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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
theedgemalaysia.com
· 2025-12-08
A cybercriminal group earned US$46 million from deepfake romance scams targeting men across Asia, including cases like an 80-year-old Malaysian widow losing RM30,000 to an AI-generated video mimicking a Chinese celebrity. In 2024, Malaysians lost US$12.8 billion to scams overall, with deepfake technology making it increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine online dating profiles despite facial verification features. The article advises victims to avoid unverified investment advice from online contacts, refrain from sharing personal information early in conversations, and limit location sharing to protect against emotional manipulation and physical safety threats.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting fake Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems—automated phone systems used by banks and government agencies—to trick victims into revealing sensitive financial information through spoofed caller IDs and professional voice cloning. Recent incidents include a woman in Bengaluru who lost Rs 2 lakh and a man in Sri Vijaya Puram who lost Rs 80,000 after responding to fraudulent calls mimicking their bank and government agencies. Legitimate IVRs never request OTPs, CVVs, or passwords; senior citizens, non-English speakers, and new online banking users are most vulnerable, and people should hang up and independently verify contact numbers when
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns Gmail users about increasingly sophisticated AI-driven phishing scams targeting account access and personal data, noting a 49% rise in phishing attacks since 2022 that can evade security filters. Hackers use malicious links and unsolicited calls impersonating customer support to steal credentials, with legitimate companies never initiating contact to request passwords or personal information. Users should be extremely cautious of unsolicited messages requesting personal data and avoid clicking links from unknown sources.
nationwidemediacentre.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Nationwide research found that 41% of singles seek love online, with 36% admitting to white lies on dating profiles, while only 11% feel confident spotting romance scams where criminals use fake identities to extract money. The research reveals that 27% of online daters have been contacted by imposters and 46% would ignore red flags, with scammers particularly exploiting vulnerable individuals around Valentine's Day when 24% feel pressured to have a date and 29% report loneliness. Nationwide advises caution against suspicious profiles, "love bombing," unverified photos, requests for money, and recommends reporting suspicious activity to protect against romance fraud.
desertsun.com
· 2025-12-08
Rep. Raul Ruiz introduced the Protecting Seniors from Healthcare Fraud Act of 2013 to combat health care scams targeting seniors during the Affordable Care Act rollout, requiring the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services to develop policy recommendations and educate seniors about common fraud schemes. Common scams included callers pressuring seniors to update Medicare information or provide Social Security numbers and bank account details, with fake Covered California websites also fraudulently imitating the legitimate insurance marketplace. The bipartisan bill had support from AARP and aimed to help seniors recognize warning signs and report fraudulent activity to law enforcement.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
On February 3, 2025, the Grand Rapids Police Department arrested an out-of-state male in possession of $42,800 cash after investigating multiple "grandparent" scams in which callers falsely claimed victims' grandsons had been arrested and needed bail or legal fees. At least three elderly victims fell victim to the scheme, including a Southeast Grand Rapids couple who paid $17,000; law enforcement identified the suspect through victim descriptions and home surveillance footage, then located the cash in labeled envelopes during a vehicle search warrant execution. Police urge residents to verify family emergencies by directly contacting the family member in question and to report similar scam calls to the Itasca
deccanchronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters are increasingly using artificial intelligence to conduct sophisticated scams including deepfakes, voice impersonation, and highly personalized phishing emails that are difficult to detect even for experienced professionals. India reported over ₹11,000 crore in cyber fraud losses during the first nine months of 2024, prompting government cybersecurity budget increases and new measures like RBI-backed secure domain names (.bank.in, .fin.in) to combat fake financial websites. Experts emphasize that strong passwords, two-factor authentication, employee training on AI-driven scams, and regular security updates are now essential defenses as cybercriminals become more accessible to non-technical
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Kingsley Apenteng, a Dumfries man, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for fraudulently obtaining $149,740 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) COVID-19 relief funds by falsely claiming his inactive company, Pioneers Real Estate LLC, had nine employees and a substantial payroll. Apenteng fabricated tax forms with a forged tax preparer's signature, altered bank statements, and later submitted a false loan forgiveness application that resulted in the SBA approving full reimbursement in November 2021. He faces up to 20 years in prison at sentencing scheduled for May 6.
nbclosangeles.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service warned the public about romance scams, in which fraudsters create fake identities and build trust with victims over weeks or months before requesting money through transfers, checks, gift cards, or wire payments. The agencies recommend avoiding relationships that escalate quickly, refusing requests for money from people you haven't met in person, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities. Victims should report scams to the USPIS, local law enforcement, and the Federal Trade Commission.
news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The United States Postal Service warned consumers about romance scams that surge around Valentine's Day, in which fraudsters create fake identities on social media and dating apps to build trust with victims before requesting money, gift cards, or wire transfers under false pretenses. The USPS recommends avoiding online relationships that escalate quickly, refusing to send money to people you haven't met in person, and being alert to requests for secrecy or urgent financial assistance. Victims are encouraged to report incidents to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, local law enforcement, and the Federal Trade Commission.
wbckfm.com
· 2025-12-08
FBI warned Gmail users nationwide, including in Michigan, of sophisticated AI-powered phishing scams impersonating Google support staff who contact victims by phone (with spoofed caller ID) and follow up with emails requesting account recovery codes that grant scammers access. The scam is particularly dangerous because it uses AI technology to create highly believable impersonations, with even tech-savvy victims describing it as "the most sophisticated phishing attack" they've encountered. The FBI advises never responding to unsolicited contact from companies claiming to be Google, banks, or other support services, and instead independently contacting those companies to verify any suspicious communications.
reporternews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in Brown County and surrounding areas are impersonating sheriff's deputies in phone calls, claiming victims have missed court dates or arrest warrants and demanding immediate payment via cryptocurrency machines. The Brown County Sheriff's Office warns that legitimate law enforcement will never call demanding payment for fines or warrants, and victims should report such calls to local authorities. Similar scams have been reported across multiple Texas counties, with perpetrators instructing victims to withdraw bank funds and convert them to Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.
nemasket.theweektoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The Middleboro Senior Center is hosting an educational program on February 20 where Police Elder Affairs Officer Steve Valerio will teach seniors about common scams targeting them, including fake package delivery alerts, online romance schemes, Medicare/government impersonations, and fraudulent tech support calls, with advice on how to avoid scammers. The center is also offering other February activities including a Valentine's Day entertainment event on February 13 and a historical presentation about the Blizzard of 1978 on February 27.
fox61.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Connecticut woman recovered approximately $328,573 after falling victim to a computer support scam in February 2024, where criminals posing as Microsoft support tricked her into sending $550,000 via wire transfers. Local police and Homeland Security Investigations traced and recovered the funds through bank reversal and asset seizure, with the U.S. Attorney's Office facilitating the return to the victim. Law enforcement emphasized the importance of reporting such cybercrimes immediately to banks and authorities, noting this case represents a rare best-case scenario where nearly all stolen money was recovered.
philstarlife.com
· 2025-12-08
A Thai-British beauty queen lost 4 million baht after two scammers, Ramil Pantawong and 31, and Thanawut Kanyaphanthe, 28, impersonated Thai Department of Special Investigation officers and falsely accused her of money laundering to trick her into transferring funds. The two suspects were arrested as part of a 50-member gang operating from Cambodia that used AI technology to alter their faces during video calls and had victimized at least 163 people with similar schemes involving fake narcotics and money-laundering accusations. The suspects revealed they had been recruited under false pretenses and forced to work for Chinese gang leaders who controlled the operation through threats
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A federal court issued a permanent injunction against Michael Brian Cotter and five companies operating a large-scale technical-support fraud scheme that defrauded hundreds of elderly and vulnerable Americans from 2011 to 2020. The scheme used fake Microsoft security pop-ups to trick victims into calling India-based call centers, where fraudsters gained remote computer access and convinced victims to pay hundreds to thousands of dollars for unnecessary software and services. The injunction permanently bars the defendants from selling technical-support services via telemarketing or websites and transfers 19 fraudulent domain names to the U.S. government.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Fabrisio Arias was sentenced to 41 months in prison and ordered to pay $395,536 in restitution for laundering money in an international sweepstakes scam that defrauded at least 22 elderly victims between November 2020 and September 2022. Scammers based in Costa Rica used spoofed phone numbers to call seniors, impersonating IRS and FTC officials, convincing victims they had won prizes but needed to pay fees first; victims sent cashier's checks and money orders to Arias in California, who deposited the funds and transferred most to co-conspirators abroad. Many victims in their seventies to n
talkoftitusville.com
· 2025-12-08
Crystal Ann Hackney, a 38-year-old Mims woman, faces felony charges for exploiting a vulnerable 70-year-old man with a traumatic brain injury by draining over $34,000 from his bank accounts via unauthorized Zelle transfers, fraudulently acquiring his home (valued at $100,000+) for $1,000, and maxing out his credit card on luxury purchases totaling $6,215. The exploitation was discovered in April 2024 when Taschner was hospitalized after a suicide attempt, at which point Hackney had left him destitute with access to nothing; Taschner is now in a behavioral
medicinehatnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Medicine Hat is experiencing rising reports of scams targeting seniors, including the Grandparent Scam, romance scams, and phishing schemes, with 78% of adults aged 65 and older having encountered at least one fraud attempt. The Veiner Centre partnered with Reality Bytes Inc. to offer a February 13 presentation on identifying and preventing fraud, and highlighted its Elder Abuse Outreach team that provides assessment, support, and case management to seniors experiencing financial abuse, some of whom have lost their life savings.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-08
A Connecticut woman lost nearly $1 million in a romance scam after meeting someone on the dating app BLK who posed as a widower and eventually convinced her to invest in cryptocurrency. The scammer used a stolen photo, love-bombed the victim over months of phone calls (never video chatting), and showed fake screenshots of profitable crypto investments to encourage larger deposits, ultimately draining her 401K. Experts warn that staying on dating platform messaging systems, never sending money to unmet contacts, and requesting video verification are key ways to avoid such scams.
wandtv.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
The FBI Springfield office warned the public about romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, noting that criminals use fake identities on dating websites and social media to establish trust with victims before exploiting them financially. Illinois residents lost nearly $19 million to romance scams in 2023, with nationwide losses totaling $652.5 million that year. The FBI provided warning signs including requests to move off dating platforms, quick professions of love, claims of overseas locations, and requests for money, urging people to take their time vetting potential online partners and report suspected scams immediately.
mynews4.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service issued a Valentine's Day alert about romance scams, which involve fraudsters creating fake identities online to build trust with victims before requesting money through mail, wire transfers, or gift cards for fabricated emergencies. The agencies recommend victims avoid relationships that escalate quickly or involve avoidance of video calls, never send money to online contacts, and report suspected scams to USPIS, local law enforcement, or the FTC.
kstp.com
· 2025-12-08
During tax season, scammers pose as tax preparers and IRS agents to steal personal information, refunds, and identities, with some fraudsters filing returns to collect refunds of thousands of dollars in victims' names. To protect yourself, hire accredited local tax preparers with verifiable credentials and Preparer Tax Identification Numbers, be aware that the IRS initiates contact by mail (never by phone or email), and file your return early using trusted software or free IRS resources to prevent identity theft. Red flags include unsolicited IRS contact, pressure to pay immediately, or offers of instant refunds with high fees.
nbcchicago.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau issued a warning about an advanced fee loan scam in which callers, often posing as "Jessica" from fake loan processing companies, contact consumers to verify personal information such as Social Security numbers and bank account details. Between November and January, the BBB received over 500 reports of this scam operating nationwide, with victims reporting multiple daily calls from different numbers using nearly identical scripts. The BBB advises consumers to verify company legitimacy through their free online portal, never disclose personal information to unknown callers, watch for red flags like vague details and urgent demands, and report suspected scams to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
wfiwradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Wabash General Hospital in Mt. Carmel is warning patients of scam calls using spoofed hospital phone numbers to fraudulently obtain personal information such as Medicare and Social Security numbers. The alert identifies nine types of circulating scams targeting patients, including fake card replacements, vaccine offers, and refund claims, and advises recipients to hang up on suspicious calls and report them to authorities.
nj1015.com
· 2025-12-08
A jury duty scam is resurfacing in New Jersey, where con artists contact people via phone, text, or email claiming they failed to appear for jury duty and threatening arrest unless they pay a fine immediately. The actual judiciary never requests payment, personal financial information, or identification numbers to resolve jury duty issues; legitimate communications may only request date of birth and residential address. Residents should hang up, avoid clicking links, and report suspected scam communications to their county jury management office and local law enforcement.
carolinanewsandreporter.cic.sc.edu
· 2025-12-08
Final Victory Animal Rescue fell victim to a fake Venmo account impersonating the charity in December 2024, resulting in lost donations and adoption fees that were redirected to scammers. The incident highlights the increasing sophistication of online scams, with scammers creating legitimate-looking websites and payment accounts; the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs reports that 33% of 2024 scam reports involved online contact, with purchase scams being the most common type. The charity emphasized the importance of verifying official charity accounts and recommended donating only to well-known registered organizations.
coasttv.com
· 2025-12-08
A Millsboro nurse with 20 years of experience was targeted by employment fraud scammers posing as recruiters from IBSA Pharma on LinkedIn in November 2024; the scammers used nearly identical email addresses and the real names of actual company employees to convince her to deposit a check and purchase a MacBook Pro. After contacting the real company's HR department, Katrina discovered the deception and did not lose any money, though she was left without employment and emotionally distressed about her family's financial security. The scammers attempted to target her again two weeks later with a Walmart secret shopper scheme, which she recognized and avoided.
futurescot.com
· 2025-12-08
Jordan Reid co-founded SENGUARD, a cybersecurity service designed to protect people over 50 from online fraud, after his grandfather Ian Gardner fell victim to a ransomware attack that wiped his files and left him isolated and anxious in his final years. The Glasgow-based start-up offers scam surveillance, account security, and privacy protection with accessible features like voice-guided navigation, and has secured £75,000 in funding to expand pilot programs across UK cities. According to cited research, scams cost older UK adults an average of nearly £4,000 each, with 1.2 million older adults reporting anxiety about online fraud.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Qantas frequent flyer members were targeted by a phishing email scam falsely claiming unauthorized account access and requesting recipients click a suspicious link to "cancel the operation." An unknown number of emails were sent, and a small number of Qantas members fell victim and are now working with the airline to secure their accounts. The National Anti-Scam Centre confirmed this is a common tactic using well-known brands to steal personal information and commit fraud, and advised Australians to report scams to Scamwatch and notify their banks if compromised.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Three U.S. citizens were sentenced to prison for operating sweepstakes fraud schemes from Costa Rica that targeted hundreds of victims, many elderly, between 2007 and 2015. The defendants falsely claimed victims had won cash prizes and repeatedly demanded "refundable insurance fees" and other charges, with Bonner's scheme alone causing approximately $10 million in losses; Bonner received 180 months in prison and was ordered to pay $9.7 million in restitution, while Schiavone and Ricker received 48 and 42 months respectively and were ordered to pay $399,852 each in restitution.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Justice filed civil actions against five telecom companies and three individuals for facilitating hundreds of millions of fraudulent robocalls originating primarily from India, targeting elderly and vulnerable Americans with government and business imposter scams. Despite repeated warnings, the defendants continued operating VoIP carrier services that enabled foreign-based fraud schemes involving fake Social Security, IRS, and tech-support calls designed to extort large sums of money from victims. A temporary restraining order was granted against Global Voicecom defendants, with the DOJ pledging to pursue both criminal and civil remedies against those knowingly facilitating these predatory calls.
wifr.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of a rising scam in which fraudsters pose as loan-processing company representatives, often using the name "Jessica," and contact consumers via unsolicited phone calls and voicemails claiming to discuss loan applications the victims never submitted. The BBB received over 500 reports of this scam between November 2024 and January 2025, and advises consumers to verify company legitimacy, never share personal information with unknown callers, and avoid calling back unfamiliar numbers.
25newsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warned the public about a rising phone and voicemail scam in which fraudsters impersonated loan-processing company representatives, often using the name "Jessica," to trick consumers into sharing personal information by claiming they needed final details on loan applications the victims never submitted. The BBB received over 500 reports of this scam between November 2024 and January 2025, and recommends consumers verify company legitimacy, avoid sharing personal information with unknown callers, refrain from calling back unfamiliar numbers, and report suspicious activity.
wccbcharlotte.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau in North Carolina identified the top five scams of 2024, with online purchase fraud, phishing/imposter schemes, employment scams, debt collection fraud, and sweepstakes/lottery scams ranking as the most prevalent threats in the region. These scams increasingly employ sophisticated technology and social engineering tactics, with fraudsters either delivering no products after payment, impersonating trusted entities to steal personal information, or collecting upfront fees for non-existent prizes or jobs. The BBB emphasizes consumer education and vigilance as critical tools to combat these schemes and maintain marketplace trust.
philarchive.org
· 2025-12-08
This academic paper analyzes how vague definitions of artificial superintelligence (ASI) and inflated claims create opportunities for "epistemic perpetuum mobile" scams that exploit confusion about AI capabilities. The authors examine three competing perspectives in ASI discourse and propose cybersecurity defenses against these scams, warning that such deception increases existential risks through epistemic self-sabotage and could enable authoritarian control.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens in Kolkata are disproportionately vulnerable to digital arrest scams due to a combination of factors including low digital literacy, emotional vulnerability from isolation, generational trust in authority figures, and reduced confidence with age. Mental health professionals and law enforcement attribute the scams' success to elderly victims' concerns about reputation and security, their smaller social networks that prevent them from seeking advice, and the post-COVID shift to digital transactions without adequate support or updated knowledge of cyber threats. Police recommend awareness campaigns and encouraging victims to discuss suspicious requests with others before complying with threats, particularly those involving money.
wfla.com
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old woman in Walton County, Florida lost $129,500 in a cryptocurrency fraud scheme after scammers impersonating a bank representative instructed her to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM machine. The Walton County Sheriff's Office deemed this the largest fraud case in their county, with investigators believing the suspect is likely operating from overseas and noting that Bitcoin transactions are irreversible, making recovery unlikely. The Sheriff's Office emphasizes that seniors are frequently targeted by these scams and recommends education and awareness programs as the best defense.
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-08
The Maharashtra Cyber Police issued a public alert warning senior citizens about four prevalent scam types targeting them: digital arrest scams (where fraudsters impersonate police demanding online payment), investment frauds (promising unrealistic returns), sextortion (extorting money after obtaining private photos), and phishing scams (using suspicious links and OTP theft). The alert emphasizes that legitimate authorities never demand online payments or threaten arrest via phone, and advises seniors to verify investments with trusted advisors, avoid sharing personal information online, and report suspicious activity to the Cyber Crime Helpline.
hometownstations.com
· 2025-12-08
A federal jury in Ohio convicted two Indian nationals, Pranay Kumar Mamidi (27) and Kishan Vinayak Patel (26), of money laundering conspiracy for their role in distributing proceeds from phantom hacker scams that defrauded victims across four states of their life savings from May to November 2023. In these scams, victims are contacted by fraudsters posing as customer service representatives, FTC agents, and DEA officials who trick them into withdrawing cash or gold bars under false pretenses of account fraud investigations, with the laundered funds estimated in the tens of millions of dollars. Both defendants face up to 20 years in prison per count, an
wsmv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of romance scams targeting people around Valentine's Day, in which scammers create fake dating profiles (often posing as military members or overseas workers) to build emotional connections with victims before requesting money for fabricated financial crises. Red flags include profiles that seem perfect, requests to move communication off dating platforms quickly, early declarations of love, avoidance of in-person meetings, and requests for money. The BBB recommends verifying information through reverse-image searches, discussing potential matches with trusted friends and family, and reporting suspicious profiles to BBB.org/Scamtracker.
wisbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
With Valentine's Day spending projected to reach nearly $26 billion, the Better Business Bureau warns consumers about four common scams: impostor websites offering counterfeit jewelry and fake dating platforms, romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals who can lose thousands of dollars, wrong number text scams designed to harvest personal information, and fake florist schemes that deliver nothing or substandard arrangements. Consumers should watch for red flags such as extreme discounts, requests for cash transfers or cryptocurrency, fast-moving relationships, and unverifiable business credentials, and should report suspected scams to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common fraud tactics and prevention strategies, emphasizing that scammers use urgency and panic to manipulate victims into sharing financial or personal information quickly. Key advice includes: taking time to verify requests before acting, being cautious of online shopping deals and "Hi Mum" impersonation scams on social media, scrutinizing emails for subtle fraudulent indicators, and hanging up on unexpected calls to verify identities independently.
ladailypost.com
· 2025-12-08
The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) launched the Scam Awareness for Elders (S.A.F.E.) initiative with a kickoff event on January 29, 2025, attended by 85 people, featuring a screening of the film "Thelma" and a scam prevention presentation by FBI Special Agent Ryan Davis. The spring 2025 program includes workshops on romance scams, AI literacy, and a book club focused on scam prevention, all offered free to the community through funding from the Non-Metro New Mexico Area Agency on Aging.
hometownsource.com
· 2025-12-08
The Senior LinkAge Line is offering a free virtual presentation on March 12 to educate older adults about health care fraud, waste, and abuse prevention, recognizing that scams targeting seniors are on the rise. The 90-minute session, in partnership with the Senior Medicare Patrol federal program, will cover fraud detection, reporting mechanisms, and personal information protection strategies. The Minnesota Board on Aging's Senior LinkAge Line provides free statewide support to help older Minnesotans and caregivers access services and resources.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Shrewsbury police issued a fraud alert warning seniors of phone scams in which callers falsely claimed to be from a nonexistent "Shrewsbury Consumer Science Department" and demanded payment for back taxes, directing victims to call (833) 750-2345. The scammers spoofed official caller ID information to appear legitimate, and residents were advised to report such calls to the Shrewsbury Police Department.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Qantas frequent flyer members received phishing emails claiming unauthorized access to their accounts and directing recipients to click a suspicious link to "cancel the operation," though the Qantas database was not hacked. A small number of members fell for the scam and are working with Qantas to secure their accounts; the airline confirmed the scam and reported it to authorities. Authorities advise Australians to avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails, report scams to Scamwatch, and notify their bank if personal information has been compromised.
northfortynews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office warns Northern Colorado residents about 13 emerging scams in 2025, including cryptocurrency investment fraud, fake security warnings, rental and car buying scams on online marketplaces, romance schemes, and impersonation of law enforcement or government agencies. Common tactics involve pressure, secrecy, and requests for untraceable payments via Bitcoin, wire transfers, or gift cards. The advisory recommends verifying all financial transactions with official sources, never sending money to unknown parties, and treating urgent demands with skepticism.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old Walton County, Florida woman lost $129,500 in a Bitcoin scam after receiving unsolicited calls from someone claiming to represent her bank, who instructed her to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM. Once the transaction was completed, the funds were irreversible and unrecoverable, making this the largest fraud case the Walton County Sheriff's Office has encountered. Investigators believe the suspect is likely overseas, making the case difficult to pursue at the local level.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
P.E.I. RCMP is warning islanders about a rising "spoofing" scam in which fraudsters use technology to fake caller IDs to appear as police, courts, or government agencies and pressure victims to move money or provide personal information by falsely claiming their social insurance number has been compromised. Some residents have already fallen victim and sent money to scammers. Police advise residents to hang up on suspicious calls, avoid providing personal or financial information, and verify callers by contacting trusted numbers directly.