Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
4,158 results
in Government Impersonation
paymentsjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are launching increasingly sophisticated tax-themed phishing campaigns during tax season, using generative AI to create convincing emails impersonating the IRS and tax preparation services like TurboTax and H&R Block. These emails contain malicious links and PDFs that install malware or remote access trojans when clicked, exploiting consumers' time pressure and anxiety about filing deadlines. Security experts recommend that legitimate service providers direct customers to official websites and apps rather than sending links via email or text, and emphasize that the IRS never contacts taxpayers via email or phone to request personal information.
investopedia.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly targeting 401(k) retirement accounts through multiple methods including phishing emails, fake investment platforms, impersonation phone calls and text messages, robocalls with AI voice impersonations, and fraudulent rollover schemes. To protect retirement savings, individuals should use two-factor authentication, create strong unique passwords, monitor account notifications, and only conduct rollovers with trusted financial institutions while remaining vigilant against suspicious communications and fake investment opportunities.
sjcda.org
· 2025-12-08
This article combines information about San Joaquin County's District Attorney's office commitment to public safety with educational guidance from the Federal Trade Commission on protecting families from text message scams. The FTC advises parents to teach children to recognize scam texts impersonating legitimate companies and banks, avoid clicking links or sharing personal information, and report suspicious messages, as these scams can lead to identity theft and financial loss. The article also describes Family Justice Centers as collaborative resources that provide comprehensive support to victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, elder abuse, child abuse, and stalking.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Research by Nationwide Building Society reveals that one in four Britons (25%) have fallen victim to ticket scams, losing an average of £82 each, with high-demand events like Glastonbury creating ideal conditions for fraud exploitation. Over half of survey respondents admitted they would consider buying from unofficial sources, with those aged 25-34 showing the highest risk tolerance, and victims experiencing significant emotional distress beyond financial loss. Nationwide urges ticket buyers to use their free Scam Checker Service to verify transactions and avoid purchasing from unauthorized sellers, particularly during high-demand resale periods.
johnsoncitytn.org
· 2025-12-08
The Johnson City Police Department reported a rise in phone scams where callers impersonate law enforcement, government agents, or company representatives to pressure victims into purchasing gift cards, sending cryptocurrency, or sharing financial information by claiming urgent issues like pending arrests or compromised bank accounts. Victims have been contacted via phone, social media, text, and other platforms, with scammers requesting gift card numbers after purchase to access funds immediately. The JCPD emphasizes that legitimate law enforcement never demands payment to avoid arrest and advises the public to hang up on suspicious callers and report them to Crime Stoppers, noting that older adults are particularly targeted in these scams.
wtsp.com
· 2025-12-08
A Manatee County, Florida woman lost $2,400 in a spoofed bank and FTC impersonation scam after receiving a fraudulent email claiming an unauthorized Apple charge on her Chase account. The scammer posed as both a bank representative and FTC official, convincing her to purchase gift cards at multiple retailers (Lowe's, Walmart, and Winn Dixie) under the false premise that authorities were tracking a hacker. The FTC reports that fraud losses increased 25% in 2024, with seniors losing over $2.3 billion, and emphasizes that legitimate government agencies never demand gift card payments or threaten to freeze accounts.
kaynewscow.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, of Pawnee was arrested for laundering approximately $1.5 million obtained through online romance scams targeting four elderly women (ages 64-79) between September and December 2024. One victim sold her house and sent $600,000 after believing she was in a romantic relationship with a scammer; Echohawk converted the illicitly obtained funds through bank accounts and cryptocurrency before sending payments to an unidentified suspect. She faces five counts carrying 24 to 62 years in prison and up to $260,000 in fines.
ktul.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, was arrested in Pawnee County on charges of money laundering and computer crimes for allegedly facilitating approximately $1.5 million in funds stolen from four elderly women (ages 64-79) through online romance scams between September and December 2024. Echohawk received the victims' payments via gift cards, cash, wire transfers, and bank accounts, then converted the funds to cryptocurrency and sent them to an unidentified suspect; one victim sold her home to send $600,000. Echohawk faces five counts carrying potential sentences of 24 to 64 years in prison and up to $260,000 in fines.
koco.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, a 53-year-old from Pawnee, Oklahoma, was arrested and charged with laundering approximately $1.5 million obtained through online romance scams targeting senior women between September and December 2024. The victims, all between ages 64 and 79, believed they were sending money to men they were in online relationships with before the funds were diverted through Echohawk's accounts.
wdbj7.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS Criminal Investigation division has charged more than 1,000 people with CARES Act-related fraud over the five years since the pandemic relief program's passage, with particular focus on the Paycheck Protection Program and Employee Retention Credit loans. In Virginia alone, a federal grand jury indicted 24 people from the Roanoke area for wire fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering related to PPP fraud, while a Southwest Virginia woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison for a separate scheme involving over $1.5 million in stolen unemployment benefits. The IRS states it will continue investigating fraudulent use of pandemic relief programs.
wmar2news.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI launched "Operation Level Up" in January 2024 to proactively contact victims of cryptocurrency investment scams in progress, using emails and phone calls to prevent further money transfers. From January 2024 to February 2025, the FBI contacted over 5,000 victims and estimated it saved approximately $318 million in planned transfers, with 76 percent of contacted victims unaware they were being scammed. The scammers typically pose as romantic interests or influencers on social media, build trust over weeks, then direct victims to fake investment websites promising high cryptocurrency returns before requesting increasingly larger deposits.
investopedia.com
· 2025-12-08
Research identifies loneliness and financial fragility as the two most significant risk factors for elder financial fraud victimization. Socially isolated individuals are more vulnerable to relationship-based scams (romance, pig-butchering, affinity fraud) because they lack trusted contacts to validate suspicious offers, while financial stress impairs rational decision-making and increases willingness to take risky financial gambles that fraudsters exploit.
scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
An 82-year-old Indian retiree and his wife were defrauded of approximately $395,000 by cybercriminals impersonating federal law enforcement officials who convinced them to transfer funds over a 10-day period. The scam employed fabricated Supreme Court letters and isolation tactics to maintain control over the victims. These incidents reflect a broader pattern of rising cybercrimes in India targeting elderly individuals through impersonation, blackmail, and romance scams, driven partly by limited digital safety awareness among seniors.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
An organized crime network operating across Pennsylvania and Ohio perpetrated "grandparent scams" against at least five elderly Pittsburgh residents between October 2024 and January 2025, stealing approximately $50,000 by impersonating grandchildren in crisis and requesting urgent cash payments for bail or medical expenses. Luis Alfonso Bisono Rodriguez, 34, was indicted for coordinating the collection and interstate transport of stolen funds via couriers and ride-share services, depositing the money under false names into bank accounts; he faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The FBI warns that seniors remain vulnerable targets due to their trustworthiness and financial resources, and urges anyone who received suspicious calls
bucks.crimewatchpa.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common scams targeting seniors—including phone scams, phishing, romance fraud, investment schemes, charity scams, home repair fraud, identity theft, and grandparent scams—and provides practical prevention strategies. Key protective measures include being skeptical of unsolicited contact, safeguarding personal information, avoiding rushed decisions, recognizing communication red flags, verifying identities before trusting, staying informed about technology, and building a support network. The article emphasizes that seniors can protect themselves and their finances through knowledge and vigilance, offering resources like the AARP Fraud Watch Network and National Elder Fraud Hotline for additional support.
securitymagazine.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybersecurity experts warn that AI is enabling increasingly sophisticated tax fraud and scams, with malicious actors using AI-generated phishing emails, deepfakes, and voice impersonations to target individuals during tax season, capitalizing on the $9.1 billion in tax and financial fraud identified by the IRS in 2024. Key threats include AI-enhanced phishing attacks mimicking trusted entities like the IRS, credential stuffing exploiting reused passwords, and malicious files hosted on legitimate cloud platforms. Defenders are advised to verify requests through independent channels, use strong unique passwords with multi-factor authentication, implement fraud alerts with credit bureaus, and remain skeptical of urgent communications received via email
6abc.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to perpetrate tax-related fraud, sending realistic emails, texts, and calls impersonating the IRS while also creating fake tax filing websites and using AI voice technology to pose as legitimate tax preparers. The schemes aim to steal personal information, demand payments, or redirect refunds. Consumers should avoid clicking unsolicited links, verify the authenticity of preparers and websites before sharing information, and remember that the actual IRS does not initiate contact via phone, text, or email to demand payment.
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-08
Palghar police arrested eight individuals from Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Bihar for extorting ₹3.5 crore from a senior citizen through a "digital arrest" scam between December 2024 and February 2025, in which fraudsters impersonated police and CBI officials to coerce the victim into transferring money. Police froze ₹22 lakh of the stolen funds across various bank accounts, and the investigation is ongoing to recover the remaining amount.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, 54, of Pawnee, Oklahoma, was arrested and charged with laundering approximately $1.5 million from online romance scams targeting elderly women aged 64-79 in Florida, Texas, and Utah between September and December 2023. The victims, believing they were in relationships with men, sent money through various methods including Apple gift cards, cash, and wire transfers, which Echohawk deposited into her bank accounts, converted to cryptocurrency, and transferred to an unidentified male subject. Echohawk faces five felony counts carrying potential sentences of 24 to 62 years in prison and fines up to $260,000, with notable individual
oklahoman.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, 54, of Pawnee was charged with laundering approximately $1.5 million from elderly women (ages 64-79) in Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, and Utah who believed they were sending money to romantic interests between September and December. Echohawk received funds through various methods, converted most to cryptocurrency, and transferred the funds to an unidentified male subject while using some proceeds personally and lying to banks about the money's source. She faces multiple felony charges including unlawful use of criminal proceeds and violations of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act, with charges filed by the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office.
people.com
· 2025-12-08
An Oklahoma woman, Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, was arrested in April 2025 for laundering approximately $1.5 million from four elderly victims (ages 64-79) in an online romance scam between September and December 2024. One victim sold her house to send $600,000 to the scammer, while others sent gift cards, cash, and cashier's checks; Echohawk allegedly converted the funds through cryptocurrency accounts and sent payments to an unidentified suspect. She faces charges carrying 24 to 62 years in prison and up to $260,000 in fines.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk of Oklahoma orchestrated multiple online romance scams targeting four elderly women (ages 64-79) from September to December, defrauding them of $1.5 million total using fake male personas like "Jason Morris," "Edward Lotts," and "Glenn Goadard" with elaborate stories requiring urgent cash payments. One victim sold her paid-off home to send over $600,000 after being promised debt relief, while another sent $250,000 for a supposed financial portfolio from Syria; Echohawk deposited all funds into a bank account under her name and converted the money into cryptocurrency for money laundering. The scam was uncovered when a
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, from Oklahoma, was charged with money laundering and computer crimes after stealing approximately $1.5 million from four elderly women (ages 64-79) through romance scams that operated from April 2023 through October 2024. Echohawk used multiple fake male identities to convince victims they were in romantic relationships and needed money for various schemes, including debt payoff, business investments, and ship fuel, with one victim selling her home to send $600,000. After receiving payments via cash, gift cards, and wire transfers, Echohawk converted the funds to cryptocurrency and sent them to an unknown accomplice; she faces 24 to 62
spokanejournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Washington Trust Bank employees launched a Senior Fraud Awareness workshop series in April 2023 to combat rising scams targeting older adults, after branch staff witnessed seniors being pressured to withdraw cash while on phone calls with scammers. The trio of bank managers has conducted five workshops in Spokane senior living communities and plans to expand regionally, providing FTC data, practical fraud prevention tips, and resources for reporting elder fraud. According to federal data, older adults lost over $1.9 billion to fraud in 2023 alone, with estimates suggesting actual losses could reach $61.5 billion.
chestnuthilllocal.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud targeting adults 60 and older has become increasingly sophisticated in the digital age, with government impersonation scams alone costing Americans over $394 million in 2023—a 63% increase from the previous year. Common schemes include government agency impersonation (using caller ID spoofing to demand payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency), tech support scams (fraudsters claiming to fix nonexistent device problems to gain remote access), and foreign lottery scams (requiring victims to pay escalating fees). Protection requires understanding that legitimate government agencies typically contact via official mail, not phone calls or emails, and being aware of scammers' use of fear and urgency to bypass victim verification
gulfcoastnewsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating legitimate bail bond companies on the Gulf Coast, calling residents late at night claiming a loved one is in jail and demanding hundreds of dollars for bail payment. Over 1,400 victims have been reported with more than $500,000 lost, with fraudsters targeting customers of companies like Rapid Bail Bonds and All Out Bail Bonds by requesting payments over the phone or through apps like Zelle and Cash App that offer no fraud protection. Residents are advised to verify bail bondsmen licenses through the Florida Department of Financial Services, remember that legitimate companies conduct business in-person only, and be aware that bail bondsmen cannot legally solicit between 9 p.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
US Postal Inspector Cory McManus led an investigation into an elaborate romance scam network operated by Wisdom Onyobeno from Atlanta, which stole millions of dollars from dozens of victims. After arresting two money mules who recruited victims and managed bank accounts ("strikers"), investigators traced the operation back to Onyobeno, who posed as a romantic interest to manipulate victims into sending money and even selling their homes. Onyobeno pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
nbclosangeles.com
· 2025-12-08
In December 2024, Oklahoma officials charged Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, with operating a romance scam ring that defrauded four elderly women (ages 64-79) out of $1.5 million between September and December 2024. Echohawk used fake male identities (Jason Morris, Edward Lotts, Glenn Goadard) to convince victims she was in romantic relationships with them, then manipulated them into sending cash, checks, wire transfers, and gift cards under false pretenses (fake oil rigs, business investments, debt payoffs). The funds were deposited into accounts Echohawk controlled and converted into cryptocurrency, with one
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, of Oklahoma, was charged with scamming four elderly women (ages 64-79) out of $1.5 million between September and December through elaborate online romance scams using fake male personas (Jason Morris, Edward Lotts, and Glenn Goadard) who claimed to need money for various schemes like oil rigs and debt payoff. The victims sent cash, checks, wire transfers, and gift cards, which Echohawk deposited into her bank account and converted into cryptocurrency before sending the funds to an unidentified person; the scam was discovered when a bank flagged a $120,000 transaction from one victim.
fedweek.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
The Government Accountability Office called for better federal coordination in countering scams, finding that while 13 agencies have anti-scam roles, they operate independently without a comprehensive government-wide strategy. The report noted that common scams include impersonations of federal agencies (particularly SSA, IRS, and DHS), tech support, and family members in crisis, and recommended developing unified strategies, national scam estimates, and measurement of consumer education effectiveness.
vice.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, of Oklahoma was accused of laundering approximately $1.5 million obtained through online romance scams targeting four elderly women (ages 64-79) during late 2024. Using aliases including Jason Morris, Edward Lotts, and Glenn Goadard, Echohawk convinced victims they were in romantic relationships and persuaded them to send funds ranging from $120,000 to $600,000, with one victim selling her house to participate; she converted the stolen money through various accounts and cryptocurrency before sending payments to an unidentified suspect. Echohawk faces four counts of unlawful use of criminal proceeds and one count of violating Oklahoma
news9.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, a 53-year-old Oklahoma woman, was charged with money laundering after allegedly orchestrating online romance scams targeting four elderly women (ages 64-79) that netted approximately $1.5 million. Using fake male personas including "Edward Lotts," "Jason Morris," and "Glenn Goddard," Echohawk convinced victims they were in romantic relationships and persuaded them to send funds for various schemes (debt payoffs, oil tanker purchases, financial portfolios), which she then converted to cryptocurrency and sent to an unidentified accomplice. The scam was uncovered when MidFirst Bank flagged suspicious wire transfers in late December 2024, an
manhattantimesnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, older New Yorkers lost $203.4 million to financial scams—averaging $47,000 per victim—with the "grandparent scam" being among the most common schemes where fraudsters pose as relatives requesting emergency cash. AARP and state officials are advocating for legislation that would train bank employees to recognize and flag suspicious transactions, allowing law enforcement to intervene before funds are transferred via untraceable methods like gift cards or wire transfers.
news3lv.com
· 2025-12-08
Congresswoman Susie Lee hosted a scam prevention event at a Las Vegas senior center to address growing fraud concerns as Social Security Administration changes create vulnerability among Nevada's 480,000 Social Security-dependent seniors. Older adults lost a record $12.5 billion to scams in 2024 (a 25% increase from 2023), with Nevada leading the nation in per-capita financial fraud and scammers exploiting confusion created by SSA office closures and policy changes.
wbay.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to personalize fraud schemes, moving beyond generic text and email scams to create convincing deepfake audio and video impersonations. Experts warn that AI allows fraudsters to manipulate personal information from social media and celebrity audio to create fake calls from grandchildren asking for money or fabricated celebrity investment pitches that appear authentic. Consumers are advised to pause and independently verify any urgent requests for money before responding.
nbcphiladelphia.com
· 2025-12-08
In December 2024, Oklahoma officials charged Christine Joan Echohawk with orchestrating romance scams that defrauded four elderly women (ages 64-79) of $1.5 million between September and December 2024. Echohawk used fake male personas including "Jason Morris," "Edward Lotts," and "Glenn Goadard" to convince victims to send money under false pretenses such as paying off debts or investing in oil rigs, then laundered the funds through bank accounts and cryptocurrency. A bank's suspicious hold on a $120,000 transfer led to the investigation, and Echohawk was charged with unlawful use of criminal proceeds and computer
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax fraud schemes in 2025 have become far more sophisticated, leveraging generative AI, deepfake audio, and social engineering to create nearly authentic-looking IRS communications—with nearly half of Americans reporting receipt of fake IRS messages and 55% believing these scams are more convincing than ever. Scammers now use AI-generated personalized emails and voice messages, along with deceptive delivery methods like QR codes and malicious PDFs, to steal credentials and distribute malware, exploiting victims' fear and urgency to pressure quick decisions. Cybersecurity experts recommend layering defenses including multi-factor authentication, credit freezes, IRS Identity Protection PINs,
defector.com
· 2025-12-08
This opinion piece argues that Florida exemplifies America's vulnerability to fraud and scamming, and expresses concern that cryptocurrency and current political leadership are enabling widespread fraud at scale. The author contends that scamming has become endemic to American society, from corporate fraud to crypto schemes, and that the president's creation of a memecoin represents a normalization of fraud at the highest governmental levels.
10news.com
· 2025-12-08
As the April 15 tax filing deadline approached, scammers increasingly used AI-generated phishing emails, texts, and fake IRS letters to target taxpayers, with these fraudulent communications now featuring proper grammar, real personal information, and authentic refund histories. Red flags include messages creating urgency and requests for immediate action via unsolicited phone calls or texts, while the IRS only contacts people by mail; taxpayers should verify any IRS correspondence through the official IRS website or a certified tax preparer. Security experts advise victims not to feel guilty and to take corrective action immediately if compromised.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP identifies six major scams threatening consumers in 2025, with particular risks for older adults: AI-powered scams using deepfakes and convincing phishing, imposter scams impersonating trusted figures, employment scams targeting job seekers with fake offers, tech support scams (which cost Americans 60+ over $175 million in 2023), romance scams exploiting emotional connections, and cryptocurrency scams (resulting in $1.6 billion in losses for those 60+ in 2023). The article advises vigilance against sophisticated tactics, emphasizing that legitimate companies don't request Social Security numbers during hiring, tech support representatives shouldn't demand remote access, and legitimate
tribtoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting E-ZPass users with text message phishing scams that impersonate toll authorities and threaten license suspension or vehicle seizure to trick victims into providing credit card numbers. Additionally, criminals use wireless skimmers to steal E-ZPass transponder codes from vehicles and sell cloned passes on the dark web, detectable when unauthorized toll charges appear on statements. The Ohio Turnpike never initiates contact via text or email about unpaid tolls—legitimate notices arrive by mail—and victims should delete suspicious messages, cancel compromised cards immediately, and store transponders in foil-lined bags to prevent code theft.
nationalseniors.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Older Australians are disproportionately targeted by scams, accounting for 31% of losses reported to Scamwatch despite representing only 17% of the population. CommBank's "Talk to a Loved One" campaign encourages families to have open conversations about scams to raise awareness and reduce vulnerability, though research shows only 8% of Australians feel comfortable discussing their own scam experiences with family members despite 90% believing such discussions are important. The campaign recommends using the "Stop. Check. Reject." approach and highlights that confidence in recognizing scams drops from 33% for those under 60 to just over 20% for those over 60.
manhattantimesnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, over 4,300 older New Yorkers lost $203.4 million to financial scams, averaging $47,000 per victim—equating to $23,200 per hour lost to fraud. The "grandparent scam," where fraudsters pose as relatives requesting emergency funds via untraceable payment methods like cash or gift cards, is among the most common schemes targeting seniors. AARP and state officials are advocating for Governor Hochul's proposed legislation to require bank employees to identify and halt suspicious transactions, giving law enforcement time to investigate before stolen funds disappear.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Cyber police in Jammu and Kashmir uncovered approximately 7,200 fraudulent "mule accounts" in 2025, with estimates potentially reaching 30,000, which scammers use to launder stolen money and evade detection. Mule accounts are opened by unwitting victims (tricked into sharing identity documents for fake schemes) or willing participants (who sell account access for small commissions of Rs 500–3,000), and when fraud occurs, the legitimate account holders face frozen accounts and legal consequences while actual scammers remain hidden. Students are increasingly targeted with promises of two percent commissions, making them vulnerable to becoming unknowing participants in financial crimes that ultimately victimize them
perezhilton.com
· 2025-12-08
A 53-year-old Oklahoma woman, Christine Joan Echohawk, was arrested for defrauding four elderly women (ages 64-79) of approximately $1.5 million in an online romance scam conducted over three months in late 2024. One victim sold her house to send $600,000 to Echohawk, who posed as a man online and convinced the women to send money via wire transfers, gift cards, checks, and cash. Echohawk laundered the proceeds through multiple bank accounts and cryptocurrency before a $120,000 wire transfer was intercepted by a bank in January 2025, triggering the investigation; she now faces
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, a 53-year-old Oklahoma woman, scammed four elderly women (ages 64-79) out of $1.5 million between September and December 2024 through romance scams using fake male personas such as "Jason Morris," "Edward Lotts," and "Glenn Goadard," with elaborate schemes involving fake oil rigs, debt payoffs, and financial portfolios. Echohawk received the funds via cash, checks, wire transfers, and gift cards, then laundered the money through bank accounts and cryptocurrency. She was charged with unlawful use of criminal proceeds and computer fraud after a bank flagged suspicious activity and an investigation by the
ynetnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman in Israel nearly fell victim to a romance scam when she attempted to deposit bitcoin into what she believed was tennis star Roger Federer's personal wallet at a crypto ATM. The article reveals that romance scams are a growing threat, with scammers impersonating celebrities and prominent figures to establish emotional connections before requesting money for fabricated crises. Crypto-related fraud has surged dramatically, with an 800% increase in fake cryptocurrency platforms and increasingly sophisticated schemes using AI-generated personas, fake trading platforms, and fabricated celebrity endorsements to deceive victims into transferring funds.
wfaa.com
· 2025-12-08
An 87-year-old Richardson, Texas woman lost $17,600 in a sophisticated tech support scam that began with a phishing email spoofing her son. Scammers impersonating Apple and bank representatives used fear tactics—falsely claiming unauthorized charges for ammunition and child pornography—to isolate her from legitimate help and manipulate her into withdrawing cash and depositing it into a Bitcoin ATM. Her son is sharing the story to raise awareness about increasingly complex elder fraud schemes that exploit emotional manipulation and urgency.
newslj.com
· 2025-12-08
This article compiles multiple fraud and cybersecurity alerts: a Wyoming resident received a fake PayPal email demanding $379.99 in Bitcoin with artificial urgency, and another resident fell for a suspicious University of Wyoming impersonation email containing a QR code. The piece also highlights that 40 million Americans lost $47 billion to identity fraud in 2024, recommends protective measures like automatic updates and document shredding, and reports on a ChatGPT security vulnerability (CVE-2024-27564) that enabled over 10,000 attack attempts in one week targeting financial institutions, plus a separate Oracle data breach exposing 6 million records including usernames, emails,