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in Scam Awareness
doralfamilyjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Complaint Center report documented a 33% increase in online scams, with 859,532 complaints totaling over $16 billion in losses. Adults over 60 were hit hardest, filing 147,000 complaints and losing $4.8 billion (43% increase from 2023), with investment scams being the leading fraud type at $6.5 billion in losses overall, followed by compromised business emails, tech support scams, and romance scams.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP's Fraud Watch Network provides comprehensive support for fraud victims, recognizing that scams cause both financial and emotional harm including shame and isolation. The organization offers a helpline (877-908-3360) with trained fraud specialists, plus free peer-facilitated support groups called ReST (Resilience, Strength, and Time) where victims can connect with others and receive emotional guidance to aid recovery.
abc7.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, seniors lost $4.8 billion to scammers, part of a total $16.6 billion in U.S. fraud losses representing a 33% increase from 2023, according to an FBI report. Investment scams were the leading fraud type affecting seniors, with $6 billion lost across 47,919 complaints, followed by business email compromise scams ($2 billion) and technology support scams ($1 billion). The FBI noted these figures likely underrepresent actual losses due to victim underreporting and emphasized that each number represents a real person whose financial security and trust were compromised.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors lost nearly $4.8 billion to scams in 2024, according to an FBI report, with major fraud types including business email compromise scams ($2 billion), technology support scams ($1 billion), and investment fraud ($6 billion across all ages). Americans aged 60 and above comprised the majority of victims, though those aged 50-59 also suffered significant losses of $2.5 billion, and the FBI notes actual losses may be higher due to underreporting.
coincentral.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost $9.3 billion to cryptocurrency fraud in 2024, a 66% increase from 2023, with people over 60 suffering disproportionately—accounting for $2.8 billion in losses (30% of total crypto fraud) despite representing only 17% of the population, averaging $83,000 per victim. Investment fraud was the largest scam category affecting seniors, while crypto ATM fraud complaints nearly doubled year-over-year, with elderly victims losing $107 million through these schemes alone. The FBI's "Operation Level Up" initiative has identified and notified potential victims, saving an estimated $285 million since its January 2024 launch.
ibtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Elderly Americans aged over 60 suffered the largest cryptocurrency scam losses in 2024, accounting for over $2.8 billion of the $9.3 billion in total crypto fraud losses reported by the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. Scammers disproportionately target seniors through investment scams, fraudulent crypto ATMs, and tech-support schemes, exploiting their vulnerabilities by creating artificial urgency around false security threats. The 2024 losses represented a 66% increase compared to 2023, with elderly victims being three times more likely to be scammed than younger demographics.
queenannenews.com
· 2025-12-08
This advice column addresses seniors' concerns about potential identity theft from government data access by recommending protective measures. The writer explains two primary defenses: fraud alerts (which flag accounts for extra verification) and credit freezes (which prevent new accounts from being opened without authorization), both of which are free and don't affect credit scores. The column provides contact information for the three major credit bureaus and suggests that seniors can also monitor their credit through free weekly reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.
americanbazaaronline.com
· 2025-12-08
Online scammers stole a record $16.6 billion in 2024, a 33% increase from $12.5 billion in 2023, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, with 859,532 total complaints filed and elderly victims representing over 147,000 complaints. Investment scams caused the largest losses at $6.5 billion, followed by business email compromise at $2.7 billion and tech support scams at $1.4 billion, while phishing remained the most commonly reported cybercrime. The figures represent only reported cases and underscore how the digitalization of daily life has expanded criminal opportunities since 2020.
wwltv.com
· 2025-12-08
FBI data reveals that scammers stole over $16.6 billion in 2023, a 33% increase despite heightened public awareness, with victims losing an average of $19,000 each. Adults over 60 were disproportionately targeted, filing the most complaints and losing the most money at $4.8 billion total (averaging $80,000 per victim), with investment scams, romance scams, and tech support scams being the leading fraud types.
the-independent.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors aged 60 and older lost nearly $4.8 billion to scams in 2024, according to an FBI report, with major fraud types including business email compromise scams ($2 billion), technology support scams ($1 billion), and investment fraud ($6 billion across all ages). Americans overall lost $16.6 billion from scams in 2024—a 33 percent increase from 2023—with Texas, California, and Florida experiencing the highest losses, though the FBI notes actual figures may be higher due to underreporting by victims.
uk.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Since Oasis announced their reunion tour in August 2024, ticket scams targeting fans have resulted in over £2 million in losses across the UK, with Lloyds Banking Group estimating at least 5,000 victims and individual losses averaging £436 (with one fan losing £1,700). Oasis-related scams account for 56% of all concert ticket fraud reported to Lloyds, primarily occurring through fake social media listings and unofficial ticket resale groups, with people aged 35-44 most vulnerable. The scams typically involve fraudsters posing as ticket sellers on social media, collecting upfront payments via bank transfer, and then disappearing without delivering tickets
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
Over 60,000 drivers have reported receiving convincing text message scams claiming they owe unpaid tolls, with the FBI warning of a significant spike between January and February 2025. The fraudulent texts use location-targeted information and URL shorteners to trick users into clicking malicious links that steal personal and financial data or download malware. Red flags include unsolicited messages creating urgency, generic greetings, suspicious domains, and links from unrecognized numbers—drivers should verify toll charges directly through official state websites or phone numbers rather than clicking message links.
planadviser.com
· 2025-12-08
Representative Zachary Nunn introduced the bipartisan GUARD Act, which would provide federal grant funding to local law enforcement agencies to investigate financial fraud against retirees, including tools for tracing blockchain technology and resources for specialized staff training. The legislation is prompted by significant elder fraud losses, including over $42.6 million in Iowa alone in 2023 and $3.4 billion nationally among those aged 60+ in that same year, with particular focus on "pig butchering" investment scams involving cryptocurrency. If passed, federal agencies would be required to report on fraud trends and enforcement efforts, and financial institutions would be encouraged to appoint liaisons to improve data sharing with law enforcement.
wmur.com
· 2025-12-08
Three Chinese nationals—Naxin Wu, Mengying Jiang, and Mingdong Chen—were sentenced to at least two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to operating a gift card fraud scheme that targeted victims through romance scams and elder fraud. The defendants used stolen gift cards to purchase expensive electronics, particularly Apple products, which they then sold overseas; all three face deportation following their release.
abcnews4.com
· 2025-12-08
South Carolina seniors suffered disproportionately in 2024 cybercrime, with 2,295 victims over age 60 losing over $58.5 million—more than a third of the state's total $146 million in reported internet crime losses. The most costly scams targeting seniors were tech support scams, government impersonation schemes, and investment fraud, each accounting for nearly $10 million in losses, while confidence/romance scams cost seniors almost $3 million. The FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report documented a 33% nationwide increase in cybercrime losses to over $16 billion, with extortion, phishing, and personal data breaches
wsbtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Briauna Michelle Powell, a home health assistant in Suwanee, Georgia, is wanted for identity fraud and elder exploitation after using an 82-year-old client's credit cards and bank account without authorization. Between February and March, Powell made unauthorized charges totaling at least $1,120 on the victim's Lowe's card for personal items and attempted six unauthorized bank transactions, while also attempting to open an account in the victim's name. Powell has been charged with multiple counts of identity fraud and elder exploitation, and detectives are asking anyone who employed her to report suspected fraudulent activity.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals stole a record $16.6 billion in 2024, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, a 33% increase from $12.5 billion in 2023. People age 60 and older were the biggest victims, losing $4.8 billion total, with $2.8 billion involving cryptocurrency and $1.8 billion lost to investment scams including "pig butchering" schemes where criminals pose as romantic partners to convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency ventures. The report, based on 859,532 complaints filed, is considered an undercount of actual cybercrime losses.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, scammers stole a record $16.6 billion from over 250,000 victims, representing a 33% increase from 2023, with an average loss of $19,000 per victim. People over 60 filed the most complaints (147,000) and suffered the greatest losses at $4.8 billion (average of $83,000 per person), while investment scams ($6.5 billion), compromised business emails ($2.7 billion), and tech support scams ($1.4 billion) were the leading fraud types. The FBI notes that cryptocurrency was the most common payment method used by scammers, and reporte
wbrc.com
· 2025-12-08
Military consumers, particularly those aged 18-24, are experiencing higher rates of scams and larger median losses ($196) compared to the general public ($130), according to a joint report from the BBB Institute, Association of Military Banks of America, and Zelle. Employment scams and car dealership fraud are particularly prevalent, with scammers exploiting military families' frequent relocations and the appeal of remote work opportunities. The BBB encourages all victims to report scams to the BBB Scam Tracker and FTC, noting that many military victims avoid reporting due to embarrassment.
abcnews.go.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors lost $4.8 billion to scammers in 2024, contributing to a total of $16.6 billion in losses across all age groups in the United States—a 33% increase from 2023, according to the FBI's annual internet crime report. Investment scams were the most prevalent fraud type, with 47,919 complaints and $6 billion in losses, followed by business email compromise scams ($2 billion) and technology support scams ($1 billion). The FBI received an average of 836,000 cyber fraud reports annually, with California, Texas, and Florida experiencing the highest losses.
fox5dc.com
· 2025-12-08
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a consumer alert warning of deepfake telemarketing scams targeting District residents, particularly seniors, which use artificial intelligence to create fake audio or video of loved ones requesting money for emergencies. Scammers easily obtain audio samples from voicemails or social media to create convincing "cheap fakes" that are simple to produce using low-cost tools. The AG recommends protecting yourself by refusing to share personal information, hanging up and calling back using verified numbers, disclosing requests to trusted contacts, denying remote access to devices, and staying informed about evolving scam tactics.
welivesecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Threat actors are exploiting Google Forms—a widely trusted, free, and easy-to-use tool with approximately 50% market share—to conduct phishing scams and malware distribution campaigns. They leverage Google Forms' legitimacy to evade email security filters and create convincing spoofs of banks, social media sites, and payment pages to harvest login credentials, financial information, and personal data, or to redirect victims to malware installation sites. Additional tactics include "callback phishing" where victims are tricked into calling numbers controlled by voice phishing gangs, and quiz spam designed to collect sensitive information.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Text-based job scams have surged dramatically, with reported losses climbing from $14.8 million in 2023 to $61.2 million in 2024, according to the FTC. Scammers send unsolicited job offers via text with fake interview links and offers, exploiting economic uncertainty and job market competition to target vulnerable job seekers. Experts advise resisting the urge to immediately respond to text messages and verifying job offers through official company email addresses and websites.
caughtindot.com
· 2025-12-08
The Boston Police Department is warning of increased online romance scams targeting people across dating apps and social media, where scammers build fake emotional relationships and request money for emergencies, military expenses, or fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. These scams also employ sextortion tactics, threatening to release explicit photos unless victims pay, and victims should never send money to people they haven't met in person and should report incidents to local police, the FTC, or FBI's IC3. Red flags include requests to move conversations to private messaging apps, frequent cancellations of in-person meetings, demands for money or explicit photos, and attempts to isolate victims from friends and family.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scam reports in the UK rose 20% year-over-year in Q1 2025, with victims losing an average of £8,000 in 2024, increasing to £19,000 for those aged 61 and over, indicating fraudsters are specifically targeting older adults. Scammers primarily operate through dating apps and social media, typically requesting money within a month of contact by fabricating emergencies, travel costs, or medical expenses. Experts recommend that tech companies and banks implement stronger verification controls and behavioral monitoring to detect and prevent romance scams before significant losses occur.
vice.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, seniors aged 60+ lost nearly $5 billion to online scams, filing 147,127 complaints representing a 46 percent increase in complaints and 43 percent increase in losses compared to 2023, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Report. The elderly were most commonly victimized by investment scams, tech support fraud, and romance scams, with an average loss of $83,000 per person, while cryptocurrency fraud also surged with seniors losing over $2.8 billion to such schemes. Overall, Americans reported over $16 billion in online fraud losses across 859,532 complaints in 2024, a 33 percent increase from
gottheimer.house.gov
· 2025-12-08
U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer introduced bipartisan legislation called the GUARD Act to combat financial fraud and "pig butchering" scams targeting older Americans by providing state and local law enforcement with federal grant funding and blockchain tracing tools. "Pig butchering" scams involve fraudsters convincing retirees to invest in fake opportunities, with victims over 70 suffering median losses of $9,000 compared to $2,400 for all age groups, and these scams causing over $1 billion in losses in 2022 alone. The bill is supported by multiple organizations including AARP and law enforcement associations.
independent.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Seniors lost nearly $4.8 billion to scams in 2024, representing a significant portion of the $16.6 billion in total fraud losses reported by the FBI—a 33% increase from 2023. The most common scams targeting older Americans included business email compromise ($2 billion), technology support scams ($1 billion), and investment fraud ($6 billion), with victims aged 60 and above making up the majority of complaints. Texas, California, and Florida reported the highest losses, though the FBI notes actual figures may be higher due to underreporting by victims.
goodmorningamerica.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors lost $4.8 billion to scammers in 2024, part of a total $16.6 billion in U.S. fraud losses that year—a 33% increase from 2023. Investment scams were the most costly fraud type, resulting in nearly $6 billion in losses, followed by business email compromise scams ($2 billion) and technology support scams ($1 billion). The FBI received 836,000 cyber fraud reports annually and noted that actual losses likely exceed reported figures due to victim underreporting.
sequimgazette.com
· 2025-12-08
Two brothers were sentenced for stealing over $435,000 from a Washington homeowner in a contractor fraud scheme targeting elderly homeowners across the country. Beginning in January 2024, they falsely claimed the victim needed urgent roof and foundation repairs, pressuring him to write checks totaling thousands of dollars while performing minimal or fake work, including demanding $200,000 for non-existent building supplies. The victim expressed profound feelings of shame and betrayal, which experts note are common among fraud victims, while federal agencies provide red flags such as door-to-door solicitation, pressure for immediate payment in cash, and aggressive sales tactics to help seniors avoid similar scams.
localmatters.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
New Zealanders, particularly older adults, are increasingly targeted by "pig butchering" scams, where organized criminal networks operating from Southeast Asia build trust with victims over weeks or months before convincing them to invest in fake cryptocurrency or forex opportunities, then disappearing with their money. Netsafe estimates New Zealanders lost $2.3 billion to scams in 2024, with these schemes employing sophisticated emotional manipulation tactics and following a predictable formula of unexpected contact, false relationship-building, and pressure to invest. The article provides five warning signs to recognize these scams and advises victims to immediately stop contact, alert their bank, preserve evidence, and report the fraud to Netsafe
kokomotribune.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior Fraud Awareness Day (May 15th) is an annual initiative designed to educate and protect elderly citizens from financial scams that increasingly target them due to their trusting nature and potential unfamiliarity with technology. Common fraud schemes include phishing emails, phone scams, identity theft, and deceptive investment opportunities, which can result in significant financial losses and emotional distress for victims. Various organizations and financial institutions are hosting awareness events and workshops on May 15th to teach seniors how to recognize scams, safeguard personal information, and seek assistance if they suspect fraudulent activity.
whsv.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending fake text messages claiming overdue toll or E-ZPass payments in "smishing" scams designed to steal personal information, credit card data, and bypass multi-factor authentication. Legitimate toll agencies never request payment via text or email and advise recipients to delete suspicious messages immediately, paying attention to unrecognized sender addresses as a key warning sign.
sifted.eu
· 2025-12-08
Phony investors conned an angel investor and multiple startups out of approximately $50,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency by posing as legitimate fund managers and using manipulated QR codes that redirected transactions to fraudulent wallets. The scam, which targeted startup founders and investors across Europe, involved sophisticated tactics including fake identities (claiming ties to the Getty family), AI-generated websites, and pressure tactics to prevent victims from verifying transactions. Of 17 startups targeted since a previous investigation, five lost money, with scammers increasingly using AI and real company names to appear legitimate and bypass due diligence.
unite.ai
· 2025-12-08
AI vishing scams—which use voice cloning and deepfake technology to impersonate trusted individuals—have become increasingly sophisticated and effective, with losses to Americans rising 23% from 2023 to 2024. Recent high-profile attacks include scammers impersonating Italy's Defense Minister to target business leaders like Giorgio Armani (resulting in one $200,000+ loss), hotel staff targeted during peak hours, and elderly individuals tricked out of approximately $200,000 by voices mimicking family members. The proliferation of AI Vishing-as-a-Service platforms like PlugValley has enabled attackers to launch these convincing, automated attacks at scale with custom
wvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Harrison County Sheriff's Office warned residents about a recurring phone scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement, falsely claiming victims have missed court dates, have arrest warrants, or owe fines, and demand immediate payment via Bitcoin or gift cards. Elderly residents are particularly targeted due to their respect for authority figures; between 20 and 30 complaints were reported with some victims losing significant amounts of money. Law enforcement emphasized they never request personal information, financial details, or payment over the phone, and urged residents to hang up and report such calls to 911.
gbhackers.com
· 2025-12-08
Between December 2023 and February 2025, the FBI received over 100 reports of scams in which criminals impersonated Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) officials, contacting victims via email, phone, and social media to fraudulently obtain financial information by falsely promising to recover funds from previous scams. The scammers use elaborate tactics including fake female profiles on social media and fictional personas like "Jaime Quin," claiming to be IC3's Chief Director and communicating through Telegram to request sensitive data and payments. The FBI warns that the real IC3 never initiates contact directly and will not request payment or personal information for fund recovery, an
winchesterstar.com
· 2025-12-08
Dementia Friendly Blue Ridge, a new initiative led by regional nonprofit DementiaMatters, is launching in June 2024 to educate businesses, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community organizations across the Northern Shenandoah Valley (Winchester and surrounding counties in Virginia and West Virginia) on how to better support and interact with people living with dementia. The program addresses the region's rising dementia prevalence, with approximately 164,000 Virginians currently living with Alzheimer's disease, and aims to help community members feel safe and welcome while providing caregivers with necessary support through training on communication strategies and dementia awareness.
success.com
· 2025-12-08
Smishing (text-based phishing) attacks cost Americans $470 million in reported losses in 2024, more than five times the 2020 total, with the actual amount likely much higher due to underreporting. The article identifies three trending scams in 2025: fake unpaid toll notices (particularly targeting metropolitan areas), package delivery issues and "brushing scams" using QR codes, and fake job opportunities (losses increased from $90 million in 2020 to $501 million by 2024). Key prevention strategies include never clicking links or responding to unexpected texts, verifying alerts directly through official websites, and reporting suspicious messages to your phone provider an
consumerreports.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly sending fake delivery text messages and emails impersonating FedEx, UPS, and USPS, claiming packages missed delivery or require updated shipping information to lure victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal and financial data. These "smishing" scams are becoming more sophisticated with AI-generated content, realistic branding, and fewer spelling errors, making them harder to detect than traditional phishing attempts. Consumers should verify deliveries by contacting carriers directly rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages, as legitimate delivery services never request payment information or personal details via email or text.
press.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
The AARP Fraud Watch Network report reveals widespread consumer vulnerability to cyber threats, with over 276 million adults exposed through unverified apps and unreliable social media content, and 203 million lacking multifactor authentication on their accounts. The report emphasizes that consumers can reduce fraud risk through protective measures such as enabling multi-factor authentication, verifying app sources, and staying informed about emerging scams. AARP offers free resources including a fraud helpline (877-908-3360) and peer support groups to help victims and advocates for policy changes to combat the growing fraud problem.
dispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
Scam text messages claiming unpaid Ohio Turnpike tolls have resurfaced, directing recipients to fake payment sites or fraudulent phone numbers to collect payment information. Official toll notices are sent by mail only, though the debt collector Reliant Capital Solutions may send legitimate texts on behalf of the Ohio Attorney General; the FTC advises recipients to verify claims directly with the Ohio Turnpike (440-971-2222 or ohioturnpike.org) and avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages. Victims who clicked links or provided payment should secure their financial accounts and report the scam to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center or the FTC.
wxyz.com
· 2025-12-08
The Troy Police Department is raising awareness about cryptocurrency scams affecting local residents, with victims losing thousands of dollars after being tricked into depositing funds at crypto kiosks. Scammers contact victims via phone, email, or text claiming they owe government fines or bonds, then direct them to withdraw money and purchase Bitcoin or other digital currencies, which cannot be recovered once transferred. Police are posting warning signs at cryptocurrency machines throughout Troy, where approximately 2-3 cases occur weekly, with one victim losing $12,500.
turnto10.com
· 2025-12-08
NordVPN reported detecting a "triple whammy" of scams targeting Google users through Calendar invites containing malicious links, fake Google Meet invitations that distribute malware, and phishing attempts to steal account recovery codes for Gmail takeovers. The cybersecurity firm recommends disabling auto-acceptance of calendar invitations, remaining suspicious of unsolicited emails, and never clicking links from unexpected sources, as approximately 90% of daily emails may be fraudulent or marketing-related.
benitolink.com
· 2025-12-08
Online fraud and identity theft targeting seniors are rising significantly, with the senior population accounting for $3.4 billion in losses out of $12.5 billion total U.S. fraud losses tracked by the FBI. Common scams include phishing and spoofing schemes, with cryptocurrency investment fraud being particularly costly in 2023, affecting approximately 22% victims over age 60. Law enforcement recommends hanging up immediately when warning signs appear (such as demands for immediate payment or claims of official authority) and reporting attempts to authorities, while emphasizing that victims should not feel embarrassed about disclosing fraud since scammers exploit even aware individuals.
linknky.com
· 2025-12-08
A 69-year-old Philadelphia woman nearly fell victim to a sophisticated tech support scam in which fraudsters, posing as Norton antivirus support and her bank's fraud department, pressured her to withdraw cash and purchase cryptocurrency by falsely claiming hackers had downloaded illegal content to her computer and stolen $18,000. The scammer used emotional manipulation, urgency, and knowledge of her banking details to convince her, but she avoided the scheme after recalling a friend who lost $800,000 to a similar scam. Financial scams cost Americans between $23.7 billion and $158.3 billion in 2023-2024, with AI, dark web data access, an
3blmedia.com
· 2025-12-08
PSE&G warns customers about utility scams during National Consumer Protection Week, which involve scammers impersonating utility companies via phone calls, texts, emails, and in-person visits to demand immediate payment (often through gift cards, money transfers, or prepaid cards) by threatening service disconnection. Real victims reported losses ranging from $400 to over $2,400, with scammers using tactics like caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate; PSE&G advises customers to hang up and verify by calling the number on their bill, as the company never requires specific payment methods and offers multiple legitimate payment options including online, mobile app, and digital payment services.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Asian crime syndicates operating multibillion-dollar cyberscam networks have expanded globally to South America and Africa despite intensified Southeast Asian raids, with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime reporting the industry generates tens of billions in annual profits by victimizing people worldwide through schemes like romance and cryptocurrency scams. Many scam workers are trafficked and forced into operations, and criminal groups have adapted by relocating to remote areas with weak governance in Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and now Georgia, Zambia, Angola, and Namibia. The U.S. alone reported $5.6 billion in cryptocurrency scam losses in 2023, with elderly and vulnerable people particularly
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Transnational organized crime groups based in East and Southeast Asia are expanding their scam operations globally in response to increased law enforcement crackdowns, according to a UN report. These criminal syndicates, which operate hundreds of industrial-scale scam centers generating nearly $40 billion annually through romance scams, fraudulent investments, and illegal gambling schemes, have been reported operating in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Pacific islands, with notable operations discovered in Nigeria, Brazil, and Peru. The report warns that as Asian-led groups expand geographically and adopt new technologies like AI and deepfakes, governments face intensifying challenges requiring coordinated responses.
northfortynews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
This is an educational awareness piece from Larimer County Sheriff's Office highlighting current scam trends affecting Northern Colorado residents, particularly seniors. Chief Scambuster Barbara Bennett presents 20+ active scams including romance schemes, impersonation frauds (bank, IRS, law enforcement), tech-based scams (DocuSign phishing, hacked Facebook accounts), and marketplace fraud, while proposing a confidential support group for scam victims and their families to address shame and isolation barriers to reporting.