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wgme.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers stole $3.4 billion from Americans over 60 last year, an 11% increase, with nearly 400 Maine victims losing approximately $7.1 million combined. Tech support scams impersonating companies like Microsoft topped the list of fraud schemes targeting seniors nationwide. Experts believe actual losses are significantly higher due to underreporting, as many victims are embarrassed to come forward, and victims are encouraged to contact family, friends, or law enforcement to prevent further victimization.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Real estate scams are surging, with the FBI's IC3 receiving 9,521 complaints in 2023 resulting in $145.2 million in losses, primarily through business email compromise (BEC) schemes targeting homebuyers and sellers. Notable cases include a Connecticut homebuyer who nearly lost $426,000 after receiving a spoofed email posing as their attorney, and a Texas realtor who identified a fraudulent property listing scheme. Common tactics include fake closing/wire fraud emails, rental listing scams, and home warranty schemes, with scammers exploiting the busy March-June real estate season by impersonating attorneys, lenders, and property owners to steal money
mysuncoast.com
· 2025-12-08
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.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance fraud cost victims over $1 billion in 2023, according to a report that prompted Match Group's CEO Bernard Kim to defend the company's safety efforts. Scammers use catfishing and emotional manipulation to trick dating app users into sharing personal information and money, with 25-30% of profiles on Match's sites previously identified as fraudulent by the FTC. Cyber experts recommend users watch for red flags including requests to move conversations off-platform, avoidance of video calls, travel-related money requests, and requests for explicit photos or personal secrets.
journal-topics.com
· 2025-12-08
The Prospect Heights Police Department hosted a community education event where officers shared crime statistics and fraud prevention advice with residents. Police highlighted that over 2.6 million seniors are victims of identity theft annually and more than 13% of older Americans experience financial fraud each year, with the top scams being cryptocurrency, family emergency, and romance schemes. Residents were advised to never share banking information, verify URLs, avoid unsolicited contacts, and report suspected scams to ftc.gov or reportfraud.ftc.gov.
abcnews.go.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans aged 60 and older lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022, with 101,068 complaints filed—a 14% rise from the previous year—according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Tech support fraud was the most common scam type, while investment scams caused the highest financial losses at over $1.2 billion. The FBI is urging financial institutions to take greater responsibility in protecting elderly customers and working with international law enforcement to arrest perpetrators, while also noting an increase in violent threats and intimidation tactics used by scammers.
fortune.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI reported that scammers stole over $3.4 billion from Americans aged 60 and older last year, representing an 11% increase from the previous year, with criminals employing increasingly sophisticated tactics including impersonation of officials and in-person courier services to collect cash and precious metals. The FBI received more than 100,000 complaints from older victims, with tech support scams being the most commonly reported fraud, followed by romance scams and investment schemes, while investigators warned of organized transnational criminal enterprises targeting this vulnerable population.
cnn.com
· 2025-12-08
US seniors over age 60 lost more than $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022, with an average loss of $33,915 per victim according to an FBI report. Common schemes targeting this age group include tech support scams, fake investments, romance scams, extortion, and identity theft, with nearly 6,000 victims losing over $100,000 each. The FBI's Recovery Asset Team recovered some losses by freezing over $32 million in funds associated with 626 fraud complaints filed by seniors in 2023.
fox5atlanta.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report found that seniors over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scammers, representing a 14% increase in complaints, with Georgia accounting for approximately $92 million in losses. Tech support scams remain the most common fraud type targeting this age group, while investment scams cause the greatest financial damage; one victim, Joan Stone, lost $350 to an impersonation scam claiming to be law enforcement threatening license suspension. The FBI emphasizes that these are professional criminals and advises seniors to exercise caution with solicitations for money and report fraud to their bank and the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Sixteen individuals—eleven from the Dominican Republic and five from New York—were charged in connection with a "grandparent scam" that defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans out of millions of dollars. The defendants allegedly impersonated grandchildren in distress, claiming they had been arrested and needed immediate cash for bail or legal fees, with victims sometimes losing tens of thousands of dollars before authorities intervened. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies including HSI, the FBI, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.
dhs.gov
· 2025-12-08
A 48-year-old California man was arrested in a sting operation for attempting to collect $35,000 from an elderly couple who had already lost $25,000 to an online phishing scam. The scheme involved malware that locked the victims' computer, fake Microsoft Support calls, impersonators posing as bank fraud investigators and federal agents, and coordinated cash pickups from the victims' home. Su was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A Nigerian citizen, Efe Egbowawa, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in an international romance scam ring that defrauded victims across the United States, including Tennessee, from 2017 to 2021. The conspiracy involved members using fake identities on dating sites and social media to build romantic relationships with victims before requesting emergency financial assistance in escalating amounts, with money then laundered through shell companies and bank accounts. Two co-conspirators, Igocha Mac-Okor and Kay Ozegbe, also face charges in connection with the scheme, with one awaiting sentencing and the other scheduled for trial.
voanews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI reported that scammers stole over $3.4 billion from Americans aged 60 and older in the past year, representing an 11% increase from the previous year, with more than 100,000 complaints filed and nearly 6,000 victims losing over $100,000 each. The most common schemes include tech support scams and impersonation frauds where criminals convince victims their accounts are compromised and direct them to move funds or liquidate assets into cash or precious metals, with a rising trend of using couriers to collect money in person. Investigators attribute the rise to increasingly sophisticated tactics by organized criminal enterprises operating transnationally, targeting vulnerable older Americans who may lack the
whsv.com
· 2025-12-08
Older Americans lost over $3.4 billion to scams in the past year, a rise of 11% from the previous year, according to an FBI report showing increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics targeting victims over 60. The most common fraud was tech support scams, with a rising trend of in-person couriers collecting cash or precious metals from victims convinced their bank accounts had been compromised. Federal investigators warn of organized, transnational criminal enterprises using romance scams, investment fraud, and impersonation schemes, with nearly 6,000 victims losing over $100,000 each last year.
kagstv.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from Americans over 60 last year, an 11% increase from the previous year, according to an FBI report that documents increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics. The FBI received over 100,000 complaints from older victims, with tech support scams being the most common fraud type, followed by rising schemes involving in-person couriers collecting cash or gold from victims deceived into believing their accounts were compromised. Investigators warn that organized criminal enterprises are using romance scams, investment fraud, and impersonation tactics, with losses potentially underreported as many victims never report their victimization.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from Americans over age 60 last year, representing an 11% increase from the previous year, according to an FBI report. The FBI received over 100,000 complaints from older victims, with increasingly sophisticated schemes including tech support scams, romance frauds, investment schemes, and in-person courier pickups to collect cash or precious metals. The report highlights the devastating impact on vulnerable seniors, including one case where an 81-year-old Ohio man fatally shot an Uber driver after being targeted by a court impersonation scam.
wlbt.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from Americans over age 60 last year, representing an 11% increase from the previous year, according to an FBI report. The FBI received over 100,000 complaints from older victims, with nearly 6,000 losing more than $100,000 each, as criminals increasingly employ sophisticated tactics including tech support scams, romance frauds, investment schemes, and in-person courier pickups to collect cash and precious metals. The report highlights a rise in organized, transnational criminal enterprises targeting vulnerable older Americans, with some victims becoming destitute.
uk.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, people over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams, an 11% increase from 2022, with 101,068 complaints filed—a 14% rise in reporting. Tech support fraud was the most common scam type targeting seniors, while investment scams caused the greatest financial losses at over $1.2 billion; the FBI urged financial institutions to take greater responsibility in protecting elderly customers and victims to report losses promptly for faster recovery.
kvnutalk.com
· 2025-12-08
People over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022, with 101,068 complaints filed by elderly victims—a 14% increase—and an average loss of $33,915 per person, according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Tech support fraud was the most common scam type targeting seniors, while investment scams caused the highest financial losses at over $1.2 billion, with illegal call scams netting over $700 million. The FBI called on financial institutions to take greater responsibility in protecting elderly customers and announced efforts to arrest scammers operating from call centers internationally while
marketrealist.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI issued a warning to Houston residents about a hospice care scam in which fraudsters illegally enroll seniors in Medicare's $22 billion hospice program without their knowledge or consent, then bill insurance thousands or tens of thousands of dollars before victims realize what happened. The scam involves doctors, recruiters, and company employees working together, and can prevent victims from accessing end-of-life care with providers of their choice when they actually need it. The FBI recommends residents avoid sharing personal information with strangers, hang up suspicious calls, and report them to authorities; meanwhile, Medicare has increased oversight in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas, and recently convicted a California hospice company owner who
technode.global
· 2025-12-08
Malaysia experienced a 37% increase in e-commerce fraud cases from January to November, with total losses reaching RM1.13 billion, affecting 8,800 victims primarily through fake motorcycle advertisements and impersonation of legitimate sellers. Scammers exploit sophisticated tactics including fake listings, stolen identities, and artificial urgency to defraud buyers seeking motorcycles for business, transportation, or livelihood purposes. Combating these crimes requires enhanced consumer awareness, thorough research before online purchases, and addressing root causes of fraud to create a safer digital marketplace for Malaysians.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a warning about elder financial exploitation following a FinCEN analysis revealing $27 billion in suspicious activity related to elder fraud reported by financial institutions between 2022 and 2023. The analysis identified two main categories of victimization: elder scams involving unknown perpetrators and elder theft involving known perpetrators. Michigan's Elder Abuse Task Force, launched in 2019 with over 55 organizations, has implemented reporting requirements and trainings to combat the issue, with an estimated 100,000 older adults in Michigan experiencing elder abuse annually.
dailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
Tai Su, 48, was arrested for operating a sophisticated phishing and impersonation scam targeting two elderly Encino residents in April. The scheme involved sending malicious emails to trick victims into believing their computers were hacked, then impersonating Microsoft Support and bank officials to coerce them into withdrawing $60,000 in cash for fake "federal agent" pickups at their homes. Su faces up to 20 years in federal prison on wire fraud conspiracy charges after Homeland Security Investigations intercepted the second payment attempt.
wtae.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI Pittsburgh field office and Highmark are warning of a surge in scams targeting people over 60, which represents a $3 billion annual problem nationally affecting thousands of victims. Common schemes include romance scams, tech support scams, and grandparent scams, all designed to exploit vulnerable populations. The agencies recommend never sharing personal or financial information with unknown callers, resisting pressure to act quickly, verifying caller identity through independent contact with authorities, and reporting incidents to law enforcement and financial institutions.
audacy.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud schemes cost the FBI-reported $3 billion annually, with losses to victims over 60 rising 84% between 2021-2022, prompting the FBI and Highmark to launch a public awareness campaign. Common scams include romance fraud, tech support impersonation, grandparent scams, and fake sweepstakes or charity schemes that exploit seniors' trust and desire for companionship. Protective measures include verifying caller information, resisting pressure to act quickly, and never sharing personal or financial information with unverified contacts.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A West Covina man, Tai Su, 48, was arrested in an HSI-orchestrated sting operation for attempting to collect $35,000 from two elderly victims who had already lost $25,000 in a phishing scheme. The scam began when the victims opened a malicious email link that locked their computer and displayed a fake "Microsoft Support" number; they were then manipulated by callers posing as bank fraud investigators and fake federal agents into withdrawing and handing over cash on multiple occasions. Su faces federal conspiracy to commit wire fraud charges carrying a maximum 20-year sentence.
headtopics.com
· 2025-12-08
A joint FBI and Highmark Health initiative reports that elder fraud targeting people 60 and older is rising, with over 88,000 complaints involving romance scams, tech support fraud, and grandparent schemes, though most cases go unreported due to shame and uncertainty about reporting. The report emphasizes that seniors are vulnerable targets because they tend to be trusting, and scammers use emotional manipulation—invoking joy, hope, or fear—to extract money and personal information, often victimizing the same person repeatedly. Key prevention advice includes hanging up on unsolicited calls, never providing financial information to unknown callers, and reporting suspected fraud to law enforcement and financial institutions.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Match Group CEO Bernard Kim acknowledged "empathy" for victims of romance scams on the company's platforms (Match.com, Tinder, Hinge, and others), but stated the company cannot prevent financial losses once users voluntarily send money to scammers. Foreign-based criminals stole over $1 billion in 2023 through romance scams on dating apps, with romance fraud cases sharply increasing from 2017 to 2023 as scammers exploited lonely and vulnerable users, affecting tens of thousands of victims including an estimated 40% men. Match Group emphasized its use of automated detection tools, user warnings, and trust and safety protocols to identify and prevent scams,
deccanherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Common online scams in India include UPI fraud, credit/debit card theft, and "FedEx" extortion schemes, all using social engineering to trick victims into authorizing payments or revealing sensitive information. A Bengaluru banking executive lost Rs 25,000 after a friend's WhatsApp account was compromised by a hacker who impersonated a telecom operator to intercept account registration codes. To protect themselves, victims should immediately report fraud to their bank and police within an hour of discovery, file cybercrime complaints, and remember that "digital arrest" is a scammer tactic—police cannot arrest or interrogate people online.
m.economictimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens are increasingly targeted in digital fraud schemes, with scammers using sophisticated methods including automated IVR systems, social engineering, and fear-based tactics to manipulate victims into revealing OTPs or sensitive information that enable unauthorized bank transfers. The article identifies the banking system as both the vulnerability enabling these crimes and the potential chokepoint for stopping them, noting that current systems lack the speed and integration needed to trace and recover stolen funds effectively. The author recommends immediate protective measures including education about common scam tactics, two-factor authentication, avoiding sharing sensitive information over phone or email, and regular financial monitoring while calling for systemic improvements to banking and cybercrime infrastructure.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Australians aged over 65 experienced a 13.3% increase in scam losses totaling $120 million, bucking the national trend of overall scam losses declining by 13.1% to $2.74 billion. Seniors were disproportionately targeted by investment scams discovered on social media and via phone calls, with one elderly woman losing her life savings after clicking a deepfake Elon Musk video that promised investment returns she could not withdraw. The ACCC reports that scammers specifically target older Australians with retirement savings, while text message scams increased 37.3% overall and job scams more than double
choice.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Australia reported $2.74 billion in scam losses in 2023, a 13% decline from 2022, though people aged 65 and over bucked this trend with losses increasing 13.3% to $120 million, often involving social media-based investment scams targeting retirement savings. Investment scams led all fraud types at $1.3 billion in total losses, while job scams surged over 150%, disproportionately affecting culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The ACCC's coordinated multi-agency approach is credited with helping reduce overall losses, though advocates call for stronger consumer protections and greater accountability from tech platforms facilitating scam activity.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost victims over $1 billion in the last year, with Match Group CEO Bernard Kim stating the company prioritizes platform safety despite criticism. The FTC previously alleged 25-30% of Match.com's new accounts were fraudsters, though a federal judge dismissed liability claims under Section 230 protections; Match Group now claims to spend $125 million annually on safety and remove 96% of fraudulent accounts within 24 hours.
kimatv.com
· 2025-12-08
Charles "Todd" Hill, a 58-year-old former HGTV star from "Flip It To Win It," was sentenced to up to four years in jail for multiple fraud schemes involving millions of dollars. Hill diverted construction funds for personal use, created a Ponzi scheme defrauding investors, and obtained fraudulent loans using false balance sheets, causing ongoing financial and professional damages to his victims. His crimes occurred both before and during his television career.
5newsonline.com
· 2025-12-08
This article covers recent legal developments involving Donald Trump across multiple jurisdictions and does not relate to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It focuses on criminal prosecutions, civil cases, and political matters involving the former president. This content is outside the scope of the Elderus elder fraud research database and cannot be summarized as requested.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Match Group CEO Bernard Kim stated that while the company invests over $125 million annually to protect customers and removes 96% of fraudulent accounts within a day, he acknowledged romance scams with a dismissive "things happen in life" when asked about victims who lost their life savings. A CBS News investigation found that overseas-based romance scammers stole over $1 billion in 2023, affecting tens of thousands of victims—including younger, wealthier, and better-educated individuals, with an estimated 40% being men—with the FBI attributing the sharp increase since 2017 to the proliferation of dating sites.
livemint.com
· 2025-12-08
India registered 1.13 million fraud cases in 2023, with "pig butchering" emerging as a growing cyber scam where fraudsters build trust with victims through social media and dating apps before convincing them to invest in fake opportunities or job offers. The scam relies on emotional manipulation and fake investment platforms or job postings, with victims ultimately losing significant sums once trust is established. To protect against these scams, individuals should verify investment and job offers thoroughly, avoid sharing personal financial information with online strangers, resist pressure to make rushed financial decisions, and consult trusted advisors before proceeding with any financial transactions.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
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.
e-know.ca
· 2025-12-08
Grandparent scams, where perpetrators contact elderly individuals claiming to be distressed family members in need of immediate money, continue to affect victims across British Columbia, with scammers now using AI-assisted voice manipulation to increase authenticity. The fraud typically requests payment via wire transfers or cryptocurrency ATMs, making recovery nearly impossible, though anyone can become a target regardless of age. To protect against these scams, people should verify caller identities independently, avoid sending money immediately, and report suspected fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Jason Pick, a 42-year-old New Orleans accountant, was indicted on eight counts of wire fraud for stealing approximately $64,137 from his employer between June 2020 and October 2021 by altering tenant rent payment money orders and depositing them into his personal account. While awaiting sentencing for the initial scheme, Pick submitted a fraudulent letter to a federal judge to delay his prison report date so he could conceal additional fraudulent changes to the company's accounting system. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
fox35orlando.com
· 2025-12-08
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.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Criminologist David Maimon's research team at Georgia State University has documented extensive criminal activity on the dark web, where organized groups anonymously buy and sell stolen personal information, forged checks, and hacked financial accounts at minimal prices. The research reveals that stolen personal identification data is often more valuable to criminals than cash itself, as it enables them to open fraudulent bank accounts, obtain fake documents, and commit various financial crimes. Dark web criminals also engage in romance scams, mail theft using stolen postal keys, and bank fraud, operating through sophisticated networks that steal billions of dollars annually.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
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.
wlwt.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Marshals Service issued a warning about phone imposter scams in which callers falsely claim to be law enforcement officials and demand immediate payment of fines for alleged identity theft, missed jury duty, or other legal violations, using tactics like providing fake badge numbers and courthouse information to appear credible. The Marshals emphasized that legitimate law enforcement will never contact the public by phone to demand money, request credit card numbers, bank routing numbers, or wire transfers. Victims are urged to contact their local police department.
13newsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
FBI forensic accountant Daniel Booth warns that cryptocurrency scams are increasingly prevalent in the Hampton Roads, Virginia region, representing traditional fraud schemes updated to use digital currency. Three common types include ransomware attacks on businesses (demanding crypto payments for system access), fake tech support scams targeting individuals (gaining remote access to steal financial data), and "pig butchering" schemes (fake investment websites encouraging victims to deposit money with false promises of trading gains, sometimes resulting in loss of life savings). Victims of cryptocurrency fraud are encouraged to report cases to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
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,
pensionsage.com
· 2025-12-08
A study by the Money and Pensions Service found that 71% of people using its Pension Guidance helpline felt more confident spotting and managing financial scams, with 83% feeling greater control over their finances. Among 833 service users in 2023/24, approximately £13.6 million was lost to financial crimes and scams (averaging £16,297 per person), with identity theft, bank account scams, and investment fraud being the most common types.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Christopher Markham, a 40-year-old SSA employee in Indiana, was charged with wire fraud for defrauding the Social Security Administration of approximately $49,256 between February 2019 and June 2022. While claiming to telework full-time for SSA, Markham actually performed home inspections for his personal business during work hours, enlisting his wife and mother to send emails making him appear online, and submitted 53 fraudulent time reports and falsified work logs to collect his full federal salary. He also fraudulently claimed Emergency Paid Leave and Family and Medical Leave Act benefits while conducting approximately 70 home inspections for his personal business.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Birmingham, Alabama woman with medical needs was defrauded of over $200,000 by five individuals employed to care for her, including two live-in caretakers, a house cleaner, and a hairdresser, who were charged with wire fraud and identity theft between December 2020 and February 2022. The perpetrators used the victim's credit card information and banking services to make unauthorized purchases and transfers, with the hairdresser alone charging over $130,000 to her Square account. The case reflects a broader trend of elder financial exploitation in the U.S., with the Treasury reporting approximately $27 billion in suspicious elder fraud activity in a single year.
liherald.com
· 2025-12-08
A 27-year-old Brooklyn man was arrested in April 2023 for defrauding a 94-year-old victim of approximately $250,000 through a Publishers Clearing House prize scam, in which the perpetrator posed as a representative and convinced the victim to pay upfront taxes via cashier's checks. The victim reported the fraud to police after realizing he had been deceived, leading to a multi-agency investigation and the arrest of Jamario Smellie, who was charged with grand larceny.