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in Romance Scams
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Journalist April Helm watched her widowed mother, Sherri Tyson, lose $350,000 to a romance scammer between 2018 and 2020, despite Helm's extensive intervention efforts including presenting evidence, involving family, and arranging federal law enforcement involvement. The article explains that chronic fraud victims like Tyson often cannot reject scammers' lies due to psychological manipulation, isolation, emotional investment, and rationalization traps that make admitting the fraud feel more shameful than continuing to deny reality. Risk factors for chronic victimization include isolation, depression, cognitive decline, and lack of purpose, and scammers deliberately create immersive false realities that prevent rational thinking
bluewin.ch
· 2025-12-08
Scammers stole the identity of Swiss SP Co-President Cédric Wermuth by using his photos to conduct romance scams online, a form of marriage fraud. The fraud was discovered when a bank manager alerted Wermuth that a customer attempted to transfer 100,000 Swiss francs to him after being deceived; Wermuth found his details on at least five Facebook pages used for the scam. Wermuth filed a criminal complaint with Aargau cantonal police, which will be forwarded to the public prosecutor's office.
phoenixnewtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona ranks among the nation's worst states for online dating safety, according to a Privacy Journal study that analyzed romance scams, identity theft, fraud, and other risk factors. The state has the highest rate of romance scam victims at 9.2 per 100,000 residents annually, along with the 10th-highest rate of sexually transmitted diseases and eighth-highest fraud rate, placing it 46th out of 50 states overall. The study recommends vigilance when using dating apps like Bumble and Tinder to avoid catfishing, romance scams, and other online dating dangers.
americanbanker.com
· 2025-12-08
A widow lost $87,000 to Social Security Administration impersonators who contacted her two weeks after her husband's death, likely finding her through obituaries. The incident illustrates a broader crisis: over 8.68 million elder fraud cases occur annually in the U.S., costing victims an average of $20,015 each and totaling $113.7 billion yearly, with perpetrators increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes and threatening language to exploit vulnerable seniors unfamiliar with modern technology. Several states are responding by passing laws that require banks to report suspected fraud, block suspicious transactions, and train employees to identify elder exploitation schemes.
communitycare.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide from Community Care Inform Adults outlines best practices for social workers protecting vulnerable adults from scams, which are recognized as financial abuse under the Care Act 2014. Key recommendations include treating scams as safeguarding concerns, working multi-agency with police and trading standards, acting quickly to prevent escalation, assessing mental capacity, and developing comprehensive risk assessment and protection plans in partnership with clients. The guide notes that 73% of UK adults have been targeted by scams, with 35% (19 million people) losing money, yet fewer than one-third report the crime to authorities.
kvoa.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued an alert about cryptocurrency scams targeting consumers through investment schemes, impersonation fraud, and blackmail extortion. Scammers use phone calls, emails, social media, and dating apps to pose as investment managers, government officials, or love interests to trick victims into buying and transferring cryptocurrency. The Attorney General recommends verifying caller information independently, remaining skeptical of unsolicited requests for cryptocurrency payments, never sharing personal information with unknown callers, consulting trusted individuals before major financial decisions, and reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.
prunderground.com
· 2025-12-08
Traverse Bay Farms partnered with financial expert Andy LaPointe to promote senior fraud prevention through his book "Senior Savvy: A Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Scams." The guide educates seniors on recognizing and protecting themselves from various scams including door-to-door, telephone, phishing, social media, romance, and cryptocurrency schemes, while providing actionable strategies for internet safety, password management, and scam reporting.
bluewin.ch
· 2025-12-08
Swiss politician Cédric Wermuth, SP Co-President and Aargau National Councillor, became a victim of identity theft when scammers used his photos for romance scams on Facebook and other online platforms. The fraud was discovered when a bank manager alerted Wermuth that a customer attempted to transfer 100,000 francs to him; Wermuth found at least five fraudulent profiles using his identity details on Facebook alone. He filed a criminal complaint that has been forwarded to the public prosecutor's office.
rfa.org
· 2025-12-08
A South Korean court sentenced the leader of an international scam operation to eight years in prison for luring nearly 60 South Korean victims with promises of high-paying jobs and forcing them into fraudulent crimes in Laos and Myanmar, resulting in losses exceeding 23 billion won ($17 million) between May and October of the previous year. The scam group imprisoned victims in offices within special economic zones, confiscated their passports, and coerced them into illegal activities including voice phishing, investment scams, and romance scams while withholding travel and living expenses. In response to the escalating threat, South Korea imposed a level 4 travel ban on the Lao Golden
wror.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article reports that New England states rank among the safest for online dating based on rates of romance scams, identity theft, fraud, sex offenders, and STDs, with Vermont ranking #1 nationally and Massachusetts at #17. The article also notes that all six New England states rank in the top 20 most expensive states for dating, with New York leading at $297.27 for an average date compared to the national average of $120.90.
azag.gov
· 2025-12-08
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a warning about cryptocurrency scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly senior citizens, which exploit victims' unfamiliarity with digital currencies. Common scams include investment schemes promising high returns with zero risk, impersonation scams claiming account fraud or legal issues that can only be resolved via cryptocurrency transfer, and blackmail scams threatening to release compromising information unless paid in Bitcoin. The Attorney General advises Arizonans to verify caller information independently, remain skeptical of unsolicited requests, recognize that legitimate businesses never demand cryptocurrency payment, protect personal information, consult trusted family members before financial decisions, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement or the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
nbclosangeles.com
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" scams involve fraudsters building trust with victims over weeks or months through dating apps and social media before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. In 2023, investment scams resulted in $4.57 billion in losses, with $3.96 billion tied to fake crypto investments, representing a 38% increase from the previous year. One victim lost $152,000 after being courted on a dating app, and while law enforcement has identified funds traced to exchanges in Southeast Asia, recovery remains difficult due to multi-jurisdictional complications and the use of cryptocurrency.
the-review.com
· 2025-12-08
QR codes are increasingly being exploited by scammers to direct victims to phishing websites, fraudulent payment portals, malware downloads, and fake cryptocurrency wallets. Common schemes include placing fraudulent QR codes on parking meters to steal payment information, conducting romance scams that culminate in cryptocurrency investment requests, impersonating utility companies and government agencies to collect fraudulent payments, and sending malicious codes via email or mail. Consumers should verify QR codes before scanning, avoid codes from unsolicited sources, and confirm suspicious requests directly with the legitimate organization or person claiming to contact them.
concordmonitor.com
· 2025-12-08
New Hampshire's Consumer Protection hotline, staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers since 1992, helps residents report fraud and resolve consumer disputes. The article highlights four long-serving volunteers who field calls about scams, faulty purchases, and business problems, noting that crypto scams have become increasingly prevalent—with victims often transferring tens of thousands of dollars after being deceived by impersonators claiming to be from the IRS, PayPal, or Microsoft.
sentinelassam.com
· 2025-12-08
This article examines the psychological and safety impacts of dating apps in India, where users are projected to reach 31 million by 2024. Key concerns include addictive patterns of use (31% of Indian users show addiction symptoms), decision paralysis from too many options (42% feel overwhelmed), and psychological harms like ghosting-related rejection anxiety (68% have been ghosted). The article also documents serious crimes associated with dating apps, including a 28% increase in cybercrimes from 2021-2023, romance scams costing users an estimated Rs 150 crore in 2023, sexual harassment (37% of female users received unsolicited explicit images), stal
nkytribune.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau highlights ten common scams affecting consumers, including auction fraud (wire transfer schemes), fake social media ads using legitimate company logos, employment scams requesting upfront payments or personal information, Facebook Marketplace deals that seem too good to be true, high-pressure debt collection calls, romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals, fraudulent charity donation requests, Amazon account hack phishing attempts, QR code scams leading to malware, and puppy sales scams on Facebook groups. BBB advises consumers to verify companies and charities directly, avoid sharing personal or financial information online or over the phone, use secure payment methods, and research sellers and breeders before conducting transactions.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Security experts warn that AI chatbots and deepfake technology designed to simulate romantic partners or deceased loved ones can be weaponized by cybercriminals to manipulate users emotionally and commit fraud or extortion. Criminals use these tools to build trust and trick victims into sending money or downloading malware, with a documented case of a finance worker losing $25 million to deepfake impersonators. Users should verify chatbot legitimacy, avoid sharing personal information, watch for red flags like requests to move off official platforms, and be cautious of romantic interests who avoid video calls or claim to need money.
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
A criminal organization led by a 39-year-old woman was convicted of defrauding over 23 billion won from approximately 60 Korean victims through romance scams and fake investment schemes. The group lured economically vulnerable people from Daegu and Changwon with promises of earning millions of won monthly, then imprisoned them in offices in Laos and Myanmar where they were forced to commit fraud by sending fake stock investment messages and falsified profit graphs to potential victims. The ringleader received an 8-year prison sentence, with other members receiving 2 to 5 years in prison based on their roles in the operation.
ynetnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains how online scams have evolved to exploit vulnerable targets through voice phishing (vishing), SMS phishing (smishing), and AI-generated voice technology, with real examples including a $250,000 CEO impersonation fraud and a $25 million company theft via deepfake video calls. The article identifies key vulnerabilities including the widespread sale of personal data by brokers and the increasing sophistication of scam tactics like "pig butchering," romance scams, and tech support hoaxes that require minimal technical skills to execute at scale. Protective measures recommended include avoiding unexpected calls from unknown numbers, enabling two-factor authentication with security keys rather than SMS, verifying
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
An Edinburgh academic accused Starling Bank of excessive fraud prevention measures after the bank repeatedly blocked his €15,000 transfer to an Austrian friend of 20+ years, demanding to see private correspondence and tax documents before refusing the payment and then freezing his account when he complained. The bank acknowledged it went too far in its verification requests and unfroze the account following media intervention, stating it will review its procedures.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This educational article by consumer rights expert Martyn James outlines the growing landscape of fraud in 2024, explaining why scammers are increasingly successful through digital innovation, mass messaging, and sophisticated social engineering tactics. The article cites that 252,626 people lost nearly £341 million to "push payment" fraud in the UK, with some victims losing life savings exceeding £100,000, though £1.2 billion in fraud was prevented last year. James provides practical advice for fraud victims, including immediately contacting their bank via the official number or the 159 stop scams line, and emphasizes the importance of identifying the type of fraud to determine the appropriate response.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Pennsylvania woman nearly fell victim to a romance scam involving a fake foreign inheritance scheme, where an online acquaintance convinced her to front money for supposed legal fees and escrow to unlock a British estate. Red flags included fake legal documents with spelling errors, an implausible timeline, and a fabricated London law firm address, which legal experts confirmed were fraudulent. The article highlights how elder fraud is increasingly difficult to recover due to modern money transfer methods and cryptocurrency, and emphasizes the importance of verifying credentials and seeking professional legal advice before sending money in estate-related matters.
denisonforum.org
· 2025-12-08
**Pig Butchering Scam Overview**
Pig butchering scams exploit victims' desire for connection and romantic relationships by having scammers pose as attractive strangers via text or social media, gradually building trust over weeks or months before introducing cryptocurrency investment schemes that result in complete financial loss. These scams, operated by organized gangs in Southeast Asia (primarily in Laos, Thailand, and the Philippines) using coerced workers, have generated an estimated $75 billion in losses and are particularly effective against older adults unfamiliar with digital deception tactics like AI-generated photos. Victims have suffered devastating consequences including suicide, with protection strategies including awareness of the sc
gmanetwork.com
· 2025-12-08
Six Chinese nationals were arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga by the NBI for operating online scam and cybercrime operations, including romance scams and fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes targeting victims globally. Operatives seized computers, phones, SIM cards, scripts, and customer ledgers that indicated organized fraudulent activities, and the suspects were referred to the Department of Justice for inquest under the Cybercrime Prevention Act and Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.
ministers.treasury.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
Australia has seen a modest decrease in scam losses over the past 12 months, with Queensland reporting losses dropping from $54 million (January-June 2023) to $21 million in the same period this year, down significantly from $37-38 million in 2022. Investment scams account for over half of losses nationwide, typically originating through emails or social media messages promoting cryptocurrency investments, fake bonds, or fake celebrity endorsements. Key prevention advice includes: never clicking links in unsolicited text messages or emails, avoiding investments that offer returns above market rates, and consulting professional financial advisors rather than relying on social media recommendations.
crypto.news
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission has banned the practice of buying and selling fake social media engagement indicators, with rules that will apply to crypto influencers and take effect 60 days after Federal Register publication; violators face financial fines and sanctions. The FTC has also warned of rising social media investment scams targeting users with fraudulent cryptocurrency opportunities, including romance scams where perpetrators pose as romantic partners to gain trust before directing victims to fake investment platforms that disappear once sufficient money is extracted.
theolivepress.es
· 2025-12-08
A woman lost over €140,000 in a romance scam after being deceived by a fake online boyfriend who claimed to be hospitalized in Chicago and needed financial assistance. The Guardia Civil arrested a 26-year-old woman and a 41-year-old accomplice in Spain who were operating the scheme, which involved creating fraudulent social media profiles and redirecting victim transfers to bank accounts in Nigeria. Both suspects were charged with fraud, document falsification, and criminal gang membership, with four bank accounts used in the scam being blocked.
mb.com.ph
· 2025-12-08
Six Chinese nationals were arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga on August 14 for operating a cyber-scam operation involving romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, credit card scams, and fake investment schemes targeting victims globally. The NBI discovered computers, phones, fraudulent scripts, and cryptocurrency investment platforms at the arrested individuals' office during a warrant operation. The six suspects face charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act and Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.
independent.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A newspaper columnist fell victim to a Taylor Swift ticket scam after purchasing four tickets at face value (£100 each) from someone introduced through a friend-of-a-friend who was presented as trustworthy and a former primary school teacher. The scammer ceased communication via WhatsApp and blocked calls before delivering the tickets, leaving two 12-year-old girls disappointed before the Wembley Stadium concert. The author emphasizes this as a cautionary tale about social engineering and trust-based fraud rather than typical online phishing or fake resale sites.
essentiallysports.com
· 2025-12-08
A scammer using the name Christopher Dibiase targeted fans of LPGA golfer Annika Sorenstam through Venmo, requesting money ($500 initially, then $1) while falsely claiming to be a former caterer for Sorenstam who needed financial assistance. The scam was exposed by Mike McGee on Instagram, who warned that the claims were false and urged people to block the account, noting this represents a broader pattern of identity-theft scams across social media platforms.
tech.einnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Private Digital Investigations announced new measures to combat rising cybercrimes including Nigerian romance scams and sextortion schemes, which exploit victims emotionally and financially through fake profiles and blackmail threats. The agency employs AI-driven profile analysis, digital forensics, and law enforcement collaborations to identify scammers, and offers public education through workshops, support hotlines, and online resources. The article advises victims to cease communication with suspected scammers, report profiles to platforms, avoid sharing explicit content, and seek help from professional investigators or authorities rather than paying ransom demands.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A newspaper columnist lost £400 ($500 USD equivalent) after falling for a Taylor Swift ticket scam where she purchased four tickets at face value from someone vouched for by mutual acquaintances—a former teacher presented as trustworthy—who never delivered the tickets and subsequently blocked all contact before the Wembley Stadium concert. The author shares her experience to warn others that scams rely on social trust and word-of-mouth assurance rather than just online phishing or typical fraud tactics, emphasizing how even seemingly legitimate people can perpetrate fraud.
dailydodge.com
· 2025-12-08
A Bank Secrecy Act officer at Farmers and Merchants Union Bank in Columbus discussed common financial scams affecting consumers, including check, investment, and romance scams. Key prevention advice includes trusting your instincts when something seems suspicious, independently verifying phone numbers and caller identities rather than using provided contact information, contacting your financial institution directly to confirm requests, and signing up for FTC consumer alerts.
news.trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake technology powered by AI is fueling a rising tide of scams in 2024, with deepfake content increasing 900% between 2019 and 2020. Cybercriminals use deepfakes to impersonate celebrities, recruiters, and romantic partners through fake video calls, job interviews, and investment schemes to steal money and personal information from victims. Key scams include romance fraud (where scammers conduct convincing video calls using face-swapping), recruiting scams (impersonating employers on LinkedIn to extract payment and data), and investment scams (using fake celebrity endorsements to promote cryptocurrency schemes).
clarksvilleonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Police departments and the Better Business Bureau are warning consumers about rapidly increasing QR code scams that direct victims to phishing websites, malicious downloads, and fraudulent payment portals. Common schemes include parking meter payment fraud, cryptocurrency wallet scams, utility/government impostor scams, and romance scams, which can result in significant financial losses and personal data theft. Consumers are advised to verify QR codes before scanning, avoid codes from unfamiliar sources, check for tampering on public codes, and report suspected fraud to the BBB or FTC.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers on Facebook are targeting people seeking caravan holiday rentals in Wales, using fake profiles to pose as caravan owners and steal deposits and personal information. Two victims lost money—Ann Crofts paid a £75 deposit and had her identity used to open a fraudulent store card, while 17-year-old Rebecca lost £240 when the booked caravan did not exist. Consumer experts note these seasonal scams are "incredibly prevalent" on Facebook and call for Meta to do more to prevent fraudulent accounts and protect users.
963kklz.com
· 2025-12-08
A study by PrivacyJournal.net ranked Nevada as the most dangerous state for online dating, based on reported incidents of romance scams, fraud, identity theft, and violent crime per 100,000 residents. Nevada ranked second nationally for romance scam reports and third for fraud reports, with Las Vegas contributing significantly to these numbers. The article advises online daters to take common sense precautions, noting that Vermont and Maine are the safest states for online dating.
fox23.com
· 2025-12-08
Tulsa International Airport experienced a surge in romance scams where victims sent money (via gift cards, wire transfers, or Bitcoin) to online romantic partners for airline tickets, then waited at baggage claim for people who never arrived. Victims reported losses ranging up to $100,000, with even an 80-year-old woman among those defrauded; authorities note that recovered funds are rare. Police recommend verifying flight numbers and confirmation codes, while the Better Business Bureau advises online daters to watch for rapid relationship escalation, request video chats early, and report suspected scams to the FTC, local police, or BBB.
manilastandard.net
· 2025-12-08
The NBI arrested 29 suspects (5 foreign nationals and 24 Filipinos) operating "scam showrooms" in Kawit, Cavite, where they conducted romance scams targeting victims online. The operation was led by NBI Director Jaime Santiago, though the article does not specify the number of victims, financial losses, or additional case details.
moroccoworldnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Israeli con artist Simon Leviev posed as a wealthy diamond heir on Tinder and defrauded multiple women, including Norwegian Cecilie Fjellhøy, of hundreds of thousands of dollars through romance fraud. Fjellhøy lost £200,000 and faced additional legal battles with four Norwegian banks over loans taken during the scam, forcing her to sell her apartment for legal representation. Though Leviev was eventually convicted and imprisoned in Israel, he served only five months before release and has since resumed a public lifestyle, illustrating both the devastating emotional and financial impact of romance scams and the challenges in prosecuting international fraud cases.
lfpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 65-year-old Ontario man lost $83,000 over two years in a romance scam involving an online woman he married by proxy without meeting in person. The scam escalated when he wired $53,000 to a renovation company she recommended, which turned out to be part of the fraud scheme. Police issued warning signs to watch for, including requests for money, avoidance of in-person meetings, unverifiable online presence, and inconsistent stories.
x1075lasvegas.com
· 2025-12-08
A study by PrivacyJournal.net ranked Nevada as the most dangerous state for online dating based on reported romance scams, fraud, identity theft, and violent crime per 100,000 residents. Nevada ranked second nationally for romance scam reports and third for fraud reports, making it a higher-risk state for online daters seeking to avoid financial and personal victimization. The analysis identified Vermont as the safest state for online dating, while other risky states included Alaska, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, and South Carolina.
bluenotes.anz.com
· 2025-12-08
Despite 94% of Australians surveyed feeling confident they could spot a scam, this article emphasizes that sophisticated scammers exploit human emotions and psychology, with particular targeting of Australians over 55 with substantial savings. Key scam types include romance, investment, and impersonation schemes, with investment scams alone resulting in approximately $79 million in losses in 2024, though under-reporting suggests actual numbers are higher. The article advises victims to pause before acting on urgent requests, immediately contact their bank if money has been sent, and report incidents to help raise awareness and prevent future fraud.
bluenotes.anz.com
· 2025-12-08
Despite 94% of Australians surveyed feeling confident they could spot a scam, sophisticated social engineering tactics and organized criminal syndicates continue to exploit human emotions and trust, particularly targeting Australians over 55 with substantial savings. Investment scams alone resulted in approximately $79 million in losses in 2024, though reporting remains low at 3,818 cases, suggesting significant underreporting. The article advises victims to pause before acting on urgent requests, contact their bank immediately if funds are sent, and report incidents to increase awareness, noting that ANZ's fraud controls prevented over $100 million in losses during the year to March 2024.
expressandstar.com
· 2025-12-08
This article reports on the reopening of a refurbished Nationwide bank branch in Codsall, which the local MP visited to celebrate the branch's commitment to remaining open until at least 2028. The branch staff highlighted their fraud prevention efforts, noting they have stopped over £25,000 in fraudulent transactions in the past year by identifying romance scams, fake HMRC emails, and investment fraud through face-to-face customer conversations. The branch also serves the local community as a collection point for a food bank, underscoring the importance of physical banking locations in combating fraud and supporting vulnerable customers.
country1037fm.com
· 2025-12-08
South Carolina ranks as the 45th safest state for online dating, with elevated risks including 396 registered sex offenders per 100,000 residents, 1,062 STD reports per 100,000 residents, and 334 fraud cases per 100,000 residents. A study by PrivacyJournal.net identified romance scams, fraud, identity theft, and violent crime as primary dangers in online dating nationwide, with Nevada ranking as the most dangerous state overall.
paulfletcher.com.au
· 2025-12-08
This is not an article about elder fraud or scams. It is a TechLeaders 2024 conference speech that discusses technology's broader societal impacts, both positive and negative. While the speaker mentions romance scams, fake social media endorsements, and text-based scams ($26.9 million in losses to Australians in 2023) as examples of technology-enabled crime, the document is a general technology policy speech rather than a focused report on elder abuse or fraud.
jamaicaobserver.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams, business imposter scams, and internet/email fraud are common schemes targeting older adults. Romance scammers exploit loneliness through fake online profiles to extract money for purported travel or emergencies, while business imposters use caller ID spoofing to pose as legitimate companies or charities to steal personal information and funds. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to internet scams, phishing emails, and fake anti-virus pop-ups due to lower technology adoption rates and unfamiliarity with online security features.
headtopics.com
· 2025-12-08
The Nationwide branch in Codsall has reopened for face-to-face banking and is working to combat an increase in romance scams, fake HMRC emails, and investment fraud affecting local customers. The branch serves as both a banking hub and community resource, supporting local initiatives like the food bank "The Well" while providing customers with in-person financial services and fraud awareness support.
wild941.com
· 2025-12-08
Florida ranks as the 47th safest state for online dating, according to a PrivacyJournal.net study analyzing romance scams, fraud, identity theft, and violent crime per 100,000 residents. The state ranks second-worst nationally for both identity theft and fraud, and seventh-worst for romance scams, though it performs better on violent crime and sex offender statistics. The study identifies Nevada as the most dangerous state and Vermont as the safest, recommending that online daters take common sense precautions regardless of location.