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in General Elder Fraud
hpj.com
· 2025-12-08
Kansas state agencies partnered to host World Elder Abuse Awareness Day events in June to educate communities about preventing financial scams targeting older adults, emphasizing that recovery rates for investment fraud victims are below 5%. The Kansas Department of Insurance, Department for Children and Families, and Department for Aging and Disability Services offered presentations across the state highlighting how to recognize and prevent financial exploitation of seniors.
chronicletimes.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a full summary because the article content is behind a paywall and only the headline and introductory sentence are visible. Based on what is available, the piece appears to be educational content about fraud risks to older adults and protective measures, but the specific details, advice, or cases discussed in the full article are not accessible.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Apple warned the Australian government against adopting digital competition regulations similar to those in Europe and the US, claiming such changes could increase fraud risks, reduce security, and delay innovation on its platform. The warnings came in response to the government's Digital Competition Regime consultation, which proposes measures like allowing third-party app installations, mandating third-party payment options, and requiring platform interoperability to increase competition and consumer choice. Industry experts countered that greater competition could benefit Australian consumers through lower prices and more choice, though acknowledged that most users are unlikely to change default platform settings even if given the option.
waka.com
· 2025-12-08
The Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission held a free Fraud Summit in Selma to educate residents about common scams targeting seniors, including text messages impersonating postal services or toll road operators. Attendees were advised not to respond to suspicious communications, avoid clicking links, and contact police if targeted, as these scams aim to steal personal information from victims' phones.
richlandsource.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece announces a June 10th elder fraud awareness event in Galion, Ohio, highlighting the evolving tactics used to scam seniors. Rather than distant phone scammers, the real danger comes from local perpetrators impersonating authority figures (sheriffs, tax officials) or loved ones to pressure victims into handing over cash or medications in untraceable transactions. The key prevention strategy is education and awareness to help seniors and their families recognize and resist these schemes before falling victim.
westsidespirit.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines scam prevention strategies shared at a training session in New York targeting older adults. Key advice includes slowing down, consulting friends or neighbors before responding to suspicious requests, and avoiding sharing personal information—as scammers rely on speed and isolation to succeed. Common scams affecting seniors include romance scams, postal fraud, charitable giving scams, and text message schemes, with perpetrators often prioritizing theft of personal data (like Social Security numbers or credit card information) over individual payments.
journal-news.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old Ohio woman was victimized by a cryptocurrency scam where she was instructed to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM via QR code—one of hundreds of similar cases targeting seniors in Ohio in 2024, often impersonating companies like Amazon, FedEx, or federal agencies. Americans aged 60+ lost nearly $4.89 billion to internet fraud in 2024 (a 46% increase from 2023), with cryptocurrency scams being particularly difficult to reverse once funds are transferred through digital wallets and mixers that obscure transaction origins. Law enforcement emphasizes that quick reporting is critical to recovering funds, and legitimate companies never request payments
nwestiowa.com
· 2025-12-08
Four Sioux Center banks—American State Bank, Northwest Bank, Peoples Bank, and Primebank—are partnering with local police to present a free fraud awareness education event on June 11, aimed at helping community members recognize and prevent scams. While the presentation targets the 55+ demographic, organizers emphasize that all age groups are vulnerable to fraud, with data showing adults 18-59 are actually 34 percent more likely to report fraud losses than older adults. The event will address common scam tactics including impostor scams, romance scams, and cryptocurrency fraud, teaching attendees to recognize red flags like urgency, unnerving pressure, and unexpected contact.
westsidespirit.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines scam prevention strategies for seniors based on a training session at the JCC Marlene Myerson Center in New York. Key scam types targeting older adults include romance scams (exemplified by a woman who sold her house after being deceived by a fake Amnesty International worker), postal fraud, charitable giving scams, and text message schemes originating from the Philippines. The training recommends three defense strategies: slowing down decision-making, consulting friends or neighbors before acting, and avoiding any response, payment, or personal information disclosure, as scammers rely on speed and isolation to succeed.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
A 57-year-old Malaysian man lost over RM161,000 to scammers who advertised on social media claiming a Hong Kong woman would pay HK$2mil (approximately RM1.08mil) for him to father her child. The man made multiple payments totaling RM161,000 for various fees including airfare and "protection services" to someone posing as the woman's lawyer, despite warnings from bank officers and police. He went public with his case as a cautionary tale about the dangers of too-good-to-be-true social media offers.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 57-year-old Malaysian retiree lost RM161,000 (approximately $49,000) to an online romance/financial scam after responding to a social media advertisement claiming a woman in Hong Kong needed a sperm donor and would pay HK$2 million. The victim was deceived into making multiple payments for purported air tickets, protection services, and medical monitoring, despite warnings from his bank and police, and never met the scammer or the woman in person. The scammer likely used stolen photos of an unwitting woman to perpetrate the fraud.
sundayworld.com
· 2025-12-08
A 50-year-old woman from Cork was convicted of money laundering after losing €50,000 in a romance scam orchestrated by a crime gang that impersonated a US Marine using stolen images of actor Justin Melnick. The scammers used fake dating profiles, doctored videos, and a fraudulent military spouse association website to convince the victim to send money over 18 months, ultimately implicating her in criminal activity when they asked her to transfer €17,000 through her bank account for alleged squad members. The victim revealed she was vulnerable due to childhood emotional neglect and the scammers exploited her desire for emotional connection and religious faith to gain her
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Consumer Protection WA warned of escalating scratchie mail scams involving fake scratch-off tickets offering $US240,000 prizes sent via registered post from Kuala Lumpur, which request personal identification details and payment to claim winnings. Five West Australians lost $30,550 total to these scams over the past year, with scammers using collected personal information for identity theft, loans, and other fraudulent purposes. Since 2020, Australians have lost more than $5.8 million to unexpected winnings scams overall, and authorities advise recipients to never share ID documents and remember that legitimate prizes never require payment to claim.
usaherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Priscilla Presley, 80, sued memorabilia dealer Brigitte Kruse for financial elder abuse, alleging Kruse gained her trust, isolated her from advisors, and manipulated her into signing away up to 80% of her earnings—totaling over $1 million. Kruse filed a countersuit claiming she was hired to rescue Presley from financial ruin and is owed compensation, while Presley's legal team describes her as a "con artist" who exploited her vulnerability following her daughter Lisa Marie's death in January 2023. The high-profile case highlights vulnerabilities facing elderly individuals, particularly wealthy and prominent figures, to financial exploitation through
davisvanguard.org
· 2025-12-08
A June 2024 Sacramento County Grand Jury report found that elder financial abuse cases have surged in the county, with Adult Protective Services confirming nearly 4,000 cases between 2019 and 2024, yet over 97% went unprosecuted due to inadequate staffing, poor data systems, and lack of specialized training in law enforcement and the District Attorney's Office. The report identified that perpetrators are typically trusted individuals (caregivers, family members, or advisors) in over 72% of cases, creating emotional barriers to reporting, and recommended increased funding for investigators, prosecutors, victim advocates, and specialized social workers to address the growing problem as Sacramento County's senior
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission estimated that criminals stole approximately $61.5 billion from adults age 60 and over in 2023, with elder financial abuse coming from both known perpetrators and stranger scams. AARP highlights preventive measures including adding trusted contacts to financial accounts, freezing credit to prevent unauthorized accounts, and using robocall/text blockers to reduce exposure to phone-based scams. The article emphasizes that these proactive steps can significantly protect older adults' financial security.
okotoksonline.com
· 2025-12-08
During Seniors Week (June 2-8), the Okotoks, High River, and Turner Valley RCMP issued online safety guidance for seniors, noting that increased internet use for banking, shopping, and social media makes older adults vulnerable to fraud targeting their trust, technological unfamiliarity, and desire for companionship. The RCMP recommend using strong passwords, updating security software, refusing high-pressure requests for money or personal information, verifying contacts through official channels, and being suspicious of prize claims, upfront fees, and romance scams.
gvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Bitcoin ATMs are increasingly being exploited as tools to facilitate scams targeting older adults, according the R.O.S.E. (Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly) organization and law enforcement officials. While Bitcoin ATMs themselves are legal, scammers leverage victims' confusion about cryptocurrency to direct them to these machines to transfer money, making them effective "scam facilitation" devices. The article warns seniors to be suspicious if anyone—particularly in romance, tech support, or investment scams—instructs them to use Bitcoin ATMs.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
A victim in Mumbai lost ₹2.89 crore ($345,000 USD) to fraudsters who impersonated FedEx, CBI, and RBI officials using screen-sharing software and intimidation tactics, claiming he was under investigation for money laundering and convincing him to transfer his savings to a fake "safe RBI account" between January and March. Police registered an FIR and launched a probe to trace the funds, which included the victim's retirement and life savings, while authorities urged the public—especially senior citizens—to avoid engaging with unsolicited legal threat calls and report incidents immediately on cybercrime.gov.in.
highriveronline.com
· 2025-12-08
During Seniors Week (June 2-8), the Okotoks, High River, and Turner Valley RCMP issued online safety guidance for older adults, noting that seniors are frequently targeted through fraud schemes exploiting their trust, technological unfamiliarity, and desire for companionship. The RCMP provided protective measures including creating strong passwords, maintaining updated security software, recognizing high-pressure tactics and urgent demands as fraud warning signs, and avoiding prize claims requiring fees or payment via gift cards. The advisory emphasizes that seniors should feel empowered to refuse suspicious requests, verify company legitimacy through official channels, establish family safe words, and report suspicious activity to protect others in their community.
irontontribune.com
· 2025-12-08
In recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, Ohio's Department of Commerce Division of Securities and Department of Aging are addressing a significant financial exploitation crisis affecting older Ohioans, who lost over $64 million in 2024 with fraud complaints up 22% year-over-year. The state highlights common warning signs of elder financial abuse—including unexplained withdrawals, suspicious account changes, and unpaid bills—and notes that seniors are particularly vulnerable to romance scams, tech support impersonation, and grandparent scams that exploit loneliness and lack of technological familiarity. Multiple state resources are available for reporting suspected fraud and obtaining assistance, including the Division of Securities' hotline and Adult
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Readers shared their experiences with robocalls, robotexts, and scams in response to a columnist's article about the problem, offering various coping strategies and expressing frustration with inadequate government regulation. One reader described a kidnapping scam targeting her family that demanded money to release her stepdaughter, which police confirmed as a common scheme, while another recommended AARP's "The Perfect Scam" podcast as an educational resource about various fraud tactics. Readers emphasized that ignoring calls from unknown numbers, not engaging with scammers, and reporting incidents to police are effective ways to protect themselves from financial loss and emotional distress.
brigadanews.ph
· 2025-12-08
At age 80, Priscilla Presley filed a lawsuit in July 2024 against memorabilia dealer Brigitte Kruse and alleged co-conspirators, claiming they manipulated her into signing over approximately 80 percent of her earnings—worth more than $1 million—through financial fraud and elder abuse, including isolation from key relationships and systematic bank account draining. Presley was reportedly within two months of financial collapse when the suit was filed, and the case is proceeding in California with additional hearings scheduled for June and July. Kruse has countered that she assisted Presley during financial difficulties when the former actress owed over $700,000 in unp
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
Senior executives at Greenko Group in Hyderabad lost ₹2.7 crore ($325,000 USD equivalent) to a WhatsApp impersonation scam in June, where fraudsters posed as the Managing Director using his photo to trick officials into authorizing two fund transfers to fake accounts. The scam exploited corporate hierarchy and trust, with ₹1.95 crore transferred on June 2 and ₹75 lakh on June 5, only discovered fraudulent when details were shared with the actual MD's office. A similar attempt at another company (RCML) targeting ₹20 lakh was prevented when the CFO verified the request directly
gulfnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Pakistani authorities launched "Operation Grey," a major crackdown targeting a transnational cybercrime network involving individuals from over ten countries who perpetrated multibillion-rupee online fraud through illegal gambling apps, loan scams, call centres, and fake investment platforms. The investigation led to arrests including a woman and bank manager, recovery of Bitcoin and foreign currency, and exposed suspicious transactions across 36 company accounts, with the operation being monitored at the highest government levels due to its scale and complexity. The FIA plans to expand the nationwide operation post-Eid holidays to dismantle remaining illegal call centres involved in cyber fraud.
newindianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
This article covers an educational masterclass on artificial intelligence organized for senior citizens in India, featuring experts who demonstrated how AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance safety, independence, and quality of life for elders. Around 130 seniors learned practical applications including health monitoring, home security, fact-checking, deepfake identification, and fraud detection, with organizers planning future programs focused on protecting seniors from cybercrime.
kitv.com
· 2025-12-08
During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, Hawaii advocates warned seniors about rising scam threats, noting that kupuna lost over $52 million to internet scams in 2023. The Senior Medicare Patrol highlighted that imposter scams and identity theft are the most common fraud types targeting Hawaii residents, with particular concern as the state's aging population continues to grow.
wbay.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans receive approximately 50 billion nuisance and scam calls annually, with scammers responsible for roughly 30 billion of those calls and text messages. The article provides seven key ways to identify scam calls and texts, including checking the official organization's website, understanding what legitimate organizations will and won't do (such as the IRS never calling without sending a letter first), and recognizing common scam characteristics like pressure to act quickly and requests for personal information. While robocalls have declined somewhat since the TRACED Act gave regulators new enforcement tools, individuals remain primarily responsible for protecting themselves from these increasingly common scams.
rismedia.com
· 2025-12-08
A "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam has targeted at least 40 real estate professionals, where fraudsters pose as wealthy cash buyers, build trust with agents, and gradually convince them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms that appear legitimate before disappearing with their money, often including victims' retirement accounts. The U.S. Secret Service warns that these scams, which originated in China around 2016, are likely to increase and recommends victims report incidents to the FBI's IC3.gov within 72 hours for the best chance of asset recovery.
english.loktej.com
· 2025-12-08
A senior citizen in Surat was defrauded of Rs 16.65 lakh in a "digital arrest" scam where criminals posing as Delhi Police officials falsely accused him of involvement in money laundering and coerced him into transferring funds via video call over two days. Police arrested three suspects, including a 22-year-old international basketball player, who had complaints filed against them across 18 states for impersonating government officials and using fear-based tactics to extort money from victims.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old woman from Mumbai fell victim to a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam in which cybercriminals impersonated TRAI officials, police officers, and a judge via WhatsApp and video calls, convincing her to transfer ₹2.89 crore over two days by claiming she was under investigation and needed to pay for "security verification." Mumbai Police's cybercrime cell responded quickly to her report, successfully recovering ₹1.29 crore through coordination with banks and payment platforms. The case highlights a growing trend where scammers use multilayered impersonation, psychological manipulation, and digital technology to exploit elderly citizens' trust in institutional authority.
theprint.in
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old man in New Delhi lost Rs 20 lakh (half his life savings) to a cybercrime scheme involving unauthorized bank transfers and fixed deposit withdrawals, forcing his family to postpone a wedding. The incident reflects a broader crisis: cybercrimes targeting elderly Indians increased 86% from 2020 to 2022, with criminals exploiting seniors' digital illiteracy through fraudulent calls, links, and "digital arrest" schemes. In response, police departments and NGOs across India—including Kolkata Police, Bengaluru Police, and HelpAge India—have launched awareness campaigns and digital literacy workshops to educate seniors on cybersecurity an
nationalmortgagenews.com
· 2025-12-08
Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are increasingly targeted by fraudsters exploiting record levels of home equity wealth and the rise of online lending through nonbanks. Common fraud schemes include identity theft by caretakers or relatives of elderly homeowners, false occupancy claims, forged checks, account takeovers with address changes, and borrowers taking out multiple HELOCs on the same property before absconding. Lenders should monitor for suspicious activity such as contact information changes followed by draw requests, and strengthen verification processes, particularly in online lending channels where borrowers lack existing relationships with the institution.
bankrate.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common annuity scams and reporting options for victims. It describes four prevalent fraud types: churning (agents convincing clients to repeatedly switch annuities for commissions), unsuitable sales (pushing products that don't meet client needs), fake credentials (misleading titles without legitimate qualifications), and false claims/high-pressure seminars. The article provides real examples including a 2023 SEC case where advisor Jeffrey Cutter earned $9 million in undisclosed commissions through churning, and a FINRA case resulting in $7.3 million in damages after an advisor steered a nonprofit foundation into $47 million in high-cost variable annuities.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Ohio's Department of Job and Family Services and Department of Aging marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June 2025, highlighting that local agencies receive over 100 adult protective services referrals daily and that one in 10 seniors nationally experience some form of elder abuse. The state provided information on recognizing warning signs of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse as well as financial exploitation and neglect, with resources including an awareness campaign and a hotline (1-855-OHIO-APS) for reporting suspected abuse.
einpresswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Equity Access Group highlights financial abuse risks to seniors on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), noting that older Americans lose an estimated $36.5 billion annually to financial scams and exploitation. The company emphasizes warning signs of financial abuse—including pressure to sign documents quickly, sudden involvement of new individuals in finances, and unexplained withdrawals—and implements protective measures such as mandatory HUD-approved counseling, staff training to identify manipulation, and personal follow-up with all reverse mortgage applicants to ensure borrower safety.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission estimated criminals stole $61.5 billion from adults age 60 and over in 2023, with financial abuse coming from both known perpetrators like family members and strangers carrying out scams. To prevent elder financial exploitation, AARP recommends adding trusted contacts to financial accounts, freezing credit to prevent unauthorized accounts, and using robocall and text message blockers to reduce exposure to phone-based scams. Victims should report scams to local law enforcement or contact AARP's Fraud Watch Network at 1-877-908-3360.
komando.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud targeting seniors age 60+ is rapidly increasing, with nearly 72% of scams initiated using personal data scraped from the internet or purchased from data brokers, enabling criminals to conduct highly personalized attacks like AI-powered grandchild impersonation and spoofed bank calls. Texas seniors lost an average of $51,700 per complaint, while Arizona experienced the highest elder fraud rate per capita at 3.5 cases per 1,000 seniors. Protection strategies include freezing credit, using call-filtering apps, employing password managers, discussing scams with family, and utilizing data removal services to scrub personal information from people-search sites and data brokers.
wosu.org
· 2025-12-08
Ohio seniors filed 302 scam and fraud complaints to the Division of Securities in 2024, a 22% increase from 2023, with the state experiencing over $64 million in elder fraud losses in 2023 alone. The most prevalent scam targeting older Ohioans is the romance scam, where international criminals use dating apps to build relationships and eventually persuade victims to invest in cryptocurrency by liquidating retirement accounts or refinancing homes, with funds directed to fictitious platforms. Investigators urge seniors to report suspicious propositions to trusted contacts, verify financial institution communications independently, and report suspected fraud to local police and the Ohio Division of Securities.
wyso.org
· 2025-12-08
Ohio seniors reported 302 scam and fraud complaints to the Division of Securities in 2024, a 22% increase from 2023, with the state experiencing over $64 million in losses according to FBI data. Romance scams targeting older adults have grown significantly, with perpetrators using dating apps to build relationships before convincing victims to invest in cryptocurrency by liquidating retirement accounts or refinancing homes, with funds directed to fraudulent exchanges. Investigators advise seniors to verify any claims about compromised accounts directly with financial institutions, avoid secrecy in relationships, and report suspected fraud to local police and the Ohio Division of Securities at 614-644-7381.
bostonglobe.com
· 2025-12-08
Teresa Rogg, a 74-year-old Massachusetts resident, lost approximately $140,000 from her retirement account after falling victim to an evolving "phantom hacker" scam that began with a fake security pop-up and escalated to in-person cash pickups over two months. The scammers convinced her that suspicious activity had been detected on her accounts and instructed her to withdraw cash and hand it to couriers using code words, while also sending fraudulent letters impersonating the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Tech support scams in Massachusetts have surged dramatically, with reported losses increasing from $1.2 million in 2019 to over $50 million in the most
kvoa.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes held a town hall in Douglas to educate residents about scams targeting elders, including voice cloning and romance scams increasingly found on social media. Arizona had the highest elder fraud rate in the nation at nearly 300 cases per 100,000 seniors in 2023, with authorities recovering only $5 million of over $300 million in losses during 2024. The discussion emphasized the importance of public education and contacting local law enforcement to verify suspicious communications as protective measures.
kvoa.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes held a town hall meeting in Douglas to educate seniors about common scams, including voice cloning and romance scams on social media platforms. Arizona experienced nearly 300 elder fraud cases per 100,000 seniors in 2023—the highest rate in the nation—though the attorney general's office recovered $5 million in 2024 out of over $300 million in losses. The event emphasized the importance of contacting local law enforcement for verification and staying informed about fraud tactics targeting older adults.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office co-hosted the 3rd Annual Walk for Awareness in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 11, 2025, ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, to raise awareness about financial, physical, and emotional abuse affecting seniors. According to the FBI's 2024 Internet Crimes Report, adults over 60 suffered $4.8 billion in financial losses and filed 147,127 complaints, with investment fraud, tech support scams, romance scams, and government impersonation being the most common schemes. The U.S. Attorney's Office has prosecuted multiple elder fraud cases involving millions of dollars and continues partnering with community organizations to
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Cynthia Song, 43, of Arcadia pleaded guilty to leading a money laundering ring of at least 15 people who moved over $11.6 million stolen from approximately 180 elderly victims across the country to overseas accounts, primarily in China. Song and her co-conspirators, mostly people of Chinese descent in the LA area, created fake business entities and opened multiple bank accounts to disguise the illegal transfers, keeping 5-10% of the funds for themselves before sending the remainder abroad. She faces up to 20 years in prison and is scheduled for sentencing on September 16.
click2houston.com
· 2025-12-08
A 65-year-old Houston man, Hiep Nguyen, lost approximately $500,000 over five months in a government impersonation scam that began with a legitimate IRS identity theft notice followed by fraudulent calls impersonating the Vietnam Embassy. The scammers used encrypted messaging, fake government documents, and AI-generated videos to convince Nguyen he needed to wire money to clear his name of overseas crimes, ultimately forcing him to plan to sell his house and delay retirement indefinitely.
bocaratontribune.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Americans over 60 reported a 46% increase in financial scams compared to 2023, resulting in losses exceeding $4.8 billion, with nearly 12,000 victims in Florida alone. Common schemes include phone and mail scams, Medicare fraud, internet scams, and power-of-attorney abuse. The article provides prevention strategies including learning to identify common scams, understanding IRS communication practices, registering on Do Not Call lists, seeking reputable financial services, and reporting suspected fraud to consumer protection agencies.
wpsdlocal6.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, seniors aged 60 and older lost $4.8 billion to online scams—a 43% increase from the previous year—with an average loss of $83,000 per victim, according to FBI data cited by Paducah-based cybersecurity firm SOMA Cyber Inc. Investment scams were the costliest fraud type, taking nearly $2 billion from this age group, while romance scams and tech support impersonation schemes also caused significant losses. SOMA Cyber is launching awareness workshops and recommends seniors verify unexpected financial requests independently, use strong password practices, enable two-factor authentication, and immediately contact their bank if victimized.
americascreditunions.org
· 2025-12-08
A 66-year-old executor embezzled $3.7 million from his 92-year-old dementia patient by systematically draining her accounts through withdrawals, checks, and credit-card charges, then spent the funds on luxuries, leaving her estate virtually depleted. The case exemplifies a growing crisis: older Americans lost $12.5 billion to scams and fraud in 2024 (a 25% increase from 2023), with common exploitation methods including property theft, fraudulent power-of-attorney misuse, romance scams, and grandparent imposter schemes. Financial institutions are responding by training staff to recognize red flags—such as