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cbs8.com
· 2026-02-08
Romance scams are surging ahead of Valentine's Day, with scammers using fake online dating profiles and increasingly sophisticated AI technology to build false emotional connections before asking victims for money or personal information. In 2025, over 250 San Diego residents lost more than $9.6 million to these scams, which can target anyone regardless of education or profession. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like requests for money (especially for travel or emergencies), repeated cancellations to meet in person, or offers of investment opportunities, and always discuss suspicious relationships with trusted friends or family before sending money or sharing personal details.
zataz.com
· 2026-02-08
Xinbi, a Chinese-language marketplace operating on Telegram, is reorganizing its illicit services after law enforcement crackdowns, shifting to a new messaging app called SafeW and launching its own wallet service. The platform, which processes billions of dollars annually, facilitates high-risk transactions like money laundering and fraud related to "pig butchering" scams by offering escrow services and coordinating money mule networks. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities, verify financial platforms through official channels, and avoid transferring money through unfamiliar apps or intermediaries.
kmbc.com
· 2026-02-08
# Crypto ATM Scam Summary
An older man in Liberty, Missouri nearly lost money to scammers who convinced him they were Microsoft support and directed him to send cash through a cryptocurrency ATM to fix a computer virus. A vigilant store clerk noticed the confused customer and intervened, stopping the transaction and alerting police. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited tech support calls, never search for support numbers online (use official company websites instead), and avoid using cryptocurrency ATMs for urgent money transfers, as they are irreversible and frequently targeted by scammers.
wtaq.com
· 2026-02-08
# Cryptocurrency Investment Scam Warning
The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office is alerting residents to a cryptocurrency investment scam in which a local victim was tricked through a fake Facebook profile into setting up a crypto account and sharing account details with the scammer. To protect yourself, verify profiles by searching for the person's name (scammers often create multiple fake accounts), be skeptical of anyone offering investment help, and never provide screenshots of your account details or transactions to strangers online. If you suspect you've been scammed, contact your local law enforcement immediately.
ohiohouse.gov
· 2026-02-07
Ohio state representatives have introduced the ELDER Act to combat growing cryptocurrency ATM scams that disproportionately target elderly and vulnerable residents who lose tens of thousands of dollars to fraudsters in minutes. The legislation would require crypto kiosk operators to be licensed as money transmitters and subject to financial oversight, along with implementing disclosure requirements and anti-fraud safeguards similar to those for traditional financial services. To protect yourself, be cautious of cryptocurrency transactions in public kiosks, verify the legitimacy of operators, and consult trusted financial advisors before moving significant sums into digital currencies.
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2026-02-07
A California resident lost over $1.2 million in a "pig butchering" scam where scammers posing as financial advisers named Andrey and Alisa contacted them on WhatsApp, promised crypto investment returns, and directed them to wire money to personal bank accounts through a fake trading platform. The fraudulent website (aplfinance.us) is no longer operational, and the victim was unable to recover any funds. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers on social media, never wire money to personal accounts for investments, and verify that financial platforms are legitimate through official regulatory channels before depositing any money.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-07
A woman named Abigail was defrauded of over $81,000 and her paid-off home by scammers who used AI-generated deepfake videos and messages impersonating actor Steve Burton to build a fake romantic relationship with her on Facebook and WhatsApp. The scam escalated over time as the perpetrators manipulated her into transferring money and eventually taking out loans against her home before her daughter discovered the fraud. To protect yourself, be suspicious of romantic contact from celebrities, avoid moving conversations to encrypted messaging apps with people you've just met online, and verify identities through official channels before sharing personal or financial information.
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-07
# Romance Scam Warning for Valentine's Day
The FBI is warning the public about increased romance scams around Valentine's Day, where scammers create fake identities on dating apps and social media to build trust with victims before requesting money for fake emergencies through wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Anyone using online dating should protect themselves by being cautious about sharing personal information, using reputable dating sites, verifying profiles through reverse image searches, taking relationships slowly, and immediately reporting suspicious requests for money or attempts to isolate them offline. If you suspect you're being scammed, stop all communication and report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-07
A 69-year-old Arizona woman lost her home and life savings after a romance scammer posing as a Naval officer on Facebook convinced her to send over $70,000 in payments, claiming he needed help with customs fees for packages containing gold and jewelry. The scam devastated her retirement, forcing her to sell her home and move into an apartment, and she only discovered the fraud when her financial advisor became suspicious during a loan application. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited romantic messages from strangers online, never send money to people you haven't met in person—especially for customs fees or emergencies—and consult trusted advisors like family members or financial professionals before making large financial decisions.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-02-06
Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared and a ransom note demanding bitcoin payment with deadlines of Thursday 5 p.m. or Monday emerged. Despite bitcoin's semi-anonymous reputation, law enforcement experts confirm that all blockchain transactions are publicly recorded and traceable, with the ability to track wallet addresses, identify exchanges used for cashing out, and subpoena customer information from regulated U.S. crypto exchanges—providing potentially better investigative leads than traditional ransom payment methods like cash or valuables.
hits96.com
· 2026-02-06
"Pig butchering" scams are targeting dating app users, where fraudsters build trust with victims over weeks or months before convincing them to invest money in fake cryptocurrency platforms. The scam primarily affects lonely individuals seeking relationships on dating apps who are manipulated into sending funds they believe will generate returns. To protect yourself, watch for red flags such as rapid relationship escalation, requests to move conversations off the dating app, and unsolicited investment opportunities—and never send money to someone you've only met online, especially for cryptocurrency investments.
hackread.com
· 2026-02-06
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techloy.com
· 2026-02-06
# Scam Compounds Summary
Thousands of people across Southeast Asia are being forced to work in compound facilities that operate online fraud schemes, particularly "pig butchering" scams that manipulate victims into sending money to fake cryptocurrency platforms. Many of the workers themselves are victims—lured with fake job offers, stripped of their passports, and trapped through debt and intimidation in what amounts to modern slavery. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities and romantic relationships that quickly push financial requests, especially involving cryptocurrency, and verify job offers through official company channels before committing.
zycrypto.com
· 2026-02-06
Arizona has lost approximately $177 million annually to crypto ATM scams, with seniors over 60 making up 43% of victims, prompting Attorney General Kris Mayes to launch a crackdown and new complaint reporting system. Scammers use various tactics including impersonation calls about legal or banking issues to trick victims into sending money through crypto ATMs, which lack protections and are difficult to trace. To protect yourself, avoid using crypto ATMs if someone urges you to do so, report scams within 30 days to the state, and be skeptical of unsolicited requests for crypto payments.
news.az
· 2026-02-06
Scam centers operating in Myanmar have evolved online fraud from scattered hacker groups into a massive transnational industry involving human trafficking and forced labor, with thousands of workers held captive and coerced into defrauding victims worldwide. Since Myanmar's 2021 military coup weakened central government control, criminal syndicates have established "fraud factories" in border regions that target victims across China, Europe, Russia, Central Asia, and Latin America. To protect yourself, remain vigilant against unsolicited communications, verify requests for money or personal information through official channels, and report suspected scams to local authorities and relevant financial institutions.
theintelligencer.net
· 2026-02-06
AARP West Virginia is urging lawmakers to pass legislation protecting consumers from cryptocurrency scams, which have been growing in scope and targeting vulnerable populations including older adults. Cryptocurrency kiosks—machines that resemble ATMs and are located in public places like grocery stores and gas stations—are being exploited by criminals to trick people into transferring funds, with transactions often being non-refundable and containing hidden fees. The organization points out that while 17 states have already passed comprehensive legislation to regulate these kiosks, West Virginia currently has no such protections in place, and is calling for stronger consumer safeguards against both cryptocurrency and real estate fraud.
ashlandcountypictures.com
· 2026-02-06
Ohio state representatives introduced House Bill 648 (the ELDER Act) to combat a rising wave of cryptocurrency ATM scams that disproportionately target elderly Americans and vulnerable populations. The bill would require crypto kiosk operators to be licensed as money transmitters with financial oversight, and mandate clear risk warnings and disclosure requirements to prevent fraud. The legislation aims to protect consumers from losing tens of thousands of dollars to scammers who exploit confusion around cryptocurrency at kiosks located in common public spaces like grocery stores and gas stations.
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-06
# Romance Scam Summary
The FBI is warning the public about romance scams, particularly around Valentine's Day, where scammers create fake identities and pose as romantic partners to steal money from victims. In 2024 alone, nearly 18,000 people lost over $670 million to these scams, which can take various forms including simple requests for money due to hardship, cryptocurrency fraud, or "money mule" schemes where victims unknowingly help criminals move stolen funds. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like reluctance to meet in person, requests for money or personal information, and pressure to move conversations off dating apps—and remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
fox5dc.com
· 2026-02-05
# Romance Scam Warning
The FBI is warning people about romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, where scammers create fake identities on dating apps and social media to build trust with victims before asking for money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards for fake emergencies. These scams have cost victims significant amounts of money through wire transfers and other payment methods. To protect yourself, be cautious of anyone asking for money or personal information online, trust your instincts if something feels off, and report suspicious activity to the FBI at ic3.gov.
hayspost.com
· 2026-02-05
A 72-year-old Hays woman lost $7,000 to scammers who claimed they had hacked her phone, found pornography on it, and threatened to report her to Homeland Security unless she paid in Bitcoin—a common extortion tactic targeting vulnerable victims. The woman was attempting to send an additional $20,000 when a police chief intervened and stopped the transfer. Anyone receiving similar threats should know that these claims are false scare tactics; legitimate authorities never demand payment in cryptocurrency, so you should contact local police immediately rather than paying.
wtaj.com
· 2026-02-05
# Romance Scams on the Rise This Valentine's Day
The FBI is warning that scammers are increasingly targeting people seeking romance online by creating fake identities on dating apps and social media, building trust over time before requesting money through wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. The scams primarily affect vulnerable individuals looking for companionship who may be manipulated into sending funds during manufactured emergencies. To protect yourself, be cautious of any requests for money or personal information from online romantic interests, trust your instincts if something feels off, and report suspicious activity immediately to the FBI at ic3.gov.
ohiohouse.gov
· 2026-02-05
Ohio state representatives have introduced House Bill 648 (the ELDER Act) to combat a growing wave of cryptocurrency ATM scams that have particularly targeted elderly and vulnerable Ohioans, who have lost tens of thousands of dollars in minutes to fraudsters exploiting confusion about crypto technology. The legislation would require crypto kiosk operators to be licensed as money transmitters and comply with strict financial oversight, disclosure requirements, and anti-fraud safeguards similar to other financial service providers. To protect yourself, be cautious of cryptocurrency ATM transactions, verify operator legitimacy and licensing, and consult trusted sources before investing in unfamiliar financial technologies—especially if pressured by someone you don't know.
fox4kc.com
· 2026-02-05
# Romance Scam Summary
The FBI is warning people about Valentine's Day romance scams, where criminals create fake online identities to build trust with victims before asking them for money or gifts. These scammers move quickly, appear genuine and caring, and may claim financial hardships or involve cryptocurrency schemes to convince victims to send money. To protect yourself, trust your instincts—if an online relationship seems too good to be true, it probably is—and report any suspected scams to the FBI.
moneytalksnews.com
· 2026-02-05
Fraud losses have surged to $12.5 billion in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year, with scammers increasingly targeting retirement savings through sophisticated schemes involving gold purchases and cryptocurrency. Criminals are impersonating bank agents, tech support, and government officials to convince victims that their accounts are compromised and trick them into buying gold bars or transferring savings to fake cryptocurrency wallets—both tactics that make money nearly impossible to recover once transferred. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact about account compromises, remember that legitimate banks and government agencies won't ask you to buy gold or crypto to "secure" your money, and verify any claims by calling your bank directly using a number from your statement rather than one provided by the caller.
igamingtoday.com
· 2026-02-05
Scammers across Asia are using AI and cryptocurrency to run increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, particularly "pig butchering" scams where they build fake relationships to trick victims into making fraudulent investments that are then laundered through crypto. A major crackdown in January exposed the scale of the problem, with authorities seizing over $14 billion in Bitcoin and hundreds of millions in assets from a single operation spanning multiple countries. To protect yourself, be wary of online relationships pushing you toward gaming or investment opportunities, verify requests through independent channels, and remember that legitimate investments don't guarantee quick profits or require cryptocurrency payments.
paymentsjournal.com
· 2026-02-05
Japanese retailers are discontinuing acceptance of WeChat Pay and Alipay, China's major digital payment apps, citing concerns that criminal groups have been using these platforms to launder money by purchasing high-value goods in Japan for resale. The shift, which began in February, was triggered by Japan's stricter anti-money laundering enforcement and cooling diplomatic relations between the two countries, though Chinese tourists and businesses that once relied on these payment systems are now affected. To protect yourself, be cautious when dealing with unusually large cash transactions or purchasing expensive items from unknown sources, and report suspicious financial activity to local authorities.
tradingview.com
· 2026-02-05
TRM Labs, a blockchain intelligence company, raised $70 million in funding and reached a $1 billion valuation by developing AI tools to help institutions detect and prevent cryptocurrency fraud and cybercrime. The investment from major firms like Goldman Sachs and Bessemer Venture Partners reflects growing concern about AI-powered scams, particularly crypto phishing attacks that trick users into revealing wallet recovery phrases. Users can protect themselves by being cautious of unsolicited links, verifying authentication requests directly through official channels, and never sharing recovery phrases or private keys with anyone.
mexc.com
· 2026-02-05
TRM Labs, a blockchain intelligence company that combats cryptocurrency fraud, raised $70 million in funding and reached a $1 billion valuation, which it plans to use to expand its AI-powered fraud detection tools. While crypto phishing scams remain a threat—including a recent case where a Bitcoin investor lost their retirement savings to an AI-powered "pig butchering" scam—reported losses actually decreased significantly from $494 million in 2024 to $83.3 million in 2025. To protect yourself, use reputable exchanges and wallets, verify communication with institutions before sharing information or money, and remain skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities promising quick returns.
bpi.com
· 2026-02-04
# Fraud and Scams in America: A Growing Crisis
Fraud and scams cost Americans $12.5 billion in 2024—a 25% increase from the previous year—with nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults experiencing some form of online scam or attack, and one in five Americans losing money to these crimes. Most fraud originates outside the traditional banking system through social media, telecom platforms, and overseas scam centers in Southeast Asia, where U.S. law enforcement has limited reach. To combat this crisis, experts recommend that consumers stay vigilant against impersonation tactics and suspicious communications, while calling for greater accountability and coordination between government, banks, social media platforms, and telecom companies to prevent fraud before it reaches consumers.
newsweek.com
· 2026-02-04
# Tax Scam Summary
During the 2025 tax season, scammers are increasingly impersonating the IRS and tax agencies to defraud Americans, with nearly one in four people reporting losses to such schemes—totaling an estimated $9.1 billion in 2024 alone. Common tactics include fake agents claiming victims owe back taxes or face arrest, using urgency and official language to pressure people into sending money via untraceable methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS never threatens arrest, demands same-day payment, or initiates contact via unsolicited calls or emails—if you receive such communication, hang up and contact the IRS directly through its official website or phone number.
usatoday.com
· 2026-02-04
During extreme weather events, scammers impersonate utility company representatives via phone, text, or email to threaten service shutoffs or demand payment for repairs, targeting vulnerable people who fear losing heat or power. The Federal Trade Commission warns that these scams surge after storms and outages, with criminals even claiming they can restore power faster for a fee or personal information. To protect yourself, pause before paying or sharing financial details and discuss any suspicious contact with a trusted friend or family member before taking action.
goldrushcam.com
· 2026-02-04
# Romance Scams Target Millions of Older Adults
Romance scams are hitting older Americans hard, with approximately 11 million adults age 50 and older—nearly 1 in 10—falling victim to online scammers who pose as romantic interests and request money or cryptocurrency investments. Adults ages 50-64 face the highest risk, receiving fake solicitations at more than double the rate of those 65 and older, and about 1 in 6 older adults report losing money through these schemes. To protect yourself, stay informed about common warning signs, be cautious of online romantic connections asking for financial help, and—importantly—report suspicious activity to law enforcement or your bank rather than staying silent out of shame, since more than half of victims currently don't report their losses, allowing scammers to continue targeting others.
cknxnewstoday.ca
· 2026-02-04
Chatham-Kent Police are warning about an increase in "Grandparent Scams" targeting older adults, in which scammers call pretending to be a family member in urgent need of money to create pressure for quick payment. Four incidents were reported last week, with two resulting in actual money transfers to the scammers. Police advise that legitimate authorities will never request money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers over the phone, and recommend residents verify unexpected requests by contacting loved ones directly through known phone numbers.
cnhi.com
· 2026-02-04
Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated voice clones and deepfake technology to impersonate loved ones and government officials, targeting older Americans with devastating results. In 2024 alone, seniors lost nearly $4.9 billion to fraud—a 43% increase from the previous year—with victims over 60 losing an average of $83,000 compared to $19,000 for younger victims. To protect yourself, verify requests for money by contacting family members directly through known phone numbers, be skeptical of emotional urgency or requests for secrecy, and hang up and independently confirm the caller's identity before sending any funds.
mexc.com
· 2026-02-04
New York prosecutors are warning Congress that major stablecoin companies Tether and Circle are profiting from stolen cryptocurrency by earning billions in interest on flagged funds instead of returning them to victims or authorities. The recently passed GENIUS Act, designed to regulate stablecoins, lacks protections requiring companies to return stolen assets, creating what prosecutors call a loophole that allows these firms to keep and profit from victims' money. To protect yourself, remain cautious of investment schemes and "pig butchering" scams, verify that any platform holding your funds has proper legal obligations to return stolen assets, and report suspected fraud to authorities like the NYC Attorney General's office.
atvtoday.co.uk
· 2026-02-04
As Valentine's Day approaches, cybersecurity experts are warning dating app users about a surge in "pig butchering" scams—sophisticated romance fraud schemes where scammers build fake relationships over weeks to manipulate victims into cryptocurrency investments, contributing to a record $17 billion in global losses in 2025. Red flags include scammers pushing conversations to encrypted messaging apps quickly, moving discussions toward investment opportunities, and using fake success stories with high-pressure tactics to extract money. To protect yourself, be cautious of dating matches who move too fast, avoid shifting to private messaging platforms early, and never invest money based on relationship-based investment advice.
thegamingboardroom.com
· 2026-02-04
Fraud and scams across Asia are surging due to artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, with criminals using AI-generated deepfakes, synthetic identities, and crypto for money laundering, while also running "pig butchering" romance investment scams—a trend highlighted by recent high-profile arrests like Vincent Chen Zhi linked to Cambodia's Prince Group. Gaming, fintech, and financial services companies across the region face significant operational and reputational risk, particularly those handling customer verification (KYC), payments, and cross-border transactions. **Actionable advice**: If you work in compliance, security, or operations in Asia's gaming or fintech sectors, strengthen your customer identity verification processes, enhance transaction monitoring systems, and update fraud detection tools to catch AI-enabled forgeries and crypto-based schemes.
breitbart.com
· 2026-02-04
A 71-year-old Vermont woman named Jeanette Voss had her entire $950,000 life savings stolen by cyber scammers four years ago, forcing her to live on Social Security and food stamps while rationing basic expenses. The U.S. Secret Service successfully traced $648,000 of her funds to a cryptocurrency account linked to an international scam ring, seized the crypto wallet, and returned not only her full amount but also $1,033,000 including interest. For anyone who falls victim to fraud, this case demonstrates the importance of reporting the crime to law enforcement agencies like the FBI and Secret Service, who have specialized tools to trace stolen funds through digital channels.
gmanetwork.com
· 2026-02-03
# Love Scams on the Rise This Valentine's Season
As Valentine's Day approaches, Filipino authorities are warning people about six types of love scams that target lonely hearts seeking romance online, ranging from sob-story manipulators and fake military personnel to cryptocurrency investment schemes and blackmail operations using intimate photos. These scammers exploit emotional vulnerability to steal money and personal information, with the most dangerous being "slow burn" scams that build trust over weeks or months before disappearing after securing funds. To protect yourself, be wary of online suitors who avoid meeting in person, ask for money, use suspiciously perfect photos, or pressure you into investments or intimate photo sharing—remember that genuine relationships develop gradually and authentic partners won't persistently make excuses to avoid face-to-face meetings.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-03
An FBI investigation shut down an international scam operation with call centers in India that defrauded 660 Americans of over $48 million since 2022 by impersonating government officials and tech support to steal gold bars, cryptocurrency, and cash. Victims, many elderly and concentrated in Maryland, were told their identities or families were in danger, prompting them to drain savings and purchase gold or crypto to "protect" their assets, which they then handed to couriers. To avoid becoming a victim, be skeptical of unsolicited emails or calls claiming government emergencies, never wire money or buy precious metals based on official-sounding threats, and verify any suspicious claims by contacting government agencies directly through official channels.
aarp.org
· 2026-02-03
Romance scams targeting adults 50 and older are surprisingly common, with nearly one in ten having encountered a scammer requesting money or cryptocurrency investments, and one in six knowing someone who lost money to such schemes. These scams primarily occur on dating apps, social media, and messaging platforms where older adults seek companionship, exploiting emotional vulnerability through fabricated personas and manipulative stories. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic interests who quickly ask for money or investments, verify identities through video calls before sharing personal information, and report any suspicious activity—doing so helps law enforcement stop scammers and reduces the shame that prevents many victims from coming forward.
thetruecitizen.com
· 2026-02-03
Romance scams spike around Valentine's Day, with scammers creating fake profiles on dating sites and building false relationships to eventually request money from victims under various pretexts like emergencies or investment opportunities. These schemes affect people seeking love online, with victims sometimes losing significant amounts of money through repeated requests or cryptocurrency investment fraud. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating matches who avoid meeting in person, claim to be military or overseas, and eventually ask for money—verify their identity through video calls and never send funds to people you haven't met in person.
lvpnews.com
· 2026-02-03
# Scam Summary
Scammers are increasingly targeting older adults in Lehigh County because they tend to have substantial savings and may be less familiar with modern payment technologies like PayPal and Bitcoin. People should be wary of unsolicited phone calls requesting large sums of money, especially those demanding payment through untraceable methods like cryptocurrency, gift cards, or cash, as these are classic scam red flags. If you suspect you've been scammed in Lehigh County, contact the Elder Abuse Task Force at 610-782-3700 for assistance.
ia.acs.org.au
· 2026-02-03
China executed 11 leaders of a Myanmar-based telecommunications fraud network that generated $2.07 billion through "pig-butchering" scams (fake romance and investment schemes) and illegal gambling operations, while also committing murders, assaults, and illegal detention of workers. The criminal enterprise victimized people across borders with industrial-scale phone and online fraud schemes from 2015 until its dismantling. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic or investment offers online, especially from people you've never met in person, and never send money to unknown parties regardless of their promised returns.
protos.com
· 2026-02-03
China has executed four members of the Bai family crime syndicate, which operated 41 "pig butchering" scam compounds across Southeast Asia—sophisticated romance and investment fraud schemes that generated over $4 billion and resulted in the deaths of six Chinese citizens. The executed individuals were convicted of multiple crimes including homicide, kidnapping, extortion, human trafficking, and operating illegal casinos, with authorities targeting these criminal networks that had taken control of border regions in Myanmar. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of romantic contacts from strangers online who eventually ask for money for investments or emergencies, verify investment opportunities through official channels, and report suspicious activities to local authorities.
cambodgemag.com
· 2026-02-03
# Cambodia's Scam Centers: Mass Arrests and Persistent Networks
Cambodia's underground fraud operations have resulted in massive arrests, with authorities detaining over 2,000 suspects in a single January 2026 raid on the A7 casino complex in Svay Rieng, along with more than 5,000 arrests throughout 2025—targeting international criminal networks running sophisticated scams like romance fraud ("pig-butchering"), deepfakes, and sextortion. Despite these efforts and the closure of 92 sites, the criminal networks have shown remarkable resilience and ability to quickly relocate, suggesting possible corruption within enforcement agencies and the highly organized nature of these syndicates. To protect yourself, be cautious of unexpected romantic advances online, job offers that seem too good to be true, and requests for personal information or money from unknown contacts—and verify identities through independent channels before engaging financially or emotionally.
abcnews.go.com
· 2026-02-02
Federal and Maryland authorities shut down three Indian call centers and arrested six leaders of a massive gold bar scam that defrauded over 600 American victims of nearly $50 million. Scammers impersonated federal agents and convinced mostly older Americans to convert their life savings into gold bars, then sent couriers to collect them under the pretense of secure storage. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls from people claiming to be federal agents, never convert large sums into gold or other commodities based on pressure from callers, and verify any official communication directly with government agencies.
techpolicy.press
· 2026-02-02
"Pig-butchering" scams—where criminals gradually extract money from victims before abandoning them—are surging in the US, with Americans losing an estimated $10 billion in 2024 alone (a 66% increase from 2023), prompting Congress to introduce multiple bills including the Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act to combat these transnational operations. The scams, primarily run by Southeast Asian syndicates that have diversified away from Chinese targets following local crackdowns, are becoming increasingly sophisticated with AI tools, while critics argue the proposed legislation doesn't adequately address tech platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges that enable the fraud. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited romantic or investment opportunities online, verify requests for money through independent channels, and report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
azag.gov
· 2026-02-02
# Cryptocurrency ATM Scam Summary
Arizona residents lost over $177 million in 2024 to cryptocurrency ATM scams, with scammers primarily targeting older adults through deceptive phone calls, texts, or emails claiming legal trouble or compromised accounts. Attorney General Kris Mayes warns that if someone pressures you to use a cryptocurrency ATM, you're likely being scammed—once money is deposited, it transfers directly to scammers and is nearly impossible to recover. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact urging you to withdraw cash or use crypto ATMs, and report scams to the Attorney General within 30 days if you've been victimized.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-02-02
Seniors are now spending more time online than young adults, yet families rarely monitor their activities the way they do with children, leaving older adults vulnerable to scams and fraud that often go undetected until problems emerge like missed bills or suspicious contacts. Adults over 65 spend more than three hours daily on devices and own an average of seven connected devices, using them for everything from social media and shopping to banking and video calls. Families should actively check in on elderly relatives' online behavior and device usage to protect them from the risks that come with increased internet connectivity.