Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
7,257 results
in General Elder Fraud
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers increasingly target older adults through technology-based fraud schemes, exploiting their perceived financial stability, trusting nature, and potential unfamiliarity with digital threats. Common scams include phishing/smishing/vishing (deceptive emails, texts, and calls), skimming and shimming (card data theft at terminals), tech support scams (fake computer virus alerts), and grandparent scams (impersonation of family members). Protection strategies include ignoring unsolicited contacts, enabling spam filters, inspecting payment terminals for tampering, using contactless payments, and never granting remote computer access to unknown parties.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI issued a public service announcement warning of an ongoing scam campaign that began in April 2025, in which malicious actors impersonate senior U.S. government officials through text messages (smishing) and AI-generated voice calls (vishing) to target current and former federal and state officials and their contacts. The scammers attempt to establish rapport and trick victims into clicking malicious links to gain access to personal or official accounts, which can then be used to compromise other government officials or their associates. The FBI recommends verifying sender identity independently, scrutinizing messages for subtle imperfections and spelling errors, listening for signs of AI voice cloning, and never sharing sensitive information or clicking links from
gbcghanaonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Ghanaian social media influencer Hajia4Reall (Mona Faiz Montrage) was released from a U.S. federal prison on May 22, 2025, after serving a one-year sentence for her role in a West Africa-based romance scam network that defrauded elderly Americans between 2013 and 2019. Montrage pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money and was ordered to forfeit and pay restitution of over $2.1 million; she personally controlled accounts that received more than $2 million in fraud proceeds from victims who were deceived into believing they were in romantic relationships with fictitious personas.
nationalseniors.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting older Australians with "sextortion" scams, which now account for over 30% of personal scams, where perpetrators threaten to release compromising sexual images or videos unless victims pay ransoms in cryptocurrency. These emotionally manipulative schemes use artificial intelligence and personal information from data breaches to personalize threats and appear credible, with victims including seniors who were traditionally not targeted and who often experience profound shame and fear that prevents them from seeking help. Experts recommend protecting oneself by avoiding sharing intimate photos online, being skeptical of unsolicited emails with demands, verifying whether personal details actually indicate device compromise, and reporting incidents to the Australian Cyber Security
liherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Over 80 seniors attended an educational seminar in West Hempstead to learn scam prevention strategies, as the FBI reported that people aged 60 and older suffered the largest losses in 2024's $16 billion in online scams and cybercrimes. Nassau County Police Officer Eugene Messmer presented the SCAM framework (Stop, Check, Alert, Mention) and detailed common scams including phone/email fraud, IRS imposters, sweepstakes schemes, and identity theft, emphasizing that scammers use professional tactics and recommending verification steps like calling back through official numbers. Key prevention advice includes never clicking suspicious links, refusing to pay via wire transfer or gift cards, protecting personal
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The Cambria County Area Agency on Aging held an educational luncheon where seniors learned to identify financial scams from local police and Pennsylvania Attorney General's office officials. Attendees received information about common fraud tactics including online relationship scams, tax filing schemes, and fake toll fee requests, which have resulted in some elderly victims losing thousands of dollars or even their homes. The agency reports receiving calls almost weekly about financial exploitation in the county, emphasizing that financial crimes against seniors are among the fastest growing in the United States.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Illinois state representatives are preparing to vote on SB 2319, the Digital Asset Kiosk Act, which would establish protections against cryptocurrency ATM fraud. In 2024, crypto scams resulted in $5.7 billion in losses nationally, with adults in their 60s accounting for $1.18 billion of that theft; the proposed legislation would implement registration requirements, disclosures, and transaction limits to safeguard consumers from these schemes.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Suffolk County police warn of a new banking fraud scheme targeting Long Island seniors using AI-generated voice calls and spoofed bank numbers to trick victims into revealing PIN numbers and allowing criminals to steal their cards and money from ATMs. Multiple banks are alerting customers about these fraudulent hotlines, with surveillance identifying alleged ringleaders in Bohemia and Garden City who specifically target elderly and vulnerable individuals. Authorities advise people to hang up when prompted for personal information and to contact their banks directly if they suspect fraud.
crowdfundinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Greenlight launched Family Shield, a subscription plan that helps caregivers protect seniors from financial fraud and physical safety risks through features including financial account monitoring, fraud/identity theft insurance (up to $100,000 for deceptive transfer fraud and $1 million for identity theft), real-time location tracking, and crash detection. The service addresses a significant problem: financial exploitation costs adults 60+ an estimated $62 billion annually, while seniors face rising digital threats including scams and money management errors. The plan includes educational resources and a monitored debit card to help caregivers oversee their senior loved ones' finances and safety comprehensively.
rlsmedia.com
· 2025-12-08
James J. Mastrogiovanni, a 44-year-old Washington Township man, pleaded guilty to multiple federal fraud charges for orchestrating schemes that included submitting false tax returns claiming over $1.4 million in pandemic-related employment credits (resulting in $545,692 disbursed) and stealing more than $180,000 from an 85-year-old customer through unauthorized bank withdrawals. His accomplice, tax preparer Leon Haynes, faces separate charges for submitting over 1,600 fraudulent returns totaling $150 million. Mastrogiovanni faces sentencing on November 6, 2025, with potential sentences ranging from 5 to
bossierpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Gina Martinez, an outreach representative from the Louisiana Department of Justice, presented to the Bossier City Lions Club on elder fraud targeting seniors in Louisiana, highlighting ten red flags including pressure tactics, requests for personal information, and too-good-to-be-true offers. Martinez warned that scammers are increasingly using sophisticated technology, including AI-powered voice cloning, to impersonate trusted individuals like grandchildren. She emphasized that awareness and education for seniors, families, and community members is the best defense, and encouraged reporting suspected fraud to the Louisiana Department of Justice or local law enforcement.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Jon Patrick Kubler, 52, of California was charged with securities fraud and money laundering for operating a $4 million investment scheme from 2017 to 2023 that defrauded approximately 30 elderly and vulnerable investors. Kubler, who lacked proper licensing, allegedly made false representations about commercial real estate investments, used Ponzi-style payments to create the illusion of profitability, and misused investor funds for personal expenses while also attempting to conceal an SEC investigation. He faces up to 20 years in prison for securities fraud and 10 years for money laundering, and the SEC has already obtained a civil judgment requiring him to disgorge funds and pay penalties
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP New York is advocating for passage of legislation (S.6379/A.7019) that would allow banks to place holds on suspicious transactions and refer cases to law enforcement to prevent elder financial fraud. According to an FBI report, scams targeting New Yorkers age 60 and older resulted in over $257 million in losses from more than 6,200 victims in 2024, an increase from $203 million stolen from 4,300 victims in 2023. The proposed measure, already adopted by 24 other states, would train financial institution employees to identify and intervene in cases of financial exploitation before transactions are completed.
ice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Eight individuals with ties to China were indicted for orchestrating a transnational elder fraud scheme that defrauded approximately 300 victims across at least 37 states and Canada, with confirmed losses exceeding $5 million and an additional $16 million in suspected laundered funds. The scheme involved sending fake pop-up messages to seniors' computers impersonating technology companies and government agencies, then convincing victims to transfer funds via wire, cryptocurrency, or cash to protect their assets from alleged fraud or criminal investigations. Victims were also deceived into purchasing gold bars and handing them over to purported government couriers.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using AI voice-cloning software to impersonate grandchildren in phone calls to elderly victims on Long Island, claiming emergencies that require immediate money transfers or bail payments. Suffolk County Police report a growing number of cases where victims have lost thousands of dollars, with over 3,000 scams reported in 2023 resulting in $126 million stolen from seniors across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Police recommend establishing family "safe words," verifying caller identity through direct contact, and remaining cautious about emotional money requests involving secrecy.
thv11.com
· 2025-12-08
Summer months see increased fraud attempts as scammers exploit busy schedules and vacations to target consumers who let their guard down. Common summer scams include moving fraud, travel scams with fake rentals or flight deals, fake job offers, and event ticket fraud, with a recent BBB report noting younger generations are increasingly vulnerable to losing money. Experts recommend slowing down before decisions, researching unfamiliar offers, avoiding unusual payment methods like gift cards, and contacting your bank immediately if victimized.
eccalifornian.com
· 2025-12-08
Smishing (SMS phishing) scams are increasing across San Diego County, with fraudulent text messages impersonating banks, delivery services, and government agencies to pressure victims into clicking malicious links or revealing personal information. The article provides warning signs of scam texts—including unfamiliar numbers, spelling errors, urgent language, and requests for sensitive data—and recommends protective measures such as avoiding suspicious links, enabling spam filters, reporting messages to 7726, and forwarding concerns to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
lamilano.it
· 2025-12-08
An 85-year-old man in Messina, Italy was defrauded of €10,000 by a 20-year-old scammer and accomplice who impersonated a Carabiniere and lawyer, claiming the victim's son was involved in a traffic accident requiring bail. The suspect was arrested with the full amount in cash, and his accomplice was identified with approximately €1,000 in proceeds and valuables. This case is part of an ongoing crackdown by Messina's Carabinieri, who have arrested 17 people for elder fraud since 2024 and emphasize that citizens should immediately call 112 if contacted by anyone claiming
newsofbahrain.com
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake technology—AI-generated videos that convincingly mimic real people's faces and voices—is increasingly used by scammers to impersonate family members, bank officials, and executives in fraud schemes targeting the general public. Contrary to assumptions, younger adults aged 16-34 are most vulnerable to these scams, which exploit psychological manipulation tactics alongside sophisticated visual and audio mastery. Detection is becoming difficult even for experts, prompting recommendations for AI-based identity verification tools, digital literacy, and confirmation through alternative sources when authenticity is uncertain.
newsday.com
· 2025-12-08
Two seniors in Suffolk County were targeted by bank impersonation scams in which fraudsters posed as bank employees, convinced victims their accounts were compromised, and picked up their debit cards in person—resulting in $5,150 in ATM withdrawals by unidentified accomplices. Suffolk County officials highlighted these incidents to warn about the rising threat, noting that scams targeting New Yorkers 60 and older caused over $257 million in losses from 6,200 victims in 2024, a significant increase from 2023.
lilydale.mailcommunity.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Ray, a 78-year-old retired tradesman, was financially abused by his son Peter over seven years, during which Peter stole over $152,000 in redirected pension payments and fraudulently obtained an additional $78,000 in loans using Ray's name. Peter manipulated his father by controlling his finances through a MyGov account, providing Ray with only meager allowances while creating fake government correspondence and impersonating officials to conceal the theft. Peter was eventually convicted and sentenced to four years in prison, with Ray's case highlighting the need for stronger institutional safeguards, such as direct verification with pension recipients before payment redirections, to prevent similar family-based financial abuse.
digitalinformationworld.com
· 2025-12-08
**Cybercrimes targeting seniors reached record levels in 2024, with 147,000 victims reporting losses of $4.9 billion to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center—a 45% and 43% increase respectively.** Senior citizens are targeted because they have substantial savings, may take longer to detect fraud, and often don't report scams due to embarrassment, making them "low-risk" for criminals. Research shows that 72% of elder fraud cases involved exposed personal information available through data brokers, search engines, and people-finder websites, with accessible data enabling $4.2 billion (86% of total losses), and investment scams proving
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Julie Anne Darrah, a 52-year-old California investment adviser, stole over $2.2 million from elderly clients between November 2016 and July 2023 by gaining control of their accounts through power of attorney and trustee documents, then liquidating their assets without authorization. She spent the stolen funds on luxury vehicles and properties, leaving some victims without resources for end-of-life care, and also defrauded a Minnesota investment firm of approximately $5.4 million through false statements. Darrah pleaded guilty to wire fraud in March 2025 and was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison, with a civil judgment requiring her to pay $2,416,
morningstar.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly family member with moderate dementia was deceived by charity solicitation letters designed to resemble overdue bills in large red font, sending thousands of dollars monthly to charities and relatives before family discovered the fraud. The situation was compounded by vulnerability to additional scams, including a nearly-executed deed scheme that would have resulted in homelessness, prompting the family to implement protective measures including removing access to checkbooks, switching to direct deposit for Social Security, and using postal informed delivery to monitor incoming mail.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Tennesseans lost more than $23 million to investment scams in the first quarter of 2025, with cryptocurrency scams showing dramatic growth over the past 12 months, according to the Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureau. While older adults remain frequent targets, younger adults are increasingly falling victim to these schemes, which typically promise quick returns on small investments of a couple thousand dollars with an average loss of about $5,000 per victim. The BBB emphasizes reporting these scams to help prevent future victimization and to assist government agencies in combating fraud.
echo-news.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Over the past three years, 549 Essex residents lost more than £5.5 million to dating scams, averaging £10,142 per victim, as part of a larger UK trend affecting 21,976 people and costing over £250 million between 2022 and 2025. Dating fraud scammers manipulate victims by pretending to pursue romantic relationships, causing not only financial loss but also significant psychological and emotional harm. Reports of dating scams increased 17 percent in 2024/25, making it a growing concern across the UK.
slguardian.org
· 2025-12-08
A 2025 report by the Humanity Research Consultancy identifies Cambodia as the global epicentre of transnational cyber fraud, with senior Cambodian politicians allegedly supporting and profiting from scam operations that generate approximately $19 billion annually through forced labour and human trafficking. The industry primarily targets vulnerable individuals—particularly elderly men in the West—through "pig butchering" scams on dating apps, where scammers pose as women to extract large sums in cryptocurrency before disappearing. The Southeast Asian scam industry employs over 350,000 people worth an estimated $75 billion annually, with thousands of trafficked workers subjected to violence and abuse if they fail to meet fraud quotas
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters in India are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics—including AI-powered targeting—to deceive people across all age groups, with scams ranging from fake job offers and digital arrest threats to fraudulent investment schemes and fake KYC updates. Between January and May 2024, approximately 9.5 lakh cybercrime complaints were registered in India, with citizens losing approximately Rs 1,750 crore during this period. The article outlines 10 common scam methods including TRAI impersonation, fake digital arrests, false family member arrest schemes, fraudulent stock trading, customs scams, and fake credit card transactions, emphasizing the importance of verification and caution before sharing
wifr.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers target veterans and donors around Memorial Day with fraudulent charities, fake military discounts, and phishing schemes, exploiting patriotic generosity and trust. Veterans reported losses exceeding $419 million in 2024 from such scams, according to the Federal Trade Commission. To protect themselves, donors should verify charities through BBB.org and give.org, avoid wire transfers, use credit cards for easier dispute resolution, and be cautious of unsolicited emails and unfamiliar websites.
investopedia.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost an estimated $47 billion to scams in 2024, with investment fraud accounting for at least $5.7 billion of those losses. Contrary to common assumptions, younger adults are 34% more likely than older adults to fall victim to fraud, which takes multiple forms including impostor scams using AI voice cloning, lottery/prize schemes, and phishing attempts. To protect yourself, watch for red flags such as unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, promises of guaranteed returns, unusual payment requests, and demands for login credentials—and always independently verify investment opportunities through official resources like the SEC's EDGAR database before committing funds.
hometownsource.com
· 2025-12-08
The Senior LinkAge Line is offering a free virtual presentation on June 4 covering health care fraud, waste, and abuse prevention, noting that scams targeting older adults are on the rise. The presentation, developed with the Senior Medicare Patrol program, provides information on fraud prevention, detection, and reporting to help seniors protect themselves and their personal information.
macombdaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Adult Protective Services in Macomb and Michigan released an annual report on efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation among the growing senior population. The article highlights a significant barrier to assistance: many seniors lack knowledge of available support systems, as illustrated by the case of Shirley Cook from Clinton Township, who relocated multiple times to escape abuse but struggled to navigate available resources.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides practical guidance for seniors to stay safe online by recognizing common scam tactics and implementing protective habits. Key advice includes: pausing before responding to urgent messages and verifying through official channels, questioning callers claiming to be loved ones (especially regarding deepfake technology), carefully checking website URLs rather than relying on security locks, avoiding sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi, and creating strong passwords using unrelated words or phrases. The article emphasizes that online safety requires awareness and skepticism rather than advanced technical skills.
globenewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is a promotional review of Senior Match, an online dating platform launched in 2001 for adults aged 50 and above, which boasts over one million registered members. The platform offers features including profile browsing, match suggestions, messaging (on paid accounts), and community resources, with both free and premium membership tiers available. The article serves as an informational guide for older adults seeking companionship, relationships, or friendships through a dedicated senior dating service.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
A public survey of Prince Edward Island residents revealed that while 62% trust police, significant dissatisfaction exists regarding how authorities handle impaired driving (45% dissatisfied), drug trafficking (41%), and property crimes (37%). The survey also identified gaps in police engagement with youth, seniors, and diverse communities, though the RCMP noted ongoing efforts including dedicated school liaisons and senior-focused awareness campaigns on scams, cyber safety, and fraud schemes like grandparent scams.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
An 81-year-old resident of Surat was defrauded of Rs 16.65 lakh in a "digital arrest" scam in which imposters posing as Delhi Police and senior government officials claimed he was involved in money laundering through a fraudulent bank account. The scammers used video calls, forged government documents with fake Supreme Court warrants and multiple agency seals, and fabricated detainee names to pressure the victim into liquidating a fixed deposit, promising a 15-minute refund that never occurred. The fraud was discovered when his daughter intervened, leading to a police complaint filed in May with the Surat Cyber Crime Police, who are investigating
nbcboston.com
· 2025-12-08
Massachusetts' Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations is conducting community education events to alert residents about increasingly common scams, noting that older Americans lost nearly $5 billion to fraud last year. Common fraud tactics include tech support, romance, and cryptocurrency scams, with advice to residents including changing passwords frequently, using two-factor authentication, avoiding calls from unknown numbers, and never sharing personal information with unsolicited callers. The state emphasizes that fraud affects all demographics and encourages residents to report scams or seek guidance through their consumer hotline at 617-973-8787.
moneysense.ca
· 2025-12-08
Older adults in Canada are particularly vulnerable to fraud and identity theft due to their politeness and trust, making them targets for emergency scams, grandparent scams, and deepfake impersonations that create urgency and fear. Common tactics include fake bank calls claiming accounts will be closed, messages from supposed relatives in distress requesting money, fake obituaries with donation links, and attempts to harvest personal information like social insurance numbers. Experts recommend seniors understand they have the right to end conversations, verify requests independently through official channels, and recognize that fraudsters constantly evolve their tactics using new technologies.
mondaq.com
· 2025-12-08
This article does not relate to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It discusses the U.S. Department of Justice's 2025 white-collar crime enforcement strategy, focusing on trade violations, tariff evasion, sanctions evasion, and export controls—primarily targeting Chinese imports and activities. This content is outside the scope of the Elderus elder fraud research database.
emerj.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial institutions face mounting operational costs and resource challenges in combating cybercrime, which surged to 859,532 complaints and $16.6 billion in losses in 2024 according to the FBI. Effective fraud prevention requires sophisticated technology and stronger public-private collaboration between banks and law enforcement, as current anti-money laundering efforts are hindered by poor information-sharing and unclear coordination frameworks. The article emphasizes that banks must adopt holistic, data-driven approaches to suspicious activity detection while governments and regulators improve alignment to reduce conflicting compliance expectations.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Eight individuals with ties to China, including 24-year-old Fangzheng Wang of Massachusetts, were indicted in a transnational elder fraud scheme that victimized approximately 300 people across at least 37 U.S. and Canadian states. The conspiracy used pop-up messages impersonating technology companies and government agencies (FTC, Federal Reserve) to convince seniors their financial accounts were compromised, then persuaded victims to transfer funds via wire, cryptocurrency, or cash to accounts controlled by the scammers, resulting in confirmed losses exceeding $5 million with an additional $16 million in suspected laundered funds identified. All eight defendants have been arrested and remain in federal custody
journee-mondiale.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors lost $3.4 billion to financial scams in 2023, with projections approaching $5 billion by 2025, as scammers increasingly employ AI-powered tactics including voice cloning and deepfakes to impersonate family members and financial advisors. Criminal schemes now commonly target vulnerable retirees through urgent money transfer requests, fake family emergencies, and cryptocurrency demands that are nearly impossible to recover. Protective measures include establishing trusted family financial guardians, recognizing red flags such as pressure for secrecy and unrealistic investment promises, and maintaining regular communication with seniors to prevent exploitation.
boston25news.com
· 2025-12-08
Eight individuals with ties to China have been indicted for operating a transnational elder fraud scheme that victimized approximately 300 seniors across at least 37 states and Canada, with confirmed losses exceeding $5 million and suspected laundered funds totaling around $16 million. The scammers used fake pop-up messages impersonating technology companies and government agencies to trick elderly victims into transferring funds via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or cash purchases of gold bars to accounts controlled by the fraudsters. Fangzheng Wang, a 24-year-old Chinese national in Massachusetts, was among the eight defendants arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and related offenses.
leaderlive.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Between April 2022 and March 2025, 386 romance scam cases in North Wales resulted in collective losses of £2.39 million, with an average loss of £8,457 per victim, as reported by Action Fraud. Across Wales, England, and Northern Ireland during this period, romance scammers stole £271.4 million from over 19,500 victims, with women and transgender individuals suffering disproportionately higher average losses despite reporting fewer cases. The data reflects a 17 percent increase in romance fraud reports in 2024/25, with scammers targeting victims through fake romantic relationships and manipulating them into sending money.
abc3340.com
· 2025-12-08
Three Chinese nationals were sentenced to federal prison (24-60 months) in April for operating a sophisticated gift card fraud scheme that targeted both elderly individuals through fake online romance scams and unsuspecting shoppers. The criminals stole gift card codes by removing security covers, purchased high-value electronics (primarily Apple products), and shipped them to China for resale, generating hundreds of millions in profits across multiple locations. Consumers are advised to inspect gift cards for tampering before purchase and avoid sending money or gift cards to unknown online contacts.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 60-year-old retired man from Hyderabad lost 1.6 lakh rupees in a sextortion scam after being tricked into a nude video call with a fraudster posing as an acquaintance on WhatsApp. The scammer then threatened to post the intimate footage on social media and extorted multiple payments from the victim between May 17-22. Hyderabad Cyber Crime police have registered a case and are tracing the money trail to the accused's bank account.
thegazette.com
· 2025-12-08
An Iowa AARP Fraud Watch Network educator warns that artificial intelligence has made scams significantly easier and cheaper to execute, with seniors disproportionately targeted due to perceived lower technology skills, social isolation, and accumulated wealth. In 2024, over $12.5 billion was lost to scams and fraudulent activities across the nation, with people aged 70 and older reporting the largest dollar losses per incident. Key prevention strategies include never trusting unsolicited messages, verifying information through independent trusted sources, avoiding opening attachments or links from unknown senders, and recognizing that scams typically follow a three-part pattern designed to manipulate emotions before requesting personal information.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The digital arrest scam is a sophisticated fraud tactic where scammers impersonate police officers via spoofed phone numbers to accuse victims of crimes and demand immediate payment or banking information under threat of arrest. The scam exploits psychological manipulation through fear, urgency, and perceived authority, and has successfully targeted thousands of people including tech-savvy and educated individuals who fall victim due to panic and confusion created by high-pressure tactics and fake police station backdrops. Authorities recommend victims verify caller identity independently and never share personal or financial information over unsolicited calls.
illinoisanswers.org
· 2025-12-08
LaShon Minter Williams faces losing her family's Chicago home after her grandmother, Louise Minter, was defrauded into a reverse mortgage in 2012 by convicted scammer Mark Diamond, who promised home repairs that never materialized. Diamond, sentenced to over 17 years in prison in January, specifically targeted vulnerable senior homeowners on Chicago's South and West sides; the scheme depleted the home's equity, and now Williams must either pay off the loan or vacate the property she has lived in since age 2. Reverse mortgages, while potentially helpful for seniors needing income for repairs, can prevent wealth transfer to heirs and are difficult to pay off, particularly impacting
mayerbrown.com
· 2025-12-08
On May 22, 2025, the US Supreme Court unanimously ruled in Kousisis v. United States that defendants can be convicted of wire fraud for making material misrepresentations to induce a victim into a transaction, even if the victim suffers no actual economic loss. The case involved contractors who fraudulently misrepresented their use of a disadvantaged business enterprise to secure over $20 million in government contracts for bridge and train station restoration in Philadelphia, despite completing the work satisfactorily. The decision clarifies that wire fraud prosecutions require proof of deception and material misrepresentation but not financial loss, and aligns with the DOJ's recent enforcement priorities including elder frau