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azcentral.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Phishing scams remain a persistent threat because cybercriminals exploit human emotions like fear, greed, and urgency rather than attempting direct system hacks, making them low-effort yet highly profitable attacks. The article advises that if you fall for a phishing scam, immediate action is necessary, and warns that AI advancements and continuous testing of new scams will make phishing an increasingly common threat going forward.
doddfrankupdate.com
· 2025-12-08
Multiple federal regulatory agencies have heightened focus on financial abuse of older adults, with a FinCEN analysis identifying approximately $27 billion in suspicious activity linked to elder financial exploitation over a one-year period ending June 2023. The FTC announced nearly $500,000 in redress to 470 consumers harmed by Vivint Smart Homes, which misused their credit information to fraudulently obtain financing by using similar names or adding unauthorized cosigners, with average payments of $1,056 per victim. Federal agencies are issuing joint guidance on risk management practices to combat elder financial exploitation and its devastating impact on seniors' savings and quality of life.
autoremarketing.com
· 2025-12-08
Five federal financial regulatory agencies and FinCEN issued guidance to banks, credit unions, and auto finance companies on combatting elder financial exploitation, noting that a FinCEN analysis found approximately $27 billion in suspicious activity linked to elder financial exploitation over a one-year period ending June 2023. The statement recommends risk management practices including employee training, transaction monitoring, establishing trusted contact designations, filing suspicious activity reports, and coordinating with law enforcement and elder fraud prevention networks to identify and prevent exploitation of older adults.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
This article by Brian Greenberg, CIO/CTO of RHR International, discusses the prevalence of fake profiles and online scams in the digital age, noting that in 2022 Americans lost $1.3 billion to romance scams alone and $8.8 billion to overall online fraud, with bots comprising over 47% of internet traffic. Greenberg advocates for online platforms to offer free verified accounts to combat these threats by increasing user trust, protecting vulnerable populations like teenagers and elderly adults, and reducing the spread of misinformation. The proposal emphasizes that free verification would enhance platform safety and reputation while ensuring all users can protect themselves regardless of financial status.
wmur.com
· 2025-12-08
New Hampshire's Assistant Attorney General Alexandra Sosnowski warns consumers about holiday shopping scams, particularly those occurring online during the Christmas season. Key recommendations include verifying retailer URLs and checking reviews on trusted sources like the Better Business Bureau before purchasing, monitoring package deliveries to prevent porch theft, avoiding clicking links in unsolicited text messages claiming delivery issues, and purchasing gift cards directly from retailers to avoid tampered cards. The alert emphasizes taking extra time to verify sources and using tracking information directly from retailers rather than through suspicious links.
5newsonline.com
· 2025-12-08
During the 2023 holiday season, Arkansas saw a surge in scam reports, with 53 complaints submitted to the Better Business Bureau in one month, including fake Facebook ads for online shopping and "smishing" text messages impersonating USPS requesting personal information. One victim, Lisa Kirkpatrick, lost money on a counterfeit Old Navy ad and was further threatened by scammers claiming that disputing the charge would damage her credit. The USPS Inspection Service launched a "Don't Get Snowed" campaign urging people not to click suspicious links, report messages to authorities, and conduct urgent financial transactions in person rather than via unsolicited online communications.
about.fb.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta launched a global anti-scam awareness campaign ahead of the holiday shopping season, highlighting three prevalent scams disrupted on their platforms: fake gift box giveaways targeting multilingual users, counterfeit holiday decoration sales using AI-generated videos, and fraudulent coupon/gift card schemes requesting personal information. The company introduced new safety tools across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Marketplace to detect and warn users of suspicious accounts and scam-like messaging patterns, while partnering with security experts and researchers to identify and block scammers' websites and accounts.
ksl.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the FBI and FTC received approximately 880,000 cyberfraud complaints, with online scammers stealing $12.5 billion from consumers, and these sophisticated scams are expected to increase in 2024. Utah residents are being targeted by increasingly realistic social media scams, particularly during the holiday season, including fake personalized product ads that deliver poor-quality items or nothing at all, with scammers disappearing after initial contact. Consumer protection officials advise shoppers to be "WISE" consumers by watching for red flags, investigating companies, setting spending boundaries, and examining claims carefully before making purchases.
thefranklinnewspost.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article discusses common holiday shopping scams and protection strategies. Key scams include phishing emails impersonating delivery services or retailers like Amazon, fake websites mimicking legitimate retailers, fraudulent Google ads leading to counterfeit products, and third-party seller scams on platforms like Walmart and Target. The article advises consumers to verify unexpected delivery notifications by visiting original websites directly, avoid clicking suspicious links in texts or emails, scrutinize sponsored ads and seller reviews, and shop only on legitimate sites rather than clicking unvetted links.
news9.com
· 2025-12-08
Cleveland County Court Clerk's Office warned residents of a jury duty scam involving fraudsters using fake arrest warrants and demanding payment via phone, email, or in-person visits, with at least one reported case where scammers appeared at someone's door with a fake warrant demanding payment in gift cards. The court clarified that legitimate jury duty communications are only sent by U.S. mail and never request payment, and that no Cleveland County resident has been fined or jailed for missing jury duty under the current clerk. Residents are advised to call 911 if approached in person by suspected scammers and to alert vulnerable loved ones, especially during the holiday season.
bankingjournal.aba.com
· 2025-12-08
"Fraud as a service" is a growing criminal business model where perpetrators offer tools and infrastructure to commit fraud, recruiting unwitting "money mules" to transfer funds through their bank accounts. Financial losses from fraud targeting seniors over 60 have surged from $500 million in 2018 to $3.5 billion in 2023, with schemes also prevalent on social media platforms targeting younger demographics and even infants through synthetic identity fraud. Banks have a critical 72-hour window to recover fraudulent funds before money leaves accounts, and implementing name-matching verification and monitoring for suspicious transaction patterns like unusual velocity or peer-to-peer transfers can help prevent fraud.
binghamton.edu
· 2025-12-08
A neuroscience study by Binghamton University examined how age-related brain changes affect financial skills in adults ages 50-74, finding that the inferior frontal gyrus region—responsible for accessing memorized math facts—becomes less efficient with normal aging and more rapidly with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers discovered that higher financial literacy and language processing skills help protect seniors from age-related financial decline and potential vulnerability to scams, suggesting that financial education and practicing math skills throughout life may preserve seniors' financial independence and decision-making abilities.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers target older adults year-round through various schemes including grandchild impersonation, charity fraud, and gift card scams, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting a median loss of $800 for people aged 70-79 and AARP data showing seniors over 50 account for more than half of fraud victims, losing billions annually. The Alzheimer's Association recommends protective strategies such as setting up a "slush fund" of $200-300 for vulnerable seniors (who lose an average of $39,000 per scam victim aged 80+) and establishing bank account alerts to monitor for fraudulent activity.
applevalleynewsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers target seniors year-round, with people over 50 accounting for more than half of fraud victims and those 80+ losing an average of $39,000 per incident. Common scams include charity calls, grandchild impersonation schemes, and gift card fraud, with the FTC reporting a median loss of $800 for people aged 70-79. The Alzheimer's Association recommends protective measures such as creating separate "slush fund" accounts with limited funds, setting up bank account alerts, and providing fraud awareness education to seniors and caregiving staff.
livebitcoinnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Brooklyn District Attorney's office launched an investigation into fraudulent NFT platforms after an 85-year-old artist lost his life savings to a fake OpenSea website, uncovering 40 similar phishing sites targeting artists across the country. Scammers accessed victims' digital assets and laundered stolen funds through Nigeria, affecting at least three artists from New York, Georgia, and California. The DA's office shut down the fraudulent websites and advised NFT artists to verify site legitimacy and protect their crypto wallet seed phrases to prevent asset theft.
ksltv.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, financial scammers increasingly target consumers through sophisticated social media advertisements, with the FBI and FTC reporting approximately 880,000 cyber fraud complaints in 2023 and online scammers stealing $12.5 billion from consumers that year. A prevalent holiday scam involves fake personalized merchandise sellers on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok who take orders but deliver inferior or non-existent products, then become unreachable after complaints. Consumer protection experts recommend practicing "WISE" shopping habits—watching for red flags, investigating companies, setting spending boundaries, and examining claims carefully—to avoid falling victim to these increasingly realistic scams.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Blockchain and cryptocurrency scams are increasingly common and exploit victims through deceptive schemes such as "Pump and Dump" price manipulation, fraudulent Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), phishing attacks, fake giveaways, and cloned platforms. Key warning signs include unsolicited contact promising easy returns, pressure to act quickly, requests for upfront payment, and suspicious links designed to steal credentials. Understanding these red flags and recognizing common scam tactics can help individuals protect themselves from losing money or digital assets to cryptocurrency fraud.
wusa9.com
· 2025-12-08
Montgomery County's Office of Consumer Protection warned residents about text message phishing scams targeting holiday shoppers, in which scammers impersonate USPS and other mail carriers to trick victims into clicking malicious links that steal personal and financial information. The advisory recommends verifying delivery issues directly with official company websites, avoiding clicking unsolicited links, and reporting suspicious texts to carriers to protect against these schemes that exploit the increased package deliveries during the holiday season.
fox43.com
· 2025-12-08
Montgomery County's Office of Consumer Protection warns residents about SMS phishing scams targeting holiday shoppers, wherein scammers send text messages impersonating USPS or other mail carriers with fraudulent links claiming package delivery issues to steal personal and financial information. To protect themselves, consumers should avoid clicking unsolicited message links, verify delivery issues directly with official company websites, never provide sensitive information via text or email, and report suspicious messages to their carrier by forwarding to 7726 (SPAM).
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
An elderly couple in Williamson County, Illinois lost $121,000 to an imposter scam in which fraudsters posing as PayPal representatives and federal agents convinced them their accounts were compromised and persuaded them to withdraw cash for "secure" federal custody. Three Chinese nationals have been arrested and charged with federal wire fraud for their roles in the conspiracy, which involved sending pictures of withdrawal slips and arranging cash pickups using code words. U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe warned southern Illinois residents about the prevalence of such scams, which typically begin with communications claiming suspicious account activity and escalate through threats about losing savings and retirement funds.
turnto23.com
· 2025-12-08
Phishing scams impersonating delivery services like USPS are prevalent during the holiday season, with scammers sending text messages with malicious links designed to steal personal information or install malware. The IRS also warns of fraudulent emails falsely claiming tax refunds or bills, while the Better Business Bureau advises consumers to avoid clicking suspicious links and never pay with Bitcoin or gift cards, using bank or credit cards instead. One victim in the Central Virginia area lost $22,000 after being tricked into purchasing Bitcoin, illustrating the serious financial consequences of falling for these scams.
woodlandsonline.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines six strategies for protecting seniors from online threats on social media platforms. According to the FBI, seniors over 60 lost approximately $3.4 billion to online scams in 2023, with average losses of $34,000 per victim, with common threats including phishing scams, romance scams, misinformation, and privacy violations. The recommended protective measures include understanding online risks, promoting digital literacy education, implementing strong security practices (passwords, two-factor authentication), monitoring suspicious activity, and encouraging healthy social media habits.
businessjournalism.org
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans experienced scams in the past year, with consumers reporting over $10 billion in fraud losses to the FTC in 2023—a 14% increase from the previous year. While scammers target all age groups through different methods (younger adults face online shopping and cryptocurrency scams, while older adults are vulnerable to tech support and imposter scams), seniors are particularly lucrative targets due to their collective wealth of $84 trillion. As scammers become increasingly sophisticated using AI-powered techniques like voice cloning, deepfakes, and convincing phishing schemes, awareness and education remain the most effective defenses against fraud.
signalscv.com
· 2025-12-08
Multiple U.S. regulatory agencies reported in December that elder financial exploitation costs Americans over $28 billion annually, with over 155,000 cases reported between June 2022 and June 2023 linked to approximately $27 billion in suspicious activity. The FBI documented over 101,000 elder fraud complaints in 2023, with victims over 60 losing an average of $33,915—nearly 270% higher than 2020—primarily through investment scams, business email compromise, romance scams, and government impersonation schemes. Regulatory agencies urged financial institutions to strengthen protections by increasing account oversight, training employees to recognize exploitation, and coordinating with law enforcement and elder
wsiltv.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office warned southern Illinois residents of imposter scams targeting older Americans, where criminals pose as PayPal representatives and fraudulent federal agents to convince victims their accounts are compromised, then pressure them to withdraw savings for "secure custody." Three Chinese nationals face federal wire fraud charges after an elderly couple in Williamson County lost $121,000 in the scam; the suspects were arrested in October when attempting to collect the cash from the victims' residence.
wmix94.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly couple in Williamson County, Illinois lost $121,000 in an imposter scam where criminals posing as PayPal representatives and federal agents convinced them their accounts were compromised and persuaded them to withdraw cash for "secure" federal custody. Three Chinese nationals were arrested in October and face federal wire fraud charges after attempting to pick up the withdrawn funds at the couple's residence. U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe warned southern Illinois residents about the prevalence of imposter scams targeting seniors, which typically involve fraudsters impersonating legitimate companies or government officials to manipulate victims into draining their accounts.
cyberscoop.com
· 2025-12-08
Abiola Kayode, a 37-year-old Nigerian cybercriminal on the FBI's Most Wanted list, was extradited from Ghana to face wire fraud charges for his role in business email compromise (BEC) and romance fraud schemes that defrauded businesses of over $6 million between 2015 and 2016. The scheme involved impersonating executives to trick employees into making fraudulent wire transfers, with stolen funds diverted to accounts controlled by Kayode and co-conspirators. Several of Kayode's accomplices have already been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from 45 to 96 months.
klkntv.com
· 2025-12-08
Abiola Kayode, a 37-year-old Nigerian man, was extradited to Nebraska to face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a $6 million email spoofing scam that operated from 2015 to 2016. Kayode and his accomplices impersonated company executives to trick employees into wiring transfers to accounts controlled by the fraud ring, with some funds laundered through victims of romance scams. Several co-conspirators have already been convicted and sentenced to prison with restitution orders, while Kayode remains in custody pending trial.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
During the 2024 holiday shopping season, criminals are targeting consumers through multiple scam methods including phishing emails and texts impersonating retailers, fraudulent social media shopping ads (which use AI-generated imagery to appear legitimate), cloned websites mimicking trusted brands, and gift card theft schemes. The Federal Trade Commission reported consumers lost approximately $217 million to gift card scams in 2023, while experts recommend consumers verify websites directly, use credit cards for disputes, research companies before purchasing, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited communications. Additional threats include charity scams, with authorities advising consumers to independently verify charitable organizations before donating.
ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Task-based online job scams have surged dramatically, increasing from zero reports in 2020 to approximately 20,000 in the first half of 2024, accounting for nearly 40% of all job scam complaints. These scams typically begin with unsolicited text or WhatsApp messages offering vague online work, build credibility through small initial payouts, then pivot to requesting victims' own money upfront under false promises of higher returns, with cryptocurrency being the preferred payment method and resulting in $41 million in losses in just the first six months of 2024. The FTC advises consumers to ignore generic job recruitment messages, never pay money to receive earned income
salinapost.com
· 2025-12-08
This FTC educational article explains how to identify and avoid phishing scams, which use deceptive emails and text messages impersonating trusted companies or acquaintances to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or downloading attachments. Phishing attempts aim to steal personal information such as Social Security numbers, credit card details, or bank account numbers, or to install malware on devices. The article advises verifying unexpected messages by contacting companies directly through known phone numbers or websites, and confirming surprising invitations with friends through separate communication channels.
fox6now.com
· 2025-12-08
Holiday scams targeting shoppers, donors, and job seekers have increased significantly, with the FBI and Better Business Bureau warning consumers about fraudulent schemes across online shopping, social media, and charitable giving. Key scams include fake retailer ads and non-delivery schemes (which caused $92 million in losses in 2023), social media gift exchanges and puppy sales (totaling $5.6 million in 2024 complaints), fake charities, impostor websites, and seasonal job listings requiring upfront fees. Consumers are advised to verify businesses and charities through official sources, avoid unsolicited links and deals that seem too good to be true, and report suspected fraud to their financial institution an
shu.edu
· 2025-12-08
Smishing—a phishing scam conducted via SMS text messages—is surging among Android and iOS users, with cybercriminals impersonating banks, government agencies, and retailers to steal personal information, trigger identity theft, or install malware. The FBI urges users to avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown numbers and recommends enabling multi-factor authentication, accessing official websites directly, and reporting suspicious texts to carriers. Common smishing tactics include fake bank alerts, false tax refunds, account suspension warnings, fraudulent delivery notices, and unrealistic prize offers.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Alec Tahir Baker, 60, of Corona, California, was indicted on federal charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft for his role in a scheme that defrauded businesses, individuals, and the Town of Bristol, Rhode Island, of approximately $8.9 million. The conspiracy employed business email compromise tactics, including phishing emails to gain network access and vendor impersonation emails to redirect payments to accounts Baker controlled across over 40 bank accounts he created. Baker subsequently concealed the fraudulent proceeds through cash withdrawals, cryptocurrency transfers, and transfers to other accounts and individuals, including a $310,500 theft from Bristol municipal funds
zeenews.india.com
· 2025-12-08
A man from Tripunithura, Kerala lost Rs 4.05 crore after being contacted on WhatsApp by a scammer posing as a financial services representative who persuaded him to download a malicious investment app called "Br-Block Pro." Over two and a half months (September 26 to December 9), the victim made multiple deposits expecting returns, but was denied withdrawal access when attempting to retrieve funds, leading him to report the fraud to cyber police. The scam exemplifies a growing trend in India where fraudsters use WhatsApp to lure victims with fake success stories and promises of guaranteed profits.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
The "digital arrest" scam, which has cost Indians ₹120 crore in the first four months of 2024, involves fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials via phone calls to falsely accuse victims of crimes like money laundering and extort money by threatening immediate "digital arrest"—a term that does not exist in Indian law. The scam targets individuals across all sectors, including professionals, by creating psychological pressure through urgency, threats of isolation, and demands for confidentiality, and can be identified by suspicious unofficial contact numbers, pressure tactics, and threats against disclosure to family members.
kroc.com
· 2025-12-08
A fake PayPal invoice scam is circulating in Minnesota, with fraudsters sending official-looking emails claiming payment is owed for unauthorized purchases and threatening account suspension to pressure victims into calling fake customer service numbers or clicking malicious links. The scam exploits holiday season distractions and mimics legitimate PayPal formatting to trick recipients into divulging financial information or compromising their accounts. The article advises verifying claims directly through PayPal's official website/app, avoiding links and phone numbers in suspicious emails, and reporting phishing attempts to PayPal.
newpittsburghcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
mobile.ghanaweb.com
· 2025-12-08
Abiola Kayode, a 37-year-old Nigerian cybercriminal on the FBI's Most Wanted list, was extradited from Ghana to face charges for orchestrating a business email compromise (BEC) scheme that defrauded multiple companies of over $6 million between 2015 and 2016. Kayode and his associates impersonated corporate executives using forged email accounts to manipulate employees into making unauthorized wire transfers to accounts he controlled, some linked to romance scams. Several of his co-conspirators have already been convicted and imprisoned, with sentences ranging from 45 to 96 months, and U.S. authorities continue pursuing the remaining four fugit
wowt.com
· 2025-12-08
Abiola Kayode, a 37-year-old Nigerian national on the FBI's Most Wanted Cyber Criminal List, was extradited to Nebraska to face wire fraud charges for his role in a scheme that defrauded Nebraska businesses and individuals of over $6 million between 2015 and 2016. Kayode provided bank account information to co-conspirators who conducted romance scams and business email compromise fraud, directing victims to wire money to accounts under his control. He is the second of six identified Nigerian nationals to be extradited for the scheme; three co-conspirators have already been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from 45 to 96 months
kxii.com
· 2025-12-08
Text message scams, known as "smishing," are increasing in frequency and effectiveness by impersonating legitimate companies like Amazon and USPS, particularly during the holiday shopping season. These fraudulent messages prompt recipients to click links or confirm personal information, potentially leading to malware installation and theft of sensitive data including credit card numbers, passwords, and social security numbers. Scammers operate this as a high-volume, low-risk numbers game targeting no specific demographic, making it highly profitable; experts recommend avoiding clicking links and instead visiting company websites directly to track packages.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting older adults by offering free in-home services like cooking and cleaning in exchange for their Medicare numbers, then fraudulently enrolling them in hospice care to bill Medicare. Only a doctor can certify hospice eligibility for terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of six months or less, and improper enrollment can negatively affect future Medicare coverage. To protect yourself, never share your Medicare number for free services, never agree to hospice enrollment for gifts or perks, and remember that Medicare representatives will not visit your home to sign you up for services.
recordnet.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article warns consumers about holiday-season scams, noting that fraudsters exploit busy shoppers and high transaction volumes to commit fraud. Key concerns include fake advertisements offering deep discounts, porch theft (with $76 billion in packages vulnerable), fake package notifications, gift card scams, and social media schemes, with the Better Business Bureau reporting a 125% rise in scam reports. The article provides protective tips including verifying legitimate retailers, researching charities, avoiding unsolicited emails and texts, and using package tracking and home security measures.
theverge.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC warned Americans about "game-like task scams" that lured victims with promises of online income but actually defrauded them of money, often in cryptocurrency. In the first six months of 2024, these scams generated over $220 million in losses from 20,000 reported incidents—a dramatic increase from 5,000 reports during 2020-2023—and accounted for 40 percent of all scam reports that year. The FTC advised avoiding unexpected job offers via text or WhatsApp, never paying upfront to receive earnings, and rejecting requests to be paid for rating or liking content online.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC warns that "gamified" online task scams distributed via text and WhatsApp are rising dramatically, with reports increasing from zero in 2020 to 20,000 complaints in the first half of 2024, resulting in over $220 million in losses. These scams lure victims with promises of easy money for tasks like rating videos or liking images, then request cryptocurrency deposits that are never returned, with scammers sometimes using fake testimonials to re-engage hesitant targets. The FTC advises consumers to ignore unsolicited job messages, never pay money upfront, and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
kitchener.citynews.ca
· 2025-12-08
Spectrum, a 2SLGTQ+ advocacy organization, was targeted by a sophisticated donation scam in late November 2024 involving a fabricated story of a 95-year-old lesbian widow leaving a $25,000 estate gift. The scammers sent a fraudulent bank draft for $65,000 with forged insurance documentation, which would have resulted in a $40,000 wire transfer loss had the organization deposited it; the scheme was detected and reported to regional police before any funds were transferred. The organization's leadership felt deliberately targeted by the elaborate fraud, which included multiple fake email accounts and FedEx-delivered documents designed to exploit their emotional investment in supporting elderly qu
kgw.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old Marysville, Washington grandmother was defrauded of at least $20,000 by a scammer impersonating MSNBC anchor Ari Melber through a fake Facebook profile, who convinced her to send money for his sick dog and later claimed to be in love with her, even sending a fake engagement ring and AI-generated voice messages. The scammer had manipulated Patricia over four months and nearly convinced her to travel to New York to meet him in person before her family intercepted her during a layover in Portland. The case reflects a broader trend, with the FBI reporting over 101,000 people age 60 and older fell victim
king5.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old Marysville, Washington woman lost at least $20,000 to a romance scam involving an imposter posing as MSNBC anchor Ari Melber on a fake Facebook profile. Over four months, the scammer convinced Patricia that they were in love and would marry, sent her a counterfeit ring, and manipulated her into sending money by claiming his dog was dying and he lacked access to funds; the situation escalated when she boarded a plane to New York to meet him, prompting her family to intercept her during a layover. The case highlights a broader problem: the FBI reported over 101,000 people aged
dailyexcelsior.com
· 2025-12-08
Digital arrest scams are a sophisticated cyber fraud where perpetrators impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money or personal information from victims through false accusations of crimes like money laundering or identity theft. Multiple victims in India lost significant sums—ranging from 46 lakhs to 5.9 crore—after being intimidated by scammers using phone spoofing, deepfake technology, and legal jargon to create urgency and fear. These scams leverage psychological manipulation, phishing portals, and demands for untraceable payments via cryptocurrency or gift cards to exploit victims who are prevented from verifying the legitimacy of communications.