The Tragic Story Of Laura Kowal – A Romance Scam Victim Who Died Possibly At The Hands Of The Ghana/Nigerian Scammers – 2024 – [Videos]

The Tragic Story Of Laura Kowal

A Romance Scam Victim Who Died Possibly At The Hands Of The Ghana Scammers Who Controlled Here!

A Not Uncommon Case of a Romance Scam Victim Who loses Everything and then becomes a Money Mule for Ghana Scammers

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions CBS News and other sources

About This Article

Laura Kowal’s tragic story sheds light on the devastating impact of romance scams, where victims like her become enslaved by expert criminals, leading to dire consequences. Laura, a widow seeking companionship, fell victim to a scam orchestrated by individuals masquerading as her online lover, ‘Frank Borg.’

Despite initial feelings of romance and excitement, Laura eventually became a money mule for Ghana scammers, after ultimately losing $1.5 million.

Mysteriously, she was found drowned in a river, raising suspicions of foul play. Her daughter, Kelly Gowe, tirelessly seeks answers, highlighting the manipulative Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2024-04-29T04:51:32-04:00April 28th, 2024|Categories: • VICTIM'S STORY, 2024, Additional Authors, GHANA, NEWS, NIGERIA, SCARS Editorial Team, USA|Tags: Ghana Scammers, Laura Kowal, Money Mule, Nigerian Scammers, Relationship Scam, Romance Scam, Romance Scammer, Scam Victim, Scammers, Victim Who Died|

SCARS Is Changing The Way Ghana West Africa Thinks About Scams Fraud & Cybercrime – April 2024

SCARS is Changing the way Ghana West Africa thinks about Scams Fraud & Cybercrime

SCARS Director Dr. Tim McGuinness was presenting to the Ghana Police Service Academy on April 15th, 2024

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions from the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation

About This Article

The ePolice Academy 2024 International Edition, a collaborative initiative by the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation, recently concluded with resounding success in Sunyani, Ghana.

The event, held at Sheila’s Executive Hotel, gathered cybersecurity experts and law enforcement officers to explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber forensic investigations and enhance online safety. Key speakers like Dr. Edward Danso Ansong, Dr. Isaac Tweneboah-Koduah, and Dr. Tim McGuinness of SCARS provided invaluable insights into AI’s role in cybersecurity and the impact of cybercrime on victims.

Crypto Investment Scams (Pig Butchering Scams) What They Are And How To Avoid Them – 2024

Crypto Investment Scams (Pig Butchering Scams) What They Are And How To Avoid Them

An Introduction to the Explosion of Crypto-Based Investment Scams

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Cezary Podkul, ProPublica

About This Article

The “Pig Butchering Scam” crypto-based investment scam is an online investment fraud scheme where individuals are tricked into investing money by criminals posing as trustworthy contacts. These scammers use various tactics, such as creating fake identities and initiating conversations on social media or messaging apps, to gain victims’ trust.

Once trust is established, victims are manipulated into depositing funds into fake brokerage accounts. The scammers then disappear with the money, leaving victims with substantial financial losses. This deceptive practice preys on unsuspecting individuals’ desire for financial gain and highlights the importance of staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activities to authorities promptly.

Gift Card Gangs From China Operating Inside The United States – 2024

Gift Card Gangs From China Operating Inside The United States

How Organized Crime Gangs from China are Operating inside the U.S.

Authors:
• Craig Silverman and Peter Elkind, ProPublica
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Federal authorities are investigating the involvement of Chinese organized crime rings in gift card fraud schemes targeting American consumers, launching a task force named “Project Red Hook” to combat this growing threat. The initiative focuses on preventing “card draining,” where thieves exploit stolen or altered card numbers to siphon money before legitimate owners can use them.

Over the past 18 months, law enforcement has arrested about 100 individuals for card draining, with the majority being Chinese nationals or Chinese Americans. The schemes, estimated to have stolen hundreds of millions of dollars, highlight the need for industry collaboration and heightened security measures.

Read Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2024-04-12T13:14:37-04:00April 12th, 2024|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, Additional Authors, ARTICLE, ProPublica, SCARS Editorial Team, USA|Tags: China, Gangs, Gift Card, Gift Card Tampering Scams, Organized Crime|

The Laws Of War Must Apply In Cyberspace – A Cyberwarfare Insight – 2024

The Laws Of War Must Apply In Cyberspace

A Cyberwarfare Insight

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Article by: Johanna Weaver, Director, ANU Tech Policy Design Centre, Australian National University
• Portions by the International Committee of the Red Cross

Article Originally Published: October 25, 2023 – Used With Permission

About This Article

Governments and hackers alike are increasingly acknowledging the necessity of applying the laws of war to cyberspace. Traditionally, international humanitarian law has regulated conduct in armed conflict to safeguard civilians and minimize suffering.

However, with the emergence of cyberattacks and online information operations, a new battleground has evolved, exemplified by Russia’s actions in Ukraine and the Israel–Hamas conflict. Contrary to the misconception of cyberspace being lawless, there is a global consensus that existing laws of war are applicable online.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-04-01T12:25:03-04:00April 1st, 2024|Categories: • CYBERWAR & CYBERWARFARE, 2024, Additional Authors, ARTICLE, GUEST AUTHORS, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: Cyberspace, Cyberwar, Cyberwarfare, Hackers, Laws of War|

Investment Scam Losses Continue To Rise In Japan – More Than 50% Year Over Year – 2024

Investment Scam Losses Continue To Rise In Japan – More Than 50% Year Over Year

The Rate of Fake Investment Scam Victimization is Growing at a rate of over 50% per year!

An Investment Scam Victim’s Story

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions YOL

About This Article

The surge in investment scams worldwide, but particularly in Japan, including fake crypto and regular investment schemes, reflects a global trend of scammers adapting their tactics to target unsuspecting victims.

With losses totaling in the tens of millions of yen, victims like Mitsuyoshi Yamamoto are left devastated by the allure of promised profits and sophisticated scam techniques. These scams often involve impersonating famous investors on social media platforms, enticing victims with promises of high returns and minimal risk.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-03-26T08:40:39-04:00March 26th, 2024|Categories: • VICTIM'S STORY, 2024, Additional Authors, ARTICLE, JAPAN, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: Fake Crypt Investment Scam, Investment Scam, Japan, Japanese Scam Victim|

NACHA Changes Credit-Push ACH Payments Rules To Fight Scams & Fraud – 2024

NACHA Changes ACH Credit-Push Payments Rules To Fight Scams & Fraud

Placing More Responsibility on the Financial Services Sector to Police Scams & Fraud

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• NACHA

About This Article

Nacha members have endorsed rules to combat fraud, including business email compromise (BEC), leveraging credit-push payments. These rules mandate ACH payment monitoring for all network participants (excluding consumers), marking a pivotal shift.

Despite not altering liability, recipient financial institutions (RDFIs) gain a monitoring role for the first time. With BEC scams, vendor impersonation, and payroll fraud causing significant losses, the need for action is urgent.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-03-20T08:29:55-04:00March 20th, 2024|Categories: • GOVERNMENT / REGULATORY, 2024, Additional Authors, ARTICLE, SCARS Editorial Team, USA|Tags: ACH Payments, Fraud, NACHA, Prevention, Scams|

Cambodia’s Struggle Against Scam Slavery Scams: A Year After Crackdown, Scams Persist – 2024

Cambodia’s Struggle Against Scam Slavery Scams: A Year After Crackdown, Scams Persist

Scam Slavery Call Centers in Cambodia Still Thriving!

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• VOA

About This Article

Despite Cambodia’s government crackdown on cyber-slavery scams over a year ago, recent reports from anti-human-trafficking groups suggest that such scams are still thriving, challenging the official narrative of significant progress in addressing human trafficking in Cambodia.

Despite the government’s efforts to curb human trafficking by raiding scam compounds and making arrests and deportations, NGOs and international observers expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures. Many scams reportedly relocated temporarily during the crackdown and have since resumed operations in Cambodia, making it difficult for authorities to identify and rescue victims.

EMDR Therapy For Scam Victims’ Trauma – A Part Of The Recovery Process For Many – 2024

EMDR Therapy For Scam Victims’ Trauma – A Part Of The Recovery Process For Many

Helping Scam Victims Understand A Form Of Effective Therapy That May Help Them

SCARS Recovery Psychology

Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions from additional sources, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration

About This Article

Scam victims often endure profound psychological trauma, experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Seeking effective treatment to address their trauma is crucial for recovery.

Emerging as a promising therapeutic approach, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy offers scam victims a path toward healing and restoration. EMDR therapy enables individuals to process traumatic memories and associated distressing emotions in a safe Read More …

SCARS Editorial Team2024-03-15T00:00:26-04:00March 14th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, 2024, Additional Authors, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, PTSD, Scam Victims, Therapy, Trauma, Traumatized Scam Vctims|

CPT – Cognitive Processing Therapy For Scam Victims’ Trauma – 2024

CPT – Cognitive Processing Therapy For Scam Victims’ Trauma

Helping Scam Victims Understand A Form Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy That May Help Them

SCARS Recovery Psychology

Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Psychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions from additional sources, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration

About This Article

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) specifically designed to address the needs of scam victims suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related symptoms.

Developed by Dr. Patricia Resick and colleagues, CPT helps individuals challenge and reframe unhelpful thoughts and beliefs related to their traumatic experiences. It consists of various components, including education about PTSD, stress management techniques, cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and skill-building exercises.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-03-14T14:23:02-04:00March 14th, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, 2024, Additional Authors, ARTICLE, Tim McGuinness PhD, Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych)|Tags: Cognitive Processing Therapy, CPT, PTSD, Scam Victims, Therapy, Trauma, Traumatized Scam Vctims|

A Fake Social Media Scam But A Real Murder For Hire Plot In Alaska – 2024

A Fake Social Media Scam But A Real Murder For Hire Plot In Alaska

How a Fake Social Media Profile Induced Teens Online to Commit a Murder for Hire!

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions Alaska Department of Law, KTUU, and other sources

About This Article

The chilling murder-for-hire plot in Alaska involving Denali Dakota Skye Brehmer, which resulted in the tragic death of 19-year-old Cynthia Hoffman, highlights the dangerous consequences of online deception and manipulation, particularly in the context of ‘catfishing’ schemes.

Brehmer, along with her accomplices, was induced by an Indiana man, Darin Schilmiller, who offered a false promise of $9 million in exchange for photos and videos of Hoffman’s murder.

Despite not being the one to pull the trigger, Brehmer’s pivotal role in orchestrating the murder led to her sentencing of 99 years in prison.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-02-16T18:27:37-05:00February 16th, 2024|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, Additional Authors, NEWS, SCARS Editorial Team, USA|Tags: Cynthia Hoffman, Fake Profiles, Murder for Hire|

Love Scams: Foreigners Lie to Bulgarian Women on the Internet – 2023

Love Scams: Foreigners Lie to Bulgarian Women on the Internet

Authors:
• Julian Stoyanov, Nova Broadcasting Group Ltd.
• Lydia Zagarova – Psychologist, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Love Scams Target Bulgarian Women To Steal Their Money, Break Their Hearts, and Destroy Their Trust – Leaving Them Traumatized

Translated from Bulgarian

The Love Scam Victim’s Story of Lydia Zagarova from Bulgaria.

SCARS Editorial Team2023-12-22T12:02:21-05:00December 20th, 2023|Categories: • VICTIM'S STORY, 2023, Additional Authors, ARTICLE, BULGARIA, Lydia Zagarova|Tags: Bulgaria, Bulgarian TV, Bulgarian Women, Love Scams, Lydia Zagarova, Romance Scams|

Mexican Timeshare Fraud – Mexican CJNG Drug Cartel Government Impersonation Scams 2023

Mexican Timeshare Fraud – Mexican CJNG Drug Cartel Government Impersonation Scams

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions ABC News and U.S. Treasury Department

A Mexican Drug Cartel Is Using U.S. Government Impersonation In Mexican Timeshare Fraud Posing As U.S. Officials

U.S. authorities say the Jalisco Mexican Drug Cartel was so bold in operating frauds targeting elderly Americans that the gang’s operators posed as U.S. Treasury Department officials.

A Mexican drug cartel is operating Timeshare Frauds that target elderly Americans who have bought timeshares in Mexico. The gang’s operators posed as U.S. Treasury Department officials, U.S. authorities said Thursday.

SCARS Editorial Team2023-12-11T00:51:30-05:00December 3rd, 2023|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2023, Additional Authors, MEXICO, NEWS, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: Mexican Scam Cartels, Mexico, Timeshare Fraud|

The Tragic Story Of Laura Kowal

A Romance Scam Victim Who Died Possibly At The Hands Of The Ghana Scammers Who Controlled Here!

A Not Uncommon Case of a Romance Scam Victim Who loses Everything and then becomes a Money Mule for Ghana Scammers

Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions CBS News and other sources

About This Article

SCARS is Changing the way Ghana West Africa thinks about Scams Fraud & Cybercrime

SCARS Director Dr. Tim McGuinness was presenting to the Ghana Police Service Academy on April 15th, 2024

Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions from the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation

About This Article

Crypto Investment Scams (Pig Butchering Scams) What They Are And How To Avoid Them

An Introduction to the Explosion of Crypto-Based Investment Scams

Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Cezary Podkul, ProPublica

About This Article

Gift Card Gangs From China Operating Inside The United States

How Organized Crime Gangs from China are Operating inside the U.S.

Authors: • Craig Silverman and Peter Elkind, ProPublica • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

The Laws Of War Must Apply In Cyberspace

A Cyberwarfare Insight

Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Article by: Johanna Weaver, Director, ANU Tech Policy Design Centre, Australian National University • Portions by the International Committee of the Red Cross

Article Originally Published: October 25, 2023 – Used With Permission

About This Article

Investment Scam Losses Continue To Rise In Japan – More Than 50% Year Over Year

The Rate of Fake Investment Scam Victimization is Growing at a rate of over 50% per year!

An Investment Scam Victim’s Story

Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions YOL

About This Article

NACHA Changes ACH Credit-Push Payments Rules To Fight Scams & Fraud

Placing More Responsibility on the Financial Services Sector to Police Scams & Fraud

Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • NACHA

About This Article

Cambodia’s Struggle Against Scam Slavery Scams: A Year After Crackdown, Scams Persist

Scam Slavery Call Centers in Cambodia Still Thriving!

Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • VOA

About This Article

EMDR Therapy For Scam Victims’ Trauma – A Part Of The Recovery Process For Many

Helping Scam Victims Understand A Form Of Effective Therapy That May Help Them

SCARS Recovery Psychology

About This Article

CPT – Cognitive Processing Therapy For Scam Victims’ Trauma

Helping Scam Victims Understand A Form Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy That May Help Them

SCARS Recovery Psychology

About This Article

A Fake Social Media Scam But A Real Murder For Hire Plot In Alaska

How a Fake Social Media Profile Induced Teens Online to Commit a Murder for Hire!

Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions Alaska Department of Law, KTUU, and other sources

About This Article

Love Scams: Foreigners Lie to Bulgarian Women on the Internet

Authors: • Julian Stoyanov, Nova Broadcasting Group Ltd. • Lydia Zagarova – Psychologist, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Love Scams Target Bulgarian Women To Steal Their Money, Break Their Hearts, and Destroy Their Trust – Leaving Them Traumatized

Translated from Bulgarian

Mexican Timeshare Fraud – Mexican CJNG Drug Cartel Government Impersonation Scams

Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions ABC News and U.S. Treasury Department

A Mexican Drug Cartel Is Using U.S. Government Impersonation In Mexican Timeshare Fraud Posing As U.S. Officials

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions CBS News and other sources

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions from the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Cezary Podkul, ProPublica

Authors:
• Craig Silverman and Peter Elkind, ProPublica
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Article by: Johanna Weaver, Director, ANU Tech Policy Design Centre, Australian National University
• Portions by the International Committee of the Red Cross

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions YOL

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• NACHA

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• VOA

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions Alaska Department of Law, KTUU, and other sources

Authors:
• Julian Stoyanov, Nova Broadcasting Group Ltd.
• Lydia Zagarova – Psychologist, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions ABC News and U.S. Treasury Department