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myfox8.com
Anthony Linton Stewart, a 40-year-old Jamaican man, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for operating a fraudulent lottery scheme from 2010 to 2016 that targeted elderly Americans by phone, falsing claiming they had won prizes and requesting fees and taxes on non-existent winnings. Stewart and his co-conspirators defrauded victims of over $1.1 million in restitution ordered by the court, repeatedly contacting victims to extract additional payments. The case exemplifies overseas lottery scams commonly used by foreign criminals to target U.S. seniors.
justice.gov
Antony Linton Stewart, a Jamaican citizen, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for operating a fraudulent lottery scheme from 2010 to 2016 that defrauded elderly Americans by falsely claiming they had won sweepstakes prizes and demanding payment for fees and taxes. Stewart and his co-conspirators contacted victims by phone and repeatedly solicited additional payments with no lottery or winnings ever existing, resulting in over $1.1 million in losses for which he was ordered to pay restitution. This case is part of the Department of Justice's ongoing effort to combat Jamaica-based lottery fraud targeting U.S. citizens, particularly seniors.
hoodline.com
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.
hoodline.com
Shelley Letzer, 67, of West Bloomfield, Michigan, was arraigned on four felony charges including three counts of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult and fraudulent obtaining of a signature for allegedly exploiting an 87-year-old man with her co-defendant Kirk Lanam. The pair allegedly obtained power of attorney over the victim under false pretenses and used it to write checks to themselves, with Letzer accused of embezzling thousands from the vulnerable man who already had an appointed guardian. Letzer faces up to five years per embezzlement count and ten years for the signature fraud charge.
einpresswire.com
Antony Linton Stewart, a 40-year-old Jamaican citizen, was sentenced to 84 months in prison and ordered to pay $1,104,041.74 in restitution for operating a fraudulent lottery scheme from approximately 2010 through August 2016. Stewart and his co-conspirators targeted elderly Americans by phone, falsely telling them they had won sweepstakes or lottery prizes and demanding upfront fees and taxes, with no actual lottery or winnings ever existing. The case was prosecuted as part of the Justice Department's effort to combat Jamaica-based lottery fraud schemes that prey on U.S. citizens, particularly older adults.
jamaica-gleaner.com
A 40-year-old Jamaican man, Linton Stewart, was sentenced to seven years in prison for operating a fraudulent lottery scheme from 2010 to 2016 that targeted elderly Americans through phone calls falsely claiming they had won sweepstakes prizes and requesting payment for fees and taxes. Stewart was ordered to pay $1,104,041.74 in restitution, and the scheme generated no actual winnings despite repeated payments extracted from victims. The case was prosecuted by the US Department of Justice in collaboration with Jamaican law enforcement as part of broader efforts to combat overseas lottery fraud targeting U.S. citizens.
wbtv.com
A Jamaican citizen, Antony Linton Stewart, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for operating a lottery scam that defrauded American victims over six years (2010-2016). Stewart and accomplices called victims claiming they had won sweepstakes or lottery prizes, then convinced them to send money for fees and taxes, resulting in losses exceeding $1.1 million in restitution ordered by the court.
kawartha411.ca
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
tipperarylive.ie
A survey of 2,000 Irish adults found that 81% were targeted by scammers in the past year, with respondents reporting that scams are becoming more sophisticated and increasingly common. Men reported significantly higher average losses (€2,168.73) compared to women (€1,151.22), and young adults aged 16-24 were disproportionately targeted by scam text messages at 39%. Experts emphasize that consumer education and awareness are critical defenses, particularly during financially stressful periods like January when people may be more vulnerable to fraudulent offers.
khou.com
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.
propnewstime.com
Goa police arrested four individuals from Hyderabad and Jaipur for operating a fake hotel listing scam since 2022 that defrauded over 500 tourists of several crores of rupees. The fraudsters posted non-existent villas on booking platforms like Booking.com and pressured victims into making advance payments of INR 10,000-20,000 by exploiting platform loopholes and using female operators to build trust. The investigation was triggered by a complaint from a Chandigarh resident who paid INR 20,000 for a non-existent property, leading authorities to seize 15 bank accounts used in the operation
cbsnews.com
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.
fortune.com
Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence and deepfakes to commit fraud, with consumers losing over $10 billion to fraud in 2023—a 14% increase from the previous year. Notable incidents include a $25 million deepfake video call scam targeting a Hong Kong firm employee and widespread AI-powered phishing schemes that bypass traditional detection systems. Experts project fraud losses could reach $40 billion in the U.S. by 2027 if current trends continue, with investment scams and imposter scams being the most prevalent threats targeting bank customers.
virginialiving.com
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.
justice.gov
Antony Linton Stewart, a Jamaican citizen, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for operating a fraudulent lottery scheme from 2010 to 2016 that targeted elderly Americans by phone, falsely claiming they had won prizes and demanding fees and taxes. Stewart and his co-conspirators defrauded victims of over $1.1 million in restitution, with no actual lottery ever existing and no victims receiving winnings. The case is part of the Department of Justice's broader effort to combat overseas lottery schemes targeting U.S. citizens, particularly older adults.
mysaline.com
Tyra Brown, a 27-year-old remote customer service representative for a New Hampshire credit union, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for stealing $301,674.89 from at least 10 elderly customers by abusing her access to their personal information and account details. Brown used wires, electronic debits, and Zelle to transfer victim funds and attempted to steal an additional $428,526.85 in total during her employment from December 2021 to May 2023.
2news.com
During tax season, the IRS warns taxpayers to be cautious of scams, noting that the agency only initiates official contact with taxpayers via mail for tax documentation, not through other means. The warning alerts people to fraudulent schemes that may impersonate the IRS during the filing season.
columbiamagazine.com
An educational presentation at the Adair County Extension Office by Shellie A. May from Kentucky's Office of Senior Protection addressed identity theft prevention for seniors. The presentation explained how identity theft occurs (through data breaches, phishing, and physical theft), identified common tactics (dumpster diving, mail theft, password compromise), and provided protective measures including regular credit monitoring, strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and statement review. Consumers can report scams to the Kentucky Attorney General's office at ag.ky.gov/scams or 1-888-432-9257.
ceotodaymagazine.com
Multiple celebrities fell victim to various fraud schemes, demonstrating that wealth and fame do not protect against scams. Notable cases include Cristiano Ronaldo losing $320,000 to a fraudulent travel agent, Noel Edmonds suffering from a £245 million bank loan fraud scheme, Tiger Woods experiencing $30,000 in identity theft, Billy Joel losing millions to his former manager Frank Weber (recovering only $8 million of $90 million sued), Robert De Niro losing approximately $1 million to art fraud, and Ben Stiller losing $250,000 to a dishonest financial planner. These cases span Ponzi schemes, embezzlement, identity theft
boston25news.com
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
wsoctv.com
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.
kens5.com
Tax season scams increase significantly during filing season, with fraudsters using unsolicited calls, texts, and emails to steal money or personal information, sometimes leveraging AI-generated scripts to appear legitimate. The IRS Criminal Investigation division identified $31 billion in tax and financial crimes during fiscal year 2022 across more than 2,550 cases. To protect themselves, taxpayers should watch for red flags including promises of large paydays, payment demands with threats, and suspicious website links, and filing taxes early can help prevent fraud.
komonews.com
A senior named David was defrauded of $435,000 by brothers Patrick and Matthew McDonagh, who posed as home repair contractors, pressured him into authorizing bogus repairs, and failed to complete the work over several weeks until his daughter intervened. The McDonaghs pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud conspiracy charges and received 18-month prison sentences; while $200,000 was recovered through a reversed wire transfer, most of the money was lost, and the brothers are expected to be deported to Ireland after serving their time. The case highlights predatory home repair scams targeting seniors, with Washington state reporting over $88 million in elder financial fraud losses in
spectrumnews1.com
Kentucky's Administrative Office of the Courts launched a new webpage to help residents identify and report payment scams, particularly those falsely claiming unpaid arrest warrants or missed jury duty. The resource provides educational materials including scam tactic videos, county-specific jury service information, and fraud reporting contacts to help Kentuckians protect themselves from these schemes.
bankingjournal.aba.com
The ABA Foundation marks its 100th anniversary in 2025 and outlines five strategic imperatives for the next century, including advancing financial literacy beyond basic money management, connecting social impact with business performance, reimagining employee volunteerism, leveraging AI responsibly for economic opportunity, and adopting a consumer-centered approach to combat fraud with special sensitivity to vulnerable populations including older customers. The article notes that fraud losses in the U.S. topped $23.7 billion in 2023, emphasizing the banking industry's role in developing fraud detection tools and cultivating empathy-based approaches to protect vulnerable consumers.
justice.gov
Robert Powell, 23, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 79 months in federal prison for armed robbery of a U.S. Postal Service mail truck in June 2022 and for operating a "card cracking" fraud scheme. Powell robbed a postal worker at gunpoint, stole mail containing checks, and used social media to recruit victims to share their bank account information so he could deposit altered stolen checks and quickly withdraw the funds. The scheme defrauded countless victims before Powell's arrest through investigation by U.S. Postal Inspectors and the Avon Police Department.
torontosun.com
Two Mississauga women and one man were charged in connection with lottery scams targeting elderly victims across Canada between 2019-2023, in which seniors were defrauded of over $57,000 combined by being promised large cash prizes if they paid upfront fees and taxes. Arja Donaldson (50) and Latoya Hayden (37) were charged with fraud and possession of property obtained by crime, while an arrest warrant was issued for Andrew Baker (31) for possession of property obtained by crime. Peel Regional Police advise residents to avoid sending money or personal information to unknown parties and direct anyone with information to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
hoodline.com
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.
e.vnexpress.net
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-
voanews.com
Scammers created a fake Russian-language transcript of a Tucker Carlson interview with Pavel Durov to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme (ProTON-Invest) promising $13,000 monthly earnings, using a copied Voice of America article page to appear legitimate. The scheme purchased Facebook advertising through hacked accounts spanning the Philippines, Mexico, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, demonstrating how fraudsters exploit well-known media outlets and public figures to deceive potential investors. Neither Durov nor Carlson was involved in the scam, and Meta stated it takes action against fraud on its platforms.
express.co.uk
Lloyds Bank is warning customers never to share one-time passcodes, passwords, or activation codes, as fraudsters are impersonating bank staff over the phone to steal account access and funds. Criminals use stolen personal details to appear legitimate and employ tactics like claiming they need codes to cancel fraudulent payments or secure accounts, though legitimate banks never request such information unsolicited. The warning comes as unauthorized fraud losses reached £358 million in the first half of 2024, with cases rising 19% year-on-year to over 1.5 million incidents.
deccanchronicle.com
Two individuals, Thokala Sridhar and Akramuddin, were arrested in Jangaon district for operating a fraudulent investment scheme through the Costa app, which deceived approximately 2,000 victims with false profit promises and recruitment incentives (pressure cookers, motorbikes, and cars). Investors lost an estimated Rs 15 crore after the app disabled withdrawals, with some individuals investing up to Rs 1 lakh each, and a third conspirator from Australia was implicated in orchestrating the scheme.
allafrica.com
A 53-year-old French woman was defrauded of €830,000 ($850,000) by Nigerian scammers who used AI-generated images of actor Brad Pitt to pose as him on Instagram, claiming he needed money for a kidney transplant due to a frozen account. The three men in their 20s, operating from Nigeria, were identified by a scam investigator who gained access to their phone through a booby-trapped link, illustrating how fraudsters are adopting new technologies like AI to conduct increasingly elaborate romance and financial scams.
thefinanser.com
This educational article examines the growing scope of global fraud and scams, which cost an estimated $6 trillion annually worldwide—with businesses losing 5% of revenues and UK consumers losing £1.17 billion in 2023 alone. The piece highlights how technology and AI-generated deepfakes are enabling criminals to become more sophisticated, exemplified by a French woman who lost €775,000 (her entire divorce settlement) to a romance scam impersonating Brad Pitt using fake hospital photos and emotional manipulation. The article underscores the central challenge of digital identity: despite multiple security layers, criminals continue to exploit victims through convincing deception, with experts acknowledging they can
mynorthwest.com
Lynnwood Police arrested a 41-year-old man in California in December for allegedly stealing over $600,000 from retired victims through an impersonation scam involving fake calls from a 1-800 number posing as a U.S. Treasury Agent demanding payment. The suspect was extradited to Washington and charged with first-degree theft and first-degree criminal impersonation. Police emphasized that legitimate federal agencies never call demanding money and urged the public to hang up on such calls and report them immediately.
walkermn.com
Scams targeting Americans 60 and older resulted in over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, with imposter fraud rising significantly. The article provides seven protective strategies for older adults, including: ignoring unsolicited offers, avoiding suspicious links, being wary of pressure tactics, verifying remote access requests, withholding sensitive information, refusing to send money to unknown individuals, and designating a trusted contact at financial institutions.
legit.ng
Nigerian national Okezie Bonaventure Ogbata, 36, pleaded guilty to operating a transnational inheritance fraud scheme that defrauded over 400 vulnerable Americans of more than $6 million between 2020-2024. The scheme involved sending fraudulent letters falsely claiming to originate from a Spanish bank and notifying victims of nonexistent inheritances, then coercing them to pay fabricated fees for taxes and delivery charges. Ogbata faces up to 20 years in prison at his sentencing scheduled for April 14, 2025, following successful international law enforcement collaboration involving U.S. and European authorities.
fox13seattle.com
A 74-year-old Washington woman lost $624,711 in life savings to a scammer who impersonated a federal agent after a fraudulent pop-up alert on her computer convinced her account had been hacked. The victim liquidated her stocks and IRA contributions, initially intended to be wired via Bitcoin, but when that failed, she purchased gold bars and handed them to 42-year-old Zhichao Huang in a Lynnwood parking lot. Huang was extradited from Los Angeles and police believe this scam is part of a larger operation targeting seniors using similar tactics.
express.co.uk
Scam calls impersonating HMRC have increased by 84% since December, with fraudsters using automated messages in American-accented voices to threaten taxpayers with legal action and financial penalties ahead of the self-assessment deadline. Victims reported receiving intimidating calls claiming incorrect tax returns or demanding immediate payment, with scammers becoming aggressive when questioned. HMRC has warned the public never to share login details with unsolicited callers and provided red flags to identify fraudulent communications, noting that HMRC will never threaten legal action or arrest via voicemail.
wthr.com
Jennifer Bleeke's Facebook account was compromised by a scammer who posted false listings claiming her sister-in-law was selling vehicles and equipment to fund cancer treatment, resulting in at least two of Bleeke's friends losing money ($500 and $400 respectively) before the fraudulent posts were removed weeks later. The article advises protecting accounts by using unique passwords, verifying suspicious posts through direct contact with friends, and contacting the person directly before sending money.
premiumtimesng.com
A 53-year-old French woman was defrauded of €830,000 ($850,000) by Nigerian scammers who used AI-generated images of Brad Pitt, posing as the actor and claiming he needed money for a kidney transplant due to frozen accounts from his divorce. The three perpetrators in their 20s were identified through a scam investigator who gained access to their phone, and the victim's legal team is seeking intervention from Nigeria's EFCC to prosecute them. This case exemplifies how Nigerian internet fraudsters are adopting AI technology to conduct romance and impersonation scams on a larger scale.
kclr96fm.com
Online banking scams and fraud have increased over the past year, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated tactics. The Bank of Ireland's Head of Fraud recommends that consumers remain vigilant about their online banking activity and take precautions to protect themselves from these evolving threats.
justice.gov
Fei Liang and Ziguang Li were sentenced to seven years and three months in prison for laundering over $6 million in proceeds from a nationwide "tech support" elder fraud scheme. The conspirators opened fictitious business bank accounts used to receive victim wire transfers after scammers falsely convinced elderly targets that they had criminal or technical account issues requiring immediate payment. Law enforcement recovered evidence from Li's residence including lists of fictitious businesses, victims' personal information, and bank account details for at least 25 entities involved in the money laundering operation.
lakeexpo.com
Russell Jason "Rusty" Rahm, a Lake of the Ozarks powerboater, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison in January 2025 for his role as a scheme leader in what federal prosecutors call the largest elder fraud incident in U.S. history. The 20-year magazine subscription fraud targeted 183,000 elderly victims who lost an estimated $335 million, with Rahm ordered to pay over $103 million in restitution. Rahm was one of 61 conspirators and must report to prison by March 11, 2025, despite his legal team's arguments that he suffers
justice.gov
KBWB Operations LLC (doing business as Atrium Health and Senior Living) and its former CEO Kevin Breslin pleaded guilty to health care fraud and tax conspiracy for operating 23 skilled nursing facilities in Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Michigan from 2015-2018. The defendants unlawfully diverted Medicare and Medicaid funds intended for resident care to personal expenses and owner distributions, failed to pay vendors and employee insurance premiums, and directed withheld employee taxes not to be paid to the IRS. Breslin faces up to 10 years in prison for health care fraud and five years for tax conspiracy, with both defendants subject to restitution and sentencing scheduled for May 7
justice.gov
Duane Dixon, Jr., a 35-year-old Maryland man, was convicted of wire fraud conspiracy and three counts of wire fraud for his role in a real estate impersonation scheme targeting a Virginia realtor. The fraud involved a co-conspirator impersonating a property owner to fraudulently list a Hampshire County, West Virginia parcel for sale, with Dixon providing his bank account to receive the sale proceeds; Dixon lied to an undercover FBI agent about his involvement in the scheme. Dixon faces up to 20 years in federal prison per count.
witnessngr.com
Sterling Bank Limited and its holding company were investigated by Nigeria's Police Force following a petition by Maiden Systems Ltd, which alleged mismanagement, fraudulent debits, and misappropriation of funds from accounts held at the bank. Police investigators found the bank could not provide evidence to counter allegations including fraudulent debits totaling approximately US$28.3 million for unexplained loan repayments, failure to provide account statements, and misappropriation of funds between 2016-2020. The investigation concluded Sterling Bank was "found wanting" on the charges, with the police unable to obtain satisfactory explanations for the disputed transactions.
agrinews-pubs.com
Artificial intelligence is increasingly enhancing and creating new scams in 2025, enabling fraudsters to generate fake profiles, emails, images, audio, and videos to perpetrate investment schemes, romance scams, and impersonation fraud. The FBI recommends protecting oneself by establishing secret verification phrases with family members, hanging up on suspicious calls, avoiding sending money or gift cards to unknown persons, and learning to recognize AI-generated content through online research. Awareness and vigilance are essential defenses against these evolving threats.
forbes.com
Alex Beckman, founder and former CEO of AI startup On (formerly GameOn Technology), and his wife Valerie Lau Beckman were charged with wire fraud, securities fraud, and conspiracy after allegedly misappropriating over $4 million in investor funds to purchase a home, pay for private schools, buy luxury cars, and fund a wedding, while falsifying company financials that showed annual revenue materially less than $500,000 despite raising $125 million from venture capitalists and celebrity investors including Joe Montana and André Iguodala. The fraud was discovered in July 2024 when the board found a company account that should have contained $11 million held only $0
states.aarp.org
Imposter scams using AI and deepfake technology are among the most prevalent forms of fraud in 2024, with Floridians reporting approximately 35,000 complaints to the FTC between January and September. Scammers impersonate government officials, celebrities, and tech support representatives to steal money and personal information through spoofed calls, texts, emails, and convincing video calls. The article provides red flags to recognize these scams—such as demands for cryptocurrency payments, unsolicited security alerts, and threats of arrest—and advises victims to report incidents to law enforcement or the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline.