All articles tagged with #online fraud
A Times investigation reveals Shunda Park, a vast online scam complex near Myanmar's war-torn border, where thousands from nearly 30 countries are recruited—sometimes kidnapped—and forced to run fraudulent operations from glossy office spaces adorned with motivational slogans.
The Brigitte Bardot Foundation warned about scam merchandise exploiting her legacy online following her death, emphasizing that these illegal fundraising efforts are unauthorized and urging respect for her memory. Bardot, a legendary actress and animal rights activist, passed away at 91, prompting tributes and a private funeral in Saint-Tropez.
Lawmakers warn travelers about increased holiday travel scams, including phishing, impersonation of airlines and hotels, and fake websites, urging consumers to verify sources and be cautious to avoid financial losses amid a surge in online travel fraud.
The US and UK have sanctioned the Prince Group and its founder Chen Zhi for running large-scale online scam operations in Southeast Asia, involving forced labor and fraud, with assets seized including properties in London. Chen Zhi, a Chinese-born businessman with political influence, remains at large and faces charges related to wire fraud and money laundering.
The US has imposed sanctions on cyber scam centers in Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar and Cambodia, which are involved in large-scale online fraud and forced labor, causing over $10 billion in losses to Americans last year and raising concerns over human rights abuses and modern slavery.
A 76-year-old Belgian man traveled 760 km to meet a French beauty queen he believed was his fiancée, only to discover he had been scammed and was met by her husband, highlighting the dangers of online romance fraud.
Interpol reports that organized crime groups in Southeast Asia are making up to $3 trillion annually through human trafficking-fueled fraud, with one group alone making $50 billion a year. These criminal networks are using smuggling networks to move humans, arms, and stolen products, and are increasingly operating at a global scale, facilitated by online anonymity and new business models. The UN estimates that hundreds of thousands of people are trafficked into online criminality across the region, facing serious abuse and exploitation. Authorities have made arrests and seized assets, but the problem persists, with victims from across Asia being coerced into working in scam operations and enduring inhumane treatment.
As the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir approaches, the Indian government has issued a cautionary warning against fraudsters offering fake VIP passes for the event, using a humorous 'Hera Pheri' meme. The government advises citizens to avoid suspicious links and refrain from making payments to unauthorized websites. The ceremony will be attended by several Bollywood celebrities.
Chinese scammers operating from Southeast Asia are engaging in a fraudulent scheme known as "pig butchering," where they establish fake relationships with individuals worldwide and convince them to make bogus investments. By creating the illusion of growing investments, the scammers manipulate victims into sending more money before disappearing.
Abbryanna Dutill Mcgowan, a ticket scammer from Summerville, South Carolina, has been caught and pleaded guilty to obtaining property under false pretenses. She was accused of selling fake tickets to Clemson Football fans, with multiple victims reporting losses totaling over $5,000. Despite numerous police reports filed against Mcgowan over the past two years, it took time for her to be apprehended. Some victims expressed frustration with the lack of accountability and police action. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in bringing online scammers to justice. To protect oneself from online scams, experts recommend buying tickets directly from the venue, conducting thorough research, and being skeptical of sellers.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned the public about the prevalence of social media scams, which have resulted in losses of over $2.7 billion since 2021. The most common scams involve online shopping fraud, followed by phony investment opportunities and romance cons. The FTC advises individuals to be cautious when encountering suspicious posts and offers tips to prevent falling victim to these scams, such as setting social media accounts to private and being skeptical of requests for money via cryptocurrency or gift cards. Businesses are also urged to be vigilant as scammers may exploit social media advertising.
Scammers are targeting consumers who complain about poor customer service on X (formerly Twitter) by posing as customer service agents and tricking victims into disclosing their bank details. The scammers exploit X's account verification process, which now allows anyone to purchase the blue checkmark icon for a monthly fee. Consumers are advised to be cautious and verify the authenticity of accounts before sharing personal information. Businesses and banks are also warned to be vigilant as scammers are actively seeking tweets to exploit for obtaining personal account details. Consumer advocates are calling for stronger online safety measures to protect against online fraud on social media platforms.
A woman from Kentucky claims she was catfished by a scammer pretending to be Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery, leading her to divorce her husband and send the impostor around $10,000. The scammer convinced her of their identity by referencing specific details about the show and sending poems similar to Montgomery's writing style. The woman believes that her fear of abandonment and people-pleasing tendencies made her vulnerable to the scam. Representatives for Montgomery have not yet commented on the situation.
A woman from Kentucky claims she was catfished and scammed out of $10k by someone pretending to be Dacre Montgomery, known for his role in "Stranger Things." The woman divorced her husband after the fake actor told her to choose between him and her spouse. Despite the real Dacre Montgomery being in a relationship since 2017, the woman believed the imposter's story and sent money through gift cards, crypto, and payment apps. This incident highlights the dangers of romance scams, where scammers exploit emotional vulnerability to gain trust and manipulate victims into sending money.
A grandmother from North Carolina lost over $5,000 of her life savings in a pet scam while trying to buy a Yorkshire Terrier for her grandson. The scammer, who advertised the purebred puppies on Facebook, convinced the grandmother to purchase gift cards worth $525 and later demanded additional payments for checkups, vaccinations, and insurance. Despite sending the money, the puppy never arrived, leaving the grandmother devastated. The Better Business Bureau warns that pet scams are prevalent on social media, with consumers losing over $1 million in 2022 alone. To avoid such scams, it is advised to be cautious of suspiciously low prices, avoid purchasing pets without seeing them in person, and consider adopting from animal shelters instead.