The Criminal Investigation Bureau says 23% of the money swindled from victims from January to October this year were done in the name of investments. Fraudsters also tricked people into giving them money by posing as law enforcement officials and relatives.
The woman was planning to wire money to her friend for investment, but she didn’t even know her friend’s address.
An anti-fraud official says con artists often befriend victims first. Once they’re friends, they trick them into trying their luck on fake investment schemes.
Criminal Investigation Bureau data shows that 23% of the money in this year’s cases, or US$ 25 million, was swindled by fake investments. Fake law enforcement officials took 15%, or US$16 million, and fake relatives conned 7% or US$13 million from people.
The anti-fraud official says the elderly or retirees often get anxious after receiving phone calls from fraudsters posing as law enforcement officials.
There are many con artists out there so think twice before you give personal information or wire money to anyone.