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elderlawanswers.com
A phishing scam is targeting Social Security beneficiaries with emails impersonating the Social Security Administration (SSA), tricking recipients into downloading fake Social Security statements that actually contain malware. Once downloaded, the ScreenConnect software gives hackers remote access to victims' computers and sensitive information such as bank account credentials and personal data used for identity theft. Older adults are particularly vulnerable, with Americans aged 60 and older reporting $3.4 billion in total fraud losses in 2023, and recipients should avoid downloading email attachments and verify that legitimate SSA communications come from .gov email addresses.
spectrumnews1.com
"Pig butchering," a financial grooming scam where perpetrators build trust over months before soliciting investments (often in cryptocurrency), has resulted in victims losing thousands to millions of dollars, with investment scam losses increasing from $3.3 billion in 2022 to $4.5 billion in 2023. One Kentucky victim lost $1.7 million in assets after being manipulated into selling her home and liquidating retirement accounts. AARP recommends victims research investments, ignore unsolicited messages, use reverse image searches, and work with certified financial advisers to protect themselves from these schemes.
aol.com
A Florida woman lost $160,000 to a scammer who used AI technology to impersonate actor Keanu Reeves over a two-and-a-half-year period. The scammer gained her trust through video calls and phone conversations using deepfake technology, then convinced her he needed money for legal troubles and froze assets, leading her to take out a home equity loan and sell her car to send cryptocurrency. This case reflects a broader trend of AI-enabled celebrity imposter scams, with the FTC reporting over 64,000 romance scams in 2023 causing $1.14 billion in losses, and research showing 33% of people contacted by fake celebrities
sportskeeda.com
A Hulu docuseries examines a coordinated romance scam that targeted three women—Annette, Roxy, and Gaby—who were each deceived by the same fraudster using multiple aliases (Scott Donald Hall, James Richards, and Michael Silver) to solicit money under false pretenses including medical emergencies and business crises. The victims lost significant sums, with at least one woman reporting losses exceeding $30,000, and the case illustrates how scammers increasingly employ AI and deepfake technology alongside emotional manipulation to deceive victims across online dating platforms. The series documents how the women eventually discovered they shared the same deceiver and worked together to expose the fraud.
cheshire-live.co.uk
Between April 2022 and March 2025, UK residents lost over £271 million to dating scams, with 21,976 reported cases, including 399 Cheshire victims who collectively lost £4.36 million (averaging £10,917 per person). Reports increased 17% in the latest financial year to 8,122 cases, with losses reaching £102.2 million, and women experiencing significantly higher average losses (£16,370) compared to men (£9,289), while some individual victims lost over £500,000.
theforester.co.uk
Between 2022/23 and 2024/25, dating scams cost UK victims over £271 million, with 328 reports from Gloucestershire residents alone resulting in collective losses of £2.6 million (averaging £7,943 per victim). Men reported more incidents but women suffered higher average losses per case (£16,370 vs. lower male average), with victims' average age increasing from 47 to 49 over the period, and victims often experiencing significant psychological and emotional trauma beyond financial loss.
kingsbridge-today.co.uk
Dating scams cost UK victims over £271 million between April 2022 and April 2025, with Devon & Cornwall among the hardest-hit regions, where victims lost over £7 million at an average of £9,060 per case. Men reported the most incidents (10,634) but women and transgender victims suffered significantly higher average losses at £16,370 and £27,234 respectively, with the average victim age increasing from 47 to 49 years old across the period. Fraudsters exploit victims' desire for companionship through manipulation and social engineering, causing not only financial but severe psychological and emotional harm.
wokingnewsandmail.co.uk
Between April 2022 and March 2025, dating scams cost UK victims £271.4 million across 21,976 reports, with Surrey residents accounting for 481 cases and losses totaling £4.9 million (averaging £10,218 per victim). Reports increased 17% in 2024-25 to 8,122 cases, with women losing nearly twice as much per incident as men despite fewer reports, and some victims losing over £500,000 each.
states.aarp.org
Idaho passed a "report and hold" law effective July 1 that allows financial institutions to temporarily freeze transactions for up to 15 days if they suspect adults 65 and older or those with disabilities are being targeted by scammers seeking fraudulent transfers. Idaho consumers reported losing nearly $54 million to scams in the previous year, and the law enables banks and securities firms to report suspected financial exploitation to state officials while investigating red flags such as sudden withdrawals, unusual contact changes, or nervous customer behavior during transactions. The legislation fills a gap as Idaho becomes one of only 26 states with such protections applying to both the banking and securities industries.
cnbc.com
Cybercriminals are exploiting confusion about new tariff policies by sending fraudulent "tariff payment request" emails and texts posing as retailers, delivery companies, or government agencies to steal consumers' financial information and money. The scam capitalizes on widespread public unfamiliarity with how tariffs work and consumers' expectation to pay higher prices, with cybersecurity researchers discovering approximately 300 tariff-related fraudulent domain registrations in early 2024. Consumers should be cautious of unsolicited payment requests and verify directly with official sources before providing payment information, though some legitimate tariff and customs duty payments do exist.
wisbusiness.com
College students face multiple scams during back-to-school season, including phishing emails impersonating school financial departments that trick students into revealing login credentials and personal information. The Better Business Bureau warns students to be vigilant against common schemes such as fake credit card offers, fraudulent apartment rentals, scholarship scams, ID theft, online shopping fraud, and test preparation blackmail scams that exploit their vulnerability as they prepare for the new academic year.
newscentermaine.com
AI-powered voice cloning technology is enabling scammers to create convincing replicas of trusted individuals to perpetrate fraud, with common schemes including family emergency scams targeting relatives and "vishing" attacks on businesses (one case involving a quarter-million dollar theft). Since AI voices are now difficult to distinguish from real ones by ear alone, experts recommend focusing on suspicious situations rather than voice authenticity, verifying callers through independent contact methods, and establishing family verification codes to confirm identity during unexpected calls requesting money.
presspublications.com
The AARP Fraud Watch Network report reveals that over 276 million American adults face cyber threats through unverified apps and unreliable social media content, while 203 million lack multifactor authentication on their accounts, increasing vulnerability to hacking and identity theft. The report emphasizes the importance of implementing protective measures and collective action to combat evolving criminal tactics, while advocating for a shift away from blaming victims toward holding criminals accountable.
wral.com
A North Carolina resident received a terrifying scam call spoofing her mother's phone number in which a man claimed to be holding her mother hostage and demanded immediate payment via PayPal. The victim became suspicious when the scammer demanded she not call police and couldn't provide proof of her mother's location, ultimately refusing to send money and calling 911 to confirm her mother's safety. The incident highlights how scammers exploit emotional connections and personal data to manipulate victims, and authorities recommend hanging up immediately, verifying the person's safety through direct contact, and reporting such calls to police.
dfi.wa.gov
In 2022, nearly 70,000 people reported romance scams to the FTC, resulting in $1.3 billion in losses. Romance scammers use dating apps and social media to build trust with victims, then pressure them to send money under false pretenses of emergencies or investments. To protect yourself, keep conversations within official apps, never send money to people you haven't met in person, avoid sharing personal information, and report suspicious behavior to authorities immediately.
cbsnews.com
Job scams are increasing, with fraudsters posing as recruiters or companies through online postings and direct messages to steal personal information like Social Security numbers or banking details. Red flags include unsolicited job offers via text promising high earnings for minimal work, requests for upfront payment or bank account information, and fake signing bonuses that are later reversed. Job seekers should research companies and recruiters before applying, verify contact information directly with the company, and report suspected scams to the FTC.
digitaltransactions.net
ThreatMark released ScamFlag, a generative AI service that banks can integrate into their mobile-banking apps to help consumers identify potential scams by analyzing screenshots or photos of suspicious content. The tool uses AI trained on fraud samples to detect phishing emails, romance scams, investment fraud, marketplace scams, and business email compromise with reported 99% accuracy, providing users instant feedback on identified threats and recommended actions. Banks implement ScamFlag through a software development kit with annual licensing fees starting in the lower tens of thousands of dollars.
nasdaq.com
This educational article explains why retirees are targeted for financial fraud and describes common scams affecting older adults. Americans over 60 lost more than $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, with victims aged 80+ reporting average losses of $1,450—nearly three times higher than younger victims. The piece identifies key vulnerabilities (accumulated wealth, lower tech familiarity, trusting nature, social isolation) and provides warning signs and protection strategies for imposter scams (posing as IRS, Medicare, Social Security) and tech support scams, emphasizing awareness as the primary defense against financial fraud.
gibsondunn.com
On May 12, 2025, the DOJ Criminal Division announced a new White-Collar Enforcement Plan and updated guidance documents that emphasize an "America First" approach prioritizing prosecution of fraud schemes targeting vulnerable populations, government program fraud, and crimes affecting national security and U.S. businesses. The guidance signals a shift toward considering the impact of investigations on legitimate businesses while maintaining focus on dishonest actors, foreign corruption, and trade enforcement violations.
newsweek.com
The New York Statewide Senior Action Council warned of a spreading Medicare scam involving medical identity theft, where criminals obtain seniors' confidential medical information to fraudulently bill for services and supplies. The alert comes as the FTC reports identity theft has risen since late 2023, with thousands of Americans—particularly older adults—falling victim annually; authorities advise seniors never to share Medicare or Social Security numbers with unsolicited callers and to verify suspicious claims directly with Medicare (1-800-Medicare) or their doctors.
kiro7.com
Three Clallam County residents lost over $1 million in 2025 to impersonation scams where fraudsters posed as Amazon, FTC, and Social Security Administration officials, with one victim losing $862,000 in gold bars. Victims were told their identities were used for crimes and pressured to provide cash, gold, and device access; two suspects have been arrested and additional victims from Clallam, Jefferson, and neighboring counties are coming forward. Authorities advise residents to reject unsolicited calls from government or tech companies, verify requests with banks or law enforcement, and never share cash, valuables, or personal information with strangers.
mynorthwest.com
Over $1 million was stolen from Clallam County residents in 2025 through scams impacting at least three victims, with one losing $862,000 in gold bars, in schemes where fraudsters impersonated Amazon, FTC, and Social Security Administration officials. The scams primarily targeted seniors by falsely claiming their identities were used for crimes, then pressuring victims to surrender cash, gold, and device access. Two suspects have been arrested, and authorities warn residents to reject unsolicited calls from purported government or tech officials and verify requests directly with banks or law enforcement.
en.cibercuba.com
A Cuban woman in Brazil exposed a phishing scam involving fake messages claiming unpaid package fees from Correios (Brazilian postal service) that redirected to fraudulent payment pages. Multiple users on social media, predominantly Cubans and Venezuelans in Brazil, confirmed receiving similar messages, with some admitting they had already paid the fake fees. Experts recommend verifying package status directly through the official Correios website using tracking codes and never clicking links or sharing personal information from unsolicited messages.
thestar.com.my
A 41-year-old cook in Johor Baru fell victim to a phishing scam after submitting a credit card application; a fraudster impersonating a company representative obtained his personal and bank details, deposited RM600 into his account, then demanded repayment of RM1,200 within five days. When the victim refused further payments and filed a police report, the scammers escalated to threats of violence against his family, describing his house and vehicle with disturbing accuracy. The case highlights a rising trend of such scams in the region, with authorities receiving 10+ complaints monthly.
cantonrep.com
Scammers create fake websites mimicking legitimate streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ to steal login credentials and personal data through lookalike sites or malware downloads. To protect yourself, verify the official URL before entering any information, be skeptical of ads and "free trial" offers, and never provide passwords or payment details on third-party websites. Legitimate streaming service representatives will not request passwords via phone or email.
973espn.com
Law enforcement agencies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are warning residents about six prevalent scams: Facebook marketplace scams offering cheap duct cleaning or car detailing that harvest personal information; jury duty scams impersonating authorities and requesting driver's license or passport numbers; "brushing" scams involving unsolicited packages with malicious QR codes designed to access phone data; Medicaid/Medicare impersonation scams attempting to steal Social Security numbers and personal information; fake law enforcement scams threatening arrest and demanding bond payments; and additional schemes targeting victims through phone calls, emails, and in-person contact. The advisory emphasizes avoiding contact with suspicious offers, never scanning unknown QR codes, hanging up on callers imp
carsonnow.org
Romance and friendship scams rank among the top three riskiest scams in 2024, with victims reporting a median loss of $6,099 after scammers build trust over weeks or months before requesting money or personal information. Phishing scams are also rising in sophistication, using personalized emails and texts enhanced by artificial intelligence to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or granting computer access. The article provides warning signs for both scam types and directs victims to the BBB Scam Survival Toolkit and Scam Tracker for reporting and recovery resources.
pymnts.com
Website and email cloning scams—where criminals impersonate legitimate investment firms—affected consumers in the latter half of 2024, with 478 reported cases resulting in 23% success rates and £2.7 million ($3.5 million) in losses. The Investment Association warned that artificial intelligence technologies like deepfakes are enabling increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, exemplified by a Hong Kong finance worker who transferred $25 million to fraudsters using deepfake video calls. Consumers are advised to verify website and email authenticity before transferring money, as cloning remains the top investment fraud threat.
dig.watch
Since April, cybercriminals have used deepfake voice and video technology to impersonate senior US government officials and tech executives in phishing campaigns targeting current and former federal officials, attempting to steal passwords and sensitive data through fake calls and messages. The FBI warns that compromised accounts can be weaponized to target others in victims' networks and recommends verification of identities, avoiding unsolicited links, multifactor authentication, and scrutiny of media for inconsistencies. A separate incident involved deepfake impersonation of Polygon co-founder Sandeep Nailwal and colleagues via Zoom to trick crypto users into installing malicious scripts.
muddyrivernews.com
The Better Business Bureau warns that scam survivors face heightened risk of additional fraud due to emotional vulnerability, with 12.4% of victims experiencing multiple scams. The article provides practical recovery steps including securing finances through financial institutions, protecting credit through fraud alerts or freezes, changing compromised passwords, avoiding recovery scams, seeking emotional support, and reporting incidents to BBB Scam Tracker to help others avoid similar schemes.
dailyhodl.com
Meta executives acknowledged an "epidemic of scams" growing in scale and sophistication on Facebook and Instagram, with the company experimenting with facial-recognition technology and partnering with banks and tech firms to address the problem. JPMorgan Chase reported that Meta accounted for nearly half of all scams on its Zelle payment platform between summer 2023 and 2024, prompting the bank to block certain transactions originating from Meta platforms. Despite recent improvements, internal documents show Meta has deprioritized scam enforcement and reduced resources allocated to combating fraud.
english.gujaratsamachar.com
In 2024, Gujarat registered over 125,000 cybercrime complaints as part of India's nationwide total of 11.21 lakh cases, with citizens defrauded of approximately ₹400 lakh crore through scams including romance frauds (15%), investment schemes (20%), and phishing (20%). To address the crisis, seven joint cyber coordination teams have been established across cybercrime hotspots in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and other states to resolve jurisdictional conflicts and strengthen inter-state cooperation, while over 100,000 police officers have received specialized training in cybercrime investigation.
cbs6albany.com
A New York watchdog group issued an alert warning Medicare cardholders about medical identity theft, where scammers use personal health information or Medicare numbers to fraudulently bill for services. The alert emphasizes that Medicare, the IRS, and Social Security will never call requesting information, and advises victims to monitor statements, contact their doctor's office, call Medicare at 1-800-Medicare, or call the New York State Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-800-333-4374 for assistance.
tamaractalk.com
The Broward Sheriff's Office is hosting a free Senior Safety Summit on June 21 in Tamarac to educate seniors about prevalent scams targeting their community. The event will cover the latest scams, recognition and avoidance strategies, and resources for victims, with light refreshments provided.
mondaq.com
This is not an elder fraud news article. The document is a May 2025 Department of Justice policy memorandum outlining white-collar crime enforcement priorities for the Trump administration. While the memorandum lists "elder fraud" as one of several high-impact areas for prosecution alongside securities fraud, investment fraud, and Ponzi schemes, it provides no specific case information, victim details, or dollar amounts related to elder fraud incidents. This is a policy/enforcement guidance document rather than reporting on an actual fraud case or elder abuse event.
floridapolitics.com
Two Florida congressional members introduced the "Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams and Disasters Act," which would expand tax deductions for victims of fraud, cybercrime, theft, and natural disasters—particularly benefiting seniors who have suffered financial losses. The measure, supported by AARP and the Elder Justice Coalition, seeks to reinstate personal casualty loss deductions and extend filing deadlines for affected taxpayers to help them recover from their losses.
adirondackdailyenterprise.com
A scam victim shares two personal experiences: falling for a gift card fraud when a hacker accessed a friend's email and impersonated her, resulting in financial loss, and nearly falling for an overpayment scam involving a fake certified check during an online canoe sale. The author emphasizes that gift card requests are a major red flag, verifying identity through alternative contact methods is essential, and certified checks can be fraudulent even if they appear to clear initially—requiring weeks to confirm legitimacy before returning funds.
nypost.com
Meta allowed thousands of fraudulent ads to proliferate on Facebook and Instagram while reportedly deprioritizing enforcement to protect advertising revenue, according to a Wall Street Journal investigation. The platform accounted for nearly half of all Zelle-related scam complaints to JPMorgan Chase between mid-2023 and mid-2024, with documented schemes including fake bulk merchandise ads using legitimate businesses' addresses, counterfeit McCormick brand promotions charging victims hundreds of dollars, and nonexistent puppy sales operating from overseas. Internal documents and former Meta staffers revealed the company tolerated multiple fraud "strikes" before banning accounts and deliberately avoided stricter advertiser controls despite losses to victims potentially reaching
yahoo.com
**Elder fraud epidemic:** Americans age 60+ lost over $3 billion to scammers in 2023, with elder fraud complaints to the FBI rising 14% year-over-year. Older adults are targeted due to their financial assets, trust levels, and often limited familiarity with technology, and they experience not only financial losses but also trauma, shame, and mental health consequences from being victimized.
thegardenisland.com
Elder fraud is increasing on Kauai and beyond, with common scams including phishing emails, impersonation of law enforcement, cryptocurrency investment schemes, and AI-enabled fraud. AARP Elder Fraud Expert Paul Greenwood conducted a community education presentation warning of emerging threats such as deepfakes and cryptocurrency ATMs in supermarkets, where fraudsters convince victims to transfer funds. Greenwood emphasized that elderly victims often experience severe psychological harm and encouraged community members to report scams immediately and support an "Elder Justice Team" to coordinate law enforcement, social services, and financial institutions in combating fraud.
jdsupra.com
The U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division announced updated white-collar enforcement policies on May 12, 2025, focusing on ten high-impact areas including health care fraud, securities fraud, Ponzi schemes, and money laundering. The revised Corporate Enforcement Policy offers greater incentives for companies that voluntarily self-report misconduct, fully cooperate, and remediate, while also expanding opportunities for corporate whistleblowers. The DOJ's renewed emphasis on corporate criminal enforcement prioritizes cases involving senior-level personnel, demonstrable financial losses, and obstruction of justice, indicating continued robust prosecution despite earlier speculation of reduced white-collar enforcement activity.
womansworld.com
**Summary:**
As the Real ID deadline approached in May 2025, the Better Business Bureau warned of a surge in scams exploiting public confusion about the application process, including fake DMV websites and phishing emails requesting personal information for identity theft or fraud. To stay safe, applicants should only use official state DMV websites ending in .gov, remember that Real ID applications cannot be completed entirely online, and be aware that legitimate DMV offices never request personal information via unsolicited contact. Anyone who falls victim should immediately freeze their credit with major bureaus and report the incident to the BBB and state Attorney General.
english.news.cn
Meta Platforms' Facebook and Instagram have become major conduits for internet fraud, accounting for nearly half of reported scams on JPMorgan Chase's Zelle payment platform between summer 2023 and 2024, with similar patterns documented by British and Australian regulators. An internal 2022 Meta analysis found that 70 percent of newly active advertisers were promoting scams, illicit goods, or low-quality products, driven by cryptocurrencies, AI, and overseas crime networks. The company has been reluctant to remove repeat scammers or add fraud prevention measures that might impact its $160 billion advertising business, despite repeated employee warnings.
wgal.com
Facebook Marketplace scams are increasing, with perpetrators using tactics such as requesting off-platform communication, offering inflated prices without viewing items, and using third-party payment apps like Zelle to conduct fraudulent transactions. Scammers employ psychological manipulation—including fake payment screenshots, overpayment refund requests, and accusations of dishonesty—to pressure victims into quick decisions that bypass critical thinking. Both buyers and sellers can be targeted, and victims risk losing money if they fail to recognize these warning signs.
wusa9.com
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office reported a surge in spoofed phone calls appearing to originate from the department's official number, with fraudsters impersonating sheriff's representatives and requesting monetary donations and gift cards. The office clarified that it never solicits donations or gift cards by phone and advised residents to hang up immediately and refrain from sharing personal or financial information if contacted by such scammers. Residents are encouraged to report fraudulent calls directly to the Sheriff's Office.
desotocountynews.com
This educational article, published during Older Americans Month in May, provides seniors with practical financial management strategies to help them live within fixed incomes and protect themselves from fraud. Key recommendations include creating monthly budgets, utilizing senior discounts, planning for healthcare costs, avoiding scams and identity theft, and establishing estate plans with professional guidance. The piece emphasizes that financial literacy and proactive money management are essential for older adults to achieve financial stability and security.
local3news.com
The Better Business Bureau warns job seekers about employment scam texts that impersonate legitimate companies, offering unrealistic salaries ($250-$500/day) and benefits for minimal work with little or no vetting process. Common red flags include unsolicited job offers via text, pressure to provide personal/banking information, overpayment schemes, reshipping scams, and positions that seem too good to be true. Job seekers should verify recruiters and companies through official channels, research hiring processes and salary ranges, guard sensitive information, and be wary of jobs requiring upfront money transfers or fake check deposits.
scmp.com
This article discusses rising scams targeting young people in Hong Kong, including fake online shopping deals, gaming account fraud, and sextortion schemes on social media platforms. Notable cases include a University of Hong Kong student who lost HK$9.2 million in a phone scam and a teenager defrauded of HK$3,000 for fake concert tickets. Experts emphasize that cybersafety education starting in primary school is essential to prevent scams, and victims should report incidents to police, block scammers, change passwords, and preserve evidence.
thesun.ie
A woman in Newtownards, County Down, lost £15,000 to a romance scammer she met on a dating site who built a relationship with her over several months before convincing her to transfer money on three separate occasions. The PSNI issued a warning about romance scams, noting that fraudsters typically develop quick online relationships, move communication off the dating platform, fabricate stories and investment opportunities, then request money they never intend to repay. Police advised victims to keep communication on official dating platforms, verify profiles through reverse image searches, never send money to someone they haven't met in person, and seek independent financial advice before any investments.
uk.news.yahoo.com
**Article:** Elder fraud has reached epidemic proportions – a geriatrician explains what older Americans need to know
Americans age 60 and older lost over $3 billion to scammers in 2023, with elder fraud complaints to the FBI increasing 14% year-over-year, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. Older adults are targeted because they tend to be trusting, have financial savings and assets, and may be less comfortable with technology, making them vulnerable to tech-support scams, romance scams, investment fraud, and call-center schemes—with investment scams being the costliest category. Beyond financial losses, fraud victims often experience trauma