fraudsters

The Brooklyn District Attorney's office says it has broken up a pig butchering operation that targeted the Russian-speaking community. The crypto scams relied on long-term social engineering, with fraudsters sometimes maintaining contact for weeks before making any request for money. Officials stressed the community-focused targeting of the scheme, which drained victims through fake investment platforms.

A debate is underway over whether the public should feel sympathy for Elizabeth Holmes, the Theranos founder convicted of fraud. Commentators are weighing her downfall, prison sentence and personal circumstances against the harm caused by her deceptions, with opinion divided on whether she deserves compassion or condemnation.

The FBI has added Mary Carole McDonnell, former CEO of Bellum Entertainment, to its list of most wanted fraud suspects and is offering a $150,000 reward for information leading to her capture. McDonnell, who once ran a television production company behind reality programming, is sought in connection with fraud allegations, and the fugitive status of a former entertainment executive is drawing wide attention.

Amanda Seyfried is trending in several countries as renewed interest surrounds Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes. A BBC feature argues Holmes remains America's most fascinating fraudster, described as famous and defiant as ever. Seyfried won an Emmy for playing Holmes in the series The Dropout, and the new coverage has put both women back in the conversation.

Elizabeth Holmes is drawing renewed attention after a BBC profile described the Theranos founder as 'as famous and defiant as ever' and America's most fascinating fraudster. Interest spans multiple countries, with searches spiking in Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Amanda Seyfried, who played Holmes in the series The Dropout, is also among the names people are looking up alongside the story.

Elizabeth Holmes, the Theranos founder convicted of fraud, is drawing renewed attention following a new documentary project involving Nathan Fielder. The reporter who originally exposed Holmes is featured, and outlets including the BBC note she remains 'as famous and defiant as ever,' describing her as the US's most fascinating fraudster. Coverage highlights her enduring public fascination and the film's unconventional approach.

The European Court of Justice has ruled that banks must first reimburse customers who fall victim to phishing fraud before seeking recovery from the fraudsters. Under EU payment services rules, banks cannot refuse an immediate refund by arguing the customer was negligent. The decision, reported by heise online, strengthens consumer protection across Europe and is drawing attention from banks, consumer advocates and payment providers assessing its practical impact.

Canadian journalist Bill Schiller's book 'A Hand in the Water: The Many Lies of Albert Walker' is drawing attention again. The book chronicles the case of Albert Walker, the Canadian fraudster who fled to Britain under a stolen identity and became entangled in a murder case. Readers describe it as a chilling, gripping true-crime account with disturbing revelations throughout.

A new documentary by Nathan Fielder is drawing attention for its portrait of disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, framing her not just as a fraudster but as a psychological puzzle of deception. Critics and viewers are calling the film enthralling, with its title suggesting Holmes's belief that transparency could mask her lies. The project is sparking renewed debate about Holmes's motives and the Theranos scandal.

German radio OS Radio 104.8 reports new details about the flight of Hendrik Holt, described as a wind power fraudster. Holt is known in connection with alleged fraud involving wind energy investments, and reports about his disappearance or attempt to evade authorities are drawing attention in Germany.

A majority of Canadians believe banks should do more to reimburse victims of banking fraud, according to reporting by Le Devoir. The finding fuels ongoing debate in Canada over who bears the cost when fraudsters drain customers' accounts, and whether financial institutions' current compensation policies are adequate. Discussions about banking fraud and consumer protection are gaining attention as scam attempts become more sophisticated.

Dutch journalist and presenter Kees van der Spek is back on television with a new season of Kees van der Spek Ontmaskert, airing on RTL 5. The program, in which he exposes scammers and fraudsters, remains a popular fixture of Dutch television. Viewers in the Netherlands are searching for broadcast times and details as the new episodes begin.

Police in Dunlap are warning residents about scammers impersonating church officials. Authorities urge the public to be cautious with unsolicited requests for money or personal information and to verify identities directly with local churches before responding. The advisory comes as reports of fraudsters exploiting trust in religious leaders continue to surface.

The Federal Trade Commission is considering updating its Impersonation Rule, citing a rise in scams in which fraudsters pose as government agencies, businesses or even family members to steal money from consumers. The rule currently targets government and business impersonation, and an update could expand its coverage and strengthen the agency's ability to pursue scammers and recover funds for victims.

Forbes reports that stolen Social Security numbers are being sold on illicit online marketplaces for less than two dollars each, highlighting how cheaply Americans' personal identities trade among fraudsters. Buyers can use the data for identity theft, fraudulent loans and tax refund scams. Security writers urge people to monitor credit reports, freeze their credit and watch for suspicious activity in their name.

German tech outlet Heise reports on a growing countermeasure against the surge in AI-powered fraud: chatbots designed to waste scammers' time. Security experts say the best defense against the rising number of AI-driven scams is AI itself, with bots keeping fraudsters occupied so they cannot target real victims.

The Better Business Bureau is warning the public about scams targeting student loan borrowers. The alert, reported by WSAW, comes as fraudsters pose as loan forgiveness services or debt relief companies to trick borrowers into paying fees or handing over personal information. Borrowers are advised to verify any loan servicer before sharing details or making payments.

Scammers are using social media to target die-hard Harry Styles fans, according to a report from ABC7 New York. The warning highlights how fraudsters exploit the pop star's devoted fanbase, reportedly through fake tickets, merchandise offers, or bogus giveaways promoted on social platforms. Fans are advised to be cautious of unsolicited offers and to verify sellers before sending money online.

Warnings are being issued about scams that follow storms, as fraudsters pose as contractors or relief workers offering recovery help. Officials advise residents to verify licenses, avoid large upfront payments, and be wary of unsolicited repair offers. The alert comes as communities begin cleaning up and rebuilding after severe weather.

The Better Business Bureau is warning Alabama homeowners to watch out for storm-related scams and price gouging as contractors and fraudsters target residents dealing with storm damage. Officials urge people to verify businesses before paying for repairs, avoid upfront cash demands, and report suspicious pricing or fraudulent repair offers to authorities.

Artificial intelligence is being used to make online scams more convincing, with fraudsters deploying tools such as voice cloning and deepfakes to impersonate people and organisations. News coverage highlights the growing threat and offers advice on staying safe, including verifying unexpected requests, being wary of urgent appeals, and confirming identities through separate channels before sending money or personal information.