Recent investigations have revealed a widespread global scam industry, particularly involving call centers that defraud victims out of their life savings. Victims have reported losses of up to £162,000, with an estimated $75 billion lost globally in the past four years due to investment scams like 'pig butchering.' The scams often target older Americans and utilize sophisticated tactics, including impersonation of legitimate services. The Department of Health and Human Services has issued warnings about fraudsters targeting federal health programs, while various consumer protection agencies have alerted citizens to the increasing prevalence of phone scams. Notably, a recent investigation by OCCRP highlighted how marketing firms sold personal data to scammers, enabling them to exploit victims more effectively. Lawmakers are now responding to this alarming trend, as the number of Americans scammed continues to rise.
Ghost preparers and spear phishing: Here's the tax scams to avoid https://t.co/SFOFbiZav2
An investment scam called “pig butchering” has cost victims around the world an estimated $75 billion in just the last four years. The imposters on the other end of the line are often human trafficking victims forced to run the scheme by large crime syndicates in Asia.
The Department of Health and Human Services recently issued a warning that fraudsters are targeting federal health programs with a scheme that led to millions of dollars in losses: https://t.co/fx6ehLOINv