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in Government Impersonation
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Government impostor scams, particularly those impersonating the Social Security Administration, cost victims nearly $509 million in 2022, with scammers using unexpected calls, texts, or emails to create urgency by falsely claiming account problems or criminal activity. The Social Security Administration never initiates contact unless you're already engaged with the agency, and individuals can verify account status safely at ssa.gov/myaccount. Victims should report scams to local law enforcement or contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 1-877-908-3360 for assistance.
thepointsguy.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the FTC received 2.6 million fraud reports totaling $10 billion in losses, with imposter scams being the most common type, and AI technology is rapidly enabling new fraud methods including voice cloning, deepfakes, email spoofing, and credential stuffing attacks. Scammers use AI to impersonate loved ones, clone voices, generate fake images, mimic writing styles, and create convincing fraudulent communications to steal money and loyalty points, with the technology expected to advance further to include convincing deepfake video calls. Protection strategies include awareness of these AI-enabled tactics, verification procedures beyond video calls, and regulatory efforts like the FTC's
atlantafed.org
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission reported over 850,000 imposter fraud complaints in 2023, resulting in approximately $2.7 billion in losses—a 60 percent increase over five years. Business and government imposters account for nearly 80 percent of these complaints, with phone calls generating the highest median losses per victim at $1,500. While older adults are frequently targeted, younger people also fall victim to phone-based imposter scams involving fake government agencies, tech support, or romantic partners using emotional manipulation to extract money.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Abdou Diallo, a 36-year-old Canadian man, pleaded guilty to operating a $30 million telemarketing fraud scheme that targeted over 20,000 elderly and vulnerable victims between 2011 and 2020. Diallo falsely posed as a magazine cancellation representative and convinced victims to pay large lump sums under the pretense of canceling unwanted subscriptions and paying off balances, despite having no actual ability or authority to do so. He was charged with two counts of wire fraud and faces sentencing in June 2024.
bankingjournal.aba.com
· 2025-12-08
In January 2024, a federal district court dismissed Jody Kanter-Doud's lawsuit against Wells Fargo, in which she alleged the bank facilitated elder abuse after she fell victim to a Microsoft impersonation scam in 2021 that resulted in unauthorized wire transfers from her account. The court found that while Wells Fargo employees may have had reason to suspect fraudulent activity, the bank did not meet the legal standards for direct or indirect elder abuse under California law because it neither took property from Kanter-Doud nor had actual knowledge of the third-party scammers' conduct. The court also dismissed her Unfair Competition Law claim, though Kanter
normantranscript.com
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration launched "Slam the Scam Day" as a public outreach initiative to help citizens avoid internet fraud and scams. This educational effort addresses the need for better cybersecurity awareness, particularly given the SSA's responsibility to protect sensitive customer information and its own network security.
webcenterfairbanks.com
· 2025-12-08
Two phone scams are circulating in Fairbanks, Alaska: a Medicare scam where callers impersonate Medicare representatives to obtain Medicare or Social Security numbers, and a hospital scam where fraudsters pose as Fairbanks Memorial Hospital demanding payment on overdue accounts. Residents are advised to hang up on unsolicited callers, independently verify phone numbers before returning calls, and never provide Medicare or Social Security numbers to callers they did not contact, as legitimate Medicare will not request this information unprompted.
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security impostor scams cost victims nearly $509 million in 2022, with criminals impersonating government agencies to steal money and sensitive information. The article advises that the Social Security Administration never initiates contact unexpectedly and recommends verifying account status directly through ssa.gov/myaccount rather than responding to unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming issues with Social Security numbers. Victims should report suspected scams to local law enforcement or contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network for assistance.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Better Business Bureau alert warns that romance scams targeting singles online have increased significantly, with median victim losses rising from $900 in 2021 to $1,400 in 2022. Scammers build fake romantic relationships through dating apps, social media, and email, then request money through emotional manipulation tactics, gift cards, or wire transfers. The BBB advises people of all ages to be cautious when strangers request money before meeting in person and to never share banking or credit card information.
doorcountydailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece outlines the anatomy of the "Grandchild Scam," explaining how perpetrators use caller ID cloning to appear legitimate, create emotional urgency (such as claiming a grandchild is injured or jailed), isolate victims from seeking outside advice, and request wire transfers or money card purchases. The article emphasizes that scammers follow consistent methodology across fraud types—elevating emotion to lower logic—and advises potential victims to end suspicious calls immediately and adopt a decisive "hard target" approach to discourage further contact.
news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams occur when scammers build fake online relationships with victims through dating apps, social media, or email, then request money by fabricating emergencies or personal crises. The Better Business Bureau reports that romance scams are increasing in frequency and financial impact, with median losses rising from $900 in 2021 to $1,400 in 2022, and scammers typically request payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or personal banking information. People of all ages are vulnerable to these scams, and the BBB advises never sending money to someone you haven't met in person or sharing financial information with online romantic interests.
nationalaccordnewspaper.com
· 2025-12-08
Six members of a fraud enterprise were arrested between October 2020 and February 2021 for orchestrating business email compromise scams, romance fraud targeting vulnerable elderly victims, and fraudulent COVID-19 relief loan applications, collectively controlling over 45 bank accounts with approximately $55 million in deposits. The defendants used spoofed emails, fake online identities, and fraudulent Small Business Administration loan applications to deceive victims and divert funds to accounts they controlled. Authorities seized luxury vehicles purchased with fraud proceeds, and the defendants face prosecution in federal court by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigations division.
thetimes.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Lauren McEwen, a 70-year-old Missouri woman, fell victim to a romance scam using stolen photographs of Dr. Christian Boving, a Danish doctor and television personality, who was impersonated by scammers on Facebook under the alias "Ace Swift." The article reveals that an estimated 140,000 people lose money annually on Meta platforms, with romance scams causing £18.5 million in losses in the first half of the prior year, and notes that Meta has failed to remove numerous fake profiles using Boving's images despite repeated reporting and complaints about inadequate identity verification measures.
colorado.edu
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide advises international students on recognizing and protecting themselves from five common scam types: threatening calls impersonating government officials, employment scams with suspicious job offers, requests for gift card payments, phishing emails/texts, and caller ID spoofing. The resource recommends reporting any scams to local police and federal agencies like the FTC or Colorado Attorney General, and directs victims who shared personal information to on-campus support services including victim assistance and counseling.
ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
During National Consumer Protection Week (March 2-8, 2024), the Federal Trade Commission and partner organizations hosted multiple virtual and in-person events across the United States to educate consumers about avoiding scams, identity theft, and fraud. The events included webinars, podcasts, social media outreach, and community presentations targeting specific populations such as college students, older adults, small business owners, and multilingual communities, with free educational materials distributed at various locations.
dailydodge.com
· 2025-12-08
The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dodge County warned residents about social security scams delivered via text messages and phone calls, in which fraudsters impersonate Social Security offices to steal sensitive financial information. The Social Security Administration will never threaten legal action, demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers, promise benefit increases for payment, or request personal information through email or text. Residents who suspect fraud should contact their local Social Security field office or the ADRC at 920-386-3580 rather than responding to suspicious communications.
northfortynews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece describes the widespread "scam-demic" of computer fraud, emphasizing that intelligent, trusting people fall victim to scams daily through sophisticated social engineering rather than technical hacking. Common scams include fake refund/receipt emails (impersonating companies like Amazon) and fraudulent tech support calls (posing as HP, Microsoft, or other companies), where scammers trick victims into providing financial information or remote computer access. The author stresses that scammers succeed by manipulating human psychology rather than exploiting computer security, comparing their tactics to convincing someone to unlock their front door rather than picking the lock.
channelnewsasia.com
· 2025-12-08
Singapore's Minister of State for Home Affairs criticized Meta for repeatedly refusing to implement government-recommended safety features on Facebook, despite the platform accounting for nearly half of the 9,783 e-commerce scams reported in 2023, which resulted in S$13.9 million (US$10.3 million) in losses—more than double the prior year. Meta has rejected recommendations including government ID verification and secured payment options for Marketplace users, causing Facebook to rank lowest (one tick) in Singapore's E-commerce Marketplace Transaction Safety Ratings for the second consecutive year, while competitors like Shopee and Carousell have cooperated and seen scam reductions of up to 71
mha.gov.sg
· 2025-12-08
During Singapore's 2024 budget debate, the government announced a comprehensive anti-scam strategy in response to scam cases increasing nearly 50% in 2023, driven primarily by social engineering and deception targeting money transfers. Key initiatives include the "Add, Check, Tell" public awareness campaign, targeted programs for vulnerable groups like the elderly through Silver Generation Ambassadors, a consolidated one-stop anti-scam information portal, and enhanced community partnerships to build cyber vigilance. The government is also introducing legislation to deter misuse of local SIM cards for scams, requiring online platforms to implement stronger user verification and anti-scam measures, and pursuing international cooperation through participation in the Global
kpmg.com
· 2025-12-08
Canadian organizations of all sizes face evolving fraud risks driven by technological advances like generative AI, cryptocurrency, and digital payment systems, with SMBs particularly vulnerable due to limited fraud prevention resources and awareness. Fraudsters employ increasingly sophisticated tactics including crypto scams, online payment fraud, social engineering attacks targeting elders, and ESG misrepresentation, with 88% of victimized Canadian SMBs experiencing internal fraud and 75% experiencing external fraud over the past five years. Organizations must strengthen their fraud prevention strategies through risk assessment, robust controls, and cross-sector partnerships to effectively counter these threats.
foxcarolina.com
· 2025-12-08
The McDowell County Sheriff's Office issued a warning after receiving multiple reports of scammers impersonating IRS agents and law enforcement officials, threatening residents with arrest over unpaid taxes and demanding payment. The IRS typically initiates contact through mail notices rather than unsolicited phone calls, and residents are advised to verify caller legitimacy before providing personal information and to report suspected scams to the sheriff's office.
gobankingrates.com
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated phone scam cost journalist Charlotte Cowles $50,000 after scammers impersonating Amazon customer service, an FTC investigator, and a CIA agent convinced her that her identity had been compromised and linked to illegal activities. The perpetrators manipulated her through fear and urgency, instructing her to withdraw cash and hand it over to an unknown individual, falsely promising it would be secured and returned as a Treasury check. The article emphasizes the importance of skepticism toward unsolicited calls, verifying caller identities through official channels, and resisting pressure tactics commonly used by scammers.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
Investment scams continue to victimize Malaysians across all education and income levels, with recent cases including a trader losing RM6.2 million to a fake investment scheme and an elderly woman losing over RM10 million to a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme. Phone scammers posing as officials also defrauded senior citizens of RM3.83 million in retirement funds and savings. Between 2019 and 2023, Malaysia recorded 14,488 investment-related fraud cases totaling RM1.34 billion in losses, prompting police and the Securities Commission to increase collaboration efforts to combat such crimes.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Government imposters posing as "Agent John Williams" scammed thousands of Facebook users out of nearly $67 million by offering fake federal grants that required upfront payment in gift cards. A suburban Chicago man lost over $2,000 after being lured by the promise of a $200,000 grant, falling for fabricated videos of supposed winners and photos shared by family members, though at least 575 Facebook accounts used the same scammer name. The FTC confirmed the widespread fraud, and Meta removed the accounts after being alerted, though the company acknowledged failures in catching multiple accounts using identical photos and information.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not relevant to the Elderus database. It is a community events listing for Danbury, CT that includes activities like library programs, sports games, and holiday celebrations. It contains no information about scams, fraud, elder abuse, or elder safety concerns.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Noel Chimezuru Agoha, age 40, of Baltimore, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for orchestrating business email compromise (BEC) and romance scams that defrauded victims of over $1.5 million between 2015 and 2018. Operating with co-conspirators, Agoha used fraudulent emails impersonating business contacts and fake dating profiles to trick victims into transferring funds to drop accounts he controlled, personally obtaining approximately $111,242 in BEC proceeds and over $1 million in dating scam proceeds, and was ordered to pay $1 million in restitution.
natlawreview.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC has proposed expanded regulations to combat impersonation fraud, which has surged due to emerging technologies like deepfake AI. The proposed rule changes would prohibit impersonation of individuals (extending beyond current government and business protections) and hold companies liable if they knowingly provide services—such as payment processing or AI platforms—used in impersonation schemes including romance scams and grandparent scams. The rule will enter a 60-day public comment period before implementation.
wmar2news.com
· 2025-12-08
The "Phantom Hacker" scam has cost Marylanders millions of dollars through a multi-layered scheme where scammers pose as government officials (CIA, FBI, Treasury, etc.) and convince victims their identities have been stolen and accounts compromised. Victims are instructed to withdraw large sums of cash or purchase precious metals to "protect" their assets, which are then handed over to couriers; between May and December 2023, the FBI's IC3 received reports of over $55 million in losses nationwide, including $3.8 million from 7 Maryland victims, with one individual losing over $2 million.
unmc.edu
· 2025-12-08
SMiShing is a text message-based phishing scam where fraudsters impersonate legitimate organizations like banks and government agencies to trick people into revealing personal or financial information or clicking malicious links, with recent attacks specifically designed to bypass multi-factor authentication like DUO. The scam is particularly dangerous because it bypasses email security filters and exploits people's trust in text messages, using urgency and familiarity to manipulate victims into responding without verification. To protect yourself, delete suspicious messages without clicking links, verify sender authenticity through official channels, change passwords for potentially affected accounts, monitor financial activity, and report the message to your carrier or the FTC.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece warns that gift cards are exclusively for gift-giving occasions; if someone is pressuring you to buy gift cards to pay for taxes, tech support, prizes, or other non-gift purposes, it is a scam. Scammers use various tactics including impersonating government officials, tech support, family members (via AI voice cloning), or prize notifications to create urgency and extract money. The article advises victims to immediately report the scam to the gift card company and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov to potentially recover funds and help protect others in their community.
netnewsledger.com
· 2025-12-08
The Thunder Bay Police Service warned of persistent grandparent scams targeting seniors in the community, with one victim losing $3,000 after receiving a call from someone impersonating a lawyer representing her grandson who allegedly needed bail money. The scam typically involves fraudsters calling from private numbers, sometimes playing background voices to create credibility, and requesting urgent fund transfers via email or gift cards. The police recommend protective measures including hanging up on suspicious calls, independently verifying claims with family members, being alert to pressure tactics, reporting suspicious activity, and staying informed through resources like the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
todayonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Love scams in Singapore are increasing despite public awareness, with 913 cases reported in 2023 compared to 868 in 2022, and average losses rising to S$43,677 per victim. Contrary to assumptions that only older people are vulnerable, 73 percent of victims are aged 49 and under, and scammers now employ sophisticated tactics including AI-generated profiles and deepfake videos to create convincing fake identities. To protect yourself, stay informed about scam tactics, scrutinize online profiles using reverse image searches and AI detection tools, and remain vigilant for inconsistencies in language, photos, and behavior that may indicate a fraudulent romance.
latestly.com
· 2025-12-08
A 40-year-old man from Jajpur, Odisha, lost Rs 53,000 to an online fake lottery scam after receiving text messages claiming he had won Rs 1 lakh and requesting processing fees and GST payments; the fraudsters then gained access to his bank account through a shared link and debited an additional amount. The victim filed a police complaint, and authorities registered a case against unidentified fraudsters while warning the public to verify lottery claims and avoid sharing banking details with unknown contacts.
mainichi.jp
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, social media scammers defrauded residents of Osaka Prefecture out of 4.9 billion yen ($32.6 million) through remote investment scams and international romance schemes, with victims in their 40s and 50s losing an average of 10 million yen ($66,500) each. The 256 investment scam cases resulted in 3.18 billion yen in losses, while 163 romance scams—often combining romantic manipulation with investment pitches—caused 1.72 billion yen in damages, with the largest single loss reaching 234 million yen ($1.55 million). Instagram was the primary
healthjournalism.org
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud schemes—including grandparent scams, romance scams, and government impersonation scams—have become increasingly sophisticated through AI technology like deepfake videos and robocalls, making them difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications. In 2022 alone, approximately 88,000 people aged 60 and older lost $3.1 billion to fraud, with victims over 70 losing an average of nearly $42,000; scammers typically exploit emotions rather than intelligence, and experts advise victims and their families to watch for financial requests as the key indicator of fraud. The AARP Fraud Watch Network received nearly 100,000 calls last year from victims of all
mashable.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season scams commonly target vulnerable people through three main schemes: criminals impersonating the IRS via phone, email, or mail to steal personal information like Social Security numbers and bank details; fraudsters filing fake tax returns in victims' names to claim their refunds; and scammers offering fraudulent tax preparation services. The IRS advises people to never click links in unsolicited communications, avoid sharing personal data over the phone, file taxes early to prevent refund theft, and verify any IRS contact directly through official channels like 1-800-829-1040 or the IRS website.
fox23.com
· 2025-12-08
During tax season, scammers impersonate the IRS through unsolicited phone calls and emails to threaten taxpayers and extract personal information, financial data, or money via unconventional payment methods like gift cards or prepaid debit cards. The IRS does not initiate contact via cold calls, demand odd payment methods, or accept gift cards or digital payment services—they only accept cash or checks and typically contact people through mail or in-person visits. Additionally, many taxpayers feel deceived by tax filing services that advertise "free" federal filing while charging for state taxes or specialized documents, though this is often due to unread fine print rather than actual fraud.
thegazette.com
· 2025-12-08
An 83-year-old Iowa woman avoided a gift card scam where a caller claimed she had won $2 million and demanded a $150 gift card to claim the prize. Iowa reported nearly 13,000 fraud cases in 2023 resulting in $42.6 million in losses, with gift card scams accounting for $228 million stolen nationally, prompting AARP and state officials to launch an 18-stop awareness tour and push for legislation requiring stores to post gift card scam warnings.
abc12.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel visited the Krapohl Senior Center in Mt. Morris Township to educate seniors on identifying and avoiding common scams. She emphasized that seniors should verify suspicious calls by contacting the Attorney General's office rather than acting immediately, noting that scammers typically hang up when faced with this response. Residents can report scams online at michigan.gov/consumerprotection.
donegaldaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Gardáí in Donegal warned the public about a postal delivery scam in which fraudsters send text messages claiming a package cannot be delivered and requesting address information via a malicious link designed to steal personal data. The scam exploits increased online shopping and package deliveries, with authorities urging recipients to delete such messages, avoid clicking links, and report incidents to police.
muskogeephoenix.com
· 2025-12-08
Smishing is a phishing scam conducted through text messages, where scammers impersonate government agencies or companies to trick recipients into providing personal or financial information. The United States Postal Inspection Service advises that if you receive an unsolicited text about a package, do not click any links; instead, report it to USPS.com and note that USPS will not send text messages or emails without a customer's prior tracking request and will never include links in such messages.
wesh.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting the confusion surrounding multiple medical bills from different providers following hospital visits, using counterfeit letterheads and logos to target victims with fraudulent invoices. Experts recommend verifying bills match insurance claims and explanation of benefits, obtaining prior authorizations and cost estimates upfront, and never paying bills without verification, as scammers often target small amounts to avoid detection and frequently operate offshore where prosecution is costly.
www3.erie.gov
· 2025-12-08
National "Slam the Scam" Day on March 7, 2024, is a Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General awareness campaign designed to combat government imposter scams that are spreading across the United States. The event is part of National Consumer Protection Week (March 3-9, 2024) and directs the public to the SSA website for resources and information on protecting themselves from Social Security-related fraud.
fijitimes.com.fj
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022, with scammers creating fake online identities through social media to exploit victims emotionally and financially. Perpetrators gradually build trust with targets before requesting money under various pretexts (medical emergencies, travel costs, promised packages), and they commonly avoid video calls or in-person meetings. The scam affects people of all ages and backgrounds globally, with women reported as particularly vulnerable, though many cases remain underreported.
citizensadvice.org.uk
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide describes common scams affecting people in Scotland, including phishing emails and texts impersonating TV Licensing, HMRC, PayPal, banks, and Ofcom, as well as dating and romance scams. The advice emphasizes verifying sender information, avoiding clicking suspicious links, never providing personal or financial details to unsolicited contacts, and immediately contacting your bank and police (101) if details have been compromised. Key prevention strategies include checking official websites for legitimate communication, using trusted contact methods, and consulting trusted friends or relatives when suspicious of a scam.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued a tax identity theft alert in February 2024, urging residents to file taxes early to prevent criminals from using stolen personal information to claim fraudulent refunds. The alert provides guidance on protecting Social Security numbers, using secure filing methods, and recognizing IRS scams, while advising victims of tax-related identity theft to contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit and file an FTC complaint.
marketplace.org
· 2025-12-08
Financial advice columnist Charlotte Cowles lost $50,000 to an elaborate scam in which fraudsters impersonated Federal Trade Commission and CIA officials; she withdrew the cash from her Bank of America account before realizing the scheme later that day. Banks have limited tools to prevent such scams, with policies varying by institution—some tellers may offer alternatives like cashier's checks or wire transfers, while others simply warn customers—and the FTC reported consumers lost $8.8 billion to scams in 2022, a 30% increase from the previous year.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office partnered with Winchester and Waltham Police Departments to host financial fraud awareness seminars for older adults, featuring presentations from federal prosecutors, the IRS, and U.S. Postal Service on common scams and protective measures. According to FBI data, victims over 60 experienced an 84% increase in losses from 2021 to 2022, totaling over $3 billion, with nearly 5,500 victims losing more than $100,000 each to schemes including tech support, romance, and sweepstakes scams.
midmichigannow.com
· 2025-12-08
State Representative Jasper R. Martus and Attorney General Dana Nessel will present "Senior Scams Awareness" at the Krapohl Senior Center in Mt. Morris Township to educate seniors about common scams targeting older adults, including grandparent scams, IRS scams, and sweepstakes scams, as well as prevention strategies. The presentation aims to teach seniors how to recognize these frauds and what steps to take if they encounter a scam.
publicnewsservice.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP Connecticut is launching a new educational series to address the growing complexity of scams targeting older adults, with 400 different scam types reported in 2022. Seniors are frequently targeted because they tend to have more financial resources, and losses can range from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars, with emotional and psychological impacts extending beyond financial harm. The free online series will cover topics including artificial intelligence and voice cloning scams, with a Connecticut man recently indicted for defrauding Wisconsin seniors of $200,000 through grandparent impersonation scams.