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in Government Impersonation
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Carla Magaly Alcedo Mendoza, a 43-year-old from Lima, Peru, was extradited to the United States to face federal charges for operating call center fraud schemes from 2013 to 2018 that targeted Spanish-speaking Americans. Alcedo and her co-conspirators falsely posed as representatives of universities and government agencies, luring victims with promises of financial assistance for English language programs, then extorted them by demanding payment for fabricated fees and threatening legal action or arrest. This marks the fourteenth arrest and tenth extradition in the investigation; if convicted on all 18 counts, Alcedo faces up to 20 years in prison per count.
witn.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, imposter scams remain the most commonly reported fraud category, with emerging threats including AI scams, synthetic identity fraud, and fake charity schemes. One Pitt County resident lost over $12,000 after scammers posed as Microsoft support and convinced her to call a fraudulent number, highlighting how scammers use fear tactics to manipulate victims. Experts recommend staying calm when receiving suspicious emails or calls, avoiding clicking links or calling provided numbers, and contacting legitimate technology professionals for verification.
kstatecollegian.com
· 2025-12-08
A recent study found that Generation Z members experienced more financial losses and data theft from online scams than older adults, contradicting the common perception that scams primarily target seniors. The article provides practical fraud prevention advice including using secure payment methods, verifying caller identities by calling back directly, avoiding suspicious links and remote access requests, and being cautious of impersonators posing as banks, retailers, landlords, and tech support providers.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers posing as federal agents convinced Alaina Weisman, a woman in her late 70s, to deposit $11,000 into a cryptocurrency ATM at a cannabis dispensary in Santa Fe, New Mexico, by falsely claiming her bank accounts were compromised and the money would protect them. This initial scheme was the first of multiple frauds perpetrated by the same criminals that ultimately cost Weisman $159,000. Crypto ATMs are increasingly becoming the payment method of choice for scammers targeting victims through government impostor scams, romance scams, grandparent scams, and other schemes, as traditional methods like gift cards and payment apps face growing prot
clarechampion.ie
· 2025-12-08
This Irish awareness article highlights the rising sophistication of financial scams and provides protective measures for potential victims. Key scam types targeting young people include money muling (using personal bank accounts to launder stolen funds, which carries criminal penalties), ticket fraud for sold-out events, and phishing schemes, with victims losing €8.6 million in the first half of 2023. The article advises protecting finances through strong passwords, two-factor authentication, vigilance against unsolicited contact, and using only official vendors for ticket purchases.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
greenwichfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS launched its annual "Dirty Dozen" awareness campaign warning taxpayers about evolving phishing and smishing scams designed to steal sensitive personal and financial information. Fraudsters impersonate the IRS via unsolicited emails and text messages, using tactics like phony refund offers or false legal threats to trick victims into clicking malicious links or downloading malware. The IRS advises taxpayers and tax professionals to remain vigilant, avoid clicking links in unsolicited communications, and be especially cautious during tax season when such scams peak.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old Michigan woman lost approximately $700,000 over several months after being deceived by a scammer posing as a Federal Trade Commission lawyer who claimed she had won a $3.5 million sweepstakes prize and a new car, but needed to send money upfront to secure the winnings. The victim purchased expensive jewelry and wired checks to the fraudster until a friend convinced her the scheme was illegitimate and urged her to contact police, prompting an investigation by Troy Police Department. The case underscores common sweepstakes scam tactics and highlights the importance of recognizing red flags such as unsolicited prize claims, requests for upfront payment, and impersonation
journalofaccountancy.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS opened its 2024 Dirty Dozen list of scams with a warning about phishing and smishing scams designed to steal sensitive financial and personal information from taxpayers and tax professionals. Fraudsters impersonate the IRS via deceptive emails and text messages using tactics like fake refund offers or false threats of legal action to trick victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal data that can lead to identity theft. The IRS emphasized it only initiates contact through regular mail, never through email, text, or social media, and provided reporting resources for victims.
securityboulevard.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax scams escalate during filing season when victims are stressed and vulnerable, with cyber criminals using text messages and phone calls to exploit emotions. Common schemes include SMS fraud demanding immediate payment or offering fake government benefits, and extortion calls using scare tactics threatening jail time or legal action; attackers often include personal information to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, never click links in unsolicited messages or provide information over the phone—instead, log directly into official CRA or IRS accounts to verify any notices.
clickondetroit.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old Troy woman lost $669,500 to a prize scam in which a fraudster posed as an FTC attorney and claimed she had won $3.5 million from Publishers Clearing House. Over several months, the victim sent multiple cashier's checks, deposited money into Bitcoin ATMs, and purchased jewelry based on false claims she was securing funds and paying vehicle storage fees. Police say recovery is unlikely and advise that legitimate prize-givers never require upfront payments.
cavazossentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division provides guidance on identity protection and outlines common scams targeting soldiers, veterans, and their families. Key recommendations include using strong passwords, password managers, two-factor authentication, and separating work and personal accounts, while growing threats include impersonation scams (where scammers pose as military officials), romance scams targeting those over 50, credit repair fraud, cryptocurrency schemes, social media account takeovers, and two-factor authentication exploitation. Supervisory Special Agent Deric Palmer emphasizes that data brokers sell personal information for as little as $20, enabling social engineering attacks, and warns that impersonation scams cause reputational
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
A retired Melbourne police officer lost $479,500 to a romance scam after being contacted online by a woman claiming to be named Dianna, who persuaded him to invest in cryptocurrency through fake platforms. Despite Paul disclosing concerns about the scam to ING Bank and later Macquarie Bank, both institutions failed to adequately warn him or prevent further transfers, with ING's scam team reassuring him he "should be OK" without conducting proper fraud verification. Paul is now awaiting a ruling from the financial complaints watchdog regarding the banks' responsibility in the losses.
channelnewsasia.com
· 2025-12-08
Since ChatGPT's launch in late 2022, AI-powered fraud on dating apps has surged dramatically, with bot attacks increasing 2,000 percent between January 2023 and January 2024, according to cybersecurity firm Arkose Labs. Romance scams—facilitated by fake profiles, AI-generated messages, and deepfake photos—victimized 64,000 Americans in 2023 alone, resulting in US$1.14 billion in losses, yet dating app companies have been slow to implement protective measures like account verification and fraud detection tools.
thedailybeast.com
· 2025-12-08
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill was indicted on charges including three counts of first-degree elder abuse, fraud, and mortgage fraud totaling over $100,000 for financially exploiting a 96-year-old constituent, Annie Mae Curtis, between April 2021 and March 2024. Hill fraudulently obtained power of attorney over Curtis and used stolen funds exceeding $100,000 to purchase a $400,000 house, renovate Curtis's own home, and pay for personal luxuries, while Curtis lived in poor conditions. The investigation, initiated by a former aide, found no other victims, and authorities stated the crimes were committed in Hill's personal capacity rather than her official role as commissioner.
au.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill was indicted on charges of elder abuse and fraud for allegedly exploiting 96-year-old constituent Annie Mae Curtis from April 2021 to March 2024. Hill fraudulently obtained power of attorney over Curtis and stole over $100,000 from her savings to purchase property, renovate a home, and pay for personal luxuries including cosmetic surgery, while Curtis lived in poor conditions. The investigation, triggered by a former aide, revealed Hill gained access to Curtis through her position as commissioner but the charges pertain to her actions as a private citizen rather than in her official capacity.
tampabay.com
· 2025-12-08
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill was indicted on charges of elder exploitation, identity fraud, mortgage fraud, and scheming to defraud after allegedly abusing her power of attorney over a 96-year-old constituent to drain approximately $100,000 from the woman's bank accounts between 2021 and the investigation period, using the funds for personal expenses including home renovations, cosmetic surgery, and luxury items. Hill faced three counts of elder exploitation, two counts of identity fraud, and single counts of mortgage fraud and scheming to defraud of at least $50,000, and was held on a $40,000 bond. The city indicated that if suspended by the governor, a special election would be hel
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-08
Cyber fraud incidents are escalating in Pune, with 110 victims losing ₹18 crore in January and February alone. A 28-year-old armed forces officer posted at the National Defence Academy lost ₹57 lakh in an online share trading scam after fraudsters impersonating a bank's securities platform lured him with promised returns and then demanded exorbitant commissions to withdraw funds. Police report that fraudsters use social media, fake trading apps, and websites to attract victims with promises of quick profits, initially providing small returns to build trust before preventing withdrawals or demanding excessive fees.
zdnet.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides six practical tips for avoiding online, phone, and in-person scams, using a personal anecdote about a friend who nearly fell victim to a fake Google support call. Key protective measures include being suspicious of unsolicited emails and messages, verifying links before clicking them, recognizing "too good to be true" offers, and contacting companies directly rather than through unsolicited channels. The author emphasizes that awareness and vigilance are essential defenses against increasingly sophisticated scammers.
bai.org
· 2025-12-08
Visa's Spring 2024 Threats Report reveals that while the number of individual scam reports decreased from June to December 2023, total monetary losses increased, indicating fraudsters are executing more effective and costly schemes. Emerging scams include "pig butchering" (fake cryptocurrency investment schemes targeting 10% of surveyed adults), inheritance scams (affecting 15% of adults), and triangulation fraud (costing merchants up to $1 billion monthly), with fraudsters increasingly leveraging generative AI and other technologies to create more convincing campaigns. Organizational threats are also escalating, including a 300% increase in ransomware cases and an 83% rise in purchase return authorization frau
boredpanda.com
· 2025-12-08
A 16-year-old boy was scammed by an online "girlfriend" he had never met in person, who pressured him into purchasing $50-$100 in in-game items by threatening to break up with him if he refused. His father discovered the unauthorized charges, paid them off, and confiscated the son's credit card while requiring reimbursement. The incident highlights how teenagers' emotional vulnerability and lack of online safety education make them susceptible to financial manipulation and exploitation by online predators.
investopedia.com
· 2025-12-08
Pig butchering scams are a sophisticated investment fraud scheme in which scammers create fake online identities to build trust with victims before stealing their money, often through fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. The scams use social engineering, AI-generated content, and emotional manipulation to exploit victims' vulnerabilities, with billions of dollars in global losses reported. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited messages, verify financial advice independently, and immediately report any suspected scam to your bank and law enforcement.
news8000.com
· 2025-12-08
The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau issued an alert about "can you hear me?" phone scams, where callers immediately ask that question to record a "yes" response for fraudulent purposes. Scammers use the recorded affirmation to authorize unauthorized purchases, target consumers with future scams, or extract personal information by impersonating banks, government agencies, and insurance companies. The BBB recommends screening calls with caller ID, hanging up on unfamiliar callers, joining the Do Not Call Registry, and monitoring financial statements.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Three men—Blade Bai, Bowen Hu, and Tairan Shi—were sentenced to 15, 10, and 8 years in prison respectively for laundering gift card fraud proceeds between June 2019 and November 2020. The defendants acquired over 5,000 Target gift card numbers (typically valued at $500 each) from a Chinese fraud ring called "Magic Lamp," then used runners to quickly liquidate the cards by purchasing high-value electronics, targeting mostly elderly victims who had been deceived by telephone scammers posing as government officials or tech support personnel. The scheme involved a transnational network designed to prevent Target from reimburs
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Three Los Angeles County men were sentenced to federal prison (15, 10, and 8 years respectively) for laundering gift cards stolen from telephone scam victims, acquiring over 5,000 Target gift card numbers from a Chinese fraud operation called "Magic Lamp" and using runners to quickly liquidate them at retail stores. The scheme targeted mostly older adults between June 2019 and November 2020, with victims defrauded through impersonation scams by government officials and tech support, and the defendants ordered to pay restitution totaling $194,387.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued consumer alerts warning residents about disaster-related scams and government imposter scams ahead of severe weather forecasts in March 2024. The alert advises homeowners to avoid price-gougers and fraudulent contractors who exploit storm damage situations by recommending verification of contractor credentials, consultation with insurance companies, obtaining written contracts, and avoiding cash payments or upfront full payment. Residents were also encouraged to report power outages to help the Attorney General's office advocate for consumers regarding utility service reliability.
highlandcountypress.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Indian nationals, Anil Mangukia, 39, and Yash Navadia, 25, were indicted on money laundering conspiracy charges for their roles in an elder fraud courier scam targeting older Americans, including a victim in Warren, Ohio. The defendants and coconspirators stole more than $127,000 and attempted to steal an additional $650,000 by posing as bank employees and government agents, falsely claiming victims' accounts were compromised and instructing them to transfer money, purchase gold, or meet in person to hand over cash and valuables. The perpetrators employed multiple deception tactics including cryptocurrency transfers, direct bank transfers, and physical courier exchanges of
wibx950.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending fraudulent emails impersonating streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, claiming memberships have expired and directing recipients to click links and enter credit card information. The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to verify emails directly with companies, watch for red flags like suspicious sender addresses and poor grammar, track subscription renewal dates, and report suspected scam emails rather than clicking links or providing payment information.
hawaiipolice.com
· 2025-12-08
The Hawai'i Police Department issued a warning after receiving multiple reports of scammers calling Big Island residents while impersonating police officers or court officials using spoofed caller ID numbers displaying HPD phone numbers. The fraudsters claim victims have outstanding warrants and attempt to extract personal information or payments, though legitimate HPD officers never request such information or money over the phone. Residents are advised to verify caller identity through official channels, refuse to share personal details, remain skeptical of urgent threats, and contact police dispatch at (808) 935-3311 to verify suspicious calls.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Three New Jersey residents pleaded guilty to operating a romance fraud scheme from 2016 to 2020 that defrauded over 100 victims of millions of dollars. Martins Friday Inalegwu and Steincy Mathieu, along with co-conspirator Oluwaseyi Fatolu, worked with accomplices in Nigeria to pose as romantic partners on dating sites, convincing victims to send money while evading taxes on their illegal proceeds. The defendants face charges including unlawful money transmitting, tax evasion, and conspiracy related to the multi-million dollar scheme.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A YouTube motoring personality highlighted a used car scam where he purchased a Ford Focus ST using an outdated V5 ownership document, which the seller retained. When the YouTuber later sold the vehicle to a friend, it was rejected for trade-in due to outstanding finance that had been taken out after the sale, potentially exposing both parties to vehicle repossession despite clean pre-purchase checks showing no prior finance.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonate legitimate businesses via email, claiming subscriptions have expired or will auto-renew, and direct recipients to fake websites to steal credit card and personal information. Consumers should verify emails by checking sender addresses for red flags, contacting businesses directly using official phone numbers, tracking subscription dates, and consulting BBB Scam Tracker before providing payment information. One victim received a fake Sirius XM renewal notice the day after their actual renewal date but avoided loss by verifying their account directly with the company.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Spring's busy home-buying and home-improvement season creates opportunities for scammers to target homeowners through three main schemes: fake wire transfer requests impersonating lenders or realtors to intercept down payments and closing costs, fraudulent home warranty solicitations claiming policies are expiring or offering fake coverage, and home improvement scams. Homeowners can protect themselves by verifying payment instructions directly with lenders through known phone numbers, avoiding high-pressure tactics, using certified checks when possible, and purchasing warranties only from legitimate companies verified through Consumer Reports or trusted referrals.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
Police warn that lonely and retired seniors are susceptible to investment and love scams, with victims losing substantial sums including one retiree who lost RM2 million in a cryptocurrency investment scheme and a 60-year-old widow who transferred RM200,000 to a fake online romantic interest. Scammers exploit victims' lack of cybersecurity awareness and isolation by posing as investment opportunities or authority figures on social media, with victims often refusing to believe they've been defrauded. Authorities recommend frequent family contact, cybersecurity education, and vigilance against online relationships that involve requests for money or gifts.
thirteen.org
· 2025-12-08
FBI and IRS special agents visited the Pemberton Senior Center in Browns Mills to warn seniors about increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes targeting their age group. The agents provided education on common fraud tactics and prevention strategies to help seniors protect themselves from these growing threats.
bostonherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Boston Police reported a resurgence of grandparent scams in which callers claim to hold a child hostage and demand ransom payment, often using recordings of children crying to manipulate family members into paying. The department advised potential victims to verify the caller's information by asking specific questions about the supposed hostage, contacting the person directly to confirm their safety, and immediately reporting the scam to local police and the Federal Trade Commission.
latestly.com
· 2025-12-08
A 40-year-old woman in Mumbai was booked by police for allegedly defrauding her 94-year-old grandmother of Rs 9.74 lakh from three fixed deposits in December 2020. The accused granddaughter, Poonam Bhandari, obtained her grandmother's signatures on RTGS forms by falsely claiming they were for KYC updates, then transferred the funds to her own account. The fraud was discovered when the grandmother's son attempted a withdrawal and learned the money had been transferred; after the accused promised but failed to return the funds, a complaint was filed in 2022.
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Peer-to-peer payment apps like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App lack fraud protections, making them attractive targets for scammers who can quickly transfer stolen funds with virtually no possibility of recovery. To protect yourself, avoid unsolicited money requests and only send funds to people you know personally, treating P2P transactions like cash that cannot be reclaimed. Report suspected scams to local law enforcement or contact AARP's Fraud Watch Network at 1-877-908-3360.
nasdaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Spring's increased home buying and selling activity creates opportunities for scammers to exploit homebuyers and sellers through fake wire transfer requests, impersonation of lenders and realtors, and fraudulent home warranty solicitations. Consumers are advised to verify payment instructions directly with their lender or agent using known phone numbers, avoid wire transfers under pressure, consider certified checks as alternatives, and research home warranty companies through trusted sources like Consumer Reports before making any payments.
wusa9.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating "The Tax Group" are using voicemail messages before Tax Day to target taxpayers with offers to enroll them in a fake "Zero Tax Initiative" program, claiming past tax debts can be made non-collectible. The Better Business Bureau and IRS website confirm no such program exists, and the legitimate Tax Group business has reported being spoofed; experts note that tax preparers cannot access filing history without explicit permission, and the IRS never initiates contact by phone, text, or email.
koamnewsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond warned consumers about a rising wave of cryptocurrency ATM scams targeting elderly victims, where scammers convince people their banks are failing and convince them to withdraw funds and deposit them into virtual currency kiosks, with the crypto then sent irreversibly to the scammer's wallet. The advisory also detailed other related scams including romance scams, pig butchering schemes, fake investment platforms, computer antivirus scams, and impersonation of government agencies, all designed to trick victims into making cryptocurrency payments. Drummond advised Oklahomans to never pay anyone demanding advance cryptocurrency payments and to contact relatives or the Oklahoma Attorney General's office if victimized.
atlantanewsfirst.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS is warning of two active tax scams during filing season: fraudsters sending cardboard envelopes via delivery services requesting calls about unclaimed refunds (the IRS only uses U.S. Postal Service and will never solicit information this way), and aggressive promoters misleading business owners about employee retention tax credit eligibility through unsolicited mail and online promotions. The IRS emphasizes it never initiates contact via email, text, or social media, and cautions that while the tax credit itself is legitimate, scammers are misrepresenting qualification requirements.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This article outlines three spring scams targeting homeowners: fake wire transfer requests from scammers impersonating lenders or realtors during home closings (which are difficult to reverse once sent), fraudulent home warranty solicitations claiming coverage is expiring or expired, and scams involving fake home cleaning or lawn service companies. The article advises homeowners to verify payment instructions directly with lenders using known phone numbers, avoid high-pressure urgency tactics, and confirm legitimacy of companies through official websites and trusted reviews before engaging services or sending money.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a consumer alert in March 2024 warning renters and homebuyers about fraudulent real estate listings on platforms like Zillow and Facebook Marketplace. The scams involved non-existent properties, artificially low prices, and upfront deposit demands, with one example requiring a $4,500 deposit before viewing and another property used for four separate scams. The alert advises consumers to watch for red flags including wire transfer requests, requests for verification codes or personal financial information, spelling/grammar errors, and prices significantly lower than comparable properties in the area.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Albertans reported losing over $156 million to fraud since 2020, with losses reaching $62.5 million in 2023 alone—a fivefold increase from 2020—though experts estimate only 5-10% of incidents are reported due to victim reluctance and embarrassment. Investment scams, particularly cryptocurrency fraud, accounted for nearly 58% of 2023 losses ($35.9 million), followed by spear-phishing attacks that took $8.5 million, with technological advancements and the unregulated nature of cryptocurrency enabling fraudsters to operate across borders with relative anonymity.
fox5dc.com
· 2025-12-08
A California man was arrested in Montgomery County, Maryland for defrauding a 64-year-old woman out of $800,000 by posing as a federal investigator and convincing her to convert her assets into gold bars for supposed identity theft protection, then stealing the gold from a parking lot. The FBI reports this cash-to-gold scam resulted in over $55 million in losses nationwide from May to December of the previous year, with at least 12 victims identified in Montgomery County alone, as scammers exploit the lack of transaction scrutiny from gold bullion websites compared to traditional banking institutions.
amac.us
· 2025-12-08
Scams are widespread dishonest schemes used by bad actors to defraud victims through various channels including text, phone, email, and in-person contact, with the goal of stealing money or personal information for identity theft. According to 2023 Gallup data, 15% of Americans reported being scam victims in the past year, with nationwide fraud losses exceeding $10 billion, including $4.6 billion from investment scams and $2.7 billion from imposter scams. The FTC monitors scam trends and urges consumers to protect themselves by safeguarding sensitive information, remaining vigilant against impersonators, and reporting fraud at reportfraud.ftc
tillamookheadlightherald.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 study analyzing Federal Trade Commission data found Oregon ranked 13th most defrauded state in the US, with $97.5 million lost across 29,002 fraud reports. Imposter scams were the most common fraud type in Oregon at 23% of all reports, followed by identity theft (15%) and online shopping scams (9%). The analysis provides guidance on recognizing and avoiding these common scam categories, emphasizing the importance of never sharing personal information with unknown callers and verifying legitimacy through official channels.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-08
The SEC charged investment advisers Delphia and Global Predictions with "AI washing"—making false or misleading claims about their use of artificial intelligence—and imposed $400,000 in combined civil penalties. The agency warned that this deceptive practice hurts investors and that companies failing to disclose AI-related risks violate securities law. The SEC recommends investors verify adviser registration, use multiple verified sources, remain skeptical of endorsements, review company disclosures, and be wary of guaranteed returns with little risk.
fortune.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating FTC agents are increasingly successful in 2024, stealing an average of $7,000 per victim—more than double the $3,000 average from 2019. The FTC warns that legitimate agents never demand money transfers, direct victims to Bitcoin ATMs or gold purchases, or threaten arrest, and the agency received 228,282 complaints about government impersonation scams in 2023. Overall fraud losses reached a record $10 billion in 2023, with data showing that while younger adults are more susceptible to scams, those over 40 typically lose larger amounts.