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wmur.com
· 2025-12-08
New Hampshire authorities warn of quit claim deed fraud, where scammers forge property ownership documents and record them without the owner's knowledge, potentially allowing them to sell, mortgage, or rent the property before detection. Between 2019 and 2023, 239 New Hampshire residents lost $4.1 million to this scheme, with scammers targeting vacant lots, properties with liens, and out-of-state owners using fake IDs in remote closings. The Attorney General's Office recommends victims set up property address alerts, monitor real estate listings, check social media, inspect their property regularly, and contact title insurance professionals, with reporting available through the Consumer Protection Hotline.
utoday.nl
· 2025-12-08
Two Erasmus students from Poland were scammed out of €1,650 (€1,000 deposit plus €650 rent) by a fraudster posing as "Michael Venema" who advertised a furnished flat in Enschede on Facebook. The scammer used professional-looking virtual tours, WhatsApp communication, fake rental contracts with forged legal representative details, and pressure tactics to convince the students to transfer money via Revolut to a Bunq account likely registered under a "strawman" name, leaving the students stranded without accommodation on their arrival. Local police indicated the investigation prospects were poor and suggested the victims pursue the matter themselves rather than conducting an
wcpo.com
· 2025-12-08
Online scammers are increasingly targeting pet lovers with fraudulent adoption listings, particularly for high-demand Maine Coon cats and purebred puppies, using fake breeder profiles on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and requesting payment through untraceable methods such as gift cards. One potential victim, Kathy Pierce, nearly paid $500 to a scammer before becoming suspicious when the seller refused a cashier's check and demanded gift card payment instead. Experts advise meeting breeders and animals in person, requesting live video verification if meeting is impossible, being wary of prices significantly below market value (legitimate Maine Coons cost $1,000+), and using local resources like shelters and veterin
tv20detroit.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting pet lovers online with fake adoption listings for Maine Coon cats and purebred puppies, often using Facebook and other platforms to solicit upfront fees and demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers. One woman nearly lost $500 to a scammer posing as a breeder before becoming suspicious when the seller refused a cashier's check. The ASPCA recommends purchasing pets through local shelters or veterinarians, meeting breeders in person, and being wary of red flags such as refusal to video call, prices significantly below market value (legitimate Maine Coons cost $1,000+), and requests for additional fees.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 92-year-old man in Sun City Center, Florida, lost $800,000 in a romance and bank scam orchestrated by Otiz Swinton Jr., a 37-year-old who was incarcerated at the time and had previously been convicted seven years earlier of stealing over $1 million from more than 50 seniors. The victim, isolated in an assisted living facility, was targeted beginning in June 2022, with funds transferred through cryptocurrency, peer-to-peer platforms, counterfeit checks, and ATM withdrawals between March and April of the scam year.
koreaherald.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the FTC reported that U.S. consumers lost $1.14 billion to romance scams, more than double the losses from 2021. Scammers impersonate celebrities and romantic interests to manipulate isolated or lonely victims, gradually building trust before requesting money for travel, legal fees, or "meet and greet" events, often extracting personal information and hundreds of thousands of dollars from individual victims. These scams exploit common human vulnerabilities and are particularly effective because scammers use personalized messages, fabricated photos, and carefully crafted scripts to convince victims they have special relationships with their targets.
expressvpn.com
· 2025-12-08
The Nigerian prince scam (also called a 419 scam) is an advance-fee fraud where scammers pose as foreign royalty or wealthy individuals and convince victims to pay upfront "processing fees" or "taxes" for access to promised large sums of money. Originating from 19th-century Spanish prisoner schemes and proliferating via email in the 1990s, the scam continues to victimize people daily despite widespread awareness, sometimes escalating to using victims as money mules for stolen funds. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact from strangers claiming to need financial help, verify identities through official channels, never send money upfront, and avoi
wisbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment and cryptocurrency scams remain the riskiest threat for adults 55+, followed by online purchase scams and romance scams for specific age groups, according to the BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report. The article provides practical prevention strategies including: avoiding unsolicited callers (especially those claiming to be government agents or bank employees), recognizing red flags like pressure to act or unusual payment requests, hiring only licensed contractors through verified sources, remaining alert to emergency/grandchild scams, and hanging up on calls about "free" medical equipment or government impersonations. Key advice emphasizes registering with the National Do-Not-Call Registry, verifying unexpected claims through official sources, and maintaining healthy
afp.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
From January 2024 to January 2025, Australian authorities received 150 reports of cryptocurrency ATM scams resulting in $3.1 million in losses, with an average loss of $20,000 per victim; however, officials warn this likely represents significant under-reporting, as approximately $275 million moves through crypto ATMs annually in Australia. The victims were predominantly women (68%) and people over 51 years old (48%), who were targeted through investment scams, extortion emails, and romance scams that pressured them to deposit cash into crypto ATMs. Australian authorities are implementing educational campaigns near crypto ATMs to warn the public about common warning signs, including unsolicited deposit
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals have evolved phishing tactics to create sophisticated subscription scam campaigns, with over 200 convincing fake online stores promoting products via Facebook ads to trick users into recurring credit card charges. These scams use tactics like mystery boxes, hidden fine print subscription terms, and layered add-ons (loyalty programs, VIP memberships) to confuse victims, with many sites traced back to a single Cyprus address linked to offshore entities. The fraudsters continuously rotate brands and product types—from counterfeit goods to fake supplements and investment schemes—while employing evasion techniques like rotating ad versions and image swaps to avoid detection.
lycoming.crimewatchpa.com
· 2025-12-08
Williamsport Police warned residents of a text message scam impersonating the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles, claiming enforcement penalties would begin on May 31 and directing victims to click a link to pay outstanding traffic tickets. The PA DMV does not contact individuals via text to request payment, and clicking such links can compromise personal and financial information. Residents are advised to independently verify the legitimacy of suspicious communications before providing information or clicking links.
news.blueshieldca.com
· 2025-12-08
Blue Shield of California launched educational initiatives during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week to combat rising healthcare fraud targeting seniors, noting that the U.S. Department of Justice charged 193 individuals in 2024 for schemes involving over $2.75 billion in false claims. The health plan highlighted prevalent scams including unsolicited medical supplies, impersonation schemes, phantom billing, and AI-driven fraud, and encouraged members to review statements carefully, protect personal information, and report suspicious activity to their health plan's Special Investigations Unit.
northjersey.com
· 2025-12-08
Police across multiple states including Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey are warning of a DMV text scam impersonating the Department of Motor Vehicles and threatening to suspend vehicle registration unless victims click malicious links to pay alleged fines immediately. The scam is designed to steal personal and financial information by creating panic and urgency. Authorities recommend not clicking links or responding to such messages, instead reporting them to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, contacting your state DMV directly through official channels, and forwarding suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) to help wireless providers block similar messages.
wdbj7.com
· 2025-12-08
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles warned customers about a text scam in which fraudsters impersonate the DMV and falsely claim money is owed for unpaid fines, directing recipients to click links that steal personal information. The DMV emphasized it never sends text messages demanding payment and advised customers to verify communications through official channels, avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts, and report suspicious messages to authorities or the FTC.
wtvr.com
· 2025-12-08
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles warned residents of a text message scam in which fraudsters impersonating the DMV demand payment for fines and threaten license suspension, with links designed to steal personal information. The DMV emphasized it never sends unsolicited text messages requesting payment and advised residents to report and delete suspicious messages using their phone's junk reporting feature.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Blue Shield of California launched a Medicare Fraud Prevention Week campaign alerting seniors to common scams including unsolicited medical supplies, phantom billing, impersonation schemes, and AI-driven fraud, noting that the U.S. Department of Justice charged 193 individuals in 2024 for healthcare fraud involving over $2.75 billion in false claims. The health plan established a Special Investigations Unit and online reporting portal to detect fraud, and encourages members to review statements carefully, protect personal information, and report suspicious activity through their fraud hotline at (855) 331-4894.
whyy.org
· 2025-12-08
A Delaware woman lost $701,529 in gold bars between August 2023 and February 2024 after scammers posing as federal agents claimed her identity had been stolen and she was under investigation; they told her the Treasury would safeguard gold bars she purchased to resolve the matter. When authorities caught the scheme, they arrested Rakeshkumar Patel, an Indian national illegally residing in New York, who pleaded guilty after attempting to collect an additional $300,000 in gold in May 2024. The scam was part of a larger fraud operation targeting older affluent adults across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, with a combined loss of $2.1
tampafp.com
· 2025-12-08
Florida law enforcement launched a coordinated crackdown on scams perpetrated by incarcerated individuals using contraband technology to defraud seniors. Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that recent correctional facility inspections confiscated "dozens and dozens of devices" and revealed victims have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars, including one 92-year-old who lost over $800,000 over two years. Law enforcement urged seniors to monitor their finances closely and avoid trusting unsolicited callers, while pledging to work with the Department of Corrections to prevent criminal activity from continuing behind bars.
wvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Taylor County Senior Citizens Center is promoting Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 5) to educate seniors on detecting and preventing Medicare fraud, which costs the program an estimated $60 billion annually. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) provides free resources and guidance to help beneficiaries, caregivers, and families protect themselves through monitoring insurance statements, safeguarding Medicare numbers, and reporting suspicious activity. Community members are encouraged to watch for warning signs among elderly neighbors and contact the center at 304-265-4555 for more information and educational materials.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
Moving scams are on the rise, with consumers reporting a median loss of $754 to the Better Business Bureau in 2024, with common schemes including no-shows, unexpected price increases, stolen items, and belongings held hostage for additional fees. The BBB recommends protecting yourself by thoroughly researching moving companies, verifying their registration and insurance, getting all agreements in writing, and maintaining an inventory of belongings before hiring movers.
hccommunityjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
A Kerrville Police Department sergeant conducted an internet safety presentation outlining major threats including identity theft, phishing, and romance/grandchild scams, which criminals use to steal sensitive information and money from victims. Key safety recommendations include verifying secure websites (https and lock icons), using strong passwords, enabling stricter social media settings, installing malware protection, and never responding to unsolicited requests for personal information from official agencies.
whec.com
· 2025-12-08
New York State Police warned of a phone scam in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or government officials, using spoofing technology to make calls appear legitimate while demanding Social Security numbers and personal information under threats of arrest. State Police clarified that legitimate agencies never request sensitive information or threaten legal action by phone.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Las Vegas police arrested 12 people involved in a $3 million courier scam that defrauded 24 victims who were tricked by fake security alerts into handing cash to fraudsters posing as couriers. Victims received spoofed emails, texts, or pop-ups mimicking banks or tech companies, convincing them their accounts or computers were compromised, then directed to give large sums to fake "security couriers" for safekeeping. Police urge additional victims to come forward immediately and recommend victims file reports with law enforcement and the FTC, freeze credit, update passwords, and monitor accounts.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
A cybercriminal group called Scattered Spider conducted social engineering attacks on multiple major companies, including Marks & Spencer, MGM Casinos, Coinbase, and others, by impersonating employees and tricking workers into revealing passwords and access credentials. The M&S breach resulted in up to $403 million in operating profit losses and $807 million in market value erosion, while a Coinbase attack could cost approximately $400 million. The gang targets companies in the same sector over several-week periods and is motivated by both financial gain and media attention.
hometownstations.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Ohio's Division of Securities received 302 scam and fraud complaints from older residents, a 22% increase from 2023, with potential losses exceeding $60 million statewide. Most scams involved unknown individuals contacting seniors via email or text about cryptocurrency or compromised bank accounts, with warning signs including unexplained financial changes, new account additions, and uncharacteristic money transfers. Authorities recommend having conversations with seniors about red flags like urgency and secrecy, researching suspicious contacts independently, and reporting suspected exploitation to local law enforcement, the Division of Securities, or Adult Protective Services.
mauinow.com
· 2025-12-08
Hawai'i's Senior Medicare Patrol is promoting Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 1-7) to educate residents on identifying and reporting fraud, which costs the U.S. over $60 billion annually and threatens seniors' access to critical services. The program offers free counseling, presentations, and resources to help Medicare beneficiaries protect their information, recognize billing errors, and report suspicious activity, with particular emphasis on guarding against increasingly sophisticated scams targeting Hawai'i's elderly population. Residents can contact SMP Hawai'i at 1-800-296-9422 or attend a free webinar on June 7 to learn prevention strategies.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP's Fraud Watch Network is a free resource offering scam prevention education, fraud specialist guidance for targeted individuals, and advocacy for consumer protection at multiple government levels. The organization provides a helpline (877-908-3360), biweekly newsletters, community scam alerts, and a weekly podcast called "The Perfect Scam" featuring victim stories; notably, veterans and active-duty service members face nearly 40% higher risk of financial fraud than civilians.
10tv.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers have been targeting Ohio small business owners with PPP loans by impersonating bank personnel and using spoofed caller IDs to trick victims into revealing online banking credentials and security codes, allowing fraudsters to access and drain their accounts. The Ohio Department of Commerce warns consumers to independently verify any unsolicited calls claiming to be from their bank by calling their bank directly through a published number, and recommends strengthening security with strong passwords and multifactor authentication.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Newtown Township residents were scammed out of approximately $7,000 over a three-day period in late May through two separate gift card fraud schemes: one victim lost $3,500 after receiving a fraudulent call claiming their YouTube TV account would be canceled, and another victim lost $3,500 after receiving a phishing email about a Netflix billing increase. Police also warned residents of a circulating text message scam impersonating the Pennsylvania Court system demanding payment for alleged traffic violations, and reminded the public that legitimate businesses and government agencies never request payment via gift cards or electronic transfers.
vertikal.net
· 2025-12-08
A fraudulent email scam impersonating UK contractor Balfour Beatty circulated within the lifting and access industry, requesting suppliers register as vendors and submit profiles to a fake email address (balfourbeatty-procurements[.]com). This incident follows a similar March 2025 fraud targeting Haulotte UK involving fake company impersonation, fraudulent documentation, and equipment theft, prompting industry suppliers to implement stronger verification procedures for vendor inquiries.
lancs.live
· 2025-12-08
Between 2022 and 2025, online romance scammers defrauded UK residents of over £271 million across 21,976 reported cases, with Lancashire victims losing £4 million across 554 reports at an average of £7,281 per person. Dating fraud reports increased 17% in 2024/25 to 8,122 cases, with losses reaching £102 million that year, and victims reporting individual losses ranging up to £500,000 or more. Women and transgender individuals suffered disproportionately higher average losses per case despite fewer reports, and the average victim age increased from 47 to 49 years old over the three
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers sent fraudulent text messages to Pennsylvania drivers impersonating the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), claiming recipients had outstanding traffic tickets and threatening vehicle registration suspension and driving privilege revocation for 30 days, with an added threat of a 35% service fee if charges were transferred to toll booths. The messages contained a malicious link (since disabled and flagged) designed to collect payment for fines that do not exist, and multiple recipients reported the scam to local news outlets.
fingerlakes1.com
· 2025-12-08
The New York State Police warned residents about an escalating phone spoofing scam in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement through spoofed caller IDs, threatening legal action or arrest to coerce victims into revealing Social Security numbers and personal information. The scam exploits fear-based tactics and technology that manipulates caller ID displays; authorities emphasize that legitimate law enforcement never demands personal details or threatens arrests by phone. Residents are advised to hang up immediately on suspicious calls, verify caller identity through official agency numbers, and report incidents to the New York State Police.
komonews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are conducting door-to-door solar installation fraud across the U.S., promising "free" systems funded by tax credits and rebates while tricking homeowners into signing complex financing agreements worth tens of thousands of dollars—often without fully understanding the terms. Victims report losses of $30,000 to $85,000+, with many receiving poor-quality installations, defective products, or no solar equipment at all, while contracts with forced arbitration clauses prevent them from seeking legal recourse. Consumers should be wary of aggressive sales tactics, pressure to sign digital contracts quickly, and unverified claims about government programs and tax rebates.
timesfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
A phishing scam uses intimidating phone calls impersonating process servers, debt collectors, or police officers to pressure victims into immediate payment or provide personal information. The scam exploits common fears about legal consequences and debts to manipulate targets into compliance.
ny1.com
· 2025-12-08
New Yorkers have reported receiving scam messages claiming they owe money for unpaid E-ZPass or tolling charges, with such scams increasing after holiday travel periods like Memorial Day weekend. Scam experts note these fraudulent messages exploit the timing of heavy travel to appear more credible to potential victims.
troopers.ny.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
The New York State Police warned of an ongoing phone spoofing scam in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or government officials to extract sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers from victims, often threatening arrest or legal action. Legitimate government agencies never demand personal information or threaten consequences over the phone; recipients should hang up immediately, avoid sharing any data, and verify calls by contacting agencies directly using trusted numbers.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Kentucky family is advocating for stronger protections against "sextortion" scams, in which perpetrators threaten to release intimate images unless victims pay money, after their son's death. The FBI reports that at least 20 teenagers in the U.S. have died by suicide as a result of sextortion schemes since 2021. A new law signed by President Trump aims to help combat these online scams and prevent further tragedies.
bonobology.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational article about senior-friendly dating platforms, not a fraud case. The article reviews eight dating sites designed for people over 50, with OurTime ranked as the top choice for its age-restricted membership (50+ only), local event features, and user-friendly interface. The piece emphasizes safety features and provides pricing comparisons, encouraging seniors to explore online dating as a legitimate way to find companionship and romance.
garhwalpost.in
· 2025-12-08
An investigation into a Haridwar Municipal Corporation land deal worth Rs 54 crores found significant irregularities, including illegal land use conversion from agricultural to commercial within just 20 days, bypassing mandatory committees and procedures, and price inflation from approximately Rs 15 crore to Rs 54 crore. IAS officer Ranveer Singh Chauhan's report named three senior officials—Haridwar DM Karmendra Singh, then Municipal Administrator Varun Chaudhary, and SDM Ajayveer Singh—as culpable for violating government norms and recommended disciplinary action. The government now faces pressure to act on the findings, as
limerickleader.ie
· 2025-12-08
AIB has issued a warning to Irish customers about an ongoing threat of text message and phone call fraud, with reports of people being scammed through impersonation of legitimate institutions. The bank's Financial Crime Prevention team advised customers to avoid clicking suspicious links, never share login details or PINs, and to hang up and call back on trusted numbers if receiving unexpected calls. AIB encourages victims to report fraud through their website security center or contact their 24/7 fraud support line.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
A 46-year-old MBA graduate in India lost ₹11 crore (approximately $1.3 million USD) over three months in a sophisticated online job scam, reported as one of India's largest cyber frauds. Fraudsters created a fake website impersonating an international consultancy firm and convinced the victim he was hired for an executive position, then extracted money through fake onboarding fees, documentation charges, and purported investment plans before disappearing with funds transferred to crypto wallets and offshore accounts. Authorities suspect this may be part of a larger fraud operation and are urging the public to verify online job offers and avoid upfront payments.
commercialappeal.com
· 2025-12-08
The "Mystery Shopper" scam is resurfacing, targeting job seekers with offers to earn hundreds of dollars weekly by evaluating retail experiences. Victims receive official-looking checks and are instructed to purchase money cards, photograph them, and send the images to scammers, who then drain the funds after the check bounces, leaving victims thousands of dollars in loss. The BBB and FTC advise avoiding job offers promising high guaranteed pay, requiring upfront payments, or involving depositing checks and sending money elsewhere, and recommend researching companies online and consulting trusted contacts before accepting any job offer.
news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania residents are receiving scam text messages impersonating state agencies including the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, Department of Motor Vehicles, and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, claiming outstanding traffic tickets or toll fees require immediate payment via links or gift cards. The scammers threaten fictitious penalties such as license suspension, criminal prosecution, and credit damage to pressure victims into sending money through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. State authorities advise recipients to ignore suspicious links, never provide personal information, and report such messages to local police or the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office, emphasizing that legitimate state agencies never solicit payment via text message.
6abc.com
· 2025-12-08
Officials in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are warning about a text message scam claiming recipients have unpaid traffic tickets and threatening license suspension or prosecution to pressure victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal information. Both PennDOT and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission clarified they do not send unsolicited texts about driver status. Victims should report suspected scam messages to the FTC or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending text messages falsely claiming to be from PennDOT, threatening license suspension and vehicle registration revocation unless recipients pay outstanding fines immediately. PennDOT officials clarified that the agency does not send text messages about traffic violations or fines, and advised recipients to delete the messages, avoid clicking links, and report them as spam. A key indicator of the scam is that the message falsely references the "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles," a non-existent department in Pennsylvania.
investopedia.com
· 2025-12-08
This article outlines six common scams targeting users of peer-to-peer payment platforms like Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle, including impersonation of trusted contacts, fake "accidental" payments designed to exploit goodwill, fraudulent sellers and buyers using stolen payment methods, fake contest winnings, and impersonation of customer support teams. According to Pew Research, 13% of P2P payment app users have sent money to scammers, affecting millions of users across platforms with 92 million active users on Venmo alone. The key prevention strategies are to verify recipient identity before sending money, report unexpected payments from strangers immediately without cashing out
whio.com
· 2025-12-08
This article explores the legal landscape of scams and fraud, explaining that while scamming is generally illegal, some deceptive practices exist in legal gray areas by technically offering a service or relying on consumer awareness. The article discusses how scammers exploit loopholes—such as with carnival games and deceptive solicitations (like fake domain renewal notices)—by staying vague about their offerings and not explicitly making false promises, allowing them to operate despite feeling fraudulent to consumers. The key takeaway is that scamming tactics are increasingly sophisticated and difficult to distinguish from legitimate services, making consumer vigilance essential.
midislandtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly and the Town of Oyster Bay partnered to host an educational seminar on June 9 aimed at protecting seniors from increasingly prevalent scams by teaching them to identify common fraud tactics, safeguard personal information, and report suspicious activities. The initiative recognizes that seniors face heightened vulnerability to scams due to limited familiarity with technology, loneliness, and other risk factors, and encourages attendees to share the information with family and friends.
newtondailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
Jasper County RSVP is offering a free scam prevention presentation for seniors on June 24, delivered by Aging Resources, to help participants stay informed about evolving fraud tactics. The event is open to RSVP members and all seniors in Jasper County, with registration available by calling 641-792-6433 or emailing Sarah Patterson.