Russian police have dismantled a fraud scheme targeting children through popular gaming channels. Scammers posed as game administrators and convinced children to provide their parents' bank card details in exchange for free in-game currency. Three suspects, including a YouTuber with over 20,000 subscribers, were arrested. The scheme caused losses exceeding 500,000 rubles across multiple regions.
Thai authorities arrested a man who fraudulently solicited donations under the guise of a crime victim assistance organization, then misused the funds for illegal cockfighting gambling and online gambling activities. He faces multiple charges including fraud, computer crimes, and illegal gambling operations.
Multiple French municipalities are warning residents about a scam where young impersonators pose as students selling calendars under the guise of fundraising for school trips. Several schools and local governments have publicly denied involvement in these fraudulent sales.
South African Police Service warned of a viral Facebook hoax claiming a child was found in Makhanda, which is completely fabricated. Scammers use emotionally charged posts with recycled images and disabled comments, then insert malicious links to steal data and hijack accounts. Police urge the public to verify information through official channels before sharing.
A 66-year-old woman from Okayama who lost over 40 million yen in an SNS-based investment scam shared details about how she was deceived and her emotional state during the incident. As investment fraud cases surge in the prefecture, her account reveals how fraudsters use persuasive language to manipulate victims.
A citizen in Kırşehir, Turkey was defrauded of 100,000 Turkish Lira after responding to a marketplace umbrella advertisement posted on social media. The victim made four separate transfers to the suspects' bank accounts before realizing the scam. Two suspects have been arrested following a cyber crime investigation.
As the school year begins, cybercriminals are exploiting students and parents who are transitioning to new educational chat groups. Experts warn of two main scams: fake class chats impersonating teachers and fraudulent part-time job offers targeting students.
The Bali Provincial Government has warned residents about fraudulent social media accounts impersonating Governor I Wayan Koster, using his name, photos, and manipulated voice recordings. The fake accounts, labeled "wyn kstr," are offering cash prizes up to 100 million rupiah in quizzes and games while attempting to harvest personal information from victims.
The Brazilian Federal Government has issued a warning about fraudulent messages promoting a fake "2026 Reconstruction Aid" offering 1,050 reais. These messages are being spread via messaging apps and social media to lure victims to fraudulent websites. While a real reconstruction aid program did exist in 2024 for flood victims in Rio Grande do Sul, this new version does not exist.
Egyptian authorities have arrested a man who operated a social media page fraudulently claiming to provide legitimate university degree certificates in exchange for money. Investigators discovered mobile devices, forged documents, and printing equipment as evidence of the criminal scheme, and the case has been referred for prosecution.
Russia's Ministry of Digital Development has introduced optional fraud prevention measures allowing mobile operators to block advertising and authentication SMS messages to children's phone numbers with parental consent. This aims to reduce risks of data theft and account fraud targeting minors.
Vietnamese authorities arrested four individuals operating a scratch lottery scam through Facebook livestreams. The group used fake lottery accounts and pre-printed winning tickets to deceive victims into sending money with promises of large prizes.
A 56-year-old dentist in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, was defrauded of approximately 13.65 million yen through a scam scheme conducted via social media. The Nishinomiya Police Department is investigating the case as fraud.
Residents in Veracruz, Mexico reported falling victim to a dessert sales scam operating through fake TikTok accounts. Victims transferred advance payments for themed pastries, but never received their orders before the accounts were deleted or blocked. Multiple victims have come forward after an initial alert on social media.
Social Media Scams
