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in Romance Scam
e.vnexpress.net
· 2025-12-08
A Lafayette, Louisiana woman lost over $60,000 in a romance scam involving deepfake technology on Threads, where a scammer impersonated Elon Musk using AI-generated voice and video in fake video chats. The victim was manipulated into purchasing gift cards at multiple locations and eventually sending thousands of dollars after being promised a Tesla and falsely told a FedEx truck had crashed. Authorities could not recover the funds since they were voluntarily sent, and experts urge people to verify suspicious online relationships and watch for warning signs in loved ones.
1029thebuzz.com
· 2025-12-08
A French woman named Anne lost money to a fraudster impersonating Brad Pitt in a romance scam, highlighting how these schemes exploit psychological vulnerabilities regardless of education level. Researcher Annie Lecompte found that scammers typically pose as high-status individuals claiming to work abroad or travel frequently to avoid in-person meetings, while targeting victims who are searching for meaning and have kind, impulsive personalities.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Scam calls impersonating HMRC have increased by 84% since December, with fraudsters using automated messages in American-accented voices to threaten taxpayers with legal action and financial penalties ahead of the self-assessment deadline. Victims reported receiving intimidating calls claiming incorrect tax returns or demanding immediate payment, with scammers becoming aggressive when questioned. HMRC has warned the public never to share login details with unsolicited callers and provided red flags to identify fraudulent communications, noting that HMRC will never threaten legal action or arrest via voicemail.
thefinanser.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article examines the growing scope of global fraud and scams, which cost an estimated $6 trillion annually worldwide—with businesses losing 5% of revenues and UK consumers losing £1.17 billion in 2023 alone. The piece highlights how technology and AI-generated deepfakes are enabling criminals to become more sophisticated, exemplified by a French woman who lost €775,000 (her entire divorce settlement) to a romance scam impersonating Brad Pitt using fake hospital photos and emotional manipulation. The article underscores the central challenge of digital identity: despite multiple security layers, criminals continue to exploit victims through convincing deception, with experts acknowledging they can
slguardian.org
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scams targeting new investors are rising, including pump-and-dump schemes on meme coins, romance scams (causing $185 million in losses from 2021-2022), and fraudulent investment schemes promising unrealistic returns ($575 million in losses). Protection strategies include never sending crypto to strangers, verifying contact sources before engagement, and avoiding blackmail attempts, as cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible.
dimsumdaily.hk
· 2025-12-08
An elderly man in Macao lost over HK$370,000 in an online romance scam between August 2021 and November 2022, after developing a relationship with someone posing as a Chinese American soldier and later being contacted by someone claiming to be an Indonesian lawyer. The victim was initially defrauded of HK$200,000, then lost an additional HK$25,000 in courier fees and HK$148,000 in purported legal costs when promised refunds fell through. Local law enforcement reported the case on January 24, 2025, with the investigation ongoing.
allafrica.com
· 2025-12-08
A 53-year-old French woman was defrauded of €830,000 ($850,000) by Nigerian scammers who used AI-generated images of actor Brad Pitt to pose as him on Instagram, claiming he needed money for a kidney transplant due to a frozen account. The three men in their 20s, operating from Nigeria, were identified by a scam investigator who gained access to their phone through a booby-trapped link, illustrating how fraudsters are adopting new technologies like AI to conduct increasingly elaborate romance and financial scams.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Lloyds Bank is warning customers never to share one-time passcodes, passwords, or activation codes, as fraudsters are impersonating bank staff over the phone to steal account access and funds. Criminals use stolen personal details to appear legitimate and employ tactics like claiming they need codes to cancel fraudulent payments or secure accounts, though legitimate banks never request such information unsolicited. The warning comes as unauthorized fraud losses reached £358 million in the first half of 2024, with cases rising 19% year-on-year to over 1.5 million incidents.
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
A man in his 40s with hearing impairments nearly lost 100 million won (approximately $75,000 USD) to a romance scam involving a woman who contacted him via chat application starting in January. Police and post office staff intervened when he attempted to withdraw the funds, recognizing suspicious patterns including awkward translated speech, revealing photos, and requests for money tied to loan applications. The scam was prevented through the collaborative efforts of alert banking staff and police who convinced the victim to cease contact.
trinidadexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old grandmother from Sangre Grande was reported missing after traveling to Brazil to meet a man posing as the Crown Prince of Dubai via Facebook and WhatsApp in a romance scam; the same week, a French interior decorator lost €830,000 to someone impersonating Brad Pitt. Romance scams exploit victims' emotional needs for connection and intimacy through careful trust-building, with scammers using fabricated stories to request money; in Trinidad and Tobago alone, over 100 people lost more than $2.3 million to suspected romance scams between 2020 and 2021.
wjcl.com
· 2025-12-08
At least two people in Chatham County fell victim to a kidnapping phone scam in which callers claimed a family member had been kidnapped and demanded ransom payments. Scammers used spoofed numbers appearing to come from family members and enhanced the deception with sounds of crying or threats of violence in the background. Police advise victims to immediately hang up and directly call the family member to verify their safety, and to never provide banking information or agree to deliver cash or gift cards.
crowdfundinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance fraud remains a persistent threat, with scammers creating fake online identities on social media and dating apps to build trust with victims before manipulating them into sending money. Bank of Ireland warns consumers to remain vigilant, noting that red flags include refusals to video call, overly rapid declarations of love, and requests for money, and emphasizes that victims should never send funds to individuals they have only interacted with online. The bank calls for stronger platform safeguards and notes that many cases go unreported due to victim shame, with survivors experiencing significant financial losses and emotional trauma.
ksl.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens in Utah are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams including romance fraud and AI-generated impersonation calls, with 19% of those over 60 reporting fraud to police (though actual rates are likely higher due to underreporting driven by shame). Authorities recommend creating shame-free environments for reporting, establishing family verification code words, and recognizing warning signs such as rushed requests for money, demands for cryptocurrency or credit card numbers, and quick declarations of love without effort to meet in person.
tomsguide.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission issued a warning about evolved "brushing" scams, where fraudsters send unsolicited packages to victims using stolen personal information, but now include malicious QR codes on cards or notes that direct recipients to phishing websites designed to steal credentials, financial information, and device data through malware infection. While victims can legally keep the unwanted packages, the FTC advises protecting oneself by avoiding unknown QR codes, using strong unique passwords with multi-factor authentication, monitoring credit reports, and installing antivirus software. This scam indicates personal information compromise and increased exposure to identity theft.
wsoctv.com
· 2025-12-08
Over $1.03 trillion was lost to scams globally in 2024, with scammers increasingly using artificial intelligence, imposter tactics, and evolving technology to deceive victims. Key emerging threats include AI-powered phishing, deepfake videos, and voice cloning, alongside traditional imposter scams (including grandparent and romance scams) where median losses reached $800-$14,740 depending on the scam type. Scammers are shifting from phone calls to email and text messages as their primary contact method, making it essential for people to remain skeptical of unsolicited communications.
boston25news.com
· 2025-12-08
Scams and fraud losses reached over $1.03 trillion globally in 2024, with scammers increasingly leveraging new technology to evolve their tactics. Key emerging threats for 2025 include AI-powered scams (using deepfakes, AI-generated images, and synthetic voices to enhance phishing and imposter schemes), traditional imposter scams (including grandparent and romance scams, with median losses of $800 in 2023 and $14,740 for government imposter scams), and a shift toward email and text-based contact methods rather than phone calls. Learning about these developments helps potential victims stay ahead of scammers who aim to steal personal information
tomsguide.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams trick victims into believing they're in a genuine romantic relationship with a scammer who then manipulates them into sending money and personal information through emotionally exploitative tactics. According to FTC data, nearly 70,000 people reported romance scams in 2022, resulting in $1.3 billion in losses, with people aged 55-64 and those recently experiencing relationship loss being particularly vulnerable targets. The article advises protecting yourself by recognizing warning signs, verifying identities, being cautious about requests for money, and using security measures like VPNs to safeguard personal data.
newschannel20.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Illinoisians lost nearly $19 million to romance scams, in which criminals create fake online identities to build trust with victims and steal money or personal information. The FBI identifies common red flags including requests to move communication off dating platforms, rapid professions of love, requests for money, and canceled in-person meeting plans, and recommends victims go slow, verify identities independently, never send money to online-only contacts, and report suspected scams to law enforcement.
paymentsjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Money mules—individuals who willingly or unwillingly move illicit funds between accounts—have become an increasingly effective tool for criminals to circumvent fraud detection systems, often recruited through social media platforms using "scam-fluencing" tactics that target students, retirees, and lower-income individuals seeking financial relief. Financial institutions face a complex challenge because many mules are already verified customers and may themselves be victims of coercion or deception, while the use of generative AI and fast digital payment systems enables criminals to scale mule recruitment and fund transfers rapidly and globally. To combat this threat, financial institutions need to implement continuous verification checks throughout the customer lifecycle rather than relying solely on initial Know Your Customer (
newstalk.com
· 2025-12-08
Turn2Me, a national mental health charity, has launched an online support group for catfishing victims, with the first session held on February 5th. Catfishing—where individuals create fake online personas to manipulate or exploit others for material gain—can cause significant psychological harm including trust issues, anxiety, depression, and in severe cases, PTSD-like symptoms. The support group aims to help victims develop healthy coping mechanisms and reduce isolation, while the charity also offers up to six free counselling sessions to adults in Ireland.
techradar.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article highlights cyberstalking risks on dating apps, noting that 23% of online daters have experienced some form of online stalking according to a Kaspersky report. Cybercriminals use dating apps to collect personal information from users to fuel scams and identify victims. The article provides practical privacy protection advice including concealing location, using aliases, adjusting social media settings, avoiding password sharing, and using VPNs to minimize digital stalking risks.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
A successful California businessman lost over $700,000 in a crypto romance scam after meeting a woman online who posed as an investment partner, showing him falsified wallet gains of $2 million before blocking his withdrawal attempts. Romance scams in cryptocurrency are increasingly common because the sector lacks banking-level regulatory oversight and uses anonymous wallets that make it nearly impossible to trace stolen funds once they are transferred through crypto mixers. Investors must exercise heightened due diligence when approached with unsolicited investment opportunities, particularly in the crypto space, as the combination of emotional manipulation and regulatory gaps creates significant vulnerability to fraud.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI reported that romance scams resulted in losses exceeding $635 million in 2023, with scammers using rehearsed scripts on dating websites and apps to target victims. Common tactics include moving communication off dating platforms, using attractive photos, professing quick love, isolating victims from friends and family, and requesting money or personal information under false pretenses. The FBI urges victims to report these crimes to local law enforcement despite feelings of embarrassment.
taylorvilledailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI Springfield Field Office warns that romance scams—where criminals use fake online identities to exploit victims for money—remain prevalent, with Illinois residents losing nearly $19 million to these scams in 2023 and nationwide losses totaling $652.5 million. Warning signs include requests to move communication off-platform, premature declarations of love, claims of living far away, and requests for money or personal information. The FBI recommends moving relationships slowly, researching profiles, avoiding sharing personal details, and not sending money to people you haven't met in person.
ctvnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
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fortune.com
· 2025-12-08
Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence and deepfakes to commit fraud, with consumers losing over $10 billion to fraud in 2023—a 14% increase from the previous year. Notable incidents include a $25 million deepfake video call scam targeting a Hong Kong firm employee and widespread AI-powered phishing schemes that bypass traditional detection systems. Experts project fraud losses could reach $40 billion in the U.S. by 2027 if current trends continue, with investment scams and imposter scams being the most prevalent threats targeting bank customers.
buzzfeed.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 70,000 people reported romance scams to the FTC in 2022, losing $1.3 billion collectively with an average loss of $4,400; a notable case involved a French woman who lost €830,000 ($865,000) to a scammer impersonating Brad Pitt over 1½ years, who used AI-generated images of the actor in a hospital to claim he had kidney cancer and needed money. The article advises family members to watch for sudden mood changes and secretive behavior in loved ones, avoid victim-blaming, and approach conversations with curiosity rather than accusations, since scammers often prepare victims to expect such criticism from their social
kawartha411.ca
· 2025-12-08
The City of Kawartha Lakes OPP issued a warning about an increase in grandparent/emergency scams targeting seniors in their area, where fraudsters call posing as distressed family members, police, or officials claiming a loved one needs immediate money for bail, accident damages, or foreign travel issues. The scammers use emotional manipulation, request secrecy, and extract personal information, with common scenarios involving car accidents or jail situations. Authorities advise recipients to hang up and verify claims independently, contact police non-emergency lines, inform bank tellers of large withdrawals, and report suspected fraud to local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501
lexology.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational resource from a law firm specializing in online fraud describes "pig-butchering" scams—sophisticated schemes where fraudsters build trust with victims over weeks or months through romantic or business relationships, then pressure them to invest large sums in fake opportunities like cryptocurrency or real estate projects. The article provides warning signs including high-pressure tactics, unrealistic returns, cryptocurrency payment requests, and offshore transfers, and recommends victims conduct background checks, research platforms, seek legal advice early, and stay informed about common fraud tactics. The firm notes it receives approximately 100 victim requests monthly but can only accept cases involving losses exceeding $500,000 due to the complex, resource-intensive nature of
usethebitcoin.com
· 2025-12-08
Crypto romance scams, also known as "pig butchering," involve fraudsters forming fake online relationships with victims using AI-generated or stolen images, then pressuring them to invest in non-existent cryptocurrency platforms with promises of quick returns. In January 2025, Hong Kong Police dismantled a syndicate that defrauded victims in Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan of at least $4.37 million, while research shows crypto romance scammers stole over $4.4 billion globally in 2024. Red flags include rapid relationship progression, requests to pay taxes or fees before withdrawals, and inability to meet in person—victims should use common sense and remain vigilant against these
thejakartapost.com
· 2025-12-08
Indonesian police in Jakarta arrested 20 suspects involved in a romance scam targeting foreign nationals, primarily women from Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand, who were lured into fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes through fake dating app profiles. The operation was led by three Indonesians with 17 paid workers, generating approximately 7 million rupiah ($431.59) for leaders and 5 million rupiah for individual scammers, and is believed to be part of a larger syndicate headed by a Chinese national currently at large. Police discovered the scheme after noticing suspicious investment advertisements on dating apps and traced the scammers to an apartment in Jakarta.
datingnews.com
· 2025-12-08
New York State introduced legislation requiring dating platforms to notify users when they match with someone previously banned from the app, addressing the growing problem of romance scams that cost Americans $1.14 billion in 2023 alone. Romance scammers exploit users' desire for connection by building emotional trust before soliciting money, often using fake identities or celebrity impersonations. The legislation is part of the broader "Stop Hiding Hate" Act aimed at protecting New Yorkers from fraud while holding social media companies accountable for self-regulation.
ctvnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
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citizen.co.za
· 2025-12-08
Several elderly women aged 65-78 in Ethekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, lost a collective R120,000 to an online romance scam in January 2025 involving a man posing as "Doctor Mike from London," a British doctor allegedly practicing in New York. The scammer used Facebook and phone numbers with USA and UK prefixes to establish contact, promised romantic dates in Durban, and then claimed to have been arrested at King Shaka International Airport with confiscated US dollars, requesting R20,000-R50,000 transfers to secure his release. The victims discovered the fraud only after traveling to the airport to meet him and finding themselves blocke
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
A 21-year-old Syrian refugee in Dubai provided firsthand testimony about working in a sophisticated mass scamming operation that employed over 1,000 workers across multiple desert facilities to conduct "pig butchering" romance scams targeting victims globally. After being hired under false pretenses for what he believed was an advertising job, the worker was forced to impersonate women and manipulate people into investing in cryptocurrency, working 12-hour shifts for minimal pay while his passport was threatened and movement restricted. The operation, run by Chinese managers and staffed primarily by desperate foreign migrants, is part of a transnational scamming industry estimated to have generated $1.03 trillion globally last year.
crypto.news
· 2025-12-08
Jakarta police arrested 20 suspects involved in a crypto romance scam that targeted professional women from the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand through dating apps like Tinder and Bumble, eventually directing them to a fraudulent cryptocurrency platform called "Wish" that promised returns up to 25%. The scam, which operated for over two months, resulted in financial losses still being determined, with three masterminds and supporting operatives identified, though one suspect believed to be a Chinese national remains at large. The case is part of a larger pattern of crypto scams with alleged Chinese criminal network connections operating across multiple countries.
cknxnewstoday.ca
· 2025-12-08
A Hanover resident lost more than $40,000 in a romance scam perpetrated over several years, during which the fraudster convinced the victim to send VISA gift cards and cryptocurrency through the Trust Wallet app. Hanover police are investigating the ongoing case and reminding the public that romance scammers exploit emotional connections to steal money, urging people to educate themselves and their families about prevention.
insidejoplin.blogspot.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost people in the United States and Canada over $1 billion during a three-year period, with con artists targeting lonely individuals on dating sites by posing as military members, government officials, or overseas contacts in need of financial assistance. The Better Business Bureau highlights that these scams are particularly prevalent around Valentine's Day, when fraudsters also run fake florist and jewelry schemes. Resources like the BBB's scam survival kit are available to help victims recover financially and rebuild their profiles.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers targeted Australians over 65 in 2024, using sophisticated phishing emails, social media, and fake dating profiles to deceive lonely seniors into sending money, resulting in nearly $8 million in losses. Cybersecurity experts recommend verifying online relationships with trusted friends or family before sending money, recognizing that scammers build trust gradually before requesting funds, and contacting your bank and ScamWatch immediately if victimized.
q1057.com
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" romance scams are targeting New York dating app users, where scammers build trust through fake romantic relationships before convincing victims to invest money in bogus schemes. A notable case involved a French woman who lost $850,000 after being deceived by someone impersonating Brad Pitt using AI technology. New York's Attorney General recommends avoiding wire transfers and verifying photos to protect against these sophisticated frauds.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
FightCybercrime, a nonprofit organization, operates a free Romance Scam Recovery Group to support victims of romance fraud, which cost Americans over $800 million in the first three quarters of 2024. Program participants have collectively lost more than $73 million, averaging $160,000 in losses per person, and receive counselor-led peer support, therapy, and resources to aid emotional and financial recovery. Romance scammers typically target isolated or vulnerable individuals by building trust over time before gradually escalating requests for money through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
klaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are on the rise in Texas, with the state ranking third nationally for losses from this type of fraud, totaling over $114.4 million from 2022 to 2023. According to FTC data, nearly 70,000 people reported romance scams in 2022, losing an average of $4,400 each across $1.3 billion in total losses. The article outlines common red flags—such as avoiding video calls, rushing romantic declarations, and requesting money—and recommends protective measures including reverse image searching, never sending money to unmet contacts, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities.
sbs.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Over 5,000 Australian men were alerted to a romance scam operation based in the Philippines that resulted in more than $23.5 million in losses across Australia in 2024. Scammers used dating apps to build fake romantic relationships before convincing victims to invest in cryptocurrency, requesting initial investments of $300-$800 before directing funds to their personal accounts. Philippine authorities dismantled the operation in November 2024, seizing over 300 computer towers and 1,000 mobile phones, with evidence shared to international law enforcement to identify victims.
afp.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
Australian authorities warned more than 5,000 potential victims via text message about romance scammers operating from the Philippines who targeted men over 35 using fake female personas on dating apps. The scammers convinced victims to invest AUD $300-$800 in cryptocurrency before stealing their funds, with the scheme uncovered after Philippine authorities raided a scam compound in Manila in November 2024 and identified Australian phone numbers linked to the operation. The investigation, known as Operation Firestorm, has resulted in over 250 arrests in the Philippines, and authorities advised victims to report funds to their banks and police immediately.
accc.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
Australian authorities identified over 5,000 potential victims of a romance scam operation run by Philippine-based cybercriminals who posed as Filipino or local females on dating apps to deceive mostly male victims over 35. The scammers convinced victims to invest AUD $300–$800 in cryptocurrency before transferring funds to their accounts; the investigation resulted in over 250 arrests and led authorities to send warning text messages to potential victims advising them not to send money and to report any losses to banks and police. This operation was conducted under Operation Firestorm, a global initiative by the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Collaboration Centre to disrupt offshore organized crime networks targeting
cyberdaily.au
· 2025-12-08
The National Anti-Scam Centre and Australian Federal Police alerted over 5,000 Australians via text message after Philippine authorities dismantled a romance scam operation in Manila, recovering 1,000 mobile phones and 300 desktop computers. The sophisticated scam, which primarily targeted men, resulted in reported losses of $23.6 million to dating and romance scams in Australia in 2024, with 250 suspects arrested and victims advised to avoid sending money to online contacts and to report any transfers to banks and police. The authorities warned that romance scammers often move conversations to encrypted messaging platforms and encourage victims to make large investments under false pretenses.
ksltv.com
· 2025-12-08
A former romance scammer from Nigeria revealed his methods to KSL, explaining how he targeted vulnerable American women on Facebook—particularly those appearing lonely—by posing as a soldier and building relationships over months before requesting money for emergencies. Over five years, he defrauded victims of more than $70,000, including at least one Utah resident, though he claims to have reformed after realizing the severe emotional damage caused to a 62-year-old woman who lost $20,000 and became severely depressed. The interview comes as Americans lost $1.14 billion to romance scams in 2023, with 207 Utahns losing $5.4 million that year
local3news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of romance scams targeting Valentine's Day, particularly affecting people in their 50s and 60s on dating apps. Scammers use fake photos to catfish victims and eventually request money or personal information under the guise of a romantic relationship. The BBB recommends researching potential dates, asking specific questions, and being skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
substack.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, scams targeting older adults resulted in approximately $3.4 billion in losses, according to the FBI's Elder Fraud Report. Common schemes include romance scams, tech support fraud, grandparent scams, government impersonation, lottery scams, and home repair fraud, with perpetrators typically using intimidation tactics or appeals to family relationships to pressure victims into sending money. Experts recommend maintaining awareness, being cautious of high-pressure situations, and reporting suspected fraud as the best defenses against these schemes.
finextra.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are highly sophisticated fraud schemes that exploit emotional vulnerability and loneliness, affecting victims across all age groups but particularly targeting middle-aged adults (55-64) and older adults (65-74). In 2023, romance scams resulted in approximately $1.14 billion in reported losses in the United States, with a median loss of $2,000 per victim, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated images and fake social media accounts to build trust before requesting money for fabricated emergencies. A notable 2024 case involved a 53-year-old French woman who lost her entire life savings of $850,000 to scammers posing as