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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Gift card fraud resulted in $54.4 million in losses during Q3 2024, with 11,743 incidents reported to the FTC, making vigilance especially important during the holiday shopping season. Common scams include thieves draining stolen or tampered physical cards before recipients use them, impersonating friends or family members via text or voice cloning to request emergency gift cards, purchasing fraudulent cards on resale sites, and fake prize schemes requiring gift cards as payment. To protect themselves, consumers should inspect physical cards for tampering, verify requests through direct contact, avoid discounted cards on auction sites, and remember that legitimate prizes never require advance payment.
wccsradio.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission is warning residents about "Quishing Attacks," scams involving fraudulent QR codes sent via email that appear to come from legitimate sources. When scanned, these codes direct victims to malicious websites designed to steal personal information, install malware, or capture multi-factor authentication tokens to bypass login security. Residents are advised to stay informed about scams and report suspected quishing attacks to local law enforcement.
nbcmontana.com
· 2025-12-08
Employment scams targeting job seekers have significantly increased in recent years, with North America losing an estimated $2 billion annually to these schemes. Montana has received 22 employment scam reports since the beginning of the year, with scammers using three primary methods: onboarding scams that request personal information like Social Security numbers, fraudulent reshipping schemes involving fake overpayments, and task optimization scams where victims pay upfront fees and lose thousands of dollars ($10,000-$20,000+) with promises of larger payouts. Job seekers should be wary of upfront payment requests, suspicious job postings on legitimate boards, and offers that seem too good to be true, an
wrtv.com
· 2025-12-08
An 82-year-old Florida woman lost over $40,000 in a lottery scam where a caller claiming to represent Mega Millions told her she had won $8 million and instructed her to send cash to an Indianapolis address to cover taxes. The scammer used fake check deposits and promises of prize money to convince the victim to wire multiple shipments of cash via UPS, though authorities have not recovered the funds or identified the actual perpetrator. This case exemplifies the rising tide of elder fraud, with the FBI reporting $3.4 billion in losses to people age 60 and older in 2023—an 11 percent increase from the previous year.
citizen.co.za
· 2025-12-08
Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated through use of AI and modern technology, making it harder for victims to identify fraudulent schemes and recover lost funds, which can range from small amounts to thousands of dollars. Key protective measures include: avoiding unsolicited links and phishing emails by verifying directly with companies, recognizing "too good to be true" offers like fake giveaways that exploit emotions, and strengthening account security through strong unique passwords, password managers, and two-factor authentication. Scammers commonly target social media and email to impersonate legitimate companies, so pausing before reacting to urgent or exciting messages and contacting official customer care for confirmation can help prevent victimization.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, cyberscammers stole $477 million from veterans, military personnel, and their spouses—a $63 million increase from 2022—affecting 30,948 military members, according to FTC data. Common scams targeting this population include romance scams (the most prevalent, costing over $40 million in 2020), veterans' benefit scams offering fraudulent benefit increases, phishing emails impersonating government agencies or the IRS, and rental property scams. The article provides details on these five major scam types and advises military members to be cautious of unsolicited offers and suspicious communications requesting personal information or upfront
insidebitcoins.com
· 2025-12-08
Shizuku Ida, a 27-year-old woman, defrauded approximately 100 men of roughly 100 million yen ($656,000) through an elaborate romance scam conducted on social media and dating apps. Using the alias "Yuu," Ida posed as a hostess and fabricated emotionally compelling stories—including claims of lost money, unpaid debts, and suicidal ideation—to manipulate victims into sending money, which she spent on internet casinos and entertainment. She was arrested after defrauding a Yamagata man of 346,000 yen in October, with experts noting that the lack of face-to-
mcknightsseniorliving.com
· 2025-12-08
From July 2023 to June 2024, the Department of Justice pursued over 300 enforcement actions against 700+ defendants who stole nearly $700 million from 225,000 elder fraud victims, while recovering $31 million and providing services to 230,000+ older adults. Investment scams caused the highest losses at $1.2 billion, followed by tech support scams ($590 million), business email compromise ($382 million), romance scams ($357 million), and government impersonation scams ($180 million), with the DOJ's National Elder Fraud Hotline receiving over 50,000 calls in the past year.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Family caregivers play a crucial role in protecting older adults from fraud, as seniors lose billions annually to scams including tech support, lottery, grandparent, investment, imposter, and romance schemes. AARP recommends caregivers maintain open communication with loved ones, educate them about common fraud tactics, establish protective financial measures, and monitor for signs of social isolation that increase scam vulnerability. Resources and guidance are available at www.aarp.org/fraud to help families prevent and respond to fraud targeting older adults.
wesa.fm
· 2025-12-08
As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers pose as Medicare officials or insurance company representatives via phone calls, texts, and emails to trick older adults into disclosing Social Security numbers and sensitive information. Medicare and most private insurers will not initiate unsolicited phone contact; instead, beneficiaries should expect written letters and can verify communications by calling official toll-free numbers directly. Older adults and caregivers should avoid providing personal information to unexpected callers, be wary of robocalls, start enrollment early to reduce deadline pressure, and consult reputable sources like Medicare.gov or state health insurance assistance programs.
ksat.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common holiday season scams and protective measures. The three primary scam types identified are fake online retailers using deep discounts and social media ads, gift card scams where fraudsters trick victims into providing card numbers, and fraudulent travel deals targeting holiday travelers. Key advice includes remaining calm when contacted by scammers, shopping only at secure websites, purchasing gift cards from official retailers, booking travel through reputable sites, and reporting suspected fraud to the FTC or relevant financial institutions.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Fraud targeting veterans, service members, and their families cost $477 million in 2023, with over 85% of veterans encountering service-related scams in the past year. Scammers commonly impersonate the VA to threaten benefit cuts or demand payment of bogus fees, or pose as veterans offering fraudulent investment opportunities with special deals. The VA and White House launched fraud prevention resources including Vsafe.gov and a call center (833-388-7233) to help veterans identify and report scams.
landline.media
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are conducting a nationwide telephone phishing scam by impersonating U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, claiming to have intercepted drug shipments under the victim's name and demanding personal information such as Social Security numbers, credit card details, or bank account information. The scammers use tactics including threatening police arrival if victims refuse cooperation, providing actual CBP employee names found online, and issuing fake case or badge numbers to appear legitimate. CBP advises the public to hang up on unsolicited calls, never provide personal financial information over the phone, and verify agency contact information through official websites rather than caller ID or provided phone numbers.
jacksonvillefreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Justice released its annual report detailing enforcement actions against elder fraud and abuse, resulting in over 300 enforcement actions against more than 700 defendants that recovered nearly $700 million and protected over 225,000 seniors. Cases included romance scams and government impersonation schemes, with the DOJ blocking $27 million in fraudulent transfers and the National Elder Fraud Hotline fielding over 50,000 calls from seniors seeking assistance. Notable prosecutions included two Pittsburgh nursing homes convicted of falsifying records to conceal inadequate care, and investigations into New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes that found constitutional rights violations due to inadequate infection control and medical care.
tribuneindia.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters impersonating police officers are increasingly targeting citizens through calls and digital means, creating panic and extorting money by falsely claiming victims are implicated in criminal activities. Experts recommend multiple preventive measures including: enhanced public awareness about "digital arrest" scams (which are illegal), better police capacity building in cybercrime investigation, stricter sentencing laws, reporting suspicious calls to the national cyber crime helpline (1930), and collaboration between police and telecom providers to combat these scams.
wdrb.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
During holiday shopping season, consumers should be aware of two prevalent scams: fake retail websites offering heavily discounted items (such as fraudulent Bed Bath and Beyond liquidation sites) that charge credit cards before disappearing, and text message scams claiming unauthorized charges are pending. The Better Business Bureau advises shoppers to track their orders, avoid responding to unsolicited texts, and be skeptical of prices that seem too good to be true.
businesstoday.in
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake scams use AI to create hyper-realistic fake videos, audio, and images to defraud individuals and financial institutions, with approximately 3% of KYC fraud cases already involving deepfakes. Fraudsters exploit emotional manipulation by impersonating loved ones in distress calls requesting money or by creating fake identities to bypass security checks. To protect yourself, verify unexpected requests by contacting the person directly, watch for audio-video lag in video calls, request official email follow-ups from known domains, limit personal information on social media, and use deepfake detection tools.
jamaica-gleaner.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines key strategies for protecting oneself from cyberscams, emphasizing the "three S's": stay suspicious, stop to think, and stay protected. Common scam tactics exploit fear, urgency, and money as bait, with particular vulnerability among seniors and isolated individuals through romance scams, job scams, robocalls, and impersonation schemes; experts recommend verifying contacts through official channels and using reverse-image searches to identify fake profiles.
indiatvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
India experienced a significant cybercrime surge in 2024, with approximately Rs 120.3 crore lost to "digital arrest" scams from January to April alone, where criminals impersonate law enforcement via video calls to coerce victims into paying money under threat of arrest. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) warned of related scams involving fake service disconnection threats, while the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal recorded 7.4 lakh complaints in Q1 2024, reflecting a steep increase from previous years. Victims should report suspicious calls through official portals and avoid making payments when threatened with legal action or service interruptions.
legalserviceindia.com
· 2025-12-08
India's Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has prohibited transactions through "mule accounts"—bank or brokerage accounts used to conceal the true identity of individuals conducting illegal financial activities such as market manipulation, insider trading, and money laundering. The regulatory action targets a growing threat to market integrity, as rising digital trading platforms have made it easier for criminals to create mule accounts using fake or stolen identities to artificially inflate or deflate stock prices and mislead investors. This 2024 amendment strengthens SEBI's enforcement framework to enhance transparency, accountability, and investor protection in Indian securities markets.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warned of seven major holiday scams targeting consumers during the shopping season, including misleading social media ads, illegal gift exchange schemes (pyramid schemes), fraudulent holiday apps, phishing texts claiming account compromises, free gift card scams, employment fraud targeting seasonal job seekers, and fake look-alike websites. Consumers are advised to research businesses before purchasing, check privacy policies, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, and contact companies directly rather than through links in suspicious emails or texts.
bctv.org
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania State Police warn of a Bitcoin scam targeting retirees in which fraudsters impersonate bank representatives and federal investigators, persuading victims to withdraw cash and deposit it into Bitcoin kiosks under the guise of protecting their money from fraudulent activity. Once victims provide confirmation receipts or QR codes linking their accounts, scammers access the Bitcoin deposits and transfer the funds, which are untraceable due to the nature of cryptocurrency. The scam typically involves phone number spoofing to appear legitimate, and victims are advised to contact authorities such as the Pennsylvania Attorney General (800-441-2555) or the Federal Trade Commission (877-382-4357) if targeted.
upi.com
· 2025-12-08
U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a warning about phone scammers impersonating CBP employees who call victims claiming an intercepted shipment of drugs or money bearing their name has been seized and demand personal information, Social Security numbers, or payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. The scammers use spoofed CBP phone numbers and may reference real CBP officials and badge numbers to appear credible, threatening that police are en route if victims refuse to cooperate. CBP emphasizes it never calls to demand money or personal information and advises citizens to ignore caller ID, hang up, and contact the agency directly through its official website if they have concerns.
boston25news.com
· 2025-12-08
Boston Police Department warned the public of a scam targeting seniors in which fraudsters impersonate government officials or tech support workers, claiming bank accounts have been compromised and directing victims to withdraw cash or purchase precious metals like gold and silver. The scammers then arrange for a "courier" to collect the funds in person using a code word, disappearing with the money and never returning. Police advised the public to avoid unsolicited requests to buy metals, never meet strangers to hand over cash, and refrain from clicking links or calling numbers from unknown senders.
levittownnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania State Police warned of a sophisticated Bitcoin scam targeting older residents, wherein scammers impersonated financial institution representatives and federal agents (FBI, FTC) to convince victims to withdraw cash and deposit it into Bitcoin kiosks under the pretense of protecting their assets from fraudulent activity. Victims were tricked into providing receipts or scanning QR codes that granted scammers access to the transferred funds, which are typically irretrievable due to Bitcoin's anonymous nature. The scammers used phone number spoofing to appear legitimate, and victims are urged to report incidents to the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357.
bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Bengaluru Police have launched weekly digital literacy and cyber-security sessions to protect senior citizens from online fraud, responding to rising cybercrime targeting the elderly who often fall victim to scammers impersonating government officials using fear tactics. October sessions in Malleswaram and Sahakar Nagar drew approximately 180 participants who reported increased confidence in identifying suspicious activity, with programs covering phone security, safe online practices, and fraud prevention. The initiative addresses seniors' vulnerability stemming from limited familiarity with digital platforms and financial dependence on potentially untrustworthy individuals.
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-08
On May 24, 1971, retired Army captain Rustom Sohrab Nagarwala defrauded the State Bank of India's Parliament Street branch of Rs 60 lakh by impersonating Prime Minister's secretary PN Haksar and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi over the phone, convincing Chief Cashier VP Malhotra to deliver the cash in trunks to an unidentified person. Both Nagarwala and Malhotra were quickly arrested and most of the money was recovered, though the case spawned conspiracy theories about Mrs. Gandhi's alleged secret account and involvement. Despite a government commission investigation and detailed reconstruction by journalists, key questions
cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
Scam losses in Cuyahoga County, Ohio more than doubled in the first 10 months of 2024, with 890 reported scams totaling $2.9 million (averaging $25,610 per victim), up from 774 scams and $1.2 million the previous year. The majority of scams (53%) now involve criminals posing as trusted companies or government employees, with particularly sophisticated schemes including fake tech support pop-ups leading to remote computer access and unauthorized fund transfers, fake sheriff impersonations threatening arrest for missed jury duty, and targeted email/pop-up alerts that convince victims to move all their savings to bitcoin accounts—some victims lost
cbp.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers posing as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are calling residents nationwide claiming to have intercepted drug or money shipments with the victim's name, demanding personal information like Social Security numbers and banking details while threatening police arrival if the target refuses to comply. The scammers use authentic-sounding details including real CBP employee names, fake case numbers, and pre-recorded messages to appear legitimate. CBP emphasizes it never calls citizens unsolicited requesting money, personal information, or threatening legal action, and urges residents to hang up on such calls and report them to the Federal Trade Commission.
newslj.com
· 2025-12-08
This article covers multiple current fraud and cybersecurity threats: Wyoming residents report receiving suspicious DocuSign phishing emails and fraudulent holiday sale emails (claiming 50% off heaters endorsed by Elon Musk) with spelling errors and fake purchase links. The FBI warns that hackers are bypassing two-factor authentication by exploiting website cookies after users click fraudulent links, while a new "Quishing" scam embeds malicious code in QR codes to direct victims to harmful sites. Post-election scams are also surging, including deepfake videos from foreign sources and phishing attempts disguised as election updates or donation requests, with experts advising users to verify sources
sentinelandenterprise.com
· 2025-12-08
This article contains two unrelated stories. The first discusses UMass Amherst researchers developing an inexpensive, portable device to detect PFAS (harmful "forever chemicals") in drinking water, reducing testing costs from millions to thousands of dollars. The second describes the arrest of two men accused of operating a grandparent scam courier network that collected approximately $230,000 from elderly victims across Massachusetts and Rhode Island by posing as family members in legal trouble.
lowellsun.com
· 2025-12-08
This article contains two unrelated pieces: The first describes UMass Amherst researchers developing a cheaper, portable device to detect PFAS (toxic "forever chemicals") in water, reducing testing costs from millions to thousands of dollars. The second reports the arrest of two men, Roberto Munoz and Jason Rhodes, who allegedly served as couriers in grandparent scams targeting elderly victims across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, collecting approximately $230,000 from victims in over a dozen communities.
makeuseof.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece provides guidance on responding to phishing attacks and malware infections. It advises users who suspect malware exposure to run antivirus scans and quarantine suspicious files, and those with compromised login credentials to immediately change passwords on critical accounts (starting with banking) using a separate device and contact their bank if credit card information was exposed. The article emphasizes prevention strategies including maintaining skepticism toward emails, avoiding clicking links, and manually verifying URLs before visiting websites.
cadillacnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Lake City businesses are warning each other about an email scam in which fraudsters pose as event planners requesting large catering orders (such as 300 cupcakes), then ask the business to process a payment on their behalf, promising to reimburse them later. Red flags include unusually large order sizes, poorly worded emails suggesting use of an online translator, mentions of hiring professionals like DJs or event planners, and the scammer's refusal to communicate by phone (claiming hearing impairments). Business owners recommend verifying legitimacy through direct phone calls before accepting orders or making payments.
thehindu.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
An Associate Professor at a Government Medical College in India lost ₹76.5 lakh ($92,000 USD) to an online trading scam after encountering a YouTube advertisement for trading guidance that led him to a WhatsApp group posing as legitimate investors. The scammers built his confidence through fake investment screenshots and tutorials before directing him to a fraudulent website where they promised 30% returns on Indian and U.S. stocks; he discovered the fraud when a withdrawal was blocked and he was told he owed a ₹50-lakh fee to a fake "Qualified Institutional Buyers Association." Tamil Nadu police have registered a case and are investigating suspects believed to be operating
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 79-year-old retired employee in Bengaluru lost ₹81 lakh after falling victim to a "digital arrest" scam in which fraudsters impersonating Mumbai police officers falsely accused him of sending obscene messages and confined him to his home for a month under threat of arrest. The scammers used fear and blackmail tactics to extort the money, with police noting multiple similar cases occurring in the city where victims are threatened with false criminal allegations. Prime Minister Modi recently warned the public that "digital arrest" is not a legal concept and advised people not to comply with such calls from unverified callers claiming to be government officials.
bulawayo24.com
· 2025-12-08
South Africans lost R1.1 billion to digital banking fraud in 2023, a 47% increase from R735,000 in 2022, with banking app fraud comprising 60% of digital incidents and averaging R19,793 per victim. The rise is attributed to social engineering techniques and vishing (voice phishing), where scammers impersonate bank officials to extract sensitive information like passwords and usernames. As the holiday shopping season approaches, consumers are urged to verify website legitimacy, be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and use secure payment methods to prevent fraud.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
Three individuals were sentenced for their roles in a Ghana-based romance scam targeting elderly U.S. victims between March 2019 and March 2022: Sadia Alhassan (18 months prison), Shawn William Smith (1 day prison), and Mohammed Saaminu Zuberu (5½ months prison). The defendants served as money launderers and intermediaries, receiving funds that scam victims wired or mailed after being deceived into believing they were in romantic relationships with military personnel, with total restitution ordered at $581,261.67.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
A Colorado woman named Debbie Fox fell victim to a romance scam after meeting a man named Russell online who posed as a successful businessman; after weeks of communication, he manipulated her into sending him nearly $60,000 by claiming he needed help with a work crisis overseas and appealing to her guilt when she initially refused. The scam highlights how fraudsters exploit emotional connections and personal values to persuade victims to transfer funds, and the podcast episode features Debbie's courageous decision to share her story publicly to help raise awareness about this common type of elder fraud.
giant.fm
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Ogheneofejiro Godswill Uzokpa, a 28-year-old Nigerian national, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for conducting a romance scam that defrauded at least a dozen victims, primarily elderly or disabled women, of hundreds of thousands of dollars between March 2020 and February 2021. Uzokpa and co-conspirators created fake online identities posing as professionals abroad, built romantic relationships with victims to gain trust, then requested money under false pretenses such as processing fees, using U.S.-based "money mules" to transfer the stolen funds to Nigeria. The court ordered Uzokpa to pay $329
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating legitimate bail bond companies in North Alabama, contacting relatives of jailed inmates and demanding payment via Cash App or prepaid gift cards before disappearing with the money. Red flags include requests for payment through apps or gift cards and communication only by phone or email, whereas legitimate bail bond companies require in-person office visits and signed contracts. At least two reported cases in Huntsville and Florence resulted in losses of $1,120 and similar amounts, with vulnerable populations like elderly family members and concerned parents being particularly susceptible to this fraud.
thedailycougar.com
· 2025-12-08
Young adults aged 18-24 experienced higher financial losses from scams than other age groups according to the Better Business Bureau's 2023 report, as scammers target vulnerable university students unfamiliar with protecting personal information. Common scams affecting college students include scholarship scams requesting application fees, textbook scams involving discounted or counterfeit books, job scams promising unrealistic pay and remote work, and housing scams using fake rental listings to solicit deposits. Students should verify websites and sources, avoid unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true, and use trusted campus resources like career fairs and verified recruiters to stay safe.
mpacorn.com
· 2025-12-08
Debbie Deem, a retired FBI victim specialist, volunteers as a fraud intervention coach in Camarillo, California, providing free counseling and education to community members who have fallen victim to scams and fraud. She emphasizes that fraud disproportionately affects older adults (particularly those aged 70-79) and isolated individuals, with victims in her caseload losing anywhere from $500 to $5 million, and some losing their homes entirely. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are making sophisticated scams—including romance investment fraud, charity fraud, and romance scams—increasingly difficult to combat and devastating to victims often living on fixed incomes.
irishtechnews.ie
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece discusses the prevalence and types of online scams targeting seniors, drawing parallels between modern cyber-scammers and historical fraud schemes. In 2023, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre processed 62,365 fraud reports totaling over $554 million in losses, with seniors especially vulnerable due to their trust and familiarity with traditional communication. Common scams include phishing emails, tech support pop-ups, fraudulent government calls threatening legal action, and romance scams, with the article emphasizing that skepticism, verification of requests, and avoiding hasty responses are key protective measures.
abc12.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly man from Elba Township, Michigan was nearly defrauded of $24,500 in October after receiving a fake email about a Bitcoin purchase and being instructed to withdraw cash to "repay" funds. The Lapeer County Sheriff's Office successfully recovered the full amount after the victim's daughter memorized the scammer's license plate and the bank manager reported suspicious activity, leading to the suspect's vehicle being located in Detroit. The case remains under investigation, and authorities remind residents to be cautious of unsolicited communications.
quintenews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Ontario Provincial Police and Northumberland OPP are conducting fraud awareness initiatives during Crime Prevention Week 2024, with Community Safety Officers delivering presentations to seniors at community organizations and clubs. The presentations distribute resources including the Competition Bureau's "Little Black Book of Scams" and Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario materials, along with practical anti-fraud tools like RFID-blocking cards and tips on recognizing common scams across phone, email, and in-person contact methods. The initiative emphasizes the key message that if an offer sounds too good to be true, it likely is, and encourages community members to request voicemails for important contacts to verify legitimacy.
ag.state.mn.us
· 2025-12-08
Attorney General Keith Ellison warned Minnesota veterans about "claim shark" scams operating before Veterans Day, in which unauthorized individuals and companies illegally charge veterans large fees or a percentage of benefit increases to assist with VA benefit claims they falsely promise to expedite or guarantee. Claim sharks use aggressive advertising, deceptive contracts, and high-pressure tactics while impersonating authorized representatives, and veterans can protect themselves by using only VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents, and Veterans Service Organization representatives who offer free assistance and by never sharing login credentials or signing contracts outside official VA representation forms.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
Multiple victims in India lost significant sums—including a man from Udupi who lost Rs 14 lakh and a 63-year-old from Hyderabad who lost Rs 50 lakh—after being added to WhatsApp groups by scammers posing as financial advisors offering stock market tips and high returns. The scammers directed victims to download fraudulent investment apps (such as "Causeway" and "Skyrim Capital"), where victims initially saw fake profits but were then locked out when attempting to withdraw funds. The article advises protecting oneself by avoiding unknown contacts online, being wary of guaranteed or extremely high returns (a hallmark of fraud), an
indiatvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
An Udupi man lost Rs 14 lakh and a 63-year-old Hyderabad man lost Rs 50 lakh in fake investment scams involving WhatsApp groups promoting bogus trading apps ("Causeway" and "Skyrim Capital") that promised unrealistic returns and locked victims out of their accounts after deposits. Scammers exploit seniors' unfamiliarity with technology by adding them to fraudulent investment groups and fake apps designed to appear legitimate, making it critical for users to verify apps through official stores, avoid unsolicited investment groups, and consult certified financial advisors rather than relying on messaging app recommendations.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A Nigerian national, Ogheneofejiro Godswill Uzokpa, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for operating a romance scam that defrauded at least a dozen victims—primarily elderly and disabled women—of hundreds of thousands of dollars between March 2020 and February 2021. Uzokpa and his co-conspirators posed as romantic interests online, built trust with victims, then requested money under false pretenses such as processing fees, using U.S.-based money mules to transfer funds to Nigeria. The judge ordered him to pay $329,470 in restitution to his victims.