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Northern Utah police warned of a fake lottery scam targeting truck drivers at a Flying J truck stop in Willard on Tuesday afternoon. Scammers approached drivers claiming they were distributing lottery winnings and offered to double whatever cash the drivers pulled out, but once the money was in hand, accomplices would distract the victim and steal the cash. Multiple truck drivers were targeted in the scheme, with some losing $200 or more.

A Park City, Utah woman was scammed by a caller impersonating Wells Fargo who convinced her to reveal personal information while claiming to protect her account from fraud, resulting in over $7,000 being drained from her bank account. When Wells Fargo initially refused to refund the stolen money and claimed no evidence of fraud existed, the woman sought help from an investigative news team (Get Gephardt) to pressure the bank into reimbursing her account. The case highlights instances where banks may be required to reimburse customers for fraudulent transfers when they fail to prevent the fraud.

Chinese exchange students studying abroad have become targets of a "cyber kidnapping" scam in which scammers send fake images of tied-up or injured victims to families and demand ransom payments—sometimes exceeding $1 million—while threatening to harm or sell the student's organs. The scam uses internet-based psychological manipulation rather than physical abduction, and has affected multiple Chinese international students globally, including cases like 17-year-old Kai Chuang who went missing in Utah in December 2023. Law enforcement warns that these crimes are difficult to prevent or resolve, as scammers operate with little accountability and families face impossible decisions when unable to verify their loved one's actual location or safety

Scammers are creating fake URLs that closely mimic legitimate government websites to conduct phishing scams, such as one impersonating the Utah Department of Transportation. A viewer received a text claiming she owed a fine and was directed to click a link appearing to end in ".gov," but the actual domain was fake (gov-etcxm.cc); clicking such links directs victims to fraudulent websites designed to steal login credentials or payment information. The FBI advises verifying URLs carefully, as legitimate government sites end in ".gov" domains like utah.gov or irs.gov, while scammer domains use deceptive variations.

**Cyber Kidnapping Scams Target Chinese International Students** Chinese international students worldwide are falling victim to "cyber kidnapping" scams where fraudsters impersonate authorities and coerce victims into staging fake abductions to extract ransom payments from their families, with demands reaching $1 million. A notable case involved 17-year-old exchange student Kai Wang, who went missing in Utah in December 2023 after being targeted by scammers threatening violence. Victims experience significant financial losses and psychological trauma from these sophisticated schemes that exploit their trust in authority figures.

Seven people were indicted on federal charges for operating a romance scam that defrauded victims of approximately $8 million between March 2018 and June 2019. The scheme, primarily operated by a Nigerian group known as the "Yahoo boys," involved creating fake online personas to build trust with victims—many of them elderly—before requesting money under false pretenses; the defendants in the U.S. (located in Texas, Canada, and Nigeria) and a group of "Utah Money Transmitters" facilitated money laundering by opening financial institution accounts to collect victim funds and distribute proceeds to the scammers overseas. Many victims lost their life savings and retirement funds in the scheme.

Seven defendants across the United States and Nigeria were indicted for operating a romance scam that defrauded victims of approximately $8 million between March 2018 and June 2019. The scheme involved Nigerian operators creating fake online personas to build trust with victims before requesting money under false pretenses, with many elderly victims losing their life savings and retirement funds. The defendants facilitated money laundering by establishing U.S. bank accounts to collect and distribute fraud proceeds while concealing the funds' destination and the scammers' identities.

A 61-year-old Saskatchewan farmer lost approximately $60,000 to romance scammers over the past decade, including $7,000 in the last year to someone posing as a widowed mother from Utah who promised a romantic relationship in exchange for money for her daughter's medical expenses. Romance scams target vulnerable, isolated individuals through "love bombing"—building trust and affection before requesting money—and affect people across all socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. The Winnipeg Police Service and a local matchmaker partnered to hold a public seminar warning people about these increasingly sophisticated frauds.

Clinton Chukwudi Uchendu, 26, of Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering, mail fraud, and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business for his role in a romance scam that defrauded victims of over $600,000 between February and October 2018. As a "picker," Uchendu provided U.S. bank accounts to receive funds from romance scam victims who were deceived by "Yahoo Boys" operating from Nigeria posing as soldiers, businessmen, or celebrities, then laundered the money to Nigeria while retaining a portion. He received funds from dozens of victims across the United States, several of whom testified to losing hundreds of

Clinton Chukwudi Uchendu, a 26-year-old from Georgia, was convicted by federal jury in March 2024 for operating as a "picker" in a $600,000 romance scam conspiracy, laundering money from victims who were deceived by overseas "Yahoo Boys" posing as soldiers and businessmen. Uchendu provided U.S. bank accounts to collect victim funds and transfer money to Nigeria while concealing the transactions' origins, and was found guilty of conspiracy to commit money laundering, mail fraud, and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. He is scheduled for sentencing in June 2024.

A Senate report reveals that retirees across multiple states have been targeted by scams resulting in both significant financial losses and substantial IRS tax bills, with victims unable to deduct theft losses under current tax law. The report profiles cases such as a Pennsylvania retiree who lost $765,000 to a cryptocurrency scam and subsequently faced a $220,000 tax bill, highlighting how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act narrowed the theft loss deduction for individuals to only federally declared disasters. Senator Bob Casey calls for reversing these tax limitations to protect fraud victims from bearing additional tax burdens on their stolen retirement savings.

A fake lottery scam targeting truckers operated at a Flying J truck stop in Willard, Utah in April 2024, where three men approached drivers claiming they had won the lottery and would double their cash if they withdrew it. Once victims pulled out their money, the suspects would take it and flee, with at least one reported victim losing cash in the incident. Police warn the public to be cautious of unsolicited money-doubling offers at gas stations and truck stops, as these schemes are designed to exploit the generosity victims expect from apparent good Samaritans.

Nigerian-based online criminals known as "Yahoo Boys" conduct romance scams that cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022, with victims—often elderly people targeted for retirement funds and life savings—losing substantial amounts; the scam has become more sophisticated as perpetrators now use AI-generated deepfakes and video calls to impersonate romantic interests and financial officials. A 69-year-old widow lost $39,000 of her life savings, and in Utah alone, victims lost $3.6 million to these scams in 2022, prompting law enforcement to recommend reverse image searches and caution against sending money to people met only online.

Utah residents lost over $55 million to financial scams in 2023, with impostor scams being the most commonly reported type, according to the FTC, which received 2.6 million fraud reports that year. Investment-related scams caused the greatest financial losses at over $4.6 billion nationally, often involving pressure to act quickly and demands for payment via money transfer or gift card. The FTC advises verifying financial concerns by contacting institutions directly using numbers on official statements and filing reports at ReportFraud.ftc.gov if victimized.

Scammers target veterans and their widows—particularly around Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the holidays—by offering fraudulent military discounts on loans, housing, cars, and rental properties, as well as charging illegal fees to file VA benefits. Common schemes include fake real estate deals where scammers pose as landlords or property owners, vehicle sales with hidden fees, and loans with undisclosed charges that inflate costs. The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs urges veterans to report scams and use legitimate free resources like the American Legion, DAV, and VFW for benefits assistance rather than paying third-party fees.

Bolanle Odeyale, a Nigerian citizen living in Texas, was ordered to remain in custody pending trial after being accused of helping Nigerian fraudsters launder millions of dollars obtained through romance scams. The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals determined she posed a serious flight risk, particularly given an immigration detainer issued against her, and ruled that no release conditions could reasonably ensure her appearance at trial.

This educational article highlights that scammers target people of all ages in Utah, with imposter scams (posing as IRS, Social Security, businesses, or charities) being the most common fraud method, accounting for nearly 20% of all scams in the state. While Utah ranks 36th nationally for fraud rates, the article emphasizes that scam risks are rising yearly and warns that once money is lost to fraud, recovery is unlikely. The piece advises readers to stay informed about common scam tactics to protect themselves and their families, particularly during Elder Abuse Awareness Month.

Online vehicle purchase scams are increasing, where fraudsters post fake listings with photos and addresses to trick buyers into wiring deposits for vehicles that don't exist or are never delivered. Recent victims in Alabama, Utah, and Missouri lost between $25,000 and $36,000 each after transferring funds based on fraudulent contracts and dealer credentials. To protect themselves, buyers should verify the vehicle's VIN through services like CarFax, inspect the car in person, and avoid electronic transfers in favor of cashier's checks.

The Better Business Bureau Mountain West has launched the Scam Survival Kit, a toolkit designed to help scam victims access recovery resources tailored to their specific type of fraud, including identity theft, romance scams, phishing, and compromised devices. The toolkit provides step-by-step recovery plans for various situations—such as recovering fraudulently transferred funds, securing compromised devices, managing financial hardship, and accessing mental health support—to help survivors feel less isolated and connect them with available assistance.

The Better Business Bureau Mountain West launched the Scam Survival Toolkit to help Utah residents who have fallen victim to fraud, including imposter scams, romance scams, identity theft, and compromised devices. The toolkit provides tailored recovery guidance and action plans specific to each type of scam, offering resources for financial recovery, device security, mental health support, and bill payment assistance. The program aims to connect fraud survivors with practical resources and reduce feelings of isolation after victimization.

Elder fraud targeting Americans over 60 increased 3% between 2022 and 2023, with victims losing an average of over $36,000 per incident. Arizona, Utah, and Rhode Island experienced the largest increases (36%, 23%, and 22% respectively), with research suggesting scammers are increasingly targeting high-income areas with large senior populations. Prevention measures include educating seniors and financial professionals about common scams, improving digital literacy among older adults, and implementing stronger security settings on financial accounts.

U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins warned the public about charity scams following Hurricane Helene's September 2024 landfall, noting that fraudsters exploit disasters by creating fake charities and phishing communications to solicit donations. The advisory recommends donating directly to verified organizations, avoiding unsolicited communications and suspicious links, paying by credit card or check rather than cash, and reporting fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721 or online.

Fraud in Utah has increased significantly, costing residents $55.2 million in the first half of 2024 compared to $36.4 million in 2023, with imposter scams ranking among the top fraud schemes in the state. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah is prioritizing financial crime prosecutions, recently securing convictions and sentences including a 72-month sentence for a romance scam causing over $6 million in losses and a 50-month sentence for agricultural fraud totaling $1.2 million. Citizens are encouraged to report fraud to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov or the FTC at

**Summary:** Experts warn that artificial intelligence is enabling a new wave of sophisticated cyber scams that are increasingly difficult to detect, with scammers now able to create convincing fraudulent emails, texts, and even voice recordings mimicking legitimate sources or loved ones. Utah residents are particularly vulnerable, with cybercrime losses in the state nearly quadrupling over the past five years and victims losing significantly more money than the national average. While some suggest AI-based security solutions could help combat the threat, cybersecurity experts emphasize that individual vigilance remains essential, as scammers' fundamental goals—extracting money or manipulating people—remain unchanged regardless of the technology used.

This article is not about elder fraud or abuse. Governor Spencer Cox's proposed 2026 Utah state budget includes the WISE Initiative, which would eliminate the state tax on Social Security benefits for over 150,000 seniors and make targeted investments in senior services including home-based care, food access, and fraud prevention protections. The article focuses on general budget recommendations and senior support policies rather than reporting on specific fraud incidents or elder abuse cases.

In 2023, the FBI and FTC received approximately 880,000 cyberfraud complaints, with online scammers stealing $12.5 billion from consumers, and these sophisticated scams are expected to increase in 2024. Utah residents are being targeted by increasingly realistic social media scams, particularly during the holiday season, including fake personalized product ads that deliver poor-quality items or nothing at all, with scammers disappearing after initial contact. Consumer protection officials advise shoppers to be "WISE" consumers by watching for red flags, investigating companies, setting spending boundaries, and examining claims carefully before making purchases.

This article discusses elder abuse protections across the United States, highlighting that the elderly population is projected to nearly double from 49 million to 95 million by 2060, making protective measures increasingly urgent. States like Wisconsin, Vermont, and Massachusetts rank highest in elder abuse prevention due to strong funding and robust regulations, while rural states such as South Carolina, Utah, and South Dakota lag significantly due to policy gaps and insufficient resources. Financial fraud is identified as a prevalent form of elder abuse affecting elderly individuals, with states offering stronger safeguards—such as ombudsman services and elder care organizations—demonstrating lower average financial losses per fraud case.

Senior citizens in Utah are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams including romance fraud and AI-generated impersonation calls, with 19% of those over 60 reporting fraud to police (though actual rates are likely higher due to underreporting driven by shame). Authorities recommend creating shame-free environments for reporting, establishing family verification code words, and recognizing warning signs such as rushed requests for money, demands for cryptocurrency or credit card numbers, and quick declarations of love without effort to meet in person.

A former romance scammer from Nigeria revealed his methods to KSL, explaining how he targeted vulnerable American women on Facebook—particularly those appearing lonely—by posing as a soldier and building relationships over months before requesting money for emergencies. Over five years, he defrauded victims of more than $70,000, including at least one Utah resident, though he claims to have reformed after realizing the severe emotional damage caused to a 62-year-old woman who lost $20,000 and became severely depressed. The interview comes as Americans lost $1.14 billion to romance scams in 2023, with 207 Utahns losing $5.4 million that year

Christopher Maxwell, a former romance scammer operating from Nigeria, earned over $70,000 over five years by targeting lonely American women on Facebook while posing as a U.S. soldier, before claiming to have reformed after realizing the emotional harm he caused victims like a 62-year-old woman who lost $20,000. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost $1.14 billion to romance scams in 2023—double the losses from 2021—with Utah residents losing $5.4 million in 2023 alone. Maxwell now works to expose romance scamming tactics, warning that scammers typically target women appearing lonely in photos and spen

Lehi Police Department officers interrupted an active Bitcoin ATM scam targeting senior citizens when they discovered a woman who had already deposited several thousand dollars with $15,000 remaining, and a second senior man preparing to deposit cash while both were on phone calls with fraudsters. Criminals typically convince elderly victims their bank accounts have been hacked or that family members have been arrested, instructing them to transfer funds via Bitcoin ATMs; the officers were able to seize the ATM through a search warrant and attempt recovery of the deposited cash.

Ten U.S. states experienced significant increases in elder fraud cases between 2022 and 2023, with Arizona leading at a 36% increase (212 to 289 cases per 100,000 seniors), followed by Utah (23% increase) and Rhode Island (22% increase). Other states with notable rises include Texas, Washington, Oregon, North Carolina, Kansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma, all ranging from 18-20% increases in fraud complaints per capita. The analysis highlights that popular retirement destinations are experiencing elevated fraud risk, prompting seniors in these states to increase financial vigilance.

A 2025 analysis of government elder fraud complaint data identified 10 states experiencing significant increases in fraud cases targeting retirees between 2022 and 2023. Arizona led with a 36% increase (212 to 289 cases per 100,000 seniors), followed by Utah (23% increase) and Rhode Island (22% increase), with Texas, North Carolina, Washington, Oregon, Kansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma also showing substantial growth ranging from 18-20%. The data underscores the need for vigilance among retirees in these high-risk states.

**Article:** 10 States Where Retiree Fraud Is on the Rise According to analysis of government elder fraud complaint data, ten states experienced significant increases in elder fraud cases between 2022 and 2023, with Arizona leading at a 36% increase (212 to 289 cases per 100,000 seniors). Other notably affected states include Utah (23% increase), Rhode Island and North Carolina (22% and 20% increases respectively), and Texas, Washington, Oregon, Mississippi, Kansas, and Oklahoma (ranging from 18-20% increases). The data underscores the need for retirees in these high-risk states to heighten financial vigil

Ten U.S. states experienced significant increases in elder fraud cases between 2022 and 2023, with Arizona seeing the largest surge at 36% (from 212 to 289 cases per 100,000 seniors), followed by Utah at 23%. Popular retirement destinations like Arizona, Texas, and others in the study reported rises ranging from 18% to 36%, indicating growing fraud targeting seniors in these regions and signaling the need for increased financial vigilance among retirees.

Affinity fraud, where trusted community members exploit personal relationships to promote fraudulent investments, poses a particular risk in Utah's tight-knit communities, with seniors targeted due to their retirement savings. Red flags include unlicensed sellers, pressure for quick investment decisions, unrealistic return promises, and lack of written documentation. The Utah Division of Securities is combating this through enhanced penalties and educational programs like "Knights of Scamalot," which now emphasizes senior fraud awareness.

Romance scammers increasingly target lonely individuals on dating apps and social media using stolen photos and AI-generated deepfakes to establish fake identities. A Utah woman lost $187,000 to a cryptocurrency investment scam, another became an unwitting money mule, and innocent West Haven resident Justin Yoder faced harassment after his photos were stolen and used to defraud victims. Reverse image searches and awareness of common tactics—such as targeting vulnerable individuals and gradually building trust before requesting money—can help people identify catfishing attempts before falling victim.

Two Box Elder County, Utah public servants—Tremonton Fire Chief Ned Brady Hansen and Box Elder County Judge Kevin Robert Christensen—were charged with child sexual abuse material offenses after FBI investigators discovered they had an ongoing sexual relationship, shared child pornography online, and discussed fantasies of abusing children together. Investigators found evidence that the men met in person and engaged in sexual acts, and that Christensen denied a no-bail request for Hansen's arrest, allowing Hansen's release. Both men faced charges related to possessing and sharing child sexual abuse material.

A Provo man in his 70s lost $186,000 over two years in a romance scam in which a person claiming to be a woman from Maryland convinced him to send money via multiple cash app accounts for an inheritance claim and promised relocation to Utah, with investigators believing a video call between them may have been AI-generated. Provo police used the case to warn of increasing online scams targeting seniors, including impersonation schemes (law enforcement, banks, utilities), tech support fraud, and kidnapping hoaxes, recommending that victims hang up on unsolicited callers and verify requests through official channels.

A Provo man in his 70s lost $186,000 over two years in a romance scam in which someone claiming to be a woman from Maryland promised a romantic relationship and help claiming an inheritance, but the two never met in person and a video call may have been AI-generated. The case, discovered only when the man's son intervened, exemplifies a broader problem affecting seniors nationally, with other common scams including impersonation of law enforcement, banks, and utility companies; tech support schemes; and "grandparent in jail" fraud. Police and the FBI recommend hanging up on calls demanding urgent payment, independently verifying callers' identities, watching for cryptocurrency requests, and family members monitoring elderly relatives

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is warning the public about a scam involving fraudulent text messages and phone calls claiming recipients have unpaid toll balances that require immediate payment to avoid legal action. Scammers impersonate UDOT, use fake links appearing to be from utah.gov, and have generated hundreds of inquiries to the agency; UDOT advises recipients not to provide information, block the sender, and contact their bank immediately if they have already paid.

Rep. David Valadao's Romance Scam Prevention Act advanced through the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, requiring dating apps to notify users who have interacted with accounts banned for fraudulent activity. The Federal Trade Commission reported romance scam victims lost over $1.1 billion in 2023, with fraudsters exploiting the 60 million users of online dating services by using fake identities to manipulate people for financial gain. The bill addresses a gap in current protections where scammers move conversations off dating platforms to avoid detection, though similar notification requirements already exist in Vermont, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New York.

Christine Echohawk, 53, of Pawnee, Oklahoma, was arrested and charged with laundering approximately $1.5 million obtained through online romance scams targeting four elderly women (ages 64-79) across Utah, Texas, and Florida. One victim sent over $600,000 between April 2023 and March 2025 to a man using the alias "Edward Lotts," who claimed he needed to pay off a debt to access $2 million, and she sold her house to fund the payments. Echohawk facilitated the fraud by opening multiple bank accounts to receive the funds, converting them to cryptocurrency, and transferring them to wallets controlled by

Christine Joan Echohawk, 54, of Pawnee, Oklahoma, was arrested and charged with laundering approximately $1.5 million from online romance scams targeting elderly women aged 64-79 in Florida, Texas, and Utah between September and December 2023. The victims, believing they were in relationships with men, sent money through various methods including Apple gift cards, cash, and wire transfers, which Echohawk deposited into her bank accounts, converted to cryptocurrency, and transferred to an unidentified male subject. Echohawk faces five felony counts carrying potential sentences of 24 to 62 years in prison and fines up to $260,000, with notable individual

Christine Joan Echohawk, 54, of Pawnee was charged with laundering approximately $1.5 million from elderly women (ages 64-79) in Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, and Utah who believed they were sending money to romantic interests between September and December. Echohawk received funds through various methods, converted most to cryptocurrency, and transferred the funds to an unidentified male subject while using some proceeds personally and lying to banks about the money's source. She faces multiple felony charges including unlawful use of criminal proceeds and violations of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act, with charges filed by the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office.

A woman in Heber City, Utah received a fraudulent call on March 11 impersonating her bank, claiming fraudulent activity on her account and successfully obtaining her username and account details before her husband, a police chief, recognized the scam and advised her to hang up and verify directly with the bank. The couple lost no money and shared their experience to raise awareness that such phishing scams can target anyone, emphasizing the importance of independently verifying suspicious calls rather than following caller-provided instructions.

Phishing and email scams pose growing cybersecurity risks to college students, with scams becoming increasingly sophisticated and sometimes targeting students directly through fake payment links and malicious emails. University of Utah IT officials and students recommend strategies to reduce vulnerability, including avoiding suspicious links, using password managers with unique passwords, reviewing cookie policies, utilizing pop-up blockers, and reporting suspicious activity to IT support. The article emphasizes that even tech-savvy individuals can fall victim to phishing scams, highlighting the importance of vigilance and awareness when handling online communications and data collection.

I don't have access to the full article content, as it appears to be behind a paywall. Based only on the available headline and introduction, I can provide this limited summary: Box Elder County Commission approved its annual fraud risk assessment, scoring 375 out of 395 points and achieving a "very low risk" category rating as required by the Utah State Auditor's Office. The assessment is completed internally using a standardized questionnaire to evaluate the county's fraud vulnerabilities. To provide a more complete summary relevant to elder fraud research, the full article text would be needed.

Christine Joan Echohawk, 54, of Pawnee, Oklahoma was charged with five felonies for laundering approximately $1.5 million obtained through online romance scams targeting four elderly women (ages 64-79) in Florida, Utah, and Texas between September and December 2024. The victims, who believed they were in romantic relationships with a man using the alias "Maurice Dinero," sent funds via Apple gift cards, cash, checks, and wire transfers to accounts Echohawk controlled, which she converted to cryptocurrency and forwarded to an unknown suspect. If convicted, Echohawk faces 24 to 62 years in prison and up to $260,

This article is about Boulder, Colorado being selected as the new home for the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027, after the festival outgrows its longtime location in Park City, Utah. The move is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Boulder, with Colorado providing a $34 million tax incentive; the festival generated $132 million in economic impact and 1,730 jobs in Utah in 2024. CU Boulder and local institutions are preparing to support the festival's logistics and integrate it into academic programming and community partnerships.