liquidate retirement accounts and buy over $1.3 million in gold under the false promise of protecting their money. Older adults appear to be at highest risk for this type of fraud. To protect yourself and loved ones, verify any unexpected calls about benefits or legal issues by contacting family members or official agencies directly, and have conversations with elderly relatives about these common warning signs.
countryherald.com
· 2025-12-16
# Romance Scams on the Rise in Berkeley County
Scammers are increasingly using dating apps and social media to prey on people by posing as romantic interests, building emotional connections quickly before requesting money, gift cards, or personal financial information under false pretenses like emergencies or investments. Residents in Berkeley County, South Carolina, are being warned to watch for red flags such as vague personal stories, refusal to video chat, pressure to keep relationships secret, and urgent requests for money. To protect themselves, people should never send money or gift cards to online-only contacts, verify identities independently, and report suspicious activity immediately to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.
thesun.co.uk
· 2025-12-16
Nigel Baker, a 56-year-old man convicted of Britain's largest romance fraud case, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for conning five single mothers out of £1 million. Baker met his victims on dating apps and manipulated them into taking out loans and selling their homes by posing as an online bookie, falsely claiming he could invest their money risk-free in a betting "business" when he actually used the funds for his own gambling addiction. Anyone using dating apps should be cautious of requests for money or financial investments, verify claims about potential partners' careers independently, and remember that genuine romantic partners won't pressure you for large sums or ask you to take on debt.