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12 News
· 2024-07-08
Americans lost over $1 billion to romance scams last year, with many Arizona residents targeted. The three most prevalent romance scam tactics involve deepfake video calls using face-swapping technology (employed by Nigerian crime groups), cryptocurrency investment schemes that promise high returns once trust is established, and celebrity deepfakes using artificial intelligence. Victims can protect themselves by watching for unnatural video call indicators like inconsistent blinking, mismatched skin tones, and words not synchronizing with mouth movements.
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Which?
· 2024-09-15
I cannot provide an accurate summary of this article. The text appears to be a garbled or poorly OCR-scanned transcript of a consumer advice program introduction that repeatedly duplicates phrases and lacks coherent content about specific scams or fraud prevention tips. While it mentions that scams are becoming more sophisticated and references a discussion about ticket scams, the actual substantive advice or details about scams are not clearly present in the provided text. A proper summary would require a clearer, complete version of the source material.
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NBC News
· 2024-10-22
Meta is testing facial recognition technology to combat celebrity impersonation scams on Facebook and Instagram, which have cost consumers hundreds of millions of dollars. The technology will identify and remove fraudulent celebrity endorsement ads and help users securely regain access to locked accounts. The initiative addresses a growing industry-wide problem that has accelerated since the pandemic began.
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FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth
· 2024-11-22
A 74-year-old woman from Frisco was scammed out of $600,000 by 56-year-old Jeffrey Monahan Jr., who impersonated Elon Musk and befriended her on Facebook in 2023, promising a $55 million return on investment in Musk's business ventures. Monahan has been charged with Grand Theft, and financial records showed the funds were directed to his painting business; he claimed his online girlfriend was the mastermind behind the scheme.
healthjournalism.org
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud schemes—including grandparent scams, romance scams, and government impersonation scams—have become increasingly sophisticated through AI technology like deepfake videos and robocalls, making them difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications. In 2022 alone, approximately 88,000 people aged 60 and older lost $3.1 billion to fraud, with victims over 70 losing an average of nearly $42,000; scammers typically exploit emotions rather than intelligence, and experts advise victims and their families to watch for financial requests as the key indicator of fraud. The AARP Fraud Watch Network received nearly 100,000 calls last year from victims of all
usmagazine.com
· 2025-12-08
Actor Jamie Dornan recounted how Warren Beatty nearly fell victim to an email scam in which a fraudster impersonated Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne, sending messages to Redmayne's contacts requesting cash. Beatty was the only one of Redmayne's email contacts who responded positively to the scam message, offering to wire money before the fraud was revealed.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
**Death-Hoax Scam Using AI-Generated Obituaries**
Scammers are creating fake AI-generated obituaries of real, living people and posting them on low-quality content sites to generate ad revenue through clicks and search traffic, a scheme recently discovered when Los Angeles Times reporter Deborah Vankin found a false obituary about herself online. The scam targets high-traffic names and fills obituaries with keywords to rank in Google searches; while not directly targeting victims for money, the scheme exploits ad networks and has the potential to significantly impact public figures and celebrities. Users should verify the legitimacy of online obituaries, as personal information is readily available on the
whsv.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Virginia residents lost over $200 million to scams according to the Federal Trade Commission. The Better Business Bureau warns that AI-generated content is making scams increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect, with scammers using AI to create fake celebrity endorsements in shopping and investment schemes. The BBB recommends verifying legitimacy through reverse image searches, checking for audio/visual irregularities, and conducting thorough research before engaging with unfamiliar offers.
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
**Celebrity Impostor Scams Enhanced by AI Technology**
Criminals are leveraging artificial intelligence to make celebrity impostor scams increasingly convincing, moving from fake social media profiles and messaging to deepfake videos that impersonate celebrities like Dolly Parton, Elon Musk, and Tom Hanks. Scammers use these fraudulent schemes to establish false connections with fans, offering personal access, investment opportunities, or charity support to steal money. Consumers should be cautious of any personal contact claims from celebrities and report suspected scams to local law enforcement or AARP's Fraud Watch Network.
9news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A National Australia Bank teller in Melbourne prevented a woman in her 60s from losing thousands of dollars to a romance scam by identifying red flags in her plan to transfer money to an overseas "boyfriend" she had met on social media. The scammer, posing as someone in Turkey needing medical treatment, had convinced the woman to send funds to an intermediary in Sydney, but the teller's intervention and private counseling stopped the transaction. According to NAB, romance scam reports have increased nearly 30 percent year-over-year, with Australians losing an estimated $33 million to such scams annually.
theverge.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC enacted a new rule effective immediately that prohibits impersonation scams involving government, businesses, and their officials, and grants the agency authority to file federal court complaints to recover stolen funds from perpetrators. Impersonation scams cost victims $1.1 billion in 2023, including schemes involving fake business communications, spoofed emails and websites, and fraudulent use of government seals and logos. The FTC is also accepting public comment through April 30th on expanding the rule to cover impersonation of individuals through deepfakes and AI voice cloning technology.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology, including deepfake videos, to impersonate celebrities and defraud fans by offering fake personal connections, VIP access, investment opportunities, or charity support. Victims should be cautious of unsolicited celebrity contact on social media or messaging platforms, as legitimate celebrity interactions are rare, and should report suspected scams to local law enforcement or AARP's Fraud Watch Network.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
A Hong Kong finance worker lost $25.6 million after being deceived in a video conference where the CFO and executives were entirely computer-generated deepfakes, representing a sophisticated AI-enabled fraud scheme. Criminals are increasingly weaponizing generative AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E to create convincing fake voices, videos, and identities for various scams including celebrity endorsement frauds, romance schemes, sextortion, and phishing emails. Experts warn that AI technology has dramatically lowered the barrier for fraud perpetration, enabling an "industrial revolution for fraud criminals" with potentially endless victims and losses.
ohioattorneygeneral.gov
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake videos featuring celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez have been circulating on social media to scam consumers into revealing personal or financial information through fake endorsements for products like MacBooks and cookware. To identify these AI-generated scams, consumers should examine the video for unusual movements or facial expressions, distorted backgrounds, suspicious sources, and lack of context, and can use reverse image searches and hover over links before clicking. The general rule remains that if a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is, and suspicious activity should be reported to the Ohio Attorney General's Office.
welivesecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
This article examines cryptocurrency fraud threats, particularly as Bitcoin's value surges and a halving event approaches, attracting both legitimate interest and malicious actors. The main threats include malware like Lumma Stealer and crypto drainers (which stole $59 million and $47 million respectively), phishing scams using spoofed social media accounts and fake investment platforms, and social engineering attacks such as celebrity impersonation schemes. The article advises cryptocurrency users to protect themselves against these unregulated market threats through awareness and digital security practices.
vindy.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP identifies four emerging scams to watch for in 2024: check cooking (using software to digitally alter stolen checks rather than chemical washing), voiceprint scams (using deepfake technology to impersonate victims' voices for financial fraud), delayed-action sweepstakes scams (collecting personal information for identity theft that may be exploited gradually), and virtual celebrity scams (exploiting fans' connection to online celebrity presence). Prevention strategies include using safer payment methods, avoiding phone calls from unknown numbers, never providing personal information to unsolicited callers, and remaining skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
newscaststudio.com
· 2025-12-08
CBS News conducted a year-long investigation into romance scams, airing a weeklong series from April 21-28, 2024, revealing the epidemic affects victims across the country and constitutes a billion-dollar crime wave. The investigation, led by correspondent Jim Axelrod, features the story of a woman whose mother died after losing her life savings to a romance scam, and includes interviews with victims, scammers, dating app executives, and law enforcement across seven states. The series explores trends in online dating, the role of Match Group, how scammers operate (many originating from Ghana), and the psychological manipulation tactics used to defraud victims.
deseret.com
· 2025-12-08
A Citi survey reveals that while 90% of U.S. adults believe they can spot financial scams, 27% have actually fallen victim to one, highlighting a significant gap between confidence and reality. The FTC reported $10 billion in losses to scams in 2023, with scammers using email, text, phone calls, and mail to target victims. The article outlines five emerging scam types—QR code scams ("quishing"), student loan forgiveness schemes, peer-to-peer payment fraud, and virtual celebrity impersonations—and provides protective measures for each.
livemint.com
· 2025-12-08
A South Korean woman lost 70 million won (approximately ₹41 lakh) in a romance scam after being deceived by a scammer impersonating Elon Musk using deepfake video technology. The scammer built trust over Instagram by sharing fabricated details about Musk's life, conducting a deepfake video call to appear authentic, and then convincing the victim to transfer money to a Korean bank account with promises of investment returns. This incident reflects a growing trend of scammers exploiting the identities of high-profile figures like Musk to defraud vulnerable targets.
techtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A South Korean woman lost $50,000 to a scammer who used deepfake videos to impersonate Elon Musk on Instagram, convincing her to transfer funds through a fake investment opportunity. The scammer built credibility by sharing fabricated photos, identification documents, and intimate details about Musk's life, ultimately conducting a convincing video call using deepfake technology. The victim later appeared on South Korean television to warn others about the dangers of this sophisticated fraud technique.
hellocare.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Australian seniors aged 65 and above lost more than $2.7 billion to scams across over 601,000 reported cases, representing a significant increase from 2022's 507,000 reports. Investment scams were the leading threat, accounting for $1.3 billion in losses, followed by remote access scams ($256 million), romance scams ($201.1 million), and phishing scams ($137.4 million), with tactics including deepfake videos and celebrity impersonations. The ACCC reports that the true scale is likely much larger, as an estimated one in three victims never report their fraud, and the government has launche
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is an educational overview of online fraud tactics, particularly on social media platforms. In 2024, 70% of authorized push payment (APP) fraud originated online, with criminals impersonating legitimate businesses, charities, or loved ones to manipulate victims into sending money through fake profiles and targeted ads. The UK introduced new consumer protections in October 2024, including up to £85,000 reimbursement coverage and a five-day claims process, as social media's anonymity, ease of account creation, and access to personal information make it an ideal environment for fraudsters to operate at scale.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline director Amy Nofziger discusses six fast-growing scams identified through thousands of annual helpline calls, including celebrity impersonation, check fraud, sweepstakes and grandparent scams, voice printing fraud, and Olympics-related schemes. The Fraud Watch Network offers free resources to consumers of any age, including a helpline staffed by 150 trained fraud specialists who provide support and guidance to scam victims and those seeking fraud prevention advice.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old Parkinson's patient lost approximately $50,000 to scammers impersonating baseball player Trea Turner after she defended him on social media. The fraudsters convinced her over Google Chat that Turner needed financial help with personal and property issues, using persistent and convincing tactics that exploited her trust. Law enforcement believes the scammers may be operating outside the United States, and authorities recommend avoiding engagement with unsolicited messages from celebrities and being cautious about posting on public figures' social media pages.
au.lifestyle.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
AI technology is making romance scams increasingly common and harder to detect in online dating, with artificial intelligence enabling scammers to impersonate real people more convincingly through chatbots and deepfakes. Australians lost over $5.8 million to dating and romance scams in the first three months of 2024, with 27% of dating app users targeted and nearly 40% of those becoming victims. Experts advise vigilance for warning signs including avoidance of video calls, sparse profile images, and rapid relationship progression to protect against these AI-enhanced scams.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Google announced upcoming AI-powered scam-detection tools for Android phones that use its Gemini AI to alert users in real-time when a phone conversation contains suspicious wording commonly used by scammers, with alerts displaying on-screen and an audio notification to warn users. The feature, still in testing with no official release date, processes audio analysis locally on the device to maintain privacy, and comes as Microsoft announced a similar competing feature, while scammers increasingly use AI-generated voice impersonations of celebrities and public figures to deceive victims. On average, phone users receive approximately 14 spam calls per month, prompting regulators like the FCC to declare AI-generated impersonation calls illegal in an effort to
honey.nine.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A cyber security expert warns that AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney are enabling increasingly sophisticated romance scams on dating apps—described as "catfishing on steroids"—by allowing scammers to create AI-generated or enhanced photos and personalized messages that are harder to detect. One in four Australian singles surveyed reported being targeted by dating scams, with Australians losing over $40 million to dating app and social media scams in the previous year, particularly affecting people over 55. The article provides detection tips including looking for unrealistic photo features, using reverse image searches, and testing text with AI-detection tools, while noting that dating apps employ varying safety measures such as identity
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Nottinghamshire Police warned online daters about romance fraudsters impersonating celebrities on dating apps and social media platforms. A woman lost approximately £5,000 to a scammer posing as TV chef James Martin, while other victims were deceived by impersonators of Il Divo singer Urs Buhler and Take That frontman Gary Barlow, with perpetrators obtaining money, gift cards, and explicit images through manipulation and coercion. Police advised victims to be vigilant about requests for money, avoid sending funds to people they haven't met in person, and consult trusted friends or family members when online relationships take financial turns.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
Based on 2023 FTC data, the five most-impersonated brands in scams are Best Buy's Geek Squad, Amazon, PayPal, Microsoft, and Publishers Clearing House, with Microsoft impersonation scams causing the highest financial losses at $60 million and Publishers Clearing House scams at $49 million. Common scams include fake tech support pop-ups claiming to be from Microsoft that trick victims into calling scammers, and fraudulent calls impersonating Publishers Clearing House claiming victims have won prizes and must pay upfront fees or taxes; some victims have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to these schemes.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
A scam-baiter named Jim Browning exposed a cryptocurrency investment scam operation based in Georgia, Eastern Europe, that targets victims worldwide by posing as financial advisors and recovery services. The scammers use fake celebrity endorsements and fraudulent websites to lure victims, then display fake cryptocurrency portfolios to convince them their money is growing, with some victims—including an Australian man Browning monitored in real-time—losing thousands of dollars. Australians reported losing over $2.74 billion to scams in the previous year, with attackers particularly targeting older adults with retirement savings.
nbclosangeles.com
· 2025-12-08
Consumer protection agencies are warning about a shift in social media scam tactics, where impostors now impersonate major brands like Best Buy's Geek Squad (52,000 reports), Amazon (34,000 reports), and PayPal (10,000 reports) rather than federal agencies to steal money and personal information. Key protective measures include ignoring unsolicited calls, texts, and emails requesting financial or account information; monitoring credit reports regularly; and verifying communications directly with known company phone numbers or websites. Organizations including the FTC, AARP, and Better Business Bureau are providing resources in multiple languages to combat these increasingly sophisticated impersonation scams.
newschannel5.com
· 2025-12-08
The Tennessee Attorney General's Office and Secretary of State issued a warning about scammers impersonating celebrities through fake charities, bogus product endorsements, and phishing schemes on social media. Victims are targeted to donate money or provide personal information under the false pretense of legitimate charitable organizations or celebrity endorsements. Authorities recommend verifying charities through tools like Charity Navigator, contacting organizations directly using known contact information, and never sending money or personal details to unknown individuals regardless of their claimed celebrity status.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Joyce, a 74-year-old Massachusetts woman, lost over $400,000 to scammers impersonating country star Vince Gill over nearly a year in 2022-2023, after she engaged with fake accounts that contacted her following a comment she posted on his Instagram page. Her daughter Jessica discovered the fraud involving romantic manipulation (the scammers posed as Gill and claimed to be her spouse) and discovered it was exacerbated by Joyce's undiagnosed cognitive decline, though experts note cognitive impairment is not required for someone to fall victim to such scams. The case highlights how celebrity impersonation scams exploit vulnerable individuals through manipulative tactics on social media
microsoft.com
· 2025-12-08
Celebrity scams use artificial intelligence tools like deepfakes and voice cloning to impersonate trusted public figures and celebrities, tricking victims into investing money, sharing personal information, or signing up for fraudulent platforms. To identify these scams, consumers should examine deepfake videos for unnatural movements, facial expressions, background distortion, and verify sources through official channels, while also recognizing red flags in voice cloning scams such as unusual speech patterns and urgent requests for personal information. These scams pose significant risks to victims' identity and finances.
swissinfo.ch
· 2025-12-08
A network of fraudulent investment platforms linked to Cyprus uses fake celebrity endorsements and fabricated news articles to lure victims into investing money that is never actually invested in stocks or real financial products. The scam, which includes platforms such as InvesaCapital, OBRInvest, and ForexTB, targets investors internationally—including many in Switzerland—who are pressured by manipulative phone calls to deposit increasingly larger sums, resulting in total losses ranging from tens of thousands to over CHF100,000 per victim. Swiss authorities have confirmed dozens of criminal charges related to this network, though prosecution is often difficult due to perpetrators operating abroad.
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
Smishing attacks in South Korea have surged dramatically, with scammers impersonating financial institutions, investment firms, and government agencies through fake promotional text messages containing malicious URLs. These sophisticated schemes trick victims into visiting counterfeit websites or downloading malware-laden apps that steal personal information, enable remote device control, or lock data with ransomware demands; spam texts increased nearly 10-fold from 31.12 million in 2019 to over 168 million cases by mid-2023, with projections exceeding 400 million annually. The attacks exploit improved spam reporting visibility, regulatory changes affecting investment advisory services, and compromised text reseller companies to distribute fraudulent messages imp
12news.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona ranked fifth nationally for online romance scams in 2023, with more than 800 victims losing over $22 million, averaging $27,000 per victim—significantly higher than the national average of $2,000. The most dangerous emerging scams involve deepfake video calls, cryptocurrency investment schemes, and fake celebrity profiles using artificial intelligence technology. To protect themselves, potential victims should verify identities through reverse image searches, watch for signs of deepfakes like unnatural blinking and mismatched mouth movements, and never send money or cryptocurrency to unknown online contacts.
whitehavennews.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Martin Lewis and other high-profile figures including Taylor Swift, Elon Musk, and Adele have had their identities misused in celebrity profile scams, with analysis of Action Fraud data from 2022-2023 revealing that scammers impersonating Lewis's profile alone were responsible for over £20 million in reported losses, with individual victims losing up to £500,000. Scammers use these celebrity endorsements in fake investment and product advertisements to increase click-through rates and deceive victims into parting with money. The article advises victims to contact their bank, police, or Action Fraud immediately, and notes that many banks now offer a 159 hot
heraldsheets.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, cryptocurrency users lost nearly $2 billion to rug pulls, scams, and hacks, with losses exceeding $1.4 billion in the first half of 2024. Common crypto scams include phishing attacks (fake websites and emails stealing login credentials), romance scams (emotional manipulation leading to fraudulent investment requests), impersonation and giveaway scams (fake celebrity endorsements and deepfakes), and investment scams (Ponzi schemes and pump-and-dump schemes). Users can protect themselves by understanding these scam types, remaining alert, and staying informed about threats in the cryptocurrency sector.
disb.dc.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational resource from DISB (District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking) provides information on common scam types to help consumers protect themselves during financial transactions. The tracker includes detailed examples of advance fee scams, affinity scams by licensed professionals, and credit card phishing scams, with specific case narratives and protective strategies such as verifying information directly with legitimate agencies and being cautious of unsolicited financial offers.
popculture.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
YouTuber Fuslie fell victim to a "smishing" scam impersonating USPS, clicking a malicious link in a text message and entering her credit card information multiple times before realizing the website was fraudulent. She subsequently canceled all her cards to prevent unauthorized charges. The incident highlights the prevalence of these phishing scams, which attempt to steal personal and financial information by posing as legitimate government agencies or companies.
news.trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
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
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
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.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to impersonate celebrities in fraud schemes targeting fans, offering fake investment opportunities, product endorsements, and bogus VIP tickets. These AI-enhanced scams make impersonations more realistic and convincing than traditional fake celebrity profiles. Consumers should be skeptical of direct personal contact from celebrities on social media and other platforms, recognizing that such opportunities are likely fraudulent.
malaysia.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Scam victims in Malaysia often face repeated targeting by the same scammers who retain their personal information for follow-up frauds, and many victims lack awareness of protective measures and support resources. Key vulnerabilities include poor data protection practices and low public understanding of scams, particularly among seniors and youth, while only 35% of survey respondents knew to contact the National Scam Response Centre (997) within 24 hours to report fraud. Experts recommend improved public education about specific scam types, stronger legal frameworks against mule account schemes, and collaborative community action to combat online fraud.
news.trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake technology powered by AI is fueling a rising tide of scams in 2024, with deepfake content increasing 900% between 2019 and 2020. Cybercriminals use deepfakes to impersonate celebrities, recruiters, and romantic partners through fake video calls, job interviews, and investment schemes to steal money and personal information from victims. Key scams include romance fraud (where scammers conduct convincing video calls using face-swapping), recruiting scams (impersonating employers on LinkedIn to extract payment and data), and investment scams (using fake celebrity endorsements to promote cryptocurrency schemes).
mortgagebusiness.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Between January and June 2024, Scamwatch received 143,113 reports and documented over $139 million in losses, with people aged 55 and over accounting for 48.7 percent of losses despite representing only a portion of reports. A key finding shows that 30 percent of people do not report serious scams, and social media scams cost Australians $80.2 million in the previous year, with common tactics including fake accounts, fraudulent investment opportunities, and requests for personal information. Banks emphasize the importance of reporting scams and sharing awareness to collectively prevent fraud, particularly targeting vulnerable populations including older adults, non-English speakers, and people with
bentonspiritnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece outlines four emerging fraud schemes targeting seniors: check cooking (digitally altering stolen checks), voiceprinting (using deepfake voice technology to impersonate victims and access financial accounts), celebrity impersonation (scammers posing as celebrities or their agents on social media to solicit loans), and multistage grandparent scams (organized call centers with young operatives posing as grandchildren in distress). The article provides protective measures for each scam type, including using electronic bill payments, avoiding phone conversations with non-family members, being skeptical of celebrity direct messages, and verifying caller information through independent contact methods.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This article identifies three common Instagram scams: fake retailers using artificial urgency and limited comments to sell non-existent or overpriced products; celebrity impersonators requesting money via direct message for charity donations or travel expenses; and romance scammers who build relationships with victims before requesting money for bills, flights, or medical expenses. The article advises users to verify company registration through Companies House, research products before purchasing, recognize that real celebrities won't solicit money via DM, and never send money to people met only online, as doing so risks both direct financial loss and identity theft through personal information misuse.
thetimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Moira Stuart, a 75-year-old BBC News presenter, fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam where fraudsters impersonated her bank and instructed her to transfer money to catch an alleged "inside job" at her branch. A vigilant bank cashier prevented her from losing thousands of pounds by questioning the transaction and alerting the bank's anti-fraud team. Stuart publicly shared her experience to combat the shame surrounding fraud victimization and to raise awareness, noting that nearly three million instances of bank fraud costing £1.2 billion were recorded the previous year, with authorized fraud victims losing an average of nearly £2,000.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Spanish police arrested five scammers who posed as Brad Pitt and defrauded two women of €325,000 (₹3 crore) through emails and WhatsApp by promising romantic relationships and fake investment opportunities. The criminals identified vulnerable, emotionally fragile victims through social media analysis, building false trust before extracting money; authorities recovered €85,000 and seized evidence including phones, computers, and a diary of deceptive phrases used in the scam. This case reflects a broader trend of celebrity impersonation scams targeting lonely, vulnerable individuals online.
thecut.com
· 2025-12-08
Two women in Spain were defrauded of $362,000 by scammers posing as Brad Pitt through a fan site and WhatsApp, with the criminals profiling victims on social media to target vulnerable individuals experiencing depression and social isolation. Five people were arrested and ten investigated in Operation Bralina, with authorities recovering $95,000 of the stolen funds. The article warns that unsolicited contact from celebrities via text, DM, or messaging apps is always a scam and advises checking on vulnerable acquaintances who may be targeted by such schemes.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta has partnered with Australian banks through the Fraud Intelligence Reciprocal Exchange (Fire) program to combat celebrity deepfake investment scams, removing over 17,000 fraudulent pages and scam posts in its first six months. Australians reported $43.4 million in social media scam losses to Scamwatch from January to August 2024, with nearly $30 million attributed to fake investment schemes featuring manipulated images of public figures. The initiative enables direct information sharing between Meta and seven major banks to identify and block scams more rapidly, though the program's impact remains limited compared to the overall volume of reported losses.
hollywoodreporter.com
· 2025-12-08
Computer security company McAfee identified the top 10 celebrities whose identities are most frequently exploited in online scams, with Scarlett Johansson, Taylor Swift, and Johnny Depp leading the list. Scammers use these celebrities' names and likenesses without permission across various fraudulent schemes including fake product endorsements, cryptocurrency investments, ticket scams, deepfake videos, and malware distribution designed to steal financial information or enable identity theft. As AI tools make fraudulent content increasingly convincing, experts warn consumers to exercise caution and verify authenticity before engaging with celebrity-related online offers.
newsbytesapp.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are exploiting the names and images of popular Indian celebrities like Orry and Diljit Dosanjh to create malicious content and scams, with a McAfee report identifying them as the most targeted celebrities in 2024. The rise of AI-generated deepfakes has significantly increased threats, with 18% of surveyed Indians reporting they fell victim to deepfake scams, and 31% of victims losing money, including some losing over ₹8 lakh. The report notes that 80% of Indians are increasingly concerned about deepfakes, and 64% find AI-assisted scams harder to detect.
finextra.com
· 2025-12-08
Social media platforms, particularly Meta, face increasing pressure to combat fraud after a new UK Authorized Push Payment reimbursement scheme took effect in October, with Revolut reporting that over 60% of APP fraud victims in the first half of 2024 originated on Meta platforms. The article outlines six prevalent social media scams: romance scams (building trust before requesting money), job scams (fake postings requesting upfront fees or personal information, with finance roles most targeted at 35.45%), marketplace scams (rental and ticket fraud), phishing links, cryptocurrency/investment scams, and celebrity impersonation schemes. Payment service providers and social media companies are debating responsibility, with critics arguing
heritagefl.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines six common scams targeting seniors in Central Florida: check tampering, voice printing/deepfakes, celebrity impersonation on social media, grandparent scams, sweepstakes fraud, and good Samaritan email scams. The piece advises seniors and families to contact the Orlando Senior Help Desk (407-678-9363) to verify suspicious communications and identify potential fraud attempts.
about.fb.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta announced the expansion of facial recognition technology across its platforms (Facebook, Instagram) in the EU, UK, and South Korea to detect and remove celebrity-impersonation scams ("celeb bait"), where scammers use public figures' images to lure users to fraudulent websites requesting money or personal information. Since deploying these anti-scam measures, user reports of celebrity-bait ad scams dropped 22% globally in the first half of 2025, with facial recognition technology more than doubling the detection rate of such scams; the technology now protects nearly 500,000 public figures while remaining optional for users.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta is testing new facial recognition tools to combat "celeb-bait" scams on Facebook and Instagram, where scammers use celebrity images in fraudulent ads to steal money and personal information from users. The technology compares faces in suspected scam ads to verified celebrity profiles to block fraud faster, and will also allow users to regain account access via video selfie verification rather than traditional document submission. Early testing showed promising results in detecting and preventing scam ads, though Meta stated the facial data will be deleted after use and noted privacy concerns that led to the company shutting down its previous facial recognition system in 2021.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta is deploying facial recognition technology to combat celebrity scam advertisements on Facebook and Instagram, which fraudulently use celebrities like Elon Musk and Martin Lewis to promote investment schemes and cryptocurrencies. The system compares flagged ad images against celebrities' profile photos to automatically delete confirmed scams, with early testing showing promising results. Additionally, Meta is testing facial recognition for account recovery while acknowledging that scammers increasingly use deepfake technology to create more convincing fraudulent endorsements.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta announced a trial program using facial recognition technology to combat celebrity investment scam ads, comparing ad images against public figures' profiles to detect and remove fraudulent content in real time. The December rollout will involve 50,000 opt-out celebrities or public figures worldwide, with the same technology also enabling account recovery through video selfies. Meta acknowledged that while early testing shows promising results, some scams will inevitably slip through as scammers continuously adapt their tactics, and the company faces lawsuits from Andrew Forrest and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission over its failure to prevent scams using their images.
theverge.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta is testing facial recognition tools on Facebook and Instagram to combat fraud in two ways: verifying user identity to restore compromised accounts via video selfies, and detecting "celeb-bait" scam ads by comparing faces in suspicious ads against public figures' profile pictures. The technology, previously discontinued in 2021 due to privacy concerns, will initially enroll affected celebrities automatically with opt-out options, with wider rollout expected in the coming months.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A West Mifflin woman lost $100 after purchasing weight loss gummies she believed were endorsed by Kelly Clarkson, only to discover the endorsement was fake and created using AI technology. The FTC has implemented new rules to combat fake celebrity endorsements, fraudulent reviews, and testimonials, with plans to penalize scammers and potentially return money to victims.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in 2024 frequently impersonate celebrities through deepfakes and fake endorsements to defraud victims, with Scarlett Johansson, Kylie Jenner, and Taylor Swift being the top targets according to cybersecurity firm McAfee. Common scams include unauthorized use of celebrities' names and likenesses to promote fake products (health cures, cosmetics, cryptocurrency), ticket fraud, giveaway schemes, and false political endorsements. To protect yourself, verify celebrity endorsements through official channels, be skeptical of unsolicited ads using celebrity images, and report suspected scams to relevant platforms and authorities.
ncoa.org
· 2025-12-08
Deepfakes are AI-generated videos, photos, and audio that realistically fabricate or alter someone's likeness, increasingly used by criminals to execute scams targeting older Americans, who lost $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023. Common deepfake scams include investment schemes (such as an 82-year-old losing $690,000 to a fake Elon Musk video), romance scams (with victims in Hong Kong losing over $46 million), political misinformation, extortion/grandparent scams (which generated over $13 million in losses from 2020-2021), and celebrity endorsement frauds. Understanding
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This article presents educational advice from a Scam Jam event in Richmond, Virginia, where experts from organizations including AARP Virginia and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service provided seniors with strategies to protect themselves against fraud. Speakers described various scams targeting older Americans, including durable medical equipment fraud, mail theft, identity theft, phishing, and AI-powered impersonation calls, and advised attendees to avoid unsolicited contacts, protect personal information, and use secure mailing practices. The event emphasized that fraudsters use both low-tech methods like mail theft and high-tech tactics like voice manipulation, and stressed that seniors should be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This article covers a "Scam Jam" educational event in Richmond, Virginia organized by AARP Virginia where law enforcement and fraud prevention experts educated about 30 seniors on common scams targeting older adults. Presenters from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol discussed various fraud schemes including mail theft, identity theft, durable medical equipment fraud, and AI-powered impersonation scams, while offering practical protective strategies such as mailing checks directly to post offices and shredding personal documents.
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta received a Shonky Award for failing to protect Australians from scams, as social media fraud losses reached $95 million in 2024, with a Queensland retiree losing $110,000 in a fake celebrity investment scam that remained on Facebook for six to eight weeks. Scams on Meta platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) account for 76% of all reported social media scam losses, and CHOICE found that Meta's response times to reported fraudulent ads were inconsistent, with some remaining live for at least four days. The Australian government has introduced legislation imposing fines up to $50 million on social media platforms and other companies that
metro.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Actor Alan Davies revealed he has been scammed "relentlessly" online, including losing £400 on a fake PlayStation 5 listing in 2022 and nearly losing £457 on a fraudulent website selling Christmas gifts. He also had his X (Twitter) account hacked by a Bitcoin scammer, resulting in the loss of 800,000 followers, and reported difficulty contacting human representatives to resolve the issue. The article additionally notes similar incidents involving other celebrities, including actor Tony Maudsley who was targeted in a Facebook ticket scam but whose bank stopped the fraudulent £600 payment.
zeenews.india.com
· 2025-12-08
Google identified five major online scams gaining traction: fake AI-generated celebrity IDs promoting fraudulent investments, cryptocurrency schemes promising unrealistic returns often with fake celebrity backing, cloned apps and websites targeting personal information, fake tech support and employee login portals, and event-based scams exploiting major events to promote counterfeit products or fake charities. To protect themselves, users should verify sources before engaging with offers, keep devices updated with security patches, and enable Safe Browsing features to block suspicious sites.
newsbytesapp.com
· 2025-12-08
During India's festive season (October 1-28), 45% of Indian consumers were targeted by or fell victim to shopping scams, according to a McAfee survey, with nearly half of those scammed losing over ₹41,500. The scams primarily involved AI-driven deepfakes, fake shopping websites mimicking platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, phishing emails, and fraudulent celebrity endorsements shared on social media, with 78% of shoppers reporting increased concern about online fraud in 2024. McAfee blocked 24,000 suspicious URLs during the period and noted that cybercriminals exploited the shift toward online shopping, with sc
wfaa.com
· 2025-12-08
A 56-year-old Florida man was arrested for impersonating Elon Musk online and defrauding a 74-year-old North Texas woman of approximately $600,000 between 2023 and mid-2024. Jeffrey Arthur Moynihan Jr. befriended the victim under the guise of Musk, encouraging her to invest in his businesses with promises of a $55 million return, with financial records confirming at least $250,000 in confirmed transfers to accounts he controlled. The case was investigated by both Frisco police and the Bradenton Police Department's Elder Fraud Unit, which reported handling nearly $3 million in fraud losses involving victims
abcactionnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 56-year-old Bradenton man was arrested for impersonating Elon Musk on Facebook and defrauding a 74-year-old Texas woman of at least $250,000 in an investment scam; the victim's husband reported approximately $600,000 total may have been lost. Jeffrey Arthur Moynihan, Jr. used Musk's real profile photos and news about his activities to build trust over months before proposing an investment opportunity that would turn $500,000 into $55 million. Evidence suggests other people were involved in the scheme and Moynihan may have also impersonated Johnny Depp and Lionel Richie, with
scrippsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 56-year-old Florida man, Jeffrey Arthur Moynihan Jr., was arrested for impersonating Elon Musk on Facebook to defraud a 74-year-old Texas woman out of approximately $250,000 to $600,000 through a fake investment scheme promising to turn $500,000 into $55 million. The victim was convinced by the perpetrator's use of Musk's real profile photos and references to his public activities over several months of conversation in 2023, though her husband eventually reported the fraud after their bank flagged the suspicious withdrawals. Investigators believe additional suspects are involved and note this type of celebrity impersonation scam
kvue.com
· 2025-12-08
A 56-year-old Florida man was arrested for impersonating Elon Musk online and defrauding a 74-year-old North Texas woman of approximately $600,000 over several months in 2023. Jeffrey Arthur Moynihan Jr. promised the victim a $55 million return on her investment in fake Musk businesses and transferred at least $250,000 to accounts he controlled. The Bradenton Police Department's Elder Fraud Unit made the arrest, noting that this case is part of a broader pattern of elder fraud involving nearly $3 million in losses to victims over 60 this year.
abc3340.com
· 2025-12-08
A 56-year-old Florida business owner was arrested for impersonating Elon Musk on Facebook and defrauding a 74-year-old Texas woman of at least $250,000 over several months in 2023. The victim was lured into investing in fake business opportunities and promised a $55 million return, with funds transferred to bank accounts belonging to the suspect and his painting business. The victim's husband reported she may have sent approximately $600,000 total to the scammer.
spotonflorida.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Bradenton Police's Elder Fraud unit arrested Jeffrey Arthur Moynihan, Jr. for defrauding a woman out of $250,000 by impersonating Elon Musk. The arrest highlights a common elder fraud scheme where scammers pose as wealthy public figures to manipulate victims into sending money.
mysuncoast.com
· 2025-12-08
A 56-year-old man in Bradenton, Florida was arrested for impersonating Elon Musk on Facebook and defrauding a 74-year-old Texas woman of over $600,000 after convincing her to invest in fake business opportunities with promised returns of $55 million. Elder fraud is rising across Florida's Suncoast region through various scams including romance and phishing schemes, with authorities recommending residents pause to verify requests, question urgency, and recognize too-good-to-be-true offers.
gbnews.com
· 2025-12-08
ITV Love Island star Amy Hart lost £5,000 to a sophisticated phone scam in 2022 when fraudsters impersonated her bank's fraud team, demonstrated knowledge of her finances, and used high-pressure tactics to manipulate her into authorizing unauthorized access to her account. Hart has since spoken publicly about her experience to reduce stigma around victimization and encourage other victims to come forward, emphasizing that scammers are professionals who exploit psychological pressure rather than victim negligence.
nationalpost.com
· 2025-12-08
A 56-year-old Florida man, Jeffrey Arthur Moynihan Jr., was arrested and charged with grand theft for impersonating Elon Musk on Facebook to scam a 74-year-old Texas woman out of $250,000 (with her husband reporting the actual total may reach $600,000) by convincing her to invest in fake business opportunities. Moynihan established rapport with the victim over several months in 2023 by referencing real Musk social media posts, eventually persuading her that she had legitimately invested with the tech billionaire; police also discovered evidence he used false identities of actors Johnny Depp and Lionel Richie, an
brobible.com
· 2025-12-08
A 56-year-old Florida man was arrested for impersonating Elon Musk on Facebook and defrauding a 74-year-old Texas woman of approximately $600,000 by posing as the billionaire and promising massive returns on fake investments. Jeffrey Arthur Moynihan Jr. befriended the victim over several months, using real posts from Musk's social media accounts to appear authentic, and directed the money to bank accounts he controlled. The case highlights a broader epidemic of celebrity impersonation scams targeting elderly victims across the United States.
en.cibercuba.com
· 2025-12-08
A 56-year-old Florida man was arrested for impersonating Elon Musk on Facebook to defraud a 74-year-old Texas woman of approximately $600,000 through a fake investment scheme promising returns of $55 million on a $500,000 investment. The perpetrator, Jeffrey Arthur Moynihan Jr., built trust over months by synchronizing messages with public events and news, and used his painting company as a front to conceal the stolen funds. He was arrested in November by the Bradenton Police Department's Elder Fraud Unit and faces charges of grand theft and identity theft.
themirror.com
· 2025-12-08
A 56-year-old Florida man, Jeffrey Moynihan Jr., allegedly impersonated tech billionaire Elon Musk on Facebook beginning in 2023 and defrauded a 74-year-old Texas woman of approximately $600,000 by convincing her that investing in Musk's business ventures would yield returns up to $55 million. The victim transferred funds to accounts actually owned by Moynihan and his businesses, and police arrested him on grand theft charges in November 2023, though none of the victim's money has been recovered. The case highlights the vulnerability of elderly individuals to investment scams involving celebrity impersonation on social media.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday shopping season, online scams proliferate through fake websites, social media ads, and AI-generated deepfakes impersonating major brands, with non-delivery scams being particularly prevalent. Gift card fraud is a major concern, with 30% of Americans having received worthless gift cards in the past year, as criminals tamper with cards in retail stores or use ghost bots to drain balances. Experts recommend shopping only on trusted platforms, using credit cards for payment protection, and immediately registering and checking the balance of gift cards upon receipt.
gizmodo.com
· 2025-12-08
A "pig butchering" romance scam targeting elderly people involves fraudsters impersonating actor Johnny Depp on Facebook, then moving conversations to messaging apps to convince victims to send money via cryptocurrency, gift cards, and other payment methods. The FTC received 197 complaints over one year from victims across the country, many in their 60s who lost thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars from retirement accounts, with one Minnesota woman losing $1,700 before her bank intervened. The scammers exploit emotional vulnerability and loneliness by posing as Depp or associates like his fictional "manager Jack Wingham," using flattery and false promises of romance or investment returns.
philstarlife.com
· 2025-12-08
South Korean actress Yoo In-na revealed she was victimized by a romance scam in her early 20s when a scammer stole her photos from Cyworld (a Korean social network) and used her identity to defraud a man of approximately 1-2 million won (roughly $800-$1,600). The scam was resolved only after the victim confronted the perpetrator with evidence of the real Yoo In-na's identity, prompting the scammer to repay the borrowed funds. Romance scams remain a significant problem in the Philippines and globally, with authorities warning the public to verify identities online and be cautious of deepfake AI videos used by scamm
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Google has warned of a surge in phishing and scam emails targeting its 2.5 billion Gmail users, particularly as a second wave of attacks is expected following the holiday season. Three prevalent scams are currently in heavy use: extortion scams threatening physical harm or blackmail using victims' home addresses, fake invoice scams designed to trick users into calling fraudulent numbers to dispute charges, and celebrity impersonation scams. While Google reports blocking over 99.9% of spam and phishing attempts through new AI technology, the company urges users to remain vigilant as attackers intensify their efforts during this period of increased email traffic.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old woman in Vista lost tens of thousands of dollars over two years to a romance scam in which scammers impersonated actor Keanu Reeves, ultimately leading to her homelessness. The scammers used "love bombing" tactics, promising marriage while making repeated requests for gift cards, Bitcoin transfers, and wire transfers, with constant excuses preventing in-person meetings. Her case exemplifies the broader problem: romance scams cost Americans $1.1 billion nationally in recent years, with San Diego County victims losing $1.3 million in 2023 alone.
nbcnewyork.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old San Diego woman lost tens of thousands of dollars over two years to romance scammers impersonating actor Keanu Reeves, ultimately losing her home and now living in her car. The scam began in 2022 when she was initially contacted by an imposter, but continued after she received messages from someone claiming to be the real Reeves, who offered sympathy and eventually claimed to want marriage, using isolation tactics and repeated requests for money via Bitcoin, gift cards, and wire transfers. According to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, romance scams cost the U.S. $1.1 billion annually, with San Diego County victims losing $1.3
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old widow in San Diego lost over $60,000 in savings to a romance scam involving an impersonator claiming to be actor Keanu Reeves over a two-year period, ultimately leaving her homeless and living in her car. The scammer gained her trust by claiming to be the "real" Reeves after she initially blocked a fake account, then repeatedly made excuses to avoid meeting in person while soliciting money, gift cards, and Bitcoin. Romance scams like this cost Americans $1.1 billion in 2023, and the victim is now speaking publicly to raise awareness about the targeting of elderly and lonely individuals.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old San Diego widow lost over $60,000 in savings to a romance scam involving an impersonator claiming to be actor Keanu Reeves, who convinced her to send money and cryptocurrency over two years by promising marriage despite never meeting in person. After the money ran out in August, the scammer became hostile, leaving Goodson homeless and living in her car; she went public to raise awareness about celebrity romance scams targeting seniors, as romance fraud cost Americans $1.1 billion in 2023.
boredpanda.com
· 2025-12-08
Katherine Goodson, a 67-year-old from San Diego, lost her entire life savings of over $60,000 to scammers impersonating Keanu Reeves over a two-year romance scam, leaving her homeless. The fraudsters groomed her with promises of love and marriage through daily messages, using tactics like love-bombing and isolation, and accepting payments via direct deposit, gift cards, and cryptocurrency before becoming hostile once funds dried up. Experts note that isolated older adults with emotional vulnerabilities are particularly susceptible to romance scams that exploit human need for connection rather than just financial theft.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Katherine Goodson, a 67-year-old widow from San Diego, lost her entire life savings of over $60,000 to a romance scam involving scammers impersonating Keanu Reeves, sending money through direct deposits, gift cards, and cryptocurrency over a two-year period. After falling victim to a similar scam in 2022, a second impersonator exploited her vulnerability through "love-bombing" tactics, convincing her the actor wanted to marry her before becoming abusive once her funds were depleted, leaving her homeless. The case illustrates how romance scammers use psychological manipulation and emotional grooming to target lonely, vulnerable individuals.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Johnny Depp warned fans on Instagram that scammers are impersonating him through fake social media and email accounts to solicit money, exploiting AI technology that can replicate his face and voice. He clarified that he and his team never ask fans for money, personal information, or payment for meetings, memberships, or fan cards, and provided his official social media handles while noting he is not on X, Snapchat, or Discord. The warning reflects a broader trend of celebrity impersonation scams affecting stars like Scarlett Johansson, Taylor Swift, and Kelly Rowland, with the FTC advising consumers never to send money to unknown individuals claiming to be celebrities on social media.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Johnny Depp warned fans on Instagram that scammers are impersonating him and his team through fake social media and email accounts to solicit money, exploiting AI technology to mimic his appearance and voice. He clarified that he and his team never ask fans for money, personal information, or payment for meetings, calls, or memberships, and shared his official account handles while noting he is not on X, Snapchat, or Discord. This follows similar warnings from other celebrities including Kelly Rowland and Reba McEntire, as scammers frequently use celebrity identities in online fraud schemes targeting fans.
cdispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman in New Hope became the victim of a romance scam after sending her entire life savings ($20,000) via FedEx to an online boyfriend who did not actually exist. Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins highlighted this case while warning the public about multiple prevalent scams, including phone spoofing schemes impersonating the sheriff's office, utility companies, and government agencies, as well as employment, cryptocurrency, lottery, and tech support scams. Hawkins emphasized that scammers are sophisticated professionals and advised victims to hang up and call official numbers directly rather than staying on suspicious calls.
7news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Former TV host David Koch's image was used without permission in a fraudulent investment scam that convinced victim Allison to lose $250,000. The article reports that fake celebrity-endorsed investment advertisements have defrauded over 600,000 Australians as part of a multi-billion-dollar scam industry, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes to impersonate celebrities and create fake endorsements. NAB warns that common red flags include unexpected contact, artificially created urgency, and celebrity or expert endorsements, particularly on social media platforms.
dailyexcelsior.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** Rahul Dogra - 2025 Cyber Scams in India
This article outlines emerging sophisticated scams in India driven by AI and deepfake technology, including KYC/bank scams where fraudsters impersonate officials to steal sensitive information, job fraud schemes demanding upfront fees for non-existent positions, and digital arrest scams using intimidation tactics to extort settlement payments. Additional scams target elderly individuals through medical emergencies and fake insurance, electricity bill scams threatening service disconnection, and romance scams, with prevention advice emphasizing direct verification with official sources, avoidance of unsolicited links, and independent research before sharing personal
mitrade.com
· 2025-12-08
A 53-year-old French interior designer was defrauded of $855,000 over 18 months in an AI-enabled romance scam where perpetrators impersonated actor Brad Pitt and his mother, using AI-generated photos and messages across multiple platforms before claiming he needed money for cancer treatment. The scammers exploited advances in artificial intelligence technology to create convincing fake profiles and communications, a tactic that has become increasingly common—with similar Brad Pitt impersonation schemes in Spain resulting in $350,000 in losses from two women in 2024. Romance scams globally caused over $652 million in losses in the US alone in 2023,
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies major online scams targeting people in 2025, including romance baiting (formerly called "pig butchering"), immigration fraud, and AI-generated scams that exploit vulnerable populations. The author advises vigilance against scammers who use social engineering tactics, noting that law enforcement offers limited recourse for victims and recommending awareness of common warning signs to avoid becoming a target.
fortune.com
· 2025-12-08
A French woman lost $850,000 to romance scammers who used fake social media accounts, AI-generated images, and WhatsApp messages to impersonate Brad Pitt over more than a year, convincing her to transfer her life savings by claiming the actor needed money for medical treatment. Brad Pitt's representatives responded by warning fans not to engage with unsolicited online contact from celebrities, particularly those without legitimate social media presence. This scam is part of a broader trend of AI-enabled celebrity impersonation fraud targeting fans, with similar incidents previously affecting Spanish victims and other celebrities like Johnny Depp.
ladailypost.com
· 2025-12-08
A 53-year-old French woman was defrauded of $850,000 by scammers posing as Brad Pitt using AI-generated images and videos to create a convincing fake romance from 2023 onwards. The scammers exploited her vulnerability as a cancer survivor and social media novice, fabricating stories about divorce proceedings and medical treatments to justify repeated money requests, and even created a fake AI newscast to counter her doubts. The article warns that AI-powered celebrity romance scams are increasingly effective and advises monitoring vulnerable relatives for warning signs such as online relationships with people who cannot meet in person or requests for money.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A 53-year-old French interior designer lost approximately Rs 7.5 crore in a romance scam involving fake accounts impersonating Brad Pitt and his mother, exploiting her emotional vulnerability during an ongoing divorce. The scammers used AI-generated videos and messages to build trust, then fabricated stories about customs fees, medical emergencies, and frozen bank accounts to extract money before she discovered the deception through real celebrity photos. This case reflects a rising trend of sophisticated romance scams targeting celebrity-obsessed individuals, with similar Brad Pitt impersonation schemes reported across Europe.
imdb.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old California woman lost thousands of dollars to scammers impersonating actor Keanu Reeves in a romance scam, resulting in her becoming homeless and living in her car. Romance scams targeting celebrities are increasingly common, with $1.1 billion lost nationally and $1.3 million in San Diego County alone during 2023. The victim shared her story to raise awareness about warning signs, as scammers exploit the popularity of celebrities who typically have no social media presence.
mondaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance fraud—where scammers impersonate celebrities or create fake identities to build trust with victims before demanding money—is a rapidly growing crime, with the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau reporting 8,792 cases and losses exceeding £94.7 million in the past year. A notable case involved a 53-year-old French woman defrauded of £700,000 over 18 months by someone posing as Brad Pitt, with fraudsters typically spending about a year building trust before requesting funds through pretexts like medical emergencies or investment opportunities. Authorities note that romance fraud is heavily under-reported due to victim shame, though early reporting without alert
oddee.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old California woman lost her life savings and home to a two-year romance scam in which scammers impersonated actor Keanu Reeves, using "love bombing" tactics to extract tens of thousands of dollars in Bitcoin and gift cards. Katherine Goodson initially blocked one scammer after recognizing a voice message wasn't authentic, but fell for the scheme again when she received what appeared to be a personal apology from the "real" Keanu, leading her to send money for two years until the scammer became hostile and disappeared. According to the FTC, romance scams involving celebrity impersonation defraud victims of over $1 billion annually.
huffpost.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 70,000 people reported romance scams to the FTC in 2022, losing a total of $1.3 billion with an average loss of $4,400. A notable case involved a French woman who lost €830,000 ($865,000) to a scammer impersonating Brad Pitt over an 18-month period, who used AI-generated images of the actor in a hospital to convince her he needed money for cancer treatment. The article advises families to watch for warning signs like sudden mood changes or secretive behavior in loved ones, and recommends approaching suspected victims with gentle questions rather than accusations, as confrontation can actually strengthen the scammer's control over
pandasecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
A French woman, Anne, lost approximately $850,000 in an 18-month romance scam in which a cybercriminal impersonated Brad Pitt and his mother on Instagram, using AI-generated fake images to build an emotional relationship and eventually convince her to fund fake medical and legal expenses. After discovering the deception when the real Brad Pitt appeared at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, Anne reported the crime and shared her story publicly to raise awareness, but subsequently suffered severe cyberbullying and depression. The case highlights the prevalence of romance scams, which cost victims over a billion dollars in 2023, and demonstrates how fraudsters exploit emotional vulnerability and celebrity admiration to manipulate
trinidadexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old grandmother from Sangre Grande was reported missing after traveling to Brazil to meet a man posing as the Crown Prince of Dubai via Facebook and WhatsApp in a romance scam; the same week, a French interior decorator lost €830,000 to someone impersonating Brad Pitt. Romance scams exploit victims' emotional needs for connection and intimacy through careful trust-building, with scammers using fabricated stories to request money; in Trinidad and Tobago alone, over 100 people lost more than $2.3 million to suspected romance scams between 2020 and 2021.
crowdfundinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance fraud remains a persistent threat, with scammers creating fake online identities on social media and dating apps to build trust with victims before manipulating them into sending money. Bank of Ireland warns consumers to remain vigilant, noting that red flags include refusals to video call, overly rapid declarations of love, and requests for money, and emphasizes that victims should never send funds to individuals they have only interacted with online. The bank calls for stronger platform safeguards and notes that many cases go unreported due to victim shame, with survivors experiencing significant financial losses and emotional trauma.
ceotodaymagazine.com
· 2025-12-08
Multiple celebrities fell victim to various fraud schemes, demonstrating that wealth and fame do not protect against scams. Notable cases include Cristiano Ronaldo losing $320,000 to a fraudulent travel agent, Noel Edmonds suffering from a £245 million bank loan fraud scheme, Tiger Woods experiencing $30,000 in identity theft, Billy Joel losing millions to his former manager Frank Weber (recovering only $8 million of $90 million sued), Robert De Niro losing approximately $1 million to art fraud, and Ben Stiller losing $250,000 to a dishonest financial planner. These cases span Ponzi schemes, embezzlement, identity theft
buzzfeed.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 70,000 people reported romance scams to the FTC in 2022, losing $1.3 billion collectively with an average loss of $4,400; a notable case involved a French woman who lost €830,000 ($865,000) to a scammer impersonating Brad Pitt over 1½ years, who used AI-generated images of the actor in a hospital to claim he had kidney cancer and needed money. The article advises family members to watch for sudden mood changes and secretive behavior in loved ones, avoid victim-blaming, and approach conversations with curiosity rather than accusations, since scammers often prepare victims to expect such criticism from their social
datingnews.com
· 2025-12-08
New York State introduced legislation requiring dating platforms to notify users when they match with someone previously banned from the app, addressing the growing problem of romance scams that cost Americans $1.14 billion in 2023 alone. Romance scammers exploit users' desire for connection by building emotional trust before soliciting money, often using fake identities or celebrity impersonations. The legislation is part of the broader "Stop Hiding Hate" Act aimed at protecting New Yorkers from fraud while holding social media companies accountable for self-regulation.
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Celebrity impersonation scams using AI-generated deepfakes of famous figures like Brad Pitt and Rod Stewart are becoming increasingly sophisticated and convincing, exploiting psychological vulnerabilities that affect people across all age groups. Scammers capitalize on the emotional trust people feel toward familiar faces—whether celebrities or local news presenters—to promote fraudulent schemes, particularly targeting women with weight loss and financial products. Experts recommend skepticism toward offers that seem too good to be true, verifying information directly from official sources, and slowing down decision-making when approached with investment or product opportunities.
police.boston.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Boston Police Department warns that cryptocurrency scams are rising significantly, with losses in Boston alone expected to exceed $9 million in 2024 and anticipated to grow further in 2025. Common schemes include investment fraud promising guaranteed returns, blackmail and extortion demanding crypto payments, and imposter scams where fraudsters pose as banks, government agencies, or employers to trick victims into transferring funds. To protect themselves, residents should verify investment opportunities through official sources, never share crypto wallet information, be skeptical of unsolicited contacts and social media ads, and report suspected fraud to authorities or the Federal Trade Commission.
citizen.co.za
· 2025-12-08
Several elderly women aged 65-78 in Ethekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, lost a collective R120,000 to an online romance scam in January 2025 involving a man posing as "Doctor Mike from London," a British doctor allegedly practicing in New York. The scammer used Facebook and phone numbers with USA and UK prefixes to establish contact, promised romantic dates in Durban, and then claimed to have been arrested at King Shaka International Airport with confiscated US dollars, requesting R20,000-R50,000 transfers to secure his release. The victims discovered the fraud only after traveling to the airport to meet him and finding themselves blocke
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Criminals are impersonating Elon Musk using fake advertisements and deepfake videos to perpetrate three main scams: selling ineffective energy-saving devices (with victims reporting losses of $152+ per unit), promoting a fraudulent Quantum AI investment platform using fabricated celebrity endorsements, and running giveaway schemes that extract fees or personal information from victims (with one person losing $6,000). These scams exploit AI deepfake technology to create convincing but entirely fictitious endorsements designed to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting targets.
wave3.com
· 2025-12-08
Experts are warning the public about romance scams, particularly ahead of Valentine's Day, where scammers impersonate celebrities or create fake personas to build relationships and request money from victims. Red flags include quick declarations of love, requests for money, reluctance to meet in person, and insistence on communication only through dating platforms. According to the Federal Trade Commission, imposter scams were Kentucky's most common fraud type in 2024, with scammers stealing $2.7 billion nationally in that year; financial experts recommend consulting trusted friends or bank representatives when uncertain about suspicious requests.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting Elon Musk's reputation by promoting fake "energy-saving" devices through unsolicited emails, social media ads, and pop-ups, claiming the products can reduce electricity bills by 50% or more. These fraudulent websites use fake celebrity endorsements, doctored photos, pseudo-scientific language, and fake customer reviews to appear legitimate, but deliver either non-functional plastic devices or nothing at all after collecting upfront payment via credit card or PayPal. No legitimate plug-in device can actually reduce home electricity usage, and consumers should be wary of unsolicited offers making exaggerated claims about bill reduction.
townandcountrymag.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, multiple high-profile fraud cases emerged involving sophisticated impersonation schemes: a Hermès heir reported a $13 billion fortune missing, Elvis Presley's estate discovered Graceland nearly sold at auction after a woman forged loan documents and signatures, and an Arup engineering employee wired $25 million to fraudsters using deepfake technology to impersonate company executives. The article highlights how modern scammers exploit advancing technology—including AI-generated voices and deepfakes—to impersonate authority figures, family members, and trusted individuals, with experts predicting AI-generated fraud could reach $40 billion by 2027. Recommended protections include establishing family
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
BBC Local podcast "Loved Bombed," hosted by Vicky Pattison, features real-life stories of romance fraud victims who were deceived by partners they met online and lost significant sums of money through emotional manipulation and false promises. Featured victims include Priya, who lost £100,000 including family heirlooms to a fraudster, and Suzanne from Hertfordshire, who lost £20,000 to a man she dated. The five-part series aims to raise awareness of romance scams and encourage survivors to recognize warning signs and seek help.
theedgemalaysia.com
· 2025-12-08
A cybercriminal group earned US$46 million from deepfake romance scams targeting men across Asia, including cases like an 80-year-old Malaysian widow losing RM30,000 to an AI-generated video mimicking a Chinese celebrity. In 2024, Malaysians lost US$12.8 billion to scams overall, with deepfake technology making it increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine online dating profiles despite facial verification features. The article advises victims to avoid unverified investment advice from online contacts, refrain from sharing personal information early in conversations, and limit location sharing to protect against emotional manipulation and physical safety threats.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams targeting older Americans have surged, with fraudsters impersonating celebrities like Keanu Reeves, Jason Momoa, and Sandra Bullock to build fake emotional relationships and extract money. The scams exploit loneliness among seniors, with victims losing an average of $35,000 each, as demonstrated by a recent case where someone lost over $800,000 in a Brad Pitt impersonation scam. Charlie, a banking service for Americans 62+, released this data to educate seniors on red flags including rapid professions of love, avoidance of in-person meetings, fabricated emergencies, and requests for secrecy.
businesswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams targeting older Americans have surged, with fraudsters impersonating celebrities like Keanu Reeves, Jason Momoa, Sandra Bullock, and Ryan Reynolds to build fake emotional relationships and extract money. Charlie, a banking service for seniors, released this data to raise awareness that scammers exploit lonely older adults through online dating sites and social media, fabricating crises to pressure victims into sending money—with one victim losing over $800,000 in a Brad Pitt impersonation scam. Seniors can protect themselves by recognizing warning signs including rapid professions of love, avoidance of in-person meetings, fabricated emergencies, and requests for
recordnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers intensify their tactics around Valentine's Day, using social media research and emotional manipulation to build trust with victims before requesting money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Scammers employ various schemes including fabricated emergencies (medical bills, travel costs, equipment damage) and increasingly sophisticated methods like Bitcoin transactions, while also resorting to blackmail and threats. Experts advise vigilance across all communication channels and recommend contacting local law enforcement if victimized, noting that while elderly individuals were traditionally targeted, younger people are now also vulnerable to these evolving scams.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned of rising romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, with victims losing $1.14 billion in 2023 according to the FTC. Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps and social media, build trust quickly, and manipulate victims—sometimes impersonating celebrities or military personnel—to send money or invest in cryptocurrency, with one victim losing $850,000 to a scammer posing as Brad Pitt. Red flags include requests for money, reluctance to meet in person or video chat, and inconsistent stories; prevention through identity verification and caution about rapidly escalating relationships is the best defense.
engadget.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta has removed over 116,000 accounts in 2025 linked to romance scams where fraudsters impersonate celebrities or U.S. military members to build relationships and solicit payments via gift cards and cryptocurrency. The scams, which cost victims over $500 million in 2021 according to the FTC, often originate in West African countries and operate across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, with AI technology making it increasingly easier for scammers to create convincing fake identities and deepfake videos.
about.fb.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers exploit Valentine's Day and other occasions by impersonating military personnel, celebrities, or fake dating agencies across social media and messaging platforms to build trust with victims before soliciting money via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. A tech company disrupted multiple romance scam networks operating across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, and other platforms, with schemes originating from Nigeria and Kenya targeting users in the US, UAE, Japan, Africa, and other regions. The company recommends users verify identities, avoid sending money to unknown contacts, and use platform safety tools to protect against these schemes.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Celebrity impersonation scams use AI-generated images, videos, and voices to impersonate famous figures like Scarlett Johansson, Taylor Swift, and Brad Pitt, defrauding victims of hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars through fake giveaways, investment opportunities, and cryptocurrency schemes. Key warning signs include unsolicited messages asking for money or personal information, with victims advised to verify celebrity identities through official social media accounts and remember that celebrities will not solicit funds directly. Fraud losses from generative AI are projected to reach $40 billion by 2027, up from $12.3 billion in 2023.
apnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta Platforms is warning users about romance scams on Instagram and Facebook, particularly ahead of Valentine's Day, where scammers pose as attractive, successful individuals with military, medical, or business backgrounds to build trust before requesting money or cryptocurrency investments. The company recently dismantled romance scam networks impersonating military officers, celebrities, and fake matchmaking agencies targeting people in Africa, and is testing facial recognition tools to identify fake profiles. Users are advised to verify strangers' identities through account creation dates and reverse image searches, and to be skeptical of any requests for money or gift cards.
courant.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta Platforms warned users ahead of Valentine's Day about romance scams targeting people through Facebook, Instagram, and text messages, where scammers pose as attractive, successful individuals with military, medical, or business backgrounds and use stolen or AI-generated photos to build trust before requesting money for emergencies or cryptocurrency investments. Meta recently dismantled romance scam networks impersonating military officers, celebrities, and fake matchmaking agencies targeting vulnerable populations, and is testing facial recognition tools to identify fake celebrity accounts. Users are advised to verify stranger identities through reverse image searches, check account creation dates, and remain skeptical of any requests for money via gift cards or payment apps.
delcotimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta Platforms is warning users about romance scams that surge around Valentine's Day, where scammers pose as attractive, successful individuals with fake or AI-generated photos to build trust before requesting money for emergencies or cryptocurrency investments. The company recently dismantled romance scam networks impersonating military officers, celebrities, and matchmaking agencies, and is testing facial recognition tools to identify fake profiles. Meta advises users to verify strangers' identities through profile details and reverse image searches, and to be skeptical of any money requests.
theweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers operating primarily from overseas (notably Nigeria and Ghana) use fake dating profiles with stolen photos to build false romantic relationships with Americans, then manipulate victims into sending money. The FBI and FTC report that romance scams caused over $1 billion in losses in 2023, with more than 64,000 victims, and scammers employ sophisticated tactics including impersonating celebrities and military members. To protect themselves, people should avoid sending money to online-only contacts, verify profile photos through reverse image searches, and be cautious about sharing personal information on social media and dating platforms.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost Americans $1.14 billion in 2023, with a median loss of $2,000 per victim, and $384 million in the first nine months of 2024 alone. Scammers create fake profiles on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, build emotional relationships with victims, and then request money or investment opportunities; one elderly widow lost an estimated $50,000-$60,000 to seven overlapping romance scams over seven years. To protect themselves, users should verify identities through video calls, be skeptical of requests for money or personal information, and report suspicious accounts to platforms.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A French woman lost $850,000 to a scammer impersonating Brad Pitt using AI-generated images and videos in a year-long online romance scheme, with the fraudster claiming to need money for medical treatment. Multiple other women have been similarly victimized by fake celebrity dating scams involving impersonations of Brad Pitt, Keanu Reeves, and other stars, exploiting victims' vulnerability to flattery, loneliness, and difficulty detecting deepfakes and AI-generated content. Experts note that advances in AI technology, combined with victims' common traits of being trusting and susceptible to persuasion, make these scams increasingly effective and difficult to identify using
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams using AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating celebrities became the most reported scams in 2024, with criminals creating hyper-realistic videos and audio to trick victims into fraudulent relationships or investment schemes. A recent investigation by London's Proactive Economic Crime Team led to two arrests after victims handed over approximately £200,000, including one individual who lost £60,000, while a similar case involving a deepfake of Martin Lewis and Elon Musk defrauded a tradesman of £76,000. The technology has evolved faster than regulatory measures, making it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish real from fabricated content, with deepfake attempts occurring every five
regtechtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams, where fraudsters create fake profiles on dating apps and social media to manipulate victims emotionally and extract money, have increased 14% globally in 2024 with over 1,193 new scam profiles detected. The United States (38%), Nigeria (14%), and India (12%) are the most affected countries, with scammers employing tactics like "love bombing," fake personas, and blackmail to exploit victims over weeks or months. Tech companies including Meta, Tinder, Bumble, and Google are implementing AI-powered detection systems, safety notices, and content filters to identify and remove fraudulent accounts and warn users of suspicious activity.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency remains vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated scams as technology advances. Experts warn of two major threats in 2025: AI-driven pump-and-dump schemes where scammers use hundreds of thousands of AI agents to artificially inflate coin prices before selling off for profit, and copycat token scams where fraudsters create fake or misleading tokens mimicking legitimate projects to deceive investors seeking ground-floor opportunities. The article advises investors to be suspicious of sudden price surges without history, conduct thorough due diligence on projects and founders, and avoid rushing into investments based on FOMO (fear of missing out).
nasdaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scams are evolving with AI technology, with pump-and-dump schemes and copycat tokens emerging as major threats in 2025. Scammers use AI agents to artificially boost coin prices before selling for profit, and create fraudulent tokens mimicking legitimate projects to deceive investors seeking early-stage opportunities. Experts advise investors to conduct thorough due diligence on projects, communities, and founders before investing, and to be suspicious of sudden price surges with no performance history.
news.va.gov
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, romance scams affected 53% of men and 47% of women in online dating environments, with scammers creating fake personas to build trust with victims—often impersonating military personnel or celebrities—before requesting money or personal information. The FTC reported over 64,000 romance scams in 2023 alone, resulting in $1.14 billion in losses. Veterans are advised to verify identities of new online contacts, avoid sharing financial information, be cautious of unsolicited messages and monetary requests, trust their instincts, and report suspicious activity to the FTC or relevant authorities.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
When 13-year-old Lola clicked on a phishing email promising a free clothing voucher, she was redirected to enter her mother's debit card details for a claimed 99p verification charge, resulting in a £200 unauthorized transaction. Research from Vodafone found that nearly 840,000 British children aged 11-16 have been scammed online in the past year, with spoof ads and quizzes being the most common type of fraud, and 81% of parents reporting long-term psychological consequences including anxiety and depression in their children. The bank eventually refunded the money after a lengthy month-long process, but Lola advocates for greater online safety education
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
According to the FBI's 2024 Elder Fraud Report, elder fraud complaints increased 46% with losses rising 43%, while New York ranked fourth nationally in complaints and monetary losses among seniors over 60. The median loss for victims aged 60+ exceeded $83,000, with investment scams causing the highest losses at $6.6 billion overall and New York seniors losing $257.7 million in 2024. AARP warns that holiday season scams are escalating, particularly gift card fraud, phishing, and delivery scams, and recommends shopping directly from official websites, purchasing gift cards only from authorized locations, and being wary of urgent requests for payment via gift cards or
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Multiple women, including an American who lost $375,000, fell victim to romance scams using the likeness and identity of actor Martin Henderson over an extended period, with victims spanning the United States, Britain, and Ireland. After one victim's story was publicized, four additional women came forward, and scammers subsequently attempted secondary extortion by posing as private investigators offering money recovery services. Henderson has issued public warnings that he does not initiate contact through messaging apps and expressed concern that advancing deepfake technology could make such scams increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect.
audacy.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, 53% of men and 47% of women experienced romance scams in online dating environments, with scammers impersonating military personnel or celebrities to build trust before requesting money or personal information from victims. The FBI reported that over 64,000 romance scams were reported in 2023 alone, resulting in $1.14 billion in losses. Veterans are advised to verify identities of new online contacts, protect sensitive information, be cautious of financial requests, trust their instincts, and report suspicious activity to relevant authorities including the FTC or VA benefits hotline.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
An organized Georgian call center network scammed approximately 6,000 people across the UK, Europe, and Canada out of $35 million (£27 million) between May 2022 and 2023 using deepfake videos and fake celebrity endorsements featuring Martin Lewis, Zoe Ball, and Ben Fogle to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency and investment schemes. UK victims were disproportionately affected, accounting for about £9 million in losses, with some individuals defrauded of over £160,000 after spending hundreds of hours on calls with scammers. The fraud was exposed through a leaked dataset of over 1 million call recordings that revealed how the approximately
substack.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly targeting Substack writers and readers through impersonation of public figures like Keanu Reeves and the author themselves, using engagement patterns and trust-building tactics to gather information before attempting to defraud victims. The author, who lost one-third of her retirement funds to a scam in 2022, warns that sophisticated scammers profile users by age, hobbies, and interactions, and notes that recent romance scams alone exceeded half a billion dollars. She urges the community to be vigilant about fake celebrity accounts and impersonators, as even highly educated individuals and tech professionals have fallen victim to these schemes.
ksltv.com
· 2025-12-08
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.
thenightly.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Hundreds of fake Facebook accounts impersonating actor Martin Henderson have been used in a global romance scam targeting vulnerable women, with at least one US divorcee losing $375,000 over two years believing she was in a relationship with the star. The fake accounts, many operated from Nigeria, use stolen images from Henderson's official Instagram and Virgin River publicity materials to build emotional connections with middle-aged and lonely women before requesting money for travel, medical emergencies, or investments. Henderson has warned fans that he maintains only one verified Instagram account and experts advise looking for poor English and suspicious requests as warning signs of these catfish schemes.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Katie Powell, a single mother from Portland, Oregon, lost $40,000 to a romance scammer on Tinder who posed as a civil engineer working in Turkey and used fabricated photos and emotional manipulation to build trust over several months before requesting money. The scammer also fraudulently moved $750,000 into her Vanguard retirement account, which was frozen and the funds disappeared; romance scams are increasingly prevalent, with the FTC reporting approximately 70,000 victims in 2022 alone, particularly targeting people ages 40-69, and one in ten dating app profiles are reportedly fake profiles created by scammers using AI technology.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Katie Powell, a single mother from Portland, Oregon, was scammed out of $40,000 by a romance scammer on Tinder who posed as a civil engineer working in Turkey. The scammer used fabricated photos (including a Photoshopped image of MLB pitcher Phil Hughes) and months of intensive communication to build trust before requesting money for medical emergencies, eventually moving $750,000 into her Vanguard retirement account before the funds disappeared. The article highlights that romance scams are increasingly prevalent on dating apps, with approximately 70,000 people targeted in 2022 alone, often using AI-generated fake profiles, and affecting vulnerable individuals seeking companionship.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Katie Powell, a single mother from Portland, Oregon, was scammed out of $40,000 by a romance scammer posing as a civil engineer on Tinder who used Photoshopped images and emotional manipulation to gain her trust over several months. The scammer eventually convinced Powell to send money by claiming financial hardship and hospitalization, and later deposited $750,000 into her Vanguard retirement account—funds that were frozen and disappeared when the scheme unraveled. Romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals are increasingly common on dating apps, with approximately 70,000 people reporting such fraud to the FTC in 2022, and experts note that one in ten
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, older adults lost a record $12.5 billion to scams and fraud—a 25 percent increase from 2023—with adults in their 70s reporting median losses of $1,000 compared to $417 for those in their 20s. The most common scams were imposter schemes (particularly government impostors, which surged from $171 million to $789 million), followed by online shopping, job opportunity, and investment scams, with investment fraud being the most lucrative for criminals at $5.7 billion in reported losses. The FTC notes that fraud's impact on older adults is often catastrophic, affecting retirement security and forcing
barchart.com
· 2025-12-08
Online dating platforms face escalating risks from AI-driven romance scams and deepfake deception, with over half of online daters reporting being scammed or pressured to send money, and celebrity impersonation scams averaging nearly $2,000 in losses. LatamDate.com recommends safety practices including keeping conversations on-platform, using video verification features early, protecting personal information, and avoiding financial transactions in favor of secure in-app gifting features to help users distinguish authentic connections from sophisticated digital fraud.
hola.com
· 2025-12-08
A 63-year-old woman from Los Angeles, Guadalupe Cepeda, was defrauded of over $3,000 by a scammer impersonating Latin pop star Enrique Iglesias through a fan group on social media. Over two years, the impostor used romantic manipulation and convinced her to send money via gift cards before her family traced the scammer to Nigeria. The real Enrique Iglesias responded by warning fans to only connect with verified accounts and cautioning against celebrity impersonation scams.
ca.style.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Canadians lost $638 million to scams in 2024, with impersonation and investment fraud being the costliest types, as fraudsters increasingly use sophisticated technology including AI to create convincing deepfakes and pose as legitimate organizations or celebrities. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reports that while fewer cases were processed in 2024 compared to 2023, authorities estimate 90-95% of fraud cases go unreported, and recommend Canadians verify unexpected calls or messages and be aware of red flags such as requests for personal information or unsolicited payment demands. Key prevention strategies include trusting instincts, questioning suspicious communications, and educating seniors about evolving scam tactics.
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers impersonated New Zealand actor Martin Henderson across dozens of fake social media accounts, defrauding his fans of hundreds of thousands of dollars by posing as him and claiming he needed money for flights, medical treatment, and legal fees. At least seven victims came forward, including a woman who lost $375,000 believing she was in a relationship with Henderson; scammers continued pursuing victims with follow-up scams even after the romance scheme was exposed. Henderson publicly warned his 1.2 million Instagram followers that he has only one official account and urged them to ignore all impersonators, expressing concern that deepfake technology could make future scams even more convincing.
newstalkzb.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Actor Martin Henderson warned his 1.2 million Instagram followers to ignore fake accounts impersonating him after romance scammers fleece fans out of hundreds of thousands of dollars by posing as him and requesting money for flights, medical treatments, and legal fees. At least seven victims have come forward reporting losses ranging from $160,000 to $375,000, with scammers even attempting secondary scams posing as private investigators after the initial romance fraud was exposed. Henderson emphasized he has only one official Instagram account and urged people to be cautious as scammers become increasingly sophisticated with AI and deepfake technology.
fhtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are evolving with AI-generated videos and images to impersonate celebrities and create fake relationships, with scammers targeting Arizonans of all ages—particularly isolated seniors—to extract thousands of dollars through emotional manipulation and fabricated emergencies. A French woman lost $850,000 to a fraudster impersonating Brad Pitt using AI-generated hospital images, exemplifying how scammers build trust over months before requesting wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Consumers should watch for red flags including unsolicited contact with urgency, requests for personal information, upfront payment demands, and suspicious grammar, and can verify photos through reverse image searches.
yourvalley.net
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are evolving to incorporate AI-generated videos and images to impersonate celebrities and create fake online relationships, with scammers targeting people of all ages but particularly vulnerable seniors who feel isolated. A French woman lost $850,000 to a fraudster claiming to be Brad Pitt who used AI to fabricate hospital photos and impersonate the actor, requesting money for medical treatment. Consumers should watch for red flags including unsolicited urgent contact, requests for personal information, and demands for upfront payments, and can verify suspicious photos through reverse image searches.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly widow who had accumulated significant wealth through early Coca-Cola investments lost her entire fortune to an online scammer despite family warnings and police intervention; she now lives in assisted living on a $5,000 monthly VA pension with only $1,000 remaining after care costs. The article documents this case alongside similar romance scams targeting affluent seniors, including a 73-year-old Boeing retiree who lost over $20,000 to a scammer posing as an MSNBC anchor, and notes that banks typically cannot reimburse authorized transfers to scammers. Prevention strategies emphasized include skepticism of online offers, resistance to pressure tactics, verification of contacts, an
tmj4.com
· 2025-12-08
A West Bend, Wisconsin woman discovered her husband was victimized in a celebrity romance scam after he was contacted by someone impersonating Nancy Wilson of the band HEART on Facebook, leading him to send approximately $1,000 and share personal information including their home address. The scammer used AI-enhanced "deepfake" videos and fabricated money requests (including a $600 claim to dock a jet) to manipulate the victim, who professed love for someone he had never met. According to the FTC, romance scammers stole over $1 billion in 2023, with law enforcement noting these scams are difficult to trace since perpetrators typically operate internationally.
clarencevalleynews.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Australians lost $2 billion to scams (down 25.9% from 2023), though more people fell victim to increasingly sophisticated impersonation scams, with social media being the leading contact method for financial loss at $69.5 million across 7,724 reports. Common impersonation scams include bank impersonation, government agency impersonation, family/friend impersonation using deepfakes, job scams requiring upfront payments or bank access, and celebrity endorsement scams. The key prevention strategies are to stop and verify before giving money or information, check requests independently using known contact details, and protect yourself by contacting your bank immediately
lifestyle.thecable.ng
· 2025-12-08
**Romance Scam - Bobrisky Case**
Social media personality Bobrisky fell victim to an online romance scam and lost $990 after chatting with a scammer for several months who claimed to be living in Canada. The scammer gained access to her cash transfer by offering his CashApp account to receive a deposit from an advertising client, then blocked her immediately after the money arrived. Bobrisky publicly shared evidence of the scam on Instagram seeking help to identify the perpetrator.
defector.com
· 2025-12-08
This opinion piece argues that Florida exemplifies America's vulnerability to fraud and scamming, and expresses concern that cryptocurrency and current political leadership are enabling widespread fraud at scale. The author contends that scamming has become endemic to American society, from corporate fraud to crypto schemes, and that the president's creation of a memecoin represents a normalization of fraud at the highest governmental levels.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP identifies six major scams threatening consumers in 2025, with particular risks for older adults: AI-powered scams using deepfakes and convincing phishing, imposter scams impersonating trusted figures, employment scams targeting job seekers with fake offers, tech support scams (which cost Americans 60+ over $175 million in 2023), romance scams exploiting emotional connections, and cryptocurrency scams (resulting in $1.6 billion in losses for those 60+ in 2023). The article advises vigilance against sophisticated tactics, emphasizing that legitimate companies don't request Social Security numbers during hiring, tech support representatives shouldn't demand remote access, and legitimate
ynetnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman in Israel nearly fell victim to a romance scam when she attempted to deposit bitcoin into what she believed was tennis star Roger Federer's personal wallet at a crypto ATM. The article reveals that romance scams are a growing threat, with scammers impersonating celebrities and prominent figures to establish emotional connections before requesting money for fabricated crises. Crypto-related fraud has surged dramatically, with an 800% increase in fake cryptocurrency platforms and increasingly sophisticated schemes using AI-generated personas, fake trading platforms, and fabricated celebrity endorsements to deceive victims into transferring funds.
chaincatcher.com
· 2025-12-08
Spanish police dismantled a cryptocurrency investment scam ring that used AI-generated deepfake videos of celebrities to defraud over 200 victims of approximately 19 million euros ($21.5 million). The scheme convinced investors to contribute funds to fake crypto ventures and pay additional fees to access their supposed returns. Seven suspects, including the ringleader who was arrested while attempting to flee to Dubai, face charges including fraud, money laundering, and document forgery.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
A Nigerian-based scammer used fake photos of a German life coach to catfish Liza Likins, a widow in her mid-70s, during a 19-month online romance on Facebook Dating, eventually exploiting her for money. Catfishing—creating fraudulent identities on dating apps and social media to deceive victims—has become the top dating scam, with Meta removing 1.4 billion fake accounts in late 2024 and a Norton survey finding 40% of dating app users targeted by such scams. Scammers typically use stolen photos, AI-generated images, or celebrity identities to build trust before requesting cash or promoting bogus
investopedia.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** "The Surprising Truth About the Age Group Most Likely to Fall for Financial Fraud"
Recent FTC data reveals that younger adults (ages 20-29) are losing money to scams at nearly twice the rate of older adults, with 44% experiencing financial losses compared to 24% of those aged 70-79. Younger adults are primarily targeted through online scams including fake shopping sites, cryptocurrency fraud, and social media job offers, with their "digital native" status and tendency toward impulsive decision-making making them particularly vulnerable despite overconfidence in their tech savviness. The study emphasizes that scammers exploit age-specific psychological factors and online
people.com
· 2025-12-08
JPMorgan Chase is pursuing additional lawsuits against customers who exploited an "infinite money glitch" discovered in August 2024, which allowed users to deposit fraudulent checks via ATM and withdraw funds before the checks bounced. The bank has filed suits in Georgia, Florida, New York, and Texas against individuals accused of stealing amounts up to $75,000 each, and has sent demand letters to over 1,000 customers since October 2024, with a representative stating the bank will pursue cases "for as long as it takes to hold fraudsters accountable."
northfortynews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
This is an educational awareness piece from Larimer County Sheriff's Office highlighting current scam trends affecting Northern Colorado residents, particularly seniors. Chief Scambuster Barbara Bennett presents 20+ active scams including romance schemes, impersonation frauds (bank, IRS, law enforcement), tech-based scams (DocuSign phishing, hacked Facebook accounts), and marketplace fraud, while proposing a confidential support group for scam victims and their families to address shame and isolation barriers to reporting.
home.barclays
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams increased 20 percent in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, with the majority originating on social media and dating platforms. Victims aged 61 or older were particularly vulnerable, losing an average of £19,000 per scam in 2024, more than triple the overall average of £8,000. Scammers typically build trust quickly before requesting money through fake emergencies, travel costs, or medical expenses, often using emotional manipulation and artificial intelligence to impersonate celebrities or create false urgency.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This article describes an educational event held by AARP Virginia that presented information about six types of scams targeting older adults, paired with wine tastings. The scams covered included cryptocurrency fraud (where victims are tricked into depositing cash at crypto ATMs), jury duty scams (imposter calls claiming arrest is imminent unless fines are paid), and romance scams, with volunteers providing recognition strategies and prevention advice for each.
thehackernews.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybersecurity researchers identified two threat actor groups—Reckless Rabbit and Ruthless Rabbit—operating investment scams that use spoofed celebrity endorsements on social media to direct victims to fake cryptocurrency exchanges and investment platforms. The scammers collect personal and financial information through deceptive web forms, validate victims using IP geolocation tools, and route qualified targets through traffic distribution systems to either steal funds directly or connect them with call centers that coach them into depositing money. Both groups primarily target users in Eastern Europe and use domain generation algorithms and cloaking services to evade detection.
adomonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Chief Superintendent Nana Nyarkoa of Ghana's Immigration Ladies Association warned Ghanaians against romance scams, cautioning that fraudsters use social media, dating sites, and gaming apps to build trust over extended periods before manipulating victims for money. Scammers employ tactics such as creating fake profiles (sometimes impersonating celebrities) and "love bombing" through frequent contact to make targets feel special. The warning was issued during the association's inauguration at the Immigration Training School in Assin Fosu.
people.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are creating fraudulent websites claiming to offer REAL IDs online without requiring in-person DMV visits, capitalizing on confusion and urgency as the federal REAL ID requirement took effect on May 7, 2025. To obtain a legitimate REAL ID, applicants must visit their local DMV in person with required documentation; consumers should avoid any online offers and never provide bank account or credit card information. The BBB advises reporting suspicious websites to the BBB Scam Tracker.
wilx.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned of an uptick in celebrity-impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as famous figures like Snoop Dogg and Garth Brooks to steal money through romance scams, cryptocurrency/investment schemes, or merchandise fraud. The AG advised residents to never send money or personal information to online contacts claiming to be celebrities, and to verify requests through official channels before responding.
clickondetroit.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a warning about increasing celebrity impersonation scams targeting state residents, involving fraudsters posing as celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Garth Brooks, and military leaders to perpetrate romance scams, cryptocurrency "pig butchering" schemes, and merchandise fraud. Common tactics include creating deepfake audio and videos, using high-pressure tactics and fear appeals, and requesting money, sensitive information, or unusual payment methods. The attorney general advises victims to avoid sending money to online contacts, never share personal or financial information with strangers online, and report suspected scams to Michigan's Consumer Protection Team.
wnem.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a consumer alert warning of an uptick in celebrity impersonation scams, where fraudsters pose as celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Kid Rock, and Garth Brooks to steal money through romance scams, cryptocurrency schemes, and merchandise fraud. The scams often exploit victims on dating apps and social media by building fake relationships or promoting fake investment opportunities, with scammers using AI to create convincing voice and video impersonations. The AG recommends victims avoid sending money to online contacts, verify caller information independently, and report scams to the Department of Attorney General.
fox47news.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned of a surge in online scams where perpetrators impersonate celebrities (Snoop Dogg, Garth Brooks, Kid Rock) and military/government officials to defraud victims. Common schemes include romance scams, cryptocurrency/pig butchering fraud, merchandise scams, and AI-generated deepfake calls, with scammers using high-pressure tactics and requests for money via untraceable methods like gift cards and cryptocurrency. The advisory recommends never sending money to online contacts, verifying identities through official channels, and avoiding sharing personal or financial information with unverified online sources.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned consumers about a rising trend of scams impersonating celebrities (including Snoop Dogg, Garth Brooks, and Kid Rock) and military leaders to defraud victims. The scams include romance schemes, cryptocurrency/pig butchering investment frauds, and merchandise scams, often using AI-generated deepfakes to appear authentic. Nessel advised consumers never to send money to online contacts claiming to be celebrities, to verify requests through trusted contacts, and to avoid sharing personal or financial information with unverified online sources.
wzzm13.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned of a surge in scams where fraudsters impersonate celebrities like Garth Brooks, Snoop Dogg, and Kid Rock, as well as military officials, to steal money from victims. The scams typically involve romance schemes, cryptocurrency/"pig butchering" investment frauds, and merchandise purchases, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes to create convincing audio and video impersonations. The attorney general advised consumers never to send money to online contacts, avoid sharing personal or financial information with strangers, and to be wary of high-pressure tactics, unusual payment requests, and demands for gift cards or cryptocurrency.
dailypress.net
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued consumer alerts about a rising trend of scams impersonating celebrities (Snoop Dogg, Garth Brooks, Kid Rock) and military leaders. The scams include romance fraud, cryptocurrency/pig butchering schemes, merchandise fraud, and AI-generated deepfake audio and video impersonations designed to extract money from victims. The alert advises consumers never to send money or personal information to online contacts claiming to be celebrities or officials, to verify requests through trusted contacts, and to be wary of urgent investment opportunities or requests for banking details.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
A Florida woman lost $160,000 to a scammer who used AI technology to impersonate actor Keanu Reeves over a two-and-a-half-year period. The scammer gained her trust through video calls and phone conversations using deepfake technology, then convinced her he needed money for legal troubles and froze assets, leading her to take out a home equity loan and sell her car to send cryptocurrency. This case reflects a broader trend of AI-enabled celebrity imposter scams, with the FTC reporting over 64,000 romance scams in 2023 causing $1.14 billion in losses, and research showing 33% of people contacted by fake celebrities
thereporterethiopia.com
· 2025-12-08
Hundreds of thousands of people, particularly Ethiopians seeking employment, have been trafficked to Myanmar's rebel-controlled territories through fake job offers in IT and hospitality, where they are forced to participate in online fraud schemes (cryptocurrency scams, romance scams, identity theft) under threat of violence and torture. One victim, 27-year-old IT graduate Yosef Atirsaw, was held captive for months posing as a female model to lure victims into pyramid schemes, witnessing brutal abuse including lashings and forced labor. As of December, an estimated 3,000 Ethiopians were reported trapped in these scam centers, though diplomatic efforts have secured the release of
dig.watch
· 2025-12-08
Dianne Ringstaff, a Florida woman, lost approximately $160,000 in an AI-powered romance scam in which a fraudster impersonated actor Keanu Reeves using deepfake videos and cloned voice technology. Over two and a half years, the scammer cultivated trust with Ringstaff before claiming financial legal troubles and convincing her to take out a home equity loan and sell her car to help. Her bank account was also used to funnel money from other victims, and Ringstaff is now speaking publicly to warn others about the growing threat of celebrity impersonation scams using artificial intelligence.
columbiamagazine.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers operating on dating apps and social media platforms defrauded Americans of over $1 billion in 2023 and at least that much in 2024, with one notable victim being a 72-year-old widower named Gary who lost $50,000 to a scammer posing as a woman named Nasha. Scammers use tactics including requests for money for travel or investments, pressure for gift cards, and AI-generated photos to impersonate real people and celebrities. The U.S. Secret Service recommends avoiding financial transactions with people you've never met in person and being wary of red flags such as urgent money requests, pressure for gifts, an
wired.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes in real-time video calls to conduct romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and other schemes, with experts reporting a dramatic rise from approximately 4-5 cases monthly in 2023 to hundreds per month currently. Notable victims include a Hong Kong finance worker who lost $25 million to a deepfaked CFO impersonation and a New Zealand retiree defrauded of $133,000 through a cryptocurrency scam using a deepfaked government official. As AI tools become more accessible and capable of creating realistic faces and voices, deepfake fraud is expanding to encompass job interview scams, identity theft for banking and housing
b1039.com
· 2025-12-08
Celebrity romance scams exploit fan admiration by impersonating famous actors or musicians to build fake romantic relationships with victims, often requesting money for travel, emergencies, or investments. These scams are increasing in frequency and sophistication, targeting vulnerable individuals who are emotionally invested in their favorite celebrities. Victims typically lose significant sums of money before discovering the deception.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
An Evanston, Illinois woman lost $62,000 in a cryptocurrency investment scam after spending six months communicating with someone impersonating Yellowstone actor Kevin Costner on Telegram, who convinced her that gift card purchases would generate cryptocurrency profits. The scam was confirmed to be part of a long-running cryptocurrency ring active since at least 2018, with police stating that arrest and fund recovery are unlikely. The FTC advises verifying celebrity identities through research, consulting trusted sources before sending money, and reporting fraud to both financial institutions and authorities.
quickcountry.com
· 2025-12-08
An Evanston, Illinois woman lost $62,000 over six months to a Kevin Costner impersonator on Telegram who claimed to be offering cryptocurrency investment returns through gift card payments. The scammer, part of an ongoing cryptocurrency fraud ring active since at least 2018, never returned any funds, and police indicated arrest is unlikely due to the crime's nature. The FTC advises potential victims to verify celebrity identities through Google searches, consult trusted contacts before sending money, and avoid gift cards, which offer minimal buyer protections and are largely irreversible.
ksl.com
· 2025-12-08
Scam Jam, an educational event held in Sandy, Utah, brought together FBI and AARP experts to educate residents about common fraud schemes including romance, internet, cryptocurrency, and tech support scams. The event featured a personal testimony from Rita, who lost several thousand dollars to a romance scam impersonating a celebrity, emphasizing the importance of reporting fraud despite the emotional and financial toll. Utah reported over 150,000 fraud cases totaling $61 million in losses, with experts stressing that fraud prevention through awareness and recognizing red flags is more effective than recovery efforts.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Over 180 Utahns attended a Scam Jam event presented by AARP Utah and the FBI to learn fraud prevention strategies, as Utah residents had lost more than $15.4 million to fraud in 2025, with $12 million of that from people aged 50 and older. The event featured FBI officials, state consumer protection leaders, and media experts who shared real victim stories, including a text scam and a romance scam that cost one woman $90,000, while emphasizing prevention tactics such as scrutinizing email addresses for typos and reporting fraud quickly to authorities.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman in Jensen Beach, Florida, lost $800 to a Facebook scam in which a fraudster impersonating Elon Musk promised her a Tesla and $250,000 in cash, then repeatedly requested Apple Gift Card payments for supposed delivery fees. The scammer used a fake profile with copied images and AI-generated content, moved the conversation to WhatsApp, and exploited urgency and flattery to manipulate the victim into sending multiple payments before she recognized the pattern. Gift cards are favored by scammers because they are untraceable, fast, and nearly impossible to recover once redeemed.
news.shib.io
· 2025-12-08
Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, a 35-year-old Nigerian national, pleaded guilty to stealing over $2.5 million from six victims through romance scams between 2016 and 2019, laundering the funds through cryptocurrency accounts he controlled. Nwadavid manipulated victims into sending money via fake dating profiles and romantic relationships, then transferred the stolen funds through a Massachusetts resident accomplice into crypto wallets on LocalBitcoins. He faces up to 20 years in prison on mail fraud and money laundering charges, along with potential deportation.
chronline.com
· 2025-12-08
In the first quarter of 2025, Washington fraud victims lost $38.2 million, with people ages 80 and over suffering the highest median loss of $1,286; "government imposters" remain the most prevalent scam type. Regional law enforcement agencies warned residents about evolving fraud schemes including fake DMV text messages demanding payment, cryptocurrency kiosk scams (which cost Washington $142 million in 2023), and romance scams that defrauded seniors 60+ of $389 million nationally in 2024. Authorities advise residents to verify claims directly with agencies using official contact information and avoid unusual payment methods like cryptocurrency, Venmo, or Pay
spokesman.com
· 2025-12-08
Government agencies across Washington and Idaho are warning residents about multiple active scams, including government imposter schemes, fake DMV text messages demanding payment for traffic violations, romance scams, and cryptocurrency kiosk fraud. In early 2025, Washington fraud victims lost $38.2 million with people ages 80 and older experiencing median losses of $1,286, while Idaho residents lost over $63 million to cybercrimes in 2024, with seniors being predominately targeted. Authorities advise residents never to respond to unsolicited demands for payment and to independently verify any claims by contacting the legitimate agency using official phone numbers rather than information provided by the scammer.
chronline.com
· 2025-12-08
Washington residents lost $38.2 million to fraud in the first quarter of 2025, with people ages 80 and over experiencing the highest median losses of $1,286; "government imposters" represent the most common scam type, including fake DMV text messages demanding payment for traffic violations and romance scams targeting seniors. The FBI reported over 7,600 people age 60 or older lost approximately $389 million in romance scams in 2024, while cryptocurrency kiosk scams cost Washington state $142 million in 2023. Law enforcement agencies advise residents to verify requests independently using official phone numbers, avoid untypical payment methods like cryptocurrency or peer-to
malwarebytes.com
· 2025-12-08
This article promotes a podcast episode featuring romance scam expert Becky Holmes, who combats scammers through counter-tactics while coordinating with law enforcement. Romance scams ensnare victims through prolonged campaigns of affection on social media, often impersonating celebrities or targeting vulnerable populations like widows and divorcees, with recent research showing 10% of the public have been victims and some losing over $10,000. The episode discusses how AI and video manipulation technology are evolving romance scam tactics, requiring updated protection strategies.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Paul Davis, a 43-year-old man from Southampton, lost £200 to a deepfake scam after being deceived by a fake Jennifer Aniston account on Facebook that sent convincing videos claiming to love him and requesting money for Apple subscriptions. The scam is part of a broader trend of AI-powered fraud where criminals create realistic deepfake videos of celebrities to manipulate victims into sending cash or personal information, with Paul reporting he has been targeted daily for five months and knows of others who lost over £1,000 to similar schemes.