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in Government Impersonation
techbullion.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS has issued a warning about escalating scams targeting seniors, who are particularly vulnerable to impersonation, phishing, spoofing, and lottery scams that exploit trust and create urgency. Common tactics include fraudsters posing as IRS agents via phone, email, or text to threaten legal action or extract personal information and money through gift cards or wire transfers. The IRS recommends seniors verify caller identity before sharing information, report suspicious activity to the IRS and FTC, and stay informed about scam tactics to protect themselves from financial exploitation.
nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng
· 2025-12-08
Job recruitment scams targeting South Africans are increasing, with fraudsters using two primary methods: impersonating legitimate recruiters on social media platforms and posting fake job listings on job boards and social media. Red flags include unsolicited job offers with unprofessional communication, unrealistically high remote work salaries, and requests for upfront payments for background checks or application fees (which are illegal under the Employment Services Act) or sensitive personal information like ID numbers and bank details.
valleytimes-news.com
· 2025-12-08
Police Chief Denise McCain and representatives from the FBI, Better Business Bureau, and other agencies presented at an East Alabama Regional Planning Commission Summit to educate seniors about fraud targeting older adults. The presentation covered common scams including jury duty imposters, tech support blackmail, grandparent scams using AI-generated voices, lottery scams, and IRS fraud, emphasizing that older adults with good savings and credit are lucrative targets who often delay reporting due to shame or uncertainty about where to report. Key prevention advice included never providing information over the phone, calling loved ones directly to verify requests, and immediately reporting blackmail to police.
santaclaritamagazine.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-driven scams targeting seniors employ various deceptive tactics including robocalls impersonating banks, fake tech support claims, AI-generated personas, fraudulent websites, and healthcare fraud schemes that exploit older adults' unfamiliarity with technology. Protection strategies include verifying unsolicited calls through official channels, using only reputable tech support, avoiding sharing personal information online, shopping only from trusted sources, and establishing family passwords to verify the identity of callers claiming to need help.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud losses in the Boston FBI Division (Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island) totaled $89.6 million across 2,689 victims in 2023, with national losses reaching $1.6 billion from January to May 2024—a significant increase from the prior year. The most common scams targeting seniors include tech support, romance, investment, and government impersonation schemes, with investment scams involving cryptocurrency showing a particularly sharp rise of 419% in losses between 2021-2023. The FBI emphasizes that actual losses are likely higher due to underreporting and recommends elders be cautious of unsolicited contact, resist pressure
theintermountain.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS has issued a warning about impersonation scams increasingly targeting seniors, where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) via phone calls, emails, and text messages to steal personal information and money. Scammers use pressure tactics, fake caller IDs, and demands for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, often threatening arrest or deportation to coerce immediate compliance. The IRS advises seniors to hang up on unexpected calls claiming tax issues, verify communications directly at 800-829-1040, and never provide sensitive information or make payments without confirming legitimacy through official channels.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington seized over $1 million in collectible stamps purchased with stolen money from a fraud scheme targeting seniors and vulnerable populations. The scheme involved two phases: victims were first defrauded by scammers impersonating government agents (FBI, SEC, DOJ) who claimed their accounts were breached and demanded they transfer funds for safekeeping, and some of those stolen funds were then funneled through romance scam victims via cashier's checks to purchase the stamps. The government has identified 28 victims defrauded of hundreds of thousands of dollars collectively, and seized stamps will be liquidated with proceeds returned to victims
interpol.int
· 2025-12-08
Operation First Light 2024, a global police operation spanning 61 countries, disrupted transnational online scam networks by freezing 6,745 bank accounts, seizing USD 257 million in assets, and arresting 3,950 suspects involved in phishing, investment fraud, romance scams, and impersonation schemes. Notable successes included recovering AUD 5.5 million (USD 3.7 million) for an Australian impersonation scam victim and saving a 70-year-old Singapore resident from losing SGD 380,000 (USD 281,200) in a tech support scam, while also rescuing 88 you
fortune.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, identity crimes overall declined 16%, but job scams on legitimate platforms like LinkedIn surged 118%, with scammers creating fake job postings and interviews to collect sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers. While job scams represented only 9% of total identity theft cases (with Google Voice scams leading at 60%), the ITRC noted that criminals are becoming more effective and damaging through AI-assisted tactics, resulting in fewer reported victims but greater impact per incident, with 30% of victims being seniors aged 65 and older.
eastsidefeed.com
· 2025-12-08
Nelson Counne, an Upper East Side resident, was sentenced to 4-to-8 years in prison for operating romance scams that defrauded at least five women of approximately $1.8 million between 2012 and 2021. Counne posed as a wealthy retired art dealer on dating apps using aliases, luring victims with fake investment opportunities in schemes he claimed were in "gray areas" legally, then used a Ponzi scheme structure to create the illusion of legitimacy while pocketing the funds. One victim lost $50,000 in the fraud, which D.A. Alvin Bragg noted reflects the all-too-common nature of romance scams
homenewshere.com
· 2025-12-08
The Middlesex Sheriff's Office and Winchester Housing Authority partnered on June 20 to present a scam awareness and prevention program as part of the L.E.A.R.N. initiative, educating local residents—particularly seniors—on recognizing common and emerging frauds. The presentations covered government imposter scams, grandparent scams, check washing, and romance scams, emphasizing red flags such as requests for pre-paid gift cards and encouraging residents to seek help without shame if they suspect they've been targeted.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
PAN card fraud—where scammers misuse individuals' Permanent Account Numbers to commit identity theft, open fraudulent accounts, secure unauthorized loans, or file fake tax returns—is rising in India, with recent high-profile victims including actor Rajkummar Rao and actress Nagma Morarji who lost Rs 1 lakh. To protect yourself, regularly monitor credit reports, bank statements, and tax filings for unauthorized activity, and report suspected misuse immediately to police (FIR), your bank, and the Income Tax Department through their e-filing portal or by contacting your Assessing Officer.
heraldnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud in the New England region resulted in $89.6 million in reported losses across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island in 2023, with Massachusetts accounting for $63.7 million of that total, though the FBI estimates actual losses are significantly higher due to underreporting. The FBI-Boston reports a double-digit increase in financial fraud targeting adults over 60, with investment scams showing the sharpest growth (victimization up 209% and losses up 419% from 2021-2023), largely driven by cryptocurrency schemes, alongside common scams including tech support, romance, and government impersonation fraud. The FBI recommends elderly individuals and their families be
bostonglobe.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraud targeting people aged 60 and older increased 11 percent nationwide last year, resulting in $3.4 billion in total losses, with Massachusetts accounting for $63.6 million across 1,610 reported victims. Common schemes include tech support scams, romance scams, investment fraud, and government impersonation, with the average victim losing nearly $34,000; the FBI warns that actual numbers may be higher since only half of complaints include victim ages, and scammers are increasingly employing artificial intelligence tactics.
oig.ssa.gov
· 2025-12-08
Victor Anthony Valdez, 39, of the Bronx, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy for acting as a courier in a transnational "grandparent scam" operated from Dominican Republic call centers between August 2020 and August 2021. The scheme targeted elderly Americans by impersonating their grandchildren, attorneys, or court officials to convince victims their grandchild had been arrested and needed bail money, with Valdez collecting tens of thousands of dollars from victims' homes in New York and New Jersey. If convicted, Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
hampshirereview.com
· 2025-12-08
A U.S. Navy veteran and federal employee from Charles Town lost nearly $2 million after befriending Sam Bunner at a local American Legion; Bunner, recognizing the veteran's cognitive decline, obtained power of attorney and systematically emptied his bank and investment accounts and sold his real estate, resulting in Bunner's 10-year federal prison sentence. The article highlights common elder fraud schemes in West Virginia, including caretaker theft, romance and tech support scams, government impersonation, and family member exploitation, while recommending protective measures such as resisting urgency, avoiding online money transfers, limiting power of attorney authority, and securing valuables for in-home care situations.
rlsmedia.com
· 2025-12-08
Victor Anthony Valdez, a 39-year-old from the Bronx, was indicted on wire fraud conspiracy charges for serving as a courier in a Dominican Republic-based "grandparent scam" targeting elderly Americans. Between August 2020 and August 2021, Valdez allegedly collected tens of thousands of dollars from victims in New York and New Jersey after call center operatives convinced seniors that their grandchildren had been arrested and needed bail money. If convicted, Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
minotdailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (held in June) raises awareness about preventing Medicare fraud, which costs the program an estimated $60 billion annually and affects beneficiaries through identity theft, stress, and health risks. The North Dakota Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) educates beneficiaries, caregivers, families, and healthcare providers on how to detect and prevent fraud, including monitoring insurance statements, refusing unsolicited medical equipment shipments, protecting Medicare numbers, and reporting suspicious activity. Prevention strategies emphasize year-round vigilance, including reviewing Medicare.gov accounts, registering on do-not-call lists, and community members watching for suspicious purchasing patterns among older adults.
telegram.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud losses in the FBI-Boston Division reached $89.6 million across 2,689 victims in 2023, with Massachusetts accounting for $63.7 million of those losses, and financial fraud targeting adults over 60 increasing by double digits. The most common scams include tech support, romance, investment, and government impersonation schemes, with investment scams showing the sharpest growth (419% increase in losses from 2021-2023, largely driven by cryptocurrency fraud). The FBI emphasizes that actual losses are likely higher due to underreporting and recommends that seniors avoid unsolicited contacts, resist pressure to act quickly, never share personal information with un
goldendalesentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans age 60 and older lost more than $3 billion to scammers in 2023, with the FBI reporting a 14% increase in complaints and an 11% rise in financial losses compared to 2022. Older adults face heightened vulnerability due to factors including greater trust, financial assets, and lower comfort with technology, with tech-support scams being the most commonly reported fraud type and investment scams causing the largest financial losses. Beyond monetary damage, elder fraud causes significant psychological harm including shame, trauma, and erosion of trust, making prevention education critical to combating what experts characterize as an epidemic.
tech.hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 33-year-old woman from Udupi, Karnataka lost ₹7.9 lakh in a FedEx courier scam where fraudsters impersonating FedEx officials and Mumbai Police claimed her parcel contained illegal items (passports, debit cards, and MDMA drugs) and demanded money for police verification via Skype. The scam exploits victims by creating false urgency around seized parcels and fake law enforcement involvement to extract payments, though legitimate authorities never demand money for criminal verification purposes.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Victor Anthony Valdez, a 39-year-old from the Bronx, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy for acting as a courier in a transnational "grandparent scam" operated from call centers in the Dominican Republic between August 2020 and August 2021. The scheme involved scammers posing as grandchildren, attorneys, or court personnel to convince elderly American victims that their relatives had been arrested and needed bail money, with Valdez collecting tens of thousands of dollars from victims' homes in New York and New Jersey. If convicted, Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
siliconeer.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans aged 60 and older lost $3.4 billion to fraud, with California accounting for over $620 million across 11,000+ reports, and monolingual Chinese seniors in the Bay Area facing particularly high risk. Common scams targeting elders include investment fraud (especially cryptocurrency), tech support scams, romance scams, and impersonation schemes (often posing as government officials), with typical victims losing over $33,000. Experts recommend immediate reporting to financial institutions and law enforcement (FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI), noting that shame, language barriers, and fear of retaliation prevent many victims—particularly Asian Americans—from coming forwar
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Six fraudsters were arrested in Florida for stealing nearly $250,000 from seniors through "grandparent scams," where they impersonated lawyers claiming grandchildren needed bail money after hitting a pregnant woman with a vehicle. The suspects used emotional manipulation and escalating demands—sometimes contacting victims multiple times with new fee claims—to pressure seniors into sending cash via ride-share couriers, with individual losses ranging from $8,000 to over $54,000. All six suspects face multiple first-degree felony charges including organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, and criminal use of personal identification.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Six individuals were arrested in Florida for operating a "grandparent scam" that defrauded seniors of nearly $250,000. The suspects impersonated lawyers and contacted elderly victims claiming their grandchildren needed bail money for hitting a pregnant woman, then pressured them to send cash via couriers; in some cases, the same victims were contacted multiple times with escalating demands, with individual losses ranging from $8,000 to $54,000. All six suspects face multiple first-degree felonies including organized fraud, grand theft, and criminal identity theft.
floridadaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Six individuals were arrested in Florida for operating a grandparent scam that defrauded senior citizens of nearly $250,000 across multiple counties. The defendants posed as lawyers or legal representatives claiming victims' grandchildren were arrested and needed bail money, then used couriers (unknowing ride-share drivers) to collect cash from the victims. In some cases, the scammers contacted the same victim multiple times with escalating stories—such as a pregnant woman miscarrying or dying—to extract additional payments, with individual victims losing between $8,000 and $54,000.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Victor Anthony Valdez, a 39-year-old from the Bronx, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy for acting as a courier in a Dominican Republic-based "grandparent scam" that targeted elderly Americans between August 2020 and August 2021. Scammers from call centers in the Dominican Republic impersonated victims' grandchildren or legal representatives, claiming the grandchildren had been arrested and needed bail money, then sent Valdez and other couriers to collect tens of thousands of dollars from victims' homes in New York and New Jersey. Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta is the most impersonated U.S. brand in phishing scams, with over 10,457 verified cases in the past four years, followed by Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft. Phishing scams impersonate trusted brands to trick victims into clicking malicious links or revealing personal data, which can lead to ransomware installation or account compromise. The research found that IT/technology and banking/finance sectors are most targeted due to high customer trust and valuable credentials, with scammers increasingly using urgent or emotional messaging and AI-generated content to appear more sophisticated.
mlive.com
· 2025-12-08
"Quishing" is a scam where criminals use fraudulent QR codes posted on signage or sent via email and text to direct victims to fake websites impersonating legitimate government agencies, banks, or companies. The scam tricks users into revealing personal and financial information that criminals can use for identity theft, fraud, and financial crimes. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service advises caution when scanning unfamiliar QR codes, especially those requesting immediate action, and recommends verifying suspicious communications directly with the legitimate organizations.
elpasoinc.com
· 2025-12-08
An 87-year-old El Paso resident lost approximately $10,000 after falling victim to a tech support scam impersonating Microsoft, during which scammers convinced her she had fraudulent Amazon charges and obtained her personal financial information. El Paso experienced 93 elder fraud reports totaling $6.2 million in losses this year, with the FBI noting that common schemes include investment scams, tech support scams, government impersonation, and romance scams—many originating from organized crime rings in Eastern Europe and Africa. The FBI reports that nationwide, seniors over 60 filed 101,068 fraud complaints in 2023 resulting in $3.
reason.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS estimates that between 60% and 70% of Employee Retention Credit claims submitted during the COVID-19 pandemic show unacceptable fraud risk, with only 10-20% of claims deemed low-risk. As of May 2024, the agency had initiated 450 criminal cases involving potentially fraudulent claims worth nearly $7 billion and recovered over $2 billion through its Voluntary Disclosure Program. Pandemic stimulus fraud extends beyond this program, with the GAO estimating $100-135 billion lost to unemployment insurance fraud and the SBA Inspector General finding over $200 billion stolen from disaster loan and small business programs.
cbs12.com
· 2025-12-08
Six fraudsters were accused of stealing nearly $250,000 from Florida seniors across multiple counties through grandparent scams, where they impersonated lawyers claiming victims' grandchildren had been arrested and needed bail money. The defendants directed victims to withdraw cash and place it in boxes for pickup by ride-share drivers (unknowingly recruited couriers), with some victims being contacted repeatedly and pressured to send additional funds based on escalating false charges, resulting in individual losses exceeding $50,000. All six defendants faced multiple first-degree felonies including organized fraud and grand theft.
heraldmailmedia.com
· 2025-12-08
A U.S. Navy veteran in West Virginia lost nearly $2 million after his caregaker, Sam Bunner, obtained power of attorney and emptied his bank, investment, and real estate accounts; Bunner was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. West Virginia experiences high rates of elder fraud involving both strangers (tech support scams, romance scams, government impersonation) and known individuals (caregivers, family members), targeting the state's large senior population. The U.S. Attorney's Office recommends resisting pressure to act quickly, avoiding unsolicited money transfers, limiting power of attorney authority, securing valuables during in-home care, and reporting suspected sc
tampafp.com
· 2025-12-08
Six individuals were arrested by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody's office for operating a grandparent scam that defrauded Florida seniors of nearly $250,000 across multiple counties. The perpetrators impersonated lawyers and claimed grandchildren had been arrested, demanding bail money in cash from victims—in one case, a Palm Bay victim lost over $54,000 after being told of escalating legal fees and medical expenses. The coordinated arrest involved law enforcement agencies from Miami-Dade, Brevard, Lee, Broward, and Orange counties, with the defendants facing multiple felonies including organized scheme to defraud and grand theft.
wvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A U.S. Navy veteran from Charles Town lost nearly $2 million to Sam Bunner, a caretaker who befriended him at the American Legion, obtained power of attorney, and systematically emptied his bank and investment accounts while selling his real estate; Bunner was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. The article highlights that West Virginia seniors face significant risks from both caretakers and strangers perpetrating scams including tech support schemes, romance scams, government impersonation, and family member theft, with artificial intelligence making these schemes increasingly difficult to detect. Protective measures include resisting pressure to act quickly, avoiding sending money to online contacts, limiting power of attorney authority,
tribune.com.pk
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration issued a warning about a widespread scam falsely claiming recipients would receive a $600 payment increase or stimulus check, which generated over 463,000 calls to the SSA in a single day. Social Security-related scams are the most prevalent government imposter scams in the U.S., with consumers losing more than $126.5 million last year, and the SSA emphasized that legitimate cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) are automatic and do not require beneficiaries to provide additional information. The legitimate 2025 COLA will be announced in October with changes reflected in January payments, projected at a 2.57% increase.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
In June 2024, the U.S. Attorney's Office and San Diego FBI recovered over $3.3 million in a coordinated operation targeting fraud schemes against seniors, obtaining more than 40 seizure warrants for $5.6 million since January 2024. The effort highlights California's disproportionate cyber fraud problem, with the state leading the nation in both victim count (over 77,000 in 2023) and losses ($2.1 billion), and emphasizes the need for early reporting of suspected fraud to interrupt transactions before funds are transferred. Common schemes targeting elderly victims include cryptocurrency investment scams (highest losses) and tech support/government impersonation scams
lowincomerelief.com
· 2025-12-08
This week's news roundup covers resources for low-income Americans and seniors facing summer heat, including HUD's expansion of financial assistance for air conditioning costs (benefiting 600,000+ public housing units lacking central AC). A critical warning alerts people to a dangerous scam falsely promising a $600 Social Security increase in June that requires filling out applications—the government warns this is a phishing scheme designed to steal personal information, as legitimate COLA increases are announced in October and require no applications. The article also covers proposed Medicare reforms and affordable medication programs for seniors.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Harriet Spring lost $1.6 million of her elderly mother's life savings to scammers impersonating ING bank over several months of phone calls and emails, with the funds eventually transferred through multiple Australian banks and becoming untraceable. Despite her mother's bank questioning the unusual transfer to a Westpac "holding account" and confirming ING was not offering the advertised rate, the bank did not warn her of potential fraud before processing the transaction. Spring is now advocating for government action and bank accountability, as Australians lost $2.7 billion to scams in the previous year.
moneylife.in
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old senior citizen in Mumbai lost over Rs2 crore (approximately $240,000 USD) to an online investment scam after being contacted via WhatsApp with promises of high returns in share trading; the fraudster provided app download links and bank account details for transfers, using a Ponzi scheme disguised as legitimate investment. The article explains that such cyber fraud schemes targeting seniors operate by paying early investors to build trust before disappearing when victims attempt to withdraw profits, and recommends potential investors verify that entities are registered with India's Securities and Exchange Board (SEBI) and conduct proper due diligence before investing.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
The film *Thelma* stars 94-year-old June Squibb in her first leading role as a grandmother who is scammed out of $10,000 by a con artist posing as someone claiming her grandson needs help—a common scheme known as the "grandparent scam." Inspired by writer-director Josh Margolin's grandmother's actual experience, the action comedy follows Thelma as she pursues the scammer across Los Angeles. The filmmakers note the scam is becoming increasingly prevalent and sophisticated, with audiences frequently reporting personal or family experiences with such schemes.
timesleaderonline.com
· 2025-12-08
A U.S. Navy veteran in West Virginia lost nearly $2 million when his caretaker, Sam Bunner, obtained power of attorney and emptied his bank and investment accounts; Bunner was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Senior citizens in West Virginia are frequently targeted by both strangers (tech support scams, romance scams, government impersonation) and trusted individuals (family members, caregivers) who exploit their longevity, savings, and trusting nature. To protect against such fraud, individuals should resist pressure to act quickly, avoid sending money to online contacts, carefully consider power of attorney arrangements, and secure valuables and financial documents from in-home caregi
weirtondailytimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A U.S. Navy veteran in West Virginia lost nearly $2 million when Sam Bunner, a caretaker who befriended him at a local American Legion, obtained power of attorney and emptied his bank and investment accounts and sold his real estate. The article outlines common elder fraud threats in West Virginia—including caretaker theft, romance and tech support scams from strangers, and family member exploitation—and provides protective measures such as resisting pressure to act quickly, avoiding unsolicited online money transfers, and securing valuables and documents when in-home care is needed.
theintelligencer.net
· 2025-12-08
A U.S. Navy veteran from West Virginia lost nearly $2 million when his caretaker, Sam Bunner, used a power of attorney to drain his bank and investment accounts and sell his real estate; Bunner was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. The article highlights that seniors in West Virginia face significant vulnerability to both caregiver fraud and stranger scams (tech support, romance, and government impersonation schemes), with recent AI advances making these scams harder to detect. The U.S. Attorney's Office recommends resisting urgency, avoiding unsolicited money transfers, securing valuables, and carefully limiting power of attorney authority to protect vulnerable adults.
wvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A U.S. Navy veteran from West Virginia lost nearly $2 million when Sam Bunner, a caretaker who befriended him at a local American Legion, obtained power of attorney and systematically emptied his bank and investment accounts and sold his real estate, exploiting the victim's declining cognitive abilities; Bunner was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. The article notes that West Virginia seniors are particularly vulnerable to both caretaker/family fraud and stranger scams (including tech support, romance, investment, and government impersonation schemes), and recommends protective measures such as resisting urgency, avoiding online money transfers, carefully granting power of attorney, using trusts with restrictions
klin.com
· 2025-12-08
Lancaster County, Nebraska residents are experiencing an increase in government imposter scams where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or court officials, claiming there is an arrest warrant and demanding immediate payment via bitcoin, gift cards, or cash. Scammers may provide fake credentials and personal information to appear legitimate, while some claim residents owe penalties for missing jury duty. The Nebraska Attorney General's Office and Lancaster County Sheriff advise residents never to share financial or personal information with unsolicited callers, disregard caller ID verification, or click links in unexpected messages, and to report suspected scams to the Sheriff's Office at 402-441-6500.
nbclosangeles.com
· 2025-12-08
Orange County law enforcement agencies are investigating a series of robberies in which men impersonating federal immigration agents target immigrant communities, demanding cash under threat of deportation. At least two victims were robbed of hundreds of dollars in separate incidents in Westminster by suspects posing as ICE agents, displaying fake badges and tactical vests while brandishing weapons. Police emphasize that federal agents do not conduct street detentions and urge Spanish-speaking communities to report these crimes to local police regardless of immigration status.
tryondailybulletin.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS issued a warning about impersonation scams targeting North Carolina seniors, where fraudsters pose as government officials or IRS representatives to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. The warning was part of a broader awareness effort around World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to educate older adults about these scams and encourage collaboration among federal agencies, state tax authorities, and tax professionals to protect vulnerable populations.
paymentsdive.com
· 2025-12-08
Cash payment losses to government impersonation scammers nearly doubled in 2023, reaching $76 million compared to $40 million in 2022, with the trend accelerating in early 2024 at $20 million in first-quarter losses with a median loss of $14,740 per victim. Overall losses to government impersonation scams across all payment types totaled $618 million in 2023, as scammers increasingly exploit cash's difficulty to trace and recover. The FTC warns consumers to be cautious of government impersonation requests for cash payments and encourages financial institutions to monitor large cash withdrawals as a potential fraud prevention measure.
1011now.com
· 2025-12-08
The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office and Nebraska Attorney General's Office reported an increase in government imposter scams in the county, where scammers impersonate local law enforcement or court officials and threaten arrest or jail time unless victims pay immediately, sometimes using fake employee IDs or badge numbers to appear credible. The sheriff's office received 20 calls in one week alone of scams impersonating Captain Jon Vik. Both agencies advise residents to hang up on unsolicited government contacts, never send money through wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps, and instead call government agencies directly at known numbers to verify claims.