Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
10,158 results
in Scam Awareness
ktar.com
· 2025-12-08
**"Scam-yourself" attacks** have surged 614% in Q3 2024, with hackers tricking users into unknowingly installing malware by posing as legitimate tech support tutorials, fake CAPTCHAs, YouTube videos, and software updates. These attacks exploit users' natural instinct to quickly fix computer problems by making them feel in control while actually compromising their devices with malware like Lumma Stealer, which steals banking information and browser data. Protection requires verifying URLs and sources, avoiding downloads from suspicious tutorials, never copying commands from unknown sources, and using official channels for updates; if compromised, users should run antivirus
wbtv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Burke County Sheriff's Office warned of two recent phone scams in which callers impersonated law enforcement officers demanding immediate payment via prepaid debit cards—one claiming the victim missed federal court with an arrest warrant, and another claiming compromising content existed on the victim's device. The sheriff's office emphasized that legitimate law enforcement will never request money, gift cards, or unusual payment methods, and advised people to hang up on suspicious callers and contact local law enforcement directly to verify claims.
wifr.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old California woman was scammed out of thousands of dollars by someone posing as MSNBC host Ari Melber on a fake Facebook profile over a four-month period. The scammer manipulated the victim by initially requesting money for his "sick dog," then claiming to be in love with her and promising marriage, and eventually sending an AI-generated voice message impersonating Melber before the victim attempted to fly to New York to meet him—an intervention by family members prevented the trip. The incident highlights the vulnerability of elderly individuals to romance and impersonation scams, with the FBI reporting over 101,000 people aged 60+ reporting fraud in the prior year.
uppermichiganssource.com
· 2025-12-08
Banking experts and law enforcement officials offer holiday fraud prevention advice, noting that U.S. consumers lost $10 billion to scams in 2023. Key recommendations include guarding personal information and never sharing it via phone or email, verifying website legitimacy before online purchases, avoiding responding to text message scams, using credit cards instead of debit cards for added protection, and setting up bank account notifications to monitor transactions closely.
k99.com
· 2025-12-08
Colorado residents face an emerging threat from AI-powered deepfake scams expected to surge in 2025, including deepfake audio and video that impersonate loved ones or celebrities to manipulate victims into sending money. These scams exploit emotional connections by creating convincing fake videos of people the victim knows requesting financial assistance or using fake celebrity identities to build relationships before requesting money. The article advises all Colorado residents to learn to recognize scam warning signs and stay informed about these evolving tactics to protect themselves from financial loss.
mountaineagle.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting older adults by offering free in-home services like cooking and cleaning in exchange for Medicare numbers, then fraudulently enrolling them in hospice care to bill Medicare. Hospice care is a specialized service for terminally ill patients (certified by doctors only), and unauthorized enrollment can negatively impact future Medicare coverage. To protect yourself, never share your Medicare number for "free" services, refuse to enroll in hospice for gifts or money, and report suspicious activity to 1-800-MEDICARE.
theitem.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI is investigating an advanced multi-layered tech support scam targeting elderly South Carolinians, where scammers pose as tech support and government officials to convince victims their devices and financial accounts have been compromised, then instruct them to liquidate assets and purchase gold bars for courier pickup. South Carolina seniors aged 60 and older reported losses exceeding $9 million to tech support scams from January through November, with similar cases occurring nationwide. The schemes involve coordinated networks of criminals using fake documents, routing calls between accomplices, and can persist for weeks or months before victims discover their accounts have been depleted.
mynorthwest.com
· 2025-12-08
Irish brothers Patrick and Matthew McDonagh were sentenced to 18 months in prison for defrauding elderly homeowners across the country of over $400,000 through a roofing and foundation repair scam. The pair traveled nationally approaching elderly homeowners, falsely claiming urgent repairs were needed, then pressured victims into writing multiple checks for unnecessary or fake work; in one Shoreline case, they stole $435,000 from a single homeowner before the scheme was uncovered. The defendants pleaded guilty and agreed to pay over $1 million in restitution to victims in Washington, Oregon, and Illinois.
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains that financial abuse is the most prevalent form of domestic abuse, affecting nearly 99 percent of domestic abuse cases and also occurring as elder abuse, with at least 1 in 10 adults over 65 experiencing it annually. The article outlines protective measures financial institutions can implement, including securing accounts with fraud alerts, setting up automatic bill pay, maintaining separate emergency funds, utilizing teller services to verify suspicious communications, and offering financial counseling to identify patterns of abuse. It provides resources for victims including the National Domestic Abuse Hotline and Adult Protective Services.
countynewscenter.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County residents over 60 lose an average of $30,000 to scams annually, with the holiday season being peak fraud time. In response, the Elder Justice Task Force was established in 2021 through collaboration between County Aging & Independence Services, the District Attorney's Office, law enforcement, and the FBI, successfully recovering $3.3 million and prosecuting numerous criminals. Experts advise that scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating legitimate entities, and victims should immediately stop engaging, verify contact information independently, and report cases to local law enforcement or the FBI at IC3.gov.
timesofsandiego.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County officials warned that holiday season scams targeting seniors are increasing, with victims losing an average of $30,000 according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating banks, family members, or government agencies to convince seniors to wire money, purchase gift cards, or provide personal information. The county's Elder Justice Task Force has recovered $3.3 million and prosecuted multiple criminals since 2021, and residents are advised to verify unexpected contact by calling known numbers directly and to report suspected scams to local law enforcement or the FBI's IC3.gov website.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses luxury retail spending trends and counterfeit product concerns, rather than elder fraud or scams targeting seniors. It covers a BMO survey showing 28% of Americans plan to reduce spending in 2025, and features insights from Entrupy's CEO about the luxury resale market and the growing problem of counterfeit goods sold online. The CEO recommends consumers purchase from verified businesses with authentication certificates to protect themselves from counterfeits.
uscis.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A USCIS Community Relations Specialist based in Philadelphia will conduct a webinar on December 23, 2024, addressing common immigration scams and reporting procedures. The educational session is designed for the local community and requires advance registration to attend.
fox43.com
· 2025-12-08
This article warns about gift card scams, where fraudsters impersonate legitimate retailers like Kohl's and Target to trick consumers into clicking suspicious emails or completing surveys that harvest personal data. The Federal Trade Commission reported a significant rise in gift card scams, with Target gift cards alone accounting for over $35 million in losses during the first nine months of 2021. Consumers are advised to verify the sender's email address and be skeptical of unsolicited offers for free gift cards, as they typically represent phishing schemes or data theft operations.
wilx.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, including phishing scams, fake package delivery texts, and "brushing scams" where unsolicited packages arrive with QR codes that steal personal information when scanned. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to track what they order, avoid scanning unknown QR codes, and report suspicious activity to local police or the BBB, particularly during high-shopping periods when scam reports are prevalent.
wsaw.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common scam red flags and prevention strategies. Key warning signs include unsolicited text messages and calls impersonating banks, government agencies, or loved ones; requests to urgently transfer money via wire, gift cards, or cryptocurrency; pressure to stay on the phone during transactions; and requests for security codes or access to accounts. Banks and consumer protection officials advise victims to immediately contact law enforcement, their financial institution, and local consumer protection agencies if targeted by scammers.
abc7.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting the holiday shipping season with "smishing" scams—fake text messages claiming package delivery problems and requesting personal information or credit card details through malicious links. The U.S. Postal Service does not contact customers via text, email, or phone calls about package issues, and customers should instead use legitimate free tracking options like Informed Delivery or USPS text tracking signup. Anyone who clicks suspicious links or shares personal information should report the incident to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
wilx.com
· 2025-12-08
Police across multiple states, including Michigan, are warning residents about "brushing scams" in which unsolicited packages containing items like bracelets, necklaces, or speakers arrive at homes with QR codes inside. Scanning these QR codes transmits personal information from the recipient's phone—including banking data and other sensitive details—directly to scammers, compromising the device. Authorities advise residents not to scan QR codes found in unfamiliar packages or from unknown sources.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Nigerian authorities arrested 792 suspects, including 148 Chinese and 40 Filipino nationals, in a raid on a Lagos call center that orchestrated romance scams and cryptocurrency fraud targeting victims in the Americas and Europe. The operation lured victims through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram with romantic overtures or fake investment opportunities, then pressured them to transfer money for phoney cryptocurrency schemes and non-existent projects. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission seized computers, phones, and vehicles, and stated it would investigate potential links to organized crime and collaborate with international partners.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Nigerian authorities arrested 792 individuals, including foreign nationals, in a raid on a Lagos fraud operation that targeted victims in North America and Europe through romance scams and fake cryptocurrency investment schemes conducted via WhatsApp and Instagram. The fraudsters, many recruited by international crime syndicates, would establish fake relationships or investment opportunities to pressure victims into sending money before handing off communication to foreign counterparts to complete the schemes. The EFCC seized evidence including phones, computers, and vehicles, and stated they are collaborating with international partners to dismantle the broader criminal networks involved.
amlintelligence.com
· 2025-12-08
Nigeria's anti-graft agency arrested 792 suspects, including 148 Chinese and 40 Filipino nationals, in a December 10 raid on a Lagos building operating as a romance scam and cryptocurrency investment fraud hub. The perpetrators used romantic solicitation to manipulate victims into investing money in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. The operation targeted the seven-story Big Leaf Building, identified as a central location for coordinating these transnational fraud activities.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
On December 17, 2024, Chinedu Ikenna Nwafor was sentenced to 25 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $180,000 in restitution for his role as a U.S.-based middleman in a romance fraud scheme targeting elderly women, while his codefendant Vitus Uzoma Uzowuru received approximately 10 months imprisonment and $50,000 in restitution. The scheme involved foreign actors posing as U.S. military members on fake social media profiles who built romantic relationships with elderly victims and convinced them to send money for fabricated emergencies, with victims including a New Town, North Dakota resident who
earth.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article presents research from Binghamton University showing that normal brain aging affects seniors' financial decision-making abilities by shrinking the prefrontal cortex and disrupting the brain regions responsible for math processing and memory retrieval. The study found that age-related cognitive decline increases vulnerability to financial scams, though financial literacy, language skills, and higher socioeconomic status provide some protective effects. Researchers recommend financial education, math practice, and caregiver vigilance as interventions to help older adults maintain financial independence and protect against fraud.
vice.com
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" is a sophisticated online scam in which fraudsters use romance or investment opportunities to manipulate victims into losing significant sums of money, often involving cryptocurrency theft. Interpol is urging governments and organizations to replace the dehumanizing term with neutral language like "romance baiting" or "investment scam," as the stigmatizing terminology discourages victims from reporting the crime and seeking help.
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2025-12-08
Interpol is calling for the cybersecurity community, law enforcement, and media to replace the term "pig butchering" with "romance baiting" when describing online relationship and investment scams, arguing that the former terminology shames victims and discourages them from reporting fraud to authorities. These social engineering scams involve fraudsters building trust with victims through fake relationships or friendships on social media before convincing them to invest money in fraudulent schemes, primarily involving cryptocurrency, with investment fraud losses increasing 38% from $3.31 billion in 2022 to $4.57 billion in 2023. Interpol advocates for victim-neutral language that places responsibility on perpetrators rather than
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 800 people were arrested in a raid on a luxury office building in Lagos, Nigeria, including 148 Chinese and 40 Filipino nationals allegedly operating an international romance scam ring. The scammers targeted vulnerable individuals in America, Canada, Mexico, and Europe through social media and messaging platforms, building romantic relationships before directing victims to fraudulent investment opportunities that often depleted their life savings. Investigators confiscated over 500 SIM cards, mobile phones, and dozens of computers, and are investigating potential links to organized international fraud networks.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau launched the "Explore Credit Cards" tool to help consumers compare over 500 credit card options and avoid illegal rewards scams, warning that major credit card companies are illegally devaluing rewards points, using fine print to cancel earned rewards, and charging excessive fees. A CFPB study found that the 25 largest credit card issuers charge interest rates 8-10 percentage points higher than smaller banks, costing average cardholders $400-$500 annually, while retail cards are even costlier with 90% charging APRs above 30%. The new tool aims to increase competition and help consumers identify the most suitable credit card based on their credit
cftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Type:** Educational Advisory
**Source:** CFTC Customer Advisory (December 18, 2024)
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission released an advisory urging Americans to make "spotting scams" a 2025 New Year's resolution, as scammers are stealing billions through relationship investment fraud targeting those seeking trading education, wealth growth, or companionship. The advisory recommends three key resolutions: be cautious about trusting online sources (since fraudsters use fake profiles, websites, and testimonials), limit personal information shared on social media, and invest in learning about legitimate trading and market risks. The CFTC emphasizes that any investment promising easy
clickondetroit.com
· 2025-12-08
Brushing scams are warning Metro Detroit residents this holiday season, where scammers send unsolicited packages to recipients without their knowledge to artificially boost online sales ratings and create fake reviews on platforms like Amazon and eBay. The scam indicates that victims' personal information has been compromised from leaked data, and some packages now include QR codes that direct recipients to phishing sites requesting credit card information. Experts recommend victims not scan QR codes, report packages to the retailer, change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor their credit.
sandiegouniontribune.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County officials warn that holiday season scams targeting seniors are increasing, with victims losing an average of $30,000 according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating banks, family members, or government agencies to pressure seniors into immediate payments via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. The county's Elder Justice Task Force, formed in 2021, has recovered $3.3 million and prosecuted multiple criminals, while officials recommend victims immediately contact their financial institution and advise people to verify contacts by calling businesses directly or reaching family members through known numbers.
sundayworld.com
· 2025-12-08
Patrick and Matthew McDonagh, two brothers from Co Fermanagh, were sentenced to 18 months in prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud against elderly homeowners across the United States. The brothers defrauded victims nationwide by falsely claiming homes needed urgent repairs (roof holes, foundation cracks, driveway work), extracting over $1 million total—including $435,000 from a single Shoreline homeowner through aggressive, daily demands for checks and wire transfers. They have agreed to pay restitution exceeding $1 million to victims in Washington, Oregon, Illinois, and other states.
fincen.gov
· 2025-12-08
FinCEN issued an alert warning the public about fraudsters impersonating FinCEN officials or misusing the agency's name, insignia, and authority to perpetrate financial scams, including schemes exploiting beneficial ownership reporting and the Money Services Business Registration tool. FinCEN emphasized that legitimate officials will never threaten, demand immediate payment, or contact people via unsolicited email, call, or text, and urged the public to report suspected impersonation to the Treasury Inspector General, FTC, and FBI. Victims aged 60 and older can report fraud to the Department of Justice's National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County officials warned seniors about holiday season scams, noting that victims in the area lose an average of $30,000 per incident according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating banks, family members, or government agencies, often pressuring victims to wire money, purchase gift cards, or send bitcoin. The county's Elder Justice Task Force, formed in 2021, has recovered $3.3 million and prosecuted multiple criminals, while officials advise potential victims to stop engaging, verify contact information independently, and report incidents to local law enforcement or the FBI.
fox26houston.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, seniors lost $3.4 billion to scams (up 11% from 2022), with an average loss of $34,000, according to FBI data. Common schemes targeting seniors include romance scams and fraudulent gold bar schemes where scammers pose as federal agents. Family members are encouraged to use holiday gatherings to check on seniors for signs of scams—such as secretive behavior, unexplained financial transactions, or unsolicited contact—and to educate them about recognizing red flags like urgent demands for money.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old Malaysian woman lost RM2.2 million (approximately Rs 4.3 crore) over nearly a decade in an online dating scam that began in October 2017 when she connected with a scammer posing as an American businessman on Facebook. After he claimed to need travel expenses to relocate to Malaysia, she made 306 bank transfers to 50 different accounts, never meeting or video calling the person despite his repeated requests for money citing various emergencies. The victim only discovered the fraud in November 2024 after discussing the situation with a friend, making this potentially the longest single case of a love scam victim in Malaysia.
kcrg.com
· 2025-12-08
A senior couple in Winneshiek County, Iowa lost $15,000 to the "Grandparent Scam" on Tuesday after scammers posed as their grandchild, law enforcement, and attorneys, claiming the grandchild was jailed for texting while driving and needed bond money urgently. The scammers emphasized a gag order to prevent the victims from discussing the situation, then sent a courier to collect $15,000 in cash from the couple's home. The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office warns that while other residents reported the same scam and avoided losing money, they suspect additional unreported victims exist.
kttc.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly couple in Winneshiek County, Iowa lost $15,000 in a "grandparent scam" when fraudsters posing as a courier appeared at their door on Tuesday. The scam typically involves callers claiming a grandchild has been arrested for a vehicle accident and needs bail money urgently, with perpetrators often impersonating attorneys or the grandchild themselves and threatening victims with gag orders. The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office suspects additional unreported victims and urges anyone targeted by such scams to contact local law enforcement immediately.
mashable.com
· 2025-12-08
**Scams Expected to Surge in 2025 with Advanced Technology**
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using stolen personal data, AI-powered deepfakes, and auto-dialing software with AI chatbots to target victims with highly personalized schemes. Cryptocurrency scams—including "pig butchering" (romance baiting) and investment fraud—are expected to proliferate in 2025, with victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars on average. Security experts advise approaching unsolicited requests with skepticism and distrust rather than assuming legitimacy, as scammers now have access to information from data breaches and social media to make their schemes appear cre
b105country.com
· 2025-12-08
A "brushing" scam circulating in Minnesota and across the country involves victims receiving unsolicited packages containing small items like Bluetooth speakers or jewelry with a QR code inside; scanning the QR code compromises the phone and grants scammers access to banking information, resulting in drained bank accounts. Police departments warn consumers to avoid scanning QR codes from unknown sources and to educate family members about this fraud tactic.
telus.com
· 2025-12-08
This article highlights the rising prevalence of online fraud in Canada, with over 40,600 fraud reports and $503 million in losses as of October 2024, while noting that victims often experience significant emotional trauma alongside financial losses. The piece features the case of Miriam Edelson, who lost $7,500 to a scammer impersonating authorities and claiming her identity was compromised, emphasizing how shame and silence prevented her from seeking help initially. The article stresses that fraud can happen to anyone, encourages victims to report incidents and speak openly about their experiences rather than suffer in silence, and notes that scammer responsibility lies entirely with the perpetrator, not the victim.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
On December 4, federal financial regulators including the Federal Reserve, CFPB, FDIC, and others issued an Interagency Statement on Elder Financial Exploitation to supervised institutions, providing best practices for identifying, preventing, and responding to exploitation of older adults. The guidance addresses nine areas including employee training, transaction monitoring, trusted contact procedures, and timely reporting to authorities, in response to a 14% year-over-year increase in elder fraud reports to the FBI's IC3 and over $3.4 billion in associated losses from 2022 to 2023.
isanti-chisagocountystar.com
· 2025-12-08
Con artists have launched multiple scam schemes targeting vulnerable area residents during an economic downturn, including "You're a Winner" scams offering cash prizes in exchange for wire transfers, bail money schemes where callers pose as arrested relatives, and email hijacking fraud requesting money via Western Union. Senior citizens are the primary victims, with scams often originating from foreign countries like Canada, making investigations difficult. While exact loss figures are unknown, scams cost Americans millions annually, though many cases go unreported because victims feel embarrassed to notify authorities or family members.
kaaltv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office in Iowa warned about "Grandparent Scams" where fraudsters posing as law enforcement contact elderly residents, claiming their grandchild is in jail, then another scammer poses as the grandchild requesting bond money. An elderly couple lost $15,000 in cash to this scam, and the sheriff suspects multiple unreported victims in the area.
woodlandsonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors lose an estimated $3 billion annually to scams, with fraud spiking during the holiday season through fake e-commerce websites, phishing emails, charity scams, and delivery fraud. The article identifies warning signs for each scam type—such as suspicious URLs, urgent messaging, pushy callers requesting gift card donations, and unsolicited delivery notifications—and recommends protective measures including verifying websites and charities, avoiding clicking links in unsolicited messages, and monitoring financial accounts regularly. Additional safeguards include educating seniors about scams, using strong passwords with two-factor authentication, and leveraging caller ID blocking features.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County officials issued holiday fraud warnings as scams targeting seniors increase, with victims in the region losing an average of $30,000 each according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating banks, family members, or government agencies to pressure victims into wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift card payments. Since forming the Elder Justice Task Force in 2021, San Diego County has recovered $3.3 million and prosecuted multiple offenders, while officials advise victims to stop engagement, verify contacts independently, and report fraud to local law enforcement or the FBI.
opindia.com
· 2025-12-08
On December 10, Nigeria's EFCC raided a sophisticated romance and cryptocurrency investment scam operation in Lagos, detaining 792 suspects including 148 Chinese, 40 Filipinos, and various other foreign nationals who trained Nigerian accomplices. The syndicate operated from a luxury call center equipped with high-end technology, targeting victims primarily in America and Europe through social media platforms by impersonating foreign females and luring them into fake cryptocurrency investments on a platform called Yooto-dot-com, with activation fees starting at $35 USD. The operation recovered approximately 500 SIM cards and involved specially trained Nigerian operatives who were rewarded in cash for their participation in the frau
avonandsomerset.police.uk
· 2025-12-08
Free training is being offered to professionals who work with vulnerable people—including housing association staff, care workers, and NHS employees—to help them identify signs of romance fraud, a scam where criminals build fake online relationships to manipulate victims into sending money. Romance fraud victims often lose thousands of pounds and suffer significant emotional and psychological harm; the training aims to equip frontline workers to spot warning signs like requests for money from online contacts they've never met in person and to intervene before victims are exploited.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old retired lecturer from Edinburgh was defrauded of £17,000 by a romance scammer who used AI-generated deepfake videos to pose as a woman named "Alla Morgan" working on an oil rig. The victim was initially skeptical but convinced by the fake video messages, and subsequently sent money through gift cards and bank transfers before her bank flagged the fraud. The case highlights the growing use of AI technology in romance scams, where scammers create convincing deepfakes to build trust and exploit vulnerable individuals.
dispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI and Ohio Department of Commerce warn consumers about five prevalent holiday scams: fake charity schemes targeting the $550 billion in annual donations, tollway phishing texts, online shopping fraud via phishing emails and fake websites, employment scams targeting younger adults, and gift card scams requesting personal information. In 2023, consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud nationally, with Ohio victims losing over $5 million to non-delivery and non-payment scams alone, plus over $6 million to credit card and check fraud.