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pcmag.com
# Scam Text Message Protection
Many people receive multiple scam texts daily targeting them with phishing messages about taxes, free gifts, and other schemes. The good news is that enabling your phone's built-in message filtering—available in both iOS and Android—automatically separates texts from unknown senders into a separate folder, making it easy to avoid these scams. Experts recommend staying skeptical of any messages from unfamiliar numbers, never clicking links in suspicious texts, and ignoring offers that don't apply to you, as scammers increasingly use fake "wrong number" tactics and romance schemes to manipulate victims into sending money or joining fraudulent investments.
thesun.co.uk
# Romance Scam Summary
A Canadian romance scammer named Jason Porter, operating under aliases like "Jace Peretti," defrauded a 46-year-old estate agent named Heather Rovet of £150,000 over three years after meeting her posing as a handyman, then systematically manipulating her emotionally and financially. Porter targeted hundreds of women primarily through dating apps using fake identities and a charming, attractive persona, stealing not only money but also sentimental items like jewelry. To protect yourself, be cautious of individuals who quickly move relationships from online apps to in-person meetings, watch for requests for money or access to financial information, and verify the identity of people you meet through dating platforms.
theweek.com
# Pig Butchering Scam Summary
A global fraud scheme called "pig butchering" has cost victims an estimated $75 billion, with criminals sending millions of seemingly innocent text messages and social media messages to establish fake relationships before convincing victims to invest money in fake cryptocurrency schemes or investment funds. The scam disproportionately affects vulnerable people seeking romance or easy financial gains, with some victims losing their entire life savings after months of relationship-building with the scammers. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited messages from strangers—especially those offering investment opportunities or romantic connections—and never send money to someone you haven't met in person, particularly for crypto or investment schemes.
finance.yahoo.com
A San Jose widow named Margaret Loke lost nearly $1 million in a "pig-butchering" scam after meeting someone claiming to be a wealthy businessman on Facebook who built trust with her over months before convincing her to invest in a fake cryptocurrency platform. She only discovered the fraud when she asked ChatGPT whether the investment offer made sense, by which point she had drained her retirement accounts and taken out a $300,000 second mortgage. To protect yourself: be suspicious of romantic connections that quickly shift to investment discussions, never send money to accounts controlled by people you've only met online, and verify investment opportunities through independent research or trusted financial advisors before committing any funds.
fox59.com
Identity theft in the United States has surged dramatically, with victimization rates jumping from 43% to 78% in a single year, while concerns about AI-driven fraud have climbed to 90%, according to Debt.com's latest survey. Children have become particularly vulnerable targets, with 61% of respondents reporting that a child or family member had their identity compromised, up from just 23% the previous year, causing significant financial damage and credit score impacts for affected families. Experts advise consumers to implement stronger protective measures and utilize clearer reporting systems, as fraudsters are now using AI to commit crimes faster than families can respond or prevent them.
en.yna.co.kr
Forty-six suspects have gone on trial in South Korea for their involvement in an international online scam ring operating from Cambodia and Thailand that defrauded over 110 victims of approximately $6.4 million through romance scams, impersonation fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes. The defendants, mostly men in their 20s, were repatriated from Cambodia in October as part of a crackdown that arrested 64 suspects total. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited romantic advances online, never trust callers claiming to be prosecutors requesting payment, and be wary of unsolicited cryptocurrency investment opportunities.
samoaglobalnews.com
# Samoa Scam Alert Summary
The Central Bank of Samoa has warned the public about a dramatic surge in scams throughout 2025, with criminals using social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook to target victims through fake investment opportunities, romance scams, and prize offers. Scammers manipulate victims into becoming "mule accounts" by tricking them into sharing bank details, which are then used to receive and transfer stolen money to overseas accounts—a scheme designed to hide the criminals' identities. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited online offers promising quick money or high returns, never share your bank details with strangers, and report any suspicious activity to your bank or local authorities immediately.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
An elderly woman in Hokkaido, Japan lost approximately 1 million yen ($6,700) to a romance scammer who posed as an astronaut claiming to need money for oxygen while stranded in space. The fraudster spent weeks building emotional trust through social media before making the urgent financial request, exploiting the victim's loneliness and desire for connection. Hokkaido police warn that romance scams are a growing global threat targeting vulnerable seniors, with the FTC reporting over 64,000 Americans lost more than $1 billion to such scams in 2023.
thv11.com
A 70-year-old Port Richey, Florida man lost tens of thousands of dollars to a romance scam involving an AI-generated woman named "Bonnie" who claimed to be in Australia; the scammers, traced to Nigeria, convinced him to take out loans, wire money, and send Bitcoin, leaving him facing a $22,000 bank debt and potential bankruptcy and loss of his home. The victim, a retired firefighter and police officer, is now advocating for other seniors to recognize warning signs, noting that Florida ranks second nationally in elder fraud cases, with only one in five victims reporting the crime.
wionews.com
A Japanese octogenarian living alone was defrauded of approximately $6,700 in a romance scam after meeting a man claiming to be an astronaut on social media who convinced her he needed money for oxygen while stranded in space. The scammer exploited her developing romantic feelings through online communication, ultimately persuading her to send funds to help with a fabricated emergency. Police classified the case as a "romance scam" and urged elderly individuals to be suspicious of cash requests from online contacts and to report such incidents.
cbsnews.com
An elderly woman in Hokkaido, Japan lost approximately 1 million yen ($6,700) to a romance scammer who posed as an astronaut in distress and claimed to need money for oxygen while stranded in space. The woman met the fraudster on social media in July and developed romantic feelings before being deceived into sending the funds. The case highlights the growing threat of romance scams targeting vulnerable populations, particularly elderly individuals in aging societies like Japan.
wtsp.com
A 70-year-old Port Richey, Florida man lost tens of thousands of dollars to a romance scam involving an AI-generated persona named "Bonnie" that originated from Nigeria; the scammer convinced him to take out loans, wire money, and send Bitcoin, leaving him facing a $22,000 bank debt and potential bankruptcy with his home at risk. Cruz, a retired firefighter and police officer, attributed his vulnerability to loneliness after losing all his family members, and now advocates warning other seniors to trust their instincts when something feels wrong. Florida ranks second nationally in elder fraud cases, with only one in five victims reporting the crime and a 40% increase in reports over the past five
yahoo.com
A Caring.com report found that Indiana has the second-highest rate of senior fraud in the nation, with 76.9 complaints per 100,000 residents among people over 60, who collectively lost $4.8 billion to fraud nationally. Indiana experienced a 240% increase in fraud cases against older adults over three years, attributed partly to the state's growing elderly population projected to reach 20.1% by 2030. The report recommends seniors and families guard against pressure tactics, tech support scams (the most common type with over 17,000 cases in 2023), and cryptocurrency fraud schemes.
wltx.com
A 70-year-old Port Richey, Florida man lost approximately $22,000 to a romance scam involving an AI-generated woman named "Bonnie" who claimed to be working in Australia; the scammers were traced to Nigeria and used Facebook messages and videos to build trust before convincing him to take out loans, wire money, and send Bitcoin. Cruz now faces potential bankruptcy and the risk of losing his home as his bank demands repayment, though he is sharing his story to warn other seniors. The case highlights Florida's ranking as the second-highest state for elder fraud in 2023, with only one in five victims reporting such crimes and a 40% increase in reports over the past
eastbaytimes.com
Romance scammers create fake profiles on dating sites and social media with attractive photos and fabricated backgrounds, then build trust through romantic messages and personal connection before requesting money, gift cards, or banking information by claiming emergencies or travel expenses. Victims should be cautious when dating online, avoid sharing personal photos or private information with unmet contacts, and recognize that claims of temporary overseas work or inability to meet in person are common red flags.
motorbiscuit.com
An 80-year-old woman in Hokkaido, Japan lost approximately $6,700 (1 million yen) to a romance scammer who posed as an astronaut claiming to be in space and in need of oxygen. The scammer exploited her emotional connection developed through online communication by fabricating an increasingly implausible story about being under attack on a spaceship and needing money for oxygen. Japanese authorities warn elderly residents to be suspicious of cash demands from social media contacts and to report such incidents to police, particularly given Japan's aging population vulnerability to romance scams.
justice.gov
The Justice Department filed a civil forfeiture complaint against $868,247 in Tether cryptocurrency that was allegedly stolen through investment scams operated by the LME Crypto Group, which impersonated the London Metal Exchange and defrauded at least four victims across DC, Texas, Illinois, and Florida between September 2022 and February 2025. The scheme involved criminals establishing trust through misdirected text messages, then directing victims to fake investment platforms that displayed false profits before locking victims out of their accounts and stealing their funds, with one victim losing $1.3 million and another losing $30,000. The FBI recovered and is forfeiting the laundered cryptocurrency funds that were transferred through
thegeorgiasun.com
Georgia ranks 7th nationally for senior fraud losses, with older residents losing an estimated $1.57 million per 100,000 people in 2024, while seniors across the U.S. reported $4.8 billion in fraud losses total. The most common scams targeting older adults include imposter scams, shopping fraud, and high-stakes crypto and romance schemes, with individual crypto and romance fraud cases averaging over $108,000 in losses. Experts recommend families discuss scams with elderly relatives, watch for pressure tactics and unusual payment requests, and report suspicious activity to protect the state's 1.7 million residents over 60.
zamin.uz
Cyber fraud takes multiple forms with gender-based vulnerability patterns: women are disproportionately targeted by romance scams (54.9% of victims, 75.3% of financial losses), while men over 30 are more susceptible to investment and cryptocurrency fraud schemes. Other prevalent scams include fake online stores, technical support impersonation (which particularly affects older adults), with protection requiring caution against promises of quick profits or online emotional intimacy.
koreatimes.co.kr
South Korea launched a five-month nationwide crackdown on phishing crimes beginning in August, following a 95% year-over-year surge in losses to 799.2 billion won ($575 million) across 16,561 cases in the first seven months of the year. Criminal tactics have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting victims through investment fraud (343.8 billion won in losses), romance scams (70.5 billion won), and fake e-commerce schemes, with perpetrators using mass texts, fake identities, and impersonations to create urgency and steal personal data. The police response includes over 400 officers in newly formed special units across multiple provinces, targeting not only ph
mk.co.kr
Binance collaborated with law enforcement and blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis to freeze approximately $47 million in cryptocurrency proceeds from "Pig Butchering" scams—a fraud scheme where perpetrators build trust with victims through fake investment or romance opportunities before stealing their funds. The funds, held in Tether (USDT), were traced through multiple intermediary addresses concentrating money from dozens of victims before dispersal to five wallets, with Tether implementing a rapid asset freeze to prevent criminal organizations from cashing out.
techcentral.ie
Anthropic reported that its Claude AI tool is being misused for extortion, ransomware attacks, and fraud targeting 17 organizations across healthcare, government, and religious sectors in a single month, with some extortion demands exceeding $500,000. Criminals are leveraging Claude to identify network vulnerabilities, draft personalized extortion messages, and conduct romance scams, while North Korean agents have used the tool to impersonate remote programmers to funnel money to weapons programs. The widespread availability of AI has significantly lowered barriers to cybercrime, enabling individuals to conduct sophisticated attacks that previously required teams of expert hackers.
tomsguide.com
This article is about Netflix's new content releases and does not involve elder fraud, scams affecting seniors, or elder abuse. It is an entertainment preview article covering shows like "Wednesday" season 2 and a boxing match. This content is not relevant to the Elderus elder fraud research database.
insidethemagic.net
A General Hospital fan was defrauded of over $81,000 in cash plus an additional $350,000 from the sale of her family condo by a scammer impersonating actor Steve Burton using AI-generated video messages. The scammer built a romantic relationship with the victim over a year before requesting money, exploiting her mental health vulnerabilities and emotional attachment to the character Burton has played for thirty years. The victim's daughter is now fighting to recover the condo, which was sold to a third party who is demanding an additional $100,000 to return it.
silive.com
Scam text messages originating from China have reached epidemic levels worldwide, using disguises like missed package alerts and unpaid tolls to steal passwords and money through five primary schemes: package delivery fraud, fake job offers, phony fraud alerts, toll payment scams, and romance/investment scams. Apple's new iOS 26 feature addresses the problem by filtering suspected spam messages into a separate folder that blocks links and prevents replies, while the FTC advises consumers to avoid clicking links, replying to unknown texts, and to verify requests through independently confirmed contact information.
ripplesnigeria.com
**Summary:**
Daniel Chima Inweregbu, a 40-year-old Nigerian national, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to operating a romance scam that defrauded multiple American women of over $405,000 between July 2017 and December 2018. Inweregbu and his co-conspirators created fake social media profiles under the alias "Larry Pham" to build romantic relationships with middle-aged female victims, then solicited money under false pretenses and laundered the proceeds through intermediary accounts. He faces up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines upon sentencing in December 2025.
disneydining.com
A devoted General Hospital fan lost her entire life savings totaling $350,000 in a romance scam involving AI-generated videos and messages impersonating actor Steve Burton. Abigail Ruvalcaba was manipulated over more than a year into an emotionally invested fake relationship, eventually selling her family home and transferring the proceeds to the scammer before the fraud was discovered by her daughter. The victim now faces eviction as the property cannot be recovered despite the family's attempts to buy it back from the new owners.
azfreenews.com
A 2024 analysis by the Common Sense Institute projects that Arizona residents will lose over $4 billion to financial fraud in 2025, with reported losses alone estimated at $558 million plus $3.4 billion in unreported incidents—representing a 384 percent increase in reported fraud losses since 2020. Adults 60 and older are disproportionately affected, accounting for two-thirds of internet-based fraud losses, while the average loss per incident in Arizona ($6,270) is 30 percent higher than the national average. The report warns that fraud creates broader economic damage costing the state approximately 45,000 jobs and reducing GDP by $5.2
azfreenews.com
A 2025 analysis by the Common Sense Institute projects that Arizona will lose over $4 billion to financial fraud, with only about 14 percent of cases being reported; in 2024 alone, Arizonans reported nearly 55,000 fraud cases resulting in $521 million in losses. Adults 60 and older are disproportionately affected, accounting for two-thirds of internet-based fraud losses, with the average loss per incident in Arizona ($6,270) nearly 30 percent higher than the national average. The report estimates that fraud-related losses shrink Arizona's GDP by $5.2 billion annually and cost the state over 45,000
azfreenews.com
Arizona residents are projected to lose over $4 billion to financial fraud in 2025, with the average loss per incident at $6,270—nearly 30 percent higher than the national average. Adults 60 and older account for two-thirds of internet-based fraud losses, with those 70 and older suffering the highest average dollar losses, according to a Common Sense Institute analysis. Fraud schemes include identity theft, phishing, romance scams, wire transfer fraud, and elder financial abuse, with experts warning that risks will grow as more commerce moves online.
channelstv.com
Daniel Chima Inweregbu, a 40-year-old Nigerian national, pled guilty on August 21, 2025, to orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded American victims of over $405,000 between July 2017 and December 2018. Inweregbu and his co-conspirators created fake online dating profiles under the alias "Larry Pham" to build romantic relationships with middle-aged women, then requested money under various pretexts and laundered the proceeds through intermediaries. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each of two counts, plus fines and mandatory fees, with sentencing scheduled for December 4,
niagarafallsreview.ca
Sandy Simoncic of Grimsby, Ontario, was placed on probation for her role in an elaborate online romance scam that defrauded a Georgetown woman of $312,000 in early 2023. Simoncic herself was a victim of the same scam ring, losing $50,000 of her own money while transferring over $350,000 in fraudulent funds at the request of a man posing as "Dave Brunner"; she became "wilfully blind" to the suspicious nature of transactions despite bank warnings, eventually losing her home and vehicle. The actual perpetrator who profited from the scheme remains at large and was not charged.
saharareporters.com
Daniel Chima Inweregbu, a 40-year-old Nigerian citizen, pleaded guilty on August 21, 2025, to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering for operating a romance scam that defrauded American women of over $405,000 between July 2017 and December 2018. Using the fake persona "Larry Pham," Inweregbu and his co-conspirators targeted middle-aged female victims on dating sites and social media, cultivating fake romantic relationships to extract money through various pretexts before laundering the proceeds through intermediaries. He faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $
arise.tv
Daniel Chima Inweregbu, a 40-year-old Nigerian man, pleaded guilty to romance scam fraud charges for his role in a scheme that defrauded American citizens of over $405,000 between July 2017 and December 2018. He and his co-conspirators used online platforms to pose as "Larry Pham," building fake romantic relationships with victims before requesting money under false pretenses and laundering the proceeds through intermediaries. Inweregbu faces up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $750,000 total upon sentencing scheduled for December 4, 2025, and this is his second conviction for romance fraud.
ktar.com
Arizona ranks as the fourth most dangerous state for online dating, with a romance scam rate of 14 per 100,000 users—the highest in the nation—according to a Privacy Journal study. The state also reports elevated rates of fraud, identity theft, and STD reports on dating apps, though it ranks sixth in registered sex offender numbers. Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire are identified as the safest states for online dating.
newsbreak.com
Florida ranks second nationally in romance scam losses, with victims losing over $70 million annually to catfishing schemes where scammers build emotional trust before requesting money for emergencies or investments. The state's large retiree population, social isolation, and prevalence of online dating platforms create ideal conditions for predators who often pose as military personnel or overseas businesspeople and are frequently based internationally, particularly in Nigeria. While Florida lacks a specific anti-catfishing statute, perpetrators can be prosecuted under existing fraud, identity theft, and cyberstalking laws, and victims are advised to report incidents to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and verify online identities before sending money.
nigerianbulletin.com
Daniel Chima Inweregbu, a 40-year-old Nigerian man, pleaded guilty to romance scam fraud charges in the U.S. after defrauding multiple American citizens of over $405,000 between July 2017 and December 2018 using fake profiles and aliases. He also pleaded guilty to money laundering and faces up to 20 years in prison, marking his second conviction for similar emotional deception fraud.
newspeakonline.com
Daniel Chima Inweregbu, a 40-year-old Nigerian man, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud for operating a romance scam targeting American citizens between July 2017 and December 2018, which defrauded victims of over $405,000. Inweregbu and his co-conspirators posed as "Larry Pham" on online platforms, cultivated fake romantic relationships with victims, then requested money under false pretexts while laundering the proceeds through domestic bank accounts. He faces up to 20 years in prison upon sentencing scheduled for December 4, 2025, and is subject to fines up to $250
thestandard.com.hk
A woman in Hong Kong lost $1.5 million in a romance scam in which the scammer impersonated local singer Jay Fung to deceive her. The article appears in a news roundup but does not provide additional details about the victim's identity, the scam's timeline, or whether the perpetrator was apprehended.
virginmedia.com
This article outlines common social media scams including fake friend requests and impersonation accounts, malicious app downloads, data-harvesting quizzes, romance fraud, and investment/crypto schemes. Key warning signs include unrealistic offers, pressure to act quickly, suspicious requests for money or personal information, suspicious links, poor grammar, and low-quality profile photos. Users are advised to verify unfamiliar accounts, download apps only from official sources, avoid sharing financial information with online-only contacts, and be skeptical of guaranteed investment returns.
indianexpress.com
A 78-year-old man in Noida was defrauded of Rs 3.14 crore in a "digital arrest" scam where fraudsters impersonated government officials (TRAI, police, CBI, Supreme Court) and convinced him he was involved in money laundering, keeping him and his wife under virtual surveillance for 15 days before the deception was discovered. Cybercrimes against seniors have surged 86% between 2020-2022, with common scams including digital arrest, investment fraud, deepfakes, government impersonation, and OTP theft, exploiting seniors' vulnerability to trust-based and fear-based tactics.
todaysfamilylawyer.co.uk
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) reported nearly 5,000 fake FCA scams in the first half of 2025, with fraudsters primarily targeting people over 56 years old by impersonating the regulator to extract sensitive information and money. Common schemes include falsely claiming recovered crypto funds, offering to recover losses from previous loan scams, or claiming County Court Judgements have been issued, resulting in 480 victims sending money to scammers. The FCA also warned of "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters build personal relationships with victims before conducting investment fraud, then attempt a second fraud by posing as the FCA to "recover" the lost money
thecentersquare.com
Arizona is projected to lose over $4 billion to financial fraud in 2024, with the state ranking 11th nationally in fraud rates at 1,459 cases per 100,000 residents, according to a Common Sense Institute report. Common fraud types affecting Arizonans include grandparent scams, romance scams, gift card scams, skimming, and forgery, with experts noting that only about 14% of fraud is reported to authorities. Researchers recommend that families help protect older adults—who are at higher risk due to lower technological familiarity—by teaching them to verify sources before sharing financial information online.
newsghana.com.gh
A 32-year-old computer science graduate from Ghana was trafficked into a Southeast Asian fraud compound after accepting what appeared to be a legitimate warehouse job offer in Thailand, with the recruitment process involving forged visa documentation and transport to a remote Myanmar border facility. Criminal networks target educated Africans experiencing economic hardship, forcing trafficked workers to operate romance scams and cryptocurrency fraud schemes against worldwide victims, with the multibillion-dollar industry spanning Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos and protected by remote locations and corrupt officials. Victims face physical abuse for failing to meet fraud quotas and often remain trapped for extended periods until escape or family payments secure their release.
cityam.com
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority received nearly 5,000 impersonation scam reports in the first half of 2025, with almost 500 victims losing money to fraudsters posing as the regulator through tactics including fake crypto recovery claims, bogus court judgements, and romance scams. Fraud has become the UK's most common crime, accounting for over 40 percent of offenses and causing £1.17 billion in losses in 2024, with criminals increasingly exploiting trust in regulatory institutions themselves to target vulnerable consumers, particularly those over 56. The surge highlights systemic gaps in fraud defense, requiring coordinated action across financial services firms, insurers, and government to
benzinga.com
Sarah's widowed father lost $80,000-$90,000 in retirement savings to a romance scam and additional cryptocurrency scams over five years, forcing him to take out a home equity line of credit to cover the losses. The case highlighted the importance of setting financial boundaries within families and approaching victims with empathy rather than judgment to encourage them to seek help. According to the FBI, Americans aged 60 and older reported $4.88 billion in fraud losses in 2024—a 43% increase from 2023—with the FTC warning that impersonation scams are increasingly targeting older adults' life savings.
finance.yahoo.com
A Florida retiree lost approximately $90,000 in retirement savings to a romance scam and cryptocurrency scam over five years, forcing him to take out a home equity line of credit and accumulate debt. His daughter Sarah sought advice on how to help her father while protecting her own family's finances, with experts emphasizing the need for boundaries and compassionate communication. The case underscores a broader crisis: Americans aged 60 and older reported $4.88 billion in fraud losses in 2024, a 43% increase from 2023, with impersonation scams increasingly targeting older adults' life savings.
militarytimes.com
Retired Navy Rear Admiral Brian E. Luther, president and CEO of Navy Mutual, nearly fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam in which fraudsters spoofed his credit union's number and claimed to be fraud prevention staff investigating a suspicious charge on his shared credit card. The scammers escalated urgency through multiple contacts and eventually requested his account password, but Luther recognized the illegitimacy when told no legitimate financial institution should ask for passwords; he immediately contacted his actual credit union, which confirmed no such call had occurred and proactively changed his account numbers. Luther's experience illustrates that military consumers reported losing $584 million to fraud in 2024, and he now advises service members to
pymnts.com
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) warned residents in August 2025 about fraudsters impersonating the agency, reporting nearly 4,500 such scams in the first half of the year, with two-thirds of reports coming from people aged 56 and older. While the number of reports has declined over two years, the number of victims who actually lost money increased to 480 in the first half of 2025, up from 275 in early 2023, with common tactics including fake claims about illegally opened crypto wallets and "pig butchering" romance scams followed by fake recovery offers. The FCA advises people never to share sensitive banking information
justice.gov
A Nigerian citizen, Daniel Chima Inweregbu, pleaded guilty to operating a romance scam between 2017 and 2018 that defrauded multiple American women of over $405,000 using a fake online persona called "Larry Pham." Inweregbu and his co-conspirators created fake dating profiles to build romantic relationships with middle-aged female victims, then manipulated them into sending money and laundered the proceeds through various financial transactions. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each of two counts plus fines totaling up to $750,000, with sentencing scheduled for December 4, 2025.