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bridgemi.com
Michigan's senior centers face a crisis due to inconsistent state funding, creating stark inequities in services available to older adults. Well-funded centers like Rochester's OPC offer comprehensive activities (pickleball, tai chi, pools) supported by local millages, while under-resourced centers like Plymouth's operate part-time with minimal budgets and struggle to survive without dedicated tax support. As Michigan's population ages faster than most states, advocates call for systemic change to ensure equitable access to senior recreation and services across all communities.
birminghammail.co.uk
**Summary:**
West Midlands Police issued a warning about WhatsApp account takeover scams in which criminals trick victims into sharing their six-digit verification codes, then gain unauthorized access to impersonate them and defraud their contacts. Once scammers obtain the code, they lock out the legitimate account owner and use the compromised account to request money or personal information from the victim's friends and family. Police recommend six protective measures including never sharing verification codes, enabling two-step verification, being cautious of unusual requests, and reporting suspicious activity to WhatsApp or Action Fraud.
wgal.com
This educational piece emphasizes that scam victims should report their victimization to police and utilize the Better Business Bureau's scam survival toolkit to create a recovery plan. The article notes that many victims fail to report scams due to shame or embarrassment, but reporting is crucial to prevent further financial harm and to help combat fraud; the BBB established "National Scam Survivor Day" (second Thursday in May) to reduce stigma and encourage victims to seek assistance.
abc15.com
This educational piece warns parents that scammers target children both for their personal data and their parents' information, potentially using stolen social security numbers to commit identity theft and credit fraud years later. The article emphasizes that children lack online security skills and may fall victim to gaming scams, fake social media accounts, phishing links, and fraudulent online stores. Parents are advised to have regular conversations with children about online safety, set clear boundaries on internet usage, use parental controls, and teach kids to recognize suspicious websites, unusual payment requests, and suspicious links.
cbsnews.com
Pittsburgh-area law enforcement leaders warned the public about increasingly sophisticated scams facilitated by technology, including common schemes like "grandparent" scams, fake tech support, and gift card fraud. The officials advised people to pause before acting on suspicious communications, verify information with trusted sources, avoid clicking links, and report all scams regardless of amount, noting that most stolen money is quickly moved out of the country and difficult to recover.
finance.yahoo.com
In 2024, fraud cost Americans $12.5 billion with a median loss of $1,500 per victim, with many incidents involving imposters posing as banks, retailers, or government agencies. Common scams include fraudulent bank charge texts, arrest threat calls demanding payment to avoid police action, fake USPS or Amazon messages requesting payment details, and official-looking property tax bills targeting recent homebuyers. Consumers should verify suspicious communications by contacting official numbers or agencies directly rather than using contact information from the suspicious message itself.
cnet.com
CNET advises fraud victims to report scams to the Federal Trade Commission and FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, even if no money was lost, as these reports help authorities identify trends, educate the public, and build cases against criminals. The FTC received over 3.4 million complaints last year with only 38% involving monetary losses, and victims can also take steps like freezing credit, contacting their bank, or using identity theft protection services to mitigate damage.
pennlive.com
The FBI is warning the public about discount medical insurance scams that have emerged in Pennsylvania and beyond, which fraudulently promise reduced insurance rates while providing no actual coverage. These scams target people seeking affordable healthcare by impersonating legitimate providers, using high-pressure sales tactics, and promising hidden fees or refunds that never materialize, resulting in millions of dollars in annual losses. The FBI recommends verifying offers through the Better Business Bureau, checking with current providers, and reporting suspected fraud to the Internet Crimes Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
consumerfinance.gov
Five federal financial regulatory agencies and FinCEN issued guidance to help banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions combat elder financial exploitation, which affected approximately $27 billion in reported suspicious activity over a one-year period ending in June 2023. The statement recommends risk management practices including employee training on recognizing exploitation, establishing trusted contact processes, implementing transaction holds when appropriate, and timely reporting to law enforcement and Adult Protective Services. These measures aim to help supervised institutions identify, prevent, and respond to elder financial exploitation that can cause older adults to lose their life savings and financial security.
kpbs.org
AARP California is hosting a free educational event on June 20, 2025, in San Diego featuring experts from law enforcement and elder protection agencies to discuss scams and financial exploitation targeting older adults. The presentation includes speakers from the Elder Justice Task Force, District Attorney's Office, FBI, Adult Protective Services, and Identity Theft Resource Center, and registration is required but AARP membership is not necessary.
mauinow.com
Fraud exposure in the United States continues to rise for the fifth consecutive year, with over 276 million US adults exposed to cyber threats, primarily through unverified apps and unreliable social media sources, while common vulnerabilities include failure to use multifactor authentication, weak passwords, and responding to unknown contacts. To address this trend, AARP elder fraud expert Paul Greenwood will conduct free public presentations in Maui from May 12-16, including sessions in Lahaina and Pāʻia, to educate consumers on fraud prevention and encourage crime reporting. The AARP Fraud Watch Network offers resources including a helpline (877-908-3360), victim support groups
inyourarea.co.uk
Romance scams cost UK victims £27 million in the last year, with an average loss of £11,500 per victim, according to Action Fraud's 2024 report. Scammers typically employ tactics including using stolen photos to hide their identity, isolating victims through "love bombing," creating excuses to avoid in-person meetings, and gradually escalating requests for money with promises of repayment. The article outlines five warning signs and protective measures, including verifying identity through video calls, conducting reverse image searches, never sending money to unmet contacts, and seeking advice from trusted friends and family.
mk.co.kr
Scammers impersonating South Korean celebrities and their agencies have conducted increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes targeting small business owners and companies, requesting advance payments for restaurant bills, expensive alcohol, and event expenses. Agencies for celebrities including Song Ga-in, Byun Woo-seok, Jungwoo Ha, and Nam Goong-min issued official statements warning the public that their employees never request financial payments from outside parties, and advised victims to verify identities through official channels and report suspicious calls to police and the relevant agencies.
abc11.com
A Raleigh woman lost approximately $3,000 to an imposter scam after a fraudster posing as a Microsoft representative gained remote access to her computer and convinced her to purchase gift cards to recover allegedly missing funds. After sharing her story with a local news Troubleshooter to warn others, a local charity, Miracle Ministries Inc., donated $1,000 to help her recover from the financial loss.
wpsdlocal6.com
Two elderly widows in Graves County, Kentucky lost approximately $320,000 combined to scammers using emotional manipulation tactics, including a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes scam and fake emergency requests. The Graves County Sheriff's Office warns that scammers target vulnerable seniors on social media and through phone calls, using realistic scenarios to convince victims to wire money, and recommends that families have conversations with elderly relatives about recognizing scams and contact law enforcement immediately if suspicious contact occurs.
jocoreport.com
An 81-year-old man in Benson lost $17,000 to a grandparent scam in which scammers impersonated his grandson and then a lawyer, claiming the grandson needed bail and legal fees for a traffic accident. The victim withdrew cash twice and left envelopes outside his home for pickup before realizing his grandson had not been in an accident; the Johnston County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case.
cnn.com
Google is deploying its Gemini AI model to detect and warn users of tech support scams and other fraudulent content across Chrome, Search, and Android, marking an escalation in AI-powered anti-scam efforts as bad actors simultaneously use AI to create more convincing fraudulent content. The technology can identify scams in real-time by scanning webpages and understanding language nuance better than previous systems, with Google reporting it now blocks 20 times more problematic pages than before and removed hundreds of millions of scam search results daily in 2024. This defensive use of AI comes as consumers worldwide lost over $1 trillion to scams in the previous year.
mashable.com
Scammers are sending fraudulent emails impersonating Geek Squad, claiming victims owe $300-$500 for fake subscription renewals to pressure them into calling the provided number or clicking links. Once victims engage, scammers use social engineering tactics to steal personal information like credit card or Social Security numbers, or trick them into installing remote access software. To protect yourself, ignore these emails entirely and contact Geek Squad directly through Best Buy's official website if you need legitimate support.
ktnv.com
Cybercriminals are exploiting post-Real ID deadline confusion by using fake websites, AI-generated phone calls, and phishing messages to impersonate government agencies like the DMV and TSA, attempting to steal personal information including Social Security numbers and payment details. Red flags include unsolicited urgent messages with suspicious links, requests for sensitive data via text or email, and offers to expedite Real ID online—a process that requires mandatory in-person DMV interviews. Authorities emphasize that the DMV will never initiate contact about Real ID applications, and there are no legitimate online shortcuts to obtain the credential.
wral.com
A homeowner was quoted less than $100 for a locksmith service but was charged $450 after an unvetted locksmith broke her lock and installed a replacement, illustrating a common bait-and-switch scheme where national call centers advertise low service fees then add hidden charges once on-site. According to locksmith professionals and the Better Business Bureau, scammers exploit consumers' urgency by quoting low initial fees then claiming additional locksmith or service fees can reach hundreds of dollars more than the estimate. To avoid this fraud, consumers should verify independent reviews rather than relying on testimonials from company websites and research local, established locksmiths before calling.
klarna.com
This educational guide from Klarna outlines common fraud and scam types affecting consumers, including phishing, impersonation, fake investment schemes, robocalls, online shopping fraud, job scams, and scams targeting elderly individuals. The article advises protecting personal information by never sharing credentials unsolicited, recognizing red flags such as unexpected urgent requests, untrustworthy websites, and promises that seem too good to be true, and verifying merchant legitimacy through store reviews, return policies, and contact information before making purchases.
seroundtable.com
Google announced significant improvements to its scam-detection capabilities, now catching 20 times more fraudulent pages and reducing scams in Search results by over 80% through AI-powered systems. The improvements specifically targeted impersonation scams, such as fake airline customer service pages, which Google has reduced by more than 80% in Search results. Google also deployed new AI-powered scam detection features across Chrome, Google Messages, and Phone by Google to protect users from fraud and data theft.
consumer.ftc.gov
This educational article warns consumers about gift card scams that surge around holidays like Mother's Day. Scammers use urgent tactics—impersonating government agencies or family members—to pressure victims into purchasing gift cards and sharing the codes, exploiting the holiday shopping season. The article identifies key red flags including demands for gift card payments, specific brand recommendations, artificial urgency, and requests for secrecy.
lifehacker.com
Scammers impersonated Joann Fabric and Crafts by creating fake online clearance sale websites and promoting them on Facebook, Pinterest, and Nextdoor after the company filed for bankruptcy in early 2025. Customers who clicked the ads and purchased items received receipts but never received merchandise, with charges appearing under names other than Joann. To avoid such scams, consumers should navigate directly to official company websites rather than clicking ads, be skeptical of urgency-driven offers, and use credit cards for purchases to ensure fraud protection and the ability to dispute charges.
wjla.com
A Rockville, Maryland resident lost $400,000 after scammers used phishing tactics—posing as a trustworthy Canadian business via email, text, or phone—to convince the victim to send multiple checks. Police arrested a suspect in Ontario, Canada in March after tracking the funds to Canadian bank accounts and coordinating with banks to shut down the fraudulent accounts, with the investigation ongoing. Montgomery County officials are warning residents that phishing scams are increasingly sophisticated and urging people to be wary of urgent or threatening communications requesting money or personal information.
cbs8.com
In response to escalating elder fraud losses—$100 million in San Diego last year and $4.8 billion nationally in 2024—the District Attorney's office in Oceanside hosted a fraud prevention seminar for 250 seniors, highlighting common scams including fake court documents, computer pop-ups, and property title theft. Officials discussed new legislative tools to stop suspicious transactions in real time and promoted free monitoring programs, while emphasizing that scams affect people of all education levels and encouraging victims to report incidents to law enforcement and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
hk-now.com
Killingworth's Committee on Aging held a two-hour Scam and Fraud Prevention Program on May 3, 2025, where attorney Don Phillips, legal services representative Erica Basoli, and State Trooper Rick Mulhall educated seniors about common fraud schemes including bank/credit card scams, gift card fraud, home repair scams, romance scams, tech support scams, and fake prize offers. The presenters advised seniors to avoid sharing personal information on social media, resist urgency tactics, report all scams to authorities, and verify legitimacy through official channels, while emphasizing that legitimate businesses should be registered, insured, and provide written contracts.
windsornewstoday.ca
The Ontario Provincial Police warned Essex County residents about a Ponzi-style investment scheme involving a business selling alcohol, after a victim lost $109,000 in January. The scam builds trust by promising above-market returns and encouraging victims to recruit friends and family, while paying early investors with money from new recruits until the scheme collapses. Police advised potential victims to approach investment offers skeptically, fully understand any proposal before investing, verify legitimacy, and report suspected fraud to police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
yourvalley.net
Kingsley Sebastian Ibhadore, a 40-year-old Glendale man, was sentenced to 17 months in prison on May 5 for his role as a "money mule" in online romance scams, pleading guilty to structuring charges. Between July 2019 and March 2020, Ibhadore used 24 bank accounts under multiple aliases to withdraw over $500,000 in small amounts below federal reporting thresholds, deliberately concealing and distributing funds stolen from romance scam victims. Surveillance footage documented him conducting transactions using fraudulent identities at multiple Arizona banks even after confirming the money originated from romance scams.
yourvalley.net
Kingsley Sebastian Ibhadore, a 40-year-old Glendale man, was sentenced to 17 months in prison on May 5 for his role as a "money mule" in online romance scams, having pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit structuring. Between July 2019 and March 2020, Ibhadore used 24 bank accounts under false identities to deposit and withdraw over $500,000 in romance scam proceeds in amounts below federal reporting thresholds to avoid detection. Surveillance footage captured him conducting transactions using fraudulent identities at multiple Arizona banks, and he continued the illegal activity even after confirming the funds came from romance sc
graphic.com.gh
Two Ghanaian women, Evelyn Serwaa Konadu and Anatasia Baidoo, were lured to Nigeria through romance scams involving fake "white men" suitors, then abducted and held captive by a criminal syndicate that demanded ransom from their families. The women were rescued through a joint operation by Ghanaian and Nigerian authorities and returned to Accra on May 9, 2025, where they received medical care; their families had made partial ransom payments before police intervention. Ghana's Criminal Investigations Director cautioned the public about the growing trend of online romance scams and urged citizens to avoid sharing personal or financial information with strangers online
whiznews.com
Ohio's Department of Commerce and Department of Aging are raising awareness about the growing number of scams targeting seniors, noting that scammers exploit older adults due to perceived vulnerability and financial stability, while victims often avoid reporting due to shame and fear. Key fraud threats include voice-cloning scams using AI technology, romance scams that exploit emotional connections to steal tens of thousands of dollars, and unsolicited contact attempts. The state recommends seniors avoid responding to unknown contacts, verify identities before sharing information, resist high-pressure tactics, and utilize available resources from the Department of Aging to protect themselves.
nwitimes.com
Cryptocurrency investment fraud accounted for nearly $4 billion in losses in 2023 (71% of all crypto-related losses), a 53% increase from 2022, with victims often lured through "pig butchering" scams that build trust via dating apps and social media before directing them to fake investment platforms. Criminals exploit cryptocurrency's decentralized nature, irreversible transactions, and AI-enhanced deception tactics—including voice cloning and fake videos—to operate sophisticated call center operations that mimic legitimate businesses. While people aged 30-49 filed the most complaints, victims over 60 suffered the highest losses at over $1.24 billion.
theglobeandmail.com
A TransUnion study found that 85-87% of online dating users want platforms to verify key information like age and photos, with over 28% reporting catfishing experiences and one in five experiencing romance scams involving requests for money or personal information. Over 75% of users are willing to undergo identity verification and 40% would pay for verification services to enhance safety. LatamDate.com has implemented profile verification tools with "verified" badges to address these concerns and help users connect more securely.
capenews.net
The Cape and Islands District Attorney is requesting $580,000 in state funding to hire additional prosecutors and forensic examiners to combat elder fraud, which has become increasingly prevalent in the region. In 2023-2024, Barnstable County logged 397 elder fraud calls, but only 3.3% resulted in charges against perpetrators. A recent case in Falmouth involved a 79-year-old woman who received a fraudulent Publisher's Clearing House call promising $2,000 plus weekly payments and a car, though she recognized the scam when personal banking information was requested.
people.com
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are creating fraudulent websites claiming to offer REAL IDs online without requiring in-person DMV visits, capitalizing on confusion and urgency as the federal REAL ID requirement took effect on May 7, 2025. To obtain a legitimate REAL ID, applicants must visit their local DMV in person with required documentation; consumers should avoid any online offers and never provide bank account or credit card information. The BBB advises reporting suspicious websites to the BBB Scam Tracker.
blog.google
Google is deploying advanced AI systems across its platforms to detect and block scams at scale, including blocking hundreds of millions of fraudulent search results daily and reducing airline impersonation scams by over 80%. The company is expanding protections through on-device AI models in Chrome's Enhanced Protection mode, Android's Google Messages and Phone app, and new warnings against malicious notifications—all designed to combat evolving threats like phishing, remote tech support scams, and sophisticated call/text message fraud.
malwarebytes.com
Between December 2023 and February 2025, the FBI received over 100 reports of scammers impersonating FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) employees to defraud victims via email, phone, social media, and online forums. The scammers typically claim to have recovered lost funds or offer recovery assistance, then request upfront "recovery fees," sensitive personal and financial information (including Social Security numbers, bank account details, and cryptocurrency credentials), or payment for fake "extraction software." Victims can protect themselves by recognizing red flags such as spoofed email addresses, urgent language, unsolicited requests for sensitive data, and suspicious attachments or links, and by reporting fraudulent
kcci.com
The FBI warned of growing discount medical insurance scams where fraudsters contact victims via phone, text, and email offering fake insurance plans at reduced rates with high-pressure tactics and upfront payment requirements. Victims have lost millions of dollars annually, including a Pennsylvania couple who discovered their policy didn't cover emergency care and a Maryland man who faced a $7,000 medical bill after his fake insurance was rejected by providers. To protect themselves, consumers should verify insurance offers through their state's insurance commissioner and Better Business Bureau, confirm provider acceptance, and report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
whio.com
A Franklin County senior citizen lost nearly $90,000 in a sweepstakes scam after being told she won $3 million from Publishers Clearing House and needed to pay taxes upfront via personal checks sent to Arkansas. David Nelson, 68, of Little Rock was arrested and charged with felony theft in connection with the scheme. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office advised the public to be skeptical of unsolicited calls, avoid sharing personal information, resist pressure for immediate payments, and watch for high-pressure tactics and "free" offers.
wral.com
The Wake County Sheriff's Office is investigating a scam where callers impersonate law enforcement officers, claiming victims have outstanding warrants or missed jury duty and demanding money or gift cards over the phone. The sheriff's office has documented three active cases with numerous additional reports over several months, though no victims have reported losing money. The agency advises residents that legitimate law enforcement will never request payment by phone and recommends hanging up and independently contacting the agency to verify caller identity.
cbsnews.com
This educational piece highlights the growing problem of senior-targeted scams, particularly romance and grandparent scams, which police departments report receiving complaints about daily. A notable case involved a romance scam where a victim lost over $100,000, though authorities face challenges helping victims who deny being scammed or refuse assistance. Law enforcement agencies are conducting community awareness events to educate seniors on warning signs and prevention tactics for internet-based fraud schemes.
wesh.com
The FBI warned of discount medical insurance scams targeting individuals seeking affordable healthcare, with victims losing millions of dollars annually through fraudulent plans offered via calls, texts, and emails. Scammers used high-pressure tactics and false promises of reduced rates to pressure victims into prepaying for fake policies that failed to cover medical services, resulting in thousands of dollars in unexpected bills. The FBI recommends verifying insurance offers with state insurance commissioners and the Better Business Bureau, confirming provider acceptance, and avoiding high-pressure sales tactics and upfront payment requests.
klaq.com
The "wrong number" text scam is surging in Texas, where scammers initiate contact with seemingly innocent messages like "Is this Kevin?" to verify active phone numbers, then build rapport over days or weeks before soliciting money or sensitive information through romance scams or investment schemes. Texans are advised not to respond to unknown numbers, to block and report suspicious texts to their carrier (7726), and to avoid clicking links or switching to other messaging apps, while warning vulnerable relatives of this social engineering threat.
freep.com
Online scammers stole a record $12.5 billion from consumers in 2024, with text message scams alone accounting for $470 million in losses and phone scams averaging $1,500 per victim. Michigan Legacy Credit Union partnered with Wayne State University's Institute of Gerontology to train employees in fraud prevention, enabling staff to identify and stop scams through careful questioning—such as one incident where a teller prevented a woman from withdrawing $20,000 after confirming her daughter was not actually in jail. The initiative focuses on educating consumers and front-line workers to recognize common impersonation schemes involving government agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, and local
aikenstandard.com
Financial crime specialists from SRP Federal Credit Union presented information to the Aiken Senior Men's Club about recognizing and reporting online scams targeting seniors. The presentation covered major scam types including investment scams, imposter scams, and romance scams, noting that reported consumer losses from scams totaled $12.54 billion in 2024, and identified red flags such as unsolicited contact, urgent pressure, requests for personal information, and unconventional payment methods.
katv.com
A 68-year-old Little Rock man, David Nelson, was arrested for operating a sweepstakes scam that defrauded an Ohio senior citizen of over $89,000. Nelson posed as a Publishers Clearing House employee and convinced the victim she had won $3 million, then persuaded her to send personal checks for taxes before claiming the prize. He faces felony theft charges in Franklin County, Ohio, and is currently awaiting extradition from an Arkansas jail.
sierradailynews.com
Three individuals were arrested in Douglas County for extortion schemes targeting local residents through fraudulent emails impersonating companies like Microsoft, with two suspects apprehended in Genoa on May 2 (Junyan Wu, 22, and Lirui Diao, 21) and a third arrested in Gardnerville Ranchos on May 7 (Quan Fu Ma, 45). All three face charges including extortion, exploitation of the elderly, and conspiracy, with bail ranging from $52,509 to $100,000. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the FBI and other agencies, hosted a free Senior Scam Seminar to educate residents on
chicagocrusader.com
Over 75 seniors and family members attended a Fraud and Scam Prevention Seminar in Chicago on May 6, presented by JPMorgan Chase, the Chicago Police Department, and Chicago Commons, to learn protective strategies against financial fraud targeting older Americans. Illinois residents lost over $324 million to scams in the previous year, with seniors remaining highly vulnerable, and the event educated participants on common tactics including romance fraud, fake IRS calls, tech support scams, and impersonation schemes using the "Four Ps" framework (Pretend, Problem/Prize, Payment, Pressure). Attendees received practical guidance on fraud prevention, including setting up account alerts, using unique passwords, enabling