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in Scam Awareness
news.abplive.com
· 2025-12-08
A Delhi IAS aspirant lost Rs 1.20 lakh in a "café con" dating scam where he was lured to Black Mirror Café by a woman he met on Tinder; she ordered expensive items, staged an emergency exit, and he was threatened into paying an inflated bill. The incident reveals an organized scam ring operating across major Indian cities involving dating app matches, cafés/pubs, and coordinated staff who split proceeds (15% to the woman, 45% to managers, 40% to owners), with many victims reluctant to report due to social stigma around dating app usage. Police arrested the café owner and the woman involved, uncovering similar cases
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-powered scams targeting Malaysian hoteliers and travelers are rising, particularly through sophisticated phishing emails and fake booking schemes that exploit personal data and credit card information. Industry leaders are calling for stronger government regulation of online travel agencies (OTAs), stricter identity verification procedures, and enhanced cybersecurity measures, while noting that smaller hotel operators are more vulnerable than large international chains that have established security systems in place. Collaborative efforts between hotels, OTAs like Booking.com, and staff training on recognizing fraudulent communications are currently being used to combat these evolving threats.
theprogressnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania's Shapiro Administration warns older adults during Elder Abuse Awareness Month to be cautious of predatory annuity sales practices, where agents pressure seniors into purchasing annuities that don't suit their financial needs and may lock their savings for 5-10 years with surrender charges. The state's Insurance Department recommends that seniors read contracts carefully, utilize free look periods, avoid pressure tactics, and work only with credentialed agents, while noting that since 2023 Pennsylvania has recovered over $2 million for consumers, including one case where $130,000 was returned to an older adult sold an unsuitable annuity.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers create fake profiles on dating apps and social media posing as military members stationed overseas, often stealing real soldiers' identities and photos to exploit people's patriotism and trust. Red flags include identical photos appearing across multiple platforms, quick requests for money sent via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and claims of investment opportunities or travel costs. Users can protect themselves by performing reverse image searches, searching names with terms like "scam" and "imposter," and being cautious of anyone requesting immediate financial assistance.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a growing scam targeting smart TV users, where fraudsters display pop-ups claiming device problems and requesting payment or remote access to fix them. If victims comply, scammers may install malware to steal personal information or convince them to pay fake activation fees. To protect yourself, verify any support numbers directly with the manufacturer's official website, never pay unsolicited activation fees, and refuse remote access requests.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
**AI-Powered Scams and Protective Measures**
This educational piece identifies two primary AI-enabled scams targeting vulnerable individuals: voice cloning of family members to solicit emergency financial assistance, and personalized phishing emails using AI-generated text customized with stolen personal data to increase credibility. The article recommends verifying suspicious communications by contacting the person through normal channels, avoiding attempts to detect fake voices, treating unknown contacts as suspicious, and remaining skeptical of personalized messages that reference recent purchases or locations.
wyff4.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned the public about a sophisticated scam in which fraudsters contact victims by phone or email claiming they failed to report for jury duty and face federal arrest warrants, then demand payment via virtual currency to avoid jail time. The scammers enhance credibility by using actual names of North Carolina law enforcement officers, manipulating caller IDs to appear as government agencies, and sometimes claiming offices are closed due to COVID-19 to discourage in-person payment verification. The FBI emphasized that legitimate arrest warrants are never issued via email or text and never require immediate payment, and recommends victims verify any legal claims directly with law enforcement or courts rather than paying unsolicited demands.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scammers are increasingly exploiting job seekers by posing as recruiters on platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed, either requesting money and personal information or selling fraudulent training courses as prerequisites for employment. The FBI and FTC have issued warnings about these schemes, which often feature red flags including unsolicited job offers that seem too good to be true, vague or confidential job descriptions, lack of standard vetting procedures, and phony interviews conducted via text or video. Job seekers can protect themselves by being skeptical of unusually attractive positions they didn't apply for, verifying legitimate job descriptions, and checking companies' authentic online presence.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting summer travelers through online booking scams, with popular destinations like Fort Myers Beach, Sandusky, and Chicago being the most frequently exploited. Common scams include AI-generated fake accommodations, fraudulent booking websites, impersonation schemes, phishing emails, and public Wi-Fi data theft. According to McAfee research, 25% of Americans have lost over $1,000 to travel scams, 15% experienced fraudulent charges after using fake sites, and 13% arrived to find their booked accommodations didn't exist.
knoe.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers create fake international driver permits (IDPs) and fraudulent websites to sell them to travelers for high fees, stealing money and personal information while providing worthless documents that could result in legal detention abroad. To protect themselves, travelers should only obtain IDPs from the American Automobile Association (AAA), the sole U.S. Department of State-authorized issuer, either in person at AAA offices or by mail before traveling—never through online applications, which are always scams.
backendnews.net
· 2025-12-08
Online Alerto, a Facebook community page, serves as an educational resource to help users in Southeast Asia recognize and avoid romance scams through shared experiences and digital literacy guidance. The platform identifies common red flags in love scams—such as rapid declarations of love, requests for money, avoidance of in-person meetings, and attempts to isolate victims—along with manipulation tactics scammers use. Online Alerto recommends protective strategies including reverse image searches, video call verification, social media consistency checks, and use of dating app identity verification features to help users safely navigate online dating.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Mona Faiz Montrage, a prominent Ghanaian Instagram influencer with 3.4 million followers, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison in June 2024 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money from romance scams. From 2013 to 2019, Montrage received over $2 million in fraudulent funds from approximately 40 vulnerable elderly victims who were deceived into sending money under false pretenses such as gold transport fees and fake FBI investigations. In addition to her prison sentence, she was ordered to forfeit $216,475 and pay restitution of $1,387,458.
12news.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona seniors have lost over $82 million to fraud, with tech support scams causing average losses of $23,000 per victim and affecting people 60+ at 500% higher rates than younger adults. The Peoria Police Department is actively combating the "Phantom Hacker Scam," where criminals use pop-ups to trick seniors into sending money via cryptocurrency ATMs while posing as fraud detectives, and authorities are installing warning signs at crypto machines and urging community members to educate elderly relatives about avoiding such scams.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
A man in his late 70s lost $2,000 to a sophisticated investment scam involving "Wise Investments," a fraudulent clone website, after weeks of professional-sounding phone calls from fake financial advisors who showed him fabricated investment growth on his computer. Investment scams accounted for over $1.3 billion in losses to Australians in 2023, with people over 65 being the primary targets, though experts note that digital literacy gaps and lack of support systems are also critical factors in vulnerability.
candgnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido held an educational workshop in June to inform the public—particularly seniors—about common scams and fraud tactics, highlighting how personal information shared online is often sold to third parties and exploited by scammers. The workshop identified four key components scammers use (pretend, payment, prize/problem, and pressure) and covered various fraud methods including spoofing, phishing, vishing, and impersonation of authorities, banks, and tech support. Lucido recommended using "opt out" selections when filling out forms and published a 30-page guide called "S.C.A.M.S." to help prevent identity theft and financial fraud in
ktar.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines 10 common voice cloning scams enabled by cheap AI software (available for as little as $4) that scammers use to impersonate family members, authority figures, and trusted contacts to extract money from victims. The piece provides real examples including a CEO defrauded of $233,000 and a 75-year-old woman nearly losing $27,500, along with a defensive action plan: verify caller identity through alternate contact methods, use video verification when possible, buy time before sending money, and avoid wire transfers or cryptocurrency payments which are hallmarks of scams.
cbs58.com
· 2025-12-08
The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau warned travelers ahead of July 4th of an increase in airfare scams targeting holiday travelers. Scammers were creating fake airline booking websites and customer service numbers, using fabricated flight cancellation notices to trick travelers into paying rescheduling fees or charging them for non-existent services. The BBB advised consumers to verify URLs and phone numbers, use secure websites, and contact airlines directly to confirm details before making payments.
myfloridalegal.com
· 2025-12-08
Florida's new state law protecting consumers from moving scams took effect July 1, requiring movers to register with the state, provide transparent contracts, and disclose registration status in advertising, with enhanced penalties including felony charges for refusing to return household goods. Attorney General Moody's office has taken action against over 18 movers and moving brokers, resulting in approximately $27 million in fines and restitution since 2019, and updated consumer guidance recommends verifying mover licensing, reviewing contracts carefully, and reporting suspected scams to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
heraldguide.com
· 2025-12-08
The Sheriff's Office reports a surge in scams and identity theft cases involving cryptocurrency, romance schemes, impersonation of law enforcement and government agencies, and grandparent extortion. The office provided guidance on common red flags including unsolicited requests for gift cards, wire transfers, remote computer access, and personal financial information, emphasizing verification of caller identity and avoidance of pressure tactics promising prizes or threatening legal action.
drgnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the FTC received nearly 500,000 reports of business and government imposter scams, revealing that fraudsters increasingly use text messages and emails rather than phone calls, persuade victims to pay via bank transfers or cryptocurrency, and often impersonate multiple organizations simultaneously. The five most prevalent imposter scams involve fake account alerts, bogus subscription renewal notices (particularly impersonating Geek Squad), fraudulent discounts or prize offers, false crime allegations paired with payment requests, and fake delivery notifications designed to steal financial information.
ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission charged two groups of defendants with operating nationwide unauthorized billing scams that defrauded consumers out of millions of dollars. The defendants advertised "free" CBD and Keto personal care products, then secretly enrolled consumers in unwanted continuity plans and repeatedly charged their bank accounts without consent, while also using shell companies to launder credit card payments. The complaint names six defendants and entities: Harshil Topiwala, Kirtan Patel, and their companies (Legion Media LLC, KP Commerce LLC, Pinnacle Payments LLC), as well as Manindra Garg and Sloan Health Products LLC, with charges including violations of the F
wcnc.com
· 2025-12-08
During summer vacation season, scammers are actively targeting travelers and job seekers with three prevalent schemes: fake toll charges via text messages claiming overdue payments, travel scams offering free vacations or fake rental listings, and job scams requesting cryptocurrency payments to unlock employment opportunities. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs warns consumers to protect their bank accounts as carefully as their skin from the sun and is offering a free webinar on July 3 to discuss these scams and prevention strategies.
floridapolitics.com
· 2025-12-08
Rima Nathan, an FSU law professor, received the inaugural AARP Florida Fraud Fighter Award for creating The Claude Pepper Elder Law Clinic, which provides legal assistance and education to low-income seniors aged 60 and older. Since its establishment in 2022, the clinic has trained over 30 law students who have completed 16 cases and are working on 20 additional cases while educating hundreds of seniors on living wills, estate planning, and healthcare matters. The clinic is Florida's only legal clinic exclusively focused on elder law and aims to train future lawyers to better serve the state's growing aging population with empathy and understanding.
midmichigannow.com
· 2025-12-08
Victor Valdez, a New York City man, was charged with conspiracy to defraud seniors through a "grandparent scam" in which call center operators in the Dominican Republic impersonated grandchildren claiming to need bail money between 2020 and 2021, with Valdez collecting the cash from victims' homes. The scheme resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in losses, and Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. The case reflects a broader trend: elder fraud reports to the FBI increased 14% annually, with seniors losing over $3.4 billion to scams, many of which go unreported.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Ellen Klem and Billie McNeely, working for Oregon's Attorney General's office and Adult Protective Services respectively, are leading efforts to combat rising elder fraud in the state, with recent scams increasingly involving cryptocurrency schemes that are difficult for law enforcement to trace. Elder fraud is growing nationally and particularly threatening to Oregon's aging population, with victims experiencing devastating financial losses and psychological harm that can be life-altering. Their prevention work includes training bankers and law enforcement, educating the public through campaigns like "Just Hang Up!," and providing dedicated prosecution support for complex financial exploitation cases.
wchstv.com
· 2025-12-08
Victor Valdez, a New York City man, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy for helping operate a grandparent scam between 2020 and 2021, in which call center operators in the Dominican Republic impersonated grandchildren, lawyers, and court officials to convince senior victims they needed bail money, with Valdez collecting the cash from their homes. The scheme defrauded grandparents of tens of thousands of dollars, and Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; the FBI reports that scams targeting people over 60 caused over $3.4 billion in losses last year.
cbsaustin.com
· 2025-12-08
Victor Valdez, a New York City man, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy for conspiring with Dominican Republic call center operators between 2020 and 2021 to defraud grandparents by impersonating their grandchildren, lawyers, and court officials claiming bail money was needed. Valdez collected tens of thousands of dollars from victims by picking up cash from their homes after the scammers convinced them to withdraw money, and he faces up to 20 years in prison. The case highlights a broader trend in elder fraud, with reports to the FBI increasing 14% annually and scams targeting seniors 60+ causing over $3.4 billion in losses.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
House Bill 692, "Larry's Law," took effect in Virginia on July 1, 2024, requiring financial institutions to train employees to identify and report potential elder financial exploitation and notify seniors' trusted contacts of suspicious activity. The law was named after Larry Cook, a retired Navy commander from Herndon, Virginia, who lost $3.6 million in a phishing scam; his niece and estate administrator, Janine Williamson, advocated for the legislation, which unanimously passed the Virginia General Assembly and aims to strengthen frontline defenses against elder financial fraud.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Former romance scammer Christopher Maxwell, who operated from Nigeria and defrauded tens of thousands of dollars from victims across North Carolina, revealed his tactics: building trust with women through dating apps over extended periods while posing as a deployed military member, then requesting money under false pretenses. Maxwell's guilt intensified when an older victim lost $30,000 and suffered physical and mental illness as a result, prompting him to reform and work for an online verification company. The article also features victim Lara Katherine Miller, who lost $50 to a similar scam before recognizing the red flags.
katu.com
· 2025-12-08
Victor Valdez, a New York City man, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy for helping operate a "grandparent scam" between 2020 and 2021, in which call center operators in the Dominican Republic posed as grandchildren, lawyers, or court officials to convince elderly victims they needed bail money, with Valdez collecting the cash from victims' homes. The scheme defrauded grandparents of tens of thousands of dollars, and Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The case highlights a broader trend: elder fraud reports to the FBI increased 14% last year, with victims aged 60+ losing over $3.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Sweepstakes Mail Fraud Scheme**
Meagan E. Shine, 47, of Warwick, Rhode Island, was indicted in June 2024 on four counts of mail fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud for operating deceptive sweepstakes schemes that defrauded seniors and vulnerable individuals across 41 states out of an estimated $10 million. Through businesses including Lucky Dog, LLC and Destiny Merchandise, LLC, Shine sent official-looking mailings falsely claiming recipients had won prizes or were entitled to cash, instructing victims to send $20-$30 processing fees to a Providence PO Box
theglobeandmail.com
· 2025-12-08
Megan E. Shine of Providence was arraigned in federal court on four counts of mail fraud and one count of conspiracy for operating fraudulent mail-order sweepstake schemes through shell companies Lucky Dog LLC and Destiny Merchandise LLC. The scheme defrauded elderly and vulnerable individuals out of approximately $10 million by sending personalized letters with forged government seals promising cash prizes and requesting $20-$30 "processing fees" from victims. Shine faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
nigerianbulletin.com
· 2025-12-08
A South African woman lost R510,000 in a romance scam after meeting a man posing as "Deron Mundari" from South Sudan on Tinder, who was later identified as Joseph Ssekasi from Uganda. The scammer gained her trust over four months before convincing her to invest money in a scheme involving "ancestors" and prayers, then disappeared. Police closed the case due to insufficient evidence, but the victim has since come forward to warn others about red flags including rapid declarations of love and excessive interest in finances.
clintonherald.com
· 2025-12-08
A June 2024 Washington Post investigation revealed a massive scam operation centered in Myanmar's Kokang region, controlled by Chinese crime families, that employed approximately 120,000 coerced workers across over 300 call centers to perpetrate cryptocurrency investment scams and romance scams targeting US victims. Workers from 35 countries were lured under false pretenses and subjected to beatings, torture, and killings for attempting to escape or failing to meet quotas, demonstrating why legal consequences remain minimal for scammers operating from overseas jurisdictions.
govinsider.asia
· 2025-12-08
Singapore has joined the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) to combat the rising tide of scams in Southeast Asia, with scam cases in Singapore increasing 46.8% from 2022 to 2023 (31,728 to 46,563 cases). The GASA Singapore chapter, led by Mastercard and Amazon with participation from tech, finance, and academic sectors, aims to protect consumers through information sharing, public awareness campaigns, and anti-scam solutions targeting threats including e-commerce fraud, phishing, job scams, and AI-generated deepfake extortion (ranging from S$700 to over S$2,000). The initiative
thesmokymountaintimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Tammy Williams and Ginger Frady from United Community Bank conducted a senior fraud awareness program at Swain Senior Center, educating older adults on recognizing and avoiding scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, older adults lost $1.6 billion to scammers in the previous year, with nearly half lost to fraudulent investments, lottery schemes, phishing, and grandparent scams being among the most common threats. The presenters advised seniors to use credit cards with low limits for online purchases, avoid clicking suspicious links, never send money for prizes they didn't win, hang up on pushy callers claiming to represent government or financial institutions, and consult with their banks when uncertain
todayswillsandprobate.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 survey by Re-engage of over 1,177 older people (predominantly age 75+) found that two-thirds experienced attempted scams and 8.3% were actual victims, with one-fifth facing weekly or more scam attempts. Telephone scams were the most common attack vector, and victims reported significant quality-of-life impacts, with over one-quarter experiencing high negative effects. Key recommendations include targeted support for isolated older people, increased fraud awareness education, and use of protective measures like call blockers and scam alert registration.
lawrencecountypress.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS warned Mississippi seniors about rising impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) via phone calls, emails, and texts to steal personal information and money. Scammers pressure victims into immediate payments using unconventional methods like gift cards, wire transfers, and cryptocurrency by creating false urgency through threats of arrest, deportation, or claims of unpaid taxes. The IRS advises recipients of unsolicited calls to hang up immediately, verify communications through official channels at 800-829-1040, and report scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
fox26houston.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the FBI, scams targeting seniors aged 60 and older resulted in over $3.4 billion in losses in the past year, with no indication that fraudster activity is decreasing. A Harris County Sheriff's Office elderly abuse unit investigator was interviewed to discuss protective measures for families vulnerable to elder fraud.
actionnews5.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides educational guidance on summer fraud prevention, featuring advice from Early Warning's Chief Fraud Risk Management Officer on best practices for safe money transfers and avoiding digital scams. The piece emphasizes proactive measures to protect against current fraud threats during the summer season.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating legitimate job recruiters and staffing companies (including Indeed, LinkedIn, Robert Half, and Kelly Services) to target job seekers with fake work-from-home offers promising $200-$1,000 daily pay. According to the FTC, consumers filed nearly 108,500 complaints about fake job opportunities in 2023, with about 32% resulting in losses averaging $2,169 each, totaling over $500 million in losses. The FBI warns that some scams involve cryptocurrency payment requirements disguised as part of the hiring process, trapping victims in schemes where they see fake earnings but cannot access real money.
click2houston.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans reported losing $10 billion to fraud, with imposter scams, phishing, investment scams, and romance scams being particularly prevalent. The FTC partnered with Houston Ethnic Media to educate community leaders about these threats, emphasizing that underserved and immigrant communities face heightened vulnerability due to language barriers and economic desperation. Experts stress that verification of recipients and sources is crucial to protecting oneself and one's family from fraud.
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Door-to-door sales scams proliferate during summer, taking forms such as solar panel offers, magazine subscriptions, or construction services, with scammers using high-pressure tactics to obtain upfront payments or immediate commitments. The key warning sign across all variants is the demand for immediate signing or advance payment, and the recommended defense is to research services independently before making any purchasing decisions. AARP advises consumers to use their Fraud Watch Network resources to identify and prevent these scams.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans lost $10 billion to fraud, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated tactics that are difficult to detect. The article identifies 10 common banking scams—including check fraud, phishing, fake prize offers, advance fee schemes, and government imposter scams—and provides protective strategies such as verifying URLs before clicking links, never sharing banking details unsolicited, and using secure check writing practices. The key defense is awareness: recognizing these common schemes and understanding that legitimate institutions rarely request sensitive information through unsolicited messages or calls.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Victoria Melhuish, an Instagram user with nearly 20,000 followers, was hacked and extorted for $300 in cryptocurrency after clicking a fraudulent verification email that appeared to be from Meta. The scammers, allegedly college students, threatened to sell her account unless she paid the ransom; though she regained access after payment, her account was subsequently banned for suspicious activity, forcing her into a dispute with Meta to restore it.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2025-12-08
A UK industry survey found that 65% of payments professionals identify fraud as their top financial crime concern, with authorized push payment (APP) scams—where fraudsters impersonate trusted entities to trick victims into transferring money—being the most impactful type, affecting 27% of respondents' organizations. APP fraud cases rose 12% year-on-year in 2023 with losses reaching £460 million, primarily through purchase scams (67% of cases) and online sources (76% of cases), though the scams are relatively unsophisticated and succeed through mass targeting rather than complexity. Payment service providers are concerned about upcoming liability rules that would require them to split responsibility for APP
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
An X user shared screenshots of how he outsmarted a romance scammer who attempted to extract Rs 1,000 (approximately $12 USD) via Google Pay by posing as a dating app match. Instead of sending the requested amount, the user convinced the scammer to send Rs 20 first as a "test transaction," then blocked the scammer after receiving the money. The incident highlights the prevalence of dating app scams, which typically involve fake profiles building emotional connections before requesting money for emergencies or other expenses, and underscores the importance of skepticism, identity verification, and trusting one's instincts when using dating platforms.
wsiltv.com
· 2025-12-08
Older adults are frequently targeted by scammers who impersonate government officials, bank employees, Medicare representatives, or tech company workers to steal personal information. The Better Business Bureau recommends protecting seniors by establishing open communication with loved ones and including their caregivers in conversations about fraud awareness.
northjersey.com
· 2025-12-08
Gas station fraud includes skimming devices, hidden cameras, and attendant overcharging that can compromise card data and drain bank accounts. To protect yourself, inspect card readers for skimmers, watch for hidden cameras, use cash or credit cards instead of debit cards, choose pumps near the building entrance, monitor attendants during transactions, and regularly review card statements with fraud alerts enabled.
alaskapublic.org
· 2025-12-08
Samantha Norman, a nurse in Palmer, Alaska, lost $3,000 in a "Jury Duty Scam" after a caller impersonating a police officer convinced her she had missed jury duty and had a warrant for her arrest. The scammer used social engineering tactics—claiming to be sympathetic, citing COVID protocols, and instructing her to pay bail via a Coinstar machine—to manipulate her into sending money. This nationwide scheme has been targeting Alaskans for years, with Palmer Police reporting multiple victims on the same day Norman was scammed.