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in Robocall / Phone Scam
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
In the first half of 2024, 580 Singapore residents fell victim to government official impersonation scams, a 58 percent increase from 367 cases in the same period the previous year, with each victim losing an average of $116,534—the highest loss amount among all scam types. Scammers impersonate police officers, bank staff, and government officials (including China government officials) to accuse victims of money laundering or other crimes, using psychological manipulation, time pressure, and fake credentials to coerce victims into transferring money to designated accounts. Authorities recommend verifying caller identity before complying with requests and looking for legitimate government sender IDs (gov.sg)
dailyhodl.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-powered voice cloning is enabling a new wave of fraud that costs billions of dollars annually, with criminals using synthetic audio to impersonate loved ones and compromise financial accounts in as little as 30 seconds. Deloitte forecasts AI-related fraud losses will reach $30 billion by 2027, up from $12.3 billion in 2023, while the FBI warns the public to limit personal photos and videos on social media, as these can be easily exploited by scammers to create convincing deepfakes and target victims.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost $5.6 billion to cryptocurrency scams in 2023, a 45% increase from 2022, with people over 60 suffering the most damage at $1.6 billion in losses across more than 16,000 reports. Investment fraud scams accounted for the majority of losses at $3.9 billion, and seniors were particularly vulnerable to crypto ATM scams, losing over $124 million through that method alone. The FBI recommends verifying caller phone numbers, scrutinizing website domains and emails, remembering that no legitimate government agency demands crypto payments, and seeking licensed financial advice before investing.
news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost $5.6 billion to cryptocurrency scams in 2023, a 45% increase from 2022, with crypto investment fraud accounting for $3.9 billion of those losses according to the FBI's 2023 report. Seniors over 60 were hit hardest, reporting over $1.6 billion in losses and making up the vast majority of victims using crypto ATMs, losing over $124 million through that method alone. The FBI recommends verifying caller phone numbers, checking for website inconsistencies, and remembering that legitimate agencies will never demand payment via cryptocurrency.
headtopics.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using AI-generated deepfake videos of famous doctors on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to promote unproven health treatments, particularly targeting older audiences. The fraudulent videos falsely endorse dangerous "natural" remedies for serious conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, leveraging the trusted reputations of well-known TV health personalities including Michael Mosley and Hilary Jones. Experts warn these scams pose serious health risks as victims may abandon proven medical treatments in favor of ineffective products, and the deepfakes are difficult to combat as new versions quickly replace removed content.
theprint.in
· 2025-12-08
"Hustle kingdoms" are informal training academies in West Africa (particularly Ghana and Nigeria) that teach individuals digital fraud techniques, including romance scams and business email compromise schemes, with graduates exporting these skills globally and contributing to an estimated $50 billion in online scam losses in the United States in 2023 alone. These operations evolved from 1980s-90s "business centres" and function as hierarchical knowledge hubs where novices learn sophisticated fraud tactics from experienced scammers. Some perpetrators justify their crimes as restitution for historical colonial exploitation, while employing both psychological manipulation and supernatural tactics like "juju magic" to defraud victims worldwide.
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
Since 2020, the Better Business Bureau has received over 4,000 reports of investment scams, many involving cryptocurrency or romance fraud tactics where scammers build trust through fake relationships before soliciting investments. Median losses have increased significantly from $1,000 in 2021 to nearly $6,000 in recent years, with some victims losing over $84,000. The article outlines red flags including guaranteed returns promises, unknown cryptocurrencies, pressure to share wallet access, and unsolicited friendship offers, and provides resources for reporting scams to the BBB, FTC, and FBI.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
A car buying scam ring operating across California and involving at least three suspects—Michael Tanase, Constantin Mustata, and Florin Tanase—sabotaged vehicles listed for sale by pouring oil into radiators to simulate engine failure, then made lowball offers to purchase the damaged cars at a fraction of their value. Michael Tanase was arrested in Oklahoma in July 2024 on an outstanding felony warrant for vandalism and theft by false pretense filed by the Placer County District Attorney's Office, while his two co-suspects remain at large; the scam had been reported to multiple law enforcement agencies across California beginning in early 2024.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost $5.6 billion to cryptocurrency scams in 2023, a 45% increase from 2022, with crypto investment fraud accounting for $3.9 billion of those losses according to the FBI's 2023 report. Adults over 60 were disproportionately affected, reporting over 16,000 complaints totaling $1.6 billion in losses, and were particularly vulnerable to crypto ATM scams, losing $124 million through that method alone. The FBI recommends verifying caller information, scrutinizing website domains, avoiding crypto kiosk payments for purported law enforcement or government demands, and consulting licensed financial advisors before investing.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
Perry Township police held an educational session for approximately 80 seniors to warn about prevalent scams costing consumers over $10 billion annually in 2023. Detectives outlined multiple fraud schemes targeting seniors, including "pig butchering" (investment scams where one victim lost nearly $200,000), grandparent scams (one local case involved a $15,000 loss), AI voice cloning, Social Security benefit threats, and Facebook account hacking. Police emphasized warning signs such as pressure tactics, requests for non-credit card payments, and threats, while advising seniors to establish family passwords, verify callers independently, and never share personal information with unsolicited contacts.
the-review.com
· 2025-12-08
Perry Township police held an educational session for approximately 80 seniors to raise awareness about common scams targeting older adults, which cost consumers over $10 billion in 2023 according to the FTC. Police detectives outlined major fraud schemes including "pig butchering" (romance/investment scams where victims lose substantial sums), grandparent scams (fake bail requests), and Social Security benefit threats, with local examples showing losses ranging from $15,000 to nearly $200,000. The presentation covered warning signs of fraud and protective measures, such as establishing family passwords to combat AI voice impersonation and never sharing personal information with unsolicited callers.
daijiworld.com
· 2025-12-08
A man in Udupi, India lost Rs 89 lakh to online fraudsters who used an impersonation scam involving fake TRAI and police officials. The scammers called Santhosh Kumar on September 11, falsely claiming he had multiple FIRs filed against him and threatening virtual arrest, then used WhatsApp video calls posing as a cyber inspector to convince him his bank account was involved in money laundering. The victim was deceived into transferring the entire sum to a fraudulent SBI account under the guise of RBI fund verification before realizing the scam when communication abruptly ceased.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are sending fraudulent text messages impersonating highway toll authorities like E-ZPass, claiming recipients owe unpaid tolls and directing them to fake websites to pay. Victims who click the links risk malware infection and credit card theft, while paying for tolls they never incurred. To protect yourself, do not respond to such messages; instead, contact your toll authority directly if you have concerns about legitimate unpaid tolls.
pcpatriot.com
· 2025-12-08
Virginia State Police report an uptick in financial scams targeting older adults and vulnerable individuals, including anti-virus software scams (one victim lost $36,000), "grandparent scams" using AI voices to impersonate grandchildren in distress, and cryptocurrency fraud (one woman scammed out of $160,000 in Bitcoin). Police recommend independently verifying requests before responding, establishing a trusted "buddy system," and remembering that legitimate organizations never pressure payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
thereporter.com
· 2025-12-08
The Solano County Sheriff's Office issued an alert about a phone scam in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers and send victims text messages with fake court warrant images, demanding immediate payment through a kiosk while falsely prohibiting them from contacting police or visiting the sheriff's office until after payment. The scammers attempt to collect money through various untraceable methods including wire transfers, gift cards, and cryptocurrency, though the legitimate Sheriff's Office clarified it never requests payments through these channels or restricts victims from contacting authorities.
butlerradio.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the FBI reported $5.6 billion in losses from cryptocurrency fraud involving over 69,000 complaints, representing 50 percent of all financial fraud losses despite being only 10 percent of complaints. The FBI warns that legitimate agencies never request cryptocurrency payments, scammers impersonate financial institutions, and investments that seem too good to be true typically are fraudulent. Pennsylvania experienced $120 million in losses from cryptocurrency fraud, ranking 8th nationally in complaints and 9th in losses.
lifehacker.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers increasingly target utility customers by impersonating utility company representatives via phone, email, or in-person visits, demanding immediate payment under threat of service disconnection using untraceable payment methods like prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. To avoid these scams, consumers should independently verify any payment demands by calling their utility company using contact information from their bill or secure account, remember that legitimate utilities send multiple notices before disconnection and offer flexible payment plans, and only use traceable payment methods with fraud protection. Utility scams are particularly effective during extreme weather when customers are desperate to maintain service.
pcworld.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals employ increasingly sophisticated phishing and social engineering scams targeting bank customers, causing psychological stress and financial loss with difficult recovery processes. Common schemes include phishing emails mimicking banks to steal login credentials and transaction authorization numbers, and fraudulent phone calls impersonating bank employees or authorities claiming to detect suspicious account activity to extract personal data. Protection strategies include accessing banking services through official channels rather than email links, verifying messages directly with banks, and refusing to provide personal information during unsolicited calls, particularly those claiming to be from authority figures.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are conducting evolved sextortion scams that use fear tactics and images of victims' homes (obtained from data breaches or public listings) to extort money via email, claiming to have compromising videos and demanding Bitcoin payments of around $2,000. The scams falsely reference advanced spyware like "Pegasus" to appear credible, though legitimate cybersecurity experts note these threats are bluffs since actual spyware installation would make ransom demands unnecessary. Protection strategies include blurring your home on Google Maps, avoiding sharing personal information online, and recognizing common red flags in scammer communications.
theconversation.com
· 2025-12-08
Australia's federal government released a draft scam prevention framework to combat scams that cost Australians A$2.7 billion in 2023, with over 600,000 reported cases. The framework requires banks, social media platforms, and telecommunications companies to identify and stop scam-related content and transactions, with penalties up to A$50 million for non-compliance. However, the framework does not mandate bank reimbursement for victims and must be broader in scope to address the increasing sophistication of AI-enabled scams and the multiple ways criminals obtain personal contact information.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
The Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office warned residents of an impersonation scam in which a caller claiming to be "Sergeant Eric Roberts" from the department contacted victims demanding payment via cryptocurrency machines to resolve a "failure to appear" warrant and avoid arrest. The sheriff's office emphasized that it never solicits payment by phone and advised residents that requests for payment via cryptocurrency or gift cards are major red flags for scams.
techbullion.com
· 2025-12-08
Documentary Plus Stories is seeking victims of cyber fraud—including investment scams, romance scams, and cryptocurrency scams—to participate in a groundbreaking documentary film aimed at raising public awareness and preventing future crimes. Participants will receive compensation including a one-time payment and potential future royalties, and their authentic stories will be featured in a documentary expected to reach millions of viewers worldwide.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
According to multiple surveys, Gen Zers lost more money to online scams than baby boomers in 2023, with romance scams being particularly prevalent among younger users (15% of Gen Z fell for romance scams compared to 4% of baby boomers). Their vulnerability stems from pandemic-related social isolation during formative years, overconfidence in their ability to spot AI-generated fraud despite falling for it at higher rates (31% vs. 11% for baby boomers), and increased comfort meeting strangers online where scammers use deepfakes and sophisticated image-enhancing tools to create convincing fake identities.
effinghamradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias issued a warning that scammers are using sophisticated AI technology, including voice cloning and deepfake videos, to fraudulently access personal information and financial accounts from Illinois residents. The alert highlights four prevalent scam types—deepfakes, romance scams, Ponzi schemes, and affinity scams—and recommends that prospective investors validate identities, verify licenses through BrokerCheck or Investment Adviser Public Disclosure, and avoid suspicious links and attachments.
wibx950.com
· 2025-12-08
Herkimer police are warning residents about multiple scams circulating in the area, including blackmail schemes where fraudsters claim to have installed spyware and threaten to release compromising information unless victims pay (such as $2,000 in bitcoin), and police impersonation scams where criminals falsely claim that Herkimer Police are searching for the victim. The article also highlights emerging AI-enabled threats including romance scams ("pig butchering") and virtual kidnapping ransom schemes where criminals use cloned voices to impersonate loved ones, urging residents to verify requests directly with police rather than through third parties.
almanacnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Atherton Police Department warned residents of a widespread extortion email scam in which fraudsters claim to have malware access to victims' computers and threaten to release sensitive information and photos unless paid in Bitcoin; the scam includes fabricated images of victims' homes sourced from Google Maps and other public sources to appear credible. Multiple Atherton residents reported receiving these "sextortion" emails, which exploit publicly available personal data harvested from previous data breaches, though police confirm the threats are false and victims should delete the emails immediately without responding or paying.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
A grandmother received a deepfake voice call from a scammer impersonating her grandson claiming to be in jail and needing $10,000 for bail, but she verified the call was fake by contacting her grandson directly. The article outlines common scams targeting seniors—including grandparent scams, government impersonation, romance scams, and spoofing—and provides protective strategies such as verifying callers through known phone numbers, establishing family safe words, taking time to think despite pressure tactics, and using unique passwords with one-time passcodes.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting residents in Northeast Ohio with a "secret government kiosk" scheme, posing as bank or government officials who claim victims' accounts have been compromised and direct them to deposit cash into Bitcoin machines for "protection." A convenience store clerk in Medina has intervened multiple times to stop vulnerable customers, including elderly individuals, from losing their life savings to these high-pressure phone scams before they complete fraudulent transactions at the store's crypto machine.
columbiagorgenews.com
· 2025-12-08
Multiple online scams were reported in The Dalles in early September, with losses totaling over $105,000 across four separate incidents, including one victim who lost more than $100,000 in cash, gift cards, and Bitcoin to a scammer impersonating someone from Texas since April 2023. Common scam tactics included impersonating law enforcement demanding payment for warrants, fake celebrity fan sites, fake security companies, and requesting payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency. Police warn that legitimate law enforcement will never request payment by phone, and that scammers typically operate from outside the U.S. using obscured technology, making recovery of funds difficult.
wkyc.com
· 2025-12-08
A "brushing" scam involves recipients receiving unsolicited items (jewelry, speakers, etc.) in the mail with their address but no sender information and a QR code inside. Scanning the QR code grants scammers full access to the victim's phone, personal data, and bank accounts, often resulting in account drains. The Akron Police Department warns residents not to scan unknown QR codes in packages, noting this scam is appearing across multiple states.
verywellmind.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide examines the psychology behind why people fall for scams, emphasizing that susceptibility is not a matter of intelligence but rather how scammers exploit psychological vulnerabilities. Key findings include that adults aged 35-44 are most likely to be deceived (though older adults remain targeted), those 18-24 lose the most money, and online fraud causes an estimated $2.7 billion in annual losses while also impacting victims' mental health. The article outlines how scammers build trust through impersonation and social engineering, and notes that common scams include phone fraud, phishing, fake job offers, and emergency schemes—increasingly enhanced by AI technology.
blog.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Elder financial exploitation is the most common form of elder abuse, affecting at least 10% of older adults annually in the U.S., with AARP estimating annual losses at $28.3 billion for those over 60. Critical data gaps exist regarding the impact on historically discriminated-against communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ populations, and low-income groups, due to underreporting caused by fear of retaliation, distrust of authorities, and language barriers. Better demographic data collection is essential to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies tailored to vulnerable populations.
whitehallledger.com
· 2025-12-08
This article describes a voice-cloning scam where scammers impersonated a grandfather by mimicking his voice to request bank account information from family members, highlighting how scammers use increasingly sophisticated technology to target victims. The piece reports that Americans lost $10 billion to scams in 2023 and emphasizes that elderly people are frequently targeted, recommending protective measures such as slowing down before responding to urgent requests, being selective about who accesses financial information, and seeking help from certified financial planners to monitor accounts and recover from fraud.
nbcboston.com
· 2025-12-08
Bitcoin ATM scams cost victims over $65 million in the first half of 2024, with scammers using government and business impersonation tactics to trick people into depositing cash at these machines. An 83-year-old victim lost $34,000 after a fake Apple security alert directed her to call a number where scammers impersonated her bank's fraud department. The FTC advises people to ignore unsolicited calls and pop-ups, verify company contact information independently, and remember that legitimate businesses never request cash deposits via Bitcoin ATMs or gift cards to resolve account issues.
anz.com.au
· 2025-12-08
This educational article distinguishes between scams (where criminals manipulate victims into sharing information or money) and fraud (where criminals use stolen information without the victim's involvement), and outlines how to identify suspicious messages. The piece advises that red flags include pressure tactics, mismatched sender email addresses, and offers that seem too good to be true, emphasizing that individuals are the first line of defense against scams through reporting and awareness. In 2023, Australians lost $476 million collectively to scams, making vigilance against suspicious communications critical for protecting personal finances and sensitive information.
anz.com.au
· 2025-12-08
ANZ bank provides fraud protection guidelines advising customers to avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or SMS messages claiming to be from ANZ, and to report suspicious communications directly through the ANZ App or official phone numbers. The guidance emphasizes that legitimate ANZ communications will never request sensitive information like passwords or PINs, and offers multiple channels for customers to report phishing attempts and fraudulent activity 24/7.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using AI to clone voices from social media videos—requiring only a few seconds of audio—then impersonating victims to deceive their families into sending money. A 2024 Starling Bank survey found that 28% of people had been targeted by AI voice cloning scams in the past year, though 46% were unaware such scams existed, and 8% would likely comply with urgent money requests even if suspicious. Experts recommend establishing safe phrases with loved ones and verifying unexpected calls through independent contact to protect against this increasingly sophisticated fraud.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are conducting sextortion attacks that now include Google Street View images of victims' addresses to intimidate them into paying cryptocurrency fees. The attackers claim to have pornographic evidence and access to Pegasus spyware, using personalized emails with victims' addresses, phone numbers, and automatically-generated street images to imply they have visited or surveilled the target's location. Security researchers warn these attacks are difficult to detect because they use random Gmail addresses and avoid malicious attachments or URLs.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-08
Starling Bank warns that fraudsters are using AI technology to clone people's voices from brief audio clips found online, then impersonating them to call friends and family members to request money. A survey of over 3,000 adults found that more than 25% had been targeted by such scams in the past year, with 46% previously unaware the scam existed. The bank recommends establishing a "safe phrase" with loved ones to verify identity during phone calls as a protective measure.
sevendaysvt.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2021, 67-year-old Jeanette Voss of Vermont lost her entire life savings of $950,000 to a tech-support scam that began with a fake Microsoft alert on her computer. Scammers convinced her over six months of daily calls that her Social Security number had been compromised and instructed her to transfer her retirement funds, stocks, and certificates of deposit into accounts they controlled before vanishing with the money. The case illustrates a growing threat: Americans aged 60 and older lost nearly $3.5 billion to scams in the past year, with older adults targeted for their savings, perceived lack of tech knowledge, and isolation.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
HSBC Australia warns older Australians, particularly those aged 55-64 who hold significant wealth, that they are increasingly targeted by scammers, with losses from remote access scams among people over 65 rising 13.3% to $120 million in 2023. Remote access scams typically involve fraudsters calling victims claiming an account or device issue, then requesting they download software that grants the scammer control of their computer and access to banking passwords and one-time security codes. HSBC recommends never granting computer access to unknown parties, avoiding online banking when someone has remote access, refusing to share security codes, keeping antivirus software updated, and verifying bank contact by
postregister.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, seniors lost $3.4 billion to scams—an 11% increase from 2022—prompting a unanimously passed Senate Resolution to combat elder fraud. Common scams include romance fraud, tech support scams, cryptocurrency schemes, and investment fraud, with warning signs including unexpected contact, pressure to act quickly, requests for personal information, and demands for untraceable payments. Victims are encouraged to end contact with scammers, report incidents to local police, the FTC, FBI, or postal inspection services, and take protective measures such as updating security software and monitoring financial accounts.
wfaa.com
· 2025-12-08
This is a sponsored segment promoting The Senior Source, an organization that provides resources to help older adults protect themselves from scams. The segment directs viewers to theseniorsource.org for more information on fraud prevention and elder protection services.
kvoa.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI reports a 25% increase in scam victims and $300 million in additional losses over the past year, with particularly harsh impacts on retirees in Arizona living on fixed incomes. The bureau has launched the "Take a Beat" awareness initiative to combat various schemes including romance scams, phone fraud, and cryptocurrency scams (which alone resulted in $4.5 billion in losses nationally last year). The FBI advises potential victims to pause before sending money, verify requests independently rather than using provided phone numbers, consult financial advisors or law enforcement, and report scams quickly—noting a 70% success rate in recovering wired funds within 24 hours.
financialservices.house.gov
· 2025-12-08
Congressman Luetkemeyer held a House Financial Services hearing in September 2024 to examine "confidence scams" (also called "pig butchering"), a multi-billion dollar fraud industry that has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic. Scammers build trust with victims over weeks or months through fake romantic relationships, then convince them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes by showing fake portfolio gains and instructing them to wire money to Southeast Asian accounts or fake exchanges, systematically draining victims' savings and retirement funds until nothing remains.
indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Delhi woman lost Rs 15,000 to a fraudster posing as a ticket vendor for Diljit Dosanjh's "Dil-Luminati Tour" on the social media platform X, with the scammer also defrauding her friend of Rs 6,000 and potentially many others. The fraudster, using the account name Dharmendra Singh (Crigyan07), blocked the victim after the scam and ignored refund requests. The incident highlights the risks of purchasing event tickets through unofficial social media accounts, as scammers can sell the same fake tickets to multiple people.
asiaone.com
· 2025-12-08
A couple in Singapore lost their $7,200 rental deposit after being scammed by a fake property agent who listed a condo unit on Facebook Marketplace; at least two other couples were simultaneously defrauded for the same property, with one couple losing at least $5,000. Between July 2023 and January 2024, at least 389 victims fell victim to similar rental scams involving impersonated property agents and fake assistants, totaling losses of at least $2.4 million. Police advise renters to verify agents through the Council for Estate Agencies registry, meet agents in person, and never pay deposits to assistants' personal accounts.
etedge-insights.com
· 2025-12-08
India Post impersonation scams are targeting non-tech-savvy citizens in India, with fraudsters posing as postal representatives via SMS and calls to trick victims into sharing personal financial information. A 75-year-old retired person in Hyderabad lost Rs 23.26 lakh after fraudsters claiming to be from India Post and impersonating police officers convinced him to transfer money to a fake RBI account for an alleged undelivered parcel. Authorities warn citizens to verify delivery notifications independently, avoid clicking suspicious links, and report fraudulent communications to protect themselves from these social engineering schemes.
upstatetoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Oconee County Sheriff's Office warned residents of two active scams: a cryptocurrency extortion scheme where scammers claim to have installed spyware and threaten to release personal information unless Bitcoin is paid, and an impersonation scam where fraudsters pose as FBI agents claiming victims' information has been compromised and demanding $15,000 in cash. One resident targeted by the FBI impersonation scam avoided financial loss by requesting law enforcement accompaniment to the bank, which the scammer refused.