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in Tech Support Scam
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-07
Dennis and Carole received a phishing email impersonating Sam's Club, offering a $100 reward for completing a survey; Carole clicked through and entered her email address but no credit card information. Although no immediate financial risk exists, scammers now have her active email address and may target her with more sophisticated phishing attempts or sell it to spam lists. The article recommends running antivirus scans, reporting the email as phishing, and considering data removal services to reduce future targeting.
cheknews.ca
· 2025-12-07
Medical fraud targeting seniors is rapidly growing, with scammers increasingly using deepfake technology and artificial intelligence to create convincing fake advertisements featuring real public figures and medical professionals. One example involved a fraudulent ad claiming Type 2 diabetes could be cured in 14 days using a supplement, featuring fabricated footage of CBC journalist Adrienne Arsenault and a real doctor. Authorities recommend seniors protect themselves by slowing down before making purchases, verifying claims through independent research, using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, and resisting pressure tactics that create artificial urgency.
futurism.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are increasingly using "SMS blasters"—portable cell-tower devices that send massive volumes of phishing texts to phones in their vicinity (500-2,000 yards away)—to conduct large-scale fraud campaigns. These devices can send 100,000 texts per hour, impersonate any sender, and downgrade phones to less secure 2G connections in under 10 seconds, operating outside legitimate mobile networks where providers cannot monitor or stop them. The technology, first seen at scale in Asia-Pacific regions, has now spread to Western Europe and South America, with arrests reported in the UK and Thailand, though the actual scams still rely on victims clicking malicious
civilbeat.org
· 2025-12-07
A Kailua woman received a voicemail from someone claiming to represent Hawaiian Electric Company, warning that her home utilities would be disconnected unless she called back immediately—a common scam tactic that exploited her vacation anxiety and inability to verify the claim. The article discusses how artificial intelligence and readily available personal information are making it increasingly easier for scammers to create sophisticated frauds, including voice-cloning technology that impersonates trusted contacts, with particular vulnerability among seniors and young people.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
A 78-year-old Rochester-area man lost $30,000 to a Publishers Clearing House prize scam that operated over six months, during which con artists repeatedly promised a $2.5 million prize while extracting fees under various pretenses. The article highlights that this case is representative of thousands of elder fraud crimes nationally, with federal authorities recently arresting eight people for defrauding 139 Western New York seniors of over $11 million through romance scams, imposter schemes, and identity theft. Common scams targeting seniors in the region include romance fraud, imposter scams impersonating government or businesses, and tech phishing, with scammers increasingly using AI and deep
irs.gov
· 2025-12-07
The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the "Save our Seniors" initiative resulting in the arrest of eight defendants across seven criminal complaints for defrauding over 139 senior citizens of more than $11 million total. The defendants engaged in various schemes including customer support scams, romance scams, counterfeit check fraud, and identity theft, with notable cases including Dhruv Patel (accused of defrauding at least 12 victims of over $9.1 million through pickups of stolen goods), Stephen Odiboh (received $70,000 from a romance scam victim who lost $175,000), and Christopher Hernandez (stole $
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-07
A Malwarebytes survey of 1,300 adults across five countries found that iPhone users are more susceptible to online scams than Android users, not due to device differences but rather behavioral choices—53% of iPhone users reported falling for scams compared to 48% of Android users, with iPhone owners less likely to use security software, set strong passwords, or avoid suspicious deals and sellers. The research demonstrates that overconfidence in Apple's security reputation leads many iPhone users to take riskier online behaviors, emphasizing that device safety depends on user habits rather than the phone's built-in protections.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
A national poll found that three in four adults ages 50-80 experienced scam attempts in the last two years, with approximately 30% losing money to fraud. The article identifies the most common scams targeting Western New York seniors, including romance scams, sweepstakes scams, imposter scams (government/business officials), grandparent scams, and tech phishing scams, and advises victims to disengage from suspicious contacts, verify requests independently, and report losses to the Federal Trade Commission, state Attorney General, or New York State Office of Victim Services.
bu.edu
· 2025-12-07
Boston University students lost $624,300 to scammers between January and September, with 90 percent of losses occurring in four cases involving impostors posing as Chinese police or officials. The BUPD reports 29 total larceny scams occurred through multiple channels, with job/employment scams being most common among students, while authorities also warned of nationwide fraud schemes involving fake apartment rentals, fraudulent identity theft reports, and immigration-related extortion targeting international students. Key prevention advice includes not answering calls from unknown numbers, verifying direct contact with authorities through official channels, and never providing payment or personal information before viewing rental properties in person.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-07
This article discusses the challenging U.S. job market in 2025, where highly qualified professionals are experiencing prolonged unemployment and receiving numerous scam calls despite extensive job applications. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 911,000 fewer jobs were added than initially estimated through March 2025, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.3%, long-term unemployment doubling since early 2023, and AI-driven hiring systems and tariff-related uncertainty exacerbating job losses across sectors. Job seekers describe a frustrating experience where advanced degrees and years of experience yield little success, with one applicant noting that scam contacts now outnumber legitimate interview opportunities.
masslive.com
· 2025-12-07
The FBI warns of a significant surge in gold bar and bulk cash courier scams targeting older adults, where fraudsters use grandparent, government impersonation, or tech support schemes to convince victims to hand over valuables to in-person couriers. From 2023 to 2025, FBI Boston documented 103 instances resulting in over $26 million in losses (98% of victims over age 60), while nationwide figures reached 1,737 cases with approximately $186 million in losses. The FBI advises the public never to purchase precious metals at a government's request, avoid posting personal information online, and refrain from allowing unknown individuals access to computers or personal data.
shorenewsnetwork.com
· 2025-12-07
A 79-year-old Wilkes-Barre woman lost $25,000 after receiving a fake computer warning about a compromised bank account and being directed to transfer funds to a Bitcoin account controlled by an unidentified scammer. The victim called the provided phone number, followed the suspect's instructions to withdraw cash and use a Bitcoin ATM, and completed the transfer before realizing the fraud. The case remains under investigation, with law enforcement noting the difficulty in tracing cryptocurrency transactions.
wealthmanagement.com
· 2025-12-07
Since 2024, seniors in the United States have lost over $1 billion to increasingly sophisticated scams that employ technology, psychology, and artificial intelligence to target victims. Common schemes include tech support hoaxes, fake bank fraud calls, and government impersonations, now enhanced by AI tools such as voice cloning and personalized phishing that make fraudulent contact more convincing. The article recommends key defenses including verifying caller identity through independent phone numbers, never sharing sensitive information, remaining skeptical of urgent demands, and reporting suspicious activity to financial institutions and the Federal Trade Commission.
coincentral.com
· 2025-12-07
Thai police dismantled the "Lungo Company" scam ring that defrauded over 870 South Koreans of $15 million using cryptocurrency, romance, and fake lottery schemes, resulting in the arrest of 25 suspects in South Korea and 9 core members in Thailand. The sophisticated operation employed multiple fraud tactics combined with complex money laundering methods including prepaid cards, casino cash-outs, and encrypted messaging apps like Telegram and WeChat to conceal stolen funds through OTC brokers in Southeast Asia.
statehousenews.com
· 2025-12-07
Between 2023 and May 2025, the FBI's Boston Division documented 103 courier-based fraud schemes targeting elderly residents, resulting in over $26 million in losses, with 59 Massachusetts victims accounting for $18.6 million of that total. Nearly all victims were over 60 years old and were deceived through "grandparent," "government impersonation," or "tech support" scams that manipulated them into withdrawing cash or gold bars for a third-party courier to collect. The FBI reports this is part of a national trend affecting 1,737 victims with approximately $186.2 million in losses and urges the public to educate elderly relatives
wcvb.com
· 2025-12-07
Between 2023 and May 2025, the FBI's Boston Division documented 103 courier-based fraud schemes targeting elderly victims, resulting in over $26 million in losses, with 59 Massachusetts residents losing $18.6 million collectively. Nearly all victims (98%) were over 60 years old and were deceived through grandparent, government impersonation, or tech support scams that convinced them to hand over cash or gold bars to couriers posing as legitimate third parties. Nationally, the FBI documented at least 1,737 similar instances during this period with approximately $186.2 million in losses, and officials urge the public to educate elderly relatives about
arstechnica.com
· 2025-12-07
The European Union is sending formal information requests to Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Booking Holdings to investigate whether these platforms are adequately preventing financial fraud and scams online, particularly fake banking apps, fraudulent search results, and counterfeit listings. The EU regulators are using powers granted under the Digital Services Act to determine if these companies are taking sufficient steps to detect and prevent illegal content, with potential formal investigations and fines possible if the companies are found lacking.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational article explains how fraudsters exploit social media platforms through fake accounts and purchased verification badges to deceive users. The piece outlines why social media is vulnerable to scams—including speed of information sharing, weakened verification systems, and users' tendency to lower their guard—and provides practical protective steps such as scrutinizing profiles before engagement, avoiding suspicious links, and using reverse image searches to verify authenticity.
nbcdfw.com
· 2025-12-07
A North Texas small business owner fell victim to a sophisticated impersonation scam in which a caller posed as a Denton County Sheriff's officer, claiming she had a warrant for arrest related to COVID-19 pandemic relief loan fraud. The scammer used forged court documents, a convincing Texas accent, and panic tactics to convince her to pay a $3,500 bond through a payment app before her bank flagged and ultimately released the fraudulent transfer. Experts warn that AI voice-cloning technology and readily available personal information are making scams increasingly convincing and sophisticated.
berawangnews.com
· 2025-12-07
An 85-year-old woman from the South Shore lost over $10,000 in an "Apple Security" scam after receiving a phone call from someone impersonating an Apple representative who claimed suspicious activity on her account and pressured her to act quickly. The scam exploits elderly individuals' trust and unfamiliarity with technology through urgency tactics, requests for personal information, and follow-up calls. Police recommend preventive measures including education about common scams, verification techniques (such as hanging up and calling official company numbers), avoiding sharing personal information over the phone, and using only official channels to access accounts.
valuethemarkets.com
· 2025-12-07
A cryptocurrency hacker who illegally minted $48 million in UXLINK tokens fell victim to a phishing scam that tricked them into revealing sensitive wallet information, resulting in the loss of their stolen assets. The incident demonstrates how phishing attacks exploit human error rather than technical vulnerabilities, and highlights that even experienced cybercriminals are susceptible to sophisticated social engineering tactics. The case underscores the persistent threat of phishing schemes in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, where stolen funds often become targets for subsequent attacks.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-07
Two U.S. senators, Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), demanded that Match Group detail its fraud prevention efforts across its dating platforms (Tinder, Hinge, OkCupid) by October 15, citing concerns that the company's algorithmic design enables romance scammers to exploit user trust. Romance scams, which typically involve fake profiles that lure victims into relationships before requesting money or gifts, cost victims globally over $16 billion in cybercrime losses last year, with hundreds of millions attributed to romance scams specifically. Match Group responded that it has invested significantly in fraud detection and safety features, including a "
latimes.com
· 2025-12-07
Abigail Ruvalcaba sold her home after being romance scammed by someone impersonating actor Steve Burton, who used AI-generated videos and promises of love to exploit her. According to the FTC, nearly 65,000 people reported romance scams in 2023 with losses totaling $1.14 billion, with scammers increasingly using deepfakes and AI to impersonate celebrities like Taylor Swift, Brad Pitt, and Keanu Reeves to defraud victims seeking romantic connection. Lawmakers have introduced the NO FAKES Act to protect individuals' voices and likenesses from AI-generated impersonation.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
A woman named Abigail Ruvalcaba was deceived by a scammer impersonating actor Steve Burton through Facebook messages and phone calls, eventually selling her home to send money to the fraudster. Romance scams using celebrity impersonation have become increasingly prevalent and profitable, with the FTC reporting nearly 65,000 victims losing $1.14 billion in 2023, and artificial intelligence now enabling scammers to create deepfakes and mimic celebrities like Taylor Swift, Brad Pitt, and Keanu Reeves. Lawmakers have responded by introducing the NO FAKES Act to protect individuals' likenesses from unauthorized AI-generated recreations used in fraud schemes
thesylvaherald.com
· 2025-12-07
Thirteen individuals were arrested in a transnational elder fraud scheme that affected over 400 victims and caused more than $5 million in losses. These "emergency" or "grandparent" scams manipulate elderly victims by impersonating family members claiming to be in distress and requesting urgent financial assistance via payment apps or wire transfers, with perpetrators using social media research and increasingly sophisticated voice cloning technology to make their deceptions credible. To protect against these scams, victims should resist immediate action, verify stories directly with the actual family member, avoid sending money to unfamiliar payment methods, and contact police if they suspect fraudulent activity.
bostonherald.com
· 2025-12-07
Between 2023 and May 2025, the FBI's Boston Division documented 103 courier-based fraud schemes targeting elderly victims, resulting in over $26 million in losses, with 59 Massachusetts residents losing $18.6 million. Nearly all victims (98%) were over 60 years old, and the scams typically involved perpetrators posing as distressed family members, government officials, or tech support to pressure victims into purchasing gold bars or withdrawing cash for pickup by couriers. The FBI advises that the government never requests precious metals purchases and recommends victims report incidents to ic3.gov or contact the DOJ Elder Justice hotline at 1-833-
bostonherald.com
· 2025-12-07
Between 2023 and May 2025, the FBI's Boston Division documented 103 courier-based fraud schemes targeting elderly residents, resulting in over $26 million in losses, with Massachusetts victims (59 people, mostly over age 60) accounting for $18.6 million of that total. The scams typically impersonated family members, government officials, or tech support, convincing victims to withdraw cash or purchase gold bars for courier pickup. The FBI advises that legitimate government agencies never request gold purchases or large cash withdrawals, and encourages victims to report incidents immediately to ic3.gov or the DOJ Elder Justice hotline.
enews.wvu.edu
· 2025-12-07
statepress.com
· 2025-12-07
Online scams increased 33% in 2024 with losses exceeding $16 billion, with students being particularly vulnerable targets—Gen Z members are more than twice as likely to fall for scams compared to baby boomers. Students are targeted through various schemes including fake job opportunities, concert tickets, gift cards, and loan scams, primarily via mass emails and text messages, with most scams originating from outside the country. To stay safe, students should verify sender legitimacy, watch for red flags like unsolicited job offers, and utilize resources like ASU's Get Protected service and CISA advisories to stay informed about trending scam tactics.
franklinobserver.town.news
· 2025-12-07
Between 2023 and May 2025, the FBI's Boston Division documented 103 courier-based fraud schemes targeting elderly residents, resulting in over $26 million in losses, with Massachusetts victims accounting for $18.6 million of that total. The scams typically involved fraudsters impersonating family members, government officials, or tech support representatives who convinced victims (98% over age 60) to either transfer funds to fake accounts or hand cash and gold to couriers sent to their homes. Nationally, the same period saw at least 1,737 similar courier fraud cases with approximately $186.2 million in documented losses, though the actual total is believed to be significantly higher.
techlusive.in
· 2025-12-07
A 78-year-old retired banker in Delhi lost his life savings of Rs 23 crore (approximately $2.76 million USD) to a "digital arrest" fraud scheme that spanned over one month, beginning in August 2025 when scammers posing as mobile company and police officials falsely claimed his Aadhaar card was linked to terror funding. The fraudsters used fake RBI certificates and threats against his family to pressure the victim into liquidating his mutual funds and transferring funds through multiple transactions, though police have since frozen approximately Rs 2.67 crore and launched an investigation. This case highlights the growing threat of digital arrest scams targeting
devonlive.com
· 2025-12-07
Between January and August, TSB Bank reported a 211% increase in driving lesson and test scams targeting learner drivers, with victims losing an average of £244 each. Fraudsters used fake social media accounts, bogus lesson offers, and fraudulent websites mimicking official DVSA sites to convince learners to pay upfront for non-existent fast-tracked tests or lessons. Experts advise learner drivers to verify sellers through official channels, avoid unofficial routes, and watch for red flags like "fast-tracked" test promises.
washingtontimes.com
· 2025-12-07
Two U.S. senators requested detailed information from Match Group about its fraud-prevention measures following reports that romance scams have become a leading form of financial fraud in the U.S., costing Americans $1.14 billion in 2024. The FTC previously found that up to 30% of new Match.com members were scammers between 2013 and 2018, resulting in a $14 million settlement last month. Match Group, which owns Tinder, OkCupid, Hinge, and other dating platforms, has committed to fraud detection investments and requested a constructive dialogue with the senators, who set an October 15 deadline for the company's response
thehill.com
· 2025-12-07
This article does not involve elder fraud, scams targeting seniors, or elder abuse. It concerns political accountability and potential ethics violations by Trump administration officials regarding chip technology and cryptocurrency deals with the UAE. This falls outside the scope of Elderus, which focuses on fraud and abuse targeting elderly people.
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-07
**"Scamfluencers" on social media platforms like YouTube, Telegram, and TikTok are openly teaching followers—increasingly teenagers—how to commit online fraud, with figures like "Format Boy" providing step-by-step tutorials on romance scams, fake identities, and deepfake technology, while others like Hushpuppi glamorize fraud-funded lifestyles. These content creators use motivational language and entertainment framing to normalize scamming, putting vulnerable young people at risk of both becoming perpetrators and victims of online fraud.**
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-07
Overpayment scams are rising in frequency and can leave victims thousands of dollars in debt by sending counterfeit checks for more than agreed amounts, then requesting the victim forward the difference to a third party before the fraudulent check bounces. Common variations include dog-walking services, online marketplace sales, mystery shopper jobs, rental deposits, and work-from-home equipment schemes, all following the same pattern of false urgency and fabricated legitimacy. Protection requires verifying payment methods, refusing third-party forwarding requests, using secure online payment systems, and reporting suspicious activity to the FTC and state authorities.
abcnews.go.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are increasingly targeting senior citizens with "grandparent scams" that use artificial intelligence technology to mimic the voices of family members, tricking victims into sending thousands of dollars. The article highlights how this evolving fraud method exploits emotional connections to manipulate elderly individuals into quick financial transfers.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-07
Five individuals pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud after participating in a tech support scam that defrauded elderly victims across ten states of $9.3 million. The scheme involved overseas scammers contacting victims by phone and email, falsely claiming their financial accounts were compromised and instructing them to purchase gold bars and coins for transfer; the five defendants served as domestic handlers and couriers who collected the gold and facilitated the transfers. One 82-year-old victim in St. Louis lost approximately $250,000 in gold before law enforcement intercepted a courier attempting to pick up the bars, and the defendants face up to 30 years in prison at sentencing hearings scheduled between November an
fallriverreporter.com
· 2025-12-07
Between 2023 and May 2025, the FBI Boston Division documented 103 courier-based fraud schemes resulting in over $26 million in losses, with 59 Massachusetts victims (98% over age 60) losing $18.6 million collectively. The scams primarily used "grandparent," "government impersonation," or "tech support" tactics to trick victims into giving cash or gold bars to couriers, with the FBI reporting at least 1,737 similar incidents nationwide totaling approximately $186.2 million in losses during the same period.
microsoft.com
· 2025-12-07
Researchers at University College London studied the "hi mum and dad" SMS scam, where fraudsters impersonate children to convince parents to send money urgently. Through collaboration with a UK mobile operator and undercover interactions with 711 scammers, the study identified 582 mule accounts and found scammers requested over £577,000 in a three-month period, primarily exploiting psychological principles of kindness, distraction, and time pressure. The research provides the first empirical analysis of this technique and recommends mitigations involving mobile operators and financial institutions.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-07
Attackers are exploiting Apple's iCloud Calendar invite system to send sophisticated phishing messages that bypass spam filters by originating from Apple's official servers. The scam falsely claims unauthorized PayPal transactions and directs victims to call a fake support number, where scammers attempt to gain remote access to devices or steal sensitive financial information. Users should treat unexpected calendar invites with suspicion and verify claims directly through official company accounts rather than responding to embedded messages or calling provided numbers.
becu.org
· 2025-12-07
This educational article identifies the six most common financial scams in 2025, including imposter scams, online shopping scams, investment scams, job opportunity scams, carrier scams, and debt/credit scams, which are perpetrated through phone calls, texts, emails, social media, websites, and pop-ups. According to the Federal Trade Commission, scams resulted in $12.5 billion in losses in 2024, with people aged 70 and older losing significantly more money than any other age group, sometimes losing their entire life savings. The article advises consumers to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, verify the legitimacy of contacts before sharing personal information, and remain vigil
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
Cryptocurrency ATMs, which lack traditional banking regulations, have become a major fraud vector in Arizona and nationwide, with the FBI reporting 10,956 complaints totaling $246.7 million in losses in 2024—a 99 percent increase from 2023. Older adults over 60 are disproportionately targeted through common scams (government impersonation, investment, and romance schemes) that trick victims into withdrawing cash and converting it to cryptocurrency, which is nearly impossible to recover. In response, Arizona passed HB 2387 in 2025, which implements daily transaction caps ($2,000 for new customers, $10,500 for existing customers),
police.boston.gov
· 2025-12-07
Imposter scams targeting older adults have surged 400% since 2020, with victims losing $10,000 or more by being tricked into transferring money to scammers posing as banks, government agencies, or tech companies. Common schemes involve criminals claiming suspicious account activity, linking victims to criminal activity with threats of arrest, or reporting hacked computers, often using spoofed phone numbers and fake credentials to appear legitimate. Protection strategies include never transferring money to "protect" accounts, hanging up to verify contact through official channels, and using call-blocking tools, with victims encouraged to report incidents to local police, the FTC, or FBI's IC3.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
Imposter scams—where fraudsters pretend to be government agencies, relatives, charities, or tech support to trick victims into sending money or revealing personal information—are increasingly targeting Americans over 60. The six most common types include government impersonation (IRS, Social Security), unemployment fraud, grandparent scams (some using AI voice cloning), charity scams, and tech support scams, with criminals using sophisticated tactics like fake caller IDs and personal data harvested from social media. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited contact via phone, text, or email from government agencies; verify requests through official channels; and never send money via cash, gift cards, or wire transfers to
pahouse.com
· 2025-12-07
State Rep. Nikki Rivera partnered with AARP Pennsylvania to host a "$CAM JAM" educational event on October 9, 2025, in Lancaster to help residents, particularly seniors, learn how to identify and avoid financial scams and fraud. The event will feature representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities providing interactive education on safeguarding finances, with Fraud BINGO activities and prizes, as seniors are targeted by scammers at high rates resulting in an estimated $3 billion in annual losses nationally.
rappler.com
· 2025-12-07
This article explores the digital divide among elderly Filipinos, highlighting that while some seniors like 67-year-old Paz Deocariza have successfully adopted technology to connect with family abroad, the vast majority remain excluded from digital life. A 2021 study found that only 18% of Filipinos aged 65 and older possess basic ICT skills, with barriers including poverty, lack of access, and limited interest in learning technology. The piece illustrates how this exclusion affects seniors' daily lives, from communication with distant family to accessing essential services and emergency help.
latestly.com
· 2025-12-07
OpenAI announced a multi-year partnership with AARP and its Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) to educate older adults on using AI tools safely and securely. The initiative launches with a ChatGPT instructional video teaching seniors how to identify and avoid scams, followed by nationwide training sessions and community safety programs. The effort aims to ensure artificial intelligence benefits all populations, including older adults who are often targeted by fraud.
dddnews.com
· 2025-12-07
Older adults are frequent targets for financial scams because they have accumulated wealth, may experience cognitive or sensory decline, and often grew up in a more trusting era, making them vulnerable to exploitation. The FBI estimates seniors lose over $3 billion annually to fraud through common schemes including robocalls, government impersonation scams, romance scams, tech support scams, and emerging threats like deepfakes and grandparent scams. Protection strategies include hanging up on high-pressure calls, verifying caller identities independently, and familiarizing oneself with common scam tactics.
markets.financialcontent.com
· 2025-12-07
A Colorado man lost his entire life savings of approximately $1.4 million to a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency romance scam after being lured by a woman on Ashley Madison who posed as a successful crypto trader on WhatsApp. Over six weeks, the victim was manipulated into transferring funds to a fraudulent investment app displaying fake profits, and the scam was only exposed when he was asked to pay an additional $400,000 in "fees" to withdraw his earnings. The case, under investigation by the Colorado Bureau of Investigations, highlights the vulnerability of individuals facing personal difficulties and the difficulty in recovering cryptocurrency funds once they enter anonymous wallets.