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in Robocall / Phone Scam
crypto.news
· 2025-12-08
Coinbase's Chief Information Security Officer identifies social engineering scams as the top threat to crypto users, advising people to ignore unsolicited calls from exchanges, verify contacts through official channels (which can prevent up to 80% of such scams), and avoid sending crypto to unknown individuals. Additional threats include deepfake technology used to impersonate leaders and romance scams exploiting emotional vulnerabilities, with Coinbase addressing these risks through AI-driven fraud detection and machine learning monitoring, while advocating for industry-wide information sharing through initiatives like the Crypto Information Sharing and Analysis Center.
graphic.com.gh
· 2025-12-08
Two Ghanaian nationals and one U.S. resident were convicted for operating a romance scam that defrauded elderly Americans between March 2019 and March 2022 by creating fake romantic relationships and convincing victims to send money. Sadia Alhassan and Mohammed Saaminu Zuberu, along with co-conspirator Shawn William Smith, were sentenced to prison terms and ordered to pay $581,261.67 each in restitution for their roles as money handlers and coordinators funneling victim funds to scammers based in Ghana. The operation involved receiving packages of cash from victims via postal services, converting funds to money orders
republicanherald.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece outlines nine common scam tactics and warning signs, including unsolicited phone calls claiming to be from banks or government agencies, requests for untraceable payment methods (gift cards, prepaid debit cards), poor quality communications with misspellings, upfront payment demands, and pre-checked boxes for recurring donations. The author advises readers to verify caller identity independently, watch for threats or "too good to be true" offers, and report suspected scams to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
During Medicare's open enrollment period (October 15–December 7), scammers impersonate Medicare representatives to steal personal information and Medicare numbers from beneficiaries through unsolicited calls and high-pressure tactics, sometimes fraudulently claiming extra benefits for early enrollment or offering unnecessary services. AARP Pennsylvania advises beneficiaries to review Medicare statements carefully, reject unsolicited offers, and verify that legitimate contact comes only after they initiate calls to Medicare, with scams reportable to law enforcement or AARP's fraud hotline at 1-877-908-3360.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2025-12-08
During Medicare open enrollment season, seniors become vulnerable to scams impersonating Medicare, where fraudsters use stolen Medicare numbers to order unauthorized products and services or harvest personal information. Experts advise seniors to be suspicious of unsolicited contact about Medicare plans, review benefit statements for fraudulent charges, and pause before providing personal information or making payments, especially when feeling pressured near enrollment deadlines. Resources like the AARP Fraud Watch Network offer free support for scam victims to identify fraud and recover compromised identities.
kiro7.com
· 2025-12-08
The Thurston County Sheriff's Office warned of a rise in scam calls where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement and claim victims have arrest warrants, then demand payment to resolve them. The sheriff's office emphasized that legitimate law enforcement never demands money over the phone to clear warrants, and advised residents to treat any such call requesting payment as a scam.
delawarepublic.org
· 2025-12-08
The Delaware Judiciary issued a warning about rising phone scams in which callers impersonate court officials or law enforcement to fraudulently demand immediate payment for alleged arrest warrants, jury duty failures, or outstanding fines. The scammers use pressure tactics and request untraceable payment methods like cash, gift cards, Venmo, or Zelle, and may send fake "order of arrest" documents via text. Residents are advised to hang up immediately, contact local law enforcement, and verify any court matters through official channels using the provided phone numbers.
dispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
Spoofing is when callers or texters falsify their caller ID to hide their identity, often impersonating government agencies or companies to extract personal information—a scam that recently targeted Black Americans with racist text messages using spoofed numbers. The FCC recommends avoiding spoofing scams by not answering unknown numbers, never responding to requests for personal information, verifying calls by hanging up and calling official numbers independently, and using call-blocking tools. While spoofing is illegal under the Truth in Caller ID Act of 2009 and can result in fines up to $10,000, there is no surefire way to prevent your number from being spoofed, though
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This AARP article identifies six major holiday scams affecting U.S. consumers: card declined scams that result in double charges; fake delivery/order notifications designed to collect shipping fees or harvest personal information; charity fraud using legitimate-looking solicitations; online shopping scams through fake websites and social media ads; travel scams offering unrealistic discounts; and gift card theft through tampering or code theft. The article provides protective measures for each scam type, including verifying websites independently, researching charities through tools like Charity Navigator, using credit cards for donations, and registering gift cards when possible.
cincinnati.com
· 2025-12-08
Racist spoof text messages were sent to Black Americans across multiple states and college campuses, including Clemson University, telling recipients they were selected for enslavement. Spoofing is a scam technique where senders disguise their identity to appear as trusted sources, and while the practice itself is legal, using it to steal money or personal information is criminal; victims can block numbers, contact their carrier, file complaints with the FCC and FTC, or use spam-blocking apps to protect themselves. Although spoof numbers are difficult to trace, affected individuals can check public forums to identify others receiving the same messages.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams are increasing as scammers impersonate recruiters and companies on online employment platforms to steal money and personal information from job seekers. A 28-year-old quality assurance analyst lost $1,000 after depositing a fraudulent check and unknowingly sharing personal information with scammers who posed as a marketing technology company. To protect themselves, job seekers should research companies and recruiters before engaging, avoid clicking links or responding to unsolicited messages, never deposit suspicious checks, and remember that legitimate employers typically only request basic information (skills, experience, contact details) before making a job offer.
nemasket.theweektoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Two men, Roberto Munoz and Jason Rhodes, were arrested for serving as couriers in a multi-state "grandparent scam" that targeted elderly residents, including those in Lakeville, collecting approximately $230,000 from victims across Rhode Island and Massachusetts in early March. The scam involved fraudsters posing as family members, attorneys, or law enforcement officials to convince elderly victims their grandchildren needed bail money, which the couriers then collected in person. Both men faced federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
sdvoice.info
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Justice's annual report documented over 300 enforcement actions against more than 700 defendants targeting older adults, recovering nearly $700 million and disrupting major transnational schemes. Notable cases included convictions of two Pittsburgh nursing homes for falsifying Medicare and Medicaid records to hide inadequate care, and investigations into New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes finding constitutional rights violations through poor infection control and medical care. The DOJ also addressed broader elder fraud affecting over 225,000 seniors through romance scams and government impersonation schemes, stopped $27 million in fraudulent transfers, and advanced prevention through nearly 1,000 elder justice events and a National Elder Fraud Hotline that handle
kgun9.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona experienced a 36% surge in elder fraud cases from 2022 to 2023, prompting the Green Valley Council to host Fight Fraud Day at a local recreation center, where the Pima County Sheriff's Department warned residents about evolving scams including voice cloning, number spoofing, and romantic fraud schemes that increasingly target the retirement community. The presentation demonstrated how artificial intelligence and voice cloning technology are being weaponized to impersonate family members and create fraudulent stories, with Green Valley residents reporting 2-3 scam attempts daily ranging from telephone fraud to compromised bank accounts. The PCSD provided fraud prevention resources and encourages residents to remain skeptical of unsolic
fox23.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams are among the fastest-growing fraud schemes in the U.S., costing Americans millions annually, with scammers using fake postings on legitimate sites like LinkedIn to target job seekers through direct messages, emails, and texts. Perpetrators conduct fake interviews via phone or video, request personal information and banking details, or send fraudulent checks and ask victims to wire back unused funds, leaving victims responsible for the losses. To protect themselves, job seekers should verify postings directly on company websites, avoid sharing personal information via text, and immediately contact their bank and the FBI if scammed.
southernillinoisnow.com
· 2025-12-08
A 28-year-old Nigerian national, Ogheneofejiro Godswill Uzokpa, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for operating a romance scam that defrauded at least a dozen elderly and disabled women across the United States of hundreds of thousands of dollars between March 2020 and February 2021. Uzokpa and his co-conspirators posed as romantic interests online to gain victims' trust, then used U.S.-based "money mules" to collect and transfer stolen funds totaling at least $329,470, which he was ordered to repay in restitution.
wsiltv.com
· 2025-12-08
A 28-year-old Nigerian man, Ogheneofejiro Godswill Uzokpa, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for operating a romance scam that defrauded at least a dozen victims, primarily elderly or disabled women, of hundreds of thousands of dollars between March 2020 and February 2021. Uzokpa and co-conspirators posed as American professionals abroad using false identities, built romantic relationships to gain trust, then solicited money for fabricated emergencies like "processing fees," with U.S.-based accomplices acting as "money mules" to transfer funds to Nigeria. The court ordered Uzokpa to pay $329
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A Nigerian national, Ogheneofejiro Godswill Uzokpa, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for operating a romance scam that defrauded at least a dozen victims—primarily elderly and disabled women—of hundreds of thousands of dollars between March 2020 and February 2021. Uzokpa and his co-conspirators posed as romantic interests online, built trust with victims, then requested money under false pretenses such as processing fees, using U.S.-based money mules to transfer funds to Nigeria. The judge ordered him to pay $329,470 in restitution to his victims.
indiatvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
An Udupi man lost Rs 14 lakh and a 63-year-old Hyderabad man lost Rs 50 lakh in fake investment scams involving WhatsApp groups promoting bogus trading apps ("Causeway" and "Skyrim Capital") that promised unrealistic returns and locked victims out of their accounts after deposits. Scammers exploit seniors' unfamiliarity with technology by adding them to fraudulent investment groups and fake apps designed to appear legitimate, making it critical for users to verify apps through official stores, avoid unsolicited investment groups, and consult certified financial advisors rather than relying on messaging app recommendations.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
Multiple victims in India lost significant sums—including a man from Udupi who lost Rs 14 lakh and a 63-year-old from Hyderabad who lost Rs 50 lakh—after being added to WhatsApp groups by scammers posing as financial advisors offering stock market tips and high returns. The scammers directed victims to download fraudulent investment apps (such as "Causeway" and "Skyrim Capital"), where victims initially saw fake profits but were then locked out when attempting to withdraw funds. The article advises protecting oneself by avoiding unknown contacts online, being wary of guaranteed or extremely high returns (a hallmark of fraud), an
ag.state.mn.us
· 2025-12-08
Attorney General Keith Ellison warned Minnesota veterans about "claim shark" scams operating before Veterans Day, in which unauthorized individuals and companies illegally charge veterans large fees or a percentage of benefit increases to assist with VA benefit claims they falsely promise to expedite or guarantee. Claim sharks use aggressive advertising, deceptive contracts, and high-pressure tactics while impersonating authorized representatives, and veterans can protect themselves by using only VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents, and Veterans Service Organization representatives who offer free assistance and by never sharing login credentials or signing contracts outside official VA representation forms.
quintenews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Ontario Provincial Police and Northumberland OPP are conducting fraud awareness initiatives during Crime Prevention Week 2024, with Community Safety Officers delivering presentations to seniors at community organizations and clubs. The presentations distribute resources including the Competition Bureau's "Little Black Book of Scams" and Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario materials, along with practical anti-fraud tools like RFID-blocking cards and tips on recognizing common scams across phone, email, and in-person contact methods. The initiative emphasizes the key message that if an offer sounds too good to be true, it likely is, and encourages community members to request voicemails for important contacts to verify legitimacy.
abc12.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly man from Elba Township, Michigan was nearly defrauded of $24,500 in October after receiving a fake email about a Bitcoin purchase and being instructed to withdraw cash to "repay" funds. The Lapeer County Sheriff's Office successfully recovered the full amount after the victim's daughter memorized the scammer's license plate and the bank manager reported suspicious activity, leading to the suspect's vehicle being located in Detroit. The case remains under investigation, and authorities remind residents to be cautious of unsolicited communications.
irishtechnews.ie
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece discusses the prevalence and types of online scams targeting seniors, drawing parallels between modern cyber-scammers and historical fraud schemes. In 2023, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre processed 62,365 fraud reports totaling over $554 million in losses, with seniors especially vulnerable due to their trust and familiarity with traditional communication. Common scams include phishing emails, tech support pop-ups, fraudulent government calls threatening legal action, and romance scams, with the article emphasizing that skepticism, verification of requests, and avoiding hasty responses are key protective measures.
mpacorn.com
· 2025-12-08
Debbie Deem, a retired FBI victim specialist, volunteers as a fraud intervention coach in Camarillo, California, providing free counseling and education to community members who have fallen victim to scams and fraud. She emphasizes that fraud disproportionately affects older adults (particularly those aged 70-79) and isolated individuals, with victims in her caseload losing anywhere from $500 to $5 million, and some losing their homes entirely. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are making sophisticated scams—including romance investment fraud, charity fraud, and romance scams—increasingly difficult to combat and devastating to victims often living on fixed incomes.
thedailycougar.com
· 2025-12-08
Young adults aged 18-24 experienced higher financial losses from scams than other age groups according to the Better Business Bureau's 2023 report, as scammers target vulnerable university students unfamiliar with protecting personal information. Common scams affecting college students include scholarship scams requesting application fees, textbook scams involving discounted or counterfeit books, job scams promising unrealistic pay and remote work, and housing scams using fake rental listings to solicit deposits. Students should verify websites and sources, avoid unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true, and use trusted campus resources like career fairs and verified recruiters to stay safe.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating legitimate bail bond companies in North Alabama, contacting relatives of jailed inmates and demanding payment via Cash App or prepaid gift cards before disappearing with the money. Red flags include requests for payment through apps or gift cards and communication only by phone or email, whereas legitimate bail bond companies require in-person office visits and signed contracts. At least two reported cases in Huntsville and Florence resulted in losses of $1,120 and similar amounts, with vulnerable populations like elderly family members and concerned parents being particularly susceptible to this fraud.
giant.fm
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Ogheneofejiro Godswill Uzokpa, a 28-year-old Nigerian national, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for conducting a romance scam that defrauded at least a dozen victims, primarily elderly or disabled women, of hundreds of thousands of dollars between March 2020 and February 2021. Uzokpa and co-conspirators created fake online identities posing as professionals abroad, built romantic relationships with victims to gain trust, then requested money under false pretenses such as processing fees, using U.S.-based "money mules" to transfer the stolen funds to Nigeria. The court ordered Uzokpa to pay $329
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
A Colorado woman named Debbie Fox fell victim to a romance scam after meeting a man named Russell online who posed as a successful businessman; after weeks of communication, he manipulated her into sending him nearly $60,000 by claiming he needed help with a work crisis overseas and appealing to her guilt when she initially refused. The scam highlights how fraudsters exploit emotional connections and personal values to persuade victims to transfer funds, and the podcast episode features Debbie's courageous decision to share her story publicly to help raise awareness about this common type of elder fraud.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
Three individuals were sentenced for their roles in a Ghana-based romance scam targeting elderly U.S. victims between March 2019 and March 2022: Sadia Alhassan (18 months prison), Shawn William Smith (1 day prison), and Mohammed Saaminu Zuberu (5½ months prison). The defendants served as money launderers and intermediaries, receiving funds that scam victims wired or mailed after being deceived into believing they were in romantic relationships with military personnel, with total restitution ordered at $581,261.67.
bulawayo24.com
· 2025-12-08
South Africans lost R1.1 billion to digital banking fraud in 2023, a 47% increase from R735,000 in 2022, with banking app fraud comprising 60% of digital incidents and averaging R19,793 per victim. The rise is attributed to social engineering techniques and vishing (voice phishing), where scammers impersonate bank officials to extract sensitive information like passwords and usernames. As the holiday shopping season approaches, consumers are urged to verify website legitimacy, be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and use secure payment methods to prevent fraud.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 79-year-old retired employee in Bengaluru lost ₹81 lakh after falling victim to a "digital arrest" scam in which fraudsters impersonating Mumbai police officers falsely accused him of sending obscene messages and confined him to his home for a month under threat of arrest. The scammers used fear and blackmail tactics to extort the money, with police noting multiple similar cases occurring in the city where victims are threatened with false criminal allegations. Prime Minister Modi recently warned the public that "digital arrest" is not a legal concept and advised people not to comply with such calls from unverified callers claiming to be government officials.
thehindu.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
An Associate Professor at a Government Medical College in India lost ₹76.5 lakh ($92,000 USD) to an online trading scam after encountering a YouTube advertisement for trading guidance that led him to a WhatsApp group posing as legitimate investors. The scammers built his confidence through fake investment screenshots and tutorials before directing him to a fraudulent website where they promised 30% returns on Indian and U.S. stocks; he discovered the fraud when a withdrawal was blocked and he was told he owed a ₹50-lakh fee to a fake "Qualified Institutional Buyers Association." Tamil Nadu police have registered a case and are investigating suspects believed to be operating
cadillacnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Lake City businesses are warning each other about an email scam in which fraudsters pose as event planners requesting large catering orders (such as 300 cupcakes), then ask the business to process a payment on their behalf, promising to reimburse them later. Red flags include unusually large order sizes, poorly worded emails suggesting use of an online translator, mentions of hiring professionals like DJs or event planners, and the scammer's refusal to communicate by phone (claiming hearing impairments). Business owners recommend verifying legitimacy through direct phone calls before accepting orders or making payments.
makeuseof.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece provides guidance on responding to phishing attacks and malware infections. It advises users who suspect malware exposure to run antivirus scans and quarantine suspicious files, and those with compromised login credentials to immediately change passwords on critical accounts (starting with banking) using a separate device and contact their bank if credit card information was exposed. The article emphasizes prevention strategies including maintaining skepticism toward emails, avoiding clicking links, and manually verifying URLs before visiting websites.
lowellsun.com
· 2025-12-08
This article contains two unrelated pieces: The first describes UMass Amherst researchers developing a cheaper, portable device to detect PFAS (toxic "forever chemicals") in water, reducing testing costs from millions to thousands of dollars. The second reports the arrest of two men, Roberto Munoz and Jason Rhodes, who allegedly served as couriers in grandparent scams targeting elderly victims across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, collecting approximately $230,000 from victims in over a dozen communities.
sentinelandenterprise.com
· 2025-12-08
This article contains two unrelated stories. The first discusses UMass Amherst researchers developing an inexpensive, portable device to detect PFAS (harmful "forever chemicals") in drinking water, reducing testing costs from millions to thousands of dollars. The second describes the arrest of two men accused of operating a grandparent scam courier network that collected approximately $230,000 from elderly victims across Massachusetts and Rhode Island by posing as family members in legal trouble.
newslj.com
· 2025-12-08
This article covers multiple current fraud and cybersecurity threats: Wyoming residents report receiving suspicious DocuSign phishing emails and fraudulent holiday sale emails (claiming 50% off heaters endorsed by Elon Musk) with spelling errors and fake purchase links. The FBI warns that hackers are bypassing two-factor authentication by exploiting website cookies after users click fraudulent links, while a new "Quishing" scam embeds malicious code in QR codes to direct victims to harmful sites. Post-election scams are also surging, including deepfake videos from foreign sources and phishing attempts disguised as election updates or donation requests, with experts advising users to verify sources
cbp.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers posing as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are calling residents nationwide claiming to have intercepted drug or money shipments with the victim's name, demanding personal information like Social Security numbers and banking details while threatening police arrival if the target refuses to comply. The scammers use authentic-sounding details including real CBP employee names, fake case numbers, and pre-recorded messages to appear legitimate. CBP emphasizes it never calls citizens unsolicited requesting money, personal information, or threatening legal action, and urges residents to hang up on such calls and report them to the Federal Trade Commission.
cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
Scam losses in Cuyahoga County, Ohio more than doubled in the first 10 months of 2024, with 890 reported scams totaling $2.9 million (averaging $25,610 per victim), up from 774 scams and $1.2 million the previous year. The majority of scams (53%) now involve criminals posing as trusted companies or government employees, with particularly sophisticated schemes including fake tech support pop-ups leading to remote computer access and unauthorized fund transfers, fake sheriff impersonations threatening arrest for missed jury duty, and targeted email/pop-up alerts that convince victims to move all their savings to bitcoin accounts—some victims lost
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-08
On May 24, 1971, retired Army captain Rustom Sohrab Nagarwala defrauded the State Bank of India's Parliament Street branch of Rs 60 lakh by impersonating Prime Minister's secretary PN Haksar and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi over the phone, convincing Chief Cashier VP Malhotra to deliver the cash in trunks to an unidentified person. Both Nagarwala and Malhotra were quickly arrested and most of the money was recovered, though the case spawned conspiracy theories about Mrs. Gandhi's alleged secret account and involvement. Despite a government commission investigation and detailed reconstruction by journalists, key questions
bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Bengaluru Police have launched weekly digital literacy and cyber-security sessions to protect senior citizens from online fraud, responding to rising cybercrime targeting the elderly who often fall victim to scammers impersonating government officials using fear tactics. October sessions in Malleswaram and Sahakar Nagar drew approximately 180 participants who reported increased confidence in identifying suspicious activity, with programs covering phone security, safe online practices, and fraud prevention. The initiative addresses seniors' vulnerability stemming from limited familiarity with digital platforms and financial dependence on potentially untrustworthy individuals.
levittownnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania State Police warned of a sophisticated Bitcoin scam targeting older residents, wherein scammers impersonated financial institution representatives and federal agents (FBI, FTC) to convince victims to withdraw cash and deposit it into Bitcoin kiosks under the pretense of protecting their assets from fraudulent activity. Victims were tricked into providing receipts or scanning QR codes that granted scammers access to the transferred funds, which are typically irretrievable due to Bitcoin's anonymous nature. The scammers used phone number spoofing to appear legitimate, and victims are urged to report incidents to the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357.
boston25news.com
· 2025-12-08
Boston Police Department warned the public of a scam targeting seniors in which fraudsters impersonate government officials or tech support workers, claiming bank accounts have been compromised and directing victims to withdraw cash or purchase precious metals like gold and silver. The scammers then arrange for a "courier" to collect the funds in person using a code word, disappearing with the money and never returning. Police advised the public to avoid unsolicited requests to buy metals, never meet strangers to hand over cash, and refrain from clicking links or calling numbers from unknown senders.
upi.com
· 2025-12-08
U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a warning about phone scammers impersonating CBP employees who call victims claiming an intercepted shipment of drugs or money bearing their name has been seized and demand personal information, Social Security numbers, or payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. The scammers use spoofed CBP phone numbers and may reference real CBP officials and badge numbers to appear credible, threatening that police are en route if victims refuse to cooperate. CBP emphasizes it never calls to demand money or personal information and advises citizens to ignore caller ID, hang up, and contact the agency directly through its official website if they have concerns.
bctv.org
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania State Police warn of a Bitcoin scam targeting retirees in which fraudsters impersonate bank representatives and federal investigators, persuading victims to withdraw cash and deposit it into Bitcoin kiosks under the guise of protecting their money from fraudulent activity. Once victims provide confirmation receipts or QR codes linking their accounts, scammers access the Bitcoin deposits and transfer the funds, which are untraceable due to the nature of cryptocurrency. The scam typically involves phone number spoofing to appear legitimate, and victims are advised to contact authorities such as the Pennsylvania Attorney General (800-441-2555) or the Federal Trade Commission (877-382-4357) if targeted.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warned of seven major holiday scams targeting consumers during the shopping season, including misleading social media ads, illegal gift exchange schemes (pyramid schemes), fraudulent holiday apps, phishing texts claiming account compromises, free gift card scams, employment fraud targeting seasonal job seekers, and fake look-alike websites. Consumers are advised to research businesses before purchasing, check privacy policies, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, and contact companies directly rather than through links in suspicious emails or texts.
legalserviceindia.com
· 2025-12-08
India's Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has prohibited transactions through "mule accounts"—bank or brokerage accounts used to conceal the true identity of individuals conducting illegal financial activities such as market manipulation, insider trading, and money laundering. The regulatory action targets a growing threat to market integrity, as rising digital trading platforms have made it easier for criminals to create mule accounts using fake or stolen identities to artificially inflate or deflate stock prices and mislead investors. This 2024 amendment strengthens SEBI's enforcement framework to enhance transparency, accountability, and investor protection in Indian securities markets.
indiatvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
India experienced a significant cybercrime surge in 2024, with approximately Rs 120.3 crore lost to "digital arrest" scams from January to April alone, where criminals impersonate law enforcement via video calls to coerce victims into paying money under threat of arrest. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) warned of related scams involving fake service disconnection threats, while the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal recorded 7.4 lakh complaints in Q1 2024, reflecting a steep increase from previous years. Victims should report suspicious calls through official portals and avoid making payments when threatened with legal action or service interruptions.
jamaica-gleaner.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines key strategies for protecting oneself from cyberscams, emphasizing the "three S's": stay suspicious, stop to think, and stay protected. Common scam tactics exploit fear, urgency, and money as bait, with particular vulnerability among seniors and isolated individuals through romance scams, job scams, robocalls, and impersonation schemes; experts recommend verifying contacts through official channels and using reverse-image searches to identify fake profiles.