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A Virginia woman received over 600 emails in 24 hours as part of an "email bombing" scam designed to bury a legitimate fraud alert from her bank about an unauthorized $1,200 laptop purchase. Scammers used automated tools to sign her email address up for hundreds of newsletters and services, flooding her inbox with messages from real organizations to obscure the critical security warning. Cybersecurity experts warn this tactic can overwhelm inboxes within minutes and create opportunities for fraudsters to make unauthorized purchases or compromise accounts while victims are distracted by the email deluge.

Xinbi Guarantee, a Chinese-language online marketplace operating on Telegram, facilitated cryptocurrency investment scams targeting Americans by providing tools like fake investment websites and money laundering services to cybercriminals. U.S. authorities seized the platform and froze $52 million in cryptocurrency, with one Virginia resident losing $800,000 in such a scheme. The Treasury Department designated Xinbi a transnational criminal organization allegedly linked to North Korean hackers, effectively cutting it off from the U.S. financial system.

An AP/FRONTLINE investigation found that despite record scam losses of $15.9 billion reported to the FTC in 2024 (with estimates suggesting actual losses near $200 billion), victims have little legal recourse and often face additional hardships including tax penalties, frozen bank accounts, and limited reimbursement protections compared to other developed nations. The 58 victims interviewed ranged from ages 32 to 90, lost thousands to $4 million each, and some experienced severe psychological trauma; notably, only one victim recovered funds from her bank. The U.S. lags significantly behind countries like the United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, and Singapore in consumer protections, as American

This article discusses credit union advocacy meetings with policymakers during congressional recess, not an actual fraud case or scam. The article mentions that credit unions raised fraud concerns, including elder fraud schemes, as a policy priority during meetings with representatives from Virginia, Alabama, Texas, North Carolina, and Illinois, but does not describe a specific fraud incident or victim impact.

Scammers are impersonating deputy sheriffs in Roanoke, Virginia and calling family members of recently arrested individuals claiming bail or bond money is needed immediately to release their loved ones from jail, with payment requested through digital methods like Venmo, Cash App, or gift cards. At least one person has lost money to this scam, and the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office warns that legitimate law enforcement will never call demanding immediate payment for release.

Virginia seniors reported losses exceeding $220 million in 2025, part of a $7.7 billion total in fraud losses among Americans aged 60 and older—a 59 percent increase from the previous year. Scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence, particularly voice-cloning technology, to make traditional impersonation and urgency-based schemes more convincing, with AI-related fraud accounting for over $352 million in losses among seniors. The article recommends five protective habits including enabling two-factor authentication, independently verifying urgent callers, establishing family passwords, and automating security updates to combat these evolving threats.

The Virginia Lottery is warning of a scam in which fraudsters posing as lottery representatives offer money to Virginians in exchange for personal information such as photos and driver's licenses. The lottery emphasizes it never pays for personal information and urges residents to be alert, as compromised data can lead to identity theft that is difficult to reverse. Anyone targeted by this scam is asked to contact law enforcement or the Virginia Lottery at 804-692-7777.

An elderly Virginia woman lost $77,000 after scammers impersonated Amazon, Bank of America, and FTC officials to convince her that her identity was linked to criminal activity and drug trafficking. The scheme escalated over several days with false claims about a handgun purchase and threats to suspend her Social Security number, ultimately pressuring her to withdraw and send the money via cashier's check to an account in New York. The victim discovered the fraud after checking the FTC's website on July 1st and confirming the agency does not demand money from victims this way.

A Virginia traffic stop of a stolen vehicle uncovered gold coins and a gold bar connected to an alleged $2 million elder fraud scheme targeting seniors to purchase precious metals. Two suspects face charges including larceny by trick, with investigators identifying at least one confirmed victim in James City County who made multiple fraudulent payments. The multi-state investigation involves Homeland Security Investigations, and authorities expect to return funds to victims.

A stolen vehicle recovered in Virginia led authorities to discover gold coins and a gold bar connected to a $2 million fraud scheme targeting elderly victims who were persuaded to purchase gold for scammers. The investigation identified at least one victim in James City County who made multiple payments to the suspects, with approximately $2 million expected to be recovered. The multi-state scheme, involving suspects who transported the gold to New York to be melted down, is believed to extend across Pennsylvania, Illinois, Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, and New York.

Buchanan County Public Schools in Virginia fell victim to a cyber scam involving a misdirected payment related to construction of a new high school, with details of the fraudulent transfer remaining unreleased. According to the Better Business Bureau, such scams typically involve criminals impersonating legitimate businesses or construction companies and convincing accounting departments to wire large sums of money without independent verification. The BBB warns that advancing AI technology is making voice and image impersonation easier, and emphasizes that organizations should always verify payment requests through trusted independent contacts before transferring funds.

Three men were arrested for defrauding over $1 million from seniors in Virginia and Maryland using a two-stage scam: fake Amazon alerts warning of unauthorized purchases, followed by imposters posing as federal agents claiming the victims' identities were compromised and demanding they convert savings into gold bars or cash for "safekeeping." The scheme is part of a larger national trend combining business impersonation with government-agent impersonation to exploit elderly victims. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls about account problems, remember that legitimate companies and federal agencies never demand immediate payment or asset conversion over the phone, and verify any such claims by hanging up and calling the official organization directly.

This Virginia Law Help resource provides guidance on protecting yourself from scams and predatory lending practices that disproportionately target low-income people. The article covers common scams, risky loans like payday loans, identity theft recovery steps, debt management alternatives, and mortgage-related fraud, while highlighting Virginia's legal protections and directing readers to legitimate resources. Key advice includes learning to recognize warning signs, safeguarding personal information, and seeking help from legitimate credit counseling services rather than falling victim to debt settlement or foreclosure rescue scams.

Former college basketball player Kerr Kriisa was indicted on five counts of wire fraud after allegedly defrauding two victims of nearly $2.2 million between 2022 and 2024 by posing as different people, including his own mother, and claiming he and his family needed emergency financial assistance. The 25-year-old Estonian guard, who played for Arizona, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, was arrested in Kentucky and faces federal charges in West Virginia. Victims should be cautious of unsolicited requests for money—especially from people claiming emergencies—and verify the person's identity through independent contact information before sending any funds.

Federal and West Virginia officials are backing a "Never EVER" campaign to combat elder fraud, which costs West Virginia seniors approximately $19 million annually, with government imposter scams accounting for $1.1 million of that. Scammers—often operating from foreign countries using AI technology to mimic trusted voices and create artificial urgency—target vulnerable people by pressuring them to act immediately or face consequences. To protect yourself, never give out personal information to unsolicited callers, and if you suspect fraud, report it to local law enforcement or the U.S. Attorney's office.

Virginia State Police is encouraging people of all ages to protect themselves from monetary and identity scams by independently verifying requests before acting on them—slowing down rather than rushing, since scammers rely on urgency and fear. Key preventative measures include changing passwords frequently, using a trusted "buddy system" to discuss suspicious calls or texts, avoiding sharing personal information, and being cautious about what you post on social media. The advice is particularly timely around World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, though these tips apply to anyone vulnerable to fraud.

Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Virginia State Police are warning people—especially seniors—about common scams and providing prevention strategies. Key advice includes verifying information independently before acting, using the "Stop, Breathe, Verify, then Act" approach, monitoring financial statements regularly, implementing two-factor authentication, and establishing a "buddy system" with trusted family members to review suspicious communications. The agency emphasizes that scammers exploit urgency and fear, so taking time to verify requests and watching for red flags like spelling errors, suspicious links, and pressure to act immediately are critical defenses.

Virginia State Police are urging the public to protect themselves from monetary and identity scams by taking time to verify requests independently rather than rushing into decisions, especially since scammers exploit urgency and fear. Key protective measures include using unique passwords, establishing a trusted buddy system to review suspicious calls or texts, avoiding sharing personal information without verification, and being cautious about what information is posted on social media. The guidance, released around World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, emphasizes that if something seems too good to be true, it likely is, and that anyone can fall victim to scams regardless of age.

A new scam at gas pumps involves criminals placing screws in pump nozzle cradles to keep pumps running after a transaction, allowing them to fill their tanks on the victim's dime. Police in Virginia are warning drivers to inspect pumps before use, avoid pumps farthest from attendants, and watch for signs of tampering. Experts recommend using pumps near attendants, monitoring your credit card statements regularly, and using card-locking features when available to protect yourself from unauthorized charges.

A 54-year-old Virginia woman pleaded guilty to financially exploiting a 79-year-old disabled woman in Southeast DC, stealing nearly $7,000 through unauthorized debit card purchases and fraudulent Cash App transfers between June 2024 and March 2025. The victim, who relied solely on Social Security benefits and had a long-standing trust relationship with the defendant, became unable to pay rent as a result of the theft. Attorney General Schwalb urges anyone aware of elder abuse or financial exploitation to report it to his office, emphasizing that victims often remain silent due to shame or their relationship with the perpetrator.

# Summary David Rush, a former senior CIA officer with top-secret clearance, was arrested and charged with theft of public money after lying about his academic credentials (falsely claiming degrees from Clemson University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) and military service to secure an inflated salary and $77,000 in fraudulent military leave compensation. FBI agents discovered approximately 303 gold bars worth over $40 million, $2 million in currency, and luxury watches at his Virginia home during a search warrant execution. The investigation began after the CIA discovered potential legal violations and referred the case to the FBI, with most recovered funds being returned.

Nine Ghanaians have been jailed for up to 50 years for romance fraud and money laundering schemes targeting older Americans through dating websites and social media, with three additional suspects including two brothers recently arrested in Virginia. The scammers used fake identities to build romantic relationships with victims and trick them into sending money via wire transfers, with funds directed to bank accounts in Ghana and elsewhere. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romance prospects who quickly ask for money, avoid wire transfers to people you haven't met in person, and verify identities through video calls before sending any funds.

A Nigerian man named Habeeb Anibaba has been charged with bank fraud after orchestrating romance scams that stole over $1.3 million from Norfolk, Virginia's city bank account. Operating under fake identities like "James Harold" and "Zoey Chase," Anibaba targeted women across the U.S. by posing as an oil engineer, gaining their trust, then convincing them to access the city's corporate banking information and transfer funds to him via Venmo, PayPal, cryptocurrency, and prepaid cards. People should be cautious of online romantic interests who quickly ask for financial help or banking access, verify any requests through official channels before moving money, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.

A 79-year-old Bradenton widower lost $31,000 in a romance scam after meeting a person posing as "Julia" on Facebook in 2023, who claimed to be a woman in the UK needing money to relocate to Florida. Benjamin Yakah, who was using stolen photos from an unsuspecting West Virginia woman, was arrested in Minnesota and convicted of grand theft, receiving one year in jail and four years of probation while being ordered to repay the victim. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly involve requests for money, verify identities through video calls, and alert authorities if you suspect you're being scammed—especially if family members express concerns about your online relationships.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Tax season is here, and so is a surge in phishing attacks, fake IRS messages and tax-related identity theft attempts. Whether you file on your own or work with a tax pro...

AARP West Virginia is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation protecting consumers from growing cryptocurrency and real estate scams that are increasingly targeting vulnerable populations, particularly older residents. Criminals are exploiting unregulated cryptocurrency kiosks—machines resembling ATMs found in stores and gas stations—to trick people into transferring funds through non-refundable transactions with hidden fees. To protect yourself, be cautious of unfamiliar money transfer machines in public places, verify the legitimacy of any investment opportunity, and consult trusted sources before sending money, especially to unfamiliar parties.

# Romance Scams Surge Ahead of Valentine's Day The FBI is warning of a significant increase in romance scams as Valentine's Day approaches, with Virginia alone reporting over $20 million in losses from more than 200 complaints last year, and scammers increasingly using AI-generated photos and videos to create more convincing fake profiles. These scams typically begin on dating apps or social media, where criminals build emotional connections before requesting money for emergencies, travel, investments, or cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, watch for red flags such as quick declarations of love, refusal to video chat, claims of overseas work, pressure for secrecy, and urgent money requests—and report any suspicious activity to the FBI immediately.

# Romance Scam Summary The FBI is warning about a significant increase in romance scams, particularly ahead of Valentine's Day, where criminals create fake online identities to manipulate victims into sending money or sharing personal information. Virginia alone reported over 200 romance scams last year resulting in $20 million in losses. To protect yourself, avoid sending money, gift cards, or financial information to people you've only met online, be skeptical of urgent requests for money, and consult trusted friends or family before making financial decisions with online acquaintances.

West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey is warning residents about tax refund scams, which typically involve fraudulent emails or texts impersonating the IRS or state tax offices that trick people into clicking links to "verify" their identity and steal personal or financial information. Consumers should be suspicious of any unsolicited messages about tax refunds, especially those requesting clicks or personal verification. If you receive a suspicious message, verify directly with the IRS or your state tax office through official channels, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General at (800) 368-8808.

AARP West Virginia is urging lawmakers to pass legislation protecting consumers from cryptocurrency scams, which have been growing in scope and targeting vulnerable populations including older adults. Cryptocurrency kiosks—machines that resemble ATMs and are located in public places like grocery stores and gas stations—are being exploited by criminals to trick people into transferring funds, with transactions often being non-refundable and containing hidden fees. The organization points out that while 17 states have already passed comprehensive legislation to regulate these kiosks, West Virginia currently has no such protections in place, and is calling for stronger consumer safeguards against both cryptocurrency and real estate fraud.

# West Virginia DMV Text Message Scam Alert The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles is warning residents about scammers sending text messages impersonating the agency and requesting payment. Scammers use urgent language and fake deadlines to pressure people into sending money quickly, but the legitimate DMV will never text residents demanding payment. If you receive a suspicious text claiming to be from the DMV, do not respond—instead, contact the DMV directly at (800) 642-9066 or visit a local office to verify whether any action is actually needed.

West Virginia and Virginia are experiencing a surge in romance scams, with reports nearly tripling in February as scammers exploit Valentine's Day spending and emotional connections to defraud victims. Of the 551 scam cases analyzed, 70% resulted in financial losses averaging $16,900 per victim, with scammers using tactics like requests for gift cards, wire transfers, fake investment schemes, and cryptocurrency promises. To protect yourself, be cautious of new romantic interests who quickly ask for money or gifts, avoid wire transfers and gift cards to unknown people, and stay skeptical of investment opportunities involving people you've only met online.

Three Virginia men pleaded guilty to elder abuse and residential burglary for operating a roofing repair scam targeting seniors in San Mateo County, defrauding five victims of a combined $179,211. The scammers posed as representatives of a legitimate roofing company, inflating damage estimates and pressuring victims to wire money to fraudulent accounts. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited repair offers, get multiple independent quotes, never wire money to unfamiliar companies, and verify that contractors are actually affiliated with the businesses they claim to represent.

# Utility Scams Warning During Winter AARP Virginia is alerting residents to winter utility scams where fraudsters pose as utility companies and send threatening messages about service shutoffs to pressure people into paying money, clicking malicious links, or sharing personal information. Scammers use urgency and emotional tactics to prevent victims from thinking critically, and anyone can fall victim regardless of age or background. To protect yourself, pause before responding to unexpected communications, verify any claims directly with your utility company using official contact information, and watch for red flags like pressure to act immediately.

A Virginia Beach man, Dion Lamont Camp, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for defrauding romantic partners—particularly Navy servicemembers with good credit—through an identity theft and auto loan scheme that netted over $1.7 million in fraudulent loans for luxury cars between 2020 and 2022. Victims were manipulated into romantic relationships, then had their identities stolen and credit used without consent, leaving them to spend years rebuilding their financial lives while Camp defaulted on over $100,000 in child support for his 22 children. If you have good credit and are dating someone new, be cautious about sharing personal financial information, monitor your credit reports regularly, and watch for unexpected loan applications or credit inquiries in your name.

# Virginia Beach Man Sentenced for $1.7M Fraud Scheme A Virginia Beach man, Dion Lamont Camp, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for orchestrating a scheme that defrauded over $1.7 million from romantic partners, credit unions, auto dealers, and other victims through identity theft and fraudulent loans. Camp targeted women with good credit and jobs, manipulating them into romantic relationships to obtain fraudulent auto loans and credit cards, while also stealing personal information from strangers to apply for loans and rentals. To protect yourself, be cautious about sharing personal information early in relationships, monitor your credit reports regularly, and verify any unexpected loan or credit card applications in your name.

West Virginia officials are warning residents about a new scam where cybercriminals create fake government websites to steal login credentials and personal information. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these schemes, which have become increasingly sophisticated and common since the COVID-19 pandemic, with artificial intelligence now being used to impersonate loved ones and authorities. To protect yourself, only visit official state websites through WV.GOV, never click links from unsolicited emails or texts, and report suspicious activity to the West Virginia Fusion Center.

Scammers in Virginia are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create more convincing investment fraud schemes, with the State Corporation Commission warning investors to be extra cautious, especially during the holiday season. The SCC received 238 complaints last year and recovered $381,000 for victims, while seniors were particularly targeted with over 1,600 cases investigated nationally. Investors should verify every investment opportunity and the person offering it before committing money, and can report suspected fraud to the Virginia SCC at 804-371-9051.

# Elder Fraud and Abuse Summary Elder abuse costs the U.S. over $2.3 billion annually and affects the region's growing aging population through financial scams and exploitation by family members and caregivers. West Virginia and Ohio rank among the nation's best states for elder-abuse protections (9th and 5th respectively), though West Virginia still struggles with nursing home quality and volunteer ombudsman availability. To protect themselves, seniors and their families should stay aware of common scams, utilize state protections and volunteer advocacy organizations, and thoroughly vet care facilities before placing loved ones in their care.

Seniors in the U.S. are increasingly vulnerable to scams and abuse, which costs over $2.3 billion annually and causes immeasurable human harm. The good news is that West Virginia and Ohio rank among the top states for elder-abuse protections, though improvements are still needed in areas like nursing home quality. To help protect older relatives and friends, caregivers should monitor their financial accounts for suspicious activity and warn them to be cautious of new contacts claiming to be friends or relatives.

Elder abuse costs the nation over $2.3 billion annually and is a growing concern as the population ages, with seniors falling victim to both financial scams and exploitation by caregivers and family members. While West Virginia and Ohio rank among the best states for elder-abuse protections, there are still significant gaps, particularly in nursing home quality and the availability of volunteer ombudsmen to advocate for seniors. To help protect vulnerable older adults, family members and caregivers should monitor their finances for suspicious activity, warn them about potential scams involving new "friends" or relatives, and stay vigilant about their overall wellbeing.

Elder abuse costs the U.S. over $2.3 billion annually and affects a growing aging population vulnerable to financial scams and exploitation by both strangers and trusted caregivers. While West Virginia and Ohio rank among the nation's best for elder-abuse protections, vulnerabilities remain in areas like nursing home quality and volunteer oversight. To help protect seniors, caregivers and family members should monitor elderly relatives' financial accounts for suspicious activity and encourage caution with digital transactions.

During the holiday season, scammers increasingly target senior citizens through charity fraud, fake online shopping websites, and phone impersonation schemes, exploiting the elderly's trust and less familiarity with modern technology while people are distracted by festivities and shopping. West Virginia's Secretary of State warns that fraudsters use emotional appeals and urgency to manipulate victims into donating to fake charities or providing credit card information for nonexistent purchases. To protect yourself, verify charities using the official list at erls.wvsos.gov, be cautious of unsolicited donation requests, avoid clicking suspicious links, and never share payment information without independently confirming the legitimacy of the organization or seller.

Political scams are surging as scammers impersonate politicians and campaigns to trick voters into donating money or sharing personal information, with seniors being particularly vulnerable targets. One example involved a scammer cloning a real campaign's phone number to solicit donations, affecting millions including a politically engaged grandmother in Virginia. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited political calls asking for credit card information over the phone, verify requests through official campaign websites, and discuss suspicious messages with trusted neighbors or family members before responding.

During the holiday season, scammers intensify their fraud schemes, targeting seniors who are often more trusting and polite, making them vulnerable to losing their retirement savings and pensions. West Virginia officials warn families to protect older loved ones by verifying charities through the official state registry before donating and being cautious of unsolicited phone and internet contacts. Anyone who suspects fraud should immediately report it to the Secretary of State's Investigations Division at 877-FRAUD-WV to help protect other seniors.

Two men from Florida and Virginia have been indicted for allegedly running a $26 million elder fraud scheme that targeted seniors across Pennsylvania and the U.S. from January 2024 through August 2025, using deceptive emails to trick victims into sending cash to couriers or Bitcoin ATMs, then laundering the money through fake businesses and bank accounts. The suspects, Amit Kumar Jain and Trevaughn Yearwood, face serious federal charges with potential prison sentences of up to 40 and 20 years respectively. Seniors should be wary of unsolicited emails requesting urgent money transfers, verify requests through official channels before sending funds, and never use cryptocurrency ATMs for financial transactions requested by unknown parties.

A TikTok user reported falling victim to a solar panel installation scam after a door-to-door salesman falsely claimed Virginia's government would pay for panels, with only installation costs required. The family took out a predatory loan with hidden interest charges and was forced to replace their roof, leaving them in substantial debt with a substandard system lacking battery backup. Solar scams are widespread nationwide, involving false government program claims, predatory loans with misleading terms, incomplete installations, and hidden fees; consumers should avoid door-to-door salespeople, verify companies through the BBB, and report suspected fraud to the FTC, CFPB, or state consumer protection offices.

The Virginia Tech Police Department warned of multiple ongoing scams targeting students and community members, including fake football ticket sales via social media (where scammers pose as alumni and accept payment through apps like Venmo but never deliver tickets), sextortion schemes targeting male students (where scammers pose as attractive women, solicit intimate photos, then blackmail victims), fraudulent job offers involving fake checks that students are asked to cash and return funds for, and impersonation scams where scammers pose as family or friends requesting gift card payments. The department provided prevention advice for each scam type, emphasizing purchasing from official vendors, never sending intimate photos to unknown contacts, verifying checks through banks, and carefully ver

The Better Business Bureau has documented increased complaints about online gambling scams in Virginia over the past three years, with consumers facing risks from unclear terms, deceptive practices, and fraudulent schemes as the industry expands. The confusing regulatory landscape allows scammers to exploit consumers through illegal gambling platforms and deceptive practices. To protect yourself, verify which gambling sites are legal in your state, understand the terms and conditions, and contact the National Problem Gambling Hotline (1-800-426-2537) if you suspect fraud or have gambling concerns.

Older adults in West Virginia are frequently targeted by scammers using robocalls, texts, and social media schemes that exploit personal information to build false credibility. Common tactics include impersonating legitimate businesses, the IRS, or family members in distress, then pressuring victims to purchase Green Dot cards, Bitcoin, or other untraceable payment methods. Police advise seniors to question callers without disclosing personal information and recognize that legitimate businesses never operate through unsolicited contact demanding immediate payment.