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in Romance Scams
citizen.co.za
· 2025-12-20
South African online dating scammers defrauded people of over R125 million in 2022, with criminals creating fake profiles using attractive photos and AI-generated deepfakes to build emotional connections before manipulating victims into sending money through fabricated emergencies. Victims—predominantly women—suffer severe financial losses (sometimes hundreds of thousands of rands) and significant emotional trauma including shame, depression, and difficulty rebuilding trust. To stay safe, be cautious of new matches who quickly build emotional connections, never send money to people you haven't met in person regardless of their story, verify profiles through video calls, and report suspicious activity to dating platforms and authorities.
aol.com
· 2025-12-20
A 51-year-old New Jersey father lost $280,000 after being targeted by a "pig butchering" scam—a sophisticated fraud scheme that combines romance manipulation with fake investment opportunities. A scammer posing as a woman named Ailis befriended him on Facebook, built emotional trust through daily messages and affection, then convinced him to invest in a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme that promised high returns. To protect yourself: be extremely skeptical of unsolicited romantic advances from strangers on social media, never invest based on recommendations from people you've only met online, and verify investment opportunities through independent sources before transferring any money.
blockmanity.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old woman from St. Charles County lost her entire life savings of $35,000 to a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam that began with a fake PayPal phishing email and escalated through caller ID spoofing and false claims about illegal activity. Scammers manipulated her into withdrawing cash and depositing it into a Bitcoin ATM, after which the funds were transferred to overseas wallets and became irretrievable. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited emails and calls claiming account problems, never click links in suspicious emails, independently verify alerts by contacting your financial institution directly, and remember that legitimate banks will never pressure you to move money to cryptocurrency or ask you to withdraw cash.
asiaone.com
· 2025-12-20
A Singapore former superyacht captain named Nigel Tang was arrested for allegedly helping run a massive "pig-butchering" scam operation—a type of fraud where scammers gain victims' trust before stealing their money—run by Chinese-Cambodian crime kingpin Chen Zhi from Cambodia. The scheme defrauded people across the US and worldwide, laundering billions of dollars while exploiting trafficked workers, leading Singapore to seize over $150 million in assets linked to the operation in October 2025. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly turn to investment or money-related discussions, verify the legitimacy of any financial opportunities independently, and never send money to people you've only met online.
therogersvillereview.com
· 2025-12-20
Tennessee's Department of Commerce & Insurance is warning residents about a surge in holiday scams using sophisticated technology like AI, which state regulators investigated over 8,800 cases of in 2024, resulting in $259 million in fines and restitution. Common scams include romance-based investment schemes ("pig butchering"), deepfake impersonations of celebrities or trusted contacts, and fake AI trading bots designed to steal money from victims. Investors should be skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches—especially those involving new technologies or celebrity endorsements—and verify the legitimacy of any investment opportunity before sending money.
ciso.economictimes.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-20
Scammers in India are increasingly exploiting Telegram's encrypted channels to run fake investment schemes, lottery scams, and job offer frauds, resulting in over ₹1,100 crore in losses during the first half of 2025. The fraudsters use pressure tactics, deepfake videos, and "pig butchering" schemes to build trust before stealing money through fake trading apps and QR code redirects. Users should be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities on Telegram, avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes or downloading apps from private chats, and remember that private channels offer no guarantee of safety.
ksat.com
· 2025-12-19
San Antonio police report a rising tide of scams targeting seniors, with 330 reported crimes against older adults in 2025, though authorities believe many more go unreported due to victims' embarrassment or shame. The most common scam is imposter fraud, where callers pose as law enforcement or government officials and pressure victims to send money via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers—methods that legitimate agencies never use. Experts recommend that seniors slow down before acting on urgent requests, seek education through community awareness programs, and report scams to authorities so patterns can be tracked and others protected.
aol.com
· 2025-12-19
A man met a woman on the dating app Bumble in 2019 and used a fake identity to build her trust, eventually convincing her to send him approximately $272,000 under the pretense of purchasing a Brooklyn home together—money that he allegedly transferred to accounts he controlled with an associate. The 45-year-old suspect, Brandon Dae Up Kiehm, was charged with grand larceny after the scheme was uncovered. To protect yourself from similar romance scams, be cautious about moving money quickly for someone you've only met online, verify property transactions directly with legitimate brokers (not through your romantic interest), and be skeptical of requests to send funds to third parties, especially early in a relationship.
usmagazine.com
· 2025-12-19
# Romance Scam Summary
A New York City man was indicted for stealing approximately $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble in 2019, posing as a Stanford-educated finance professional. Using a fake property auction scheme, he convinced her to send multiple payments totaling over $270,000 to accomplices posing as real estate brokers. To protect yourself: be wary of online dating matches who quickly push financial decisions, verify property transactions directly with official sources rather than through romantic partners, and never send money to people you've only met online, especially for investments or time-sensitive deals.
pix11.com
· 2025-12-19
A 45-year-old man in New York has been charged with stealing $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble in a "romance scam," where he falsely claimed they were buying a home together and convinced her to send money for a property auction that never occurred. This is the suspect's second offense—he was previously convicted of similar scams on Tinder in 2016, targeting at least two other women. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic partners who quickly push for financial involvement, verify any major purchases through official channels independently, and be wary of requests to wire money or send checks to third parties you haven't personally vetted.
kbsi23.com
· 2025-12-19
The St. Louis Consumer Fraud Task Force is warning consumers about scams involving digital payment methods, which have become increasingly popular targets for fraudsters, especially during the holiday shopping season when fake sellers lure buyers with unrealistic discounts and demand payment through apps or online platforms. Unlike credit cards, digital payments offer limited fraud protection and function similarly to handing over cash, making it crucial for consumers to thoroughly research sellers before sending money, particularly when digital-only payment is required. Anyone suspecting they've been scammed should report it to the Better Business Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, or local law enforcement.
wnct.com
· 2025-12-19
Federal agents seized $8.5 million in cryptocurrency linked to "pig butchering" scams, where criminals pose as romantic interests or business contacts to trick victims into depositing money on fake trading platforms that freeze accounts and demand additional "taxes" to withdraw funds. The scammers immediately moved stolen money through multiple cryptocurrency wallets to hide its origins, but the FBI successfully traced and recovered the funds. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited messages from strangers offering investment opportunities, verify that cryptocurrency platforms are legitimate before investing, and never send money to someone you haven't met in person or pay fees to recover lost investments.
governor.hawaii.gov
· 2025-12-19
Hawaii's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is warning consumers about sophisticated holiday scams, with state securities regulators handling over 8,800 investigations in 2024 that recovered $259 million in fines and restitution. Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence and new technologies to execute schemes like "pig butchering" (romance scams combined with fake investments) that exploit people's fear of missing out on trending investments. Consumers should be cautious of unsolicited investment pitches, especially those involving new technologies or platforms that build trust through online relationships, and verify any investment opportunities through official channels before committing money.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-19
Singapore police arrested Nigel Tang, a former superyacht captain, in December 2025 for suspected money laundering connected to Chen Zhi, an alleged Cambodian scam kingpin accused of operating one of Asia's largest fraud networks that stole billions through "pig butchering" scams (where victims are tricked into investing in fake cryptocurrency schemes). Tang, who managed a luxury yacht owned by Chen and was previously sanctioned by the US, is currently out on bail. For general audiences: Be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those involving cryptocurrency or romantic relationships online, and verify any investment opportunity independently before sending money.
cryptorank.io
· 2025-12-19
# Crypto Scam Task Force Summary
Americans lost over $3.6 billion to cryptocurrency scams in the first nine months of 2025, with losses driven primarily by access-control exploits (58%) and phishing attacks (21%), prompting US Senator Jerry Moran to introduce the SAFE Crypto Act to establish a federal task force dedicated to combating these crimes. The task force, which would coordinate efforts across the Treasury Department, Justice Department, and other agencies, operates with no dedicated budget or new investigative powers and serves mainly an advisory role rather than conducting independent operations. To protect yourself, be cautious of phishing attempts and unsolicited investment opportunities—especially romance and "pig-butchering" schemes—and only use reputable exchanges and custodians when dealing with cryptocurrencies.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-19
Thailand's military has reframed its border conflict with Cambodia as a "war on scams," claiming recent bombing strikes target cybercriminal compounds operating in the region alongside military installations. The operation addresses a major Southeast Asian crisis involving transnational scam syndicates that have defrauded billions of dollars through schemes like "pig-butchering" (romance scams) and call-center fraud, which have primarily victimized people worldwide seeking online investments or romance connections. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities or romantic contacts online, verify the identity of people you meet digitally, and never send money to strangers or unfamiliar accounts, especially if pressured to do so quickly.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-18
A 45-year-old man named Brandon Kiehm met a woman on the dating app Bumble in 2019, posed as a finance professional, and over the course of about a year convinced her to send nearly $300,000 in cash under the pretense of purchasing a Brooklyn home together—money that he actually stole for himself. The woman, who lived with Kiehm and believed they were in a serious relationship, sent multiple payments totaling over $270,000 after he falsely claimed to be bidding on a property at auction and needed funds to secure their position. To protect yourself from romance scams, verify personal details independently, be wary of requests for money from romantic partners you haven't met in person for extended periods, and never send funds for major purchases like real estate without consulting a trusted financial advisor or attorney.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-18
Hawaii officials are warning residents about a surge in holiday scams powered by artificial intelligence and technology, including deepfake voice impersonations of trusted friends, fake investment schemes, and fraudulent trading bots that promise guaranteed returns. According to state regulators, scammers are exploiting people's fear of missing out on tech investments and using AI-generated videos and cloned voices to steal money, with tactics ranging from romance scams to fake cryptocurrency and stock offerings. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment pitches, verify requests for money by contacting friends or institutions directly through known channels, and avoid platforms promising guaranteed returns, especially those using AI or cryptocurrency.
rte.ie
· 2025-12-18
Banks are warning of a significant rise in "smishing" scams—fraudulent text messages impersonating banks, delivery services, or government agencies—which accounted for 57% of reported fraud incidents at AIB this year, particularly affecting busy people during the holiday season. Customers are advised to never click links or call numbers from unsolicited texts, always verify contact through trusted sources, and be especially cautious of "safe account" scams where criminals pose as bank staff asking people to transfer funds for security reasons. Additional threats include investment scams promising unrealistic returns, and the key protection is to stay vigilant, hang up on suspicious callers immediately, and seek independent financial advice before any investment.
manhattanda.org
· 2025-12-18
# Romance Scam Summary
A 45-year-old man in Manhattan was indicted for stealing approximately $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble by posing as a finance professional and convincing her they were buying a home together. Brandon Kiehm used fake identities, forged documents, and elaborate lies about property auctions to repeatedly extract money from the victim between 2020 and 2021. The Manhattan District Attorney warns that romance scams are increasingly common and urges anyone who may be a victim to contact their office at 212-335-8900; people should be cautious when meeting partners online and verify financial transactions independently rather than relying solely on what a romantic partner tells them.
wired.com
· 2025-12-18
A Chinese AI face-swapping app called Haotian has generated millions of dollars by selling its technology to scammers who use realistic deepfake videos to impersonate romantic interests, friends, or investment advisors in elaborate fraud schemes known as "pig butchering" scams, primarily targeting victims in Southeast Asia. The app's highly realistic results—customizable with up to 50 facial features—allow scammers to conduct convincing video chats that make their deceptions appear legitimate, with research showing the platform has received at least $3.9 million in cryptocurrency payments, much of it linked to criminal activity. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious about video calls with people you've only met online, especially in romantic or investment contexts, and verify identities through multiple independent channels before sending money or sharing personal information.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-18
# Romance Scam Summary
A 45-year-old serial romance scammer named Brandon Kiehm was arrested for stealing nearly $300,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble by posing as a Stanford-educated financial professional and convincing her the money was for a Brooklyn home purchase. This is Kiehm's second major romance scam conviction—he previously defrauded multiple dating app users of $50,000 in 2015-2016 by fabricating stories about needing money for cancer treatment. To protect yourself, be wary of online dating matches who quickly move toward financial requests, use video calls to verify identities, and never wire money or send cashier's checks to people you haven't met in person or for property purchases without independent verification.
fox5ny.com
· 2025-12-18
A Manhattan man was charged with grand larceny after allegedly stealing $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble by posing as a Stanford-educated finance professional and convincing her they were buying a home together. Over the course of about a year, he exploited her trust by requesting multiple wire transfers totaling tens of thousands of dollars under the pretense of securing a Brooklyn property auction, claiming additional funds were needed as bids progressed. To protect yourself, be cautious of individuals you meet online who quickly move into serious financial discussions, verify identities independently, and never wire money to people you haven't met in person or whose credentials you haven't verified through official channels.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-18
A 45-year-old man named Brandon Kiehm was charged with stealing $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble in a "romance scam." Kiehm fabricated a fake home purchase, convincing his girlfriend to send him money for down payments and wire transfers over several years before she discovered his real identity and learned the property auction never happened. To protect yourself: verify the identities of people you meet online, be cautious of requests for money from romantic partners—especially for large sums or investments—and independently confirm major financial claims through official sources before sending any funds.
blackchronicle.com
· 2025-12-18
Florida authorities seized $1.5 million in cryptocurrency from a Chinese national involved in an internet investment scam that defrauded a Citrus County resident of $47,421. The case, investigated by the state's Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit, resulted in charges of money laundering, grand theft, and organized fraud scheme against Tu Weizhi. To protect yourself, report suspected investment scams immediately to local law enforcement, be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities online, and remember that legitimate investments never pressure you or guarantee unrealistic returns.
businesstimes.com.sg
· 2025-12-18
Thailand's military has reframed its ongoing border conflict with Cambodia as a "war against scammers," claiming recent bombing runs target cybercriminal facilities allegedly operated by Cambodian troops that have defrauded billions globally through schemes like pig-butchering (romance/investment scams) and call-center operations. The conflict has killed dozens and displaced half a million people, with Thailand now stating it has neutralized at least six scam compounds, including sites previously sanctioned by the U.S. government. While authorities in multiple countries are cracking down on these transnational crime syndicates, the general public should remain vigilant against unsolicited contact from romantic interests or investment opportunities, especially those involving cryptocurrency or requests for money.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-17
Throughout 2025, Hawaii residents fell victim to increasingly sophisticated scams, including phone impersonations of police officers and sheriffs who falsely claimed victims had legal issues and demanded payment via gift cards or other methods. Law enforcement agencies warned the public that legitimate police officers never request payments over the phone and urged residents to be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from authorities. To protect yourself, hang up on unexpected calls from law enforcement, independently verify any legal claims by contacting your local police department directly, and never purchase gift cards or send money in response to phone calls.
savingadvice.com
· 2025-12-17
A sophisticated phone fraud wave is targeting older adults, particularly during winter when seniors spend more time indoors and rely heavily on phone communication. Scammers are using spoofed local phone numbers and impersonating government agencies (Medicare, IRS, Social Security) or medical providers to manipulate seniors into sharing personal information or sending money through high-pressure tactics. Experts advise older adults to remain skeptical of unexpected calls, verify caller identity independently by hanging up and calling official numbers directly, and never provide personal or financial information over the phone.
adn.com
· 2025-12-17
Scammers posing as government officials and law enforcement are targeting Alaskans with calls demanding payment for missed jury duty or arrest warrants, causing losses exceeding $1.3 million in 2024—more than five times the previous year. To protect yourself, never provide personal information or make payments to callers claiming to be officials, and report suspicious calls immediately to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and your bank, as early reporting may allow funds to be recovered. The scammers use caller ID spoofing, personalized details, and intimidation tactics to appear legitimate, so staying calm and verifying through official channels is crucial.
pbs.org
· 2025-12-17
Myanmar's military has declared a "zero tolerance" policy for cyberscams and launched high-profile raids on KK Park, a major scam compound, but evidence suggests the crackdown may be largely symbolic. Thousands of displaced scam workers are simply relocating to other operations within Myanmar and abroad, with at least 30 scam compounds still operating along the Thai border and continuing to use services like Starlink despite claimed shutdowns. To meaningfully combat this lucrative criminal industry, experts warn that authorities must arrest the crime syndicates' leaders, seize their assets, and jail them—not just destroy buildings.
franklincountytimes.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Scam Alert Summary
As the holidays approach, scammers are intensifying their efforts to steal money from unsuspecting victims, with Franklin County already reporting cases costing residents thousands of dollars. Common holiday scams include debt relief schemes that extract multiple payments, romance scams requesting money for emergencies, fake deputy calls claiming unpaid fines, and fraudulent online shopping websites. To protect yourself, hang up on suspicious calls and contact local law enforcement immediately, be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, and shop only on verified websites.
beyer.house.gov
· 2025-12-17
# Scam Alert Summary
American consumers lost an estimated $10 billion last year to scams originating from Southeast Asian compounds that exploit U.S. technology platforms to target victims, prompting bipartisan Congressional leaders to request that federal agencies improve their coordination and efforts to disrupt these fraud networks. Members of Congress from both parties have asked the Department of Justice, Homeland Security, Treasury, State Department, and Federal Trade Commission to detail their current strategies and private sector partnerships to combat these overseas scam operations. Consumers should remain especially vigilant about travel scams during the holiday season and consider verifying unexpected offers through official channels before sharing personal information or money.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Travel Scams Warning
As millions of Americans prepare for holiday travel, lawmakers are warning of a surge in travel fraud scams—including fake websites, phony airline and hotel impersonations, and counterfeit bookings—that cost consumers $274 million in 2024 and contributed to $1 trillion in global online travel fraud losses. Criminals are increasingly impersonating legitimate travel platforms to trick travelers into paying for fake trips or accommodations that don't match their online listings. To protect yourself, verify websites directly by typing URLs into your browser rather than clicking links, book only through official airline and hotel websites, and be cautious of unsolicited travel offers on social media or email.
cryptorank.io
· 2025-12-17
A Bitcoin adviser warns of rising "pig butchering" scams—where fraudsters build trust with victims before convincing them to send cryptocurrency to fake trading accounts—after one of his clients lost their entire Bitcoin holdings to such a scheme. These social engineering scams are proving difficult to prevent even when victims use security measures like multi-signature wallets, as scammers manipulate people into voluntarily transferring their funds. Crypto holders should be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities and remember that legitimate investments don't promise unrealistic returns like doubling your money.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-17
# Crypto Scams Cause Million-Dollar Losses in Austin
Austin residents have lost nearly $4 million to cryptocurrency scams in 2025 alone, with less than $90,000 recovered, according to police investigators—a problem that's part of a broader global trend. Scammers typically contact victims by phone, text, or email claiming their accounts have been hacked, then pressure them to deposit cash into cryptocurrency ATMs where the money is converted and sent to overseas criminals, making recovery nearly impossible. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contacts about your crypto accounts, verify requests through official channels before taking action, and remember that legitimate institutions will never ask you to move funds to crypto ATMs.
news.shib.io
· 2025-12-17
A Bitcoin investor lost his entire retirement savings of 1 BTC in an AI-powered "pig butchering" scam after being approached by someone posing as both a trader and romantic interest who promised to double his investment. Originally reported by The Shib Daily, the scam exploited emotional manipulation tactics typical of pig butchering schemes, which lure victims through fake romantic relationships and investment promises before stealing their funds. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited investment offers from strangers online, never send cryptocurrency to people you haven't verified through trusted channels, and remember that legitimate traders won't pressure you through romantic appeals or promise guaranteed returns.
tradingview.com
· 2025-12-17
During the holiday season, cryptocurrency users face increased scam risks as cybercriminals exploit increased online activity, heightened emotions, and distraction to trick people into fraudulent schemes like phishing emails, fake wallet apps, and bogus investment opportunities. Crypto users are particularly vulnerable because cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, making it difficult or impossible to recover stolen funds. To stay protected, users should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify wallet addresses carefully, and take time to authenticate requests before conducting any crypto transactions, especially during busy holiday periods.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-16
According to a recent Federal Trade Commission report, Americans over 60 lost $2.4 billion to scams in 2024—a 400% increase since 2020—with investment scams, imposter scams, and romance scams being the most common types, primarily spread through social media. Seniors are particularly vulnerable because they often have accumulated savings and may experience age-related brain changes that reduce their ability to detect risk and read social cues. To protect yourself, thoroughly investigate any investment opportunity through the Securities and Exchange Commission before committing money, and be cautious of unsolicited contact on social media.
seattlered.com
· 2025-12-16
# Scam Losses Among Older Americans Surge Dramatically
Reported fraud losses for Americans aged 60 and older have skyrocketed to $2.4 billion in 2024—nearly four times higher than the $600 million reported in 2020—with the FTC estimating the actual total damage could exceed $81 billion. Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors through social media platforms with cryptocurrency investment scams and romance schemes, while also impersonating authority figures like law enforcement and banks to pressure victims into transferring large sums of money. To protect yourself, watch for common warning signs: unexpected contact from unknown people, emotional appeals designed to upset you, and artificial pressure to act quickly without thinking.
countryherald.com
· 2025-12-16
# Romance Scams on the Rise in Berkeley County
Scammers are increasingly using dating apps and social media to prey on people by posing as romantic interests, building emotional connections quickly before requesting money, gift cards, or personal financial information under false pretenses like emergencies or investments. Residents in Berkeley County, South Carolina, are being warned to watch for red flags such as vague personal stories, refusal to video chat, pressure to keep relationships secret, and urgent requests for money. To protect themselves, people should never send money or gift cards to online-only contacts, verify identities independently, and report suspicious activity immediately to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.
thesun.co.uk
· 2025-12-16
Nigel Baker, a 56-year-old man convicted of Britain's largest romance fraud case, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for conning five single mothers out of £1 million. Baker met his victims on dating apps and manipulated them into taking out loans and selling their homes by posing as an online bookie, falsely claiming he could invest their money risk-free in a betting "business" when he actually used the funds for his own gambling addiction. Anyone using dating apps should be cautious of requests for money or financial investments, verify claims about potential partners' careers independently, and remember that genuine romantic partners won't pressure you for large sums or ask you to take on debt.
fdic.gov
· 2025-12-16
During the busy holiday shopping season, identity theft and scams increase significantly, making December's National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month an important reminder for consumers to protect themselves. The FDIC offers free Money Smart educational resources that teach people how to recognize phishing attempts, protect personal financial information, and take action if they become victims—including steps like reviewing credit reports and freezing credit, with specialized guidance available for older adults who are frequently targeted by scams. Consumers can access these tools at FDIC.gov/MoneySmart, while educators and community groups can use the materials to conduct local workshops and help people stay vigilant throughout the year.
okmagazine.com
· 2025-12-16
During the holiday season, when scams spike, many fraud victims are discovering that their stolen funds may be recoverable through professional recovery services rather than accepting their loss in silence. Common scams include cryptocurrency fraud, romance schemes, and fake charities, which prey on people's heightened emotions and vulnerability between November and January. Victims should overcome shame and embarrassment by seeking help from legitimate recovery specialists who use forensic analysis and legal action to trace stolen assets, as experts emphasize that recovery attempts are constructive steps rather than admissions of defeat.
malwarebytes.com
· 2025-12-16
"Pig butchering" is a sophisticated online investment scam that has stolen over $6.5 billion in 2024 alone, affecting people of all ages globally by starting with seemingly innocent messages on social media or text, then building false trust over months before luring victims into fake cryptocurrency investment schemes. Scammers use emotional manipulation to gain confidence, eventually convincing victims to deposit money into fraudulent investment accounts that appear to show growing returns while the money actually goes directly to the criminals. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited messages from strangers, never invest based on advice from people you've only met online, and verify investment opportunities through official channels before sending any money.
kxan.com
· 2025-12-16
Cryptocurrency scams are causing millions in losses to Austin residents in 2025, with victims losing nearly $4 million while only about $90,000 has been recovered, according to local law enforcement. Scammers typically initiate contact via phone, text, or email claiming the victim's accounts have been compromised, then trick them into depositing cash into cryptocurrency ATMs where the money is converted to digital currency and sent to overseas criminals—making recovery nearly impossible. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact about your crypto accounts and never deposit money into a crypto ATM based on instructions from someone claiming to help secure your funds.
cxodigitalpulse.com
· 2025-12-16
Telegram scams are surging in India, with fraudsters using the platform's encrypted channels to promote fake investment schemes, lottery wins, and job offers that have cost Indians over ₹1,100 crore in the first half of 2025 alone. Scammers typically start by flooding public channels with promises of quick profits, then move victims to private chats where they use deepfakes and psychological pressure to extract money through UPI payments or malware-infected apps. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches on Telegram, never share personal details with unknown contacts, and avoid clicking links or downloading files from untrusted sources.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-15
# Fraud Losses Among Older Americans Surge to Billions
Older Americans lost an estimated $2.4 billion to financial fraud in 2024, with the FTC warning the true figure could be as high as $81.5 billion when accounting for underreporting—a dramatic four-fold increase from 2020 losses. The surge is being driven by large-scale scams where victims lose over $100,000, and scammers are increasingly using social media as their primary tool to target seniors. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited offers on social media, verify requests for money through independent contact with known institutions, and report suspected fraud to the FTC immediately.
blackenterprise.com
· 2025-12-15
# Senior Fraud Alert: 2024 Losses Hit Billions
Seniors lost billions of dollars to fraud in 2024, with people over 80 reporting median losses of $1,600 each, according to FTC data showing that older Americans are disproportionately targeted by investment scams, business impersonators, government imposters, and romance scams—often initiated through social media. To protect yourself, authorities recommend becoming familiar with common scams, ignoring suspicious calls and messages, and reporting fraud to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Free resources like the AARP Fraud Watch Network helpline are also available to help identify and avoid scams.
asaaseradio.com
· 2025-12-15
Cybercrime in Ghana has become increasingly sophisticated and organized, with criminal syndicates using artificial intelligence to create convincing fake identities for romance scams that primarily target lonely, elderly, and retired individuals. Victims often don't report these crimes due to shame or embarrassment about sensitive personal information they've shared with scammers. Experts advise treating all online fraud as organized crime rather than isolated incidents, and urge potential victims—especially seniors—to be skeptical of online romantic advances, verify identities through multiple means, and report suspicious activity despite any embarrassment.
times-herald.com
· 2025-12-15
Detective Sgt. Steve McCook of the Newnan Police Department warned the Kiwanis Club that scams have become increasingly sophisticated and can target anyone regardless of intelligence or education, using emotional manipulation and fear tactics like fake arrest warrants and romance scams to pressure victims into paying with gift cards or cryptocurrency. The detective emphasized that victims can protect themselves by remembering they control the conversation—they can always hang up and call police immediately if something feels suspicious. Key actionable advice: never pay fines or fees over the phone or with gift cards, as legitimate law enforcement will never demand payment this way, and always verify requests by independently calling official authorities.