Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
10,158 results
in Scam Awareness
ein.az.gov
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned that scammers exploit disasters and mass casualty events—such as the New Orleans terrorist attack and Los Angeles wildfires—by impersonating charitable organizations and celebrities to solicit fraudulent donations, sometimes using AI to increase legitimacy. In 2024, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center received over 4,500 complaints reporting approximately $96 million in losses to fraudulent charities, crowdfunding accounts, and disaster relief campaigns. The FBI advises verifying charity legitimacy through official registries, being suspicious of urgent payment requests from unknown individuals, and avoiding unsolicited communications claiming to represent disaster victims.
civicmedia.us
· 2025-12-08
I don't have the actual article content to summarize. The text you provided only shows the header, byline, and footer information from what appears to be a news website, but doesn't include the body of the article about fitness scams.
To provide an accurate summary for the Elderus database, please share the full article text, including the main content about the fitness scams discussed.
rosevilletoday.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article warns of common tax-season scams including robocalls falsely claiming Social Security cancellation, fraudulent IRS impersonation emails and letters, and "ghost tax preparers" who don't sign returns and may claim unauthorized deductions. The article advises verifying tax preparer credentials through IRS Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTIN), confirming IRS correspondence through official seals and direct contact, and reporting suspected identity theft to local police or the IRS.
chulavistatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers nationwide are sending fraudulent text messages impersonating toll agencies and demanding payment for alleged unpaid tolls, with the goal of stealing victims' financial and personal information. Clicking the malicious links in these messages risks exposing sensitive data such as credit card numbers and identification details, potentially leading to identity theft and financial loss. Consumers should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify toll status directly through official agency channels, and report fraudulent messages to protect themselves.
pasadenanow.com
· 2025-12-08
California's Insurance Commissioner and Los Angeles County District Attorney announced a joint initiative to combat insurance fraud targeting wildfire survivors, combining consumer education with enhanced prosecution efforts. The Department of Insurance has deployed teams to educate residents about their rights, verify contractor licenses, and enforce regulations including a mandatory seven-day waiting period before public adjusters can solicit business in disaster zones. Since 2019, the Department has distributed over $550 million statewide for fraud investigations and prosecutions, with free insurance support workshops being offered to help survivors understand claims processes and avoid common scams.
okcfriday.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece highlights the growing threat of digital-age scams targeting older adults, noting that adults aged 60+ filed over 100,000 complaints in 2023 resulting in losses exceeding $3.4 billion. The article identifies common scams including phishing, Medicare and health insurance fraud, and tech support scams, and recommends protective measures such as staying skeptical of unsolicited communications, never sharing personal information online, monitoring finances, and reporting suspected fraud to appropriate authorities including the FBI, FTC, and Medicare watchdog agency.
crimestoppers.ns.ca
· 2025-12-08
Halifax Regional Police are warning seniors about an ongoing bail bond scam in which callers impersonate family members claiming to be in jail and demand bail money, with suspects sometimes arranging in-person pickups at victims' homes. Police are seeking public assistance identifying a suspect described as a man aged 30-40 wearing black clothing and a mask, possibly traveling in a white SUV, and remind the public that law enforcement will never collect bail money in person and to hang up on such calls without providing financial information.
hoodline.com
· 2025-12-08
Boston Police District D-4 held an elder fraud prevention presentation at the Susan Bailis Assisted Living Community, educating residents on recognizing and avoiding scams through emails, phone calls, and mail. The session covered how to identify financial abuse and potential abusers, with police encouraging seniors and families to contact local authorities with fraud concerns.
police.boston.gov
· 2025-12-08
District D-4 officers conducted an elder fraud prevention presentation at Susan Bailis Assisted Living Community, covering financial abuse tactics including mail, email, phone, and in-person scams. The presentation provided seniors with strategies for identifying potential abusers and recognizing warning signs of financial fraud. Community members are encouraged to contact their local Boston Police District Office with questions about fraud or suspected scams.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A 53-year-old French woman lost €830,000 (£700,000) in a romance scam where she was deceived into believing she was in a relationship with Brad Pitt; the scammer claimed to need money for cancer treatment and fabricated financial problems following a fake divorce. A Paris-based private investigator traced the perpetrator to a young man in Nigeria operating as part of a team with at least 34 other victims, who is now impersonating Keanu Reeves and remains at large despite evidence being shared with Nigerian authorities and Interpol.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of common tactics used in romance scams and advises potential victims to be cautious. The organization provides resources for reporting scams and obtaining recovery assistance through its website and ScamTracker tool.
oag.dc.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb issued a consumer alert warning residents about charity scams targeting donations for California wildfire relief efforts. The alert provides guidance on verifying charities through independent sources (IRS, BBB, Charity Navigator, etc.), confirming proper licensing, and identifying red flags such as requests for immediate payment via non-refundable methods, demands for personal information, or pressure tactics. Donors are advised to research organizations before giving, request written documentation, and donate only to trusted charities with transparent information about how funds will be used.
ladailypost.com
· 2025-12-08
A 53-year-old French woman was defrauded of $850,000 by scammers posing as Brad Pitt using AI-generated images and videos to create a convincing fake romance from 2023 onwards. The scammers exploited her vulnerability as a cancer survivor and social media novice, fabricating stories about divorce proceedings and medical treatments to justify repeated money requests, and even created a fake AI newscast to counter her doubts. The article warns that AI-powered celebrity romance scams are increasingly effective and advises monitoring vulnerable relatives for warning signs such as online relationships with people who cannot meet in person or requests for money.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Travel scams are proliferating in 2025, with criminals using AI to create fake websites, airline emails, vacation rental listings, and social media profiles to defraud travelers. One traveler lost $1,596 after falling for a fake United Airlines cancellation email and phone call scam, though United eventually refunded him after investigation. To protect themselves, travelers should verify listings through reverse image searches and multiple platforms, avoid suspiciously low fares, contact companies directly through official websites or apps, and cross-reference businesses against legitimate third-party sources before providing personal or payment information.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
A California baker lost over $7,500 in a fake-check scam when a fraudulent customer ordered 1,000 cupcakes, paid with a counterfeit check, then requested a refund for a reduced order before the bank withdrew the funds and cited the check as fraudulent. Fake-check scams, also known as cash-back scams, have been a persistent fraud method for years, exploiting the fact that banks make check funds available within 24-48 hours before fully verifying the check's legitimacy with the issuing bank.
kcra.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending "smishing" text messages impersonating FasTrak, California's electronic toll collection system, with messages urging payment of toll fees and including links to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and credit card information. The FBI received over 2,000 complaints about these scams since early March, affecting toll services across at least three states, with the problem ongoing since February. Recipients should not click links, verify directly with their tolling agency using known contact information, and report suspicious texts to the Internet Crime Complaint Center or Federal Trade Commission.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
"Brushing" scams involve criminals sending unexpected packages containing inexpensive items and QR codes to victims' addresses; when scanned, these codes direct recipients to fake websites designed to steal sensitive information like credit card numbers and Social Security numbers, or the packages are used to generate fake positive reviews for third-party sellers. Victims should avoid scanning QR codes, file fraud reports with retailers, monitor their credit reports, and update passwords if compromised. The scam puts recipients at risk of identity theft and reveals their personal information to criminals, even if they keep the free items.
khou.com
· 2025-12-08
Houston experienced a "smishing" scam in which fraudsters sent mass text messages impersonating ParkHouston, claiming recipients owed parking fees and threatening a $35 charge to redirect them to a fake website designed to steal personal and financial information. Several victims lost money before the bogus website was taken down and reported to the FBI; ParkHouston clarified it does not communicate about unpaid fees via text message. Residents are advised to ignore suspicious texts, never copy-paste unfamiliar links, and call 311 to verify city-related communications.
iomtoday.co.im
· 2025-12-08
An Isle of Man Bank customer lost nearly £200,000 after fraudsters impersonated the bank's fraud team and convinced the victim to purchase gold and send it via mail to London; the scam succeeded because it coincided with the customer's genuine card problems, making the call seem legitimate. The Cyber Security Centre's report for late 2024 also documented additional fraud cases including a £200,000 cryptocurrency scam, sextortion attempts, smishing schemes, and fake Facebook travel offers, with 2,721 suspicious emails reported to authorities and recommendations emphasizing independent verification and family communication about financial matters.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A 53-year-old French interior designer lost approximately Rs 7.5 crore in a romance scam involving fake accounts impersonating Brad Pitt and his mother, exploiting her emotional vulnerability during an ongoing divorce. The scammers used AI-generated videos and messages to build trust, then fabricated stories about customs fees, medical emergencies, and frozen bank accounts to extract money before she discovered the deception through real celebrity photos. This case reflects a rising trend of sophisticated romance scams targeting celebrity-obsessed individuals, with similar Brad Pitt impersonation schemes reported across Europe.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
A 53-year-old French woman was scammed out of €830,000 by someone impersonating Brad Pitt over a 16-month period, with the scammer using fake social media profiles, WhatsApp accounts, and AI-generated images to convince her they were in a romantic relationship. The impersonator claimed to need money for cancer treatment during divorce proceedings, prompting the victim to transfer hundreds of thousands of euros before discovering the fraud when she saw photos of the real Pitt with his actual partner. Brad Pitt's spokesperson emphasized that this case highlights the importance of not responding to unsolicited online contact, especially from celebrities without social media presence.
etsn.fm
· 2025-12-08
A Louisiana woman lost approximately $60,000 in a catfishing scam where someone used artificial intelligence to impersonate Elon Musk on the Threads platform and subsequently in video conversations. The scammer convinced her to purchase gift cards (which could not be traced or retrieved) by promising her a Tesla and later requesting money for pizza and fabricated truck damage fees. Home Depot employees in multiple Louisiana locations became suspicious when the victim repeatedly purchased gift cards and refused to sell them to her, helping halt the fraud.
bangkokpost.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers created fake websites impersonating the Bangkok Post and CP Group senior chairman Dhanin Chearavanont to lure victims into investment fraud schemes, using doctored news content and social media posts promising high returns. Both organizations filed formal complaints with Thai police and reported the fraudulent accounts to Facebook, warning the public to avoid unverified financial advertisements and offering reporting hotlines for suspicious activity. The investigation is ongoing with evidence submitted to authorities demonstrating the scams were conducted by criminal groups unaffiliated with either organization.
bangkokpost.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers created fake websites impersonating the Bangkok Post and CP Group's senior chairman Dhanin Chearavanont to perpetrate investment fraud schemes, using doctored news articles and social media posts to lure victims with promises of high returns. Both organizations filed formal complaints with Thai police and reported the fraudulent accounts to Facebook, warning the public to avoid unverified advertisements and financial offers. Victims are urged to contact the Cyber Police Hotline at 1441 or file reports with local police.
thehindu.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old man in Hyderabad lost ₹2.17 lakh to cybercriminals who contacted him via Instagram claiming he had won a ₹5 lakh prize in the Kerala lucky draw lottery, then demanded processing fees before disappearing. The Hyderabad cybercrime police registered a case and began investigating after the victim realized he had been defrauded across multiple bank transfers. Authorities stressed that legitimate lottery organizations never require winners to pay fees or share personal information to claim prizes.
eastcobbnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Joe Gavalis, a retired federal law enforcement investigator and prominent elder abuse advocate, has died at age 77. Gavalis founded the North Georgia Task Force on Elder Abuse and served on multiple boards including the Cobb Elder Abuse Task Force, earning the Georgia Council on Aging's Distinguished Older Georgian award in 2021 for his decades of work combating elder fraud, exploitation, and abuse through law enforcement training and public education. He also led the unsuccessful East Cobb Cityhood movement from 2018-2022 and continued speaking to seniors about scam prevention into 2022.
fdic.gov
· 2025-12-08
Pulaski Savings Bank was closed by Illinois regulators on January 17, 2025, with the FDIC serving as receiver and Millennium Bank assuming all deposits and assets. Depositors' full account balances have been transferred to Millennium Bank with no interruption to ATM cards, checks, or direct deposits, while borrowers should continue making loan payments as usual. The FDIC warns customers to beware of scams impersonating the bank or regulatory agencies seeking private information.
news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters are targeting Facebook Marketplace sellers with a scam involving fake Australia Post QR code links that appear to confirm payment for items, but actually direct victims to phishing sites designed to steal payment card details and personal information for identity theft. Australia Post reissued warnings about this scheme in January after it was first discovered in September, emphasizing that they never provide prepayment services or send payment-related links for marketplace listings. This scam is part of a broader trend in which over 6,000 Australians lost $58.3 million to social media scams in the first 10 months of 2024.
au.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting Facebook Marketplace sellers with fake Australia Post links and QR codes, claiming payment has been made while actually attempting to steal payment card details and personal information through phishing. Australia Post warned customers in January 2024 that the company never provides prepayment services for marketplace listings or sends links/QR codes related to online sales. This scam reflects a broader trend where Australians lost over $58 million to social media scams in the first 10 months of 2024, making social media the leading contact method used by fraudsters.
english.elpais.com
· 2025-12-08
A Swedish man named Daniel lost €40,000 in a "pig butchering scam," a romance-based fraud scheme where a fake woman named Adele lured him into cryptocurrency investments through dating apps and WhatsApp. The scams, which generated $72 billion between 2020 and 2024, are operated from Southeast Asian compounds by crime syndicates with Chinese roots, where tens of thousands of trafficking victims—potentially 100,000 in Cambodia and 120,000 in Myanmar—are forced to impersonate romantic interests and financial advisors to defraud victims globally.
discovermagazine.com
· 2025-12-08
A Florida woman was convicted and pleaded guilty to laundering over $2.7 million in an online romance scam ring, exemplifying a growing problem where the FTC reported consumers lost $8.8 billion to scams in 2022—a 30 percent increase from 2021. Scammers employ sophisticated social engineering tactics including romance cons, fake investments, deepfake videos, and manufactured crises, with adults 60 and older being 73 percent more likely to fall victim to such schemes. Research reveals scammers exploit psychological principles like reciprocity (building trust through small gifts) and crisis manipulation (creating urgent financial emergencies) to manipulate victims into sending money
berkshireeagle.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are among the most destructive fraud schemes, exploiting victims' emotional vulnerabilities through manufactured relationships that can last months or years; in 2023 alone, the FTC reported 64,000 romance scam complaints resulting in over $1 billion in losses, with victims suffering severe emotional trauma beyond financial damage. Red flags include unmet face-to-face meetings, distant locations, quick relationship escalation, requests to move communication off social media platforms, and delayed money requests designed to build false trust. Those concerned about a victim should avoid shaming language, seek help from trusted figures in the victim's life, and develop a careful action plan, as victims often resist logic and evidence due to the
wiscassetnewspaper.com
· 2025-12-08
This AARP alert warns consumers about counterfeit concert ticket scams that exploit high demand and digital-only ticketing systems. The advisory recommends purchasing tickets only from verified, legitimate vendors; avoiding social media and online marketplace offers; and using credit cards instead of peer-to-peer payment apps to maintain consumer protections. No specific victim cases or dollar amounts are mentioned, as this is a preventative awareness piece.
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A French interior designer was scammed out of over $800,000 by fraudsters who impersonated Brad Pitt on Instagram, using AI-generated images and false claims about medical expenses and financial hardship to convince her to send her life savings over an 18-month period. Brad Pitt's representatives issued a statement reminding fans that the actor has no social media presence and urged people to avoid responding to unsolicited online contact from celebrities. The victim, identified as Anne, reportedly attempted suicide three times after discovering the deception, and the original French TV segment featuring her story was removed after she faced harassment online.
latrobebulletinnews.com
· 2025-12-08
City officials in Latrobe discussed the prevalence of scams across the country, with police Chief Richard Bosco noting that new scams emerge daily via email and text message, including pyramid schemes, UPS/FedEx impersonations, and Amazon package scams. Bosco advised residents to call 911 if something feels wrong and recommended not opening unsolicited messages, emphasizing that the FBI website offers educational resources on common fraud tactics and scam prevention.
wired.com
· 2025-12-08
This article announces a WIRED livestream discussion on AI-powered financial scams, featuring an anecdote where Katie Drummond's father received a call from a scammer using AI voice cloning to impersonate her (no money was lost). The discussion covered deepfake video scams, social engineering tactics like creating urgency, and concerns about AI financial advisers that prioritize high-fee products over genuine financial help, with recommendations to use secret passcodes for authentication and maintain skepticism of AI-based financial services.
oaoa.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the IRS reported $5.5 billion lost to tax fraud schemes, with criminals employing increasingly sophisticated tactics including tax avoidance scams, refund fraud, IRS impersonation, filing support scams, and recovery scams targeting vulnerable victims. The IRS warns taxpayers to watch for red flags such as unsolicited contact, promises of large payouts, requests for account information, threats, and suspicious links, and recommends filing early, setting up verified IRS accounts with Identity Protection PINs, waiting for official mail notifications, and practicing strong cybersecurity habits to prevent fraud.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This AARP educational article outlines five common scams targeting consumers and provides prevention strategies: credit repair scams exploit financial stress with upfront fees and false promises; social media ad scams deceive over one-third of U.S. adults who shop online by directing them to counterfeit retailer websites; utility scams use urgent threats of service shutoff to panic victims into immediate payment; concert ticket scams involve counterfeit digital tickets sold through unverified resellers; and unsolicited calls from unknown numbers may initiate fraud schemes. The article recommends verifying claims through official channels, researching company legitimacy with the Better Business Bureau, using secure payment methods, and avoiding clickable links in
thenationalnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 68-year-old man in Dubai lost Dh2,300 ($626) within minutes after clicking a phishing email impersonating Dewa (Dubai's utility authority) that promised a water bill refund. The scammer obtained his debit card details through the fraudulent link, and despite reporting the fraud to RAKBank and Mastercard, the victim was unable to recover the funds because he had authorized the transaction. The incident illustrates the growing sophistication of cyber fraud targeting UAE residents, with global online fraud expected to reach $13.82 trillion by 2028.
sbs.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Australians reported 249,448 scams totaling $318.7 million in losses to the ACCC's Scamwatch, with investment scams being the most damaging at $192.3 million (median loss $9,500), followed by romance and phishing scams. People over 65 were worst affected financially with a median loss of $1,000, while men overall lost more money than women, with email being the most common contact method used by scammers. Key warning signs include promises of easy money, requests from unknown contacts, links in messages, and pressure to act quickly.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra received a sophisticated scam call impersonating a world leader using AI-generated voice technology, which escalated to requests for donations and bank transfers before she recognized it as fraudulent. The incident highlights Southeast Asia's emergence as a major hub for telecom and online fraud, where hundreds of thousands of trafficked individuals are forced into "pig-butchering scams" that have cost Americans alone $3.5 billion in 2023, prompting calls for regional cooperation to combat the threat.
tampafp.com
· 2025-12-08
Jessica Russell, 42, of Barre, Vermont, pleaded guilty on January 17, 2025, to two counts of wire fraud for defrauding an elderly Vermont resident of more than $84,000. Russell gained the victim's trust by posing as a sympathetic friend after the victim's son died, obtained power of attorney, and then used funds from the victim's home sale to purchase a house ($68,000) and a vehicle ($16,000) that she fraudulently registered in her own name. Russell faces sentencing on June 12, 2025, where she may receive prison time, fines, and restitution payments.
svalleynow.com
· 2025-12-08
The Marion County Sheriff's Department warned the public about a sophisticated caller ID spoofing scam targeting debit card holders. A scammer posed as a bank fraud department representative, using a spoofed caller ID matching the victim's bank, citing suspicious out-of-state charges, and requesting the victim's PIN number under the guise of card deactivation—a request legitimate banks never make. The victim avoided financial loss by refusing to provide the PIN and contacting their bank directly, which confirmed they would never request such information and canceled the card as a precaution.
moneywise.com
· 2025-12-08
An 84-year-old Canton, Michigan woman was scammed out of $65,000 after receiving a cold call from someone posing as a senior fraud officer at her bank, who falsely claimed she owed money due to an account error and convinced her to make three withdrawals. Canton police conducted a sting operation and arrested one suspect before the final $25,000 could be stolen, though an accomplice remains at large. The article also notes that research indicates financial literacy and cognitive engagement may help seniors resist scams and maintain financial independence as they age.
taipeitimes.com
· 2025-12-08
In the fourth quarter of last year, Taiwan reported NT$37.19 billion (US$1.23 billion) in fraud losses, with investment scams accounting for 56.9 percent of total losses and affecting 1,242 victims, predominantly women over 50 (516 cases). Criminals used social media advertisements and messaging apps to recruit victims into fake investment groups, while romance scams and impersonation schemes targeting bank/government officials also contributed significantly to losses, with victims taking 2 months to 2 years to discover they had been defrauded.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The NYPD issued a warning about romance scams targeting online dating app users ahead of Valentine's Day, noting that scammers typically profess love quickly, claim to be overseas, and request money for emergencies or travel through various payment methods including Venmo, Zelle, wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. The alert advises people to be cautious when dating online and provides contact information for reporting suspected scams to the NYPD SCAM ALERT hotline.
drgnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC reports a significant increase in "task scams," where scammers recruit victims through unsolicited messages promising easy money for simple online activities like liking videos or rating images. Victims are shown fake earnings tallies in an app, then pressured to deposit their own money (often in cryptocurrency) to unlock supposed commissions and withdrawals, resulting in total financial loss. The FTC advises ignoring unexpected job recruitment messages, never paying to receive payment, and reporting suspicious offers to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
During natural disasters, scammers exploit vulnerable victims by impersonating utility companies, FEMA, and contractors to steal personal information or money through pressure tactics and upfront fees. Protection measures include verifying identities by contacting organizations directly, never paying upfront fees for disaster aid or repairs, researching contractors thoroughly, and getting multiple estimates before hiring. If identity theft occurs, victims should immediately report it to the FTC, credit bureaus, and financial institutions to prevent further damage.
androidpolice.com
· 2025-12-08
AI technology is making scams increasingly convincing and harder to detect, with fraudsters using voice cloning, deepfakes, fake investment schemes, phishing emails, and romance scams to target victims. The article outlines seven types of AI-powered scams and provides prevention strategies, including verifying caller identities with security questions, scrutinizing deepfake videos for unnatural movements or audio-visual mismatches, consulting registered investment advisors, and avoiding clicking suspicious links or sharing sensitive information with unverified sources.
indeonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Weight loss product scams exploit New Year's resolutions by making false promises of rapid fat loss through vitamins, supplements, and dubious products like body wraps and skin patches, often using fake celebrity endorsements and fabricated "Shark Tank" claims. Consumers should avoid products claiming miraculous results without diet or exercise, verify ingredients with the FDA, research companies before purchasing, and be cautious of free trial offers that may result in unauthorized charges or difficult refund policies. The article advises checking for red flags such as missing ingredient lists, unsubstantiated testimonials, and subscription traps that lock consumers into recurring charges.