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lokmattimes.com
A 39-year-old woman in Mumbai lost Rs 44 lakh (approximately $5,280 USD) in an online share trading scam after responding to a Facebook advertisement and being directed through multiple WhatsApp groups by scammers posing as investment facilitators. The fraudsters used a fake trading app called Jambin and promised guaranteed 100% profits, eventually demanding an additional 30% deposit before allowing any withdrawals. The woman filed a First Information Report with the Central Cyber Police Station after discovering the scam when she attempted to withdraw funds in June 2024.
ca.news.yahoo.com
Vancouver police are investigating 26 cases of scams targeting the Chinese Canadian community that have netted scammers nearly $6 million since the start of the year, with authorities believing more victims have yet to come forward. Three primary scam types are being used: spoofed calls impersonating Chinese police demanding money transfers to Hong Kong, "blessing scams" exploiting spiritual beliefs to extort cash and jewelry from victims (especially elderly), and fake job postings that pivot to romance or investment scams once victims engage. Vulnerable populations including seniors and newcomers are particularly susceptible due to cultural and language barriers, and police are urging community members to report incidents and warn family and friends.
cbc.ca
Since January 2024, scammers have defrauded Vancouver's Chinese Canadian community of nearly $6 million through three primary schemes: impersonating Chinese police officers to redirect victims to Hong Kong banks, exploiting spiritual beliefs to extort cash and jewelry from elderly victims, and recruiting victims via fake job postings before switching to romance or investment scams. The Vancouver Police Department is investigating 26 cases and expects more victims to come forward, with community leaders noting that seniors and newcomers face heightened vulnerability due to language and cultural barriers.
vancouver.citynews.ca
Since the beginning of 2024, Vancouver police have opened 26 files related to three separate scams targeting the local Chinese community, with victims losing a total of $6 million. The scams involve: strangers exploiting spiritual beliefs to extort cash and jewelry; fraudsters impersonating Chinese police officers via spoofed phone calls and directing victims to send money to Hong Kong; and fake job postings in traditional Chinese that pivot to romance or investment schemes. Police suspect many more victims have not yet come forward and are urging community members to report incidents and warn vulnerable friends and family members.
bbc.co.uk
A Nationwide building society branch in Codsall, Staffordshire reopened after rebranding to continue offering face-to-face banking services to the community. The branch staff reported an increase in romance scams, fake HMRC emails, and investment fraud in the area and are working to educate customers about these threats. The reopened branch also serves as a community hub, supporting the local food bank and providing essential in-person banking access for residents.
caixinglobal.com
A livestream shopping scam targeting elderly Chinese citizens has defrauded victims of substantial sums by selling counterfeit antiques and collectibles with false promises of high returns and buyback guarantees. Kou Shoule, a senior in Shandong province, lost nearly 300,000 yuan ($42,000) since March on fake antique livestreams, and despite his daughter's intervention efforts, he refused to cooperate with authorities to recover losses, damaging their family relationship. The scam operates on platforms like Kuaishou using dramatic narratives and manipulative language to exploit older users, with scammers continuously creating new accounts to evade detection while platforms face criticism for
boothbayregister.com
Criminal scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to impersonate celebrities online, creating realistic videos and fake social media profiles to defraud fans through fraudulent investment opportunities, product endorsements, and ticket sales. Consumers should be skeptical of any personal connection or financial opportunity presented by celebrities on social media, as these are likely scams. AARP recommends reporting suspected scams to the Fraud Watch Network at 877-908-3360 or visiting aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
vancouversun.com
Vancouver police are investigating 26 reports of three distinct scams targeting the Chinese Canadian community, resulting in nearly $6 million in losses since January. The scams include: impersonation of Chinese police officers demanding payment to Hong Kong to resolve fake legal troubles, "blessing scams" preying on elderly victims' spiritual beliefs through threats of misfortune unless they surrender cash or jewelry, and fake job postings in traditional Chinese that escalate into romance or investment schemes. Police urge community members to warn vulnerable friends and family and report suspected scam contact to Vancouver police.
vpd.ca
Vancouver Police warned the Chinese community about three scams that defrauded victims of nearly $6 million since January of that year, with 26 reported cases under investigation. The scams included impersonation of Chinese police officers demanding payment to Hong Kong banks, "blessing scams" targeting elderly victims through spiritual manipulation to extract cash and jewelry, and fake job postings in traditional Chinese that escalate into romance or investment schemes. Police urged community members to alert vulnerable family and friends and report suspected fraud to the VPD non-emergency line.
aol.com
This educational article identifies 11 common Instagram scams in 2024, with a focus on fake brand accounts and fake follower schemes. The FTC reported that $2.7 billion was lost to social media scams between 2021 and mid-2023, with online shopping scams comprising 44% of fraud reports; scammers use imposter accounts for luxury brands like Gucci and Nike to sell counterfeit goods or steal funds. The article advises users to verify accounts are officially verified, check URLs carefully, and avoid purchasing from sellers offering unrealistic discounts or unusual payment methods, while also warning against buying fake followers or likes as it violates Instagram's terms and harms
ecns.cn
Over 2,000 people were prosecuted for investment scams targeting elderly citizens, with 1,932 prosecuted last year and 343 in the first half of the current year. Perpetrators used elderly care services, tourism, and financial products as fronts, luring seniors into high-risk investments (blockchain, equity investments, Belt and Road Initiative projects) by promising high returns while pressuring them to use personal property as collateral—often resulting in loss of homes and significant debt when investments failed. A notable case involved a criminal who defrauded over 2,100 elderly investors of more than 93 million yuan ($19 million) through false promises of elderly care services an
chinadaily.com.cn
Over 2,000 individuals were prosecuted for illegal fundraising scams targeting elderly people, with 1,932 prosecuted last year and 343 in the first half of the current year. Perpetrators lure seniors into fraudulent investments using schemes tied to blockchain, equity funds, and national initiatives, often requiring them to pledge personal property as collateral for promised high returns that never materialize. A notable case involved a criminal who collected over 136 million yuan ($19 million) from more than 2,100 elderly investors through fake elderly care projects, misappropriating 93 million yuan and resulting in his 15-year prison sentence.
thesnaponline.com
This Better Business Bureau alert identifies seven scams targeting college students during the back-to-school season, including phishing emails impersonating school financial departments, fake credit card offers, fraudulent rental listings, identity theft, scholarship scams, online shopping scams, and test preparation blackmail schemes. The BBB recommends students verify offers through official sources, check credit reports regularly, view apartments in person before paying, and research companies on BBB.org before providing personal information or funds. College students should remain vigilant about sharing personal data online and monitor BBB's ScamTracker for reports of current fraud schemes.
focustaiwan.tw
Prosecutors are investigating 27 suspects in connection with a NT$400 million (US$12.2 million) investment scam that deceived victims through fraudulent endorsements from celebrities and legitimate companies. The Criminal Investigation Bureau disclosed the case, which exploited fake promotional materials to lure investors.
miragenews.com
ANZ has launched a new scams awareness module within its MoneyMinded financial education program to help over 8,000 accredited coaches educate community members on identifying and preventing scams. The module covers multiple scam types including investment, romance, phishing, remote access, and employment scams through animations, coaching guides, and participant materials. ANZ's fraud prevention systems blocked over $100 million in fraudulent transactions in the 12 months to March 2024.
azpbs.org
In 2023, over 101,000 reports of elder financial abuse were filed with the FBI, with victims experiencing annual losses exceeding $36 billion. Americans over 60 are particularly vulnerable to various scams including investment fraud, tech scams, romance scams, and nonpayment schemes, with financial abuse often going undetected when perpetrated by family members or caregivers who exploit declining cognitive abilities and technological unfamiliarity. Caregivers should report suspicious financial activities to Adult Protective Services, as technology-enabled scams targeting vulnerable elders continue to increase.
itweb.co.za
Authorised payment fraud, including romance and investment scams, is increasing globally through sophisticated scam centres that generate billions in revenue annually, according to LexisNexis Risk Solutions' 2023 Cybercrime Report. Romance scams targeting lonely individuals generated £92.8 million in losses in London alone between 2022-2023, with fraudsters using money mule networks to quickly move stolen funds across multiple accounts before detection. These well-organized scam centres, often located in border regions of Southeast Asia and concealed as legitimate businesses, exploit instant payment systems and emerging technologies like generative AI to conduct fraud at scale.
sixthtone.com
A sophisticated antique fraud scheme targeting China's elderly through livestream shopping channels has cost victims hundreds of thousands of yuan by promising high returns on counterfeit collectibles like coins, stamps, and pottery. One victim in Shandong province lost nearly 300,000 yuan ($42,000) since March after being persuaded by livestream hosts who guaranteed buyback programs and claimed items could resell for millions. The scams have proliferated on platforms like Kuaishou, damaged family relationships as victims hide purchases and resist loved ones' warnings, and created legal challenges for authorities to recover funds, though victim support groups and legal experts are advocating for stronger platform regulations.
finance.yahoo.com
Financial experts identify seven prevalent money scams targeting Gen Z, including phishing schemes, fake job offers, scholarship scams, online marketplace fraud, student loan forgiveness scams, and "get rich quick" investment schemes. Gen Z faces particular vulnerability due to their digital integration and inexperience with financial matters. Experts recommend verifying legitimacy of offers, avoiding unsolicited links, researching opportunities thoroughly, consulting certified financial advisors, and using strong passwords to protect against fraud.
justice.gov
Hector Claveria, 51, of Queens, New York, pleaded guilty to international money laundering after acting as a money mule for elder fraud and computer fraud schemes in 2020. He collected cash proceeds from these schemes and wired $20,000 to a foreign bank account in June 2020, knowing the funds originated from fraudulent activities that deceived elderly victims into sending payments based on false claims of debt to government agencies or computer service companies. Claveria faces up to 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine, with sentencing scheduled for December 19, 2024.
iharare.com
A 33-year-old Zimbabwean woman, Sherlyn Sims, was convicted in Atlanta for money laundering related to romance scams and business email compromise schemes that defrauded dozens of victims of over US$1.2 million between December 2019 and August 2020. Sims created fake businesses like "Grace Trading, LLC" and opened fraudulent bank accounts where she received stolen funds, which she then quickly transferred internationally, withdrew as cash, or spent. Victims included romance scam targets who were deceived by fake online suitors into sending money—one victim alone lost nearly US$100,000 after being told her "boyfriend" needed bail money
ktul.com
The Wagoner County Sheriff's Office warns of multiple rising scams exploiting social media and artificial intelligence, including fake product listings, romance scams, and deepfake audio/video impersonations that target victims across all ages. Key threats include grandparent scams, charity fraud, peer-to-peer payment app scams, student loan forgiveness schemes, and cryptocurrency fraud, with scammers commonly requesting payment via untraceable methods like cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers. The sheriff's office recommends protecting oneself by adjusting privacy settings, verifying organizations independently, enabling multi-factor authentication, and avoiding unsolicited requests for money or personal information.
zimlive.com
Sherlyn Sims was convicted of conspiring to launder and laundering over $1.2 million in proceeds from romance fraud scams and business email compromise schemes that targeted vulnerable elderly victims between December 2019 and August 2020. Sims registered sham businesses, opened bank accounts in their names, and quickly transferred the stolen funds internationally, to China, and through cash withdrawals, while evading detection by opening new accounts when banks closed existing ones. One romance fraud victim lost nearly $100,000 after being deceived online, and another lost their home earnest money deposit to Sims's accounts.
markets.financialcontent.com
Americans lost $10 billion to scams in 2023, an increase of $1 billion from 2022, with elderly people frequently targeted due to their presumed savings. Financial professionals recommend three protective strategies: slow down and verify requests before acting, be selective about who accesses sensitive financial information and documents, and seek assistance from certified financial planners who can monitor accounts and help recover from fraud.
santander.co.uk
Research shows that over half of British adults (53%) lack awareness or understanding of deepfakes, with only 17% confident in their ability to identify one, while 54% worry about deepfakes being used for fraud and 51% fear family members could fall victim to such scams. Santander partnered with financial influencer Mr Money Jar to create demonstration deepfake videos and raise awareness about this emerging fraud tactic, emphasizing that fraudsters increasingly use AI-manipulated videos to create convincing investment scams and other deceptive schemes. Experts recommend verifying legitimacy through official channels like the Financial Conduct Authority Register and remaining skeptical of opportunities that seem too good to be true
walesonline.co.uk
Fraudsters are increasingly using AI-generated deepfake videos featuring trusted figures and financial influencers to direct victims to phishing websites and fraudulent investment schemes. Research by Santander reveals that 53% of people don't understand deepfakes and only 17% feel confident identifying them, with 54% concerned about their use in fraud. Experts advise verifying sources through official channels like the Financial Conduct Authority Register and remaining skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities or requests.
mymcmedia.org
A 23-year-old man was arrested at Chicago O'Hare International Airport in July and extradited to Maryland for his role in a gold bar scam targeting an elderly Montgomery County resident in March. The scheme involved perpetrators falsely claiming the victim was involved in identity theft and a federal drug investigation, then instructing them to convert assets into gold bars worth $779,000, which were to be picked up by couriers posing as FBI agents. Patel has been charged with felony theft of more than $100,000 and a misdemeanor, with a trial scheduled for September 23; a second suspect was also arrested.
jocoreport.com
A 70-year-old Johnston County resident lost $1,000 in gift cards after being contacted on social media by someone impersonating "General Douglas" with the United Nations Peace Corps who claimed to be interested in a romantic relationship. The scammer is part of a broader pattern of fraud schemes that falsely claim UN affiliation to obtain money or personal information through romance, employment, and confidence scams via multiple channels including social media, email, and phone calls.
wsbtv.com
Sherlyn Sims, a Zimbabwe national, was found guilty of laundering over $1.2 million obtained through romance fraud and business email compromise schemes, using fake Georgia-registered businesses to collect victim funds before transferring money internationally and to personal accounts. Multiple elderly victims were defrauded through fake online romantic relationships, with one victim sending nearly $100,000 after being deceived, and another losing money intended for a home purchase. Sims faces sentencing in November, while her co-conspirators received prison sentences ranging from five years to later sentencing dates.
justice.gov
Sherlyn Sims was convicted of money laundering and conspiracy related to romance scams and business email compromise schemes that defrauded dozens of victims of over $1.2 million between December 2019 and August 2020. Sims registered sham businesses, including Grace Trading LLC, to open bank accounts where she deposited stolen funds, then quickly transferred the money to foreign countries, withdrew cash, or spent it; victims included elderly individuals and others who lost significant sums, with one romance fraud victim depleting her life savings of nearly $100,000 after being tricked by an online scammer posing as her boyfriend. Sims was sentenced to be determined at a November 2024
news.trendmicro.com
Deepfake technology, powered by AI advances, is increasingly used in fraud schemes targeting individuals and businesses. Criminals employ deepfake videos, face-swapping, and voice cloning to impersonate celebrities, executives, and recruiters in romance scams, job recruitment fraud, and investment schemes, with deepfake content increasing 900% between 2019-2020 and an estimated 26% of small companies and 38% of large companies experiencing deepfake-related fraud in 2023. Notable cases include a Japanese manga artist losing nearly $500,000 USD to a fake video call impersonating actor Mark Ruffalo, while experts warn that by
sentinelassam.com
A victim from Silpukhuri was defrauded of Rs 2.88 lakh through a fake investment scam involving a fraudulent WhatsApp group. The Cyber Police Station successfully recovered the entire amount and credited it back to the victim's bank account.
aol.com
Major General Vladimir Shesterov and Patriot Park director Vyacheslav Akhmedov were detained in Russia on suspicion of embezzling over 40 million roubles ($470,000) in budget funds allocated to the military theme park near Moscow, with investigations examining evidence dating back to 2021. The arrests are part of a broader corruption crackdown in Russia's defence ministry that has involved at least a dozen officials and businessmen since April, signaling efforts by the Kremlin to eliminate waste and graft in military spending.
ironmountaindailynews.com
Five U.S.-based defendants from Georgia and Alabama were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a sextortion scheme that resulted in the death of teenager Jordan DeMay of Marquette. Sextortion involves extorting money or sexual favors by threatening to expose evidence of sexual activity, and the charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. This case is related to an earlier conviction of two Nigerian men involved in the international sextortion ring that led to DeMay's death.
cointelegraph.com
The Australian Federal Police is investigating cryptocurrency phishing scams affecting at least 2,000 Australian crypto wallets, with victims losing approximately $4 billion since May 2021 through "approval phishing" tactics that trick users into signing malicious transactions. These scams commonly appear as fraudulent investment schemes or romance scams (pig-butchering scams) promising high returns, and authorities are collaborating with blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis and major cryptocurrency exchanges to educate the public and prevent further losses.
cryptonews.com.au
The Australian Federal Police identified over 2,000 compromised Australian crypto wallets as part of Operation Spincaster, an international anti-scam initiative involving law enforcement from six countries and blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis. Victims fell prey to "approval phishing" scams, where scammers trick wallet owners into signing malicious transactions that grant access to their cryptocurrency assets; globally, this tactic has resulted in over AU$4 billion in losses since 2021. The operation focuses on loss prevention through early identification of compromised wallets and collaboration between law enforcement and crypto exchanges, as prosecuting overseas scammers and recovering stolen funds is extremely difficult.
atlantablackstar.com
Rebecca Adami from North Carolina lost $60,000 in an employment scam where a romantic interest connected her with a fake recruiter offering a charity finance position. The scammer obtained her banking information, made fraudulent charges on her credit cards, deposited bad checks in her name totaling $67,000, and reversed legitimate payments to trap her in debt. Employment scams surged 118% in 2023, with the FTC reporting $367 million in consumer losses in 2022, and the agency recommends verifying employers independently and never providing financial information or prepaying for legitimate job positions.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
A 49-year-old salon owner in Mumbai, BB Raja, was defrauded of Rs 1.4 crore (approximately $168,000 USD) by a couple who posed as share trading experts and were introduced to him by a cooperative bank manager between January and February 2022. The accused collected Raja's investment but diverted the funds for their own use, providing false proofs of transfers and bounced checks while claiming profits of Rs 3.3 crore had been earned. Powai police registered the case and are investigating to locate the accused couple and trace the diverted funds.
vietnamnet.vn
Online fraud remains widespread, with scammers exploiting social media, e-commerce platforms, and OTT applications through five primary tactics: fake money recovery services, counterfeit miracle medications, labor export/visa scams, copyright extortion schemes, and fraudulent e-commerce alerts. Recent cases include a woman in Thanh Hoa losing additional funds to a fake recovery service and 10 victims collectively defrauded of over 747 million VND in overseas work scams. Prevention strategies include verifying service legitimacy through official channels, avoiding sharing personal information with unverified contacts, consulting certified healthcare professionals, and reporting suspected fraud to law enforcement.
earlytimes.in
**Not applicable for elder fraud database.** This article concerns alleged financial irregularities and misappropriation of funds within India's Congress party during the 2023 Bharat Jodo Yatra political event. While it involves fraud allegations, it does not relate to elder abuse, elder fraud, or scams targeting seniors and therefore falls outside the scope of Elderus research materials.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Uttarakhand's state cyber police revised its operating procedures due to a surge in online trading fraud cases, which increased from 38 cases last year to 50 in the first six months of this year. Cases exceeding Rs 20 lakh will now be handled by state cyber police in Dehradun, while smaller cases go to district units; one architect from Mussoorie lost Rs 3 crore after scammers contacted her on social media, promised investment returns, and prevented fund withdrawals. Police emphasize the need for public vigilance against such schemes that lure victims with promised returns before disappearing with their money.
miragenews.com
Operation Spincaster, a joint AFP and blockchain platform Chainalysis initiative, identified over 2,000 compromised cryptocurrency wallets belonging to Australians and targeted "approval phishing" scams that have stolen more than $4 billion globally since May 2021. This tactic deceives victims into signing malicious blockchain transactions that grant criminals access to drain their crypto wallets, particularly through investment and romance scams. The AFP is conducting ongoing investigations into Australian losses and, alongside multiple law enforcement agencies and cryptocurrency exchanges, is implementing training and intelligence-sharing to detect scams in real time and support victims.
headtopics.com
**Case:** Vicki Gunvalson (Real Housewives of Orange County) sued for financial and elder abuse by Diane Field, a 74-year-old with a $6 million net worth. Field alleged that Gunvalson and business partner Ali Hashemian used fraudulent sales tactics to sell her a $300,000 annual life insurance policy under false pretenses (Field believed it was a one-time payment). Gunvalson has denied all allegations, claiming she followed the client's directions and acted transparently in the client's best interests.
goldrushcam.com
**Summary:**
Since May 2024, Monterey County Sheriff's Office received reports of a phone and online fraud scheme targeting senior citizens, resulting in $97,000 in losses across four incidents. Suspects impersonated FTC or bank employees, instructing victims to withdraw cash ($10,000–$40,000) from multiple bank branches and hand it over to couriers who arrived at their homes; on July 16, 2024, 34-year-old Yang Liu of Alhambra, California was arrested when apprehended collecting money from a victim. Authorities advise seniors to hang up on callers claiming to be from financial institutions or law enforcement, verify contact information through official
freepressjournal.in
Seven professionals in Nashik, India, including a doctor, lost ₹1.21 crore ($145,000 USD equivalent) to a share trading investment scam between March and July 2024. Cybercriminals contacted victims via social media and messaging apps, added them to groups with fake investment content (videos, presentations, testimonials), and promised high returns, with one victim investing ₹50 lakh before realizing the scam when promised refunds never materialized. Police advise avoiding unknown groups and suspicious links, verifying information through official channels only, and contacting cyber authorities immediately if targeted.
wrat.com
This educational article from the Federal Trade Commission outlines common online scams and fraud schemes affecting consumers. Key scams discussed include spoofing (falsifying caller ID to impersonate legitimate organizations), the 809 scam (international callback schemes with high rates), catfishing (creating fake online identities for romance or exploitation scams), cramming (unauthorized small charges on bills), and family emergency scams (targeting grandparents with urgent requests for money). The article advises consumers to hang up on unsolicited callers, verify numbers independently, never share personal information with unknown callers, and be cautious of suspicious requests—noting that while younger adults report romance scams more frequently, older consumers typically lose
dailyrepublic.com
**Summary:**
Ronnie Curtis Baker, 58, of Fairfield and Kimberly Mallory, 52, of Napa were charged in July with a $900,000 mortgage fraud scheme targeting an elderly Marin resident. Baker falsely posed as a licensed contractor in 2022 while Mallory, a notary public, aided the crimes, resulting in multiple felony charges including elder abuse, theft, forgery, and money laundering. Baker faces up to 23 years in prison and Mallory up to 9 years, with both subject to fines equal to double the victim's losses.
cubaheadlines.com
67-year-old Ana María Núñez was arrested by Miami police for a fraudulent investment scheme that defrauded a barber shop owner of $105,000 between April and May 2022. Núñez posed as an investment opportunity broker, claiming a fake company called ATP Expediter and Investment would sell satellites to China with promised returns of 100-400%, but never delivered on the promises and ceased contact. Núñez has an extensive criminal history dating back to 1996, including a 2022 case where she and her son stole $437,107 from a cancer patient, and she currently faces charges of first-degree grand theft and organized fraud.
komonews.com
The Better Business Bureau warned consumers and businesses to be vigilant for Olympics-related scams during the summer games, as fraudsters target victims for money and personal information. Cameron Nakashima from the BBB discussed common scams, red flags, and protective measures during a news segment to help the public avoid becoming victims during the event celebrations.
cnn.com
Consumers lost $210 million to payment app fraud in 2023, with losses on bank transfer services reaching $1.9 billion, as scammers increasingly target platforms like Zelle to impersonate legitimate services. Banks rarely reimburse victims, as existing law does not explicitly require reimbursement for authorized transactions induced by fraud, leaving consumers with little recourse. Congressional Democrats introduced legislation to close this loophole and protect consumers defrauded on peer-to-peer payment platforms, though passage faces industry opposition and uncertain prospects in the Republican-controlled House.