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amlintelligence.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, criminals increasingly exploited cryptocurrency ATMs to steal from victims, with the FBI receiving nearly 11,000 complaints resulting in $246.7 million in losses—a 99% increase in complaints and 31% increase in losses from 2023. The U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) warned financial institutions to monitor suspicious activity at crypto kiosks, noting that scams involving these terminals disproportionately impact older adults and commonly include tech support, customer service, and bank imposter schemes. FinCEN emphasized that inadequate oversight by kiosk operators increases the risk of illicit activity and called on financial institutions to recognize re
southtexasnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting QR codes through various fraud schemes including fake parking meter payments, romance scams with cryptocurrency wallets, phishing attacks, and government impersonation, with codes typically shared via unsolicited messages or posted in public places. To protect themselves, consumers should confirm QR codes before scanning, avoid codes from strangers, be wary of shortened URLs that hide destination links, and check for signs of tampering on posted codes. Victims of QR scams should report incidents to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
bizzbuzz.news
· 2025-12-08
BreadXPay is a fraudulent fintech platform orchestrated by Joshua Sneider that targets retirees worldwide with promises of cross-border payment solutions and high investment returns (up to 10% monthly). The scam operates through shell companies registered in jurisdictions like Canada and the UK with puppet directors, funneling victim deposits through offshore accounts where they disappear; one documented case involved a 72-year-old Florida teacher who lost her $25,000 life savings after receiving fabricated account statements and being blocked from withdrawals. Elder financial abuse through schemes like this costs seniors over $28.3 billion annually globally.
cryptotimes.io
· 2025-12-08
FinCEN warned banks that cryptocurrency ATMs are increasingly used for money laundering and elder fraud schemes, with criminal organizations including Mexican drug cartels exploiting these machines' minimal verification requirements. In 2024, the FBI received nearly 11,000 fraud complaints involving crypto ATMs resulting in $246 million in losses, with scammers typically impersonating tech support or government officials to trick elderly victims into withdrawing cash and sending it to untraceable digital wallets. FinCEN is urging financial institutions to monitor suspicious crypto ATM activity and support proposed legislation that would impose transaction limits and require fraud warnings at these kiosks.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
The Liberal Democrats called for urgent regulation of YouTube advertising after scams involving deepfakes, impersonated public figures, and fraudulent investment schemes proliferated on the platform with minimal oversight. Notable examples included AI-generated deepfake ads impersonating consumer champion Martin Lewis to promote cryptocurrency schemes, as well as ads for fake products, scam diet pills, and government grant impersonations that remained online for days before removal. The party is urging the UK government to bring YouTube under the same pre-approval and independent enforcement standards as traditional broadcasters, with Ofcom given powers to levy fines and redirect revenues to scam victims.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are exploiting the summer holiday season in the UK through sophisticated scams including AI-generated fake travel websites, bogus delivery notifications (parcel scam searches up 400%), and fraudulent accommodation bookings, with victims losing hundreds to thousands of pounds and risking identity theft and account compromise. August is identified as a peak fraud month when people's guards are lowered by holiday distractions, and sharing travel details online—such as boarding passes on social media—further exposes victims to targeted attacks and personal data theft.
ainvest.com
· 2025-12-08
A cryptocurrency user lost $3.05 million in a sophisticated phishing scam after signing a malicious transaction that granted a scammer long-term wallet access through an ERC-20 token approval; the attacker waited over 458 days until the victim's balance was substantial before executing the theft in August. This incident exemplifies a growing trend of delayed approval-based scams where once users sign approval transactions, the permissions remain active indefinitely unless manually revoked, creating extended vulnerabilities. Security analysts warn that users often lack awareness of active token approvals, and while tools exist to revoke permissions, associated gas fees deter action, leaving victims with limited recourse as blockchain transfers are typically
newsday.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams have surged significantly in recent years, with victims losing over $220 million in the first half of 2024 as scammers impersonate recruiters via text, email, and fake postings on legitimate job sites to steal money and personal information. Experts advise job-seekers to avoid unsolicited offers, never provide sensitive personal data or payment upfront, and be particularly cautious of remote work opportunities promising high pay for minimal effort. The rise of remote work and AI technologies have made these scams easier to execute and harder to trace.
fintech.global
· 2025-12-08
A UK study by Yaspa found that over 40% of fraud victims in the past year recovered no losses, with only 19% retrieving their full amounts—the average loss was £765 with just 34% recovered overall. Men lost significantly more than women (£943 vs. £476 average), and Northern Ireland experienced the highest regional losses at £2,290, while online shopping, fake emails, and Facebook Marketplace were the most common fraud platforms. The research highlights that push payment fraud is particularly difficult to recover from, though emerging AI-powered scams and lack of consumer awareness pose growing threats despite 75% of respondents claiming confidence in identifying fraud.
tradingview.com
· 2025-12-08
WhatsApp removed 6.8 million accounts linked to "pig butchering" scams, which combine romance-baiting with fake investment fraud schemes that often result in cryptocurrency losses. Scammers used AI tools like ChatGPT to generate initial contact messages, then moved victims to Telegram where they were shown fake profits before requesting real money deposits. A study of 236 major cryptocurrency scam cases found total losses exceeding $60 billion, with pig butchering schemes accounting for 39 cases and representing one of the most damaging forms of fraud due to extended manipulation periods lasting months or years.
postcrescent.com
· 2025-12-08
A Grand Chute woman was defrauded of over $2.2 million in gold bars in a scam where she believed she was protecting her money, leading to federal charges against Antonio Peña and Brandi Durst for money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud. The scammers posed as Microsoft representatives, bank officials, and government agents to build trust, isolated victims from family members, and convinced them to convert retirement funds into gold bars, which the defendants would then steal. Gold bar scams have become increasingly common and specifically target elderly populations, as gold is difficult to trace and perceived as secure, making it ideal for money laundering schemes.
indianstartupnews.com
· 2025-12-08
As senior citizens increasingly adopt digital tools, they face growing vulnerability to scams due to unfamiliarity with technology and evolving fraud tactics, resulting in financial losses and reduced trust in digital communication. Truecaller and Khyaal have partnered to address this issue by offering discounted premium caller identification services and creating educational materials including "New Scam Highlights" sessions, "Spot the Scam" workshops, and safety guidance to help seniors recognize and avoid emerging fraud tactics. The initiative will be featured at Khyaal's "50Above50" event, where seniors can access practical digital security advice and tools to protect themselves while maintaining independence.
alreporter.com
· 2025-12-08
Senators Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) introduced the bipartisan GUARD Act to combat financial scams targeting older Americans, particularly those using cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. The legislation would allow state and local law enforcement to use existing federal grant funding to hire personnel and deploy advanced tracing tools, addressing gaps that enable scammers to escape prosecution. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans aged 60 and older lost over $2.3 billion to fraud in 2024—a 21% increase from 2023—with experts estimating total unreported fraud at $61.5 billion, including growing "
boredpanda.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses various scams and questionable spending habits that millennials fall victim to, including multilevel marketing schemes, online sports betting, rage bait engagement, fake detox products, and premium food delivery services. The piece compiles Reddit comments from millennials admitting to these scams, though commenters debate whether some items (like detox products and food delivery) are actual scams or simply poor financial decisions and that similar issues affected previous generations.
sg.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2025 Payments Canada study found that 13% of Canadians experienced payment fraud over six months, with disproportionately higher rates among newcomers (25%) and younger adults aged 18-34. Cash fraud incidents were nearly three times more common than credit card fraud, driven by counterfeiting, pickpocketing, and scams such as romance schemes and advance fee frauds, though 65% of reported losses under $500 were fully reimbursed by financial institutions.
mondaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams have evolved to exploit cryptocurrency investments rather than traditional forex trading, using dating apps as the initial contact point where scammers build emotional trust with victims before directing them to fake investment platforms. The scam operates by showing fabricated profits on fraudulent websites, then requesting additional "fees" or "taxes" to withdraw funds, with victims often investing money they cannot afford to lose and accumulating debt. The article advises protecting yourself by recognizing that emotional manipulation combined with promises of easy investment returns are classic warning signs, and following the principle of never investing more than you can afford to lose.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Three Texas men were arrested for defrauding approximately 75 elderly victims of $1.5 million through a loan scheme in which they posed as business representatives offering to reduce utility bills, then fraudulently applied seniors' electronic signatures to 20-year loans ($13,000-$32,500 per victim) without consent. The article notes that elder fraud has become increasingly sophisticated, with 2023 losses exceeding $3.4 billion nationally among seniors aged 60+, now involving investment schemes, cryptocurrency fraud, and AI-enhanced techniques like voice cloning and deepfakes.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
Governor Andy Beshear announced the launch of StopScams.ky.gov, a new website designed to help Kentuckians report scams, learn prevention strategies, and access recovery resources. According to a 2024 FBI report, Kentuckians lose over $74 million annually to online scammers, prompting the state to partner with the Better Business Bureau and AARP to equip residents with tools to identify and avoid fraud. The site emphasizes a "pause, check, and protect" approach and offers scam alerts via email or text, along with free educational "Scam Jam" events throughout the state.
marketplace.org
· 2025-12-08
A Pew Research study found that 73% of U.S. adults have experienced online scams or fraud, with the FBI reporting record losses of $16.6 billion in internet crimes last year—though actual losses are likely much higher due to underreporting. While scammers target all demographics, younger and older adults face elevated vulnerability, and Black, Hispanic, and Asian adults are more likely to experience multiple forms of online fraud. Despite increasing efforts by government and business to combat fraud, the low likelihood of perpetrator capture and prosecution—complicated by organized international crime groups—means that most people will eventually fall victim to scams.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
"Quishing" attacks—phishing scams using QR codes instead of emails or texts—have surged, with malicious QR codes tricking over 26 million people into visiting fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial data or install malware. Cybercriminals are placing fake QR codes on payment terminals, parking meters, packages, and other public surfaces, exploiting the fact that 73% of Americans scan codes without verifying their source. To protect yourself, verify the legitimacy of QR code sources before scanning and consider using personal data removal services to prevent scammers from accessing your information.
local10.com
· 2025-12-08
U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging Chairman Rick Scott convened a panel in Miami-Dade County with state leaders, banking institutions, Medicare, and AARP to address escalating scams targeting seniors, particularly "grandparent scams" that use artificial intelligence to mimic family members' voices and fraudulently obtain money. Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz emphasized the need for tougher penalties and specialized law enforcement units to investigate elderly fraud, while Scott announced plans to push for federal legislation to better identify and prosecute criminals targeting seniors.
thepress.net
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters stole over $12.5 billion from Americans over 55 in 2024, a 25% increase from $10 billion in 2023, according to the FTC's Consumer Sentinel Network report. Seniors are targeted due to limited online experience, accumulated wealth, and social isolation, with common scams including grandparent schemes, romance scams, impersonation of government agencies or utilities, tech support fraud, home repair scams, and cryptocurrency schemes. Experts advise that pressure to act quickly is a hallmark of scams, and legitimate government agencies and corporations typically do not contact people via unsolicited text messages or calls demanding immediate payment.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, older adults lost nearly $62 billion to scams and fraud out of an estimated $158 billion stolen overall, according to the FTC, with victims suffering devastating consequences including loss of homes and significant health/emotional impacts. The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline received over 100,000 calls in 2024 from scam targets, with notable cases including a Florida man defrauded of $400,000 from a home sale and another victim losing $650,000 to a romance scam. Scams have become increasingly sophisticated through artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and social media, prompting AARP to urge lawmakers to strengthen frau
wtop.com
· 2025-12-08
D.C. police arrested two California residents, Amruth Vaka, 27, and Saloni Shaikh, 28, for defrauding an elderly woman of approximately $640,000 through a tech support scam operating between February and June. The scammers gained the victim's trust by posing as computer repair technicians, then instructed her to make wire transfers and purchase gold coins over several months until a suspicious merchant alerted police. Authorities suspect the pair may be part of a larger nationwide fraud ring and are collaborating with the FBI to identify additional victims.
fortuneindia.com
· 2025-12-08
**Incident:** Cisco fell victim to a vishing (voice phishing) attack on July 24, in which an attacker impersonated a company representative and gained access to a third-party CRM system, exposing basic user profile information including names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and user IDs for an undisclosed number of users. The attacker did not access passwords, confidential data, or proprietary information, and Cisco immediately terminated the actor's access and notified affected users. The article emphasizes that vishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated with AI-enhanced voice impersonation and provides protective measures including never sharing personal data over phone calls, verifying
wisn.com
· 2025-12-08
A nationwide gold coin scam victimized more than 50 people in Wisconsin, resulting in over $15 million in losses. A New Berlin couple lost $526,095 after scammers posing as U.S. Treasury officials convinced them to convert their cash to gold coins for protection; however, they stopped a fourth transfer after seeing a news report and contacted police, who arrested courier Roshan Shah during a sting operation when he attempted to pick up a decoy package filled with rocks instead of gold coins.
arstechnica.com
· 2025-12-08
In June, Google and multiple major companies including Adidas, Cisco, and Louis Vuitton fell victim to a coordinated hacking campaign targeting Salesforce accounts through social engineering. Attackers impersonated IT department staff to trick employees into connecting unauthorized third-party apps and providing eight-digit security codes, granting the threat actors access to sensitive company data for extortion purposes. Rather than exploiting software vulnerabilities, the financially motivated attackers used simple phishing tactics that proved remarkably effective across numerous high-profile organizations.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Peoria, Arizona man lost $27,000 of his life savings after scammers impersonated his bank via text message, convincing him to withdraw funds and deposit them into a fraudulent Apple Wallet account they created on his iPhone. Local law enforcement intervened after he reported the fraud, and detective Michael Finney was able to recover approximately 90% of the stolen funds within five months by obtaining a warrant to freeze the scammer's accounts. The detective emphasized that reporting fraud within 72 hours is critical for recovery, and recommended never responding directly to unsolicited communications claiming to be from banks or government agencies—instead calling official phone numbers on the back of bank cards or
southernmarylandchronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal Trade Commission data reveals a more than four-fold increase since 2020 in reports from adults 60 and older losing $10,000 or more to impersonation scams, with combined losses exceeding $100,000 jumping from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024. Common tactics include fraudsters posing as government officials, banks, or tech companies to convince victims to transfer funds via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or courier delivery under false pretenses of account protection or legal issues. The FTC reported $12.5 billion in total scam losses nationally in 2024, with older adults accounting for $2.3 billion an
kpbs.org
· 2025-12-08
An 86-year-old San Diego man nearly fell victim to a romance scam when someone posing as a South Korean woman initiated friendly contact via text and later messaging apps, attempting to build trust before likely requesting money. The scam was caught by his daughter before financial loss occurred, but San Diego County seniors lost an average of $30,000 each to scammers in 2024, with over 1,000 cases reported annually—though many victims don't report due to embarrassment and unfamiliarity with technology. Authorities emphasize prevention and education as critical defenses, noting that scammers exploit the increased trust and loneliness that can accompany aging.
dynamitenews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Gurugram resident, Pranay Kapoor, was defrauded of Rs 8,000 at a gas station tyre repair shop that falsely claimed his single puncture was actually four separate punctures with bubbles, charging Rs 1,200 per puncture repair. A reputable mechanic later revealed the scam—the shop workers had intentionally created fake punctures using a nail-like tool, leaving the tyre so damaged that replacement became necessary. The incident went viral on social media, with multiple viewers reporting similar experiences at deceptive repair shops.
news.abplive.com
· 2025-12-08
A Gurugram resident named Pranay lost ₹8,000 after falling victim to a tyre repair scam at a petrol pump, where workers allegedly created fake punctures using pointed tools to overcharge customers. After taking his damaged tyre to a trusted shop and discovering the fraud, he posted a warning on Instagram that resonated with hundreds of users who reported experiencing similar scams. His advice to avoid the scam includes staying present during tyre inspections, monitoring the tools used, and seeking second opinions before authorizing repairs.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
American seniors lose over $28 billion annually to fraud, with only a fraction reported, according to AARP. Scammers target older adults with convincing "pre-qualified" retirement and annuity offers using personal data purchased from brokers, then request sensitive financial information or direct fund transfers; the FBI reported seniors lost a record $4.8 billion to scams in 2024, with losses often unrecoverable even when fraud is proven. Key protection strategies include verifying credentials through state regulators, being skeptical of unsolicited offers with pressure tactics or guaranteed returns, and never sharing sensitive information via unsolicited communications.
baxterbulletin.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses the growing threat of scams and cyber security risks that have emerged alongside rapid technological advancement. It notes that over the past year, scammers have employed various new methods to steal personal information through email, text messages, and phone calls. The full content requires a subscription to access.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin issued a warning about romance scams, which are among the most frequently reported scams to their office. Scammers initiate contact via social media (Facebook/Instagram), move conversations to private messaging apps, quickly build romantic relationships through "love bombing," and request money from victims they've never met in person, often using AI-generated fake photos to appear legitimate. The article advises people to be cautious of online relationships and never send money to people they haven't met face-to-face.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin issued a warning about romance scams, one of the most frequently reported scam types in the area. Scammers initiate contact via social media (Facebook or Instagram), move conversations to private messaging apps, quickly build romantic relationships through love-bombing, and request money from victims who have never met them in person, often using AI-generated fake photos to appear legitimate.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak advocates for stronger consumer protections against internet fraud, particularly regarding scams involving AI, cryptocurrency, and fabricated messages. He is pursuing a lawsuit against YouTube to establish better safeguards for fraud victims, though his efforts face challenges from legal protections that shield online publishers from liability.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Lloyds Bank warned of a surge in football ticket scams ahead of the Premier League season, reporting over 2,400 fraud cases among its customers in the past two years with losses exceeding £500,000, and estimating at least 12,000 nationwide victims have lost over £2.5 million since the 2023/24 season. The scams, primarily targeting fans aged 25-34, involve fraudsters posting fake ticket listings on social media offering discounted or sold-out game tickets, then disappearing after victims pay via bank transfer without delivering tickets. The UK government joined Lloyds' "Stop! Think Fraud" campaign to advise supporters to purchase
deccanherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake technology, powered by AI, poses a growing fraud threat to financial institutions and individuals, with estimates suggesting potential losses of Rs 70,000 crore in India in 2025. Fraudsters use hyper-realistic synthetic videos and cloned voices to impersonate executives or loved ones to authorize fraudulent transactions, with an average loss of $450,000 per business incident globally in 2024. Financial institutions are implementing advanced AI detection, blockchain-based identity verification, and employee training programs to counter deepfake fraud, as traditional KYC and facial recognition methods have become vulnerable to these sophisticated attacks.
inkl.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors are increasingly targeted through crypto ATM scams using seven common tactics: fake tech support calls, grandparent emergency scams, romance fraud, government impersonation, fake investment schemes, utility bill threats, and QR code tricks. These scams exploit the irreversible nature of cryptocurrency transactions and the emotional vulnerability of older adults through urgency, authority, and personal relationships. The article advises seniors to verify requests independently through official channels, avoid sending cryptocurrency for emergencies or payments, and consult trusted contacts before transferring money.
mychesco.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission reported that losses to sophisticated impersonation scams among Americans aged 60 and over have skyrocketed eightfold since 2020, with losses exceeding $100,000 rising from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024. Scammers impersonate banks, government agencies, and tech companies to create false urgency and trick victims into transferring funds, with some older adults losing their entire life savings. The FTC recommends consumers never transfer money based on unsolicited requests, independently verify suspicious calls by hanging up and calling official numbers, and use call-blocking tools to prevent fraudulent contact.
lancs.live
· 2025-12-08
A pet fraud expert lost £500 to a puppy scam where a seller claimed the dog had died and disappeared without providing a refund or puppy. Scammers exploit peak puppy-buying season by posting fake listings with stolen photos, creating artificial urgency, and pressuring buyers into quick payments before they can verify legitimacy.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin issued a public warning about a prevalent romance scam targeting local residents. The scam operates by having perpetrators initiate contact on social media (Facebook or Instagram), move conversations to private messaging apps, then rapidly build romantic relationships with victims using love-bombing tactics and AI-generated fake profiles before requesting money. Residents are advised to be cautious of online relationships with people they've never met in person and to never send money to strangers online.
southbendtribune.com
· 2025-12-08
College students are frequently targeted by scammers offering fake credit cards, apartments, employment opportunities, and scholarships, often exploiting their inexperience with major financial decisions. To protect themselves, students should verify offers through reputable sources, research companies and landlords, avoid upfront fees for jobs or scholarships, and report suspicious activity to the Better Business Bureau. Common scams include rental fraud, phony employment offers requiring payment, tech support cons, fake online stores, and scholarship schemes disguised as legitimate financial aid opportunities.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In the first half of 2025, WhatsApp removed 6.8 million accounts linked to global scam networks, including operations run by criminal groups and forced labor camps in Southeast Asia. Scammers increasingly use multiple platforms (text, dating apps, WhatsApp, Telegram, crypto exchanges) to execute schemes, with a recent operation using ChatGPT to generate fake job offers that ultimately solicited cryptocurrency deposits. WhatsApp is countering these threats with new safety features including group safety overviews for unknown contacts and alerts for messages from non-contacts, while experts recommend a three-step prevention approach: pause before responding to unknown contacts, question suspicious requests for money or personal
wyff4.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP South Carolina promotes fraud prevention awareness, particularly targeting seniors who are frequently victimized by scammers seeking financial information. The article highlights that 40% of reported scams are credit-related, with common tactics including phishing and spoofing emails that impersonate legitimate businesses like Amazon or financial institutions. Red flags to identify scams include unofficial email addresses, grammatical errors, and requests for immediate sensitive information.
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Pew Research Center survey of over 9,000 U.S. adults found that approximately 73% have experienced at least one online scam or attack, with 32% reporting victimization within the past year and 24% tricked into sharing personal information. The most common scams include credit card fraud, online shopping fraud, and ransomware attacks, with newer tactics involving unsolicited calendar invites and multi-factor authentication exploits that direct users to phishing pages or malicious downloads. Cybersecurity experts recommend disabling automatic calendar updates, verifying suspicious invitations directly with trusted contacts, and remaining vigilant against phishing attempts.
lowincomerelief.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security recipients face escalating financial fraud, with seniors over 60 losing an estimated $3.4 billion to scams in 2023 alone. The article outlines seven common scam types targeting this vulnerable population: fake government calls (including a new SSA warning about fraudsters posing as federal agencies demanding payment via untraceable methods), Medicare fraud, grandparent scams, financial services impersonation, tech support scams, fake assistance programs, and romance scams. The article provides protective measures for each scam type, emphasizing verification of contacts, use of official phone numbers, and avoidance of unusual payment methods and unsolicited requests for personal information.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Pew Research Center survey found that approximately 73% of U.S. adults have experienced at least one online scam or attack, with credit card fraud, online shopping scams, and ransomware being the most common. Cybersecurity experts warn of evolving threats including phishing attacks via unsolicited calendar invites, multi-factor authentication scams, and malicious HTML attachments, and recommend protective measures such as adjusting calendar settings, verifying suspicious invites through trusted contacts, and remaining vigilant against social engineering tactics.
nature.com
· 2025-12-08
Vietnamese victims, particularly educated professionals, were lured to Cambodia through fraudulent job postings by Chinese-led criminal syndicates operating "pig-butchering" scams between 2018-2023, where they were trafficked, confined, and coerced into committing cyber fraud against others. This mixed-methods study of 10 cases and interviews with 12 Vietnamese police officers reveals complex multi-layered networks targeting skilled workers with promises of IT, programming, and customer service positions, creating "victim-offender overlaps" where trafficked individuals are simultaneously victimized and forced to victimize others. The research highlights the need for greater focus on the intersection of human trafficking, cyber