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in Financial Crime
newjersey.news12.com
· 2025-12-08
Victor Anthony Valdez, a 39-year-old from the Bronx, was charged with wire fraud for acting as a courier in a "grandparent scam" operation based in the Dominican Republic that targeted elderly Americans between 2020 and 2021. Scammers called elderly victims impersonating grandchildren requesting emergency cash for bail or expenses, and Valdez collected tens of thousands of dollars from victims in New Jersey and New York. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Casey Alexander, a 27-year-old from London, was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to pay $202,195.58 in restitution for his role in a wine and whiskey investment scam targeting elderly Americans. The scheme used cold-calling and deceptive tactics to convince older investors to wire funds for supposed fine wine and whiskey portfolios held in European warehouses, with victims then pressured to make additional investments. The FBI investigation identified over 150 U.S. victims who collectively lost more than $13 million in the fraud.
mcall.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud costs Americans over $37 billion annually, with common schemes including contractor fraud, sweepstakes scams, and romance/grandparent impersonation cons. Deputy prosecutor Paul Greenwood, who handled more than 750 elder abuse felony cases in San Diego, highlighted that criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated—using AI-assisted text conversations and spoofed caller IDs—while noting that jobless adult children and unvetted caregivers represent the most typical perpetrators. Greenwood recommended 20 protective measures including using bonded caregivers, freezing credit, checking credit reports regularly, and letting unknown calls go to voicemail, while cautioning against romance sc
otdowntown.com
· 2025-12-08
Nelson Counne stole $1.8 million from at least five women using romance scam tactics between 2012 and his 2024 conviction, posing as a wealthy art dealer named "Nelson Roth" or "Justin Roth" and promising investment opportunities and financial support that never materialized. After pleading guilty to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, he was sentenced to up to eight years in prison, with prosecutors noting he used the stolen money to repay victims who detected fraud while recruiting new victims. The scammer had no actual wealth, properties, or passport—only an "expertly craf
ghanaweb.com
· 2025-12-08
Hajia4Reall's ex-partner, Luvman Allison, allegedly used her bank accounts to receive and transfer fraudulent funds while on probation, misleading her into believing they were in a genuine relationship. Hajia4Reall stated in court documents that she continued facilitating these transactions out of fear for her safety and her daughter's wellbeing, despite knowing the activities were wrong. The case involves allegations of romance scams, though Allison's supporters claim his legal troubles were related to drug offenses rather than fraud.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A businessman from Cherthala, Kerala, lost Rs 7.55 crores over two months in an online investment scam where fraudsters impersonating Invesco Capital and Goldman Sachs representatives promised high returns on share trading and then froze his account, demanding additional funds to unfreeze it. Police are investigating the case and have warned the public to verify investment firm credentials, be skeptical of unusually high returns, use only regulated platforms, and report suspected scams immediately to authorities.
timesheraldonline.com
· 2025-12-08
State Senator Bill Dodd advanced Senate Bill 278 in California to strengthen protections against elder financial abuse by clarifying banks' and financial institutions' legal duties to detect and prevent fraud. The legislation would allow victims of financial elder abuse to hold institutions accountable when they negligently assisted in fraudulent transfers despite warning signs, thereby supporting victims in meeting their legal burden of proof. The bill, supported by elder rights advocates and consumer attorneys, addresses California's rising financial elder abuse cases affecting seniors across all socioeconomic backgrounds.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
On June 14, 2024, President Biden declared June 15th World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, prompting FinCEN to remind financial institutions to identify and report elder financial exploitation (EFE). Between June 2022 and June 2023, approximately $27 billion in EFE-related suspicious activity was reported through Bank Secrecy Act filings, with the FBI's 2023 data showing that individuals aged 60 and over reported over $3.4 billion in fraud losses (averaging $34,000 per victim), with tech support scams being the most commonly reported type and investment scams causing the greatest financial harm. Financial institutions are expecte
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Victor Anthony Valdez, a 39-year-old from the Bronx, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy for acting as a courier in a transnational "grandparent scam" operated from call centers in the Dominican Republic between August 2020 and August 2021. The scheme involved scammers posing as grandchildren, attorneys, or court personnel to convince elderly American victims that their relatives had been arrested and needed bail money, with Valdez collecting tens of thousands of dollars from victims' homes in New York and New Jersey. If convicted, Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
ivpressonline.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office and San Diego FBI have recovered over $3.3 million in a coordinated anti-fraud operation targeting seniors, obtaining more than 40 seizure warrants for $5.6 million since January 2024. The data-driven initiative aims to interrupt fraudulent transactions and return stolen funds to elderly victims before money is transferred out of reach. California leads the nation in both number of elder fraud victims (over 55,000) and total losses ($2.1 billion), with cryptocurrency investment scams and tech support/government impersonation schemes causing the highest losses.
nj.com
· 2025-12-08
Victor Anthony Valdez, a 39-year-old from the Bronx, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy for his role in an international "grandparent scam" that operated from Dominican Republic call centers and targeted elderly residents in New Jersey and New York between August 2020 and August 2021. Scammers impersonated grandchildren, their attorneys, or court officials to convince victims that their grandchildren needed bail money and legal fees, with Valdez serving as a courier to collect tens of thousands of dollars from the victims. The case highlights the ongoing threat of grandparent scams targeting elderly Americans, with the public encouraged to report suspected elder fraud to the FTC.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Six fraudsters were arrested in Florida for stealing nearly $250,000 from seniors through "grandparent scams," where they impersonated lawyers claiming grandchildren needed bail money after hitting a pregnant woman with a vehicle. The suspects used emotional manipulation and escalating demands—sometimes contacting victims multiple times with new fee claims—to pressure seniors into sending cash via ride-share couriers, with individual losses ranging from $8,000 to over $54,000. All six suspects face multiple first-degree felony charges including organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, and criminal use of personal identification.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Six individuals were arrested in Florida for operating a "grandparent scam" that defrauded seniors of nearly $250,000. The suspects impersonated lawyers and contacted elderly victims claiming their grandchildren needed bail money for hitting a pregnant woman, then pressured them to send cash via couriers; in some cases, the same victims were contacted multiple times with escalating demands, with individual losses ranging from $8,000 to $54,000. All six suspects face multiple first-degree felonies including organized fraud, grand theft, and criminal identity theft.
radio.wpsu.org
· 2025-12-08
Officials in Centre County hosted a "Scam Jam" event featuring fraud awareness education, as prosecutors report increased losses among seniors due to AI and new technology-enabled scams. A deputy district attorney highlighted a case where an elderly woman lost $20,000 to an AI voice scam impersonating her grandson, while recommending protective measures such as family passwords and direct verification of urgent requests. The educational initiative provides seniors with practical advice on avoiding common scams like card skimmers and AI-based fraud schemes.
floridadaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Six individuals were arrested in Florida for operating a grandparent scam that defrauded senior citizens of nearly $250,000 across multiple counties. The defendants posed as lawyers or legal representatives claiming victims' grandchildren were arrested and needed bail money, then used couriers (unknowing ride-share drivers) to collect cash from the victims. In some cases, the scammers contacted the same victim multiple times with escalating stories—such as a pregnant woman miscarrying or dying—to extract additional payments, with individual victims losing between $8,000 and $54,000.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Victor Anthony Valdez, a 39-year-old from the Bronx, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy for acting as a courier in a Dominican Republic-based "grandparent scam" that targeted elderly Americans between August 2020 and August 2021. Scammers from call centers in the Dominican Republic impersonated victims' grandchildren or legal representatives, claiming the grandchildren had been arrested and needed bail money, then sent Valdez and other couriers to collect tens of thousands of dollars from victims' homes in New York and New Jersey. Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Two women—Rosanna Lisa Stanley (48, Florida) and Gina Guy (37, New York)—were arrested and charged with defrauding at least 16 elderly victims of over $7 million through romance scams spanning from 2009 to 2024. The defendants gained victims' trust through in-person meetings and online dating platforms, then convinced them to transfer money under false pretenses (fake businesses, organ transplants), which they laundered through shell company accounts and spent on luxury items including vehicles, jewelry, and a boat. Both face charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, each
manhattanda.org
· 2025-12-08
Nelson Counne, 71, was sentenced to 4-to-8 years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing more than $1.8 million from at least five women through romance and investment scams between 2012 and 2021. Using fake identities and posing as a wealthy retired art dealer, Counne met victims through online dating apps, gained their trust, and persuaded them to invest in fraudulent opportunities (including purported Alibaba and tech startup deals), then used their money to appear wealthy to new victims and repay those who grew suspicious. The Manhattan District Attorney emphasizes that romance scams remain a persistent threat and urges potential victims to report such crimes.
malaya.com.ph
· 2025-12-08
Online romance scams are surging in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia, with perpetrators using dating apps to quickly build emotional connections, move victims to private channels, and solicit money or personal information for potential blackmail. The Facebook awareness group Online Alerto educates users on red flags—including rapid declarations of love, financial requests, inconsistent information, and reluctance to meet in person—and recommends protective measures such as reverse image searching and cautious information sharing. These scams affect both direct victims and individuals coerced into participating in fraudulent schemes.
innercitypress.com
· 2025-12-08
Gina Guy was charged with wire fraud and money laundering in connection with romance scams targeting elderly victims in the Southern District of New York. She was released on June 25 on her own signature with a $250,000 bond, pending the addition of a financially-responsible co-signer within one week.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Adedayo John, a 35-year-old from Texas, was sentenced to seven years in prison for leading a money laundering and bank fraud ring that stole over $19 million from more than 50 victims through business email compromise and romance fraud schemes targeting elderly individuals. John directed conspirators to open fraudulent bank accounts, approximately $4.5 million in proceeds passed through accounts he controlled, and he was ordered to forfeit over $4.5 million and pay nearly $1.6 million in restitution. In total, 11 defendants pleaded guilty in the scheme, which collectively resulted in over $25 million in forfeitures and $8
staysafeonline.org
· 2025-12-08
The FBI reported nearly 10,000 Americans fell victim to real estate scams in 2023, losing over $145 million, with one in four home buyers and sellers targeted by fraudulent activities. The article outlines five common real estate scams including wire transfer fraud (where criminals intercept payment instructions), predatory lending targeting vulnerable populations like seniors, and mortgage/foreclosure relief scams that demand upfront fees without delivering services. Protection strategies emphasize verifying payment instructions through secure channels, consulting trusted financial advisors, avoiding pressure tactics, and educating all parties involved in real estate transactions about fraud risks.
startribune.com
· 2025-12-08
An individual was scammed by fraudsters impersonating an Xfinity customer service representative who collected payment information over the phone for a supposedly late bill; the scammer's fraudulent payments appeared to post initially but the account was eventually shut down, requiring multiple lengthy calls with actual Xfinity representatives to resolve. According to an FTC report, scammers impersonating major companies like Best Buy, Geek Squad, Amazon, PayPal, Apple, and Comcast/Xfinity defrauded U.S. consumers of over $200 million, using increasingly sophisticated tactics across email, text, and online channels that mimic legitimate company communications to pressure victims into quick action.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-powered scams targeting travelers have surged, with fraudsters using generative AI to create convincing fake travel websites and listings that steal credit card information or install malware on devices. According to a McAfee report, 30 percent of adults have fallen victim to or know someone who has fallen victim to online travel scams. Experts recommend paying only through official websites, avoiding suspiciously low prices, researching unfamiliar sites, and being wary of generic reviews and missing contact information to protect against these increasingly sophisticated threats.
reason.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS estimates that between 60% and 70% of Employee Retention Credit claims submitted during the COVID-19 pandemic show unacceptable fraud risk, with only 10-20% of claims deemed low-risk. As of May 2024, the agency had initiated 450 criminal cases involving potentially fraudulent claims worth nearly $7 billion and recovered over $2 billion through its Voluntary Disclosure Program. Pandemic stimulus fraud extends beyond this program, with the GAO estimating $100-135 billion lost to unemployment insurance fraud and the SBA Inspector General finding over $200 billion stolen from disaster loan and small business programs.
consumerfinancemonitor.com
· 2025-12-08
On June 14, 2024, President Biden declared June 15th World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, prompting FinCEN to remind financial institutions to vigilantly identify and report elder financial exploitation. FinCEN's analysis of 155,415 suspicious activity reports revealed approximately $27 billion in EFE-related suspicious activity between June 2022 and June 2023, while the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report documented over $3.4 billion in losses affecting more than 101,000 victims aged 60 and over, with tech support scams being most prevalent and investment scams causing the greatest financial harm. FinCEN and the
audacy.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, elder fraud complaints increased 14% with total losses exceeding $3.4 billion, averaging $33,915 per victim, with tech support and investment scams identified as major threats causing over $1.2 billion in losses. Authorities recommend verifying identities during emergencies and using trusted contacts for financial accounts, while suspected victims should report incidents to the FBI or submit complaints online.
publicnewsservice.org
· 2025-12-08
Adults over 64 are increasingly targeted by scams on social media, with common schemes involving investments, romance, and home improvement fraud; red flags include pressure to act urgently, requests for unusual payment methods (Zelle, Venmo, debit cards), and unrealistic offers. According to the Department of Justice, elder financial abuse costs older Americans at least $36.5 billion annually, with seniors experiencing cognitive decline, social isolation, and low financial literacy being most vulnerable. The BBB recommends victims contact local police and their financial institution immediately and report scams through BBB.org/ScamTracker.
pennwatch.org
· 2025-12-08
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities is hosting educational presentations throughout July 2024 for seniors, employees, and the general public on financial fraud prevention and investor protection. Topics include avoiding identity theft, selecting investment professionals, preventing elder financial fraud, recognizing common scams, and cybersecurity best practices, with sessions held at libraries, government offices, and community organizations across Pennsylvania.
cbs12.com
· 2025-12-08
Six fraudsters were accused of stealing nearly $250,000 from Florida seniors across multiple counties through grandparent scams, where they impersonated lawyers claiming victims' grandchildren had been arrested and needed bail money. The defendants directed victims to withdraw cash and place it in boxes for pickup by ride-share drivers (unknowingly recruited couriers), with some victims being contacted repeatedly and pressured to send additional funds based on escalating false charges, resulting in individual losses exceeding $50,000. All six defendants faced multiple first-degree felonies including organized fraud and grand theft.
yourdailyjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Insurance reports a spike in insurance fraud cases affecting all consumers through increased premiums, with particular targeting of seniors through door-to-door fake insurance sales, deceptive annuity/investment schemes, prescription fraud, and staged accident claims. The department received over 10,000 Medicare fraud complaints in 2023 involving unauthorized billing for medical supplies and duplicate charges, and provides 14 protective tips including verifying agent credentials, obtaining written estimates, protecting personal information, and reviewing explanation of benefits statements.
tampafp.com
· 2025-12-08
Six individuals were arrested by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody's office for operating a grandparent scam that defrauded Florida seniors of nearly $250,000 across multiple counties. The perpetrators impersonated lawyers and claimed grandchildren had been arrested, demanding bail money in cash from victims—in one case, a Palm Bay victim lost over $54,000 after being told of escalating legal fees and medical expenses. The coordinated arrest involved law enforcement agencies from Miami-Dade, Brevard, Lee, Broward, and Orange counties, with the defendants facing multiple felonies including organized scheme to defraud and grand theft.
newportdispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
The Milford Police Department reported a surge in scam complaints involving multiple fraud tactics, including impersonation of law enforcement demanding payment for arrest warrants or court fines, online romance scams, remote computer access schemes, and fake family bail requests—with scammers typically requesting payment via cryptocurrency ATMs, gift cards, or prepaid cards. Police emphasized that legitimate agencies never request money online or by phone and urged residents to contact authorities before sending any funds.
wvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A U.S. Navy veteran from Charles Town lost nearly $2 million to Sam Bunner, a caretaker who befriended him at the American Legion, obtained power of attorney, and systematically emptied his bank and investment accounts while selling his real estate; Bunner was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. The article highlights that West Virginia seniors face significant risks from both caretakers and strangers perpetrating scams including tech support schemes, romance scams, government impersonation, and family member theft, with artificial intelligence making these schemes increasingly difficult to detect. Protective measures include resisting pressure to act quickly, avoiding sending money to online contacts, limiting power of attorney authority,
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
In June 2024, the U.S. Attorney's Office and San Diego FBI recovered over $3.3 million in a coordinated operation targeting fraud schemes against seniors, obtaining more than 40 seizure warrants for $5.6 million since January 2024. The effort highlights California's disproportionate cyber fraud problem, with the state leading the nation in both victim count (over 77,000 in 2023) and losses ($2.1 billion), and emphasizes the need for early reporting of suspected fraud to interrupt transactions before funds are transferred. Common schemes targeting elderly victims include cryptocurrency investment scams (highest losses) and tech support/government impersonation scams
jamaicaobserver.com
· 2025-12-08
Online fraudsters in Bermuda stole an estimated US$1.5 million from senior citizens over an 18-month period, with the Financial Crime Unit investigating 18 cases including one instance where a single elder lost US$250,000. The Bermuda Police Service characterized these schemes as elder abuse, noting that fraudsters exploit seniors' vulnerabilities to obtain personal and banking information, and sometimes involve family members coercing elders into unauthorized transactions. Police have made five arrests and secured two convictions, and are urging the public to help protect seniors by verifying the legitimacy of organizations before sharing personal information.
globalnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
A Toronto man lost his life savings of $1.28 million to an alleged syndicated mortgage fraud scheme operated by Arash Missaghi and Samira Yousefi, who convinced him and his wife to invest equity from their home in supposedly secured private mortgages. Devastated by the financial loss and unable to obtain help from authorities, the man fatally shot both perpetrators and himself in a North York office building in 2024, leaving behind a note blaming them for destroying his family.
timesleaderonline.com
· 2025-12-08
A U.S. Navy veteran in West Virginia lost nearly $2 million when his caretaker, Sam Bunner, obtained power of attorney and emptied his bank and investment accounts; Bunner was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Senior citizens in West Virginia are frequently targeted by both strangers (tech support scams, romance scams, government impersonation) and trusted individuals (family members, caregivers) who exploit their longevity, savings, and trusting nature. To protect against such fraud, individuals should resist pressure to act quickly, avoid sending money to online contacts, carefully consider power of attorney arrangements, and secure valuables and financial documents from in-home caregi
weirtondailytimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A U.S. Navy veteran in West Virginia lost nearly $2 million when Sam Bunner, a caretaker who befriended him at a local American Legion, obtained power of attorney and emptied his bank and investment accounts and sold his real estate. The article outlines common elder fraud threats in West Virginia—including caretaker theft, romance and tech support scams from strangers, and family member exploitation—and provides protective measures such as resisting pressure to act quickly, avoiding unsolicited online money transfers, and securing valuables and documents when in-home care is needed.
southfloridareporter.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece examines why older adults are vulnerable to financial fraud and exploitation. In 2021, over 90,000 seniors fell victim to fraud totaling $1.7 billion in losses (a 74% increase from 2020), with perpetrators often being family members, caregivers, or friends rather than strangers. Research shows that age-related cognitive decline, emotional factors (like loneliness and isolation), lower digital literacy, and reduced ability to detect deception through body signals all contribute to heightened susceptibility, with some evidence suggesting financial exploitability may be an early marker of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer's.
theintelligencer.net
· 2025-12-08
A U.S. Navy veteran from West Virginia lost nearly $2 million when his caretaker, Sam Bunner, used a power of attorney to drain his bank and investment accounts and sell his real estate; Bunner was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. The article highlights that seniors in West Virginia face significant vulnerability to both caregiver fraud and stranger scams (tech support, romance, and government impersonation schemes), with recent AI advances making these scams harder to detect. The U.S. Attorney's Office recommends resisting urgency, avoiding unsolicited money transfers, securing valuables, and carefully limiting power of attorney authority to protect vulnerable adults.
ask.un.org
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters frequently impersonate United Nations employees or representatives to solicit money and personal information from victims through social media, email, phone calls, and other channels. Common schemes include falsely claiming the victim has won a UN award or scholarship, or posing as a UN worker requesting financial assistance. The UN advises people to be cautious when contacted by unknown individuals requesting personal data or funds, and to verify claims through official UN channels.
wvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A U.S. Navy veteran from West Virginia lost nearly $2 million when Sam Bunner, a caretaker who befriended him at a local American Legion, obtained power of attorney and systematically emptied his bank and investment accounts and sold his real estate, exploiting the victim's declining cognitive abilities; Bunner was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. The article notes that West Virginia seniors are particularly vulnerable to both caretaker/family fraud and stranger scams (including tech support, romance, investment, and government impersonation schemes), and recommends protective measures such as resisting urgency, avoiding online money transfers, carefully granting power of attorney, using trusts with restrictions
klin.com
· 2025-12-08
Lancaster County, Nebraska residents are experiencing an increase in government imposter scams where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or court officials, claiming there is an arrest warrant and demanding immediate payment via bitcoin, gift cards, or cash. Scammers may provide fake credentials and personal information to appear legitimate, while some claim residents owe penalties for missing jury duty. The Nebraska Attorney General's Office and Lancaster County Sheriff advise residents never to share financial or personal information with unsolicited callers, disregard caller ID verification, or click links in unexpected messages, and to report suspected scams to the Sheriff's Office at 402-441-6500.
pasadenanow.com
· 2025-12-08
An 81-year-old Alhambra woman lost her entire $720,000 life savings to a cryptocurrency scam after being befriended online and convinced to make wire transfers over three weeks, with her bank failing to intervene despite red flags. Senate Bill 278, authored by Senator Bill Dodd, would require California financial institutions to delay transactions over $5,000 for at least three days if elder fraud is suspected, train employees to identify warning signs, and notify designated emergency contacts or joint account holders of suspicious activity. The bill, which addresses the $23 billion in annual elder financial abuse losses, passed the Senate with support from major senior advocacy groups including AARP, though banking
azbigmedia.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC reported $10 billion in fraud losses in 2023, with AARP estimates suggesting adults over 60 lose more than $28 billion annually to fraud. Older adults are targeted for their access to substantial savings, available time, and sometimes limited online safety knowledge, with common scams including gift card/refund schemes, romance scams, and cryptocurrency investment frauds. Protective measures include verifying communications, guarding personal information, remaining skeptical of unsolicited money requests, and maintaining open communication with trusted networks and caretakers.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old Seattle college professor was defrauded of over $400,000 after scammers impersonating an FTC official convinced her that her accounts had been hacked and she needed to liquidate her assets into gold bars and cash to avoid arrest. The scam, which represents a growing trend of criminals requesting payment in precious metals or cash, resulted in collective losses exceeding $55 million from May to December 2023, according to FBI reports, with fraudsters increasingly using real government employees' names to establish credibility.
uspis.gov
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational awareness piece from the Postal Inspection Service highlighting common mail-related scams and fraud prevention tips. Key advice includes: never sending money to claim lottery prizes, recognizing suspicious mail indicators (excessive postage, unknown senders), protecting children's online communications, signing credit cards immediately upon receipt, and recognizing that social isolation increases vulnerability to scams among older Americans. The piece encourages reporting mail-related crimes to postal inspectors.
1011now.com
· 2025-12-08
The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office and Nebraska Attorney General's Office reported an increase in government imposter scams in the county, where scammers impersonate local law enforcement or court officials and threaten arrest or jail time unless victims pay immediately, sometimes using fake employee IDs or badge numbers to appear credible. The sheriff's office received 20 calls in one week alone of scams impersonating Captain Jon Vik. Both agencies advise residents to hang up on unsolicited government contacts, never send money through wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps, and instead call government agencies directly at known numbers to verify claims.
m.economictimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A man in Noida, India filed a police report after losing approximately Rs 20,54,464 (roughly $25,000 USD) in a work-from-home scam involving fake hotel rating tasks on Google Maps. After initially investing Rs 50,000, he was asked to pay additional fees to withdraw funds and was subsequently subjected to death threats via Telegram and phone calls when he attempted to recover his money. An FIR was registered against unidentified persons under Indian Penal Code sections for cheating and criminal intimidation, as well as provisions of the Information Technology Act.