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sevendaysvt.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2021, 67-year-old Jeanette Voss of Vermont lost her entire life savings of $950,000 to a tech-support scam that began with a fake Microsoft alert on her computer. Scammers convinced her over six months of daily calls that her Social Security number had been compromised and instructed her to transfer her retirement funds, stocks, and certificates of deposit into accounts they controlled before vanishing with the money. The case illustrates a growing threat: Americans aged 60 and older lost nearly $3.5 billion to scams in the past year, with older adults targeted for their savings, perceived lack of tech knowledge, and isolation.
postregister.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, seniors lost $3.4 billion to scams—an 11% increase from 2022—prompting a unanimously passed Senate Resolution to combat elder fraud. Common scams include romance fraud, tech support scams, cryptocurrency schemes, and investment fraud, with warning signs including unexpected contact, pressure to act quickly, requests for personal information, and demands for untraceable payments. Victims are encouraged to end contact with scammers, report incidents to local police, the FTC, FBI, or postal inspection services, and take protective measures such as updating security software and monitoring financial accounts.
riverreporter.com
· 2025-12-08
On September 19, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing titled "Fighting Fraud: How Scammers are Stealing from Older Adults," chaired by Senator Bob Casey and ranking member Mike Braun. The hearing featured witnesses from AARP, law enforcement, and aging services agencies who discussed scam prevention strategies, reporting mechanisms, investigation procedures, and resources available to seniors. Topics covered included where consumers should report fraud and how these crimes are investigated and prosecuted.
wfaa.com
· 2025-12-08
This is a sponsored segment promoting The Senior Source, an organization that provides resources to help older adults protect themselves from scams. The segment directs viewers to theseniorsource.org for more information on fraud prevention and elder protection services.
kvoa.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI reports a 25% increase in scam victims and $300 million in additional losses over the past year, with particularly harsh impacts on retirees in Arizona living on fixed incomes. The bureau has launched the "Take a Beat" awareness initiative to combat various schemes including romance scams, phone fraud, and cryptocurrency scams (which alone resulted in $4.5 billion in losses nationally last year). The FBI advises potential victims to pause before sending money, verify requests independently rather than using provided phone numbers, consult financial advisors or law enforcement, and report scams quickly—noting a 70% success rate in recovering wired funds within 24 hours.
1011now.com
· 2025-12-08
A 49-year-old Lincoln woman met a man on TikTok who sent her a $7,000 fraudulent check and instructed her to deposit it, keep $1,000, and return the rest via PayPal. She became suspicious, alerted her bank and police, and avoided losing money in the scam. Lincoln Police commended her quick action and reminded the public to be cautious when interacting with online contacts.
indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Delhi woman lost Rs 15,000 to a fraudster posing as a ticket vendor for Diljit Dosanjh's "Dil-Luminati Tour" on the social media platform X, with the scammer also defrauding her friend of Rs 6,000 and potentially many others. The fraudster, using the account name Dharmendra Singh (Crigyan07), blocked the victim after the scam and ignored refund requests. The incident highlights the risks of purchasing event tickets through unofficial social media accounts, as scammers can sell the same fake tickets to multiple people.
asiaone.com
· 2025-12-08
A couple in Singapore lost their $7,200 rental deposit after being scammed by a fake property agent who listed a condo unit on Facebook Marketplace; at least two other couples were simultaneously defrauded for the same property, with one couple losing at least $5,000. Between July 2023 and January 2024, at least 389 victims fell victim to similar rental scams involving impersonated property agents and fake assistants, totaling losses of at least $2.4 million. Police advise renters to verify agents through the Council for Estate Agencies registry, meet agents in person, and never pay deposits to assistants' personal accounts.
etedge-insights.com
· 2025-12-08
India Post impersonation scams are targeting non-tech-savvy citizens in India, with fraudsters posing as postal representatives via SMS and calls to trick victims into sharing personal financial information. A 75-year-old retired person in Hyderabad lost Rs 23.26 lakh after fraudsters claiming to be from India Post and impersonating police officers convinced him to transfer money to a fake RBI account for an alleged undelivered parcel. Authorities warn citizens to verify delivery notifications independently, avoid clicking suspicious links, and report fraudulent communications to protect themselves from these social engineering schemes.
bankingjournal.aba.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder financial exploitation affects millions annually, with consumers losing an estimated $48.4 billion per year and individual victims averaging $120,000 in losses, while survivors often experience severe psychological harm including depression, anxiety, and in some cases suicide. The American Bankers Association addresses this epidemic through banker training programs, consumer education campaigns, partnerships with law enforcement and adult protective services, and fraud-detection technology to identify suspicious transaction patterns. Bankers play a critical role in protecting seniors by recognizing and reporting exploitation, and the ABA Foundation offers free resources and hosts a summit to help the industry combat elder financial abuse.
upstatetoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Oconee County Sheriff's Office warned residents of two active scams: a cryptocurrency extortion scheme where scammers claim to have installed spyware and threaten to release personal information unless Bitcoin is paid, and an impersonation scam where fraudsters pose as FBI agents claiming victims' information has been compromised and demanding $15,000 in cash. One resident targeted by the FBI impersonation scam avoided financial loss by requesting law enforcement accompaniment to the bank, which the scammer refused.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
During election season, scammers exploit voters' emotional investment by creating fake candidate websites and social media accounts, using robocalls with candidates' voices, and sending deceptive donation text messages—all designed to redirect funds from legitimate campaigns to fraudsters. Red flags include poor grammar, pressure for immediate donations, requests for unusual payment methods (wire transfers or prepaid cards), unsolicited personal information requests, and offers of prizes for poll participation. Voters should verify donation authenticity directly through official campaign channels and remain cautious when emotions run high.
smh.com.au
· 2025-12-08
This article is an educational guide identifying 25 travel scams that target tourists worldwide. It explains common schemes such as the "pigeon strike" distraction theft, commission-based shop scams involving tour guides, and fake found-item plots where con artists demand rewards for "returning" worthless items. The article advises travelers to be alert but not alarmed, recommends obtaining police reports for expensive losses and filing insurance claims, and suggests that guided tours may offer some protection against scams.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Travel fraud is a significant threat to vacationers, with the FTC receiving over 55,000 travel-related fraud reports in 2023, and a 2023 McAfee survey finding that 30% of Americans have been scammed while booking or taking trips, with 34% losing $1,000 or more. Common travel scams include overly friendly locals using distraction tactics, suspiciously discounted deals on accommodations and services, and exchange-rate manipulation by those exploiting travelers' unfamiliarity with foreign currencies. Experts recommend avoiding emotionally-driven financial decisions, being skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and carefully verifying currency convers
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
From 2018 to 2023, nearly 70,000 real estate and home rental-related cybercrimes were reported to the FBI, resulting in approximately $1.4 billion in consumer losses, as scammers increasingly target homebuyers and renters through fake listings, impersonation fraud, and phony government housing program applications. Common tactics include posting unrealistically low prices with doctored images, impersonating property owners to solicit upfront payments, and creating fraudulent social media pages posing as legitimate housing assistance programs to steal personal information. To protect themselves, consumers should verify listings against official documentation, avoid upfront payments before signed agreements, tour properties in person, research local
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
The article outlines five common travel scams targeting tourists, including overly friendly locals who pickpocket or manipulate travelers, deals advertised below market rates, exchange-rate deception, and other fraud schemes. According to the FTC, over 55,000 travel-related fraud reports were filed in 2023, with 30% of Americans reporting being scammed while booking or taking trips, and 34% losing $1,000 or more. Experts advise travelers to avoid mixing emotions with financial decisions, be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and learn exchange rates to protect themselves from hustlers.
theglobeandmail.com
· 2025-12-08
A March 2024 Interac survey found that nine in 10 Canadians experienced at least one fraud attempt in the past year, with experts warning that AI-enabled scams and upcoming real-time payment systems will increase risks. The most common digital scams targeting Canadians are investment fraud (particularly cryptocurrency schemes responsible for over half of the $309 million in investment fraud losses), imposter fraud targeting financial institutions, and job fraud—often using sophisticated tactics including AI voice mimicry and fake social media profiles. Experts recommend prevention through Interac's "3-S" approach: stop, scrutinize, and speak up.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP Pennsylvania hosted a Telephone Town Hall featuring experts from the U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI to educate residents about scams targeting older adults, including impostor, romance, lottery, and tech support fraud. The session provided warning signs, protective strategies, and resources for reporting fraudulent activities, emphasizing that individuals should question unsolicited contacts and never share money or personal information with unknown parties. Listeners can report scams to local law enforcement or contact AARP at 1-877-908-3360 for assistance.
farmers-exchange.net
· 2025-12-08
A 45-year law enforcement investigator specializing in financial crimes against seniors presented fraud prevention advice at an Elkhart County event, identifying seniors as prime targets due to their wealth ($35 trillion combined net worth for those 70+), isolation, and politeness. He outlined common scams including romance, grandparent impersonation, lottery fraud, and computer/payment account schemes, recommending seniors avoid clicking suspicious links, never trust unsolicited callers, watch for red flags like upfront payment demands, and verify references before hiring services. Dietz emphasized that billions of dollars are lost annually to scammers in the region, advising families to establish secret codes and remain vigilant against caller ID
cointelegraph.com
· 2025-12-08
The SEC filed its first-ever enforcement actions against "pig butchering" scammers, charging five entities and three individuals operating fake crypto trading platforms NanoBit and CoinW6 that defrauded approximately 18 and 11 investors, respectively, of nearly $3.2 million combined. Fraudsters posed as attractive professionals on social media, built romantic relationships with victims, and lured them to fake platforms promising high returns before blocking withdrawals and demanding additional fees or threatening to expose private messages. The SEC is seeking permanent injunctions, penalties, and disgorgement against both entities for violating securities law.
winnipegfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 62-year-old retired pilot from Manitoba lost his life savings of over $185,000 to a romance scam involving a woman who posed as a California plastic surgeon on Instagram and convinced him to invest in a fake artificial intelligence scheme. After being confronted by a friend about the scam, Kiss was unable to contact the scammer again and was forced to return to full-time work to rebuild his finances. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, romance scams victimized 48 Manitobans of over $1.6 million in 2023, with law enforcement noting that these schemes commonly involve building emotional connections, planning meetings that are cancelled with excuses, and pressure
ag.state.mn.us
· 2025-12-08
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a warning about growing mortgage assistance scams targeting homeowners in financial distress. Scammers pose as counseling agencies or foreclosure consultants, charging upfront fees for promised loan modifications or foreclosure prevention services that are never delivered, then disappear with the payment. The Attorney General advises homeowners to contact their lenders directly, seek free assistance from legitimate nonprofit organizations like HUD or Minnesota Housing, and report scams immediately to his Consumer Action Division.
cleburnetimesreview.com
· 2025-12-08
A BSA Scout writes about the rising threat of scams targeting elderly residents in Johnson County, highlighting common schemes including romance, tech support, refund, emergency, and Medicare scams. The author describes a personal experience with a Medicare scam in which fraudsters using spoofed phone numbers impersonated Medicare or doctors' offices to pressure victims into changing their Medicare plans or face cancellation. The piece emphasizes that scammers continuously develop new tactics to exploit vulnerable seniors.
riverreporter.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing on September 19 titled "Fighting Fraud: How Scammers are Stealing from Older Adults," featuring testimony from fraud prevention experts, law enforcement, and senior services administrators. The hearing focused on preventing scams targeting seniors, reporting mechanisms, investigation procedures, and available resources for older adults. Witnesses included representatives from AARP's Fraud Watch Network, elder abuse prosecutors, and state senior services programs.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP Pennsylvania hosted a Telephone Town Hall featuring law enforcement and volunteer experts who discussed sophisticated scams targeting older adults, including impostor, romance, lottery, and tech support fraud. The session provided guidance on recognizing warning signs, protecting personal information, and reporting fraudulent activities to local authorities. Listeners learned the importance of questioning unexpected contact and never sending money or personal details to unknown sources.
antonmediagroup.com
· 2025-12-08
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino are partnering to host an educational seminar on September 27 to help seniors and caregivers recognize and combat fraud schemes. The seminar will cover common scam tactics, reporting procedures, personal information protection, and available resources, addressing seniors' heightened vulnerability due to limited technology familiarity, loneliness, and other factors.
liherald.com
· 2025-12-08
The Town of Oyster Bay partnered with the Nassau County District Attorney's office to combat scams targeting seniors, offering two educational seminars in September 2024 to teach residents about online threats and reporting procedures. According to the Federal Trade Commission, over $230 million was stolen from New Yorkers by scammers in 2024 alone, with seniors being particularly vulnerable to phone and email scams impersonating government agents, banks, or family members, as well as physical theft and technologically sophisticated attacks. The seminars address growing concerns about increasingly complex fraud schemes, including those using artificial intelligence to mimic voices, with some victims losing their entire life savings.
washingtontimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Bill Whitaker, a 75-year-old, fell victim to a tech support scam that began with a fake software upgrade email; after following the scammer's instructions, approximately $28,000 was drained from his and his wife Susan's accounts, with only $8,000 recovered. The incident illustrates the broader "tsunami of fraud" targeting older Americans, with the FTC reporting over $10 billion in consumer fraud losses in 2023 (actual losses far higher due to underreporting), predominantly perpetrated by overseas criminal syndicates using tactics ranging from fake tech support to AI-cloned voices and romance scams. Experts testifying before Congress
newsmobile.in
· 2025-12-08
An entrepreneur in Delhi lost Rs 15,000 to a scammer selling fake tickets for Diljit Dosanjh's "Dil-Luminati Tour" concert on X, despite the artist and Delhi Police having previously shared warnings about such scams. The fraudster, operating under the account name Dharmendra Singh (Crigyan07), used forged ID proof and screenshots to appear legitimate, and reportedly scammed multiple victims including the woman's friend who lost Rs 6,000. The victim filed a complaint with the Online Cyber Cell and reported that the scammer continued operating under different usernames even after being exposed.
newsbytesapp.com
· 2025-12-08
A Delhi woman and her friend were scammed out of ₹15,000 and ₹6,000 respectively while attempting to purchase tickets for Diljit Dosanjh's Dil-Luminati concert through social media; the scammer used fake identification documents to establish credibility before disappearing and blocking the victims on all platforms. Despite police warnings about similar concert-related frauds, the victims filed complaints and used social media to alert others, warning fans to only purchase tickets from verified sources.
krebsonsecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
GitHub users received phishing emails spoofed from GitHub's security team directing them to a fake website (github-scanner[.]com) where a malicious CAPTCHA prompt instructed visitors to press keyboard combinations that automatically downloaded Lumma Stealer malware designed to steal stored credentials. While tech-savvy programmers were unlikely to fall for the scam, security researchers warn the same technique could easily deceive less tech-savvy users unfamiliar with Windows command functions like PowerShell.
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
Diljit Dosanjh's Dil-Luminati Tour became the target of online ticket fraud, with a woman losing Rs 15,000 (approximately $180 USD) to a scammer using a fake identity who sold the same fraudulent tickets to multiple buyers. Delhi Police warned the public to purchase tickets only from official verified platforms and to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as online ticket scams have become increasingly prevalent during high-demand live events.
devilslakejournal.com
· 2025-12-08
At least 150 insurance fraud cases involving out-of-state addiction treatment centers are under FBI investigation in North Dakota, with an estimated $8 million in insurance losses occurring in the past year—a significant increase from $1.5 million five years ago. "Body brokers" lure vulnerable individuals, often from tribal communities, with offers of free flights to California treatment facilities, then use fraudulent insurance billing to generate profits while providing inadequate or dangerous care, resulting in overdose deaths including Benjamin Barragan and Kalisha Thomas. Red flags include unsolicited free flights and rapid processing by out-of-state insurance representatives, and authorities warn that while some facilities appear legitimate with proper licensing,
denver7.com
· 2025-12-08
The Wheat Ridge Police Department warned of a cryptocurrency extortion scam circulating through the community in which victims receive emails containing personal information (addresses, photos from Google Maps) and threats of blackmail involving fabricated malware and compromising videos, demanding cryptocurrency payment via Bitcoin QR code. None of the Wheat Ridge residents who received these emails fell victim to the scam, though police emphasized the importance of reporting such attempts to raise community awareness. The scam exploits urgency and fear through false claims, reflecting a broader national problem—Americans lost over $5.5 billion to cryptocurrency scams in 2023, with Colorado reporting more than 1,300 fraud cases costing residents $81 million
helsinkitimes.fi
· 2025-12-08
Financial scams in Finland increased significantly in the first half of 2024, with losses totaling 27.5 million euros—nearly 8 million more than the same period in 2023. Phishing scams caused the largest losses at 11.7 million euros, while investment scams more than doubled to 10.9 million euros, though banks managed to block an additional 18.2 million euros in fraudulent transactions. Experts advise caution against scams using urgency tactics and impersonation of officials, and recommend being skeptical of offers that sound too good to be true.
uta.edu
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Rebecca Cole, a PhD candidate at the University of Texas at Arlington, successfully defended her dissertation on online romance scam victimization in the United States. Her mixed-methods research examined factors associated with victimization (including loneliness and interpersonal trust) and found that impacts extend beyond financial loss to include significant emotional, psychological, physiological, and legal consequences. Cole's work advocates for comprehensive victim support, trauma-informed care, increased awareness, and improved law enforcement training to reduce stigma and encourage reporting of these scams.
courierpostonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Martins Inalegwu and Steincy Mathieu, a Burlington County couple, were sentenced to prison (80 months and 16 months respectively) for operating a romance scam that defrauded over 100 victims of approximately $4.5 million between 2016 and 2020. The scammers posed as romantic interests on dating websites, targeting vulnerable older adults and others, with one victim—a tourism board finance director—embezzling $2.8 million from her employer to send to the couple. Both defendants were ordered to pay millions in restitution and unpaid taxes.
reporternews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in Taylor County impersonated law enforcement by spoofing the Sheriff's Office phone number and used scare tactics to convince victims they had arrest warrants, instructing them to pay fines via cash withdrawal and cryptocurrency. The scheme successfully defrauded residents of at least $31,000 before being reported. The Taylor County Sheriff's Office clarified they never solicit payment by phone for warrants or court orders and advised residents to hang up on such calls and report them immediately.
fox2detroit.com
· 2025-12-08
Facebook scams for mobile car detailing services are proliferating, typically posted by new group members offering discounts with promises of payment after service and vague contact information to avoid. Red flags include new or backdated profiles, identical wording across multiple posts, no pricing listed, and requests to message directly; similar scams also target consumers through air duct cleaning and false missing person posts that later redirect to phishing links. Users should verify legitimate businesses independently, report suspicious posts to Facebook and the BBB, and check local law enforcement sources before sharing missing person alerts.
seehafernews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating law enforcement officers from multiple Wisconsin agencies, including the Fond du Lac Police Department, Manitowoc Police Department, and Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, using spoofed phone numbers and posing as specific officers. The scams involve false claims of arrest warrants and requests for DNA samples or large cash payments via Bitcoin, with perpetrators demonstrating detailed knowledge of DNA procedures to increase credibility. Law enforcement agencies warn that legitimate police will never request DNA samples or cryptocurrency payments and urge citizens to report such calls.
miltontimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment fraud losses exceeded $4.5 billion in 2023, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Report. Common scams include cryptocurrency schemes promoted via social media, dubious investment programs claiming "proven" get-rich strategies, fraudulent real estate development offerings, and precious metals sales using pressure tactics and false guarantees. Protection measures include verifying that investment professionals are registered with FINRA, avoiding pressure to make quick decisions, being skeptical of "risk-free" claims, and researching companies online before investing.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS warned taxpayers against fraudulent "Offer in Compromise mills" that charge excessive fees to resolve tax debts, using aggressive marketing and false guarantees despite the program being available directly from the IRS at no cost. These scams target financially struggling taxpayers with empty promises, often resulting in high fees paid for poor outcomes. The IRS reminded the public that legitimate alternatives exist, including short-term and long-term payment plans for those who don't qualify for Offer in Compromise.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Since May 2024, Pune cyber police have documented 16 cases of senior citizens defrauded through WhatsApp messages impersonating Maharashtra Natural Gas Ltd (MNGL), resulting in total losses of Rs 1.06 crore. The scam involves fake bill payment notifications that prompt victims to contact a number, where fraudsters manipulate them into downloading remote access applications and sharing banking credentials, ultimately siphoning funds from their accounts. Police classify these as social engineering frauds exploiting elderly people's fears about service disconnection, and have advised MNGL to issue consumer warnings.
aging.senate.gov
· 2025-12-08
In a September 19, 2024 Senate hearing on elder fraud, lawmakers discussed how scammers stole over $3.4 billion from American seniors in 2023, often through impersonation, romance scams, and false investment promises by transnational criminal organizations based in countries like Mexico and China. The hearing highlighted that Medicare alone lost an estimated $60 billion to fraud, errors, and abuse in 2023, with scammers using stolen Medicare numbers to bill for unnecessary medical equipment. Senators emphasized the importance of community banks, local law enforcement, and AI-powered fraud detection systems in combating these crimes and called for enhanced education to help seniors recognize warning signs.
mcknightsseniorliving.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the FTC reported $10 billion in total consumer fraud losses (up $1 billion from 2022), with older adults losing $3.4 billion according to FBI data, driven primarily by imposter scams, investment fraud (up 400% since 2021), and tech support scams despite scam types remaining largely consistent with previous years. The Senate Special Committee on Aging released its ninth annual fraud book highlighting that common scams targeting seniors include imposter, sweepstakes, lottery, cryptocurrency, and AI-enabled schemes, with tech support scams causing nearly $590 million in losses and investment scams topping $1.2 billion. Between June
saharareporters.com
· 2025-12-08
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered €5,100 from a Nigerian romance scammer and returned the funds to Spanish citizen Heinz Burchard Einhaus Uchtmann, with the handover made to Spain's Ambassador to Nigeria in September 2024. The recovery was achieved through collaboration between the EFCC and Spanish Police, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in combating cross-border financial crimes. EFCC leadership emphasized the agency's commitment to preventing Nigeria from becoming a safe haven for financial criminals and called for continued global partnership among law enforcement agencies to address the borderless nature of internet fraud.
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Bengaluru man named KJ Rao lost Rs 59 lakh in an elaborate online scam involving fraudsters who impersonated police, CBI officials, and a judge to convince him he was under "digital arrest" for money laundering and misuse of Aadhaar details. Using multiple deceptive tactics including fake video calls, fabricated courtroom proceedings, and continuous surveillance via Skype, the scammers pressured Rao to transfer Rs 50 lakh and Rs 9 lakh to separate bank accounts under the pretense of court orders. Rao reported the scam to local police after the scammers abruptly ended contact
b985.fm
· 2025-12-08
Scammers posing as bank representatives are targeting small business owners in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts by calling victims about suspicious account activity and requesting screen-sharing access to transfer funds. Amy Kelly, owner of TaleSpinStudio in Maine, lost all funds from her business account after falling victim to this scam, which the Federal Trade Commission reports occurred over 1,000 times in Maine in 2023. Despite reporting the incident to police and her bank, recovery efforts were largely unsuccessful.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Bengaluru man lost Rs 59 lakh in a sophisticated online scam involving fluent English-speaking fraudsters who impersonated police officers, CBI officials, and a judge to convince him he was under "digital arrest" for money laundering and Aadhaar misuse. The scammers used automated calls, WhatsApp video calls, fake courtroom theatrics, and round-the-clock surveillance via Skype to psychologically manipulate the victim into transferring funds across multiple bank accounts before abruptly disconnecting. The victim reported the incident to police after realizing the deception.
cbs8.com
· 2025-12-08
Vista resident Jan Hoops lost approximately $24,000 in a gift card scam after a pop-up alert directed her to call a fake Microsoft number; the scammer convinced her that her accounts had been hacked, instructed her to withdraw cash from her credit union and purchase Lowes gift cards, then obtained the card numbers by having her read them aloud. Employees at both the credit union and store warned Hoops about the scam, but the fraudster kept her on the phone and instructed her not to trust them, ultimately deceiving her into providing the gift card information needed to cash them in. The recommended defense is to hang up on unsolicited calls about account breaches and independently verify concerns