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Global Law Enforcement Collaboration Takes Down ‘LabHost’ Phishing-As-A-Service Platform – 2024

Global Law Enforcement Collaboration Takes Down ‘LabHost’ Phishing-As-A-Service Platform

The Takedown of the LabHost Platform is a Major Step in Reducing Phishing Scams

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Portions from Europol and UK Metropolitan Police

About This Article

Law enforcement agencies from 19 countries collaborated in a year-long operation to disrupt ‘LabHost,’ one of the world’s largest phishing-as-a-service platforms. Coordinated by Europol, the operation resulted in the compromise of LabHost’s infrastructure and the initial arrest of 37 suspects, with the potential for as many as 1,000 more arrests.

LabHost facilitated phishing attacks on users of hundreds of financial institutions worldwide for a monthly subscription fee. The platform, previously available on the open web, has been shut down following the investigation.

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2024-05-02T19:37:16-04:00May 2nd, 2024|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINAL JUSTICE, 2024, EUROPOL, NEWS, SCARS Editorial Team, UK Government, WORLDWIDE|Tags: , , , , |
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UK Government: Social and Psychological Implications of Fraud – 2024

UK Government: Social and Psychological Implications of Fraud

Psychology of Scams

Authors:
•  UK Parliament – Government of the United Kingdom
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Fraud poses a significant threat to the UK, with 4 in 10 offences targeting individuals. The government’s 2023 Fraud Strategy aims to combat this, emphasizing victim support and prevention.

While stereotypes of elderly victims persist, fraud risks vary due to psychological and social factors. Beyond financial loss, fraud inflicts emotional and psychological harm.

Victims often report fraud to banks rather than authorities. Effective prevention strategies involve education and enhanced victim care. This POSTnote underscores the multifaceted nature of fraud and the need for comprehensive, collaborative approaches to mitigate its impact on individuals in England and Wales.

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2024-05-01T12:28:21-04:00May 1st, 2024|Categories: • PSYCHOLOGY, • GOVERNMENT / REGULATORY, • SCAM VICTIM HEALTH, 2024, ARTICLE, DOCUMENT / PDF, SCARS Editorial Team, UK, UK Government|Tags: , , , , , , , , |
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A Desperate Scam Victim – Ann Mayers – Becomes A Bank Robber – 2024 [VIDEOS]

A Desperate Scam Victim – Ann Mayers – Becomes A Bank Robber

Ann Mayers, a Scam Victim lost her life savings and borrowed over $80,000 which she still owed. Out of Desperation, she decided to become a Bank Robber

However, the story is not as simple as it seems due to the trauma and cognitive impairment victims suffer from

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Portions WLWT5 News and other sources

About This Article

Ann Mayers, a 74-year-old Ohio woman, turned to bank robbery in desperation after falling victim to an online scam.

Police responded to a robbery at AurGroup Credit Union, where Mayers demanded cash at gunpoint. She was later found at her home and confessed to the crime, admitting recent financial losses to an unidentified online scammer. Mayers faces charges of aggravated robbery and tampering with evidence, highlighting the tragic consequences of online scams.

Such scams often Read More …

2024-04-29T06:10:23-04:00April 29th, 2024|Categories: • VICTIMOLOGY, • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, NEWS, SCARS Editorial Team, Tim McGuinness PhD, USA|Tags: , , , , , , , , |
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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 …

2024-04-29T04:51:32-04:00April 28th, 2024|Categories: • VICTIM'S STORY, 2024, Additional Authors, GHANA, NEWS, NIGERIA, SCARS Editorial Team, USA|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |
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Unbelievable Story Of A U.S. Military Soldier Sanda G. Frimpong Involved In A Romance Scam Gang – 2024

Unbelievable Story Of A U.S. Military Soldier Sanda G. Frimpong Involved In A Romance Scam Gang

A U.S. Soldier from Ghana becomes a real romance scam gang member

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

About This Article

Former U.S. Army soldier Sanda G. Frimpong, formerly stationed at Fort Bragg, has been sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for his involvement in a money laundering romance scam targeting vulnerable individuals, including seniors and military veterans, from 2019 to 2022. Frimpong, 33, pleaded guilty to three counts of money laundering in exchange for the dismissal of multiple charges, including wire fraud and identity theft.

His fraudulent activities, which included impersonating romantic partners and military personnel, resulted in the laundering of hundreds of thousands of dollars through various bank accounts and contacts in Ghana.

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2024-04-23T13:24:16-04:00April 23rd, 2024|Categories: • CRIMINAL JUSTICE, • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, GHANA, NEWS, SCARS Editorial Team, USA|Tags: , , , , |
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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.

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2024-04-20T02:22:09-04:00April 19th, 2024|Categories: • ADVOCACY / POLICY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, Additional Authors, ARTICLE, GHANA, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: , , , , |
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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 …

2024-04-12T13:14:37-04:00April 12th, 2024|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, Additional Authors, ARTICLE, ProPublica, SCARS Editorial Team, USA|Tags: , , , , |
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New Privacy Bill In Congress Offers Real Privacy Rights To Everyone – 2024

New Privacy Bill In Congress Offers Real Privacy Rights To Everyone

Congress appears ready for Comprehensive Privacy Legislation covering all American Businesses (except Small Businesses)

Policy & Regulations

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

About This Article

The New Bipartisan Privacy Legislation in the U.S., the American Privacy Rights Act, backed by key lawmakers, including Senator Maria Cantwell and Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, introduces substantial cybersecurity mandates affecting various sectors of the economy.

Cantwell’s support marks a departure from previous failed attempts at comprehensive privacy laws, emphasizing the need to make privacy a consumer right.

Amid growing concerns over surveillance capitalism and state-level privacy regulations, the bill mandates corporations to uphold reasonable data security practices, encompassing confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility. It outlines cybersecurity measures like vulnerability assessments and bug reporting while granting consumers rights to access, correction, and opt-out of targeted advertising.

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2024-04-11T20:29:01-04:00April 11th, 2024|Categories: • GOVERNMENT / REGULATORY, 2024, ARTICLE, SCARS Editorial Team, USA|Tags: , , , |
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INTERPOL Financial Fraud Report: The Global Threat Expands Boosted By Technology – 2024

INTERPOL Financial Fraud Report: The Global Threat Expands Boosted By Technology

Organized Crime Groups using more Human Trafficking Victims to carry out Crypto-Investment (‘pig-butchering’) and other Scams

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

About This Article

The recent INTERPOL assessment on global financial fraud underscores the growing threat posed by technology-enabled organized crime groups targeting victims worldwide.

Utilizing tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI), large language models, and cryptocurrencies, these groups orchestrate sophisticated fraud campaigns with minimal technical skills and at low costs. Secretary General Jürgen Stock warns of the epidemic scale of financial fraud, emphasizing the need for urgent action and enhanced information sharing.

The report reveals prevalent fraud trends such as investment fraud and romance fraud, necessitating multi-stakeholder partnerships to develop effective counter strategies. With financial fraud increasingly perpetrated by transnational networks, law enforcement faces the challenge of strengthening data collection and analysis to Read More …

2024-04-11T07:54:11-04:00April 11th, 2024|Categories: • CRIMINOLOGY, • GOVERNMENT / REGULATORY, 2024, ARTICLE, INTERPOL, SCARS Editorial Team, WORLDWIDE|Tags: , , , |
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China Encourages Armed Offensive Against Myanmar Over Slave Scam Centres – 2024

China Encourages Armed Offensive Against Myanmar Over Slave Scam Centres

At least one country recognizes that the fight against scamming requires military intervention.

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime

About This Article

In response to Myanmar’s failure to address the proliferation of online scams, China lends support to an armed offensive against the military junta in Myanmar.

Named Operation 1027, the offensive was executed by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, severely challenging the Tatmadaw’s control.

China’s dissatisfaction stemmed from the exploitation of Chinese citizens by scam centers in Myanmar. Despite calling for a ceasefire post-operation, China prioritized the handover of scam suspects over pressuring armed groups to cease operations.

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2024-04-01T10:18:42-04:00April 1st, 2024|Categories: • GOVERNMENT / REGULATORY, 2024, ARTICLE, MYANMAR, SCARS Editorial Team, United Nations|Tags: , , , , |
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7 Chinese Hackers Indicted In U.S. Court For Cybercrime – 2024

7 Chinese Hackers Indicted In U.S. Court

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  United States Department of Justice

About This Article

In a significant development, seven Chinese hackers, associated with the Chinese government and operating under the APT31 cybercrime and hacking group, have been indicted for their involvement in a sophisticated cybercrime scheme targeting perceived critics of China, U.S. businesses, and politicians.

The indictment, unsealed recently, charges the individuals with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions and wire fraud, highlighting their role in cyber espionage, economic espionage, and foreign intelligence activities.

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2024-03-31T19:50:34-04:00March 31st, 2024|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, CHINA (PRC), NEWS, SCARS Editorial Team, U.S. Department of Justice, USA|Tags: , , , |
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UK Engaged In Massive Crackdown on Fraud – Over 400 Arrests – 2024 [VIDEO]

UK Engaged In Massive Crackdown on Fraud – Over 400 Arrests

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  UK National Crime Agency

About This Article

Operation Henhouse, a UK law enforcement/police campaign targeting fraud and scams, resulted in over 400 arrests and £19 million seized across February and March 2024. Coordinated by the National Economic Crime Centre and City of London Police, it involved all UK police forces and agencies like the Financial Conduct Authority and National Crime Agency.

The crackdown aimed to combat the pervasive threat of fraud, which accounts for 40% of UK crime reports and costs £6.8 billion annually. With substantial arrests and disruptions nationwide,

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2024-03-31T11:43:32-04:00March 31st, 2024|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, • CRIMINAL JUSTICE, 2024, NEWS, SCARS Editorial Team, UK, UK Government, VIDEO / AUDIO|Tags: , , , , , , |
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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.

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2024-03-26T08:40:39-04:00March 26th, 2024|Categories: • VICTIM'S STORY, 2024, Additional Authors, ARTICLE, JAPAN, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: , , , |
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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.

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2024-03-20T08:29:55-04:00March 20th, 2024|Categories: • GOVERNMENT / REGULATORY, 2024, Additional Authors, ARTICLE, SCARS Editorial Team, USA|Tags: , , , , |
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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.

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2024-03-19T04:32:24-04:00March 19th, 2024|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, Additional Authors, CAMBODIA, MYANMAR, NEWS, SCARS Editorial Team, SOUTHEAST ASIA|Tags: , , , , , |
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Southeast Asia Scam Gangs – SCARS Editorial – 2024

Southeast Asia Scam Gangs

A SCARS Editorial

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

About This Article

The rise of Southeast Asian Scam Gangs presents a global threat, defrauding countless victims and perpetuating criminal activities. While governments like the U.K. and China are taking action, U.S. attention remains diverted.

However, Washington’s involvement is crucial. These transnational criminal organizations wield substantial economic power, necessitating enhanced law enforcement support.

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2024-03-17T19:10:26-04:00March 17th, 2024|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, EDITORIAL / COMMENTARY, SCARS Editorial Team, SOUTHEAST ASIA, USA|Tags: , , , , |
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The Global Fraud Summit In The UK – 2024

The 2024 Global Fraud Summit In The UK

Addressing Global Fraud & Cybercrimes

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  UK Home Office

About This Article

The historic Global Fraud Summit, held in the UK on March 10-11, 2024, brought together world leaders, industry experts, and representatives from multiple continents to tackle the growing threat of global fraud.

The summit aimed to foster international collaboration, raise public awareness, and develop strategies to disrupt criminal operations and prevent future scams.

A key outcome was the establishment of a joint communique outlining areas of focus, including information sharing, law enforcement cooperation, public education campaigns, and technological solutions.

This summit signifies a major step towards a more unified global front against fraud.

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2024-03-15T14:57:53-04:00March 15th, 2024|Categories: • ADVOCACY / POLICY, • GOVERNMENT / REGULATORY, 2024, ARTICLE, SCARS Editorial Team, UK Government, WORLDWIDE|Tags: , , , , , |
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Scam Victims Becoming Drug Mules In Japan And The Case Of Donna Nelson – 2024

Scam Victims Becoming Drug Mules in Japan

And the Case of Donna Nelson

Criminology – Understanding how Romance Scam Victims can be Converted into Criminals

Author:
• Rika Takebe, NPO Charms

About This Article

The arrest of Ebo Jeremiah in Japan sheds light on the sinister intersection of romance scams and drug trafficking. Exploiting a Japanese woman’s trust and affection, Jeremiah orchestrated the smuggling of methamphetamine from Israel to Japan, using her as a receiver under the guise of a fabricated romantic relationship.

This case underscores the vulnerability of fraud victims to manipulation and coercion, as well as the insidious tactics employed by criminal networks to exploit human emotions for illicit gains.

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2024-03-10T06:09:19-04:00March 10th, 2024|Categories: • CRIMINOLOGY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, • VICTIMOLOGY, 2024, ARTICLE, JAPAN, NPO Charms Japan, Rika Takebe|Tags: , , , , , |
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UK Money Mules New Plan Of Action To Disrupt Organized Crime – 2024

UK Money Mules New Plan Of Action

Biggest ever Crackdown on Money Mules in the UK

Efforts to disrupt money mule activity and support exploited victims will be strengthened through a new action plan.

Author:
•  Government of the United Kingdom, Home Office
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

The Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat, unveiled a comprehensive 22-point action plan aimed at strengthening efforts to combat money mule activity and support exploited victims. With a focus on raising awareness of child financial exploitation and enhancing joint working to identify complicit mules through intelligence sharing, the plan addresses the growing threat posed by these criminal networks.

Money mules, individuals who facilitate the movement of illegally obtained funds for criminals, pose a significant challenge, with Cifas estimating 37,000 bank accounts demonstrating mule behavior in 2023.

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2024-03-03T00:58:37-05:00March 3rd, 2024|Categories: • GOVERNMENT / REGULATORY, 2024, NEWS, SCARS Editorial Team, UK, UK Government|Tags: , , , , |
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Mona Faiz Montrage ‘Hajia4Reall’ – A Ghana Influencer Pleads Guilty In U.S. Court To Romance Scams – 2024

Ghana Influencer Mona Faiz Montrage ‘Hajia4Reall’ Pleads Guilty In U.S. Court To Romance Scams

Ghana Influencer Guilty of Involvement In Ghana Romance Scams

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

About This Article

Ghanaian influencer and musician Mona Faiz Montrage, also known as Hajia4Reall, has confessed to her involvement in a string of romance scams, leading to the illicit acquisition of over $2 million, as disclosed by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

The 31-year-old, once revered as a leading Instagram influencer with a following exceeding 3 million, was linked to a West African criminal syndicate orchestrating fraudulent activities targeting individuals and enterprises in the United States.

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2024-02-24T10:10:28-05:00February 24th, 2024|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, GHANA, NEWS, SCARS Editorial Team, USA|Tags: , , |
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LockBit Ransomware Shut Down By Combined Global Law Enforcement – 2024

LockBit Ransomware Shut Down By Combined Global Law Enforcement

Global Operation Chronos Shuts Down LockBit Ransomware

Cybercrime News

Authors:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Europol
•  U.S. Department of Justice

About This Article

FBI and Europol reports LockBit as the most deployed ransomware globally, with operations disrupted by law enforcement across ten countries. LockBit, infamous for causing extensive financial damage, saw its criminal activities severely compromised.

The international effort, led by the UK’s National Crime Agency under ‘Operation Cronos’, coordinated by Europol, dismantled LockBit’s infrastructure, including 34 seized servers. Arrests were made in Poland and Ukraine, with warrants issued by French and US authorities. Over 200 cryptocurrency accounts linked to the group were frozen.

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2024-02-21T22:12:44-05:00February 21st, 2024|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, EUROPOL, NEWS, SCARS Editorial Team, U.S. Department of Justice, WORLDWIDE|Tags: , , , , , , |
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North Korea Hackers are Using AI (Artificial Intelligence) for Scams – 2024

North Korea Hackers are Using AI (Artificial Intelligence) for Scams

Cybercrime is Evolving Fast!

Cybercrime News

Author:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Portions from Financial Times

About This Article

North Korean hackers are now utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to orchestrate more sophisticated cyber scams, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and AI services such as ChatGPT to enhance their deceptive tactics.

This shift towards AI-driven cybercrime poses a significant challenge to cybersecurity efforts globally. By creating credible profiles and engaging targets over extended periods, hackers can execute more convincing phishing attempts and malware dissemination.

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2024-02-21T17:49:26-05:00February 21st, 2024|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, NEWS, NORTH KOREA, SCARS Editorial Team|Tags: , , , , , |
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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.

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2024-02-16T18:27:37-05:00February 16th, 2024|Categories: • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, Additional Authors, NEWS, SCARS Editorial Team, USA|Tags: , , |
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U.S. Bank President Lured Into Pig Butchering Scam – Embezzled Almost $50 Million – 2024

U.S. Bank President Lured Into Pig Butchering Scam

Victim Embezzled Almost $50 Million

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

About This Article

The CEO of a Kansas bank was arrested for allegedly embezzling $50 million to participate in a “Pig Butchering” crypto scam, where victims are manipulated into investing in fake schemes.

This incident, causing the bank to fail, highlights the rising threat of investment fraud, which the FBI reports increased 183% from 2021 to 2022. Kansas bank commissioner David Herndon urges caution, advising against clicking unknown links or replying to suspicious emails. This case underscores the importance of investor education and awareness regarding crypto scams and other forms of investment fraud.

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2024-02-13T04:34:43-05:00February 13th, 2024|Categories: SCARS Editorial Team, • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, NEWS, USA|Tags: , , , , |
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NASDAQ Global Financial Crime Report: Criminals Took US$3.1 Trillion from Victims and the Economy in 2023

Global Financial Crime Report: Criminals took US$3.1 Trillion from Victims in 2023 Per NASDAQ

Tracking the Impact of Financial Crimes on Victims

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

About This Article

The 2024 Global Financial Crime Report by Nasdaq reveals that transnational illicit activities, like romance scams and human trafficking, amassed over US$3 trillion, devastating victims’ sense of security and, at times, their lives. Nasdaq Chair and CEO Adena Friedman emphasizes, “The world’s multi-trillion-dollar financial crime epidemic is more than a money problem.”

Victims, like former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer & SCARS Chair Debby Montgomery Johnson, echo the sentiment, emphasizing the profound human costs. The report exposes the staggering impact on individuals, including romance scam losses totaling $3.8 billion in 2023 alone.

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2024-02-05T19:13:00-05:00February 5th, 2024|Categories: • ADVOCACY / POLICY, • FEATURED ARTICLE, 2024, ARTICLE, Debby Montgomery Johnson, SCARS Editorial Team, WORLDWIDE|Tags: , , , |
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