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in Robocall / Phone Scam
kfiz.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Scammers are targeting older adults through calls, texts, emails, and door-to-door visits, falsely offering free in-home services like cooking and cleaning while actually attempting to fraudulently enroll them in Medicare hospice care to bill for unnecessary services. Legitimate hospice care requires doctor certification that a patient has six months or less to live, and improper enrollment can negatively affect future Medicare coverage. Consumers should never share their Medicare number for "free" services, agree to hospice enrollment for gifts or money, or provide information to anyone claiming to be from Medicare at their door.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters in the Midlands have been impersonating police officers via phone calls and doorstep visits, claiming to investigate bank fraud and requesting victims to transfer money or share banking details; West Mercia Police received two reports in south Worcestershire, while similar scams in Hertfordshire, Suffolk, and Cumbria resulted in losses including one victim losing £110,000. Police advise the public never to provide payment, transfer money, or share bank details with callers claiming to be officers, and recommend hanging up, waiting ten minutes, then calling the organization directly using a publicly-listed number to verify the contact's legitimacy.
wydaily.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides fraud prevention guidance covering five key areas: strengthening online security through strong passwords and multi-factor authentication while avoiding public Wi-Fi; donating safely by verifying charities and using credit cards; utilizing wireless provider scam protection features like robocall blocking; monitoring package deliveries with tracking and smart cameras; and staying informed through resources like the FTC and reporting suspicious activity. The article emphasizes that scammers operate continuously and offers practical steps individuals can take to protect themselves from phishing, identity theft, charitable fraud, robocalls, and package theft.
news.trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS is sending legitimate $1,400 Economic Impact Payments to eligible individuals by late January 2025, but scammers are impersonating the IRS via text messages to trick recipients into clicking malicious links and revealing personal information like Social Security numbers and addresses. The IRS never initiates contact via text, email, or social media to request personal information, so recipients should ignore these scam texts and verify eligibility directly through irs.gov to protect themselves from identity theft and fraudulent tax returns filed in their names.
e.vnexpress.net
· 2025-12-08
On Wednesday, police in Dak Lak province, Vietnam arrested four individuals (H'Nguyen, Nguyen Thanh Nhan, Nguyen Tran Trung Hieu, and Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc) for operating a large-scale fraud network that accessed personal information of 50,000 people and made over 100,000 scam calls daily, stealing an estimated trillions of Vietnamese dong (with the Dak Lak group receiving over VND200 billion). The scammers used multiple tactics including posing as TikTok representatives offering "appreciation gifts," promoting work-
trinidadexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old grandmother from Sangre Grande was reported missing after traveling to Brazil to meet a man posing as the Crown Prince of Dubai via Facebook and WhatsApp in a romance scam; the same week, a French interior decorator lost €830,000 to someone impersonating Brad Pitt. Romance scams exploit victims' emotional needs for connection and intimacy through careful trust-building, with scammers using fabricated stories to request money; in Trinidad and Tobago alone, over 100 people lost more than $2.3 million to suspected romance scams between 2020 and 2021.
wjcl.com
· 2025-12-08
At least two people in Chatham County fell victim to a kidnapping phone scam in which callers claimed a family member had been kidnapped and demanded ransom payments. Scammers used spoofed numbers appearing to come from family members and enhanced the deception with sounds of crying or threats of violence in the background. Police advise victims to immediately hang up and directly call the family member to verify their safety, and to never provide banking information or agree to deliver cash or gift cards.
cbr.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Actor Dean Norris' X account was hacked by scammers who promoted a fraudulent memecoin called "$Dean" that reached a $7 million market value before crashing 90% when Norris revealed the scam. Norris clarified in videos and posts that he had no involvement in the cryptocurrency promotion and blamed his account compromise on hackers, while also criticizing online critics who had accused him of wrongdoing.
limerickleader.ie
· 2025-12-08
An elderly man in his 80s in Limerick lost money after receiving a cold call from a scammer impersonating his bank, who claimed a bogus overpayment had occurred and persuaded him to transfer funds. Gardaí issued public warnings advising people never to discuss financial accounts over the phone with callers claiming to be from financial institutions, and recommended verifying caller identity by hanging up and calling the company back using a self-sourced number. Victims should immediately change passwords, contact their bank, and report the fraud to gardaí.
hoodline.com
· 2025-12-08
An Ashford senior lost thousands of dollars to fraudsters posing as FDIC representatives who convinced her that her bank account had been hacked and persuaded her to withdraw $25,000 for transfer to a "secure account." Law enforcement conducted a sting operation that intercepted the cash and arrested the courier, while investigators determined the scam was connected to a larger criminal network. The Pierce County Sheriff's Department is urging seniors to be wary of unsolicited financial calls, trust their instincts, and communicate with family members about such scams.
ksl.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens in Utah are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams including romance fraud and AI-generated impersonation calls, with 19% of those over 60 reporting fraud to police (though actual rates are likely higher due to underreporting driven by shame). Authorities recommend creating shame-free environments for reporting, establishing family verification code words, and recognizing warning signs such as rushed requests for money, demands for cryptocurrency or credit card numbers, and quick declarations of love without effort to meet in person.
wrhi.com
· 2025-12-08
Smishing (SMS phishing) is a scam where fraudsters send text messages impersonating legitimate organizations like banks or delivery companies to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers. Common smishing schemes include fake bank alerts, delivery notifications, and gift card offers that create urgency to bypass critical thinking. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts, verify sources directly with official company numbers, enable two-factor authentication, and report suspicious messages to your carrier (7726) or the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
tomsguide.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission issued a warning about evolved "brushing" scams, where fraudsters send unsolicited packages to victims using stolen personal information, but now include malicious QR codes on cards or notes that direct recipients to phishing websites designed to steal credentials, financial information, and device data through malware infection. While victims can legally keep the unwanted packages, the FTC advises protecting oneself by avoiding unknown QR codes, using strong unique passwords with multi-factor authentication, monitoring credit reports, and installing antivirus software. This scam indicates personal information compromise and increased exposure to identity theft.
wsoctv.com
· 2025-12-08
Over $1.03 trillion was lost to scams globally in 2024, with scammers increasingly using artificial intelligence, imposter tactics, and evolving technology to deceive victims. Key emerging threats include AI-powered phishing, deepfake videos, and voice cloning, alongside traditional imposter scams (including grandparent and romance scams) where median losses reached $800-$14,740 depending on the scam type. Scammers are shifting from phone calls to email and text messages as their primary contact method, making it essential for people to remain skeptical of unsolicited communications.
boston25news.com
· 2025-12-08
Scams and fraud losses reached over $1.03 trillion globally in 2024, with scammers increasingly leveraging new technology to evolve their tactics. Key emerging threats for 2025 include AI-powered scams (using deepfakes, AI-generated images, and synthetic voices to enhance phishing and imposter schemes), traditional imposter scams (including grandparent and romance scams, with median losses of $800 in 2023 and $14,740 for government imposter scams), and a shift toward email and text-based contact methods rather than phone calls. Learning about these developments helps potential victims stay ahead of scammers who aim to steal personal information
newschannel20.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Illinoisians lost nearly $19 million to romance scams, in which criminals create fake online identities to build trust with victims and steal money or personal information. The FBI identifies common red flags including requests to move communication off dating platforms, rapid professions of love, requests for money, and canceled in-person meeting plans, and recommends victims go slow, verify identities independently, never send money to online-only contacts, and report suspected scams to law enforcement.
weirdkaya.com
· 2025-12-08
A 65-year-old retired Singaporean woman lost S$100,000 (approximately RM324,000) to a multi-stage scam just three days after retiring. The scammers impersonated Shopee customer service, a bank employee named "Jason," and the Monetary Authority of Singapore, falsely claiming her bank account was involved in money laundering and instructing her to transfer funds to a GXS bank account for safekeeping. The woman completed two transfers totaling S$100,000 over a four-hour period before her niece intervened and discovered the fraud; police investigations are ongoing.
paymentsjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Money mules—individuals who willingly or unwillingly move illicit funds between accounts—have become an increasingly effective tool for criminals to circumvent fraud detection systems, often recruited through social media platforms using "scam-fluencing" tactics that target students, retirees, and lower-income individuals seeking financial relief. Financial institutions face a complex challenge because many mules are already verified customers and may themselves be victims of coercion or deception, while the use of generative AI and fast digital payment systems enables criminals to scale mule recruitment and fund transfers rapidly and globally. To combat this threat, financial institutions need to implement continuous verification checks throughout the customer lifecycle rather than relying solely on initial Know Your Customer (
moneywise.com
· 2025-12-08
A 74-year-old senior in Lynwood, Washington lost $624,711 in life savings to a gold bar scam after responding to a fake Charles Schwab pop-up and being manipulated by scammers posing as federal agents who convinced her to liquidate investments and convert them to gold bars, which she handed over in a parking lot. The suspect, 42-year-old Zhichao Huang, was extradited from Los Angeles to face charges, and investigators suspect the scheme may be part of a larger fraud ring, as the FBI reported over $55 million in similar gold bar scam losses between May and December 2023. To protect themselves, seniors
taylorvilledailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI Springfield Field Office warns that romance scams—where criminals use fake online identities to exploit victims for money—remain prevalent, with Illinois residents losing nearly $19 million to these scams in 2023 and nationwide losses totaling $652.5 million. Warning signs include requests to move communication off-platform, premature declarations of love, claims of living far away, and requests for money or personal information. The FBI recommends moving relationships slowly, researching profiles, avoiding sharing personal details, and not sending money to people you haven't met in person.
atg.wa.gov
· 2025-12-08
Washington's Attorney General's Office warned residents to watch for charity scams exploiting donations for California wildfire relief efforts. The advisory urged donors to research charities before giving, verify tax-exempt status, avoid high-pressure tactics, and report suspicious solicitations to protect themselves from fraudulent organizations using deceptive names and websites.
virginialiving.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud is an escalating epidemic affecting millions of seniors through phone, mail, internet, and in-person schemes, with fraudsters stealing an estimated $10 billion from Americans in 2023, though actual figures are likely higher due to underreporting from shame. Even highly intelligent individuals like former CIA/FBI director William Webster nearly fell victim to a Jamaican lottery scam demanding $50,000. Medical professionals and fraud prevention advocates recommend seniors verify unsolicited offers, be wary of urgent claims, and report scams without embarrassment using resources like AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline.
govtech.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission warned about a surge in SMS phishing scams (smishing) impersonating toll road agencies like EZDriveMA, North Texas Toll Authority, and Sunpass, with texts containing fake toll charges and links designed to steal banking and credit card information. The scams, orchestrated by Chinese groups using newly available spoofing kits, represent a shift from package delivery fraud schemes and aim to extract personal financial data from victims. The FTC recommends verifying toll charges through official agency contact information, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and reporting fraudulent texts to prevent becoming a victim.
universe.byu.edu
· 2025-12-08
U.S. consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023, a 14% increase from 2022's $8.8 billion, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Scams are becoming more sophisticated and prevalent, particularly through phishing emails, voice phishing (vishing), and voice cloning technology that can impersonate victims' loved ones to extort money. Cybersecurity experts warn that artificial intelligence is enabling scammers to target people across all age groups more effectively, and that no demographic is immune to fraud.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax scammers are expected to escalate their tactics during 2025 tax season, employing AI-generated phishing emails, fake tax preparers, IRS imposter phone calls, and social media schemes to steal money and personal information from taxpayers. These scams can result in significant financial losses, identity theft, and emotional harm to victims. Protection strategies include verifying communications directly with the IRS through official channels, vetting tax preparers for credentials like a PTIN, ignoring unsolicited urgent payment demands, and avoiding suspicious social media offers.
buzzfeed.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 70,000 people reported romance scams to the FTC in 2022, losing $1.3 billion collectively with an average loss of $4,400; a notable case involved a French woman who lost €830,000 ($865,000) to a scammer impersonating Brad Pitt over 1½ years, who used AI-generated images of the actor in a hospital to claim he had kidney cancer and needed money. The article advises family members to watch for sudden mood changes and secretive behavior in loved ones, avoid victim-blaming, and approach conversations with curiosity rather than accusations, since scammers often prepare victims to expect such criticism from their social
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Seattle-based Hiya has launched an AI-powered phone app designed to detect and block deepfake scams in real time through intelligent call screening and synthetic voice detection. According to a 2024 Hiya survey, one in three Americans received at least one deepfake scam call, with 45% of targeted individuals falling victim to financial losses averaging $7,200. The free app (with premium features at $9.99/month) analyzes call audio to identify scam language and AI-generated voices while prioritizing user privacy by encrypting data on-device and immediately deleting transcripts from Hiya's servers.
cryptotimes.io
· 2025-12-08
Following the launch of official memecoins by President Trump and First Lady Melania, scammers have created fraudulent cryptocurrency tokens impersonating celebrities including Ivanka Trump, Barron Trump, Dean Norris, and Elon Musk to deceive investors. The fake $BARRON token reached a $460 million market value before crashing 95%, resulting in significant losses for victims, while multiple celebrities have issued public warnings about the unauthorized tokens being promoted under their names. These scams exploit the hype-driven nature of memecoins, which have minimal real value and are vulnerable to social media manipulation and misinformation.
khou.com
· 2025-12-08
A Houston woman received an unsolicited moissanite ring in the mail as part of a "brushing scam," where fraudsters ship inexpensive items to create fake verified buyer accounts and positive reviews, or to trick recipients into scanning QR codes that lead to malware-infected websites designed to steal personal information. The Better Business Bureau warns this scam has spread nationwide involving jewelry, speakers, and other items, and advises consumers never to scan QR codes on suspicious packages or enter personal information on unfamiliar websites.
farrer.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
The UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has published guidance encouraging private organizations—including banks, telecommunications providers, and digital platforms—to share personal data responsibly for fraud prevention and detection purposes, clarifying that data protection law should not be used as an excuse to avoid such sharing. The guidance provides practical recommendations including conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments, establishing clear data sharing agreements, identifying lawful bases for sharing, and implementing safeguards, while balancing fraud prevention efforts with UK GDPR compliance. This comes amid rising costs of authorized push payment (APP) fraud and increased cross-industry collaboration to combat scams through shared information about known or suspected fraudsters.
kawartha411.ca
· 2025-12-08
The City of Kawartha Lakes OPP issued a warning about an increase in grandparent/emergency scams targeting seniors in their area, where fraudsters call posing as distressed family members, police, or officials claiming a loved one needs immediate money for bail, accident damages, or foreign travel issues. The scammers use emotional manipulation, request secrecy, and extract personal information, with common scenarios involving car accidents or jail situations. Authorities advise recipients to hang up and verify claims independently, contact police non-emergency lines, inform bank tellers of large withdrawals, and report suspected fraud to local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501
mykeenenow.com
· 2025-12-08
New Hampshire elderly residents are experiencing a surge in lottery and sweepstakes scams, where perpetrators falsely claim victims have won prizes like Publishers Clearing House and demand upfront fees for taxes or processing through wire transfers, Bitcoin ATMs, or gift cards, with some victims losing $8,500 or more. Attorney General John M. Formella advises residents that legitimate lotteries never require payment to release winnings, unsolicited winning notices should be ignored, and PCH never calls winners in advance—victims should verify directly at 1-800-392-4190 and report suspected scams to local police or the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Bureau.
bgindependentmedia.org
· 2025-12-08
Three senior citizens in Bowling Green lost over $32,000 to scammers within four days, using different methods including gift cards, Bitcoin, and cash. The incidents involved a 78-year-old woman tricked into purchasing $8,000 in gift cards after being told her Apple card was compromised, a 60-year-old woman who withdrew $20,000 in cash after a fake Geek Squad scam, and a third unreported victim. Police Lieutenant Ryan Tackett advised seniors to verify message sources, refuse suspicious payment requests, seek help from trusted contacts, and treat unsolicited requests with skepticism.
hoodline.com
· 2025-12-08
Antony Linton Stewart, a 40-year-old Jamaican national, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for orchestrating a lottery fraud scheme that targeted elderly U.S. residents from 2010 to 2016, convincing victims they had won sweepstakes prizes and extracting money until victims could no longer pay. Stewart was ordered to repay $1,104,041.74 in restitution, and the case was prosecuted as part of the Justice Department's broader initiative to combat foreign-based scams targeting seniors.
news.syr.edu
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other government agencies to target international students via email and phone, claiming visa issues exist and demanding urgent payments through gift cards. ITS advises that legitimate government agencies never demand payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers, and victims should report such contact to the ITS Helpdesk rather than responding to the fraudsters.
timesleader.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday issued a consumer warning ahead of Super Bowl LIX, alerting residents to ticket scams and merchandise fraud targeting eager fans traveling to New Orleans. The advisory recommends consumers purchase tickets only from legitimate websites like Ticketmaster and StubHub, avoid third-party sellers and suspicious URLs, use credit cards rather than gift cards or wire transfers, and conduct in-person transactions in safe locations. Victims of Super Bowl-related scams can file complaints with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
chronicleonline.com
· 2025-12-08
This article describes common scams targeting people of all ages, particularly elderly individuals, including fake virus warnings, fraudulent Medicare calls, package delivery texts, and voice recording schemes. The Citrus County Sheriff's Office is hosting a free public presentation by fraud detectives on February 3rd at the Homosassa Public Library to educate community members on how to recognize and protect themselves from con artists and scammers.
kxii.com
· 2025-12-08
During tax season, scammers increase fraudulent activity through multiple methods including tax identity theft, IRS impersonation via phone/email/text, fake tax preparation services, and phishing links to counterfeit websites. The IRS will only contact taxpayers by mail, never through phone, email, or text, and experts recommend setting up an IRS PIN to prevent criminals from filing fraudulent returns on victims' behalf.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season scams employ increasingly sophisticated tactics including phishing emails impersonating the IRS, phone calls demanding immediate payment, fraudulent tax return filings to claim refunds, and fake tax preparers on social media platforms. Scammers exploit fear and urgency to pressure victims into revealing sensitive information or making payments. Taxpayers can protect themselves by filing early, verifying IRS communications directly, using secure internet connections, monitoring tax accounts, and only using IRS-registered tax preparers.
katv.com
· 2025-12-08
Rising imposter scams have prompted the U.S. Marshals to alert the public about fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials via phone calls, claiming victims owe fines for arrest warrants, failed jury duty, or identity theft and threatening arrest unless immediate payment is made. Scammers use sophisticated tactics including spoofed government phone numbers, personal information verification, fake case numbers, and instructions to withdraw up to 80% of victims' assets and deposit funds into bitcoin ATMs, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in losses per victim. The U.S. Marshals advise victims to contact their local FBI office and file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission, and remind the
lexology.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational resource from a law firm specializing in online fraud describes "pig-butchering" scams—sophisticated schemes where fraudsters build trust with victims over weeks or months through romantic or business relationships, then pressure them to invest large sums in fake opportunities like cryptocurrency or real estate projects. The article provides warning signs including high-pressure tactics, unrealistic returns, cryptocurrency payment requests, and offshore transfers, and recommends victims conduct background checks, research platforms, seek legal advice early, and stay informed about common fraud tactics. The firm notes it receives approximately 100 victim requests monthly but can only accept cases involving losses exceeding $500,000 due to the complex, resource-intensive nature of
usethebitcoin.com
· 2025-12-08
Crypto romance scams, also known as "pig butchering," involve fraudsters forming fake online relationships with victims using AI-generated or stolen images, then pressuring them to invest in non-existent cryptocurrency platforms with promises of quick returns. In January 2025, Hong Kong Police dismantled a syndicate that defrauded victims in Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan of at least $4.37 million, while research shows crypto romance scammers stole over $4.4 billion globally in 2024. Red flags include rapid relationship progression, requests to pay taxes or fees before withdrawals, and inability to meet in person—victims should use common sense and remain vigilant against these
datingnews.com
· 2025-12-08
New York State introduced legislation requiring dating platforms to notify users when they match with someone previously banned from the app, addressing the growing problem of romance scams that cost Americans $1.14 billion in 2023 alone. Romance scammers exploit users' desire for connection by building emotional trust before soliciting money, often using fake identities or celebrity impersonations. The legislation is part of the broader "Stop Hiding Hate" Act aimed at protecting New Yorkers from fraud while holding social media companies accountable for self-regulation.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly personalizing financial fraud tactics by targeting specific demographics based on vulnerabilities and life circumstances, similar to legitimate business marketing strategies. A 2024 PYMNTS Intelligence report found that approximately 3 in 10 U.S. consumers (77 million people) lost money to scams over the past five years, with most victims losing over $500, and that different age groups face different scam risks—such as Gen Z being three times more likely to fall victim to employment scams while older consumers face higher rates of fake eCommerce and identity theft scams. Financial institutions play a critical role in protecting customers by understanding scam tactics and the broader psychological and emotional damage these
newcastlepacer.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, adults aged 60 and older filed over 100,000 fraud complaints to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, losing more than $3.4 billion—an 11% increase from the previous year. Oklahoma's Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready outlines common scams targeting older adults, including phishing, Medicare and health insurance fraud, and tech support scams, and recommends protection strategies such as staying skeptical of unsolicited communications, avoiding sharing personal information online, and immediately reporting suspected fraud to relevant authorities including the FTC, Social Security Administration, or financial institutions.
sanfranciscopolice.org
· 2025-12-08
The San Francisco Police Department released an educational video in partnership with Self Help for the Elderly and a blessing scam survivor to raise awareness about blessing scams targeting the Chinese community. Blessing scams typically involve Cantonese-speaking perpetrators who pose as fortune tellers, convincing victims they are cursed and must surrender valuables (cash and jewelry) to be "blessed," then replacing the items with worthless goods. The video emphasizes teaching community members, particularly seniors, how to refuse scammers and encourages reporting incidents to SFPD.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 74-year-old Washington senior lost $624,000 in life savings to a gold bar scam orchestrated by 42-year-old Zhichao Huang, who was extradited from California to face charges. The scam followed a common pattern: a fake pop-up mimicking Charles Schwab prompted the victim to call a number, where an imposter claiming to be a federal agent convinced her to liquidate stocks and retirement accounts into gold bars, then collect them in a parking lot under false pretenses. Between May and December 2023, the FBI reported over $55 million in losses from similar gold bar scams targeting seniors nationwide, with investigators susp
newsroom.paypal-corp.com
· 2025-12-08
PayPal and Venmo warn that fraudsters exploit charitable giving by impersonating legitimate charities and relief organizations through phishing, high-pressure tactics, fake websites, and account spoofing to steal money and personal information from well-intentioned donors. The platforms recommend donating only through verified channels like PayPal Cause Hub and Venmo Charity Profiles, and provide guidance on spotting red flags including lack of transparency, unverified credentials, aggressive messaging, and inconsistent communication methods.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
This article by Stefan Leipold, CEO of STARKinc.biz/ProsSysCo.biz, explains AI-based social engineering scams where perpetrators use publicly available voice and video samples from social media to create deepfakes impersonating victims' children or company executives and requesting emergency payments via cryptocurrency or gift cards. The scams exploit emotional vulnerability by fabricating urgent situations (stolen wallets, medical bills, bail), with the perpetrator's communications appearing authentic through AI-cloned voices and animated video replicas. Leipold recommends verification through direct phone calls to the alleged caller and logical thinking about payment methods, as legitimate organizations never request emergency payments via WhatsApp,