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kbtx.com
Elder fraud is a rapidly growing crisis, with victims losing over $3 billion in 2023 at an average loss of $33,915 per victim, particularly affecting wealthy seniors over 65 who may have declining mental capacity. Scammers—often family members rather than strangers—exploit vulnerable elderly individuals through various schemes, making it critical for families to monitor finances, install cameras, establish legal protections like powers of attorney and trusts, and maintain regular contact with aging relatives. The FBI recommends contacting the National Elder Fraud Hotline for anyone suspecting financial exploitation of seniors.
capitol-beat.org
Christie Edwards, a 47-year-old bookkeeper at a Glynn County accounting firm, was indicted for stealing over $380,000 from an elderly client through fraudulent ATM withdrawals, point-of-sale transactions, checks, and credit card payments. The case highlights the vulnerability of seniors to financial exploitation by trusted individuals with access to their accounts, and Georgia's Attorney General urged families to establish oversight systems and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
law.georgia.gov
Christie Edwards, a 47-year-old Florida bookkeeper, was indicted in Glynn County, Georgia on charges of Racketeering and Theft by Taking for allegedly stealing over $380,000 from an elderly client through fraudulent ATM withdrawals, point-of-sale transactions, checks, and credit card payments while employed at a local accounting firm. The case was investigated by the Attorney General's White Collar and Cyber Crime Unit and highlights the vulnerability of seniors to financial exploitation by trusted individuals with direct access to their finances.
nbcboston.com
A Texas teenager created an app called Shield Seniors after her 86-year-old grandfather nearly fell victim to an impersonation scam in which a caller posing as a family member requested $2,000. Unable to find existing online resources to help protect her grandfather, Tejasvi developed the app to help seniors recognize common scams, report fraud, and receive real-time advice through AI chatbots.
newtownpanow.com
Between May 27-29, Newtown Township and Wrightstown Township police reported multiple scams targeting residents. Two gift card scams resulted in losses totaling $7,000—one involving a fake YouTube TV account cancellation threat and another using a fraudulent Netflix billing increase email. Additionally, residents received text messages impersonating the Pennsylvania Court system demanding payment for alleged traffic violations through a scam URL. Police emphasized that legitimate businesses and government agencies never request payment via gift cards or unsolicited electronic transfers, and advised residents to verify contact through official channels before providing any payment information.
uta.edu
Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington received funding to develop and test inoculation-based messaging designed to protect people against online romance scams. The project applies inoculation theory—exposing individuals to mild versions of deceptive tactics to build resistance—to create evidence-based public awareness campaigns, with the goal of filling gaps in current scam prevention efforts that often lack effectiveness. The team will develop and evaluate video scenarios simulating realistic online interactions to measure how well different inoculation strategies help users resist emotionally manipulative persuasion tactics used by scammers.
wbtv.com
A Catawba County woman lost over $160,000 to a government impersonation scam after being deceived by someone posing as a Department of Justice investigator who claimed she was under a gag order. Government impersonation crimes affected 17,367 people in 2024 with losses exceeding $405 million, while romance scams resulted in over $670 million in losses that year. U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson emphasized the importance of reporting fraud quickly to enable money recovery and highlighted his office's success in prosecuting scammers, including cryptocurrency fraud cases, with recent convictions resulting in lengthy prison sentences and millions of dollars recovered.
wilcosun.com
The Williamson County Sheriff's Office warned residents about imposter scams where fraudsters falsely claim to be law enforcement, using real employee names and fake local phone numbers to appear credible. Legitimate sheriff's offices never request money, threaten arrest, or demand personal information via phone; scammers commonly use pressure tactics, robocalls, and request payment through untraceable methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or bitcoin. Residents should hang up on suspicious calls immediately and contact the sheriff's office directly, and should be alert to common scam variations including debt collection fraud via text, sweepstake scams, and emergency schemes involving fake relatives.
explodingtopics.com
In 2025, scams affect billions globally: approximately 608 million people fall victim to scams annually worldwide, while in the US alone, 34% of adults experienced scams in the past year with losses exceeding $12.5 billion (a 25% increase year-over-year). The most common scam methods are phone calls and SMS messages, followed by email, with romance scams causing the highest average losses at $2,000 per victim, while identity theft remains the most prevalent scam type in the US.
shreveportbossieradvocate.com
Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (held annually in early June) educates older adults and healthcare providers about common fraud schemes targeting seniors, including romance scams where fraudsters pose as companions and gradually request money, diabetic supply buyback scams advertised on roadsides that endanger victims' health, and phone scams using numbers similar to legitimate healthcare providers. Experts emphasize the importance of removing stigma around fraud victimization so seniors report scams quickly, and warn that legitimate healthcare providers never request financial information over the phone.
9news.com.au
Australia's financial crime watchdog (AUSTRAC) announced a crackdown on cryptocurrency ATM scams, which have cost victims an estimated $3.1 million in reported losses over 12 months, with the actual figure likely much higher. Criminals exploit the machines to pressure victims—predominantly women over 50—into sending cryptocurrency through investment swindles, extortion, and romance scams; once sent, the crypto is nearly impossible to recover. New industry-wide controls are being implemented, and authorities warn people to be suspicious of urgent requests to use crypto ATMs, promises of guaranteed high returns, or any unsolicited pressure to deposit cash.
berkshireeagle.com
A two-stage phone scam is circulating where criminals first defraud victims, then pose as FTC agents claiming to recover their money while stealing additional personal information and funds. The scam exploits victims' desperation to recover losses and uses fake badges and official-looking credentials easily created from internet images. The FTC warns that legitimate agents never call unsolicited, request money, or ask for personal information—victims should hang up and call agencies directly to verify identity, avoid payments via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and report suspected scams to local police and the FTC.
finance.yahoo.com
In 2024, 2.6 million U.S. consumers reported $12.5 billion in losses to fraud—a 25% increase from 2023—with investment scams ($5.7 billion) and imposter scams ($2.95 billion) comprising the largest categories. Notably, government imposter scams and business/job opportunity fraud showed significant growth, and consumers lost more money through bank transfers and cryptocurrency payments than through all other payment methods combined.
nbcconnecticut.com
The Connecticut Department of Vehicles and multiple state police departments warned residents against clicking links in fraudulent text messages falsely claiming to be from the DMV regarding traffic violations or toll fees. The phishing scam attempts to trick recipients into clicking malicious links that could compromise personal data or lead to financial loss, and can be identified by red flags such as strange sender addresses, false urgency, and references to non-existent state codes.
linncountyiowa.gov
The Linn County Treasurer's Office received multiple reports of phishing text messages impersonating the Iowa DMV, claiming recipients owe tolls or fees with threats of enforcement penalties. Recipients should not click links or share personal information, and should instead verify through official .gov websites, report the messages as spam, and delete them.
abc11.com
A multi-state text scam impersonating the North Carolina DMV claimed recipients had unpaid traffic tickets or toll charges and threatened vehicle registration suspension or required payment of $6.99 within hours. The fraudulent texts included links to fake websites mimicking official DMV sites, designed to steal personal information or payment card details from drivers across North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, New York, and Florida. The NC DMV advises recipients not to respond, to block the sender, and to report the messages to the FTC via text to 7726.
nbcdfw.com
A Texas teenager created an app called Shield Seniors after her 86-year-old grandfather nearly fell victim to an impersonation scam in which a caller posing as a family member requested $2,000. Unable to find existing resources to help prevent such fraud, the teenager developed an app specifically designed for older adults that provides information on recognizing scams, enables users to report fraudulent activity, and uses AI chatbots to offer real-time guidance and education.
whsv.com
During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, Valley Program for Aging Services warned Shenandoah Valley seniors about rising scams in which impersonators call posing as Medicare or Social Security representatives, requesting personal information like Medicare numbers or banking details and threatening loss of benefits. Common schemes also include fake DNA screenings, rebates, and medical equipment offers, with residents reporting unauthorized charges on their Medicare statements for services never received. The organization encouraged seniors to hang up on unsolicited calls and regularly review their Medicare statements, offering local reporting resources including VICAP and the Senior Medicare Patrol.
carsonnow.org
The Carson City Senior Center is hosting multiple educational events in June, including a scam prevention workshop by the Better Business Bureau on June 6 that will cover current scam trends and provide tips to help seniors avoid fraud. The center is also offering a 4-week estate planning workshop, farmer's market coupon distribution for eligible seniors 60+, and various cultural and educational programs throughout the month.
thesenior.com.au
Australian authorities are tightening regulations on cryptocurrency ATMs after discovering widespread use in scams targeting elderly citizens, with the anti-money laundering regulator AUSTRAC refusing to renew one operator's license and implementing transaction limits and stricter requirements. Analysis of crypto ATM usage found that 79% of users were over 50 years old, with those aged 60-70 significantly overrepresented as scam victims, and the Australian Federal Police reported 150 scam cases linked to crypto ATMs in 2024 resulting in over $3.1 million in losses, though experts believe actual losses are substantially higher due to underreporting. The measures address a critical vulnerability in which elderly
justice.gov
Nirav B. Patel, a 44-year-old illegal immigrant from India, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in an imposter scam that defrauded elderly victims across Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana of over $400,000. Patel served as a cash collector for the scheme, which involved fraudsters posing as federal agents and convincing elderly victims that their accounts were compromised, then pressuring them to withdraw life savings into fake government trust accounts; in one instance, he collected $177,000 in gold bars from an elderly woman using a walker at an assisted living facility. The scammers, based in India, use
miamitimesonline.com
Florida law enforcement officers disclosed that state prisoners using contraband phones, cryptocurrency, and drones are scamming senior citizens, with one documented case involving a 92-year-old man defrauded of over $800,000 over two years. "Operation Triple Threat," a coordinated search across three correctional facilities, confiscated 400 illegal cellphones, and authorities confirmed at least three known cases of inmates exploiting seniors, though formal charges have not yet been filed.
justice.gov
A cryptocurrency investment scam targeting two victims resulted in approximately $563,000 in stolen funds, which the U.S. Attorney's Office for Northern District of Ohio is seeking to forfeit as 679,981.22 USDT tokens. A victim in Solon, Ohio lost roughly $500,000 after being contacted by someone posing as "Kristina Tian" on LinkedIn who gained his trust and directed him to transfer cryptocurrency to a fraudulent investment platform; an Arizona woman lost $63,000 (including $15,000 from her 401(k) and $48,000 from a home equity loan her daughter obtained) through a similar scheme initiated on a
fox5dc.com
A text message scam is targeting Maryland drivers by impersonating the State Department of Motor Vehicles and demanding immediate payment for alleged traffic violations, threatening suspension of vehicle registrations and driving privileges. Maryland DMV officials confirmed this is a scam and clarified they never demand payment via text or request suspicious links. Recipients are advised to avoid clicking links, delete the messages, and report them to the Maryland Attorney General's Office or FTC.gov.
wmur.com
New Hampshire authorities warn of quit claim deed fraud, where scammers forge property ownership documents and record them without the owner's knowledge, potentially allowing them to sell, mortgage, or rent the property before detection. Between 2019 and 2023, 239 New Hampshire residents lost $4.1 million to this scheme, with scammers targeting vacant lots, properties with liens, and out-of-state owners using fake IDs in remote closings. The Attorney General's Office recommends victims set up property address alerts, monitor real estate listings, check social media, inspect their property regularly, and contact title insurance professionals, with reporting available through the Consumer Protection Hotline.
utoday.nl
Two Erasmus students from Poland were scammed out of €1,650 (€1,000 deposit plus €650 rent) by a fraudster posing as "Michael Venema" who advertised a furnished flat in Enschede on Facebook. The scammer used professional-looking virtual tours, WhatsApp communication, fake rental contracts with forged legal representative details, and pressure tactics to convince the students to transfer money via Revolut to a Bunq account likely registered under a "strawman" name, leaving the students stranded without accommodation on their arrival. Local police indicated the investigation prospects were poor and suggested the victims pursue the matter themselves rather than conducting an
wcpo.com
Online scammers are increasingly targeting pet lovers with fraudulent adoption listings, particularly for high-demand Maine Coon cats and purebred puppies, using fake breeder profiles on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and requesting payment through untraceable methods such as gift cards. One potential victim, Kathy Pierce, nearly paid $500 to a scammer before becoming suspicious when the seller refused a cashier's check and demanded gift card payment instead. Experts advise meeting breeders and animals in person, requesting live video verification if meeting is impossible, being wary of prices significantly below market value (legitimate Maine Coons cost $1,000+), and using local resources like shelters and veterin
tv20detroit.com
Scammers are targeting pet lovers online with fake adoption listings for Maine Coon cats and purebred puppies, often using Facebook and other platforms to solicit upfront fees and demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers. One woman nearly lost $500 to a scammer posing as a breeder before becoming suspicious when the seller refused a cashier's check. The ASPCA recommends purchasing pets through local shelters or veterinarians, meeting breeders in person, and being wary of red flags such as refusal to video call, prices significantly below market value (legitimate Maine Coons cost $1,000+), and requests for additional fees.
yahoo.com
A 92-year-old man in Sun City Center, Florida, lost $800,000 in a romance and bank scam orchestrated by Otiz Swinton Jr., a 37-year-old who was incarcerated at the time and had previously been convicted seven years earlier of stealing over $1 million from more than 50 seniors. The victim, isolated in an assisted living facility, was targeted beginning in June 2022, with funds transferred through cryptocurrency, peer-to-peer platforms, counterfeit checks, and ATM withdrawals between March and April of the scam year.
koreaherald.com
In 2023, the FTC reported that U.S. consumers lost $1.14 billion to romance scams, more than double the losses from 2021. Scammers impersonate celebrities and romantic interests to manipulate isolated or lonely victims, gradually building trust before requesting money for travel, legal fees, or "meet and greet" events, often extracting personal information and hundreds of thousands of dollars from individual victims. These scams exploit common human vulnerabilities and are particularly effective because scammers use personalized messages, fabricated photos, and carefully crafted scripts to convince victims they have special relationships with their targets.
expressvpn.com
The Nigerian prince scam (also called a 419 scam) is an advance-fee fraud where scammers pose as foreign royalty or wealthy individuals and convince victims to pay upfront "processing fees" or "taxes" for access to promised large sums of money. Originating from 19th-century Spanish prisoner schemes and proliferating via email in the 1990s, the scam continues to victimize people daily despite widespread awareness, sometimes escalating to using victims as money mules for stolen funds. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact from strangers claiming to need financial help, verify identities through official channels, never send money upfront, and avoi
wisbusiness.com
Investment and cryptocurrency scams remain the riskiest threat for adults 55+, followed by online purchase scams and romance scams for specific age groups, according to the BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report. The article provides practical prevention strategies including: avoiding unsolicited callers (especially those claiming to be government agents or bank employees), recognizing red flags like pressure to act or unusual payment requests, hiring only licensed contractors through verified sources, remaining alert to emergency/grandchild scams, and hanging up on calls about "free" medical equipment or government impersonations. Key advice emphasizes registering with the National Do-Not-Call Registry, verifying unexpected claims through official sources, and maintaining healthy
afp.gov.au
From January 2024 to January 2025, Australian authorities received 150 reports of cryptocurrency ATM scams resulting in $3.1 million in losses, with an average loss of $20,000 per victim; however, officials warn this likely represents significant under-reporting, as approximately $275 million moves through crypto ATMs annually in Australia. The victims were predominantly women (68%) and people over 51 years old (48%), who were targeted through investment scams, extortion emails, and romance scams that pressured them to deposit cash into crypto ATMs. Australian authorities are implementing educational campaigns near crypto ATMs to warn the public about common warning signs, including unsolicited deposit
foxnews.com
Cybercriminals have evolved phishing tactics to create sophisticated subscription scam campaigns, with over 200 convincing fake online stores promoting products via Facebook ads to trick users into recurring credit card charges. These scams use tactics like mystery boxes, hidden fine print subscription terms, and layered add-ons (loyalty programs, VIP memberships) to confuse victims, with many sites traced back to a single Cyprus address linked to offshore entities. The fraudsters continuously rotate brands and product types—from counterfeit goods to fake supplements and investment schemes—while employing evasion techniques like rotating ad versions and image swaps to avoid detection.
lycoming.crimewatchpa.com
Williamsport Police warned residents of a text message scam impersonating the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles, claiming enforcement penalties would begin on May 31 and directing victims to click a link to pay outstanding traffic tickets. The PA DMV does not contact individuals via text to request payment, and clicking such links can compromise personal and financial information. Residents are advised to independently verify the legitimacy of suspicious communications before providing information or clicking links.
news.blueshieldca.com
Blue Shield of California launched educational initiatives during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week to combat rising healthcare fraud targeting seniors, noting that the U.S. Department of Justice charged 193 individuals in 2024 for schemes involving over $2.75 billion in false claims. The health plan highlighted prevalent scams including unsolicited medical supplies, impersonation schemes, phantom billing, and AI-driven fraud, and encouraged members to review statements carefully, protect personal information, and report suspicious activity to their health plan's Special Investigations Unit.
northjersey.com
Police across multiple states including Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey are warning of a DMV text scam impersonating the Department of Motor Vehicles and threatening to suspend vehicle registration unless victims click malicious links to pay alleged fines immediately. The scam is designed to steal personal and financial information by creating panic and urgency. Authorities recommend not clicking links or responding to such messages, instead reporting them to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, contacting your state DMV directly through official channels, and forwarding suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) to help wireless providers block similar messages.
wdbj7.com
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles warned customers about a text scam in which fraudsters impersonate the DMV and falsely claim money is owed for unpaid fines, directing recipients to click links that steal personal information. The DMV emphasized it never sends text messages demanding payment and advised customers to verify communications through official channels, avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts, and report suspicious messages to authorities or the FTC.
wtvr.com
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles warned residents of a text message scam in which fraudsters impersonating the DMV demand payment for fines and threaten license suspension, with links designed to steal personal information. The DMV emphasized it never sends unsolicited text messages requesting payment and advised residents to report and delete suspicious messages using their phone's junk reporting feature.
prnewswire.com
Blue Shield of California launched a Medicare Fraud Prevention Week campaign alerting seniors to common scams including unsolicited medical supplies, phantom billing, impersonation schemes, and AI-driven fraud, noting that the U.S. Department of Justice charged 193 individuals in 2024 for healthcare fraud involving over $2.75 billion in false claims. The health plan established a Special Investigations Unit and online reporting portal to detect fraud, and encourages members to review statements carefully, protect personal information, and report suspicious activity through their fraud hotline at (855) 331-4894.
whyy.org
A Delaware woman lost $701,529 in gold bars between August 2023 and February 2024 after scammers posing as federal agents claimed her identity had been stolen and she was under investigation; they told her the Treasury would safeguard gold bars she purchased to resolve the matter. When authorities caught the scheme, they arrested Rakeshkumar Patel, an Indian national illegally residing in New York, who pleaded guilty after attempting to collect an additional $300,000 in gold in May 2024. The scam was part of a larger fraud operation targeting older affluent adults across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, with a combined loss of $2.1
tampafp.com
Florida law enforcement launched a coordinated crackdown on scams perpetrated by incarcerated individuals using contraband technology to defraud seniors. Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that recent correctional facility inspections confiscated "dozens and dozens of devices" and revealed victims have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars, including one 92-year-old who lost over $800,000 over two years. Law enforcement urged seniors to monitor their finances closely and avoid trusting unsolicited callers, while pledging to work with the Department of Corrections to prevent criminal activity from continuing behind bars.
wvnews.com
The Taylor County Senior Citizens Center is promoting Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 5) to educate seniors on detecting and preventing Medicare fraud, which costs the program an estimated $60 billion annually. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) provides free resources and guidance to help beneficiaries, caregivers, and families protect themselves through monitoring insurance statements, safeguarding Medicare numbers, and reporting suspicious activity. Community members are encouraged to watch for warning signs among elderly neighbors and contact the center at 304-265-4555 for more information and educational materials.
cantonrep.com
Moving scams are on the rise, with consumers reporting a median loss of $754 to the Better Business Bureau in 2024, with common schemes including no-shows, unexpected price increases, stolen items, and belongings held hostage for additional fees. The BBB recommends protecting yourself by thoroughly researching moving companies, verifying their registration and insurance, getting all agreements in writing, and maintaining an inventory of belongings before hiring movers.
hccommunityjournal.com
A Kerrville Police Department sergeant conducted an internet safety presentation outlining major threats including identity theft, phishing, and romance/grandchild scams, which criminals use to steal sensitive information and money from victims. Key safety recommendations include verifying secure websites (https and lock icons), using strong passwords, enabling stricter social media settings, installing malware protection, and never responding to unsolicited requests for personal information from official agencies.
whec.com
New York State Police warned of a phone scam in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or government officials, using spoofing technology to make calls appear legitimate while demanding Social Security numbers and personal information under threats of arrest. State Police clarified that legitimate agencies never request sensitive information or threaten legal action by phone.
yahoo.com
Las Vegas police arrested 12 people involved in a $3 million courier scam that defrauded 24 victims who were tricked by fake security alerts into handing cash to fraudsters posing as couriers. Victims received spoofed emails, texts, or pop-ups mimicking banks or tech companies, convincing them their accounts or computers were compromised, then directed to give large sums to fake "security couriers" for safekeeping. Police urge additional victims to come forward immediately and recommend victims file reports with law enforcement and the FTC, freeze credit, update passwords, and monitor accounts.
pymnts.com
A cybercriminal group called Scattered Spider conducted social engineering attacks on multiple major companies, including Marks & Spencer, MGM Casinos, Coinbase, and others, by impersonating employees and tricking workers into revealing passwords and access credentials. The M&S breach resulted in up to $403 million in operating profit losses and $807 million in market value erosion, while a Coinbase attack could cost approximately $400 million. The gang targets companies in the same sector over several-week periods and is motivated by both financial gain and media attention.
hometownstations.com
In 2024, Ohio's Division of Securities received 302 scam and fraud complaints from older residents, a 22% increase from 2023, with potential losses exceeding $60 million statewide. Most scams involved unknown individuals contacting seniors via email or text about cryptocurrency or compromised bank accounts, with warning signs including unexplained financial changes, new account additions, and uncharacteristic money transfers. Authorities recommend having conversations with seniors about red flags like urgency and secrecy, researching suspicious contacts independently, and reporting suspected exploitation to local law enforcement, the Division of Securities, or Adult Protective Services.
mauinow.com
Hawai'i's Senior Medicare Patrol is promoting Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 1-7) to educate residents on identifying and reporting fraud, which costs the U.S. over $60 billion annually and threatens seniors' access to critical services. The program offers free counseling, presentations, and resources to help Medicare beneficiaries protect their information, recognize billing errors, and report suspicious activity, with particular emphasis on guarding against increasingly sophisticated scams targeting Hawai'i's elderly population. Residents can contact SMP Hawai'i at 1-800-296-9422 or attend a free webinar on June 7 to learn prevention strategies.