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A sophisticated property fraud scheme involving Jose Manuel Santiago, Rosson Dwayne Hamilton, and Vernon Lavoie resulted in multiple homes being stolen and sold without owners' knowledge across Virginia, Florida, and North Carolina. The trio created fraudulent bank accounts in homeowners' names, with Lavoie using fake IDs to impersonate owners; one home in Tampa, Florida sold for $65,000 and a U.S. Army veteran lost his house along with military memorabilia and his Jeep. Santiago received three years in prison for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, Hamilton received one day, and Lavoie received two years and seven months; experts recommend homeowners obtain

Victoria Zerillo, a 49-year-old general manager of a nonprofit providing repair services to Sun City Center seniors, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for stealing over $410,000 through wire fraud and embezzlement from December 2015 to November 2022. The scheme involved doctored bank statements, unauthorized ATM withdrawals, and fraudulent credit card charges, and was uncovered when a resident with a finance background noticed rising service rates and investigated the company's finances. This case is part of a broader problem in Florida, where seniors lost more than $300 million to various scams in the prior year, making the state second-highest in the nation for elder fraud.

The FBI reports that cyber scams targeting seniors aged 60 and above caused $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, an 11% increase from the previous year, with common schemes including tech support, investment, romance, and cryptocurrency fraud. Elderly victims averaged $34,000 in losses per person, with Florida and California experiencing particularly high losses ($620 million and $181 million respectively), and seniors are less likely to report these crimes due to embarrassment and underreporting. The FBI recommends seniors verify suspicious offers, avoid unknown contacts, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Florida seniors lost nearly $300 million to scams in 2023, ranking the state second-highest in the nation for elderly fraud, according to FBI data showing over 101,000 seniors filed fraud reports. Tech support scams led the fraud types, though romance scams resulted in the largest individual losses (tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars), with many cases going unreported due to victim shame. Law enforcement warns seniors to avoid answering unknown calls and clarifies that legitimate authorities do not call ahead about warrants or missed jury duty.

Florida seniors lost nearly $300 million to scams in 2023, ranking the state second-highest in the nation for elderly fraud, according to FBI data showing over 101,000 seniors filed fraud reports. Tech support scams led the reported incidents, though romance scams caused significant unreported losses, with victims losing life savings totaling tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Law enforcement warns seniors not to respond to unsolicited calls claiming to be from police or courts and advises reporting scams through local sheriff's offices.

**Summary:** Florida seniors lost nearly $300 million to scams in 2023, ranking the state second-highest in the nation for elderly fraud, according to FBI data showing over 101,000 seniors filed fraud complaints—a 14% increase from 2022. Tech support scams led reported incidents, while romance scams caused significant unreported losses, with victims often losing tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars due to shame and embarrassment. Law enforcement warns of evolving schemes including AI-assisted voice cloning and impersonation of law enforcement, urging seniors not to answer unknown numbers and to report suspicious activity through available channels.

Over 50 elderly Americans in Broward County fell victim to lottery scams between 2020-2021, losing more than $6.6 million collectively after being told they won prizes and asked to pay upfront fees for shipping and taxes. Florida ranked second nationally for elder fraud in 2023 with residents over 60 losing nearly $300 million, reflecting a broader U.S. trend where elderly victims lost $3.4 billion that year to investment fraud, romance scams, tech-support scams, and government impersonation schemes. The crimes remain significantly underreported due to victim embarrassment and fear of losing independence, with experts estimating only one-

Florida residents over 60 lost nearly $300 million to elder fraud in 2023, making the state the second-highest in the nation for elder fraud for at least the fourth consecutive year, according to an FBI report. The state's large elderly population makes it particularly vulnerable to fraudulent schemes targeting senior citizens.

The FBI warns that elder fraud is escalating, with Florida victims losing approximately $293 million and seniors over 60 nationally losing about $3.4 billion, often through impersonation scams such as the "grandparent scam" where fraudsters pose as relatives in distress asking for emergency money. Experts advise seniors to avoid sending money to unknown individuals, verify caller identities directly, and watch for red flags including urgency tactics, suspicious email addresses, and typos in communications.

In 2023, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center received over 100,000 complaints from individuals over 60, representing a 14% increase from the previous year, with scammers stealing $3.4 billion from seniors (an 11% increase from 2022). Tech support scams were the most common complaint, while investment scams caused the greatest financial losses at $1.2 billion, with the average loss per incident reaching nearly $34,000. California, Florida, and Texas experienced the highest concentrations of senior scam complaints.

According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, Americans over 60 reported $3.4 billion in fraud losses in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022, with tech support fraud being the most commonly reported scam type and investment scams causing the greatest financial damage. Florida ranked second nationally for elder fraud complaints and losses, with seniors reporting over $90 million in investment scheme losses, $51.5 million in tech support fraud, and over $40 million in romance scams. The FBI emphasized its commitment to investigating these crimes and encouraged victims to report fraud through their complaint center, hotline, or tip submission website.

Two men in Florida were arrested for defrauding an elderly woman showing early signs of dementia by convincing her she had won $3 million in a Publisher's Clearing House sweepstakes and demanding upfront tax payments; she lost $477,000 across three checks, with only $40,000 recovered. Michael Lawrence and Max Richards face felony charges for theft and fraud scheme. The FTC warns that legitimate sweepstakes never require upfront fees or taxes, and victims should immediately contact their banks to attempt recovery.

Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., a 50-year-old from Winter Haven, Florida, was sentenced to two years in prison for laundering over $2.3 million in proceeds from Nigerian romance scams and business email compromise schemes by receiving funds into bank accounts and converting them to Bitcoin for co-conspirators. He was ordered to forfeit nearly $465,000 in personal proceeds, with four additional defendants remaining at large in the scheme.

Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., a 50-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to four years in federal prison for his role in a romance scam network that defrauded at least three women of $2.3 million. Garcia provided bank accounts to co-conspirators who posed as romantic interests to victims aged 40 to 80, requesting money for fake overseas oil sales and other expenses, then used cryptocurrency to launder the proceeds before sending funds to accomplices in Nigeria. He was ordered to forfeit approximately $465,000, while his four Nigerian co-conspirators remain at large.

Jorrel Tyler Jackson, a 31-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to 6.5 years in federal prison for his role in an international fraud conspiracy that targeted senior citizens across multiple states, causing $1,584,077 in losses to 22 victims. Jackson's role involved collecting cash packages from victims and recruiting others; the scam began with fake virus warning pop-ups that directed victims to call numbers where Indian-based scammers impersonated tech companies or federal agents, then convinced them to surrender money through various ruses including fake bank compromise claims, criminal investigation threats, and technical support fees. Authorities emphasize that victims should never click unsolicited pop-ups,

Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., a 50-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for his role in laundering romance scam proceeds, having scammed $2.3 million in funds that he sent to criminal associates in Nigeria using cryptocurrency exchanges. Garcia worked with four other suspects to defraud multiple victims and was ordered to return $464,923.91 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Romance scams have grown significantly, with American victims losing over $1 billion to overseas criminals in 2023, though actual figures are likely much higher due to underreporting and the difficulty law enforcement faces in prosecuting transn

Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., a 50-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to money laundering conspiracy related to a romance scam that defrauded at least three women of $2.3 million. Garcia's role involved providing bank accounts to receive fraud proceeds and using cryptocurrency to conceal the money's origin before transferring funds to his Nigerian co-conspirators, who remain at large; he was ordered to forfeit approximately $465,000.

Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., a 50-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for laundering over $2.3 million in proceeds from romance scams and business email compromise fraud schemes orchestrated by Nigerian co-conspirators; he used bank accounts and cryptocurrency exchanges to conceal and transfer the funds. Garcia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and was ordered to forfeit $464,923.91. Four additional defendants remain at large in this transnational fraud operation.

Impersonation scams in Florida have increased 84% per capita over the past five years, with scammers posing as IRS agents, FBI officials, court representatives, and other trusted entities to defraud victims. In 2023, impersonation scams were the third most frequent fraud in the U.S., resulting in over $1.3 billion in losses, often involving organized crime groups with international connections that pressure victims into sending money or personal information through urgent threats. To protect themselves, people should verify caller identities by hanging up and calling official numbers directly, avoid sharing personal information when pressured, and report suspected scams to law enforcement.

A recent study ranked Florida as the fourth most dangerous state for online dating, with the state ranking second for identity theft and fraud and seventh for romance scams. According to FBI data, nearly 1,500 Floridians lost over $53 million to romance scams, with 387 North Florida victims reporting losses exceeding $15 million. The FBI advises victims to report suspected scams immediately and lists warning signs including requests for money, avoidance of in-person meetings, elaborate sob stories, and pressure for secrecy.

A Fostoria, Ohio woman fell victim to a Facebook impersonation scam when hackers posed as her friend requesting her phone number under the pretense of account recovery, gaining access to her Facebook account and a linked debit card that resulted in unauthorized charges of $441 for an airline ticket to Australia and $113 to ARC. The same scammers subsequently used the same tactic to compromise accounts of her friends and family members across multiple states including Ohio, Virginia, Florida, Arizona, and Texas. Local authorities advise users to unlink payment methods from social media accounts and verify requests through independent contact methods before providing personal information.

Florida ranks fourth among the most dangerous U.S. states for online dating according to a Privacy Journal study analyzing romance scams, identity theft, fraud, and other risk factors across 100 cities. The research identified common romance scam patterns including persistent money requests, excuses to avoid meeting, elaborate backstories, secrecy, and false urgency—tactics scammers use to exploit victims seeking romantic connections online.

A Tallmadge police sergeant investigated a 2019 online dating scam that defrauded a local woman of $60,000 and uncovered a multi-state money-laundering operation involving victims across Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Florida, and Texas, including one couple who lost $375,000. The investigation led to the arrest of six people in Rhode Island who were processing fraudulent funds through compromised bank accounts and money orders. The FBI reported 19,000 romance scam complaints nationally in 2022 with losses exceeding $739 million, typically targeting women over 40.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody warned of direct deposit refund scams during the 2024 tax season, in which fraudsters impersonate IRS agents and contact victims claiming a tax return error, then demand immediate payment via wire transfer or gift cards. The IRS will never contact taxpayers by text or email about refunds, demand payment through untraceable methods, or require specific payment forms like gift cards. Victims should verify IRS communications through the official IRS website and report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission.

Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill was arrested and suspended from office by Gov. DeSantis on charges including elder exploitation, personal identification fraud, and mortgage fraud involving approximately hundreds of thousands of dollars allegedly stolen from a 96-year-old woman. Hill, who has represented western Orlando since 2013, pleaded not guilty to seven felony counts and may return to office if exonerated.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody warned residents about tax debt relief scams targeting the millions of taxpayers owing the IRS money, as scammers contact victims via email, phone, text, and mail claiming to offer special programs or insider knowledge to negotiate reduced tax settlements. The scammers use high-pressure tactics and promise to settle debts for pennies on the dollar, seeking to exploit victims' financial stress during tax season. Moody advised Floridians to contact the IRS directly, verify any company's legitimacy through research, ignore unsolicited communications, protect personal information, and consult with trusted tax professionals before engaging with relief offers.

This is an educational awareness piece from AARP Florida highlighting fraud prevention resources for older adults in Florida. AARP offers a 24/7 Fraud Watch Network hotline, community shredding events for secure document disposal, partnerships with law enforcement and financial institutions, and educational materials through the AARP Florida Fraud Resource Center to help seniors recognize and avoid common scams like phishing and grandparent fraud. The article emphasizes that fraud prevention requires ongoing vigilance, community collaboration, and staying informed about evolving scammer tactics.

A Highlands County business and a related construction company fell victim to an elaborate $60,725 fraud scheme involving email hacking and romance scam elements. Taufiq Kailani, 47, was arrested in March after a multi-year FDLE investigation; he hacked into one company's email to send fraudulent wire instructions while simultaneously convincing an elderly woman to open a bank account and withdraw the stolen funds as part of a romance scam. The money was subsequently sent overseas and remains unrecovered, highlighting the importance of verifying financial requests through direct phone contact rather than relying on email alone.

Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill was indicted on charges including three counts of first-degree elder abuse, fraud, and mortgage fraud totaling over $100,000 for financially exploiting a 96-year-old constituent, Annie Mae Curtis, between April 2021 and March 2024. Hill fraudulently obtained power of attorney over Curtis and used stolen funds exceeding $100,000 to purchase a $400,000 house, renovate Curtis's own home, and pay for personal luxuries, while Curtis lived in poor conditions. The investigation, initiated by a former aide, found no other victims, and authorities stated the crimes were committed in Hill's personal capacity rather than her official role as commissioner.

Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill was indicted on charges of elder abuse and fraud for allegedly exploiting 96-year-old constituent Annie Mae Curtis from April 2021 to March 2024. Hill fraudulently obtained power of attorney over Curtis and stole over $100,000 from her savings to purchase property, renovate a home, and pay for personal luxuries including cosmetic surgery, while Curtis lived in poor conditions. The investigation, triggered by a former aide, revealed Hill gained access to Curtis through her position as commissioner but the charges pertain to her actions as a private citizen rather than in her official capacity.

Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill was indicted on charges of elder exploitation, identity fraud, mortgage fraud, and scheming to defraud after allegedly abusing her power of attorney over a 96-year-old constituent to drain approximately $100,000 from the woman's bank accounts between 2021 and the investigation period, using the funds for personal expenses including home renovations, cosmetic surgery, and luxury items. Hill faced three counts of elder exploitation, two counts of identity fraud, and single counts of mortgage fraud and scheming to defraud of at least $50,000, and was held on a $40,000 bond. The city indicated that if suspended by the governor, a special election would be hel

Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, 63, was arrested for allegedly exploiting a 96-year-old woman in her district by withdrawing over $100,000 from the victim's savings account for personal use. Hill was charged with three counts of exploitation of the elderly, two counts of fraud, and one count each of mortgage fraud and scheme to defraud, with a temporary protective injunction issued to sever contact between Hill and the victim. A former aide of Hill's served as a whistleblower after being terminated for raising concerns about the commissioner's misconduct.

**Summary:** Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill was arrested on charges of elderly abuse and fraud, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The article also includes information on elder fraud prevention resources, including AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline (1-877-908-3360), and covers additional Orlando-area news regarding anti-squatting legislation and a community celebration of Mister Rogers' legacy.

A 26-year-old Pinellas County man was arrested and charged with two counts of felony exploitation of elderly or disabled adults after stealing approximately $69,300 from two vulnerable victims he was close to by gaining access to their bank accounts and using the funds for personal expenses, including a house down payment. The victims were evicted from assisted living facilities as a result of depleted funds and forced to move in with the defendant in the home he purchased with their money. The case highlights a broader problem in Florida, where over 8,100 fraud reports involving seniors aged 60+ were filed in the past year, resulting in losses exceeding $290 million.

A Spring Hill, Florida couple, Wendy and Samuel Bunner, defrauded an elderly Berkeley County man with dementia of over $1.9 million by fraudulently obtaining cashier's checks, emptying bank and investment accounts, and opening credit cards in his name. The couple used the stolen funds to purchase homes, vehicles, campers, and consumer goods for their personal benefit, with Wendy pleading guilty to money laundering and Samuel previously pleading guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft; they face up to 10 and 30 years in prison respectively.

Wendy Renee Bunner, 48, of Florida pleaded guilty to money laundering for her role in defrauding a Berkeley County man with dementia alongside her husband Samuel, who previously pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Together, the couple stole over $2.1 million from the elderly victim, using the funds to purchase homes, vehicles, campers, and consumer goods for their personal use. Wendy Bunner faces up to 10 years in prison while Samuel faces up to 30 years, with sentencing hearings scheduled for later in 2024.

Two suspects were arrested in Moorpark, California on March 7, 2024, for identity theft and conspiracy charges after intercepting packages containing significant sums of cash mailed by elderly victims from Texas, South Dakota, and Florida who had fallen victim to scams. Detectives identified the scheme after the first victim's adult child reported their elderly mother had mailed currency to the suspects' address, leading investigators to surveil and apprehend the two men when they arrived to retrieve a third package from a Florida victim. The suspects face multiple felony charges including grand theft, conspiracy, theft by false pretenses, and identity theft from an elder or dependent adult.

Americans lost a record $10 billion to scams and fraud in 2023, a 14% increase from 2022, with investment scams causing the largest losses at $4.6 billion followed by imposter scams at $2.7 billion, according to FTC data from 2.6 million consumer complaints. Fraudsters increasingly used cryptocurrency and bank transfers, while imposter schemes targeting vulnerable populations through government and business impersonation saw significant growth, with Florida ranking among the top states for per capita fraud complaints at 1,563 per 100,000 residents.

Two men from Florida and New York—Jason Rhodes, 34, and Robert Munoz, 29—were arrested in Warwick, Rhode Island in connection with a "grandparent scam" targeting elderly residents in Warwick and Coventry after police executed a controlled money delivery on March 8, 2024. During a search of a hotel room, detectives seized evidence linking the suspects to multiple grandparent scams and a large sum of cash, with the investigation ongoing. Warwick Police are urging other potential victims throughout Rhode Island to report similar scams to their local police departments.

An 82-year-old man in Walton County, Florida was defrauded of nearly $20,000 in February after scammers posing as Publishers Clearing House representatives convinced him he had won millions in prizes and then demanded prepayment of taxes to an "IRS agent." Terrence Owens, 38, of Orlando, was arrested after law enforcement set up a sting operation at a McDonald's parking lot where he attempted to collect an additional $30,000 payment; he faces charges including grand theft, impersonating a federal agent, exploiting the elderly, and scheme to defraud.

A Fayetteville woman lost $23,000 in a vehicle purchase scam after sending money to someone claiming to sell an SUV that was never delivered. The victim, Kay Munson, reported the fraud involving both a Fayetteville and Florida woman in connection with the scheme.

Congressman Gus Bilirakis organized two public forums in Florida that attracted over 600 seniors to address scams targeting elderly people, advances in medical technology for age-related diseases, and community resources for independent living. The forums featured presentations from federal agencies including the FTC, FCC, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on fraud prevention, along with medical experts and local service providers discussing health conditions, insurance counseling, and daily living support services.

In 2022, Florida residents lost over $53 million to romance scams conducted on dating and social media platforms, prompting an FBI warning about the dangers of these schemes. The perpetrators are sophisticated fraudsters who pose as sincere and trustworthy individuals to manipulate victims emotionally before exploiting them financially. The FBI cautioned the public to be aware of these deceptive practices on online dating platforms.

Shawn Thompson, a Fort Lauderdale-based moving company operator, faces 38 complaints under active review by the Florida Attorney General for an extortion scheme involving moving services. Thompson's companies allegedly added unauthorized charges to binding estimates and held customers' possessions hostage until inflated amounts were paid, with customers reporting damaged or ruined belongings upon retrieval. A Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge ruled in January 2024 that Thompson engaged in an "unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent scheme" and ordered him to pay a customer $3,243 in fraudulent charges plus additional penalties.

The Federal Trade Commission's 2023 databook reveals that Florida experienced significant fraud activity across multiple metropolitan areas, with Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach reporting the highest number of cases at over 108,000 reports, followed by Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater with 51,074 cases. Imposter scams were the most common fraud type statewide, though online shopping and negative review scams were close behind, with Sebastian-Vero Beach showing the highest fraud rate per capita at 2,268 cases per 100,000 people.

A Central Florida woman lost approximately $600,000 of her life savings to a romance scam in which a scammer impersonated Elon Musk, convincing her she was in a relationship and investing money with him through wire transfers, ATM withdrawals, and gift card purchases. The victim's daughter brought the story to light to raise awareness, noting that romance scams targeting older, divorced women are underreported; the FTC documented $1.3 billion in romance scam losses nationally in 2022, though experts believe actual losses are significantly higher. Victims are advised to report such scams immediately to the FBI, FTC, and the relevant social media platform.

A Florida couple, Monique C. Clarke and Jon-Michael Hudson, were indicted for operating a lottery scam that defrauded 51 elderly victims of over $6.6 million between October 2020 and January 2021. The scheme involved calling victims claiming they won lottery prizes, then pressuring them to pay upfront fees for taxes and shipping, with money mules depositing the victims' checks and forwarding cash to the conspirators; Clarke allegedly received over $500,000 and used part of it to purchase a Mercedes-Benz in Jamaica. Both defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.

In 2023, Florida ranked fifth nationally for fraud losses, with residents losing $451.8 million across 288,263 fraud reports—an average of $1,567 per report and representing a 5.2% increase from 2022. Nationwide, consumers filed 1.8 million fraud reports in the first nine months of 2023, totaling $7 billion in losses, with investment-related fraud and imposter scams being among the most reported fraud types, and social media scams causing $1 billion in losses.

**Summary:** A central Florida woman's elderly mother lost approximately $600,000 in a romance scam that began on social media, where a scammer impersonated Elon Musk and convinced her she was engaged and investing money with him. The victim made large wire transfers exceeding $100,000 and daily $3,000 ATM withdrawals for gift cards before her daughter discovered the fraud in early 2023. The FTC reported $1.3 billion in romance scam losses nationally in 2022, with experts noting such scams disproportionately target older, divorced women seeking companionship.

Two men from Florida and Virginia have been indicted for operating a major elder fraud scheme that stole approximately $26 million from seniors across Western Pennsylvania and beyond between January 2024 and August 2025, using deceptive emails to trick victims into sending cash or depositing funds into Bitcoin ATMs. The perpetrators, Amit Kumar Jain and Trevaughn J. Yearwood, allegedly laundered the stolen money through fake business entities and bank accounts in Virginia. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited emails requesting money transfers, verify requests by contacting companies directly using official phone numbers, and report suspicious activity to local authorities or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.