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A 79-year-old Massachusetts woman, Dinora Cardoso, died in 2023 after being found bedridden on a mattress infested with cockroaches, bedbugs, and feces; she required surgical removal from the mattress and died two days later from necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis. Her daughter Eva Fontes Cardoso, granddaughter Kayla Cardoso, and caregiver Lisa Hamilton face charges including manslaughter, elder neglect, larceny, and Medicaid fraud, having allegedly collected over $140,000 from MassHealth while providing no care, failing to manage her diabetes, and submitting frau

A 79-year-old Massachusetts woman, Dinora Cardoso, died after being found stuck to a mattress infested with cockroaches, bedbugs, and feces due to severe neglect by her daughter Eva Fontes Cardoso, granddaughter Kayla Cardoso, and nurse Lisa Hamilton, who had to surgically separate her from the bed at a hospital where she died two days later from necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis. The three defendants face charges including manslaughter, elder caregiver neglect, and Medicaid fraud after authorities discovered that Eva Cardoso received over $140,000 in state benefits for care she did not provide, including frau

During Medicare's Open Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7), scammers impersonate Medicare representatives to steal personal information and money by falsely claiming they need Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, or bank account details for new cards or fake medical equipment claims. Medicare never unexpectedly contacts beneficiaries to request personal information, sell coverage, or charge for cards, and consumers should hang up suspicious calls and verify by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or report scams to that same number.

As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers pose as Medicare officials or insurance company employees via phone calls and text messages to trick older adults into disclosing Social Security numbers and sensitive information. Experts advise that legitimate Medicare programs and private insurers rarely contact beneficiaries by phone unsolicited, and recommend hanging up on suspicious callers, avoiding robocalls, and contacting insurers directly through official toll-free numbers to verify requests. Caregivers should help elderly relatives enroll early to avoid deadline pressure, which makes people more vulnerable to scams.

A Massachusetts daughter (Eva Fontes Cardoso, 53), granddaughter (Kayla Cardoso, 31), and registered nurse (Lisa Hamilton, 64) face charges of manslaughter, caregiver neglect, larceny, and Medicaid fraud in the death of 79-year-old Dinora Cardoso, who was found in May 2023 stuck to a feces and insect-infested mattress at a senior housing complex. The defendants allegedly billed MassHealth over $140,000 for personal care services that were not provided or were provided fraudulently, and the victim died two days after hospitalization from sepsis

An elderly Massachusetts woman, Dinora Cardoso, died in May 2023 from severe infections caused by neglect while under the care of her daughter Eva Cardoso, granddaughter Kayla Cardoso, and registered nurse Lisa Hamilton; she was hospitalized covered in insects and feces before succumbing to necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis. Eva, employed as Dinora's paid caregiver, received over $140,000 from MassHealth while allegedly failing to provide proper care and falsely billing for services, with Kayla also receiving portions of these fraudulent payments. All three defendants were charged with neglect and fraud-related offenses; Eva additionally

During Medicare's open enrollment period, the Federal Trade Commission warned of scams where fraudsters impersonate Medicare representatives to obtain personal information like Medicare or bank account numbers, or to file fraudulent claims for medical equipment. Consumers are advised never to share information with unexpected callers, as scammers can spoof caller IDs to appear as Medicare, and should instead contact 1-800-MEDICARE to report suspected fraud or obtain legitimate services through official government websites.

During Medicare's open enrollment period, the FTC warned that scammers impersonate Medicare representatives to solicit personal information like Medicare or bank account numbers, or to file fraudulent claims for medical equipment. The agency advised Americans never to provide information to unsolicited callers, even if caller ID appears to show Medicare's number, and directed fraud victims to call 1-800-MEDICARE. Last year saw 447 healthcare fraud cases in the U.S. with a median loss of $1.4 million per offense.

A 79-year-old Massachusetts woman, Dinora Cardoso, died in 2023 after months of severe neglect in filthy, bug-infested conditions while under the care of her daughter Eva Cardoso, who was paid over $140,000 by MassHealth as her personal care attendant. Eva Cardoso and her niece Kayla Cardoso are charged with elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and larceny for allegedly splitting the Medicaid checks while the victim suffered from untreated bedsores, infections, and poor living conditions; Eva also faces involuntary manslaughter charges, and a visiting nurse is charged with caretaker

A 79-year-old Brockton woman, Dinora F. Cardoso, died in May 2023 after three years of alleged neglect by her daughter Eva Cardoso (53), granddaughter Kayla Cardoso (31), and visiting nurse Lisa Hamilton (64), resulting in a flesh-eating bacterial infection, uncontrolled diabetes, and unsanitary living conditions infested with cockroaches and bedbugs. Eva Cardoso was charged with involuntary manslaughter and Medicaid fraud for being paid as a personal care attendant; Kayla Cardoso was charged with permitting injury and neglect of an elderly

During Medicare's open enrollment period (through Dec. 7), the Federal Trade Commission warns of scammers impersonating Medicare representatives to steal personal information and money by requesting Medicare numbers, bank account details, or credit card information under false pretenses such as issuing new cards or processing fake medical equipment claims. Seniors should never share personal information with unsolicited callers claiming to be from Medicare, verify suspicious calls by hanging up and dialing Medicare's official number (1-800-633-4227), and treat Medicare numbers with the same protection as credit cards.

During Medicare's open enrollment period, seniors become vulnerable to scammers who exploit the need for personal information by impersonating Medicare officials, offering fraudulent card replacements, and promoting fake supplemental coverage plans. A 2023 data breach of 900,000+ Medicare beneficiaries' information from contractor Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation highlighted the risks, though Medicare has since implemented protective measures like the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier to replace Social Security numbers on cards. To protect themselves, seniors should shield government ID numbers, access Medicare.gov directly rather than through suspicious links, and be wary of unsolicited calls or visits claiming to represent Medicare.

During Medicare's Open Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7), scammers impersonate Medicare representatives to steal personal information and money by falsely claiming beneficiaries need to provide Medicare, Social Security, or bank account numbers for new cards or medical equipment claims. Medicare never unexpectedly contacts beneficiaries by phone, email, text, or social media to request personal information, sell coverage, or collect payment for cards. Beneficiaries should hang up on suspicious calls, verify directly with Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE, and report scams to the same number or their local Senior Medicare Patrol.

Investment scams remain the highest risk for adults over 55, followed by online purchase scams and romance scams, according to the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker Risk Report. The article provides consumer protection guidance including: avoiding unsolicited calls (especially from spoofed numbers), recognizing red flags like pressure to act quickly or requests for unusual payment methods, hiring only licensed contractors after thorough vetting, being alert to emergency scams targeting grandchildren, and avoiding Medicare fraud schemes involving "free" medical equipment.

An educational meeting was held in Memphis where the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs taught seniors about common scams targeting older adults. Key advice included being skeptical of unsolicited calls, never sharing personal or financial information with unknown callers, and hanging up on suspicious contacts. The top scams affecting seniors include government imposter calls (especially during Medicare enrollment), fake tech support, sweepstakes scams, and grandchild-in-distress schemes, with scammers exploiting emotional manipulation and targeting older adults for their typically greater assets.

A FICO survey of UK consumers found that 26% reported scam losses to their banks, with 73% believing banks should refund victims always or most of the time. The research identified Authorized Push Payment (APP) fraud as a major threat and revealed that 58% of consumers ranked improved fraud detection systems as the most impactful action banks could take to protect them, with FICO recommending automated detection capabilities using behavioral profiling and sophisticated analytics to intervene in suspicious transactions.

Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion annually to fraud, errors, and abuse—approximately $7 million per hour—according to Rona McNally, director of the Missouri Senior Medicare Patrol. Common scams targeting seniors include fraudulent genetic testing claims, calls impersonating Medicare requesting personal information under the guise of new card replacements, and unnecessary durable medical equipment sales. McNally recommends seniors protect themselves by guarding their Medicare cards, refusing to provide information over unsolicited calls, carefully reviewing statements to verify ordered services, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities, which helps investigators identify patterns of fraud.

The New York StateWide Senior Action Council highlighted misleading marketing practices during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15–December 7) as its November 2024 Fraud of the Month, warning seniors to avoid scammers who request personal information, falsely claim Medicare affiliation, or use high-pressure enrollment tactics. The council advises seniors to verify that plan representatives explain coverage changes in writing, confirm doctors are in-network, and opt out of unsolicited communications, with resources available through the NYS Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374.

During Medicare open enrollment season (October 15 – December 7, 2025), scammers pose as Medicare representatives to target seniors in Rutherford County, Tennessee, using fake calls, phishing attempts, and impersonation schemes to steal personal information and financial details. Common tactics include requesting Medicare numbers or credit cards under the guise of "updating" information, falsely claiming Part D coverage is mandatory, and using scare tactics about benefit cancellation. Seniors should never provide personal information to unsolicited callers and instead verify directly with Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or use legitimate resources like Medicare.gov or Tennessee's SHIP program for enrollment assistance.

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning New Yorkers about health insurance scams targeting individuals during the open enrollment period (through December 15) for coverage starting January 1. Common scam tactics include threatening cancellation of Medicaid coverage, offering fake gifts to solicit personal information, using phishing emails offering discounted insurance, and impersonating official state agencies. The alert provides guidance to avoid scams, including free renewal services, verification that legitimate agencies never use the term "Obamacare" or ask for money, and resources available through the NY State of Health website.

**Summary:** New York State Attorney General Letitia James issued a warning about health insurance scams targeting residents during open enrollment periods, which spike as New Yorkers seek coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace (open through January 31, 2025). Scammers use fear tactics threatening cancellation of Medicaid or other coverage unless payment is provided, phishing schemes offering gift cards to update accounts, and false claims that fees are required to enroll in state health programs—tactics that legitimate government agencies never employ. New Yorkers are advised to use only official channels like NY State of Health website or 1-855-355-5777 to enroll and to report suspected fraud to the Attorney

The New York StateWide Senior Action Council highlighted misleading marketing practices during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15-December 7) as its November Fraud of the Month, warning seniors to avoid scammers who request personal information, falsely claim Medicare endorsement, or use high-pressure enrollment tactics. The organization advises beneficiaries to request written information, verify doctor networks, and report suspected fraud to the NYS Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374, noting that Medicare fraud costs taxpayers over $60 billion annually nationwide.

**Summary:** New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning residents about health insurance scams during the 2024-2025 Affordable Care Act open enrollment period, which runs through January 31, 2025 (with December 15 deadline for January 1 coverage). Common scams include fraudsters threatening cancellation of Medicaid or coverage unless payment is provided, phishing scams offering gift cards to "update" accounts, and charging fees to enroll in marketplace insurance, none of which legitimate government agencies do. The Attorney General advises New Yorkers to use only official channels like NY State of Health (1-855-355-5777) for free enrollment assistance

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington announced multiple healthcare fraud prosecutions protecting patients and consumers. The largest case involved Lincare Holdings, Inc., which agreed to pay $29 million in August 2023 for fraudulently overbilling Medicare for oxygen equipment; as part of the settlement, Lincare refunded $976,137 in overcharged co-pays to 4,917 patients. Additional cases included convictions and settlements involving kickback schemes, unnecessary medical equipment billing, and insurance fraud totaling millions of dollars in penalties and restitution.

From July 2023 to June 2024, the Department of Justice pursued over 300 enforcement actions against 700+ defendants who stole nearly $700 million from 225,000 elder fraud victims, while recovering $31 million and providing services to 230,000+ older adults. Investment scams caused the highest losses at $1.2 billion, followed by tech support scams ($590 million), business email compromise ($382 million), romance scams ($357 million), and government impersonation scams ($180 million), with the DOJ's National Elder Fraud Hotline receiving over 50,000 calls in the past year.

Family caregivers play a crucial role in protecting older adults from fraud, as seniors lose billions annually to scams including tech support, lottery, grandparent, investment, imposter, and romance schemes. AARP recommends caregivers maintain open communication with loved ones, educate them about common fraud tactics, establish protective financial measures, and monitor for signs of social isolation that increase scam vulnerability. Resources and guidance are available at www.aarp.org/fraud to help families prevent and respond to fraud targeting older adults.

As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers pose as Medicare officials or insurance company representatives via phone calls, texts, and emails to trick older adults into disclosing Social Security numbers and sensitive information. Medicare and most private insurers will not initiate unsolicited phone contact; instead, beneficiaries should expect written letters and can verify communications by calling official toll-free numbers directly. Older adults and caregivers should avoid providing personal information to unexpected callers, be wary of robocalls, start enrollment early to reduce deadline pressure, and consult reputable sources like Medicare.gov or state health insurance assistance programs.

Senior citizens in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are demanding that election candidates address their key concerns, including improved healthcare services, timely pension disbursements, enhanced security measures, and digital literacy programs to protect against online fraud and cybercrime. The elderly are also advocating for better recreational spaces, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and dedicated senior citizen facilities, noting that candidates have largely overlooked their needs in favor of youth-focused policies.

This article covers multiple current fraud and cybersecurity threats: Wyoming residents report receiving suspicious DocuSign phishing emails and fraudulent holiday sale emails (claiming 50% off heaters endorsed by Elon Musk) with spelling errors and fake purchase links. The FBI warns that hackers are bypassing two-factor authentication by exploiting website cookies after users click fraudulent links, while a new "Quishing" scam embeds malicious code in QR codes to direct victims to harmful sites. Post-election scams are also surging, including deepfake videos from foreign sources and phishing attempts disguised as election updates or donation requests, with experts advising users to verify sources

The Better Business Bureau is warning seniors about two prevalent scams: holiday shopping scams involving fraudulent package delivery texts (which should never be clicked) and Medicare enrollment scams where criminals steal seniors' Medicare numbers and make fraudulent claims. The BBB advises seniors to verify package issues directly with retailers and monitor Medicare statements for unauthorized services or equipment, and is hosting an educational event in Baldwin County to help prevent victimization.

Three individuals were sentenced for their roles in a Ghana-based romance scam targeting elderly U.S. victims between March 2019 and March 2022: Sadia Alhassan (18 months prison), Shawn William Smith (1 day prison), and Mohammed Saaminu Zuberu (5½ months prison). The defendants served as money launderers and intermediaries, receiving funds that scam victims wired or mailed after being deceived into believing they were in romantic relationships with military personnel, with total restitution ordered at $581,261.67.

Three Arkansas residents were arrested on October 31 on separate charges of elder abuse and Medicaid fraud. Ja'Layia McClendon was arrested for physically assaulting an 82-year-old woman with Alzheimer's at an assisted living facility, leaving her with facial and forearm bruises; Trey Franks was arrested for fraudulently transferring over $1,000 from a long-term care resident's bank account in five transfers between September and October 2023; and Hannah Christmas was charged with Medicaid fraud for billing school districts $5,500 for physical therapy services never provided between August 2023 and April 2024.

Attorney General Tim Griffin announced the arrests of three individuals in separate elder abuse and Medicaid fraud cases on November 7. Hannah Christmas was charged with Medicaid fraud for billing school districts $5,490.72 for physical therapy services not provided; Ja'Layia J. McClendon was charged with abusing an 82-year-old Alzheimer's patient at an assisted living facility, leaving her with visible bruises; and Trey Franks was charged with fraudulently transferring $1,108.26 from a long-term care resident's bank account to his credit card between September and October 2023.

Three individuals were arrested in separate incidents involving Medicaid fraud and elder abuse following investigations by Arkansas's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Hanna Christmas faced felony Medicaid fraud charges for billing school districts $5,490.72 for physical therapy services never provided; Ja'Layia J. McClendon was charged with felony abuse after witnesses saw her strike an 82-year-old woman with Alzheimer's disease at an assisted living center; and Trey Franks was charged with felony abuse for making unauthorized bank transfers totaling $1,086.26 from a long-term care facility resident's account between September and October 2023.

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit arrested three individuals—Hannah Christmas, 34, of Hamburg; Ja'Layia McClendon, 28, of North Little Rock; and Trey Franks, 28, of Jacksonville—following fraud investigations. The article does not specify the nature of the alleged Medicaid fraud or provide additional details about the charges or outcomes.

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced the arrest of three individuals in separate Medicaid fraud and elder abuse cases: Hanna Christmas was charged with felony Medicaid fraud for billing school districts $5,490.72 for physical therapy services never provided; Ja'Layia McClendon was charged with felony abuse of an endangered person after witnesses saw her strike an 82-year-old woman with Alzheimer's disease at an assisted living center, causing facial and forearm bruising; and Trey Franks was charged with felony abuse after $1,086.26 in unauthorized transfers were made from a long-term care facility resident's account to his credit card between September and October

Debbie Deem, a retired FBI victim specialist, volunteers as a fraud intervention coach in Camarillo, California, providing free counseling and education to community members who have fallen victim to scams and fraud. She emphasizes that fraud disproportionately affects older adults (particularly those aged 70-79) and isolated individuals, with victims in her caseload losing anywhere from $500 to $5 million, and some losing their homes entirely. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are making sophisticated scams—including romance investment fraud, charity fraud, and romance scams—increasingly difficult to combat and devastating to victims often living on fixed incomes.

During Medicare open enrollment season, seniors become vulnerable to scams impersonating Medicare, where fraudsters use stolen Medicare numbers to order unauthorized products and services or harvest personal information. Experts advise seniors to be suspicious of unsolicited contact about Medicare plans, review benefit statements for fraudulent charges, and pause before providing personal information or making payments, especially when feeling pressured near enrollment deadlines. Resources like the AARP Fraud Watch Network offer free support for scam victims to identify fraud and recover compromised identities.

During Medicare's open enrollment period (October 15–December 7), scammers impersonate Medicare representatives to steal personal information and Medicare numbers from beneficiaries through unsolicited calls and high-pressure tactics, sometimes fraudulently claiming extra benefits for early enrollment or offering unnecessary services. AARP Pennsylvania advises beneficiaries to review Medicare statements carefully, reject unsolicited offers, and verify that legitimate contact comes only after they initiate calls to Medicare, with scams reportable to law enforcement or AARP's fraud hotline at 1-877-908-3360.

As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers pose as Medicare officials or insurance company representatives via phone calls and texts to pressure older adults into disclosing sensitive information such as Social Security numbers. The National Council on Aging advises that legitimate Medicare programs do not make unsolicited calls and warns against providing personal information over the phone; instead, recipients should hang up and call back directly through official toll-free numbers, and caregivers should help seniors plan coverage early to avoid deadline pressure.

The New York StateWide Senior Action Council warned seniors about Medicare scams during the open enrollment period ending December 7, advising people to avoid sharing personal information with unsolicited callers claiming to represent Medicare, as the agency never cold-calls and Part D enrollment is voluntary, not mandatory. Seniors who suspect their Medicare or Social Security numbers have been compromised or were enrolled in plans without permission can contact the NYS Senior Medicare Patrol at 800/333-4374.

As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers impersonate Medicare officials and insurance company employees via phone calls and text messages to steal Social Security numbers and sensitive information from older adults. According to the National Council on Aging, legitimate Medicare and private insurance companies rarely contact beneficiaries by phone unsolicited—communications typically come by mail—so recipients should hang up on unexpected callers asking for personal information and instead call back through official toll-free numbers. Caregivers and older adults can protect themselves by starting enrollment early to avoid deadline pressure, verifying contacts through Medicare.gov or state health insurance assistance programs, and trusting their instincts when interactions seem suspicious.

As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers pose as Medicare officials or insurance company representatives via phone calls and text messages to trick older adults into disclosing Social Security numbers and other sensitive information. Experts advise that legitimate Medicare and private insurance companies rarely contact beneficiaries by phone unsolicited, and recommend hanging up on suspicious callers, avoiding automated calls, and verifying contacts directly through official toll-free numbers. Caregivers should help seniors enroll early to avoid deadline pressure that makes them vulnerable to fraud.

As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers impersonate Medicare officials and insurance company employees via phone calls and text messages to trick older adults into disclosing Social Security numbers and other sensitive information. Medicare and its private insurance partners (like Blue Cross Blue Shield or Aetna) will not initiate contact by phone, and recipients should hang up on unsolicited callers asking for personal information and instead call back directly through official toll-free numbers. Caregivers should help seniors start their coverage selection early to avoid deadline pressure, verify information through reputable sources like medicare.gov, and remain cautious of phishing emails, texts, and robocalls.

A former New Mexico State Police officer, Morgan Ortiz, and doctor, Dr. Keith Levitt, were charged with 16 counts including Medicaid fraud, identity theft, and document falsification for operating an unlicensed substance abuse recovery program in Albuquerque between March 2019 and April 2021. The defendants allegedly billed over $800,000 in fraudulent claims to Medicaid for services they were not credentialed to provide, exploiting vulnerable individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

Morgan Ortiz, a former New Mexico State Police officer, and Dr. Keith Levitt were indicted on 16 criminal charges for defrauding Medicaid of over $800,000 between March 2019 and April 2021 through a substance abuse recovery program they operated. The scheme involved identity theft of a physician, forgery, falsifying documents, and unlicensed medical practice. The case was investigated by New Mexico's Department of Justice Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse Division.

This article covers a "Scam Jam" educational event in Richmond, Virginia organized by AARP Virginia where law enforcement and fraud prevention experts educated about 30 seniors on common scams targeting older adults. Presenters from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol discussed various fraud schemes including mail theft, identity theft, durable medical equipment fraud, and AI-powered impersonation scams, while offering practical protective strategies such as mailing checks directly to post offices and shredding personal documents.

This article presents educational advice from a Scam Jam event in Richmond, Virginia, where experts from organizations including AARP Virginia and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service provided seniors with strategies to protect themselves against fraud. Speakers described various scams targeting older Americans, including durable medical equipment fraud, mail theft, identity theft, phishing, and AI-powered impersonation calls, and advised attendees to avoid unsolicited contacts, protect personal information, and use secure mailing practices. The event emphasized that fraudsters use both low-tech methods like mail theft and high-tech tactics like voice manipulation, and stressed that seniors should be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.

Scammers are targeting seniors during Medicare open enrollment (deadline December 7) by calling or texting them to help choose plans, then requesting personal information including Medicare ID numbers. The Better Business Bureau warns seniors to never share Medicare IDs, only work with trusted professionals, and remember that Medicare never initiates contact—seniors must reach out to Medicare themselves.

Scammers are increasingly targeting System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registrations used by federal contractors through phishing emails impersonating the GSA and fraudulent access requests, aiming to compromise sensitive banking and tax information or divert government payments. Successful attacks can result in compromised accounts, modified certifications that jeopardize contract eligibility, or complete registration deletion, halting payments and requiring extensive recovery efforts. Companies can protect themselves by maintaining multiple SAM Administrators, carefully verifying all emails and access requests before clicking links, enabling multifactor authentication, and internally confirming any unexpected access requests before granting approval.