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District Attorney General Colin Johnson hosted the fifth annual Elder Justice Conference at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tennessee, offering free training for professionals on day one and seniors on day two to educate them about online scams, financial exploitation, and abuse. The conference aims to help seniors and vulnerable adults recognize and avoid scams that cost Americans billions of dollars annually through awareness and intervention strategies.

Kim Phuong Preston, wife of Life Care Centers of America founder Forrest Preston, was indicted on two counts of neglect of a vulnerable and elderly adult for alleged neglect of her husband between May 5-6. The indictment does not specify what occurred during those two days or whether Forrest Preston was injured. This case follows a 2024 court battle where Forrest's son sought and obtained a conservatorship over his father and the company, claiming elder abuse and unauthorized transfers of millions in assets to Kim Preston.

Scammers stole more than $15 million from Tennessee residents in 2025 using bitcoin ATMs, employing tactics such as impersonating court officials and tech support to manipulate victims into depositing funds and sharing access codes. Tennessee banned bitcoin ATMs in response, though cryptocurrency businesses are challenging the ban in federal court; the scams have since shifted to app-based platforms. The FBI reported over 13,400 cryptocurrency kiosk fraud complaints nationally in 2025 with losses exceeding $388 million, with seniors over 50 accounting for more than half of the victims and losses.

The Northwest Tennessee Elder Justice Coalition and District Attorney General Colin Johnson are hosting a free training conference on September 30-October 1 in Union City to educate professionals and seniors about preventing fraud and scams targeting elderly citizens. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, seniors over 60 filed over 201,000 complaints in 2025 with total losses exceeding $7.7 billion, averaging $38,000 per victim. The conference will provide training on recognizing online scams, financial exploitation, and signs of abuse, with separate programming for professionals and seniors.

The Northwest Tennessee Elder Justice Coalition and District Attorney General Colin Johnson are hosting the 5th annual Elder Justice Conference on September 30-October 1 in Union City to train seniors and professionals on recognizing and preventing online scams. According to the FBI's 2025 Internet Crime Complaint Center report, seniors over 60 filed over 201,000 fraud complaints with total losses exceeding $7.7 billion, averaging $38,000 per victim and with at least 12,400 victims losing $100,000 or more.

Tennessee is providing voters with resources to report voter fraud, scams, and Election Day issues through an official hotline and text system (text 'TN' to 45995) ahead of the August 6 election. The reporting system is free and allows voters to share concerns or feedback about their voting experience directly with the Secretary of State's office or local election commissions. Additional election information is available through the GoVoteTN website and app.

An 81-year-old East Tennessee Navy veteran with a recent dementia diagnosis lost $100,000 to a sweepstakes scam after receiving texts claiming he had won $1 million, a new car, and free gasoline. The scammers used the false promise of winnings to convince him to make repeated payments, with no suspects identified or money recovered. The article highlights how cognitive decline made the victim vulnerable to the scheme and emphasizes that legitimate prizes never require upfront fees.

Cryptocurrency kiosks located in convenience stores and gas stations have become the primary collection point for impersonation scams, with the FBI logging 13,460 complaints in 2025 resulting in approximately $389 million in losses, with roughly two-thirds of victims over age 60. While federal law treats kiosk operators as money services businesses subject to FinCEN registration and anti-money-laundering requirements, state regulation is highly fragmented, ranging from outright bans (Indiana, Tennessee, Minnesota) to licensing regimes with transaction caps and fraud protections to complete absence of oversight (such as in Texas, which leads the nation in reported losses). The regulatory inconsistency means operators face vastly

Minnesota enacted a complete ban on cryptocurrency ATMs effective August 1, 2026, after state officials documented approximately $1 million in scam losses connected to crypto kiosks between 2023 and 2025, with seniors disproportionately targeted through schemes involving manufactured emergencies and pressure to send funds irreversibly. The law required operators to deactivate functioning machines immediately and physically remove them by December 31, 2026, joining Tennessee in adopting an outright ban rather than regulation, as federal data showed Minnesota residents lost over $151 million to crypto-related fraud in 2025 alone.

Two men from Brooklyn, New York pleaded guilty to a $750,000 theft scam targeting a Jackson County, Tennessee resident who was duped by fake Treasury Department calls into liquidating investment certificates and purchasing gold. The victim was told a courier would secure the gold until his identity threat was resolved, but after three successful thefts totaling $750,000, he contacted authorities on a fourth attempt, leading to the suspects' arrest during a controlled operation in October 2024. Both defendants were sentenced to 20 years in prison with no parole eligibility until full restitution of $750,000 is paid to the victim.

Minnesota banned cryptocurrency kiosks after residents lost nearly $1 million to scams between 2023 and 2025, with over 100 complaints filed and an 80-year-old victim losing $80,000 in a single incident. Governor Tim Walz signed the prohibition into law on May 5, 2026, making Minnesota the third state to fully outlaw the machines following Tennessee and Indiana. The scams typically involved fake emergency calls and impersonation schemes that pressured victims to convert cash to cryptocurrency through the kiosks, with funds then disappearing into untraceable wallets.

Texans lost approximately $57 million to cryptocurrency kiosk scams in 2025, primarily targeting elderly victims who are tricked into depositing cash into crypto ATMs to send funds to scammers' wallets. Texas lawmakers plan to ban crypto kiosks entirely, joining Indiana, Tennessee, and Minnesota in prohibiting the machines, as three states have already enacted or scheduled bans to take effect between March and August 2026. The scam typically involves fraudsters contacting victims with urgent stories about unpaid taxes or compromised accounts, directing them to withdraw cash and convert it to cryptocurrency that cannot be recovered once transferred.

A 53-year-old man has been extradited from Illinois to Utah to face felony charges for an elaborate romance scam that defrauded an Arizona woman of over $82,500 between August 2024 and July 2025. Todd Joseph Sweet posed as a retired Army sergeant major involved in classified operations and manipulated the victim into providing cash, credit card information, and $27,000 from her retirement funds, while also taking possession of her $65,000 pickup truck that he never returned. Investigators discovered Sweet has a pattern of similar romance scams across multiple states, including a 2010 Tennessee case where he swindled another victim out of $19,000 and

Thomas Coley pleaded guilty to theft over $10,000 after scamming a 77-year-old Milan, Tennessee resident in December 2025 by impersonating an "Apple Security" employee and convincing her to withdraw $39,600 in cash. Coley was arrested in Dunwoody, Georgia with assistance from security video and police cameras, and paid full restitution of $39,600 on the day of his plea, receiving a seven-month sentence with the remainder of his five-year sentence suspended upon completion of that restitution.

Tennessee authorities are warning seniors about rising financial fraud, particularly targeting elderly investors through digital assets, social media scams, and AI-enabled impersonation schemes. According to the FBI, scammers stole over $108 million from Tennessee residents aged 60 and older, with cryptocurrency accounting for $142 million in total losses across all ages. The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance advises seniors and caregivers to learn fraud warning signs, be cautious with cryptocurrency and virtual investments, and contact state securities officials when approached about suspicious investment opportunities.

Tennessee's Department of Disability and Aging and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have partnered to distribute educational magnets and information cards about common scams to older adults through meal delivery services, recognizing that homebound seniors are particularly vulnerable targets for fraud and elder abuse. The initiative will use meal delivery programs to reach seniors with information about the SafeSeniorTN website and resources that help them identify and avoid scams. Older adults receiving meals at home should watch for the educational materials and visit SafeSeniorTN to learn about common scams and where to report suspected fraud.

Tennessee's Department of Disability and Aging and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have partnered to distribute scam-awareness materials to vulnerable older adults through meal delivery services, recognizing that homebound seniors are frequent targets for fraud and elder abuse. The initiative will place magnets and information cards about the SafeSeniorTN website—which offers guidance on technology, financial, and personal safety scams—directly into meal packages delivered to seniors across the state. Older adults receiving these services should review the materials provided and visit SafeSeniorTN to learn how to recognize and report scams targeting seniors.

Senior scams are escalating rapidly in Tennessee's three largest cities—Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville—with reported losses reaching $108 million in 2025 affecting over 3,500 victims aged 60 and older, representing a 39% increase in victims and 75% increase in losses compared to 2024. Investment scams saw the most dramatic rise, tripling from $17.1 million to $51.6 million, while romance scams, tech support scams, and lottery schemes also increased significantly. Seniors should be especially cautious about unsolicited investment opportunities and romance interactions online, verify caller identities through official phone numbers rather than numbers provided in calls, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages to Tennessee residents claiming to be from the state's Department of Safety and Homeland Security, telling them they have unpaid traffic violations or fees. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security warns that it never sends text messages about fines, fees, or license suspensions, and urges recipients to delete suspicious messages, avoid clicking links, and report them rather than sharing personal information.

The Tennessee Department of Safety is warning residents about a text message scam where fraudsters impersonate official government agencies to trick people into clicking malicious links or sharing personal information. If you receive suspicious texts claiming to be from TN Department of Safety or TN Drivers Services, do not click any links or provide personal details. Anyone who falls victim to this scam should report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, and residents can find additional scam prevention tips through the Tennessee Attorney General's Consumer Affairs page.

The FBI's Nashville Field Office is warning Tennessee residents about rising cybercrime targeting the music industry, including romance scams where criminals impersonate musicians (resulting in $12.2 million in losses), fake ticket sales, extortion, hacked social media accounts, and stolen unreleased music—with nearly 60% of romance scam victims being people over age 60. Both music industry professionals and fans are affected. To protect yourself, the FBI recommends pausing before taking action online, being skeptical of high-pressure tactics, and reporting suspected scams to IC3.gov, with those over 60 able to call the DOJ Elder Justice Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 for assistance.

A Tennessee woman named Gabryele Watson was sentenced to 20 months in prison for running an elaborate adoption scam targeting thousands of couples over seven years. She would impersonate pregnant teenagers on social media, build relationships with hopeful adoptive parents by discussing baby names and sending fake ultrasound photos, then emotionally abuse them with threats of harming the babies or their children. The scam caused significant psychological harm to vulnerable couples desperate to adopt, though Watson never actually solicited money—instead profiting through identity theft of the pregnant teenagers she impersonated.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a law banning Bitcoin ATMs statewide, making it a criminal offense to operate the machines after July 1, 2026, in response to widespread fraud targeting elderly residents. Senior citizens have lost hundreds of millions of dollars through these kiosks, with FBI data showing $257 million in losses for Americans over 60 in the previous year alone—a 58% increase from prior years—because the fast, irreversible transactions make them ideal for scammers. Residents should avoid Bitcoin ATMs entirely, especially if pressured by callers claiming to represent banks or law enforcement, as money deposited into these machines is nearly impossible to recover.

Tennessee has banned Bitcoin ATMs effective July 1, 2024, becoming the second state to do so after Indiana, due to widespread fraud targeting seniors who have lost millions through scams often involving impersonators posing as law enforcement. The 651 Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in Tennessee (mostly in Nashville) are being shut down because criminals exploit these machines to quickly move stolen funds in ways that are nearly impossible to recover. Seniors and vulnerable populations should be aware of scams encouraging them to withdraw cash and deposit it into cryptocurrency ATMs, and should verify any urgent requests for money by contacting authorities directly through official phone numbers rather than those provided by callers.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a bill banning cryptocurrency ATMs, making Tennessee the second state to do so after Indiana, due to widespread scam concerns. Scammers are using these kiosks—commonly found in gas stations and grocery stores—to defraud victims by tricking them into depositing cash that gets instantly converted to untraceable Bitcoin; the FBI reported over 13,460 crypto ATM-related complaints in 2025 involving $389 million in losses, with seniors over 60 being particularly targeted. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited contact from strangers offering financial advice, government officials, or romantic interest, and never use crypto ATMs or withdraw cash based on urgent pressure from someone you don't know.

Two Knox County men lost a combined $500,000 in a sophisticated Bitcoin scam after clicking on a deceptive Facebook advertisement, with one man losing his entire life savings of $375,000. Detective Wayne Doster spent months investigating the international fraud ring operated from Malaysia, ultimately leading to the arrest of Lee Kah Poh, a Malaysian national who came to Tennessee to collect the money. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious about unsolicited investment opportunities on social media, never click links from unknown sources, and verify any investment through official channels before sending money.

# Pig Butchering Romance Scam Alert Pig Butchering scams are long-term romance frauds where scammers build fake relationships with victims over months before convincing them to invest in cryptocurrency, ultimately stealing their life savings. Tennessee's Department of Commerce & Insurance warns that these scams typically start with a "wrong number" text, progress to building trust and friendship, and gradually shift toward investment pitches. To protect yourself, never share personal or financial information with strangers online, remain skeptical of unsolicited contacts, ask questions before trusting anyone, and report suspected scams to local law enforcement or the FBI.

Elder fraud is reaching epidemic levels in Tennessee, with scammers targeting seniors through social media by building fake relationships over weeks or months before convincing them to invest money in fraudulent schemes. Knox County alone estimates that for every reported case, 22 go unreported, with seniors statewide losing hundreds of millions of dollars annually to financial exploitation. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities on social media, verify requests through independent contact with trusted sources, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or elder protection services.

Scammers in Hamblen County, Tennessee are impersonating police officers named "Detective Scott Davis," calling residents and claiming they missed jury duty and must pay fines via gift card or Cash App to avoid arrest—a tactic that authorities confirm is fraudulent since no such detective exists and law enforcement never requests payment through these methods. Both individuals and businesses have been targeted, with the scammer also attempting to extract employee personnel records from companies. Residents and business owners should hang up on suspicious calls and directly contact the Hamblen County Sheriff's Office at 423-586-3781 rather than calling any number provided by the caller, as legitimate law enforcement will never demand gift card or mobile payment app transfers.

# Romance Scam Summary A 76-year-old Navy veteran and widower in Union County, Tennessee lost $16,000 to a romance scammer who posed as a woman named "Rose Cate" and corresponded with him via text for five years, claiming she needed money to collect a $2 million inheritance. The Federal Trade Commission reports that romance scams cause over $1 billion in losses annually by exploiting victims' emotions through fake online relationships, typically on dating apps, social media, or email. To protect yourself, be wary of online romantic interests who quickly ask for money or claim to need funds for inheritances, legal fees, or emergencies—legitimate romantic partners won't request financial help before meeting in person.

Tennesseans lost over $12 million to government imposter scams in 2025, making it the state's most commonly reported fraud with more than 5,300 cases, according to the FTC. Scammers impersonate agencies like the Social Security Administration, IRS, and law enforcement through fake texts and websites to steal money and personal information. To protect yourself, be skeptical of threatening or urgent messages via text, watch for poor grammar and misspellings, and remember that legitimate government agencies never threaten people through text or demand immediate payment.

Tennessee's Department of Commerce & Insurance warns investors about a surge in sophisticated scams expected this holiday season, with fraudsters increasingly using AI technology like deepfake videos and fake trading bots to deceive victims—tactics that contributed to over $259 million in fines and restitution from 8,800 active investigations in 2024. Key threats include "pig butchering" romance scams, deepfake impersonations of celebrities, and phantom AI trading bots that promise guaranteed returns but are actually designed to steal money. Investors should be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those involving new technologies or promises of guaranteed returns, and verify the legitimacy of investment platforms and contacts before committing any funds.

A 74-year-old Tennessee retiree was tricked by romance scammers who posed as a celebrity and then impersonated FBI and government officials to extort $86,900 from him, ultimately leading to his suicide in October 2023. Three perpetrators—Stephen Anagor, Chinagorom Onwumere, and Salma Abdalkareem—who were working on behalf of a relative in Nigeria, have been convicted and sentenced to prison with orders to pay restitution. To protect yourself, be wary of online relationships with celebrities or people you haven't met in person, never send money to "resolve legal issues," and verify any official communications directly through official government channels rather than through email or unsolicited contacts.

A 74-year-old retired teacher in Tennessee was victimized by an international romance scam in which con artists impersonated a celebrity and later FBI/government officials to extract $86,900 from him—money obtained through loans and savings—before he died by suicide in October 2023. Three perpetrators, including two U.S. residents working with accomplices in Nigeria, were convicted and sentenced to federal prison with orders to pay restitution. Seniors should be extremely cautious about unsolicited online romantic relationships, especially if requests for money follow, and should verify claims about legal matters by contacting official authorities directly rather than responding to suspicious emails or messages.

Tennessee's Department of Commerce & Insurance is warning residents about a surge in holiday scams using sophisticated technology like AI, which state regulators investigated over 8,800 cases of in 2024, resulting in $259 million in fines and restitution. Common scams include romance-based investment schemes ("pig butchering"), deepfake impersonations of celebrities or trusted contacts, and fake AI trading bots designed to steal money from victims. Investors should be skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches—especially those involving new technologies or celebrity endorsements—and verify the legitimacy of any investment opportunity before sending money.

During the 2024 holiday season, Tennessee authorities are warning investors about a surge in sophisticated scams that use artificial intelligence and technology trends to trick people into fraudulent investments, with scammers exploiting consumers' fear of missing out on new opportunities. State securities regulators conducted over 8,800 investigations last year, resulting in $259 million in fines and restitution, showing how widespread investment fraud has become. If you're considering any investment opportunity, especially one involving new technology, verify it through official channels like the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Securities Division (800-863-9117) before committing your money.

A man in Nashville was arrested for defrauding two elderly victims in Putnam County, Tennessee, of over $268,000 through a sophisticated scam that began with a fake Microsoft pop-up warning. The scammers impersonated bank employees and falsely claimed the victims' accounts were under federal investigation, pressuring them to withdraw money and convert it into Bitcoin and gold coins between September and November. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited pop-up messages or calls claiming to be from banks or tech companies, never withdraw large sums of money based on phone calls, and immediately report any suspected fraud to authorities rather than keeping it secret.

An elderly couple in Hopkinsville, Kentucky was victimized by an asphalt paving scam in June when an unsolicited contractor approached them offering to patch their driveway at a low cost. After the mother signed a mostly blank invoice, the scammers filled in details and paved the entire driveway, charging $64,000 (totaling $79,000 with a duplicate charge), which the parents charged to multiple credit cards before their son stopped payment on three of the four cards. The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to avoid unsolicited door-to-door home improvement offers that use urgency tactics and to verify quotes before signing any documents.

Jim Maidens, a disabled Tennessee man and car enthusiast, lost $26,750 to a Facebook Marketplace scam after wiring payment for a 1963 Corvette advertised at an unusually low price without viewing it in person. The seller provided fraudulent paperwork and disappeared after confirming receipt of payment, blocking all communication attempts. The article outlines common red flags for advanced payment scams on marketplace listings—including drastically underpriced items, multiple cheap listings from one seller, stolen photos, and requests to switch to email—and recommends documenting evidence and reporting to Facebook and authorities.

A Tennessee woman and multiple passengers were scammed at Knoxville airport when an American Airlines worker handed them a Post-it note with a fraudulent phone number claiming they needed to rebook their flights due to late bag check-in; when they called the number, scammers posing as airline representatives collected their credit card information. The incident affected at least several passengers, with victims advised to cancel their payment cards, and a similar scam was reported on Reddit involving a fake airline rebooking service charging $160.

Mark Janbakhsh, CEO of auto dealership Auto Masters, was convicted of bank fraud, conspiracy, and related crimes after submitting false documentation to Capital One and First Tennessee Bank between 2013 and 2017 to fraudulently obtain approximately $26.4 million in credit. When auditors discovered discrepancies, Janbakhsh directed employees to destroy evidence and later lied under oath during bankruptcy proceedings, additionally attempting to bribe a co-conspirator with over $300,000 to flee and obstruct the federal investigation. He faces up to 30 years in federal prison and $1 million in fines at sentencing.

**Summary:** The Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South warns of a rising trend in online vehicle scams that accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic and persists today. Fraudulent websites impersonate legitimate vehicle and equipment dealerships, prompting the Tennessee Attorney General to issue a public warning with guidance on identifying red flags to protect consumers.

The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to research businesses before purchasing by verifying licenses with relevant agencies, confirming physical addresses, requesting references, and reviewing insurance information and refund policies. The bureau also warns against voice AI scams and recommends verifying requests with trusted contacts directly, noting that West Tennessee consumers have reported receiving items that did not match their expectations.

A Brentwood, Tennessee resident lost $648,000 in an elaborate scam after fraudsters posing as federal agents convinced him his identity was being used for money laundering and instructed him to liquidate his bank accounts and retirement savings into gold bars. The victim handed over gold worth $144,430 and $504,029 to fake couriers who arrived at his home on two separate occasions in April and May. Working with police, the victim set up a sting operation for a third pickup in July, resulting in the arrest of two suspects, Fan Zhang and Zhen Chen, who arrived in a gray Toyota van to collect what they believed was $273,895 in gold.

A 36-year-old Canadian man, Jia Hua Liu, was arrested in July after conducting a multi-state door-to-door scam targeting seniors across Ohio, Indiana, New Mexico, and Tennessee, defrauding victims of an estimated $309,000 total. One Charlestown, Indiana resident was tricked into withdrawing $27,000 from his retirement accounts and handing it over in cash; three additional attempted scams in Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan were prevented by family members, potentially saving another $70,000 in losses. Liu was apprehended at Louisville airport while attempting to flee the country and faces charges including theft, fraud, conspiracy, an

More than 60 real estate agents nationwide have lost a combined $15 million in "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scams, where fraudsters build trust with agents through social media or text, pose as clients or financial advisors, and gradually coax them into investing on fraudulent crypto platforms before disappearing with the funds. The scams often exploit agents' access to MLS databases and their familiarity with large financial transactions, with victims like Tennessee agent Teri Radcliff losing over $200,000 and a North Carolina agent's family losing $815,000. The perpetrators frequently use deepfakes or video impersonation and withdraw victims' money through fake platforms before requesting additional security

On July 10, 2025, Johnny Ray Jackson, 55, was sentenced to ten years (at 45%) plus nine years of supervised probation for impersonating a licensed professional and illegally selling insurance in Sumner County, Tennessee, despite having his license revoked in 1999 for prior fraudulent conduct. Jackson fraudulently transferred an elderly client's annuity funds without consent, netting himself over $3,000 in commissions while causing substantial financial harm to the victim. The court determined Jackson posed a continuing risk to the community and immediately remanded him into custody.

A 36-year-old Canadian man, Jia Hua Liu, was arrested at Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport after police connected him to impersonation scams targeting seniors across multiple states including Indiana, Ohio, New Mexico, and Tennessee. Liu allegedly defrauded victims of approximately $400,000 by posing as a Department of Treasury employee and convincing them to withdraw money from retirement accounts, with one documented victim losing $27,000. Police are continuing to identify additional victims and investigate co-conspirators believed to be in other countries.

A 36-year-old Canadian man, Jia Liu, was arrested on July 2 at Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport for defrauding elderly people across multiple states. Liu targeted an elderly man in Charlestown who withdrew $27,000 from his retirement account in May, and investigators linked him to at least five additional victims in Indiana, Ohio, New Mexico, and Tennessee, with total losses exceeding $309,000. Liu faces charges including theft, fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering, and authorities are seeking additional victims who may be in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.

A 36-year-old Canadian citizen, Jia Hua Liu, was arrested at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in July after a multi-state scam targeting elderly victims, with confirmed losses exceeding $309,000 across Indiana, Ohio, New Mexico, and Tennessee. In the initial Charlestown, Kentucky case, an elderly resident was defrauded of $27,000 after being tricked into withdrawing funds from his retirement account; three additional elderly victims in Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan were nearly victimized for an additional $70,000 before family members intervened. Liu was charged with theft, fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering, and police believe there are