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Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.

5,340 results in Financial Crime
news.wfsu.org · 2025-12-08
A 92-year-old man lost over $800,000 in a cryptocurrency and Bitcoin scam operated by Florida prison inmates who used smuggled phones and drones to contact seniors and solicit money. Nearly $13 million has been stolen from multiple victims through these schemes, with only $1.4 million recovered, prompting law enforcement officials to call for legislation to block drone signals and eliminate contraband communications in prisons.
mcgill.ca · 2025-12-08
Fraud is the leading crime against Canadian seniors, with individuals experiencing cognitive decline facing heightened vulnerability. McGill University's Dementia Education Program is hosting a free webcast on June 11 to educate families and caregivers on recognizing common scams, identifying warning signs, and implementing protective measures to safeguard seniors with dementia from financial exploitation.
pennlive.com · 2025-12-08
DMV officials across multiple U.S. states issued advisories in May warning citizens about text message scams impersonating the DMV and demanding payment for fake "outstanding tolls" or traffic violations, with messages threatening license suspension, penalties, or legal action. The fraudulent texts use official-looking ".gov" links and domain variations (such as "ezpassnj") to appear legitimate, targeting unsuspected victims in at least ten states including New York, New Jersey, Florida, and California. Authorities recommend recipients delete the messages immediately, avoid clicking links or providing information, and report the scams to the FTC or their service provider via the SPAM hotline (7726).
wusf.org · 2025-12-08
A 92-year-old Florida man lost over $800,000 in a cryptocurrency and romance scam operated by inmates using smuggled cellphones, representing one of several victims in a scheme orchestrated from within state prisons. Florida law enforcement officials reported that nearly $13 million has been stolen through these coordinated scams with only $1.4 million recovered, and are calling for legislation to block drone signals and eliminate contraband communications in prisons.
wwltv.com · 2025-12-08
Scammers in New Orleans are targeting families of recently arrested individuals by using spoofed caller IDs to impersonate law enforcement and electronic monitoring companies, convincing victims to pay bail or monitoring fees via Bitcoin ATMs and Cash App. At least two victims—Marcus Downs ($2,000) and a New Orleans mother ($1,045)—lost money after receiving calls within hours of their relatives' arrests, suggesting the fraudsters have access to confidential law enforcement data such as arrest information and hospital visits. The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office has made these cases a priority and is investigating how scammers are obtaining sensitive information about newly detained individuals.
Government Impersonation Robocall / Phone Scam Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM Payment App
nbcphiladelphia.com · 2025-12-08
Joe Subach lost over $1 million after calling a fake Apple customer service number found through an online search, which connected him to a scammer posing as "Daisy from Apple." The scam evolved from a fake account breach alert (requesting gift card purchases) into a romance scam, eventually leading Subach to surrender $780,000 in gold and silver to someone claiming to pick them up at his home. The FBI noted this case is unusual for combining financial, romance, and in-person theft elements, and emphasized that individuals are the best protectors of their own assets.
asiaone.com · 2025-12-08
Three men aged 24, 28, and 30 were charged in court for their roles in a government impersonation scam where they posed as Monetary Authority of Singapore officials and defrauded multiple victims of approximately $500,000 in gold bars and $21,000 in cash. The initial 68-year-old victim was convinced to surrender 27 gold bars (100g each) for a fake investigation, and the men were arrested after collecting the items and attempting to flee Singapore. If convicted of abetting criminal conduct, they face up to 10 years imprisonment, fines up to $500,000, or both.
sundayworld.com · 2025-12-08
A 50-year-old woman from Cork was convicted of money laundering after losing €50,000 in a romance scam orchestrated by a crime gang that impersonated a US Marine using stolen images of actor Justin Melnick. The scammers used fake dating profiles, doctored videos, and a fraudulent military spouse association website to convince the victim to send money over 18 months, ultimately implicating her in criminal activity when they asked her to transfer €17,000 through her bank account for alleged squad members. The victim revealed she was vulnerable due to childhood emotional neglect and the scammers exploited her desire for emotional connection and religious faith to gain her
kdhlradio.com · 2025-12-08
Minnesota Department of Public Safety issued a warning about scam text messages threatening residents with fines and license suspension for alleged outstanding traffic tickets. The texts falsely claim to be from the "Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles" or "DPSMN," include fake official language and links to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal information, and demand payment via wire transfer or similar methods. Officials recommend not responding to or clicking links in these messages, deleting them, and contacting Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) directly through drive.mn.gov if verification is needed; anyone who has already provided information or money should contact their bank and report the incident to law enforcement.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com · 2025-12-08
**Summary:** The FBI issued a warning about phone spoofing scams in which impersonators pose as government agents or law enforcement to coerce victims into sending money by threatening imminent arrest or legal penalties. These scams employ intimidation tactics, demand various payment methods (prepaid cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency), and instruct victims to keep demands secret; the FBI advises hanging up immediately and reporting such calls to ic3.gov, as legitimate law enforcement will never demand money by phone or text.
businesskorea.co.kr · 2025-12-08
Despite fraud crimes surging nearly 50% over the past decade in South Korea, victim compensation remains inadequate, with criminal restitution averaging only 7.77 billion won annually and court-ordered compensation claims facing a declining approval rate that fell to 35.5% in 2023. The current Corrupt Asset Confiscation Act limits restitution eligibility to habitual or organized fraud cases, excluding emerging scams like jeonse scams, stock trading chatroom schemes, and romance scams, leaving victims of these rapidly proliferating frauds without adequate relief options. Legal experts and lawmakers are calling for amendments to expand confiscation and compensation provisions to cover new fraud types and improve victim
brigadanews.ph · 2025-12-08
At age 80, Priscilla Presley filed a lawsuit in July 2024 against memorabilia dealer Brigitte Kruse and alleged co-conspirators, claiming they manipulated her into signing over approximately 80 percent of her earnings—worth more than $1 million—through financial fraud and elder abuse, including isolation from key relationships and systematic bank account draining. Presley was reportedly within two months of financial collapse when the suit was filed, and the case is proceeding in California with additional hearings scheduled for June and July. Kruse has countered that she assisted Presley during financial difficulties when the former actress owed over $700,000 in unp
gulfnews.com · 2025-12-08
Pakistani authorities launched "Operation Grey," a major crackdown targeting a transnational cybercrime network involving individuals from over ten countries who perpetrated multibillion-rupee online fraud through illegal gambling apps, loan scams, call centres, and fake investment platforms. The investigation led to arrests including a woman and bank manager, recovery of Bitcoin and foreign currency, and exposed suspicious transactions across 36 company accounts, with the operation being monitored at the highest government levels due to its scale and complexity. The FIA plans to expand the nationwide operation post-Eid holidays to dismantle remaining illegal call centres involved in cyber fraud.
wbay.com · 2025-12-08
Americans receive approximately 50 billion nuisance and scam calls annually, with scammers responsible for roughly 30 billion of those calls and text messages. The article provides seven key ways to identify scam calls and texts, including checking the official organization's website, understanding what legitimate organizations will and won't do (such as the IRS never calling without sending a letter first), and recognizing common scam characteristics like pressure to act quickly and requests for personal information. While robocalls have declined somewhat since the TRACED Act gave regulators new enforcement tools, individuals remain primarily responsible for protecting themselves from these increasingly common scams.
gulfnews.com · 2025-12-08
The FBI has issued a nationwide warning about a surge in phone scams where fraudsters spoof official FBI numbers and impersonate federal agents, threatening victims with imminent arrest to pressure them into sending money via prepaid cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Scammers have expanded tactics to also impersonate bank investigators, charity workers, and court officials demanding payment, often instructing victims to stay silent and threatening legal consequences if personal information like Social Security numbers is not shared. The FBI advises hanging up immediately on suspicious calls, never sharing personal or financial details, and reporting scams at ic3.gov.
m.economictimes.com · 2025-12-08
An Indian Master's student at Indiana University Bloomington lost $5,000 in gift cards to scammers impersonating ICE and police officers who threatened her with arrest and deportation over a three-hour phone call in May. The scammers used spoofed phone numbers, detailed personal information about her, and psychological manipulation to coerce her into purchasing Apple and Target gift cards before disappearing without following through on promised bond papers. The victim emphasized that legitimate government agencies never call directly or request gift cards, and she advised international students to hang up and contact a lawyer rather than comply with such demands.
english.loktej.com · 2025-12-08
A senior citizen in Surat was defrauded of Rs 16.65 lakh in a "digital arrest" scam where criminals posing as Delhi Police officials falsely accused him of involvement in money laundering and coerced him into transferring funds via video call over two days. Police arrested three suspects, including a 22-year-old international basketball player, who had complaints filed against them across 18 states for impersonating government officials and using fear-based tactics to extort money from victims.
the420.in · 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old woman from Mumbai fell victim to a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam in which cybercriminals impersonated TRAI officials, police officers, and a judge via WhatsApp and video calls, convincing her to transfer ₹2.89 crore over two days by claiming she was under investigation and needed to pay for "security verification." Mumbai Police's cybercrime cell responded quickly to her report, successfully recovering ₹1.29 crore through coordination with banks and payment platforms. The case highlights a growing trend where scammers use multilayered impersonation, psychological manipulation, and digital technology to exploit elderly citizens' trust in institutional authority.
theprint.in · 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old man in New Delhi lost Rs 20 lakh (half his life savings) to a cybercrime scheme involving unauthorized bank transfers and fixed deposit withdrawals, forcing his family to postpone a wedding. The incident reflects a broader crisis: cybercrimes targeting elderly Indians increased 86% from 2020 to 2022, with criminals exploiting seniors' digital illiteracy through fraudulent calls, links, and "digital arrest" schemes. In response, police departments and NGOs across India—including Kolkata Police, Bengaluru Police, and HelpAge India—have launched awareness campaigns and digital literacy workshops to educate seniors on cybersecurity an
nationalmortgagenews.com · 2025-12-08
Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are increasingly targeted by fraudsters exploiting record levels of home equity wealth and the rise of online lending through nonbanks. Common fraud schemes include identity theft by caretakers or relatives of elderly homeowners, false occupancy claims, forged checks, account takeovers with address changes, and borrowers taking out multiple HELOCs on the same property before absconding. Lenders should monitor for suspicious activity such as contact information changes followed by draw requests, and strengthen verification processes, particularly in online lending channels where borrowers lack existing relationships with the institution.
bankrate.com · 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common annuity scams and reporting options for victims. It describes four prevalent fraud types: churning (agents convincing clients to repeatedly switch annuities for commissions), unsuitable sales (pushing products that don't meet client needs), fake credentials (misleading titles without legitimate qualifications), and false claims/high-pressure seminars. The article provides real examples including a 2023 SEC case where advisor Jeffrey Cutter earned $9 million in undisclosed commissions through churning, and a FINRA case resulting in $7.3 million in damages after an advisor steered a nonprofit foundation into $47 million in high-cost variable annuities.
bitcoinke.io · 2025-12-08
A 25-year-old woman and her 22-year-old brother in Lagos were arrested for orchestrating a romance fraud scheme that resulted in the theft of three iPhones and $10,000 worth of bitcoin from the victim, with authorities recovering $4,300 in cash and still pursuing additional accomplices. The case exemplifies a growing trend of romance-based cryptocurrency scams in Nigeria and globally, where perpetrators exploit emotional trust to steal digital assets that are difficult to trace and reverse. The article emphasizes that cryptocurrency's anonymity, speed, and lack of traceability make it an attractive tool for fraudsters, and recommends victims avoid sharing crypto wallet information, resist emotional pressure to sen
graphic.com.gh · 2025-12-08
**Summary:** Fredrick Papa Kow-Assifuah was arrested in Kasoa, Ghana on June 6, 2025, for impersonating a medical doctor and defrauding victims through romance scams and fake international travel schemes. During his arrest, police found medical equipment, vaccines, and GH¢8,500 in cash; the suspect confessed to luring women into online romantic relationships to extort money for bogus travel opportunities. He remains in custody pending court arraignment.
taipeitimes.com · 2025-12-08
Internet romance scams are surging in Taiwan, with nearly 1,000 reported cases and over NT$260 million (US$8.68 million) in losses in one month. Victims are typically manipulated by scammers posing as romantic interests who eventually request money for "verification fees," loans, or investments under false pretenses, as exemplified by cases where victims lost NT$80,000 and NT$293,500 respectively. The Criminal Investigation Bureau advises that any request for money from online romantic contacts is a definitive sign of fraud and recommends victims contact anti-fraud hotlines immediately.
cdotrends.com · 2025-12-08
This Q2 phishing report details three major scam tactics exploiting human trust: fraudsters created deepfake images and false reports about Pope Francis on social media, directing victims to malicious websites that steal personal and financial data; device code hijacking tricks users into authenticating attacker access to accounts through seemingly legitimate service requests; and smishing attacks impersonate government agencies and financial institutions via text messages with official branding to harvest personal information. The report recommends confirming news and payment requests through official channels, avoiding sensationalized social media posts, using URL filtering, and keeping systems updated to prevent these attacks.
lufkindailynews.com · 2025-12-08
The U.S. Marshals Service and FBI are warning of an imposter scam in which fraudsters claim to be law enforcement officials and threaten victims with arrest for alleged identity theft, jury duty violations, or false crimes, then demand payment via Bitcoin or other electronic transfers. Scammers use sophisticated tactics including spoofed government phone numbers, real law enforcement names and badge numbers, personal identifying information, and fake court documents to appear credible, often instructing victims to transfer 80% of their assets while staying on the phone. Texas residents have reported losses ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars in these scams, and victims are urged to report incidents to their local FBI office and the Federal Trade
Phishing Identity Theft Robocall / Phone Scam Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM Wire Transfer Gift Cards Cash
bostonglobe.com · 2025-12-08
Teresa Rogg, a 74-year-old Massachusetts resident, lost approximately $140,000 from her retirement account after falling victim to an evolving "phantom hacker" scam that began with a fake security pop-up and escalated to in-person cash pickups over two months. The scammers convinced her that suspicious activity had been detected on her accounts and instructed her to withdraw cash and hand it to couriers using code words, while also sending fraudulent letters impersonating the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Tech support scams in Massachusetts have surged dramatically, with reported losses increasing from $1.2 million in 2019 to over $50 million in the most
justice.gov · 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office co-hosted the 3rd Annual Walk for Awareness in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 11, 2025, ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, to raise awareness about financial, physical, and emotional abuse affecting seniors. According to the FBI's 2024 Internet Crimes Report, adults over 60 suffered $4.8 billion in financial losses and filed 147,127 complaints, with investment fraud, tech support scams, romance scams, and government impersonation being the most common schemes. The U.S. Attorney's Office has prosecuted multiple elder fraud cases involving millions of dollars and continues partnering with community organizations to
Romance Scam Investment Fraud Inheritance Scam Lottery/Prize Scam Government Impersonation Gift Cards Bank Transfer Money Order / Western Union
patch.com · 2025-12-08
Cynthia Song, 43, of Arcadia pleaded guilty to leading a money laundering ring of at least 15 people who moved over $11.6 million stolen from approximately 180 elderly victims across the country to overseas accounts, primarily in China. Song and her co-conspirators, mostly people of Chinese descent in the LA area, created fake business entities and opened multiple bank accounts to disguise the illegal transfers, keeping 5-10% of the funds for themselves before sending the remainder abroad. She faces up to 20 years in prison and is scheduled for sentencing on September 16.
news9.com · 2025-12-08
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond warned residents about a resurgent scam targeting seniors in Tulsa, in which fraudsters send fake arrest warrants via email and text, impersonate law enforcement or federal public defenders, and demand preemptive bail payments through cryptocurrency kiosks. The Attorney General emphasized that legitimate arrest warrants are never served electronically, government agencies do not demand unsolicited personal information or money, and fines or bonds are never paid in cryptocurrency. Residents are encouraged to verify claims directly with law enforcement or courts and report suspected scams to the Consumer Protection Unit at 833-681-1895 or [email protected].
click2houston.com · 2025-12-08
A 65-year-old Houston man, Hiep Nguyen, lost approximately $500,000 over five months in a government impersonation scam that began with a legitimate IRS identity theft notice followed by fraudulent calls impersonating the Vietnam Embassy. The scammers used encrypted messaging, fake government documents, and AI-generated videos to convince Nguyen he needed to wire money to clear his name of overseas crimes, ultimately forcing him to plan to sell his house and delay retirement indefinitely.
bocaratontribune.com · 2025-12-08
In 2024, Americans over 60 reported a 46% increase in financial scams compared to 2023, resulting in losses exceeding $4.8 billion, with nearly 12,000 victims in Florida alone. Common schemes include phone and mail scams, Medicare fraud, internet scams, and power-of-attorney abuse. The article provides prevention strategies including learning to identify common scams, understanding IRS communication practices, registering on Do Not Call lists, seeking reputable financial services, and reporting suspected fraud to consumer protection agencies.
justice.gov · 2025-12-08
Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik issued a press release for Elder Abuse Awareness Month highlighting the prevalence of financial scams targeting seniors in the Northern District of Ohio, including cryptocurrency, lottery, grandparent, romance, government impersonation, money mule, and tech support schemes. The statement emphasized that scammers use unsolicited communications and fraudulent tactics to exploit seniors' savings, with some victims losing their entire life savings, and urged vigilance and reporting through the FBI and Department of Justice resources.
corporate.vanguard.com · 2025-12-08
U.S. consumers lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, driven by increasingly sophisticated "crossover scams" that combine multiple fraud techniques over extended periods. These scams employ social engineering, impersonation of trusted entities (banks, government agencies), and multi-channel contact methods to manipulate victims into transferring funds through untraceable means, with common variations including tech support/account security scams and fake investment schemes with emotional manipulation. Beyond financial losses, victims experience significant emotional and psychological harm, including depression, relationship problems, and diminished financial confidence.
apnews.com · 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting AI chatbots and online college enrollment systems to commit large-scale financial aid fraud, with crime rings creating "ghost students" who enroll in courses just long enough to collect federal aid checks using stolen identities. California community colleges alone reported 1.2 million fraudulent applications in 2024 resulting in at least $11.1 million in unrecovered losses, with victims like Heather Brady discovering loans for over $9,000 fraudulently taken out in their names. The U.S. Education Department has implemented temporary ID verification requirements for first-time aid applicants and is developing more advanced screening measures to combat the fraud that now imperils the
coastaldigest.com · 2025-12-08
A man in Mangaluru lost Rs 24.2 lakh between April 2024 and May 2025 to an online investment scam involving fraudulent trading schemes advertised on Instagram and promoted via WhatsApp by individuals posing as investment advisors (Sharon Trivedi and Ishita Paul). The scammers used fake trading apps and websites, initially returning small amounts to build trust, then demanded taxes, commissions, and security deposits before allowing withdrawals. The victim filed a complaint with police after realizing the fraud, and authorities recommend verifying investment platforms, avoiding unfamiliar apps, and consulting financial experts before investing.
kktv.com · 2025-12-08
A voicemail scam targeting El Paso County residents impersonated a real sheriff's sergeant, claiming a victim had missed a court appearance and including a local callback number to increase credibility. A Colorado Springs couple nearly fell for the scam but avoided it by researching the sergeant's name; authorities warn that such impersonation scams are evolving and often use threats of arrest or legal action to pressure victims into paying fines or providing financial information. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office advises never calling back suspicious numbers and instead verifying calls directly through official agency phone numbers.
capecodchronicle.com · 2025-12-08
The Cape and Islands District Attorney's office is seeking $586,500 in state funding to establish a specialized six-person elder fraud and abuse unit after data showed a significant rise in financial exploitation cases across the region. In Barnstable alone, there were 393 calls regarding elder fraud in 2023-2024, but only 13 cases resulted in charges, indicating that current law enforcement resources are insufficient to investigate and prosecute these crimes. The proposed team would include two assistant district attorneys, two forensic investigators, and two victim advocates to address the gap between the volume of elder financial crimes and the Attorney General's limited capacity to handle such cases.
local10.com · 2025-12-08
Pastor Eric Readon of Miami Gardens rejected a plea deal in a Miami-Dade County elder fraud case involving allegations that he defrauded a 76-year-old retired postal worker, Edward Fuller, out of his home and over $267,000 by fraudulently transferring property ownership. Readon faces charges including organized fraud, exploitation of the elderly, and theft, with potential penalties of up to 65 years if convicted at trial scheduled for July 7; separately, he pleaded no contest in Broward County to similar property fraud allegations affecting two other victims and was ordered to pay $196,500 in restitution. The case, which originated from a 2017 Local
justice.gov · 2025-12-08
Pranav Patel, a 33-year-old New Jersey man, was sentenced to six years and three months in federal prison for his role as a money mule in an elder fraud scheme that defrauded senior citizens of approximately $1.79 million between October and December 2023. Fraudsters operating from overseas call centers impersonated government agents, falsely claiming victims had outstanding arrest warrants or needed to surrender money and gold for safekeeping, while Patel collected the proceeds from victims across the East Coast. One victim was forced to sell his house and rely on Social Security after losing his savings to the scam.
postandcourier.com · 2025-12-08
Seniors age 60 and older face increasing vulnerability to financial scams facilitated by internet and smartphone technology, prompting the U.S. Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiative to combat elder fraud through education and awareness. The article outlines four common scams targeting older adults: Social Security Administration impostor scams (using caller ID spoofing to request money transferred to gift cards), tech support scams (gaining remote device access and charging fabricated fees), lottery scams (requesting upfront fees for fake foreign lottery winnings), and romance scams (conducted through dating sites and social media to solicit money). Seniors should verify caller identities independently, avoid granting remote device access, reject unsolicite
hometownstations.com · 2025-12-08
Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik announced that the Northern District of Ohio is committed to combating financial fraud targeting seniors during Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June, noting that scammers use unsolicited communications and impersonation tactics to steal victims' life savings. The office highlighted common scams affecting older adults, including cryptocurrency schemes, lottery scams, grandparent scams, romance scams, government impersonation schemes, money mule operations, and tech support frauds, and urged seniors to remain vigilant while offering FBI and Department of Justice resources for reporting elder financial abuse.
lockhaven.com · 2025-12-08
Centre County reported over 350 cases of elder abuse in 2024, a five-fold increase over the past decade, with financial exploitation now surpassing self-neglect as the most commonly reported abuse type. Sophisticated scams using AI-generated deepfakes, voice spoofing, and impersonation have stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars from local seniors, with statewide estimates between $260 million and $2.1 billion stolen from Pennsylvania residents over 60 in 2022. The Centre County Office of Aging is hosting educational initiatives and encouraging victims to report scams to local law enforcement to prevent further exploitation.
hometownstations.com · 2025-12-08
Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik highlighted Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June and emphasized the U.S. Attorney's Office commitment to combating financial fraud targeting seniors, noting that scammers use unsolicited communications and impersonation tactics to exploit older adults' savings. The office outlined common scams affecting seniors including cryptocurrency schemes, lottery fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, government impersonation, money mule recruitment, and tech support fraud, and recommends vigilance and reporting suspected elder financial abuse to the FBI or Department of Justice.
kwqc.com · 2025-12-08
Text scams impersonating law enforcement and government agencies are increasing in sophistication, with fraudsters sending threatening messages about unpaid traffic tickets or offering fake government grants to pressure victims into quick payments. Sheriff Tim Lane advises never clicking links in suspicious texts and verifying any claims directly with agencies using official phone numbers, emphasizing that real government agencies do not conduct business via unsolicited text messages. Victims should immediately contact their bank and file a police report if they fall prey to these scams.
therecord.media · 2025-12-08
Seven law enforcement agencies across Asia, led by Singapore Police Force, conducted a month-long multinational operation in April and May that shut down dozens of scam centers, arrested over 1,800 people, and froze approximately 32,000 bank accounts linked to at least 9,200 scam cases (including investment fraud, dating app schemes, and government impersonation) that collectively stole approximately $225 million from victims. Singapore alone arrested 106 people responsible for 1,300 scams totaling about $30 million, and authorities seized $20 million globally as part of the coordinated "Operation Frontier+" effort, which officials plan to continue with real-time
trt.global · 2025-12-08
Nine Chinese nationals were convicted in Lagos, Nigeria and sentenced to one year in prison plus fines of approximately $630 each for their involvement in cryptocurrency investment and romance scams targeting international victims. The arrests were part of a December raid on a fraud operation in Victoria Island that netted 792 suspects total, with authorities seizing computers, mobile phones, and other equipment used in the scheme. The gang recruited Nigerian accomplices to conduct phishing scams primarily targeting Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, and Europeans.
e.vnexpress.net · 2025-12-08
Thai police arrested 27 suspects operating a sophisticated romance scam call center targeting Vietnamese nationals on the messaging app Zalo, with scammers posing as wealthy entrepreneurs to build trust before requesting money transfers. Operating from upscale properties across 27 workstations since March 2024, the organized gang generated approximately $46,000 per month per station, stealing an estimated $1.38 million total before authorities seized their equipment and arrested them in November 2024.
newsmeter.in · 2025-12-08
A 38-year-old businessman in Ranga Reddy, Hyderabad, lost nearly Rs 2 crore in a cryptocurrency investment scam after being lured through WhatsApp by a person claiming to be Satish Dubey who promised high returns. The scammer used fake profit screenshots and escalating investment requests (starting with Rs 9 lakh, then Rs 13.5 lakh, then Rs 1.35 crore for "VIP-1 status"), and later claimed the exchange platform was hacked; when the victim traveled to Delhi to meet the scammer in person, he was directed to another fraudster who convinced him to invest an additional Rs
financialpost.com · 2025-12-08
Financial abuse is the most common form of elder abuse in Canada, with experts warning of rising vulnerability as the country's aging population holds over $1.1 trillion in assets. While digital scams targeting seniors are increasing, the greater threat comes from trusted individuals—family members, friends, and those with power of attorney—who exploit their positions, with approximately 81 percent of reported cases perpetrated by someone the victim knows. Seniors with cognitive decline, women, and those from marginalized communities face heightened risk, and many victims remain silent to avoid disrupting family relationships.