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gmanetwork.com
· 2025-12-08
Six Chinese nationals were arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga by the NBI for operating online scam and cybercrime operations, including romance scams and fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes targeting victims globally. Operatives seized computers, phones, SIM cards, scripts, and customer ledgers that indicated organized fraudulent activities, and the suspects were referred to the Department of Justice for inquest under the Cybercrime Prevention Act and Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.
ministers.treasury.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
Australia has seen a modest decrease in scam losses over the past 12 months, with Queensland reporting losses dropping from $54 million (January-June 2023) to $21 million in the same period this year, down significantly from $37-38 million in 2022. Investment scams account for over half of losses nationwide, typically originating through emails or social media messages promoting cryptocurrency investments, fake bonds, or fake celebrity endorsements. Key prevention advice includes: never clicking links in unsolicited text messages or emails, avoiding investments that offer returns above market rates, and consulting professional financial advisors rather than relying on social media recommendations.
crypto.news
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission has banned the practice of buying and selling fake social media engagement indicators, with rules that will apply to crypto influencers and take effect 60 days after Federal Register publication; violators face financial fines and sanctions. The FTC has also warned of rising social media investment scams targeting users with fraudulent cryptocurrency opportunities, including romance scams where perpetrators pose as romantic partners to gain trust before directing victims to fake investment platforms that disappear once sufficient money is extracted.
mb.com.ph
· 2025-12-08
Six Chinese nationals were arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga on August 14 for operating a cyber-scam operation involving romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, credit card scams, and fake investment schemes targeting victims globally. The NBI discovered computers, phones, fraudulent scripts, and cryptocurrency investment platforms at the arrested individuals' office during a warrant operation. The six suspects face charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act and Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.
dailydodge.com
· 2025-12-08
A Bank Secrecy Act officer at Farmers and Merchants Union Bank in Columbus discussed common financial scams affecting consumers, including check, investment, and romance scams. Key prevention advice includes trusting your instincts when something seems suspicious, independently verifying phone numbers and caller identities rather than using provided contact information, contacting your financial institution directly to confirm requests, and signing up for FTC consumer alerts.
news.trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake technology powered by AI is fueling a rising tide of scams in 2024, with deepfake content increasing 900% between 2019 and 2020. Cybercriminals use deepfakes to impersonate celebrities, recruiters, and romantic partners through fake video calls, job interviews, and investment schemes to steal money and personal information from victims. Key scams include romance fraud (where scammers conduct convincing video calls using face-swapping), recruiting scams (impersonating employers on LinkedIn to extract payment and data), and investment scams (using fake celebrity endorsements to promote cryptocurrency schemes).
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
Ari Tietolman of Montreal, Canada, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for operating a massive telemarketing fraud scheme from 2005 to 2014 that targeted tens of thousands of American senior citizens, defrauding them of millions of dollars through worthless or non-existent products like fraud protection services, prescription drug discount cards, and legal services. Tietolman and his co-schemers made unauthorized debits from victims' bank accounts after making false claims about affiliations with banks, insurance companies, and the U.S. government, while he was ordered to pay $7,042,898.22 in restitution; two co-defendants also
fortune.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors across the country are taking artificial intelligence classes to understand both the technology's benefits—such as reducing loneliness and improving healthcare access—and its risks, particularly AI-enabled scams and deepfakes to which older adults are more susceptible. Educational programs like one at a Chicago-area senior center aim to help seniors develop balanced skepticism about AI while encouraging them to engage with the technology rather than becoming paralyzed by fear. Research shows senior citizens are disproportionately vulnerable to both AI-generated scams and misinformation, raising particular concerns about deepfakes' potential impact on voters.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
Kari Morales, a 51-year-old from Milford, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for acting as a money mule in an IRS impersonation scam targeting a Kent County woman for $60,000. Morales was recruited online by a co-conspirator known as "Tom" to collect the fraudulently obtained cash in Grand Rapids while posing as a federal agent with fake FBI and IRS documents, unaware the victim's phone number had been reassigned to an undercover federal agent. Morales was promised $2,500 for her role in the scheme and pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court.
digitaljournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Multiple victims in Westchester, New York lost substantial funds in investment scams, including cryptocurrency Ponzi schemes and stock market manipulation frauds that promised high returns. Natisa Securities LLC, a recovery firm based in Westchester, assists defrauded investors by employing financial advisors, legal experts, and investigators to recover lost funds and navigate complex fraud cases through legal procedures and international networks.
wtop.com
· 2025-12-08
Montgomery County, Maryland law enforcement officials warned of an organized crime scam targeting seniors in which approximately 20 victims lost millions of dollars since July 2023, with at least five suspects arrested. The scheme typically begins with fraudulent computer alerts, pop-up ads, or calls impersonating federal agents or tech support, convincing victims their accounts are compromised and pressuring them to convert savings to gold bars for "safekeeping." Notable cases include a 74-year-old man defrauded of over $1 million and an 82-year-old woman victimized by a 19-year-old suspect, with authorities believing significantly more unreported victims exist.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens across the country are taking educational classes to learn about artificial intelligence and its potential benefits and risks. While AI offers seniors advantages like reducing loneliness and improving access to medical care, research shows older adults are particularly vulnerable to AI-enabled scams, deepfakes, and misinformation. Instructors emphasize teaching balanced skepticism—encouraging seniors to use AI tools while remaining cautious about false or manipulated content—rather than avoiding the technology altogether.
beverlyreview.net
· 2025-12-08
The Cook County Sheriff's Department is launching an educational program to help seniors recognize and avoid "sweetheart scams," which involve scammers building fake romantic relationships to extract money or personal financial information. In 2023, over 101,000 Americans aged 60+ reported losses totaling $3.4 billion to financial fraud, with Illinois accounting for 2,887 victims and nearly $138 million in losses. Sheriff Thomas Dart advises victims to pause and verify suspicious requests with trusted contacts or law enforcement rather than providing immediate responses or financial access to unknown callers.
moco360.media
· 2025-12-08
Montgomery County law enforcement warned residents about gold bar scams linked to international organized crime groups operating from China and India that have defrauded approximately 20 local victims of millions of dollars since July 2023. Notable cases include a 23-year-old charged with stealing over $700,000 from a mentally disabled Leisure World resident and a 19-year-old charged with swindling an 82-year-old woman of more than $900,000; police have identified seven cases totaling $6.3 million in losses. Officials advised residents to avoid clicking pop-up ads, answering unknown numbers, and liquidating assets into cash or gold for couriers, noting that while
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Kari Melissa Morales, 51, of Milford, Michigan, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud after attempting to scam a Grand Rapids resident out of $60,000 using fake FBI arrest warrant and IRS receipt documents. Morales and a co-conspirator were conducting a text message-based fraud scheme, but law enforcement had reassigned the victim's phone number to an undercover federal agent, resulting in no actual financial loss and leading to Morales's arrest. Morales faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for her role in the scam, which was intended to exploit the victim into sending money by falsely claiming legal authority.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A Hyderabad businessman lost Rs 5.9 crore after being deceived by scammers posing as Goldman Sachs representatives who promoted a fake IPO investment scheme through WhatsApp and a fraudulent trading app called "GSIN." The victim transferred money across multiple transactions between January 30 and February 22 but became suspicious when asked to pay 10-20 percent of profits (Rs 1.4-2.8 crore) to withdraw his funds. The scammers funneled the money through 11 different bank accounts, making recovery difficult.
onlineathens.com
· 2025-12-08
The Athens Community Council on Aging is hosting "Scam Jam," a four-hour educational luncheon on August 26 to help senior citizens protect themselves from fraud, featuring presentations from local law enforcement, financial institutions, and government agencies including the FTC and Better Business Bureau. The event comes as the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report documented 101,068 complaints from people aged 60 and over, with tech support scams and fraudulent investments causing the largest financial losses, and Georgia ranking 10th nationally in elder fraud losses.
nbcwashington.com
· 2025-12-08
Gold bar scams targeting seniors in the D.C. area have resulted in millions of dollars in losses, with scammers impersonating law enforcement officers and convincing victims to convert cash into gold bars for purported "safekeeping." Montgomery County alone has identified approximately 20 victims aged 61-94, with individual losses reaching $2.3 million, and the FBI has received over 250 complaints nationwide; authorities have charged four men and linked the schemes to criminal organizations in India and China. Experts advise avoiding suspicious pop-ups and calls from unknown numbers, and warn that once funds are handed over, recovery is virtually impossible as money is quickly laundered and sent overseas.
wsaw.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau cautions college students to watch out for seven common scams targeting them during the school year: phishing emails impersonating the school's financial department, fake credit card offers, fraudulent rental listings, identity theft, scholarship grant scams, online shopping scams, and test preparation blackmail schemes. The BBB recommends students verify offers through official channels, check credit reports regularly at annualcreditreport.com, view apartments in person before paying, and research companies on BBB.org before engaging with them. Students are encouraged to report suspected scams to BBB's ScamTracker and contact their local BBB office with concerns.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to impersonate celebrities in fraud schemes targeting fans, offering fake investment opportunities, product endorsements, and bogus VIP tickets. These AI-enhanced scams make impersonations more realistic and convincing than traditional fake celebrity profiles. Consumers should be skeptical of direct personal contact from celebrities on social media and other platforms, recognizing that such opportunities are likely fraudulent.
bluenotes.anz.com
· 2025-12-08
Despite 94% of Australians surveyed feeling confident they could spot a scam, this article emphasizes that sophisticated scammers exploit human emotions and psychology, with particular targeting of Australians over 55 with substantial savings. Key scam types include romance, investment, and impersonation schemes, with investment scams alone resulting in approximately $79 million in losses in 2024, though under-reporting suggests actual numbers are higher. The article advises victims to pause before acting on urgent requests, immediately contact their bank if money has been sent, and report incidents to help raise awareness and prevent future fraud.
bluenotes.anz.com
· 2025-12-08
Despite 94% of Australians surveyed feeling confident they could spot a scam, sophisticated social engineering tactics and organized criminal syndicates continue to exploit human emotions and trust, particularly targeting Australians over 55 with substantial savings. Investment scams alone resulted in approximately $79 million in losses in 2024, though reporting remains low at 3,818 cases, suggesting significant underreporting. The article advises victims to pause before acting on urgent requests, contact their bank immediately if funds are sent, and report incidents to increase awareness, noting that ANZ's fraud controls prevented over $100 million in losses during the year to March 2024.
expressandstar.com
· 2025-12-08
This article reports on the reopening of a refurbished Nationwide bank branch in Codsall, which the local MP visited to celebrate the branch's commitment to remaining open until at least 2028. The branch staff highlighted their fraud prevention efforts, noting they have stopped over £25,000 in fraudulent transactions in the past year by identifying romance scams, fake HMRC emails, and investment fraud through face-to-face customer conversations. The branch also serves the local community as a collection point for a food bank, underscoring the importance of physical banking locations in combating fraud and supporting vulnerable customers.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, over 101,000 people age 60 and older lost nearly $3.4 billion to financial exploitation, according to the FBI's Elder Fraud Report, with common scams including tech support fraud ($590 million in losses), investment fraud ($4.57 billion, up 38% year-over-year), power of attorney abuse, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, and homeowner scams. AI-driven fraud is making scams increasingly sophisticated, with criminals creating convincing fake audio and video to deceive victims. Protection requires vigilance about warning signs such as unusual account activity and suspicious communications, along with education and open family dialogue about financial security.
headtopics.com
· 2025-12-08
The Nationwide branch in Codsall has reopened for face-to-face banking and is working to combat an increase in romance scams, fake HMRC emails, and investment fraud affecting local customers. The branch serves as both a banking hub and community resource, supporting local initiatives like the food bank "The Well" while providing customers with in-person financial services and fraud awareness support.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Ernakulam Rural police in Kochi launched a crackdown on individuals selling their bank accounts to cybercriminals, who receive payments of approximately Rs 15,000 or commission-based earnings for facilitating fraud schemes. In one case, a man with eight accounts was arrested after his account was used to defraud a woman of Rs 17 lakh, with police noting that fraudsters connect with youths through SIM card dealers and quickly move stolen funds into cryptocurrencies or untraceable assets. Police stated they would prosecute account sellers as conspirators and are investigating potential involvement of bank officials in receiving large fraudulent deposits.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 21-year-old national serviceman's suicide in 2021 after losing $10,000 to a scam prompted Singapore's Government Technology Agency (GovTech) to intensify anti-scam efforts. GovTech's Scam Analytics and Tactical Intervention System (Satis) has taken down over 42,000 scam websites since July 2023, including fraudulent sites impersonating government agencies, banks, and concert ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster, which victimized at least 2,000 people of $1 million from January to May alone. GovTech warns that scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence an
lokmattimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 39-year-old woman in Mumbai lost Rs 44 lakh (approximately $5,280 USD) in an online share trading scam after responding to a Facebook advertisement and being directed through multiple WhatsApp groups by scammers posing as investment facilitators. The fraudsters used a fake trading app called Jambin and promised guaranteed 100% profits, eventually demanding an additional 30% deposit before allowing any withdrawals. The woman filed a First Information Report with the Central Cyber Police Station after discovering the scam when she attempted to withdraw funds in June 2024.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Vancouver police are investigating 26 cases of scams targeting the Chinese Canadian community that have netted scammers nearly $6 million since the start of the year, with authorities believing more victims have yet to come forward. Three primary scam types are being used: spoofed calls impersonating Chinese police demanding money transfers to Hong Kong, "blessing scams" exploiting spiritual beliefs to extort cash and jewelry from victims (especially elderly), and fake job postings that pivot to romance or investment scams once victims engage. Vulnerable populations including seniors and newcomers are particularly susceptible due to cultural and language barriers, and police are urging community members to report incidents and warn family and friends.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Since January 2024, scammers have defrauded Vancouver's Chinese Canadian community of nearly $6 million through three primary schemes: impersonating Chinese police officers to redirect victims to Hong Kong banks, exploiting spiritual beliefs to extort cash and jewelry from elderly victims, and recruiting victims via fake job postings before switching to romance or investment scams. The Vancouver Police Department is investigating 26 cases and expects more victims to come forward, with community leaders noting that seniors and newcomers face heightened vulnerability due to language and cultural barriers.
vancouver.citynews.ca
· 2025-12-08
Since the beginning of 2024, Vancouver police have opened 26 files related to three separate scams targeting the local Chinese community, with victims losing a total of $6 million. The scams involve: strangers exploiting spiritual beliefs to extort cash and jewelry; fraudsters impersonating Chinese police officers via spoofed phone calls and directing victims to send money to Hong Kong; and fake job postings in traditional Chinese that pivot to romance or investment schemes. Police suspect many more victims have not yet come forward and are urging community members to report incidents and warn vulnerable friends and family members.
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A Nationwide building society branch in Codsall, Staffordshire reopened after rebranding to continue offering face-to-face banking services to the community. The branch staff reported an increase in romance scams, fake HMRC emails, and investment fraud in the area and are working to educate customers about these threats. The reopened branch also serves as a community hub, supporting the local food bank and providing essential in-person banking access for residents.
caixinglobal.com
· 2025-12-08
A livestream shopping scam targeting elderly Chinese citizens has defrauded victims of substantial sums by selling counterfeit antiques and collectibles with false promises of high returns and buyback guarantees. Kou Shoule, a senior in Shandong province, lost nearly 300,000 yuan ($42,000) since March on fake antique livestreams, and despite his daughter's intervention efforts, he refused to cooperate with authorities to recover losses, damaging their family relationship. The scam operates on platforms like Kuaishou using dramatic narratives and manipulative language to exploit older users, with scammers continuously creating new accounts to evade detection while platforms face criticism for
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Criminal scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to impersonate celebrities online, creating realistic videos and fake social media profiles to defraud fans through fraudulent investment opportunities, product endorsements, and ticket sales. Consumers should be skeptical of any personal connection or financial opportunity presented by celebrities on social media, as these are likely scams. AARP recommends reporting suspected scams to the Fraud Watch Network at 877-908-3360 or visiting aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
vancouversun.com
· 2025-12-08
Vancouver police are investigating 26 reports of three distinct scams targeting the Chinese Canadian community, resulting in nearly $6 million in losses since January. The scams include: impersonation of Chinese police officers demanding payment to Hong Kong to resolve fake legal troubles, "blessing scams" preying on elderly victims' spiritual beliefs through threats of misfortune unless they surrender cash or jewelry, and fake job postings in traditional Chinese that escalate into romance or investment schemes. Police urge community members to warn vulnerable friends and family and report suspected scam contact to Vancouver police.
vpd.ca
· 2025-12-08
Vancouver Police warned the Chinese community about three scams that defrauded victims of nearly $6 million since January of that year, with 26 reported cases under investigation. The scams included impersonation of Chinese police officers demanding payment to Hong Kong banks, "blessing scams" targeting elderly victims through spiritual manipulation to extract cash and jewelry, and fake job postings in traditional Chinese that escalate into romance or investment schemes. Police urged community members to alert vulnerable family and friends and report suspected fraud to the VPD non-emergency line.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies 11 common Instagram scams in 2024, with a focus on fake brand accounts and fake follower schemes. The FTC reported that $2.7 billion was lost to social media scams between 2021 and mid-2023, with online shopping scams comprising 44% of fraud reports; scammers use imposter accounts for luxury brands like Gucci and Nike to sell counterfeit goods or steal funds. The article advises users to verify accounts are officially verified, check URLs carefully, and avoid purchasing from sellers offering unrealistic discounts or unusual payment methods, while also warning against buying fake followers or likes as it violates Instagram's terms and harms
ecns.cn
· 2025-12-08
Over 2,000 people were prosecuted for investment scams targeting elderly citizens, with 1,932 prosecuted last year and 343 in the first half of the current year. Perpetrators used elderly care services, tourism, and financial products as fronts, luring seniors into high-risk investments (blockchain, equity investments, Belt and Road Initiative projects) by promising high returns while pressuring them to use personal property as collateral—often resulting in loss of homes and significant debt when investments failed. A notable case involved a criminal who defrauded over 2,100 elderly investors of more than 93 million yuan ($19 million) through false promises of elderly care services an
chinadaily.com.cn
· 2025-12-08
Over 2,000 individuals were prosecuted for illegal fundraising scams targeting elderly people, with 1,932 prosecuted last year and 343 in the first half of the current year. Perpetrators lure seniors into fraudulent investments using schemes tied to blockchain, equity funds, and national initiatives, often requiring them to pledge personal property as collateral for promised high returns that never materialize. A notable case involved a criminal who collected over 136 million yuan ($19 million) from more than 2,100 elderly investors through fake elderly care projects, misappropriating 93 million yuan and resulting in his 15-year prison sentence.
thesnaponline.com
· 2025-12-08
This Better Business Bureau alert identifies seven scams targeting college students during the back-to-school season, including phishing emails impersonating school financial departments, fake credit card offers, fraudulent rental listings, identity theft, scholarship scams, online shopping scams, and test preparation blackmail schemes. The BBB recommends students verify offers through official sources, check credit reports regularly, view apartments in person before paying, and research companies on BBB.org before providing personal information or funds. College students should remain vigilant about sharing personal data online and monitor BBB's ScamTracker for reports of current fraud schemes.
focustaiwan.tw
· 2025-12-08
Prosecutors are investigating 27 suspects in connection with a NT$400 million (US$12.2 million) investment scam that deceived victims through fraudulent endorsements from celebrities and legitimate companies. The Criminal Investigation Bureau disclosed the case, which exploited fake promotional materials to lure investors.
miragenews.com
· 2025-12-08
ANZ has launched a new scams awareness module within its MoneyMinded financial education program to help over 8,000 accredited coaches educate community members on identifying and preventing scams. The module covers multiple scam types including investment, romance, phishing, remote access, and employment scams through animations, coaching guides, and participant materials. ANZ's fraud prevention systems blocked over $100 million in fraudulent transactions in the 12 months to March 2024.
azpbs.org
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, over 101,000 reports of elder financial abuse were filed with the FBI, with victims experiencing annual losses exceeding $36 billion. Americans over 60 are particularly vulnerable to various scams including investment fraud, tech scams, romance scams, and nonpayment schemes, with financial abuse often going undetected when perpetrated by family members or caregivers who exploit declining cognitive abilities and technological unfamiliarity. Caregivers should report suspicious financial activities to Adult Protective Services, as technology-enabled scams targeting vulnerable elders continue to increase.
itweb.co.za
· 2025-12-08
Authorised payment fraud, including romance and investment scams, is increasing globally through sophisticated scam centres that generate billions in revenue annually, according to LexisNexis Risk Solutions' 2023 Cybercrime Report. Romance scams targeting lonely individuals generated £92.8 million in losses in London alone between 2022-2023, with fraudsters using money mule networks to quickly move stolen funds across multiple accounts before detection. These well-organized scam centres, often located in border regions of Southeast Asia and concealed as legitimate businesses, exploit instant payment systems and emerging technologies like generative AI to conduct fraud at scale.
sixthtone.com
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated antique fraud scheme targeting China's elderly through livestream shopping channels has cost victims hundreds of thousands of yuan by promising high returns on counterfeit collectibles like coins, stamps, and pottery. One victim in Shandong province lost nearly 300,000 yuan ($42,000) since March after being persuaded by livestream hosts who guaranteed buyback programs and claimed items could resell for millions. The scams have proliferated on platforms like Kuaishou, damaged family relationships as victims hide purchases and resist loved ones' warnings, and created legal challenges for authorities to recover funds, though victim support groups and legal experts are advocating for stronger platform regulations.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial experts identify seven prevalent money scams targeting Gen Z, including phishing schemes, fake job offers, scholarship scams, online marketplace fraud, student loan forgiveness scams, and "get rich quick" investment schemes. Gen Z faces particular vulnerability due to their digital integration and inexperience with financial matters. Experts recommend verifying legitimacy of offers, avoiding unsolicited links, researching opportunities thoroughly, consulting certified financial advisors, and using strong passwords to protect against fraud.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Hector Claveria, 51, of Queens, New York, pleaded guilty to international money laundering after acting as a money mule for elder fraud and computer fraud schemes in 2020. He collected cash proceeds from these schemes and wired $20,000 to a foreign bank account in June 2020, knowing the funds originated from fraudulent activities that deceived elderly victims into sending payments based on false claims of debt to government agencies or computer service companies. Claveria faces up to 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine, with sentencing scheduled for December 19, 2024.
iharare.com
· 2025-12-08
A 33-year-old Zimbabwean woman, Sherlyn Sims, was convicted in Atlanta for money laundering related to romance scams and business email compromise schemes that defrauded dozens of victims of over US$1.2 million between December 2019 and August 2020. Sims created fake businesses like "Grace Trading, LLC" and opened fraudulent bank accounts where she received stolen funds, which she then quickly transferred internationally, withdrew as cash, or spent. Victims included romance scam targets who were deceived by fake online suitors into sending money—one victim alone lost nearly US$100,000 after being told her "boyfriend" needed bail money
ktul.com
· 2025-12-08
The Wagoner County Sheriff's Office warns of multiple rising scams exploiting social media and artificial intelligence, including fake product listings, romance scams, and deepfake audio/video impersonations that target victims across all ages. Key threats include grandparent scams, charity fraud, peer-to-peer payment app scams, student loan forgiveness schemes, and cryptocurrency fraud, with scammers commonly requesting payment via untraceable methods like cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers. The sheriff's office recommends protecting oneself by adjusting privacy settings, verifying organizations independently, enabling multi-factor authentication, and avoiding unsolicited requests for money or personal information.
zimlive.com
· 2025-12-08
Sherlyn Sims was convicted of conspiring to launder and laundering over $1.2 million in proceeds from romance fraud scams and business email compromise schemes that targeted vulnerable elderly victims between December 2019 and August 2020. Sims registered sham businesses, opened bank accounts in their names, and quickly transferred the stolen funds internationally, to China, and through cash withdrawals, while evading detection by opening new accounts when banks closed existing ones. One romance fraud victim lost nearly $100,000 after being deceived online, and another lost their home earnest money deposit to Sims's accounts.