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finance.yahoo.com
Tennesseans over age 60 lost $43 million to scams in 2023, representing an 18% increase from 2022, with tech support fraud being the most common scheme and investment scams causing the largest financial losses at nearly $15 million. Nationally, elderly victims reported over $3.4 billion in losses across 101,068 complaints, reflecting a 14% increase in elder fraud, with romance scams and data breaches also significantly affecting seniors in Tennessee.
thegardenisland.com
Hawai'i seniors over 60 lost $27.96 million to fraud schemes in 2023, a dramatic increase from $10 million in 2021, with 453 complaints filed to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, ranking the state 37th nationally. The most common scams targeting older Americans include investment fraud, tech support schemes, romance cons, and extortion, with nationwide losses exceeding $3.4 billion in 2023. Law enforcement officials urge seniors and their families to report suspected fraud to the FBI and educate themselves about these schemes, noting that many cases go unreported.
ladailypost.com
In 2023, 759 New Mexico residents over age 60 lost more than $17.7 million to online fraud, with the costliest scams being confidence/romance schemes ($4.9 million), investment fraud ($4.6 million), and tech support scams ($3.1 million). The FBI emphasizes that older adults are vulnerable targets due to financial stability, potential isolation, and lower awareness of online threats, and urges seniors and families to educate themselves about these scams and report incidents through ic3.gov or their local FBI office.
columbian.com
Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from Americans over 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 common schemes including tech support scams, romance fraud, investment fraud, and increasingly sophisticated courier-based schemes where criminals trick victims into withdrawing cash or precious metals for pickup. The rise in losses reflects organized criminal enterprises exploiting vulnerable populations through multiple tactics, with the FBI warning that actual losses are likely higher than reported.
timesnewsgroup.com.au
Australian losses to scams totaled $2.74 billion in 2023, a 13.1% decrease despite a surge in reported incidents (601,000+), with investment scams causing the most damage at $1.3 billion. Older Australians are disproportionately affected, experiencing a 13.3% increase in losses to $120 million, including cases involving deepfake videos and fake investment schemes on social media. The government's National Anti-Scam Centre, established in 2023 with $86.5 million in funding, has already achieved a 29% reduction in scam losses within six months of operation.
indiatoday.in
A 52-year-old woman entrepreneur lost Rs 2.7 crore between April 6-22 after clicking a suspicious link, joining an Instagram group, and being lured into fake investment schemes promising quick returns. Police traced and froze the scammers' accounts through Telegram and Instagram, with Rs 1.7 crore approved for return to the victim and an additional Rs 30 lakh pending clearance. The article advises protecting oneself by remaining skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers, verifying investment legitimacy, avoiding suspicious links, and reporting fraud to authorities immediately to maximize recovery chances.
indystar.com
Indiana seniors over 60 reported $26.5 million in financial losses across approximately 1,170 fraud cases in 2023, driven primarily by investment schemes ($12 million), tech support fraud ($8.9 million), and romance scams. Nationally, seniors suffered over $3.4 billion in losses—an 11% increase from 2022—with tech support fraud being the most commonly reported crime type and investment scams proving the costliest. The FBI released this data to educate the public and prevent further victimization, noting that some victims have taken extreme measures such as remortgaging homes and depleting retirement accounts to cover losses.
tampabay.com
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-
nbcwashington.com
A man posing as a federal agent was arrested in Montgomery County after attempting to con a senior citizen into converting approximately $230,000 in retirement savings into gold bars; the scam was thwarted when a friend intervened and convinced the victim to contact police before the handover. The suspect, identified as Ravinkle Mathon, was apprehended during a staged pickup where he received a decoy box filled with tools instead of gold bars. Authorities report this con has victimized over a dozen Montgomery County seniors in the past year and warn that legitimate law enforcement will never request cash-to-gold conversions.
justice.gov
Emmanuel Quamey, a 36-year-old Ghanaian national, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for money laundering connected to romance scams that defrauded over a dozen vulnerable and elderly U.S. victims between September 2019 and March 2023. Quamey received and laundered approximately $3.8 million in fraud proceeds through multiple bank accounts in the United States and Ghana, and was ordered to pay $3.3 million in forfeiture and restitution to victims. Romance scams involve perpetrators posing as romantic partners on social media and dating websites to trick victims into sending money under false pretenses.
infosecurity-magazine.com
Romance investment scams have surged dramatically, with the FTC reporting increases from 11,000 victims in 2016 to 70,000 in 2022, resulting in $1.3 billion in cumulative losses, and the FBI documenting $652.5 million in romance scam losses in 2023 alone. Scammers create fake online profiles posing as wealthy professionals or socialites, build emotional connections with victims, and then manipulate them into investing in fake opportunities or trading platforms where funds are immediately lost. Key warning signs include requests for money or cryptocurrency, pressure to keep relationships secret, and persistent avoidance of in-person meetings or video calls.
forbes.com
This article is an educational overview of online fraud tactics, particularly on social media platforms. In 2024, 70% of authorized push payment (APP) fraud originated online, with criminals impersonating legitimate businesses, charities, or loved ones to manipulate victims into sending money through fake profiles and targeted ads. The UK introduced new consumer protections in October 2024, including up to £85,000 reimbursement coverage and a five-day claims process, as social media's anonymity, ease of account creation, and access to personal information make it an ideal environment for fraudsters to operate at scale.
fox5dc.com
Scammers in Montgomery County are targeting seniors with cash-to-gold schemes, convincing victims that converting their savings into gold bars will protect them from fraud—a tactic that has resulted in over $55 million in losses nationwide from May to December 2023. A 26-year-old man was arrested after attempting to defraud an elderly victim of $200,000 by posing as a federal agent, while another suspect was indicted in a case where a 64-year-old woman lost $700,000; authorities note that scammers exploit gold bullion websites because these transactions appear routine compared to large cash or gift card withdrawals that trigger bank alerts.
goldrushcam.com
In 2023, the FBI reported that Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to fraud—an 11% increase from 2022—with tech support scams and investment schemes causing the most damage at $600 million and $1.2 billion respectively. Call center schemes were particularly devastating for seniors, accounting for nearly $770 million in losses and reportedly leading some victims to remortgage homes, drain retirement accounts, and in extreme cases, take their own lives. California reported the highest losses nationally at $620 million across over 11,000 complaints from elderly victims, and the FBI recommends seniors verify unsolicited contacts, resist pressure to act quickly, and report suspecte
wlos.com
According to an FBI report, elder fraud complaints increased 14% in 2023, with victims aged 60 and over reporting over 101,000 incidents and suffering approximately $3.4 billion in total losses (averaging $33,915 per victim). Tech support scams were the most common type, while investment scams proved costliest at over $1.2 billion, with criminals increasingly using cryptocurrency to facilitate fraud. Local authorities emphasize that victims should verify payment requests directly with companies before sending money to prevent falling victim to these scams.
consumerfinancemonitor.com
FinCEN's 2023 Financial Trend Analysis examined 155,415 Bank Secrecy Act filings reporting approximately $27 billion in elder financial exploitation (EFE) between June 2022 and June 2023, with scams accounting for 80% of reports and theft for 20%, where family members—particularly children—perpetrated 40% of theft cases. The analysis found that perpetrators primarily use unsophisticated methods avoiding direct contact with financial institutions, such as account takeover (22% of scams), tech support scams (10%), and romance scams (9%), with funds typically transferred via checks, wires, and online transfers, averaging
forbes.com
Financial exploitation of elders increased 14% over the past year according to the FBI, with tech support scams, data breaches, romance scams, and investment fraud being the most commonly reported types among those over 60. While public education programs have long warned seniors about these risks, the article argues that awareness campaigns targeting elders alone are insufficient, as early-stage cognitive decline—particularly loss of financial judgment—often goes unrecognized by the affected individuals themselves. The authors recommend that families take a more active role in monitoring aging relatives' finances and spending, especially for those spending significant time online, rather than relying solely on elder-directed fraud prevention education.
pymnts.com
In 2023, elder fraud complaints increased 14% with losses rising 11%, as individuals age 60+ reported 101,068 scams totaling $3.4 billion, averaging $33,915 per victim, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. Tech support scams were the most frequently reported fraud type (17,696 victims), while investment scams proved costliest at $1.2 billion in losses, followed by tech support scams ($590 million) and business email compromise scams ($382 million). The actual numbers are believed to be significantly higher due to underreporting and incomplete victim age data in crime reports.
wsfa.com
A 36-year-old Montgomery man, Nicholas Allen, was sentenced to 64 months in state prison for financial exploitation of the elderly, securities fraud, and theft after defrauding multiple elderly victims of over $200,000 through misrepresentations and solicitations. Allen's state sentence runs concurrently with a 76-month federal sentence imposed in February 2024, and he was ordered to pay approximately $370,000 in restitution and permanently barred from the securities industry in Alabama.
abc13.com
Scammers are operating a sophisticated cryptocurrency investment scheme that has seen exponential growth in Houston, using fake websites and apps that appear legitimate to trick victims into investing in non-existent cryptocurrencies. The perpetrators contact victims via email, phone, social media, or personal connections, starting with small requests (e.g., $5,000) and progressively requesting larger amounts while showing fake investment returns, ultimately draining victims' entire savings before disappearing. In 2023, this scam cost victims billions of dollars nationally and $300 million in Texas.
aarp.org
Scammers stole over $3.4 billion from Americans aged 60 and older in the past year, representing an 11 percent increase from the previous year, according to an FBI report. The FBI received more than 100,000 complaints from older victims, with nearly 6,000 losing over $100,000 each, as organized criminal enterprises increasingly use sophisticated tactics including tech support scams, romance scams, investment frauds, and in-person courier schemes to drain bank accounts. Investigators warn that these scams have a devastating impact on older Americans who may lack the ability to replace lost funds.
wvua23.com
Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from Americans over age 60 last year, representing an 11% increase from the prior 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, and investigators warn of rising sophistication in schemes including tech support scams, romance fraud, investment fraud, and in-person courier pickups of cash and precious metals. The losses may be significantly underreported, and experts caution that these crimes can leave elderly victims financially devastated and destitute.
winchesterstar.com
An FBI report revealed that scammers stole over $94 million from Virginia residents over age 60 in 2023, representing a 56% increase from the prior year and moving the state into the top 10 nationally for elder fraud losses. Tech support fraud was the most commonly reported scam type, with victims over 60 losing more than all other age groups combined, some resorting to remortgaging homes and emptying retirement accounts to cover losses. The significant increase has been partially attributed to increased virtual activities and isolation following the COVID-19 pandemic, with experts noting that many cases go unreported to law enforcement.
click2houston.com
Cryptocurrency investment scams—often initiated through dating apps, LinkedIn, or text messages—have caused over $82.7 million in losses across the Houston area in the last 16 months, with the FBI receiving new reports approximately weekly. Scammers build romantic relationships with victims over weeks or months, then convince them to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes that show fraudulent gains; one Harris County man lost over $800,000 after being lured through a dating app. Once funds are transferred, most money moves overseas within minutes to southeast Asia and west Africa, making recovery extremely difficult, though one victim was ordered restitution of less than 20 percent of his losses.
abc7ny.com
People over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, representing an 11% increase from 2022, with 101,068 complaints filed—a 14% rise—and an average loss of $33,915 per victim, 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 greatest financial losses at over $1.2 billion; the FBI urged financial institutions to strengthen protections and victims to report losses quickly, noting that scammers often operate from call centers in India, Western Africa, Laos, and Cambodia.
timberjay.com
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported a 14% increase in elder fraud complaints in 2023, with financial losses exceeding $3.4 billion and an average victim loss of $33,915. Over 101,000 seniors aged 60+ reported fraud to IC3, with investment scams, tech support scams, and romance scams being among the most common schemes, while cryptocurrency scams affected over 12,000 seniors. The report notes that actual fraud rates are likely higher due to underreporting, and scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create convincing deepfakes and chatbots to target elderly victims.
nbcnews.com
At least 101,000 Americans ages 60 and older lost an average of $33,915 each to digital fraud in 2023, totaling approximately $3.4 billion in losses, according to FBI data. Cryptocurrency scams accounted for nearly 40% of total losses ($1.33 billion), often preceded by romance or confidence schemes, while call center and tech support scams remained the most common complaint type. Some victims reported devastating consequences including selling homes, depleting retirement accounts, and in severe cases, suicide due to financial losses and shame.
cbsnews.com
U.S. seniors over 60 experienced record elder fraud losses of $3.4 billion across over 101,000 reported complaints in 2023, with a 14% increase from 2022, according to an FBI report. Investment scams, tech support scams, romance scams, and "grandparent scams" were identified as the most costly schemes, with individual victims losing over $100,000 in some cases. The FBI urged financial institutions to implement stronger safeguards and emphasized that early reporting and public education are critical to preventing victims from completing fraudulent transfers.
foxbusiness.com
In 2023, Americans over 60 lost more than $3.4 billion to fraud schemes, with 101,068 complaints filed—an 11% increase from 2022—according to an FBI report compiled by the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Tech support scams were the most common fraud type targeting this age group, followed by personal data breaches, romance scams, and investment fraud, with investment crimes alone costing victims over $1.2 billion. Cryptocurrency was involved in $1.1 billion of losses, while the FBI noted these figures likely underestimate actual fraud against seniors since only about half of all complaints included age data.
wsbtv.com
Georgia seniors lost $92.4 million to online fraud in 2023, representing an 18% increase in cyber crimes and fraud, with investment fraud ($32 million), tech support scams ($12 million), and romance scams ($10 million) being the top offenses affecting more than 2,100 victims. The FBI advises seniors to avoid sending money to unknown individuals, verify requests through legitimate vendors, and report incidents to their banks and trusted contacts, as these scams can cause severe emotional and financial damage.
northjersey.com
Sixteen individuals were charged in a "grandparent scam" that defrauded hundreds of elderly people in the Northeast out of millions of dollars by impersonating their relatives and claiming they needed bail money for legal emergencies. The sophisticated scheme involved "openers" making initial contact, "closers" impersonating lawyers or police officers, couriers collecting cash from victims' homes, and dispatchers operating a call center in the Dominican Republic that used technology to spoof U.S. phone numbers. Of the 16 charged, 11 were from the Dominican Republic and 5 from New York areas, facing charges including wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering conspiracy.
fox17online.com
An FBI report found that Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, with fraud complaints against seniors rising 14% year-over-year. Tech support scams generated the most complaints, while investment scams proved costliest, with 6,000 victims each losing over $100,000. Experts recommend seniors verify payment methods, seek second opinions before transactions, and recognize that many scams are technology-based despite myths that older adults don't use digital platforms.
mainstreetdailynews.com
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.
mysuncoast.com
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.
abcnews.go.com
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
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
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.
wafb.com
The FBI released its 2023 IC3 Elder Fraud Annual Report warning of rising fraud targeting elderly people, with call center fraud (tech support, consumer support, and government impersonation scams) being the most common method and investment scams causing the greatest financial losses. In Louisiana alone, over 700 reported victims lost more than $18 million in 2023, though officials acknowledge the actual number of victims is significantly higher due to underreporting. The FBI provides protective measures including recognizing scam attempts, verifying contact information online, resisting pressure to act quickly, and safeguarding personal information and devices.
fox5atlanta.com
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
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.
wbbjtv.com
In 2023, romance scams affected over 64,000 people and resulted in losses exceeding $1.1 billion, according to the American Special Investigative Group. Scammers use fake identities, AI-generated images, and fabricated online relationships to gain victims' trust before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes. To avoid becoming a victim, individuals should meet potential romantic interests in person, verify their identity through social media, and report suspected scams to their bank and the Federal Trade Commission.
voanews.com
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
abc.net.au
Jenny and Jian Lim lost $138,000 to an HSBC "spoofing" text message scam in October 2023, in which scammers impersonated the bank using authentic-appearing SMS messages and knowledge of account details to gain access and extract funds. This scam alone defrauded HSBC customers of $6.3 million between July 2023 and March 2024. While Australian authorities cited a 13% decrease in reported scam losses ($2.74 billion in 2023 versus $3.1 billion in 2022), consumer advocates argue the remaining losses remain "unacceptably high" and call for
technode.global
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.