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jdsupra.com
On May 12, 2025, the Department of Justice's Criminal Division issued updated enforcement priorities emphasizing three core principles: focus, fairness, and efficiency in prosecuting white-collar and corporate crimes. Elder fraud was specifically identified as a priority enforcement area alongside investor fraud, Ponzi schemes, and fraud threatening consumer health and safety, along with healthcare fraud affecting Medicare and Medicaid. The Department prioritized prosecuting individual perpetrators while considering civil and administrative remedies for corporations, taking into account factors such as self-reporting, cooperation, and remediation efforts.
justice.gov
A nationwide health care fraud takedown resulted in 324 defendants charged across the United States for schemes involving over $14.6 billion in false billings and illegal drug diversion, with authorities seizing over $245 million in assets. Four defendants were charged in the Eastern District of Louisiana, including the co-owner of a diagnostic laboratory who allegedly defrauded Medicare of approximately $4.4 million through over $30 million in false genetic testing claims, and a physician who billed Medicare approximately $24 million for medically unnecessary genetic testing. These schemes targeted Medicare and programs serving elderly and disabled populations through kickback schemes and fraudulent billing practices.
hartselleenquirer.com
Sweetheart scams and other fraud schemes target vulnerable populations including seniors aged 61+ and young adults aged 13-28, with elderly victims losing an estimated $77.7 billion globally in 2023 alone. Common scams include imposter schemes, online shopping fraud, investment fraud, and phishing attempts via email, text, and phone. Protection strategies include using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, verifying unsolicited contacts, trusting instincts when something feels suspicious, and reporting suspected scams to the FTC.
bbc.com
Singapore's police gained new powers under the Protection from Scams Act starting in 2024 to seize and restrict bank accounts of suspected scam victims who refuse warnings, allowing authorities to block transactions for up to 30 days with possible extensions while preserving access for essential expenses. The measure addresses a surge in scams to a record S$1.1 billion ($860 million) in 2024, with common schemes including job, investment, e-commerce, and romance scams, though critics have raised concerns about potential abuse of power and lack of accountability.
dallasobserver.com
"Pig butchering" cryptocurrency scams—where fraudsters gradually build trust with victims before stealing their money—are rapidly growing across North Texas, with victims losing between $500,000 to $3 million each. Financial counselor Steve Benton has investigated a dozen cases involving seniors who were lured through fake social media profiles and fake crypto apps that displayed false investment gains, with global scammers stealing nearly $64 billion through these schemes in 2023 alone. The scams are difficult to prosecute because funds are moved through unregulated cryptocurrency channels, and many perpetrators operate from labor-trafficking compounds in Southeast Asia where workers are forced to target victims.
vietnamnews.vn
Vietnamese authorities issued a nationwide alert about a surge in sophisticated online scams, with cybercriminals using methods including fake government/police impersonation, fake investment platforms, romance scams, and phishing schemes. Police dismantled several major fraud networks, most notably a transnational ring operating in Myanmar and the Philippines that defrauded Vietnamese victims of over $76.58 million, resulting in nearly 100 arrests. The Ministry of Public Security is responding by updating laws, sending over 500 million warning SMS messages, and partnering with tech companies to combat the growing cybercrime threat.
thehackernews.com
Law enforcement in Spain, Estonia, France, and the United States dismantled a cryptocurrency investment fraud ring in Operation Borrelli that defrauded over 5,000 victims of €460 million ($540 million) globally, with five suspects arrested in June 2025. The scheme used romance baiting tactics to build trust with victims before directing them to fake crypto platforms, then laundered funds through Hong Kong-based banking networks and multiple international payment gateways. The operation highlights the growing sophistication of transnational cyber fraud, increasingly augmented by artificial intelligence, which authorities warn is outpacing legal systems designed to combat it.
michigan.gov
Michigan participated in the Department of Justice's 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, which resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants nationwide involving over $14.6 billion in false billings and 15.6 million illegally diverted controlled substance pills, with $245 million in assets seized. Two Michigan cases were charged: James Alexander Carthron billed Medicaid approximately $11,000 for 23 telephone visits he did not provide, and Daleena Taree Miller billed Medicaid $8,640 for services she did not render and falsified medical records as a Community Living Support worker.
justice.gov
A 2025 national health care fraud takedown resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants across 50 federal districts for schemes involving over $14.6 billion in alleged fraud, with 19 individuals charged in Florida's Middle District alone for defrauding Medicare and programs serving elderly and disabled beneficiaries. Key defendants included William Balsamo, charged with operating a telemedicine kickback scheme that caused at least $9 million in Medicare losses, and Edward Cannatelli, Robbyn Cannatelli, Thomas Farese, and Virginia Lockett, charged with conspiracy to defraud Medicare through medically unnecessary physician orders generated via telemarketing
fisherinvestments.com
Scammers are employing updated tactics during summer to defraud investors and steal personal information through two primary schemes: a modernized "pump and dump" stock manipulation where fraudsters pose as financial advisers on social media to recruit victims into buying penny stocks (particularly U.S.-listed Chinese companies) before artificially inflating and dumping them; and Social Security fraud involving false benefit applications. The article advises investors to avoid unrealistic get-rich-quick opportunities, base stock decisions on fundamental company analysis rather than tips or hot tips from unverified sources, and ignore unsolicited financial pitches from strangers on social media and messaging apps.
hindustantimes.com
A 32-year-old software engineer in Bengaluru lost ₹79.3 lakh in a romance-investment scam that began in February 2025 when he was contacted on a matrimonial website by a woman claiming to be a UK-based professional. Over several months, the fraudster built trust through frequent communication, then introduced him to a fake trading platform and convinced him to make 18 transfers totaling ₹72.3 lakh between March and June, using fake profit statements and fake company representatives to maintain credibility. The victim reported the crime to police on June 23 after the fraudsters demanded additional tax payments and went silent, though authorities indicated recovery prospects are
investopedia.com
This educational article identifies common travel scams targeting tourists in popular cities including Riga, Istanbul, Budapest, Bangkok, and Barcelona, with schemes ranging from inflated taxi fares and fake tours to pickpocketing and restaurant surcharges. The article advises travelers to research local scams, use secure payment methods, verify pricing beforehand, and avoid carrying all valuables to protect themselves from scammers who exploit the confusion and crowding typical of tourist environments.
techradar.com
Criminals are targeting young adults (16-25) in the UK with fake remote job offers promising £300-£800 daily pay for simple tasks like sharing TikTok videos, using initial small payments from previous victims to create false legitimacy before demanding upfront fees for "training" or "unlocking" higher earnings. According to Norton data, 29% of Brits were targeted by scams in early 2025, with 18% being job-related offers that often function as digital Ponzi schemes and money laundering operations. Job seekers should be alert to red flags including unrealistic pay-for-minimal-effort offers, upfront payment demands, and contact through messaging apps rather
daijiworld.com
Goa police are requesting banks to share information about senior citizens with bank balances exceeding Rs 10 lakh to conduct targeted fraud awareness campaigns, as cyber scams targeting elderly residents have surged dramatically. Over nine months, 36 cases of senior citizen fraud were reported in Goa, including 15 "digital arrest" scams where fraudsters impersonating officials coerced victims into transferring large sums; recent arrests include perpetrators of Rs 1 crore and Rs 2.3 crore fraud cases, plus an interstate gang exploiting ATM users. The initiative aims to educate vulnerable elderly individuals about common digital scams and safety practices, recognizing that limited digital literacy an
euroweeklynews.com
An 86-year-old woman's report of a €353,952 romance scam led Spanish authorities to dismantle an international network of romance scammers operating from Nigeria, resulting in the arrest of 14 suspects across six Spanish provinces in "Operation Doyun." The scammers created fake profiles impersonating attractive men and celebrities to emotionally manipulate victims into making bank transfers, with some Spanish elderly women recruited to help launder the stolen funds; approximately €45,000 was recovered from the network's accounts.
region.com.au
Police across Australia are warning of a surge in cryptocurrency ATM scams targeting vulnerable victims, with over 150 reported cases in 2024 resulting in losses exceeding $3 million, including victims who deposited hundreds of thousands of dollars. Scammers manipulate victims—predominantly people over 50—through romance, investment, and employment fraud schemes, directing them to use cryptocurrency ATMs as anonymous cash pipelines after banks block traditional transfers. Authorities emphasize that cryptocurrency ATM transactions are irreversible and advise the public to never send money via cryptocurrency when pressured by unknown persons or promised quick profits.
cryptorank.io
An Australian investigation identified 90 individuals involved in cryptocurrency ATM fraud schemes, revealing that many were victims rather than perpetrators. A woman in her 70s lost $281,000 and another lost $130,000 after falling victim to romance and investment scams that directed them to deposit cash into crypto ATMs; between January 2024 and January 2025, over $3 million was lost to crypto ATM scams in Australia with nearly half of victims aged over 51. In response, AUSTRAC implemented new operational standards for crypto ATM providers including transaction limits, mandatory scam alerts, and improved verification protocols.
ghanaweb.com
Dr. James Orleans-Lindsay, Executive Chairman of JL Holdings, lost $1.3 million in a sophisticated 2014 fraudulent land deal in Accra despite conducting thorough due diligence, including title verification and working with a reputable agent. The scammer had cloned land titles and created forged identification documents (passports, driving licenses) for multiple people, successfully deceiving even a businessman known as an authority on Accra's land history. Dr. Orleans-Lindsay has since personally repaid the amount through monthly salary deductions and shared his experience as a cautionary tale about the risks of real estate fraud.
dallasnews.com
Complaints from adults aged 60 and older targeting online scams increased 46% from 2023 to 2024, with that age group losing over $4.8 billion to internet crimes in 2024, according to the FBI. Scammers target older adults for their assets through various schemes including romance cons, cryptocurrency investment fraud ("pig butchering"), and intermediary money-transfer operations, with criminals often establishing trust through social media before requesting payments. The article emphasizes that while cognitive aging increases vulnerability, everyone is at risk due to advancing AI technology, and recommends family members, friends, and service providers watch for unusual financial activity and intervene diplomatically.
cryptorank.io
An Australian investigation identified 90 individuals involved in cryptocurrency ATM fraud, revealing that scammers are exploiting vulnerable elderly victims through romance and investment schemes. A woman in her 70s lost $281,000 and another lost $130,000 after being manipulated into depositing cash into crypto ATMs, with over $3 million lost to such scams nationwide between January 2024 and January 2025. In response, AUSTRAC implemented new operational standards including transaction limits, mandatory scam alerts, and enhanced verification protocols to combat the misuse of the 1,600+ crypto ATMs across Australia.
michigan.gov
Charles Schumer, 75, of Freeland, Michigan, was charged with embezzling over $200,000 from a vulnerable adult relative for whom he served as attorney-in-fact, allegedly transferring retirement assets to his business account and making unauthorized purchases that did not benefit the victim. Schumer faces two 20-year felony counts: Embezzlement of $100,000 or more by an Agent and Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult. The case was prosecuted by Michigan's Attorney General Health Care Fraud Division.
justice.gov
Kyle Chasse, former president of a local union chapter at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and making false statements for embezzling over $10,000 in union funds between 2020 and 2022. Chasse made unauthorized cash withdrawals and debit purchases for personal expenses (bars, restaurants, vending machines) and filed false financial disclosure forms to conceal the theft. He faces up to 20 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines, with sentencing to be determined after a presentence investigation.
news.shib.io
Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, a 35-year-old Nigerian national, pleaded guilty to stealing over $2.5 million from six victims through romance scams between 2016 and 2019, laundering the funds through cryptocurrency accounts he controlled. Nwadavid manipulated victims into sending money via fake dating profiles and romantic relationships, then transferred the stolen funds through a Massachusetts resident accomplice into crypto wallets on LocalBitcoins. He faces up to 20 years in prison on mail fraud and money laundering charges, along with potential deportation.
batamnewsasia.com
A 76-year-old Singaporean man lost S$55,500 (nearly all his retirement savings plus S$10,000 borrowed from a friend) to a romance and investment scam orchestrated by a woman named "Ms Li" whom he met on TikTok in April. The scammer persuaded him to download a fraudulent app and virtual wallet, claiming to help him profit from an online business, and extracted funds through fake initial withdrawals before cutting off access. Despite losing his life savings and filing a police report in June, the victim remains convinced of the scammer's authenticity based on video chats and photos, illustrating how emotional manipulation and social engineering exploit elderly individuals on digital platforms.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A 57-year-old widow, Laura Kowal, was defrauded of approximately $1.5 million by two Nigerian scammers (Anthony Ibekie and Samuel Aniukwu) operating a romance scam using the fake persona "Frank Borg," a Swedish investment adviser they met on Match.com over a two-year period. The scammers coerced Laura into establishing fraudulent companies and bank accounts for money laundering, and her daughter Kelly discovered a suicide note before Laura's body was found in the Mississippi River in August 2020; the case was part of a larger criminal scheme responsible for at least $3.5 million
fox26houston.com
A Nigerian national, Darlington Akporugo (47), and his wife, Jasmin Sood (37), both residents of Houston, were sentenced to federal prison—188 months and 121 months respectively—for operating a nationwide romance scam that defrauded over 25 elderly victims of $3.1 million. The couple used fake social media identities to build trust with victims, primarily older women and widows, then manipulated them into sending money for nonexistent businesses and fabricated emergencies, while Sood created fake businesses and bank accounts to launder the funds. Both must pay full restitution of $3,123,073
michigan.gov
Jason Garza, 45, of Wyandotte, Michigan, was charged with embezzling over $166,000 from his employer, Montway Auto Transport, between 2021 and 2022 by offering customers unauthorized discounts in exchange for direct payments via peer-to-peer payment apps, which he kept for personal use rather than remitting to the company. He faces six felony charges including three counts of embezzlement ranging from $1,000 to over $100,000 and three counts of using a computer to commit a crime, with potential sentences up to 20 years.
coastalbreezenews.com
Lunch with Friends hosted over 100 seniors on June 18th at Marco Lutheran Church, where Lieutenant Joseph Belardo from the Marco Island Police Department presented on elder fraud prevention. Lt. Belardo warned that scammers stole $3.4-$6.1 billion from older Americans last year, with tech support scams, government impostor scams, and AI-powered voice cloning being among the most common threats; he advised seniors to be skeptical of unsolicited calls/texts/emails, avoid clicking suspicious links, and verify requests by calling trusted phone numbers directly. The presentation also covered ransomware, malware, and deepfakes, with recommendations to update security software, use V
foxnews.com
A woman in Jensen Beach, Florida, lost $800 to a Facebook scam in which a fraudster impersonating Elon Musk promised her a Tesla and $250,000 in cash, then repeatedly requested Apple Gift Card payments for supposed delivery fees. The scammer used a fake profile with copied images and AI-generated content, moved the conversation to WhatsApp, and exploited urgency and flattery to manipulate the victim into sending multiple payments before she recognized the pattern. Gift cards are favored by scammers because they are untraceable, fast, and nearly impossible to recover once redeemed.
justice.gov
Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, a 35-year-old Nigerian national, pleaded guilty to his role in a romance scam that defrauded six victims of over $2.5 million between 2016 and 2019. Nwadavid created fake online profiles to gain victims' trust, then directed them to send money under false pretenses, using a Massachusetts resident as an intermediary to transfer funds through cryptocurrency accounts he controlled. He faces sentencing on September 23, 2025, on charges of mail fraud and money laundering, with potential penalties including up to 20 years in prison and deportation.
cointelegraph.com
Michael Zidell filed a lawsuit against Citibank in Manhattan federal court, alleging the bank ignored red flags and failed to monitor suspicious transactions that allowed romance scammers to steal $20 million from him—including nearly $4 million routed through Citibank accounts belonging to a company called Guju Inc. The scam began in early 2023 when Zidell was contacted by a fake persona on Facebook posing as a business owner named Carolyn Parker, who convinced him to invest in NFTs through a fraudulent trading platform that ultimately disappeared with his funds. Zidell claims Citibank processed 12 suspicious transfers totaling around $4
wired-gov.net
Ahmed Ali Suleman, 63, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for laundering over £1.9 million gained from a romance fraud operation between 2015 and 2017. Using his textile business as a front, Suleman processed fraudulent payments from 77 vulnerable victims—many elderly, lonely, or widowed—who were deceived by West African-based scammers posing as romantic partners on dating websites. The case demonstrates how money launderers enable romance fraud by providing the financial infrastructure that makes such schemes profitable and sustainable.
crypto.news
Michael Zidell lost $20 million in a "pig butchering" romance scam after being targeted on Facebook by a scammer posing as a woman named Carolyn Parker, who lured him into fraudulent NFT investments through fake account statements. Zidell sued Citibank for negligence, alleging the bank failed to detect and act on suspicious wire transfers—including twelve transactions totaling nearly $4 million to an account held by Guju Inc. that contradicted the account holder's declared business activity and violated Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering laws. Pig butchering scams resulted in $5.8 billion in investment fraud losses in 2024
news.shib.io
The U.S. Secret Service, with assistance from Coinbase, recovered $225 million in cryptocurrency (USDT) from "pig butchering" investment scams—long-term fraud schemes where scammers build fake relationships with victims to convince them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Through blockchain analysis and collaboration among exchanges, investigators identified over 130 Coinbase victims who lost $2.3 million, though thousands more were affected across the operation involving scam centers in Southeast Asia. The recovered funds have been frozen and are being held pending redistribution to verified victims.
stocktitan.net
**Summary:**
Trend Micro launched Scam Radar, a new feature in its ScamCheck app that provides real-time detection of coordinated scam tactics across SMS, websites, and messaging apps. According to Trend Micro's study of 6,632 consumers across six countries, 30% had been scam victims, with common fraud types including online shopping scams (27%) and investment fraud (22%), often with victims not realizing they were targeted until significant financial loss occurred.
justice.gov
This educational resource defines elder fraud as the exploitation of adults age 60+ for monetary gain through tactics like impersonation, romance scams, and fake investment schemes, with seniors losing over $5.9 billion annually. Common scammer tactics include using fear, false hope, romance, pressure, isolation, and threats, while phishing emails often urge account verification or threaten account closure. Protection strategies include never responding to unsolicited requests for personal information, verifying website security, avoiding suspicious links, maintaining updated security software, and consulting trusted family members before sending money.
accountingtoday.com
The Bonadio Group, a certified fraud examination firm, highlights the widespread problem of elder financial abuse, noting that only one in 44 cases are reported to authorities like Adult Protective Services. The article presents two case studies: one involving a childhood friend who exploited a widowed mother by taking her debit card, obtaining her home deed, and evicting her; and another where a caregiver stole over $200,000 from an elderly man over three years while subjecting him to severe neglect, ultimately forcing him into long-term care. Accountants and professionals are encouraged to report suspicious financial activity to Adult Protective Services and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to protect vulnerable seniors.
khou.com
Darlington Akporugo, 47, and Jasmin Sood, 37, from Fulshear, Texas, were sentenced to 188 and 121 months in federal prison, respectively, for operating a romance scam that defrauded over 25 elderly victims out of $3.1 million between 2015 and 2022. The couple used fake social media profiles and online dating sites to pose as widowers and military personnel, gaining victims' trust before coercing them to send money for fake business investments or personal expenses, while using the funds for luxury vehicles and mansions. Both defendants must pay full restitution and serve three years of
ice.gov
Darlington Akporugo, a 47-year-old illegal alien from Nigeria, and his wife Jasmin Sood were sentenced to 15.67 and 10.08 years in prison respectively for operating a nationwide romance scam targeting elderly and vulnerable victims, defrauding over 25 people of more than $3.1 million. The scheme used fake social media identities to lure victims into sending money through false investment opportunities and personal emergencies, with Sood creating fake businesses and bank accounts to launder funds that were spent lavishly or distributed to co-conspirators. Both were ordered to pay full restitution of $3,123,073 an
cps.gov.uk
Ahmed Ali Suleman, 63, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for laundering over £1.9 million for international romance scammers operating between January 2015 and November 2017. Using his textile export business as a front, Suleman processed fraudulent payments from 77 vulnerable victims—many elderly, lonely, or widowed—who had been manipulated into transferring money through fake dating profiles by West African-based criminals. His conviction demonstrates law enforcement's commitment to targeting money launderers who enable romance fraud networks and facilitate the exploitation of vulnerable people.
mtdemocrat.com
The FBI reports that elder fraud losses reached $4.885 billion across 147,127 complaints in 2024, representing a 46% increase in complaints and 43% increase in losses from 2023, with California accounting for $832.7 million of those losses. Seniors are frequently targeted through investment scams, technical support schemes, romance scams, and money mule operations because they are perceived as trusting, financially stable, and less likely to report crimes. The FBI recommends seniors verify unsolicited contact through independent research, resist pressure to act quickly, avoid sharing personal information with unverified sources, and report suspected fraud to law enforcement immediately.
kiro7.com
Scammers impersonating U.S. federal agencies (SSA, FDIC, IRS) are sending fraudulent letters, emails, texts, and pop-ups to Washington residents claiming identity theft or legal issues and demanding cash or gold payments. In early 2025 alone, scammers stole over $1 million from three Clallam County residents, with victims also identified in Jefferson County and Oregon. Red flags include unsolicited government contact via pop-ups or text, requests for cash withdrawals or gold purchases, demands to sign NDAs, and instructions to use unofficial couriers—none of which legitimate federal agencies would do.
abc.net.au
The Gold Coast Marathon's rapid sell-out (half marathon in 4 hours, full marathon in 4 days) created high demand that scammers exploited by flooding social media with fake ticket offers. A 36-year-old runner lost money when she purchased a non-existent ticket from a scammer posing as a legitimate runner on Facebook, though she recognized the fraud when additional fees were requested. Marathon organizers have implemented security measures requiring ticket transfers through an official registration portal only, while cybersecurity experts warn that modern AI-assisted scams are increasingly difficult to detect and that social media platforms should do more to prevent fraudulent accounts from operating.
iharare.com
A Harare businessman lost US$20,000 to a fraudulent investment scheme operated by George Masvipe and Pascal Magama through their company Needflow Capital (Pvt) Ltd, who promised returns of US$3 million within three months based on a fake Standby Letter of Credit trading opportunity. After the promised returns never materialized, the victim reported the matter to police, discovering he had signed fraudulent agreements with no legal recourse for recovery. The incident drew social media criticism questioning how a business director could fall for such an unrealistic investment promise offering over 500% returns in three months.
amac.us
This educational resource presents a chart detailing common scams targeting consumers, including AI scams (deepfake impersonations), bank text scams (phishing for account information), billing/invoice scams (fake invoices demanding payment), brushing scams (unsolicited items to boost reviews), and charity scams. The guide identifies shared scammer tactics such as impersonation, creating urgency, and pressuring victims to share personal information, while offering specific identification and prevention strategies for each scam type. The material encourages sharing this information with friends and family as a primary defense against fraud.
justice.gov
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada and FBI Las Vegas Division are reinforcing efforts to combat elder fraud during World Elder Abuse Awareness Month, noting that such schemes cost billions annually and affect over 100,000 elder Americans each year. The office charged Aurora Phelps with 21 counts including wire fraud, mail fraud, and identity theft for allegedly defrauding older men she met through online dating services; Phelps is currently in custody in Mexico. The Justice Department provides a National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-FRAUD-11) offering personalized support to victims age 60 and older, with case managers helping victims report fraud an
news3lv.com
During World Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June, the U.S. Attorney's Office for Nevada and FBI Las Vegas Division announced intensified efforts to combat elder fraud, which costs the U.S. billions annually and affects over 100,000 seniors each year. The agencies highlighted a case involving Aurora Phelps, who faces a 21-count indictment for luring older men through online dating services and stealing their money; she is currently in custody in Mexico. The National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-372-8311) offers support to victims aged 60 and older, with officials emphasizing that reporting fraud helps authorities identify perpetrators and recover financial losses.
aol.com
A Philadelphia man lost over $1 million in two consecutive scams orchestrated by a fraudster posing as "Daisy" from Apple customer support. The scam began when he called a fake Apple support number, and evolved from a customer service fraud (where he was tricked into buying gift cards) into a romance scam that built trust over months of daily communication, ultimately resulting in him handing over $780,000 in precious metals to a money mule. The article warns consumers to watch for red flags including fake customer support numbers, lookalike websites, unsolicited contact, and suspicious requests for money or assets.
justice.gov
A Houston couple, Darlington Akporugo (47) and Jasmin Sood (37), were sentenced to 188 and 121 months in prison respectively for operating a romance scam that defrauded over 25 victims nationwide of more than $3.1 million, with many victims being elderly women and widows. The pair used fake social media identities to build romantic relationships, then convinced victims to send money for fake business investments and personal emergencies, while Sood created fraudulent bank accounts under aliases to launder the funds. Both defendants were ordered to pay full restitution of $3.1 million and serve three years of supervised release.
foxnews.com
Modern scams increasingly use AI voice cloning, fake bank alerts, cryptocurrency schemes, gold bar frauds, and pet emergencies to deceive victims out of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Notable cases include a man who lost $25,000 to an AI voice clone impersonating his son, another who lost $300,000 to a fake bank freeze scam, and a retiree defrauded of $3.1 million in a gold bar scheme. Protective measures include verifying caller identity through direct contact, accessing bank accounts independently rather than through provided links, avoiding investment opportunities from social media strangers, and recognizing that legitimate law enforcement does not request money transfers or asset convers