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gbcghanaonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Social media influencer Hajia4Real (Mona Faiz Montrage), a 31-year-old from Ghana, pleaded guilty to conspiring to receive stolen money derived from romance scams targeting older, single Americans between 2013 and 2019. She agreed to forfeit and provide restitution of $2,164,758.41 and faces a maximum five-year prison sentence for this count, though she was originally charged with multiple fraud and money laundering offenses carrying up to 20-year sentences. According to prosecutors, she received funds through bank accounts she controlled that victims were tricked into sending via false pretenses involving gold transport payments, fake FBI investigations
salinapost.com
· 2025-12-08
The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging and Kansas Legal Services launched a free "Scam Scan" seminar series beginning January 24, continuing through March and possibly April, to educate older Kansans on recognizing and avoiding common scams. The seminars cover prevention tips to help participants protect themselves, their money, and personal information from email, phone, and text-based fraud schemes. Multiple seminar dates and locations across Kansas are available in March 2024 at senior centers in Minneapolis, Lincoln, Hillsboro, and Peabody.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
During tax season, scammers targeted taxpayers through phishing emails, texts, and phone calls impersonating the IRS, with the FTC reporting $4.2 million in losses to IRS imposters the previous year. One Raleigh resident, Teresia Porter, fell victim to a fraudulent tax preparer (D&V Taxes) who promised inflated refunds using incorrect deductions, leaving her owing the money back; the preparer subsequently faced over two dozen charges for preparing fraudulent state income tax returns. Authorities advise taxpayers to verify tax preparers' reputations, remember that the IRS never threatens immediate payment or demands gift cards/wire transfers, an
montrealgazette.com
· 2025-12-08
A Montreal woman lost $1,800 after being scammed by someone who had hacked her friend's Facebook account and posed as that person to sell fake Taylor Swift Eras Tour tickets to her and her colleagues. The scammer, posing as the hacked account owner, initially sold four tickets at $400 each, then requested an additional $200 in "name change fees" before disappearing. Facebook had been notified of the hacked account approximately one week prior but refused to remove the fraudulent post, which remained active until after the Gazette flagged it as a scam.
wcnc.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting Hulu customers with phishing emails claiming expired memberships can be extended for free if users enter personal information. To avoid the scam, consumers should inspect sender email addresses for suspicious strings of characters, hover over links to verify their destination, and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true. If a user has already clicked a malicious link, Hulu recommends immediately updating passwords, logging out of all devices, and monitoring credit card and bank statements for fraudulent activity.
cavazossentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
Military personnel, veterans, and their families can protect themselves from scams by using strong passwords, password managers, two-factor authentication, and separating work and personal accounts. The most rapidly growing scams targeting this population are confidence and romance scams, along with online impersonation accounts (often impersonating high-ranking officials), credit repair schemes, cryptocurrency fraud, social media account takeovers, and extortion attempts involving compromised photos. Awareness of common tactics—such as requests for gift cards or money from supposed military officials via text, fake investment opportunities posted from hacked accounts, and suspicious website URLs—can help individuals avoid becoming victims.
coshoctontribune.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, consumers lost a record $10 billion to scams—$1 billion more than the previous year—with approximately 2.6 million reports filed to the FTC, including one in four people experiencing losses with a median of $500 each. The top three scam types were imposter scams ($2.7 billion in losses), investment scams (with median losses rising from $5,000 to $7,700), and social media scams ($1.4 billion total losses). Consumer protection agencies like the FTC and Ohio Attorney General's Office educate the public on recognizing scams targeting specific groups—such as older adults, college students, an
etnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 58-year-old man in Kolkata lost Rs 20 lakh in an online investment scam after responding to a Facebook advertisement for a free stock trading course, which led him through a WhatsApp group to a fraudulent trading platform called Zoksa. The article outlines common online investment fraud tactics including pump-and-dump schemes, phishing, Ponzi schemes, unlicensed platforms, and fraudulent robot trading software. Key protection measures include researching platforms thoroughly, using only licensed and regulated services, avoiding sharing personal information, and consulting certified financial advisors before making large investments.
fox13seattle.com
· 2025-12-08
Brian Davie, a former Wells Fargo branch manager in Battle Ground, Washington, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison after stealing $1,279,840 from elderly and vulnerable customers between March 2014 and June 2019 through unauthorized withdrawals, transfers, and checks. One victim lost $566,000 from her retirement accounts, and Wells Fargo partially reimbursed victims while a federal judge will determine additional restitution amounts. Law enforcement and fraud prevention experts urge victims to report incidents immediately to banks and law enforcement, and recommend seniors use online banking, set up account alerts, and monitor transactions to prevent similar exploitation.
gnnliberia.com
· 2025-12-08
Ghanaian socialite Mona Faiz Montrage (Hajia4Reall) pleaded guilty to conspiring to receive stolen money in a $2 million romance scam targeting older Americans, where she controlled bank accounts that received fraudulent funds obtained through fake romantic identities. She agreed to forfeit and make restitution of $2,164,758.41 and faces up to five years in prison upon sentencing by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty. The scam, which exploited vulnerable elderly victims through false pretenses including fake gold transport payments and FBI investigation claims, resulted in her extradition from the United Kingdom in May 2023.
valdostatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Georgia residents lost $234.3 million to fraud in 2023 across 65,825 reported incidents to the FTC, ranking the state 15th most defrauded nationally. The three most common scam types were Credit Bureaus/Information Furnishers (25% of reports), Identity Theft (23%), and Imposter Scams (9%), with victims advised to monitor credit reports, avoid sharing personal information unsolicited, and never send money to unknown parties.
kbtx.com
· 2025-12-08
The Brazos County Sheriff's Office and College Station Police Department warned residents about a rising trend in phone and internet scams, including impersonation calls falsely claiming to be from law enforcement and demanding payment via digital payment apps. Deputy Christopher Searles emphasized that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never call demanding money or request personal information like Social Security numbers or bank details over the phone, and advised residents to hang up on suspicious calls, verify sender identities by hovering over email addresses, and contact agencies directly if uncertain. Victims of scams are encouraged to report incidents to local law enforcement.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
A YouTube content creator operating under the pseudonym "Neld Harris" poses as an elderly, tech-illiterate widow to infiltrate and expose scam operations targeting vulnerable seniors. Through his ScamSandwich channel, which has garnered over 8 million views since launching in January 2023, he lures scammers into elaborate traps, takes control of their computers, and publicly reveals their identities, locations, and tactics. This "scambaiting" effort addresses a significant problem: the AARP reports Americans over 60 lose $28.3 billion annually to scams, with only 1 in 10 cases reported to authorities.
publicnewsservice.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP Connecticut is launching a new educational series to address the growing complexity of scams targeting older adults, with 400 different scam types reported in 2022. Seniors are frequently targeted because they tend to have more financial resources, and losses can range from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars, with emotional and psychological impacts extending beyond financial harm. The free online series will cover topics including artificial intelligence and voice cloning scams, with a Connecticut man recently indicted for defrauding Wisconsin seniors of $200,000 through grandparent impersonation scams.
wnem.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel conducted an educational outreach event at a senior center in Mt. Morris to teach seniors how to identify and avoid scams, emphasizing that while AI-generated deepfakes and voice-emulation scams are real threats, education is the best defense. Nessel stressed that seniors are disproportionately impacted by scams and advised vigilance against criminals posing as banks, government agencies, and other trusted entities through email and phone calls. She encouraged victims to report scams to local police.
marketplace.org
· 2025-12-08
Financial advice columnist Charlotte Cowles lost $50,000 to an elaborate scam in which fraudsters impersonated Federal Trade Commission and CIA officials; she withdrew the cash from her Bank of America account before realizing the scheme later that day. Banks have limited tools to prevent such scams, with policies varying by institution—some tellers may offer alternatives like cashier's checks or wire transfers, while others simply warn customers—and the FTC reported consumers lost $8.8 billion to scams in 2022, a 30% increase from the previous year.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued a tax identity theft alert in February 2024, urging residents to file taxes early to prevent criminals from using stolen personal information to claim fraudulent refunds. The alert provides guidance on protecting Social Security numbers, using secure filing methods, and recognizing IRS scams, while advising victims of tax-related identity theft to contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit and file an FTC complaint.
citizensadvice.org.uk
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide describes common scams affecting people in Scotland, including phishing emails and texts impersonating TV Licensing, HMRC, PayPal, banks, and Ofcom, as well as dating and romance scams. The advice emphasizes verifying sender information, avoiding clicking suspicious links, never providing personal or financial details to unsolicited contacts, and immediately contacting your bank and police (101) if details have been compromised. Key prevention strategies include checking official websites for legitimate communication, using trusted contact methods, and consulting trusted friends or relatives when suspicious of a scam.
montereyherald.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational column outlines four prevalent scams targeting seniors: elder financial abuse (where trusted individuals gain unauthorized access to finances), romance scams (where online/phone relationships lead to requests for money), tech support scams (fraudulent calls claiming computer or banking problems), and bereavement scams (scammers targeting grieving family members by posing as funeral homes). The article estimates that over 10% of U.S. elderly are victimized annually and recommends protective measures including adding trusted contacts to financial accounts, establishing estate plans, verifying unexpected calls by contacting organizations directly, and reporting fraud to law enforcement.
fijitimes.com.fj
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022, with scammers creating fake online identities through social media to exploit victims emotionally and financially. Perpetrators gradually build trust with targets before requesting money under various pretexts (medical emergencies, travel costs, promised packages), and they commonly avoid video calls or in-person meetings. The scam affects people of all ages and backgrounds globally, with women reported as particularly vulnerable, though many cases remain underreported.
telluridenews.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudulent calls, texts, and phishing scams targeting bank customers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers operating from organized call centers rather than acting individually. Alpine Bank and Community Banks of Colorado recently warned customers to avoid disclosing confidential banking information in response to unsolicited communications, as these operations often employ multiple employees who sound professional.
muskogeephoenix.com
· 2025-12-08
Smishing is a phishing scam conducted through text messages, where scammers impersonate government agencies or companies to trick recipients into providing personal or financial information. The United States Postal Inspection Service advises that if you receive an unsolicited text about a package, do not click any links; instead, report it to USPS.com and note that USPS will not send text messages or emails without a customer's prior tracking request and will never include links in such messages.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of phishing scams where fraudsters impersonate major retailers with fake emails and texts offering to redeem shopping reward points. Scammers create convincing fake links and replicate company logos and colors to deceive recipients. The BBB recommends verifying URLs carefully, avoiding clicking links or downloading attachments from unsolicited messages, and instead visiting retailer websites directly to check account activity.
donegaldaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Gardáí in Donegal warned the public about a postal delivery scam in which fraudsters send text messages claiming a package cannot be delivered and requesting address information via a malicious link designed to steal personal data. The scam exploits increased online shopping and package deliveries, with authorities urging recipients to delete such messages, avoid clicking links, and report incidents to police.
chainalysis.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams ("pig butchering scams") generated over $700 million in reported losses to Americans in 2022, with scammers building fake relationships and coercing victims into fraudulent cryptocurrency and fiat investments before disappearing. Beyond victimizing romance scam targets, criminal gangs operating compounds in Myanmar and Southeast Asia have kidnapped and trafficked individuals forced to work 12+ hour days executing these scams, with gangs also collecting ransoms from victims' families in cryptocurrency, effectively mixing scam proceeds with extortion payments.
columbian.com
· 2025-12-08
A widespread death hoax targeting public figures and notable individuals circulated online starting around 2021, primarily designed as a clickbait phishing scheme to generate views and ad revenue. According to scam prevention expert Elijah Dittersdorf, who works with seniors, the hoax targeted people across various professions including actresses, lawyers, and media figures, with perpetrators using false celebrity deaths to drive clicks and grow monetized YouTube channels. While the exact creators remain unknown, experts confirmed the scam's primary goal was financial gain through advertising revenue rather than direct theft of personal information, though some versions included attempts to harvest user data.
mashable.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season scams commonly target vulnerable people through three main schemes: criminals impersonating the IRS via phone, email, or mail to steal personal information like Social Security numbers and bank details; fraudsters filing fake tax returns in victims' names to claim their refunds; and scammers offering fraudulent tax preparation services. The IRS advises people to never click links in unsolicited communications, avoid sharing personal data over the phone, file taxes early to prevent refund theft, and verify any IRS contact directly through official channels like 1-800-829-1040 or the IRS website.
latestly.com
· 2025-12-08
A 38-year-old woman in Bengaluru lost Rs 48,199 to an online shopping scam after clicking on a fraudulent email advertisement offering discounted eggs from a well-known brand. The scammers redirected her to a fake payment page where they debited her credit card before she could enter the OTP, transferring funds to an account named 'Shine Mobile HU'. A timely verification call from her bank prevented further losses, and police have registered a case under the IT Act with investigation underway.
gmanetwork.com
· 2025-12-08
Over 100 Filipino Taylor Swift fans lost approximately P15 million after being scammed by someone fraudulently selling tickets for Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" concert in Singapore, with individual victims losing between P98,000 and P400,000. The scammer, who posed as a legitimate seller in fan groups and even provided fake identification and forged Ticketmaster emails to establish credibility, failed to deliver tickets when the March 2024 concert dates arrived. The victims have filed complaints with the National Bureau of Investigation and pursued legal action against the suspect, who faces estafa (fraud) charges.
wcti12.com
· 2025-12-08
Carteret County, North Carolina is experiencing a surge in elder scams involving cryptocurrency and phone-based fraud, including impersonation of law enforcement, fake bail/accident schemes, and romance scams. County officials warn against sending money to unknown contacts claiming legal authority, investing in cryptocurrency without research, clicking suspicious links, and falling victim to online relationship scams, while noting that cryptocurrency and gift cards are preferred by scammers because they are difficult for law enforcement to trace. Residents are advised to verify suspicious claims with local law enforcement before sending any funds.
healthjournalism.org
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud schemes—including grandparent scams, romance scams, and government impersonation scams—have become increasingly sophisticated through AI technology like deepfake videos and robocalls, making them difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications. In 2022 alone, approximately 88,000 people aged 60 and older lost $3.1 billion to fraud, with victims over 70 losing an average of nearly $42,000; scammers typically exploit emotions rather than intelligence, and experts advise victims and their families to watch for financial requests as the key indicator of fraud. The AARP Fraud Watch Network received nearly 100,000 calls last year from victims of all
amp.scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
Hong Kong police reported record fraud losses of HK$5.49 billion in the previous year, with a new victim being defrauded every 13 minutes, prompting an upgrade to their Scameter app that now sends automatic pop-up alerts when users encounter suspicious phone numbers, websites, emails, and accounts. The enhanced application relies on public reports of fraudulent contacts to expand its database and help prevent future scams, with authorities aiming to use artificial intelligence technology to deter fraud more effectively.
uk.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Generation Z falls for online scams at more than three times the rate of baby boomers, with a 2023 Deloitte report highlighting younger adults' vulnerability to social media-based investment scams and get-rich-quick schemes tailored to their platforms. Consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023—a 14% increase from 2022—with experts warning that risks will intensify as scammers employ more sophisticated tactics, including AI-generated impersonations and exploitation of younger adults' greater trust in online information and reliance on digital banking.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Philadelphia tech professional named Shreya Datta lost approximately $450,000 in savings and retirement funds to a "pig butchering" romance scam, in which a man posing as a French wine trader named "Ancel" built trust over months using deepfake videos and manipulated screenshots before convincing her to invest in cryptocurrency through a fraudulent trading app. The scammer used emotional manipulation, gifts, and fabricated investment profits to gradually increase her investment until she attempted withdrawal and discovered the scheme; the FBI reported that over 40,000 people lost more than $3.5 billion to dating scams in 2023.
local10.com
· 2025-12-08
The Broward Sheriff's Office warned the public about an impersonation scam in which callers falsely claim to represent local police departments and demand money to place arrest warrants on hold. A woman in her 20s nearly fell victim after receiving a spoofed call claiming she missed jury duty and owed thousands in bond money, with the caller instructing her to withdraw funds via a pharmacy kiosk; she avoided the scam after a family member exposed it. While this victim escaped financial loss, seniors have accounted for $13 million in losses to similar scams in Miami-Dade County alone, with authorities reporting 650 instances over the past year and urging the public to report
wxow.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece from La Crosse, Wisconsin highlights the escalating prevalence of online scams leveraging social media, email, and mobile applications to exploit vulnerable individuals. Experts advise consumers to be skeptical of official-looking websites and too-good-to-be-true offers, avoid unusual payment methods like wire transfers and gift cards, and remain informed about scam tactics, as victims often experience significant financial and emotional consequences.
wired.com
· 2025-12-08
Elderly and vulnerable adults often overpay for utilities, internet, mobile services, and subscriptions due to lack of digital literacy, difficulty navigating cancellations, and targeted predatory marketing—with an estimated $8-28 billion stolen annually from people 60+ through scams and exploitative business practices in the US alone. The article provides guidance for family members to help protect elderly relatives by opening non-judgmental conversations about finances, shopping around for better deals, and reporting suspicious activities, while noting that pushy sales tactics often mirror scam tactics used to create false urgency.
cryptopolitan.com
· 2025-12-08
MicroStrategy's X account was hacked and used to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency token ($MSTR), with scammers directing the company's 196,500 followers to connect their digital wallets to a malicious link; victims lost $440,000 in the phishing scheme. This incident reflects a growing trend of social media-based crypto scams targeting high-profile accounts, with similar recent attacks on Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin's account ($700,000 in losses) and the SEC's X account. Enhanced security measures, including robust authentication processes and user education about phishing attempts, are needed to protect social media users from these increasingly sophisticated schemes.
todayonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Love scams in Singapore are increasing despite public awareness, with 913 cases reported in 2023 compared to 868 in 2022, and average losses rising to S$43,677 per victim. Contrary to assumptions that only older people are vulnerable, 73 percent of victims are aged 49 and under, and scammers now employ sophisticated tactics including AI-generated profiles and deepfake videos to create convincing fake identities. To protect yourself, stay informed about scam tactics, scrutinize online profiles using reverse image searches and AI detection tools, and remain vigilant for inconsistencies in language, photos, and behavior that may indicate a fraudulent romance.
gmanetwork.com
· 2025-12-08
A 37-year-old Philadelphia tech professional lost $450,000 in a "pig butchering" romance scam involving a fake online suitor who used deepfake videos and sophisticated social engineering to build romantic trust before directing her to a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment app. The scammer, operating from Southeast Asia as part of an organized crime syndicate, convinced the victim to invest her savings and retirement funds by showing fake profitable trades and gradually escalating pressure to invest more. This type of romance-based cryptocurrency fraud has resulted in billions of dollars in losses across the United States with minimal victim recovery options.
netnewsledger.com
· 2025-12-08
The Thunder Bay Police Service warned of persistent grandparent scams targeting seniors in the community, with one victim losing $3,000 after receiving a call from someone impersonating a lawyer representing her grandson who allegedly needed bail money. The scam typically involves fraudsters calling from private numbers, sometimes playing background voices to create credibility, and requesting urgent fund transfers via email or gift cards. The police recommend protective measures including hanging up on suspicious calls, independently verifying claims with family members, being alert to pressure tactics, reporting suspicious activity, and staying informed through resources like the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece warns that gift cards are exclusively for gift-giving occasions; if someone is pressuring you to buy gift cards to pay for taxes, tech support, prizes, or other non-gift purposes, it is a scam. Scammers use various tactics including impersonating government officials, tech support, family members (via AI voice cloning), or prize notifications to create urgency and extract money. The article advises victims to immediately report the scam to the gift card company and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov to potentially recover funds and help protect others in their community.
akronlegalnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment scams on social media, particularly cryptocurrency schemes, cost U.S. consumers $3.8 billion in 2023—double the 2021 amount. Troy Gochenour of Columbus, Ohio, lost $25,800 (including $15,800 in borrowed funds) to a romance-scam-turned-crypto-mining scheme that used fake wallet balances and fake contracts to pressure him into repeated payments. The article advises consumers to avoid investment offers promising quick, guaranteed, or risk-free returns; to verify endorsements and testimonials; and to contact friends directly if suspicious messages appear to come from their accounts.
honigman.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending fraudulent emails, calls, and texts claiming that third parties are attempting to register clients' trademarks with the USPTO and demanding quick action to prevent loss of trademark rights. These misleading messages use scare tactics and official-sounding language to manipulate recipients into responding with company information or making unnecessary payments, and similar scams target domain names and falsely claim trademark registrations are expiring. Clients are advised to disregard unsolicited trademark protection notices and consult reputable legal counsel before taking any action, as the legitimate USPTO never requests payment and will never initiate contact in this manner.
unmc.edu
· 2025-12-08
SMiShing is a text message-based phishing scam where fraudsters impersonate legitimate organizations like banks and government agencies to trick people into revealing personal or financial information or clicking malicious links, with recent attacks specifically designed to bypass multi-factor authentication like DUO. The scam is particularly dangerous because it bypasses email security filters and exploits people's trust in text messages, using urgency and familiarity to manipulate victims into responding without verification. To protect yourself, delete suspicious messages without clicking links, verify sender authenticity through official channels, change passwords for potentially affected accounts, monitor financial activity, and report the message to your carrier or the FTC.
abcmoney.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides guidance on protecting oneself from delivery scams, which exploit the prevalence of online shopping and home deliveries. Common delivery scam tactics include fraudulent emails or messages impersonating delivery services (with phishing links), fake delivery personnel demanding payment for non-existent packages, and credit card data breaches. The article recommends four key protective measures: verify delivery notifications through official tracking information, use official communication channels to confirm suspicious messages, request and validate official identification from delivery personnel, and shop only on reputable online marketplaces with robust security measures.
connachttribune.ie
· 2025-12-08
Galway residents experienced a 38% increase in reports of phishing, vishing, and smishing scams to gardaí, with many victims clicking malicious links in texts and emails purporting to come from legitimate businesses. Investment fraud cases also rose significantly from fewer than 10 cases to 16 in 2023, with authorities noting substantial sums of money involved that are often difficult to trace internationally. While account takeover and card fraud cases declined, police urged the public to remain vigilant against increasingly sophisticated cyber crimes affecting internet users regardless of location.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Generation Z is more than three times as likely to fall for online scams compared to baby boomers, according to a 2023 Deloitte report. Younger adults are particularly vulnerable to social media-based scams and get-rich-quick schemes because they tend to trust online information more, lack financial vetting skills, and conduct more of their finances online, making them susceptible to credential spoofing and account breaches. In 2023, consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud—a 14% increase from the prior year—with experts warning that AI-enhanced scams will likely increase victimization rates among younger generations.
natlawreview.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC has proposed expanded regulations to combat impersonation fraud, which has surged due to emerging technologies like deepfake AI. The proposed rule changes would prohibit impersonation of individuals (extending beyond current government and business protections) and hold companies liable if they knowingly provide services—such as payment processing or AI platforms—used in impersonation schemes including romance scams and grandparent scams. The rule will enter a 60-day public comment period before implementation.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Noel Chimezuru Agoha, age 40, of Baltimore, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for orchestrating business email compromise (BEC) and romance scams that defrauded victims of over $1.5 million between 2015 and 2018. Operating with co-conspirators, Agoha used fraudulent emails impersonating business contacts and fake dating profiles to trick victims into transferring funds to drop accounts he controlled, personally obtaining approximately $111,242 in BEC proceeds and over $1 million in dating scam proceeds, and was ordered to pay $1 million in restitution.