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in Robocall / Phone Scam
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio highlighted its 2024 elder fraud prosecutions as part of the Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiatives, noting that senior citizens lose billions annually to schemes exploiting their trust. Notable cases included a caregiver who forged power of attorney documents and stole $46,064 from a nursing home resident, a Ponzi scheme that defrauded 72 investors of $8.5 million, and various impersonation and money-mule schemes targeting elderly victims, with sentences ranging from 16 months to 37 months in prison and restitution orders totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.
catcountry1073.com
· 2025-12-08
Law enforcement agencies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are alerting residents to five prevalent scams: Medicaid/Medicare impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as government workers to extract personal information; "brushing" scams involving unsolicited packages with malicious QR codes that compromise phone data; fake law enforcement calls claiming arrest warrants or missed jury duty to extort bond payments; and romance scams where criminals build trust through fake online identities to manipulate victims into sending money. Residents are advised to never provide financial or personal information over the phone, avoid scanning unknown QR codes, and verify contact legitimately through official channels.
wcvb.com
· 2025-12-08
Boston police warned residents about a text message scam falsely claiming recipients owe unpaid parking fees of $4.35 with threatened late fees of $35, directing them to a fraudulent website (parking_dash.boston.com). The scam used the city's official logo and came from a Montreal-based phone number, successfully deceiving many residents into paying, though the exact number of victims is unclear. Residents are advised that the City of Boston never sends parking ticket notices via text and to use only the official boston.gov website to pay legitimate violations, which are normally sent by U.S. mail.
desmoinesregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Iowa is experiencing a wave of "grandparent scams" targeting elderly residents, in which scammers impersonate grandchildren claiming to be in accidents, hospitalized, arrested, or stranded abroad to pressure grandparents into sending money. The scammers use social media information and may impersonate police, attorneys, or doctors to add credibility, with funds typically transferred abroad making them nearly impossible to trace. Iowa's Attorney General recommends victims hang up and verify claims with trusted family members, avoid acting quickly or in secret, and never wire money or provide banking information over the phone.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a warning about a nationwide phone scam where fraudsters impersonate CBP officers and Border Patrol agents, threatening that law enforcement is on the way or promising money in exchange for personal information like Social Security numbers. Scammers use pre-recorded messages claiming to have intercepted shipments of drugs or money, and some have spoofed real CBP employee names and badge numbers to appear authentic. CBP emphasized it never calls unsolicited to demand money, threaten citizens, or request sensitive information, and advised victims to report such calls to the Federal Trade Commission.
abc7news.com
· 2025-12-08
A text phishing scam is targeting California drivers, claiming they owe money for FasTrak toll lane usage and threatening license suspension or late penalties if payment isn't made. Officials with Toll Roads (FasTrak's operator) warn that the company does not send unsolicited text messages to non-account holders, and advise drivers to ignore such messages and verify any claims by checking their accounts online or contacting their regional tolling agency directly.
bigcountrynewsconnection.com
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration is warning the public about ongoing scams involving fraudulent calls requesting personal details and banking information. The SSA clarifies that it will never request personal information or money in exchange for benefits, and advises recipients to hang up on suspicious calls and report them to the appropriate authorities.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird issued a warning about a resurgence of "grandparent scams" targeting elderly Iowans, in which scammers impersonate grandchildren claiming emergencies (accidents, arrests, hospitalization, or being abroad) to pressure grandparents into sending money. The scammers often use information gleaned from social media and may impersonate police, attorneys, or doctors to add credibility, with funds typically transferred abroad making them nearly impossible to trace. To avoid victimization, the Attorney General's Office recommends hanging up and independently verifying claims with trusted family members, never sending money over the phone or by wire, and reporting suspected scams to local law
pbs.org
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" investment scams have cost victims worldwide an estimated $75 billion over the last four years, with Americans alone losing $4.6 billion in 2023. The scheme typically begins with a fake wrong-number text leading to conversations with fake profiles (often posing as attractive women) who build romantic relationships and convince victims to invest in cryptocurrency, showing false dashboards of returns until victims exhaust their savings. The scammers perpetrating these schemes are often human trafficking victims forced by crime syndicates in Asia to run the operations, making this a dual victimization crisis.
westportjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Albert Reyes, 26, of the Bronx was charged with first-degree forgery and criminal impersonation after being found in a suspicious vehicle outside a Westport resident's home on December 31st. Reyes possessed fraudulent driver's licenses, including one bearing the victim's name, and was attempting to intercept a delivery of iPhones that the resident had been scammed into ordering. Reyes was released on $10,000 bond and scheduled to appear in court on January 13th.
dnaindia.com
· 2025-12-08
Popular YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a digital arrest scam in January 2024, during which scammers held him hostage for approximately 40 hours by impersonating customs officials and police officers. The scammers manipulated him through fake calls claiming illegal items were found in a package sent to China, threatened him with serious criminal charges including money laundering and drug trafficking, and extracted money from him while causing significant financial and mental health damage. Bahuguna publicly shared his experience on Instagram to raise awareness about the growing threat of digital arrest scams and how extensively scammers can control victims.
news.abplive.com
· 2025-12-08
Instagram influencer Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a "digital arrest" scam in which fraudsters impersonating government officials falsely claimed he had sent illegal items to China and threatened him with arrest. Held on video call in "self-custody" for 40 hours without contact with others, the scammers extracted his bank details and personal information, coerced him into suspicious bank transactions, and caused him significant financial and psychological harm. He publicly shared his experience to raise awareness about the sophisticated manipulation tactics these scammers use to create fear and control victims.
etvbharat.com
· 2025-12-08
The "pig butchering scam" is a long-term romance and investment fraud where cybercriminals build trust with victims over weeks or months through dating apps and social media before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes and stealing their money. Notable victims include an Indian software professional in the US who lost $450,000, a Malaysian nurse who accumulated $270,000 in debt, and a San Francisco man who lost over $1 million; the scam predominantly targets students, unemployed youth, homemakers, and financially vulnerable individuals. India's Ministry of Home Affairs recently issued a warning about the rising prevalence of these scams in the country.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna was held under "digital arrest" by scammers for approximately 40 hours after receiving a fraudulent call claiming an illegal item was detected in his package and that an arrest warrant had been issued in his name. The scammers used personal information and panic tactics to coerce him into compliance, resulting in financial losses and significant mental health impacts. Bahuguna publicly shared his experience to raise awareness about the sophistication and psychological manipulation tactics used in cyber arrest scams, urging others to stay vigilant and noting that victims may not recognize the fraud immediately.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a digital arrest scam in which scammers impersonated law enforcement, falsely claiming he was involved in illegal package shipping, money laundering, and drug trafficking, and held him under "digital arrest" for approximately 40 hours while coercing him to isolate from the outside world. The scam began with an automated call about a cancelled courier delivery, escalated through manipulation using his personal information, and resulted in financial losses and significant mental health impacts. Bahuguna publicly shared his experience to raise awareness and educate others about the sophisticated tactics scammers use to control and panic victims into compliance.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Ankush Bahuguna, a popular YouTuber, fell victim to a sophisticated digital arrest scam lasting 40 hours after receiving a fraudulent call claiming a package in his name contained illegal items. The scammers impersonated police officers via video call, accused him of money laundering and drug trafficking, isolated him from outside contact, and attempted to coerce him into making suspicious bank transactions before a friend's intervention helped him recognize the fraud. Bahuguna publicly shared his experience to raise awareness about this type of threatening scam and encourage others to remain vigilant against similar fraudulent calls.
savannahbusinessjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Georgia Power warned customers in January 2025 about increasing scams during post-holiday and tax season periods, including threats of power disconnection and requests to update billing information. The utility highlighted evolving tech scams such as fraudulent payment requests through Cash App using fake company logos and fake digital ads directing customers to non-company websites to steal personal information. Georgia Power provided guidance to customers on legitimate payment methods, verification procedures, and reporting mechanisms to protect against scammers impersonating company representatives.
newportnewstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It is a weather forecast combined with general consumer fraud prevention guidance from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. While it contains useful scam awareness information (recognizing common scam tactics, verification methods, and what legitimate agencies will not do), it does not describe a specific fraud incident, victim demographics, financial losses, or outcomes relevant to an elder fraud research database.
**Note:** If you have an article specifically about elder fraud or scams targeting older adults, please submit that for summarization.
vietnamnet.vn
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Information Security warned of scammers in ASEAN "fraud camps" shifting from Telegram to Signal to conduct various frauds, including counterfeit currency schemes during Tet, fake investment and romance scams, and impersonation of bank employees requesting personal or financial information. Victims are advised to verify identities through official channels, avoid transacting with unknown individuals on social media, and report fraudulent activity to authorities rather than risk involvement in illegal transactions.
news.abplive.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article from Kaspersky outlines nine major types of online scams targeting internet users: fake job offers with counterfeit checks, lottery scams, inheritance scams, romance scams, charity fraud, tech support scams, social media scams, robocall fraud, messaging scams, and online shopping scams. For each scam type, the article provides warning signs and protective measures, such as verifying charity status through trusted databases, avoiding remote access to unknown individuals, and checking website security features before making purchases. The overarching advice emphasizes vigilance, scrutinizing suspicious offers, and remembering that offers that sound too good to be true typically are.
biometricupdate.com
· 2025-12-08
Hong Kong police arrested 31 members of a deepfake romance scam syndicate that defrauded victims across Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia of HK$34 million (US$4.37 million). The criminals used AI-generated composite images of women to create fake dating profiles, then manipulated victims into investing in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes through carefully scripted conversations designed to build emotional connections and establish trust over five stages. The arrests represent the second major deepfake romance fraud bust in Hong Kong within three months and highlight how scammers exploit loneliness and social insecurity alongside technological capabilities.
sfntoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams target seniors, including those in rural areas, often exploiting their desire for companionship and emotional connection, resulting in losses sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. Wisconsin's Division for Trade and Consumer Protection emphasizes that approaching victims requires empathy and avoiding blame, as scammers are skilled professionals who deliberately target vulnerable people. Families should communicate openly and collaboratively with affected seniors to help them recognize the scam and seek help from consumer protection authorities.
startupnews.fyi
· 2025-12-08
A victim named Bahuguna fell prey to a "digital arrest" scam after answering a spoofed international call claiming his courier delivery was cancelled. Scammers convinced him that a package in his name contained illegal items, fabricated an arrest warrant, impersonated a police officer via fake video call, and coerced him into isolating himself in a hotel while threatening serious consequences for money laundering and drug trafficking charges. The victim suffered financial losses and severe mental health impacts, but friends' intervention helped him recognize the fraud; he now advocates awareness and vigilance, noting that cybercriminals use personalized research and panic tactics to manipulate victims into complying with their demands.
newsbytesapp.com
· 2025-12-08
Social media influencer Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a sophisticated digital scam involving phishing, identity theft, and extortion that lasted 40 hours, during which scammers posing as law enforcement kept him isolated via continuous video calls while threatening arrest and harm to his family to coerce financial transactions. The scam began with a spoofed customer service call about a canceled package and escalated with threats of criminal charges and demands for bank details and personal information. Bahuguna broke free from the scam after a friend warned him about the fraud trend, and he subsequently used his platform to raise awareness about the psychological manipulation tactics these scammers employ.
socialketchup.in
· 2025-12-08
Content creator Ankush Bahuguna shared his experience of falling victim to a "digital arrest" scam where fraudsters falsely claimed his involvement in illegal activities, keeping him confined for over 40 hours after an initial call about a failed courier delivery. The scammers exploited his panic and personal information to manipulate him into isolating from loved ones and losing money, prompting him to publicly urge awareness about how these scams research victims and exploit emotional vulnerability rather than dismissing them as easily avoidable.
patrika.com
· 2025-12-08
Social media influencer Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a "digital arrest" scam in which cybercriminals convinced him via a fake delivery package call that he faced arrest for alleged illegal substances, then held him in video calls for 40 hours while threatening prosecution and demanding he isolate from others. During this ordeal, Bahuguna lost money and suffered severe mental distress, remaining in shock afterward. These increasingly sophisticated scams exploit victims through fear tactics and prolonged manipulation to extract financial information and funds within short timeframes.
scoopwhoop.com
· 2025-12-08
Popular YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna was held in a "digital arrest" scam for nearly 40 hours after receiving a fraudulent call claiming his package contained illegal items and had been seized by customs. The scammers used his personal information and fear tactics to manipulate him into complying with their demands, resulting in financial loss and significant emotional trauma. Bahuguna publicly shared his experience on Instagram to raise awareness that tech-savvy individuals remain vulnerable to sophisticated scams that exploit psychological manipulation and panic.
bollywoodshaadis.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam in January 2025 after receiving an automated call claiming his courier delivery was cancelled. The scammers, impersonating police officers via WhatsApp video calls and armed with his personal information, isolated him from family and friends while holding him virtually hostage for 40 hours, threatening him with illegal substance charges. A vigilant friend's intervention ended the ordeal and prevented further financial loss, prompting Ankush to publicly share his experience to raise awareness about the evolving tactics and psychological manipulation tactics used in digital scams.
cnbctv18.com
· 2025-12-08
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a "digital arrest" scam in which fraudsters impersonating law enforcement held him hostage for nearly 40 hours, claiming he was linked to illegal items and threatening arrest for money laundering and drug trafficking. The scammers used spoofed phone numbers, fake police officers in video calls, and personal information to manipulate him into isolating himself at a hotel and causing significant financial and mental distress. Bahuguna shared his experience publicly to raise awareness, urging people to verify suspicious calls directly with authorities and emphasizing that scammers use personalized research to exploit victims through panic and fear.
kens5.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are exploiting winter weather conditions to defraud consumers by impersonating utility companies and threatening immediate service shutoffs unless payment is made via untraceable methods like gift cards or peer-to-peer payments. Texas law prohibits utility companies from disconnecting service during freezing temperatures, making these threats illegal and fraudulent. The BBB advises customers to verify utility company policies, remain calm when receiving such communications, and report suspected scams to authorities.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau released its 2024 annual Scam Tracker report showing that online shopping scams remained the top fraud scheme for the fifth consecutive year, followed by phishing and employment scams. Scammers increasingly exploit new technologies like AI and deepfake video to impersonate legitimate organizations, conduct fake interviews, and use emotional manipulation and urgency tactics to target victims across all age groups. The BBB emphasizes that vigilance and refusing to engage with fraudsters is essential to combating these schemes.
siliconvalley.com
· 2025-12-08
The article outlines three major scams that persist year-round, particularly during the holiday season. "Pig butchering" scams involve fraudsters slowly building trust with victims before stealing money through fake investment schemes, often cryptocurrency-based; Santa Clara County prosecutors charged two suspects in a case where a 66-year-old man lost $170,000 after being targeted by a fake investment banker on Facebook. Travel scams have increased 500-900% with AI-generated fake booking websites, phishing emails, and fraudulent reviews, while utility scams cost PG&E customers over $334,000 in 2024 through threats of service disconnection and demands for immediate payment via prep
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns that criminals are increasingly using generative AI and deepfakes to exploit victims through 17 common techniques, including voice cloning, fake video calls impersonating authority figures, and phishing emails designed to manipulate people into revealing personal information or transferring funds. These tactics exploit emotional manipulation during crises and use AI-generated content that mimics trusted individuals and public figures. Individuals should remain vigilant by verifying identities through independent contact methods and remaining skeptical of unsolicited urgent requests for money or sensitive information.
vpnranks.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud losses reached $3.4 billion in 2023 with over 101,000 victims aged 60 and older reporting fraud, representing an 11% increase in losses and 14% increase in complaints compared to 2022. Tech support scams are the most commonly reported fraud type affecting seniors, while investment scams cause the highest financial damages at over $1.2 billion. Projections estimate elder fraud losses could rise to $4.47 billion by 2025 with approximately 121,229 victims, underscoring the need for stronger awareness and protective measures.
wcbi.com
· 2025-12-08
Sheriff Eddie Hawkins warned Lowndes County business and community leaders that scams cost victims $3.6 billion nationwide last year, with scammers targeting personal information and money through unsolicited contact. He emphasized that victims who fall for scams often face re-victimization when their information is sold to other scammer networks. Hawkins advised residents not to share personal information with unsolicited callers and urged victims to report suspected scams immediately to law enforcement for potential recovery assistance.
dailydodge.com
· 2025-12-08
The Watertown Police Department investigated multiple scam complaints including fake apartment rentals where victims lost money on deposits or application fees, emergency scams targeting family members, and tech support scams where victims unknowingly granted scammers access to their devices, compromising their financial information. Police advised the public to verify requests for money directly with family or friends, avoid sending funds to unknown parties, never share confidential information, and be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
An 84-year-old Canton, Michigan woman was defrauded of $65,000 in December 2024 after scammers posing as bank fraud officers convinced her she owed money due to an account error. Li Biao, a Chinese national in the country illegally, was arrested while collecting the third scheduled payment of $25,000 after police set up surveillance at the victim's home, and he faces felony charges for fraud and obstructing police. A second suspect remains at large, though Canton Police recovered at least the final $25,000 and emphasized the importance of hanging up on unsolicited calls and contacting banks directly rather than following caller instructions.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Singapore passed the Protection from Scams Bill, which grants police powers to issue restriction orders (ROs) that freeze or limit bank account transactions of scam victims who continue sending money to scammers despite warnings from authorities and family. The law applies to both remote scams and in-person cheating cases, with ROs lasting up to 30 days (extendable up to six months) while allowing victims access to funds for essential expenses; safeguards include police consultation with victims and families, and appeals to the Commissioner of Police. Singapore took this action after data showed that from January to September 2024, 86% of scams involved victims willingly transferring money, with cases like a
in.mashable.com
· 2025-12-08
31-year-old YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna lost Rs 2.5 lakhs in a "digital arrest" scam that began with a fake automated call about a cancelled courier delivery. After pressing zero to connect with "customer service," scammers fabricated claims of illegal items in a package allegedly sent by him, then transferred the call to WhatsApp video where an impersonator dressed as a police officer accused him of money laundering and drug trafficking while threatening his family and keeping him under "self-custody" surveillance for 40 hours. Bahuguna was freed from the ordeal only when a concerned friend alerted him to similar cases circulating online.
news18.com
· 2025-12-08
Social media influencer Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a digital arrest scam in which fraudsters posed as law enforcement officials via WhatsApp video call, falsely accused him of money laundering and illegal package delivery, and held him in psychological captivity for 40 hours while coercing him to make financial transactions and isolating him from contacting others. After publicly sharing his experience to raise awareness, Bahuguna responded to critics by emphasizing that scammers conduct personal research to exploit victims' vulnerabilities, and urged people to educate others about the scam rather than dismiss victims as foolish.
wafb.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
During tax season, scammers pose as the IRS and tax preparers to steal sensitive documents and money through unsolicited phone calls, emails, and texts demanding immediate payment—a tactic the IRS never uses. Taxpayers can protect themselves by filing taxes early, verifying tax preparer credentials through the Better Business Bureau, and recognizing red flags such as poor grammar, urgent language, and generic greetings. Those who suspect tax identity theft should report the issue to the IRS and FTC and use the FTC's identity theft recovery plan.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Over one-third of U.S. adults who purchased items through social media ads have been defrauded, according to an AARP survey. To protect yourself, avoid clicking ads directly (use official websites instead), research unfamiliar retailers through the Better Business Bureau, and watch for bait-and-switch scams where products are inferior or missing. Report suspected scams to local law enforcement or contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network for assistance.
cdispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman in New Hope became the victim of a romance scam after sending her entire life savings ($20,000) via FedEx to an online boyfriend who did not actually exist. Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins highlighted this case while warning the public about multiple prevalent scams, including phone spoofing schemes impersonating the sheriff's office, utility companies, and government agencies, as well as employment, cryptocurrency, lottery, and tech support scams. Hawkins emphasized that scammers are sophisticated professionals and advised victims to hang up and call official numbers directly rather than staying on suspicious calls.
rnz.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Doreen and her husband lost approximately $100,000 in a revictimization scam after being contacted by someone claiming to recover their previous investment losses. The scammer convinced them they had substantial funds ($66,000, $280,000, and $500,000+) locked in accounts that required cryptocurrency payments for taxes and fees to access, and instructed them not to discuss the scheme with anyone—a major red flag. Netsafe officials advise that victims should only work through banks or police for fund recovery, not through third parties, and that revictimization scams targeting prior fraud victims are increasingly common.
kkam.com
· 2025-12-08
Texas law enforcement, specifically the Lakeway Police Department, is warning residents about a "virtual kidnapping scam" in which callers falsely claim to have kidnapped a parent's child and demand money for the victim's safe return. The scammers use personal details about the family to increase panic and pressure the parent into meeting at retail locations like Walmart or Target to pay a ransom. Police advise anyone receiving such calls to immediately contact law enforcement rather than complying with the scammer's demands.
odt.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Doreen, in her late 70s, lost approximately $100,000 to a recovery scam after initially losing small amounts in previous investment fraud. A scammer called claiming to recover her earlier losses and convinced her and her husband that they had access to accounts containing $66,000, $280,000, and $500,000 in their names, requiring them to pay cryptocurrency fees to unlock these funds. The scammer instructed them not to tell anyone (a major red flag), obtained access to their computer and digital wallet, and continued attempting to extract additional funds even after they cut contact in late December.
weau.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides tax season fraud prevention advice from the Better Business Bureau. Scammers impersonate the IRS and tax preparers to steal sensitive documents and refunds through unsolicited calls, emails, and texts demanding immediate payment—tactics the IRS never uses. Key protective measures include filing taxes early to prevent identity theft, researching tax preparers' credentials through the BBB, and reporting suspected fraud to the IRS or FTC.
themountainmail.com
· 2025-12-08
The Chaffee Sheriff's Office received multiple reports of phishing-style scam calls in which fraudsters impersonated local law enforcement officers using names obtained from social media, claiming victims missed court dates or jury duty and had warrants for their arrest. As of January 2, three residents had reported the scam, with some losing money before authorities could intervene. Sheriff Rohrich advised victims to immediately contact their banks to dispute transactions and to report incidents to the Chaffee County Communications Center.
fox4now.com
· 2025-12-08
A young couple in Lehigh Acres, Florida was scammed out of $2,650 after finding a rental listing on Craigslist and sending payment to a fake landlord who posed as the property owner, provided a lock box code remotely, and sent them a forged lease. The couple moved into the home only to discover a week later they were squatting illegally when the real property manager, Adam Bartomeo, arrived for a showing. Bartomeo's company ultimately waived a month's rent and fees to help the victims, and implemented new security measures including requiring agents to attend all showings and verify tenants' identification rather than distributing lock box codes.
7news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Former TV host David Koch's image was used without permission in a fraudulent investment scam that convinced victim Allison to lose $250,000. The article reports that fake celebrity-endorsed investment advertisements have defrauded over 600,000 Australians as part of a multi-billion-dollar scam industry, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes to impersonate celebrities and create fake endorsements. NAB warns that common red flags include unexpected contact, artificially created urgency, and celebrity or expert endorsements, particularly on social media platforms.