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abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-08
A widespread scam is targeting victims across the U.S., with scammers posing as tech support or federal agents and convincing victims to convert their savings into gold bars, claiming their accounts have been compromised, then having courier accomplices collect the gold. Notable victims include an Indiana widower who lost $80,000 and a New York City woman who lost $700,000, while the FBI has traced the scheme to call centers in India and is investigating both the masterminds and the couriers used to transport the stolen assets.
americanbar.org
· 2025-12-08
This article is an educational piece for estate planning practitioners on protecting vulnerable clients from elder financial exploitation. The article advises practitioners to first ensure their own cybersecurity and document security measures are adequate, then implement firm-wide policies to recognize and prevent elder exploitation, including staff training to identify "procurement" schemes where beneficiaries control client access and educating aging clients about securing sensitive documents through digitization and secure storage. Key recommendations include developing protocols for suspected exploitation, obtaining trusted contact information, and incorporating security discussions into estate planning conversations to address risks from identity theft, document loss, and abuse.
mynewsla.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Southern California men were arrested for operating a $10 million fraud and money laundering scheme targeting over 100 victims, primarily elderly individuals, using fake identities, shell companies, and bank accounts. The defendants impersonated law enforcement and company representatives via phone and email to convince victims their accounts were compromised, then redirected them to transfer funds into fraudulent accounts; they also posed as real estate sellers to solicit wire transfers and checks. Each defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted of money laundering conspiracy.
keyt.com
· 2025-12-08
Craig Case, a 76-year-old Santa Barbara security company owner and TV host, was convicted on 63 of 64 counts for embezzling approximately $690,000 from elderly arts patron Constance McCormick Fearing between 2018 and 2021, with the help of co-conspirator Nancy Coglizer who had power of attorney over the victim. Case was found guilty of multiple felonies including theft from an elder, money laundering, identity theft, and forgery, with the jury determining aggravating factors such as exploitation of trust and the victim's vulnerability. Sentencing is scheduled for April 8, 2025.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Alina Ciurar, 33, was arrested after conning a 77-year-old woman out of $760.62 at a Walmart self-checkout in Snellville, Georgia by falsely claiming she needed help buying baby supplies for $40, then physically guiding the victim's arm to complete a much larger payment while blocking her view. Two days later, Ciurar allegedly returned most of the items to another Walmart for approximately $500 in cash, and was apprehended when caught attempting to approach another senior citizen at a store. The scheme was uncovered through surveillance footage and bank statements, and Ciurar now faces felony elder exploitation and fraud charges
keyt.com
· 2025-12-08
Craig Case, a 76-year-old Santa Barbara security company owner and TV host, was found guilty on 63 of 64 counts for embezzling nearly $690,000 from Constance McCormick Fearing, a Montecito arts patron who died in 2022, between 2018 and April 2021. Working with Nancy Coglizer (who held power of attorney over Fearing), Case orchestrated the theft through small checks allegedly for security services, structured to avoid financial institution oversight, until trustees discovered the scheme in July 2021. The jury determined aggravating factors including victim vulnerability, significant financial loss, and Case's exploitation of a position of trust
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Two Southern California men were arrested on federal charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering as part of a sophisticated scheme that targeted over 100 elderly victims, resulting in more than $10 million in losses from November 2021 to present. The defendants created fake identities and shell companies to open numerous fraudulent bank accounts and mailboxes, then impersonated law enforcement and company employees via phone and email to convince victims their accounts were compromised and persuade them to transfer funds into accounts controlled by the criminals. The stolen money was then laundered through cash withdrawals and used for personal expenses.
loveballymena.online
· 2025-12-08
Mid & East Antrim Agewell Partnership is hosting "Challenging the Scamdemic," a free scam awareness conference on March 19, 2025, at The Braid Arts Centre in Ballymena to educate the public about recognizing, preventing, and reporting financial fraud. The event will feature industry experts, government representatives, and scam victims sharing insights, with a particular focus on protecting older and vulnerable individuals in the community who have been increasingly targeted by fraudsters.
quickcountry.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in Minnesota and Iowa are targeting elderly residents with a "bail scam" where they claim a family member has been arrested and demand immediate payment to secure their release. The scam escalates by claiming a gag order prevents victims from telling anyone and requesting in-person payment, making the money impossible to recover. Law enforcement urges residents to inform elderly family members and report any such calls.
theblock.co
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old Montana man, Randall V. Rule, was found guilty of cryptocurrency money laundering conspiracy tied to romance scams, fake real estate schemes, and business email compromises. Rule and his co-conspirators laundered over $2.4 million by converting scam proceeds into cryptocurrency and sending it to domestic and foreign associates while misrepresenting transactions to financial institutions. Romance scams, also known as "pig butchering," involve fraudsters faking romantic interest to exploit victims' trust for financial gain.
tribune.com.pk
· 2025-12-08
A Chinese man identified as Liu lost approximately £22,000 (200,000 yuan) to an AI-generated romance scam involving a fictional woman named Ms Jiao, who sent him personalized messages, photos, and videos created with generative AI technology. The scammers manipulated Liu by claiming his "girlfriend" needed money for medical bills and business expenses, even fabricating medical reports to increase believability. This incident reflects a growing global trend of AI-enabled romance scams, with similar cases reported in France, the UK, and the US involving victims deceived by AI-generated personas posing as celebrities or military personnel.
the-independent.com
· 2025-12-08
A Shanghai man lost approximately £22,000 to scammers who created a fictional AI "girlfriend" named Ms Jiao, using generative AI to produce realistic videos and photos along with fake medical bills to convince him she needed financial assistance. The scammer team exploited the victim over an extended period without ever meeting him in person, representing a growing global trend of AI-enabled romance fraud that has also targeted victims in France and the United Kingdom.
the-independent.com
· 2025-12-08
A man in Shanghai lost approximately £22,000 in a romance scam after developing an online relationship with "Ms Jiao," an entirely fictional AI-generated persona created by scammers using deepfake videos, photos, and fake medical bills to convince him she needed urgent financial assistance. The scammers exploited generative AI technology to create realistic images and videos, and the victim never met the woman in person. This incident reflects a growing global trend of AI-enabled romance and impersonation scams targeting individuals for financial fraud.
sg.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Shanghai man lost approximately £22,000 in a romance scam involving an AI-generated "girlfriend" named Ms Jiao, who scammers claimed needed money for medical bills and business expenses. The scam team used generative AI to create fake photos, videos, and forged medical documents to convince the victim of the relationship's authenticity, which he never verified in person. This case exemplifies the growing use of AI technology in romance and impersonation scams targeting vulnerable individuals globally.
fairmontsentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
Fairmont Police report that seniors in their community face consistent threats from online scams, with tech support scams and romance/friendship scams being the most common types targeting the local older population. Scammers use various payment methods including gift cards and cryptocurrency to extract money, often directing victims to crypto ATMs or banks, and many cases originate outside the United States making recovery unlikely. Police Sergeant Beletti advises recognizing four warning signs: impersonation of trusted sources, claims of immediate danger or reward, pressure to decide quickly, and requests for specific payment methods.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Thousands of workers have been freed from scam compounds along the Thai-Myanmar border after Thailand cut power and telecommunications to the facilities, but many are now stranded in makeshift camps in Myanmar awaiting repatriation. An estimated 100,000 people have been lured to these compounds run primarily by Chinese operatives, where they were forced to commit online fraud targeting victims worldwide, subjected to beatings, electric shocks, and brutal working conditions while earning quotas of thousands of dollars weekly. The freed workers face delayed processing and poor camp conditions with insufficient food and sanitation, leaving them in physical and psychological distress as authorities slowly arrange flights home.
wevv.com
· 2025-12-08
A 74-year-old woman in Danville, Kentucky lost her life savings of $179,000 to a combined federal impersonation and gold coin scam in January-February 2024. The scammer posed as the Social Security Administration and Inspector General's Office, threatening her with prison and fraud charges, then convinced her to meet in person at a Lexington bank where she exchanged cash for gold coins that were never returned. The victim became so distraught that she attempted suicide; her grandson is sharing the story to raise awareness and help the FBI investigation.
lex18.com
· 2025-12-08
A 74-year-old Kentucky woman lost $179,000 to a federal impersonation and gold coin scam in January 2024 after receiving fraudulent emails from scammers posing as the Social Security Administration and Inspector General's Office, threatening her with prison unless she paid money for investigation purposes. The scammer convinced her to purchase gold coins in person at a Lexington bank parking lot, after which he disappeared with her life savings; the traumatized victim attempted suicide but is now recovering, and her grandson is sharing their story to raise awareness and help prevent similar crimes.
wtop.com
· 2025-12-08
Vipul Thakkar, 53, of Owings Mills, Maryland, pleaded guilty to theft and conspiracy after orchestrating a gold bar scam targeting elderly residents in Montgomery County that defrauded victims of over $1.1 million between March and June 2024. Thakkar convinced victims, including a 74-year-old Bethesda man and an 82-year-old woman, to convert their bank deposits into gold bars under the false pretense of protecting their assets, then arranged pickups by accomplices; he was arrested in July 2024 during an undercover operation and faces up to 60 years in prison at sentencing schedule
click2houston.com
· 2025-12-08
Darlington Akporugo, 47, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy for operating a nationwide romance scam targeting elderly victims through fake social media profiles. The scheme defrauded more than 25 victims of approximately $3 million and included convincing victims to open credit lines and purchase luxury items in his name. Akporugo faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine upon sentencing.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A man in Shanghai lost approximately £22,000 in a romance scam involving an AI-generated fictional "girlfriend" named Ms Jiao, who scammers claimed needed money for medical bills and business funding. The scammer team used generative AI to create fake photos, videos, and medical documents to manipulate the victim, who never met the woman in person. This case exemplifies the growing threat of AI-enabled fraud, with similar scams targeting victims worldwide using deepfakes and AI-generated personas to impersonate celebrities or create fictional romantic interests.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A 47-year-old Houston man pleaded guilty to operating a romance scam that defrauded over 25 victims, primarily elderly and retired individuals, of more than $3 million. The perpetrator used fake identities on social media to build relationships, then pressured victims to send money for fake business investments or personal emergencies, sometimes directing funds overseas and even obtaining credit lines in victims' names. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison at his June 6 sentencing.
lafayettestudentnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Lafayette College students have been targeted by phishing scams impersonating college officials and offering fraudulent job positions at $700 per week, though most emails are flagged as suspicious and few students report financial losses. College campuses are increasingly vulnerable to phishing attacks due to innovative hacking techniques, AI, and students' frequent email use combined with low cybersecurity awareness. The college addresses the threat through mandatory cybersecurity training for first-year students and recommends that students verify sender information, check for grammar errors, and hover over links before clicking.
humaneworld.org
· 2025-12-08
Online pet purchase scams deceive consumers into sending money for puppies that never exist, with scammers often claiming shipping delays or customs complications to extract additional payments before disappearing with victims' funds—sometimes hundreds or thousands of dollars. Legitimate online pet sales also pose risks, as many puppies come from overseas puppy mills and arrive sick or diseased, with buyers often unaware of the animals' foreign origins. Experts recommend avoiding online pet purchases entirely and instead meeting breeders in person to see breeding conditions and parent animals before committing to a purchase.
wsbtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Andrew Hood, a former caregiver at Charter Senior Living in Cobb County, Georgia, was accused of stealing four credit cards from an 81-year-old resident and using them to make unauthorized purchases including a Six Flags season pass, gas, and food in 2024. Hood faces nearly 20 felony charges, with the arrest warrant issued recently after a multi-month investigation involving multiple businesses. The case highlights the vulnerability of elderly individuals to fraud by trusted caregivers, with law enforcement emphasizing the importance of public awareness about elder fraud.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Craig Case, a 76-year-old Santa Barbara security company owner and part-time TV host, was found guilty on 63 of 64 counts for embezzling approximately $690,000 from Constance McCormick Fearing, a Montecito arts patron who died in 2022. Between 2018 and April 2021, Case conspired with Nancy Coglizer (who held power of attorney over Fearing) to write checks to Case in small amounts disguised as security service payments, avoiding financial institution oversight. The jury determined multiple aggravating factors applied, including the victim's vulnerability, the significant financial loss, and Case's exploitation of
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Three Southern California men were arrested in connection with a $10 million fraud scheme that targeted at least 100 elderly victims through phone calls, emails, and fake real estate offers between fall 2021 and the present. The defendants created fake identities, shell companies, and fraudulent bank accounts to impersonate law enforcement and company employees, convincing victims their accounts were compromised and tricking them into transferring funds or purchase fake property. If convicted of money laundering conspiracy, each defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michael P. Garcia, 36, of Miami was arrested in Florida and indicted on conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud for his role in a scam that defrauded at least four victims of over $550,000. Garcia allegedly recruited couriers to collect cash, gold bars, and other valuables from victims after conspirators falsely claimed to represent financial institutions and told victims their accounts had been compromised. Specific victims included individuals in Brooklyn and North Carolina, and a 76-year-old Fenton, Missouri resident who lost $20,000 in cryptocurrency and approximately $200,000 in gold bars.
southtahoenow.com
· 2025-12-08
El Dorado County Senior Services hosted a free educational presentation on March 3 featuring local law enforcement discussing current scams affecting the area, including romance, gift card, pig butchering, arrest warrant, check fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes. The presentation highlighted that the Federal Trade Commission reported $10 billion stolen in 2023, with actual losses likely much higher due to underreporting, and encouraged seniors to protect themselves and their loved ones from these fraud types.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Fraud targeting older adults in Arizona and nationwide represents a significant crisis, with those 60 and over reporting $3.4 billion in losses nationally in 2023, including $128 million in Arizona, according to FBI data. AARP volunteer Jerry Watterworth and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes are leading prevention efforts by educating seniors about evolving scams including romance frauds, Bitcoin schemes, identity theft, and tech-support scams, emphasizing that fraudsters continuously adapt their methods and prevention through awareness of red flags is key. The article stresses that because scammers exploit human nature—the desire to trust and connect—older residents must remain vigilant across all communication
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This article highlights AARP Arizona's fraud prevention efforts in response to a significant crisis: people over 60 reported $3.4 billion in fraud losses nationwide in 2023, with $128 million in Arizona alone. The article details common scams targeting older Arizonans—including romance scams, Bitcoin/cryptocurrency schemes, identity theft, and tech-support fraud—and emphasizes that prevention through awareness of red flags (unsolicited contact, high-pressure tactics, requests for personal information) is essential, as scam methods continually evolve with changing technology.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS released its 2025 "Dirty Dozen" annual warning list identifying twelve common tax scams, including phishing/smishing attacks impersonating the IRS, misleading tax advice on social media, fake charity donations, ghost tax preparers, and schemes involving false fuel tax credits and inflated withholding claims. The IRS urges taxpayers to verify information through official channels, avoid unsolicited communications, use registered tax professionals, and report suspected fraud to protect against identity theft, financial losses, and legal penalties during tax season.
nigerianeye.com
· 2025-12-08
Nigerian singer Paul 'Rudeboy' Okoye has accused his twin brother Peter 'Mr P' Okoye of orchestrating fraud charges against their older brother Jude Okoye, the former manager of their group Psquare, who was arraigned for allegedly laundering N1.38 billion and over $1 million. Paul claims the charges stem from a long-standing family feud between the twins that began in 2017 and resulted in the group's split, and he has pledged to support Jude's bail application while implying that he and Peter may also be culpable in the same financial crimes.
newindianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A special Anti-Corruption Bureau court in Mumbai ordered police to file criminal charges against former SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and five senior officials of the Bombay Stock Exchange for alleged stock market fraud, regulatory violations, and collusion in facilitating the fraudulent listing of a company that did not meet prescribed norms. The court found prima facie evidence of regulatory lapses and noted that SEBI and law enforcement had failed to act despite multiple complaints, directing the ACB to file a status report within 30 days and oversee the investigation.
bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly couple lost Rs 1.3 crore (approximately $155,000 USD) over six months in a "digital arrest" scam that began in August 2024 when fraudsters impersonating officials from mobile service providers, TRAI, cybercrime, and police departments convinced the victim she faced arrest for money laundering and other crimes. The scammers manipulated her into liquidating savings, breaking fixed deposits, and pledging gold and mutual funds through repeated threats and false claims delivered via phone, video calls, Skype, and WhatsApp, with the fraud only discovered when contact abruptly ceased. The victim experienced severe mental distress and health issues; a police
mytexasdaily.com
· 2025-12-08
A 47-year-old Houston man pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy in a romance scam that defrauded over 25 elderly and retired victims nationwide of more than $3 million. Darlington Akporugo used fake identities on social media to build trust with victims, then convinced them to invest in fake businesses or send money for fabricated personal emergencies, directing funds to accounts he controlled, often overseas. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine at sentencing scheduled for June 6.
iomtoday.co.im
· 2025-12-08
Isle of Man residents lost £2.2 million to scams and fraud in 2024, with suspicious email reports surging 50.7% to 9,372 cases, according to the Cyber Security Centre's Annual Threat Update. Investment scams caused the most damage at £1,278,920 across 35 cases, while account compromise, bank fraud, gift card fraud, and fraudulent websites also affected residents through phishing attacks, credential theft, and impersonation schemes. The report highlights the need for stronger cybersecurity awareness, including password protection and verification of requests for personal information or financial transactions.
indiatvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old bedridden woman in Kolkata was defrauded when a bank employee falsely claimed her son had authorized a Rs 40 lakh fixed deposit, convincing her to sign documents without verification. The funds were transferred from her savings account on February 27, 2025, shortly after she had received an inheritance following her uncle's death in January. The woman's son has since reported the incident to bank officials, alleging the employee fabricated the authorization to meet sales targets and exploited her vulnerability and isolation.
localnews8.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly couple in Rexburg, Idaho lost $35,000 after being targeted by scammers who impersonated PayPal's fraud department and their local bank, convincing them to make large cash withdrawals under the false pretense of investigating fraudulent Bitcoin purchases. The victims were instructed to lie to bank tellers about the withdrawals and later deposit the cash into a Bitcoin ATM, after which two men arrived at their home to collect the money in person. Rexburg Police warn seniors to verify requests directly with their financial institutions and note that legitimate banks never conduct fraud investigations through individual customers.
eastidahonews.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly couple in Rexburg was scammed out of $35,000 after receiving a fraudulent email impersonating PayPal's fraud department, which directed them to withdraw cash from multiple bank branches under the pretense of investigating unauthorized Bitcoin purchases. The scammers instructed the victims to lie to bank employees about the withdrawal reason and later sent two men to the home to physically collect the cash in an envelope. The Rexburg Police Department is investigating and warns that scammers often keep victims on the phone for extended periods to exploit their emotional vulnerability and lack of technological knowledge.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A man was sentenced to over eight years in prison for his role in an international fraud scheme originating from India that targeted older Americans, including a Georgetown woman who lost $300,000, with 21 identified victims losing nearly $6 million total. The scheme involved impersonating U.S. government officials to convince victims to transfer money from retirement and savings accounts, part of a growing problem highlighted by FBI data showing an 11% increase in financial losses for people over 60 in 2023. AARP Texas is advocating for increased law enforcement funding and expansion of the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center to combat online fraud schemes that disproportionately impact older adults who have accumulated significant lifetime savings
viconsortium.com
· 2025-12-08
During National Consumer Protection Week (March 2-8, 2025), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service warned of rising imposter scams in which fraudsters pose as trusted entities like family members, banks, or government agencies to manipulate victims into revealing personal information or sending money. The USPIS advises consumers to avoid responding to pressure tactics, verify contacts independently before sharing information, be cautious of grandparent and romance scams, ignore unsolicited USPS messages, and register with the National Do Not Call Registry. Suspected fraud can be reported to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 or online at www.uspis
edmonton.citynews.ca
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Edmonton residents lost over $48 million to fraud, with investment scams leading at $14.1 million, followed by romance scams at $1.7 million and employment fraud at $1.3 million. Police highlighted the emotional toll of these crimes, featuring the case of Heather Robicheau, who lost money to a year-long romance scam involving a fake cheque and false emergencies. During fraud prevention month, Edmonton Police and community partners urged residents to avoid sharing personal or financial information and to be skeptical of unsolicited requests for money, particularly those involving emotional manipulation or crisis scenarios.
edmontonjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Edmonton lost approximately $48.1 million to fraud in 2024, with investment scams being the largest category at $14.1 million, followed by romance, employment, and identity fraud scams. Edmonton Police Service launched Fraud Prevention Month to educate the public on common tactics used by increasingly sophisticated scammers, including phone spoofing, phishing, social engineering, grandparent scams, and person-in-authority scams that exploit psychological manipulation and urgency to steal money and personal information.
myjoyonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Aurora Phelps, 43, used online dating apps to meet at least four older men in 2021-2022, then drugged them with sedatives and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars through a scheme that resulted in at least three deaths. Phelps, currently in custody in Mexico, faces 21 federal charges including wire fraud, identity theft, and one count of kidnapping resulting in death, with prosecutors alleging she stole vehicles, drained bank accounts, sold stock worth $3.3 million, and purchased luxury items using her victims' accounts.
evertiq.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Swedish high school students, Henning Lindeberg and Erik Apelqvist, are developing a mini-computer device designed to detect phone scams by identifying words commonly associated with fraud and alerting users in real-time. The invention was motivated by personal experience—both students' grandparents were targeted by scammers—and addresses a significant problem in Sweden where nearly 30,000 phone scams were reported in 2023, resulting in approximately 66 million dollars in losses primarily targeting elderly individuals. The students aim to complete a fully functional prototype by their summer graduation.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A Bankrate Financial Fraud Survey found that 34% of U.S. adults experienced financial fraud or scams in the past 12 months, with 37% of victims losing money to schemes ranging from fake prize claims to job recruitment and investment scams. Of Americans scammed in the past year, 90% had their personal financial information accessed or targeted, though 57% of those attempts were unsuccessful; baby boomers and Generation X experienced the highest lifetime fraud rates at 73% and 71% respectively, and experts warn that economic stress and the pending wealth transfer of baby boomers may embolden scammers.
murrayledger.com
· 2025-12-08
A resurgence of toll-charge texting scams is circulating, where recipients receive messages claiming unpaid tolls in states they may or may not have visited, with links directing them to fake websites requesting payment. Law enforcement officials note that scammers increasingly replicate legitimate toll company messaging (like FastTrak or EZ Pass) and create sophisticated fake websites, making scams harder to identify, though legitimate toll agencies never request payment via text and instead send physical mail with license plate photos. Police advise recipients to verify they actually visited the state in question and to research any suspicious requests before responding, as scammers are becoming increasingly skilled at mimicking legitimate communications across multiple platforms including email and phone calls.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
According to the FBI's 2024 Elder Fraud Report, elder fraud complaints increased 46% with losses rising 43%, while New York ranked fourth nationally in complaints and monetary losses among seniors over 60. The median loss for victims aged 60+ exceeded $83,000, with investment scams causing the highest losses at $6.6 billion overall and New York seniors losing $257.7 million in 2024. AARP warns that holiday season scams are escalating, particularly gift card fraud, phishing, and delivery scams, and recommends shopping directly from official websites, purchasing gift cards only from authorized locations, and being wary of urgent requests for payment via gift cards or
foxsanantonio.com
· 2025-12-08
A USAA customer was targeted by scammers who spoofed the bank's caller ID and posed as the fraud department to warn her about unauthorized charges. The scammers manipulated her into transferring $3,400 through Apple Cash by claiming to help secure her compromised account, ultimately stealing the funds before disappearing when she discovered the deception. The case highlights a growing imposter scam trend affecting bank customers nationwide, with such scams resulting in $2.7 billion in annual losses, and demonstrates how criminals exploit familiar bank names and personal information to build false trust.