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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
finextra.com
· 2025-12-08
The Payment Services Regulations are shifting fraud prevention responsibility to a 50:50 liability model, requiring banks to enhance detection of Authorized Push Payment (APP) fraud, where customers are tricked into authorizing payments to fraudsters. In 2023, APP fraud resulted in £459.7 million in losses across over 232,000 UK consumers through purchase, romance, investment, and impersonation scams. Banks must transition from monitoring outbound payments to focusing on inbound transaction processing, as receiving banks have better visibility into fraudsters' accounts and can more effectively block or freeze funds in real-time payment systems.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
A phishing scam involving fraudsters impersonating process servers has been reported to the Better Business Bureau, where callers claim to represent non-existent lawsuits, liens, or legal matters to intimidate victims into providing personal information like Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses. The scammers use pressure tactics, threats of legal action, and sometimes reference family members by name to create urgency and extract sensitive data. To protect themselves, consumers should verify any claims through their local court websites, avoid confirming information to unsolicited callers, and never share personal details about themselves or family members over the phone.
inquirer.com
· 2025-12-08
American consumers lost a record $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with seniors particularly vulnerable, losing over $3.4 billion to romance, grandparent, and technical support scams. While Congress designated May 15 as National Senior Fraud Awareness Day, the editorial argues that symbolic gestures are insufficient and calls for substantial federal funding and coordinated legislation to combat fraud, as current efforts remain disjointed and banking institutions lack adequate support to prevent these crimes.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 74-year-old retired Lieutenant Colonel in Bengaluru was defrauded of ₹73 lakh by scammers impersonating FedEx executives and police officers who claimed illegal items were found in his name and that he was under digital surveillance for money laundering. The victim transferred money to five accounts between June 13-26 after being convinced to undergo a fake "digital arrest" via Skype, though authorities later managed to freeze ₹30 lakh of the stolen funds.
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated scam operation with call centers in Seoul and Incheon targeted victims of previous investment fraud by posing as government compensation agents, then resold their personal information to accomplices who impersonated securities employees to solicit cryptocurrency purchases, resulting in 5.4 billion won in stolen funds. Investment scams are evolving to circumvent new capital market regulations by operating through encrypted messaging platforms and creating fake trading systems (HTS) that display fabricated profits; one victim lost 250 million won after depositing funds into a fraudulent trading platform, and police arrested nine members of a virtual asset exchange operation that stole 9 billion won from 133 people.
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated investment scam organization operating call centers in Seoul and Incheon targeted previous fraud victims by posing as government compensation agents, then pivoted to selling them worthless cryptocurrency after building trust. The scheme, which stole 5.4 billion won from victims, exemplifies evolving fraud tactics that now include fake trading platforms, purchased victim databases from dark markets, and manipulation through social media channels like Telegram and KakaoTalk to circumvent new financial regulations taking effect in August.
theindependent.sg
· 2025-12-08
Cybersecurity has become a household concern in Singapore as digital device usage increases, with common scams including phishing, tech support fraud, grandparent scams using deepfakes, romance scams, and charity fraud targeting everyday users. Industry expert Vishak Raman recommends adopting strong passwords, two-factor authentication, regular software updates, separate networks for smart devices, and household education to mitigate risks. The advice emphasizes verifying authenticity of communications, never granting remote access to unsolicited callers, and confirming identities before sending money or sharing personal information.
newindianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Cyberfraudsters in Bengaluru are impersonating RO (reverse osmosis) water purifier service providers to exploit residents seeking maintenance during rising dengue cases. The city police have received approximately 100 complaints of this scam, where fraudsters call claiming urgent servicing is needed, then demand advance payments for appointments or parts—collecting sensitive information that may be used for identity theft or future scams. Police advise residents to verify service calls thoroughly and avoid making advance online payments to unsolicited callers.
sandiegouniontribune.com
· 2025-12-08
This is a community events calendar for the Poway, California area (July 11-13) listing various public activities and services, including a veterans resource fair, educational programs, craft activities, a blood drive, barrel racing, food collection, and musical performances. The content does not relate to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse and is therefore not relevant to the Elderus database.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
**Type:** SIM Swap/Mobile Account Takeover Fraud
Multiple Guardian Money readers had their mobile phone accounts hijacked by fraudsters who then accessed their bank accounts and stole thousands of pounds. Fraudsters typically compromised victims' email accounts first, then impersonated them to mobile providers to obtain replacement SIM cards, allowing them to intercept two-factor authentication codes and drain bank accounts—with reported losses including £6,000 and £3,500. While some banks like RBS refunded victims, the article emphasizes that strong unique passwords, enabling two-step verification on email and banking accounts, and immediately reporting compromised emails are critical defenses against this increasingly common
timesfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax fraud scams target consumers throughout the year, not just during filing season, with fraudsters continuously attempting to exploit taxpayers. The IRS regularly publishes lists of the most common tax-related schemes used by scammers to defraud consumers seeking to fulfill their tax obligations.
forbesindia.com
· 2025-12-08
Fake job offer scams powered by generative AI have surged 118% between 2022 and 2023 in the US, with scammers using AI to create convincing job postings and communications on legitimate platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed to steal jobseekers' personal data. Similar AI-driven fraud tactics are also being employed by romance scammers using deepfake technology to deceive victims during video calls. Jobseekers should verify company details before applying, never share personal information without meeting someone in person, and remain skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
centraloregondaily.com
· 2025-12-08
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation issued a holiday season alert warning consumers about gift card scams, where criminals contact victims via phone, text, email, or social media to trick them into purchasing gift cards and surrendering the card numbers and PIN codes. Common scammer tactics include creating false urgency, impersonating government agencies, tech companies, family members, or utility providers, and remaining on the phone while victims purchase cards to prevent discovery. Consumers are advised to ignore pressure to act quickly, never share gift card numbers or photos, and verify emergency claims by contacting the person directly.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
Fake job offer scams using generative AI have surged 118% in the US between 2022 and 2023, with scammers creating convincing job ads on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter to steal applicants' personal data. To protect yourself, verify company details before applying, never share personal information (address, Social Security number, bank details) with unverified contacts, and be suspicious of offers that seem too good to be true; scammers are also using AI deepfakes in romance scams to appear authentic during video calls.
nsjonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Overseas criminal networks are stealing tens of billions of dollars annually from Americans through sophisticated internet and telephone scams, with losses to those over 60 estimated between $28.3 billion and $137 billion per year. Law enforcement agencies are overwhelmed and under-resourced to investigate these crimes, particularly those originating overseas where stolen funds are quickly converted to cryptocurrency or transferred to foreign accounts, allowing perpetrators to escape prosecution. The problem is projected to worsen as the aging population increases and AI technology makes fraud easier to execute, while many victims remain unreported due to shame and police departments that fail to treat financial fraud with appropriate seriousness.
cpapracticeadvisor.com
· 2025-12-08
mycentraloregon.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS and Security Summit warned tax professionals to guard against evolving identity theft schemes targeting their businesses and clients, including fraudsters posing as new clients via phishing emails, fake calls and texts, and attempts to steal sensitive tax information like Central Authorization File (CAF) numbers and practitioner credentials. These scams threaten both tax professionals and their elderly and vulnerable clients who may be victims of fraudulent tax return filings. The warning is part of an annual awareness campaign called "Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself" aimed at educating tax professionals on security threats and identity theft prevention.
greenevillesun.com
· 2025-12-08
A Greene County woman lost $4,500 to a phone scam in which a caller impersonating "Captain Rader" claimed she had missed jury duty and threatened to sign a warrant, then directed her to send money via Bitcoin kiosk. Additionally, fraudulent letters purporting to be from a nonexistent "Clerk's Property Office" are circulating in the area, charging $89 for deed copies that are available free or cheaply through legitimate county Register of Deeds offices.
autoremarketing.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS warned car dealerships to remain vigilant against phishing and smishing scams where fraudsters impersonate IRS representatives to trick recipients into clicking malicious links, downloading malware, or providing personal and financial information. The agency advised businesses to avoid clicking unsolicited email and text links, enable multi-factor authentication, and verify sender identity through independent contact methods to protect against these attacks and potential ransomware infections.
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs warns consumers about four types of summer scams: fake toll charge texts claiming overdue payments, travel scams including fraudulent vacation offers and hijacked rental listings, disaster relief scams where imposters pose as repair workers or FEMA employees, and job scams requesting cryptocurrency payments or personal information. The agency advises consumers to verify contacts independently, never pay for free services or government relief, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, and be wary of unannounced repair workers or unsolicited job offers.
onmanorama.com
· 2025-12-08
Malayali expatriates in Bahrain lost substantial sums to a scam ring offering discounted air tickets; one victim from Thiruvananthapuram lost 1,300 dinars after receiving fake tickets with fraudulent PNR numbers. After multiple victims coordinated efforts and set a trap for the fraudsters, police arrested one perpetrator, though victims recovered only partial compensation. Authorities advise expatriates to verify background checks and use only licensed travel agents for bookings to avoid similar schemes.
elizabethton.com
· 2025-12-08
A 50-year-old man from Brooklyn seeking asylum in the U.S. was arrested and charged with fraud and financial exploitation of a Carter County woman in a tech support scam scheme. The victim was deceived by a fake virus notification that led her to withdraw $30,500 from her bank account and hand the cash to the suspect at her residence. The arrest was aided by photographs and identification information the victim provided to authorities, and investigators coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security after discovering the suspect's temporary visitor status and pending asylum application.
nationalseniors.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Between December 2023 and May 2024, Australian scammers targeted victims of previous scams with false promises to recover their stolen funds for upfront fees, with Scamwatch receiving 158 reports totaling over $2.9 million in losses—a 129% increase in reports compared to the prior six months. Australians aged 65 and older were the largest affected group, suffering the highest average losses, prompting National Seniors Australia to urge seniors to be suspicious of money recovery schemes and to report scams immediately to their banks and the National Anti-Scam Centre. The organization advocates for increased digital literacy training and online safety education to help older Australians protect
rock929rocks.com
· 2025-12-08
A 42-year-old man, Weikai Zhang, was arrested in Florida after attempting to defraud a 74-year-old woman through a phone scam where he convinced her that her bank account was at risk and persuaded her to purchase over 13 pounds of gold (valued at approximately $500,000) for delivery to her home, which he then planned to steal. Law enforcement officers learned of the scheme before the package arrived and apprehended Zhang near the victim's residence, preventing the loss of her life savings.
chicagotribune.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS warns of exponentially growing tax scams targeting vulnerable populations, including the elderly, through social media misinformation about tax credits and fraudulent phone calls or texts from impersonators claiming to collect debts. Common schemes include viral videos promoting false "free money" claims that result in frivolous tax filings with penalties, and scammers impersonating IRS agents using scare tactics, though the legitimate IRS initiates contact via mail and does not threaten immediate legal action. Taxpayers should verify information through official IRS channels (1-800-829-1040) or visit in-person centers rather than relying on social media advice.
wxxv25.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting Mississippi residents with fraudulent phone calls and emails impersonating federal court officials, threatening prosecution, fines, and jail time for allegedly missing jury duty in the Southern District of Mississippi. The U.S. Courts do not contact citizens via phone or email to request sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers or driver's license numbers. Citizens are advised to be vigilant against these recurring scams and avoid providing confidential information to unsolicited callers or emails.
paymentsjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial advisors play a critical role in protecting affluent clients from rising cyber fraud and scams that target investment and retirement accounts. The article advises advisors to take a proactive approach by educating clients about common scams (particularly romance and wealth management scams), positioning themselves as trusted first contacts for victims, and helping remove the shame that prevents people from reporting fraud. Advisors should also leverage their multi-generational relationships to safeguard both younger and older clients from cyber threats.
kdhlradio.com
· 2025-12-08
A text and phone scam impersonating the Minnesota Department of Transportation is circulating in Grand Marais and Cook County in northern Minnesota, falsely claiming victims owe $35 in late fees for express lane usage and directing them to fraudulent payment links. The Minnesota Department of Transportation had previously warned about this scam in June, and officials note the messages appear convincing; scammers have also made multiple follow-up calls to victims even after being blocked. Residents are advised to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages and to verify urgent notifications through official channels.
standard-freeholder.com
· 2025-12-08
This editorial discusses common online scams affecting people of all ages, including e-transfer fraud (where scammers gain access to bank accounts after sending overpayments), dating site romance scams (where scammers build false relationships to solicit money), credit card theft, cryptocurrency investment schemes, and Facebook account duplication scams. The author emphasizes the need for vigilance when conducting online transactions, dating, and financial dealings, recommending verification of identities, use of secure platforms, and skepticism toward offers that seem too good to be true.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Former Harry Potter stuntman David Holmes lost tens of thousands of pounds in a sophisticated banking scam where a fraudster impersonated a NatWest employee and persuaded him to transfer money, eventually discussing cryptocurrency. Holmes appeared on This Morning to raise awareness about the scam, describing the emotional toll as devastating and noting that while NatWest's fraud team has assisted in recovering some funds for his care costs, he is still hoping to recover the remainder. The scammers exploited personal details, including knowledge of his recent birthday, to establish credibility and manipulate him into the fraudulent transfers.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old retired hotel management professional in Mumbai lost Rs62,500 to an investment scam after being deceived by a deepfake video on YouTube featuring Mukesh Ambani endorsing a fraudulent stock market forum called "Forex Quantum Capital." This represents the third similar incident since March where scammers have used deepfake technology with advanced voice cloning to impersonate Reliance Industries' chairman and persuade victims to invest, with police tracking the perpetrators through IP addresses and bank account details. A related case involved a 54-year-old Ayurveda doctor who lost Rs7.09 lakhs to a comparable deepfake scam
the-star.co.ke
· 2025-12-08
In the first three months of 2024, 80 percent of Kenyans were targeted by digital fraud schemes, though 72 percent successfully avoided victimization while 8 percent fell victim, according to a TransUnion Consumer Pulse Survey. Vishing (fraudulent phone calls) emerged as the most prevalent scam at 45 percent, followed by money/gift card scams and smishing (fraudulent texts) at 44 percent each, with all three methods increasing compared to 2023. The survey emphasizes that 91 percent of Kenyans remain concerned about sharing personal information due to privacy invasion and identity theft fears, highlighting the need for stronger security protocols and digital awareness
krcu.org
· 2025-12-08
Older adults with Alzheimer's disease and dementia are particularly vulnerable to scams due to cognitive changes affecting memory, decision-making, and judgment, with research suggesting financial difficulties and scam susceptibility may be early warning signs of cognitive decline. Loneliness, isolation, and social trust increase risk, making extra protective support essential. The BBB recommends caregivers watch for warning signs (frequent unsolicited calls, unfamiliar payments, secretive behavior), educate loved ones about common scams, reduce solicitations through registry opt-outs, and discuss financial security measures and account monitoring.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Money recovery scams are targeting previous fraud victims with offers to retrieve lost funds for upfront fees or percentages. Between December 2023 and May 2024, Australia's Scamwatch received 158 reports totaling over $2.9 million in losses, with adults aged 65 and older representing the largest victim group and suffering the highest average losses. Scammers impersonate government agencies, lawyers, and recovery services via multiple channels, requesting personal information and device access, while legitimate recovery is difficult since only law enforcement can seize criminal assets.
mainlinemedianews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article highlights the vulnerability of seniors to fraud and emphasizes the importance of ongoing vigilance. Common scams targeting older adults include check washing (altering stolen checks), grandchild impersonation schemes, raffle ticket scams with sold contact lists, phone scams, and online fraud, with fraudulent reports reaching a record $10 billion in 2023 according to the FTC. The Phoenixville Area Senior Center and other organizations offer regular fraud prevention education, stressing that while seniors are increasingly aware of basic scam tactics, emerging schemes and seemingly innocent situations—like entering raffles at retail stores—continue to expose them to risk.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Amazon Prime Day Scam Spike (July 16-17)**
During Amazon Prime Day, scam reports to Amazon spike dramatically—last year rising from approximately 5,000 to over 14,000 per week—as cybercriminals exploit shoppers' eagerness for deals through phishing emails, text messages (smishing), fake product reviews, and counterfeit merchandise posed as legitimate third-party seller listings. Criminals also create lookalike websites to steal personal information, and the psychological urgency of time-limited deals makes consumers more vulnerable to fraudulent activity, with abnormally low prices on expensive items serving as a red flag for counterfeit products that
jewishvoicesnj.org
· 2025-12-08
A cybersecurity expert fell victim to a phishing scam involving a fake email appearing to be from his domain name registrar, warning of a declined payment. After entering his credit card information on a fraudulent website, he quickly discovered the deception by checking the browser's address bar and immediately contacted his bank to block the card, preventing unauthorized charges to Apple Pay. The incident illustrates how scammers exploit emotional triggers and familiarity with legitimate vendors, emphasizing the importance of verifying website URLs and checking for security indicators before entering sensitive information online.
houstonlanding.org
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Beryl's devastation of the Houston area, officials warned residents to be cautious of scammers posing as contractors or disaster aid representatives seeking personal information or upfront payments. The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved a disaster declaration allowing residents to apply for federal aid, but the Federal Trade Commission advises verifying caller identity, avoiding clicking unknown links, hiring only licensed and insured contractors, and reporting suspicious activity to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Scammers exploit post-disaster vulnerability through phone calls, texts, emails, and door-to-door solicitations using urgent language and threats to manipulate vulnerable residents.
mcall.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is an educational piece emphasizing that seniors should remain vigilant about fraud risks, noting that while many are aware of basic scams, unexpected tactics make them vulnerable. An FBI representative spoke about fraud prevention at the Phoenixville Area Senior Center to raise awareness among older adults about prevalent scam risks.
readingeagle.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors remain vulnerable targets for fraud despite widespread awareness of common scams, with experts emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance. Recent prevalent schemes include check washing (where stolen checks have ink removed and amounts altered), grandchild impersonation calls, raffle list sales, and phone/online scams. According to the FTC, Americans reported a record $10 billion in fraud losses in 2023, though actual losses are likely much higher due to underreporting, with 42% of American adults having experienced fraud personally.
theitem.com
· 2025-12-08
Sophisticated overseas scammers steal tens of billions of dollars annually from Americans through internet and telephone fraud, with law enforcement agencies overwhelmed and catching few perpetrators due to limited resources and difficulties investigating crimes that originate overseas. The article highlights the growing crisis as the U.S. population ages and AI technology facilitates fraud, illustrated by cases including an 81-year-old Ohio man who fatally shot an Uber driver after being targeted by a scammer demanding $12,000, and notes that victims rarely recover lost funds and often don't report crimes due to discouragement and shame.
fox23.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting seniors 65 and older with fake IT technical support calls, texts, and emails claiming to be from Microsoft or other companies, using a "spray and pray" approach to contact many potential victims. Once victims grant remote access to their computers, scammers lower security settings to steal passwords, personal information, and money through payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Experts recommend seniors hang up on unsolicited contacts and independently verify any tech support claims by directly contacting the company themselves.
pcworld.com
· 2025-12-08
Phishing is a social engineering scam where cybercriminals trick users into revealing sensitive data or installing malware by impersonating legitimate companies or individuals. Phishing attacks increased 58.2 percent globally from 2022 to 2023, with common types including email phishing, spear phishing (targeted at specific individuals), whaling (targeting executives), calendar phishing, and QR code phishing. Users should be cautious of unsolicited emails and invites claiming account issues, verify sender authenticity, and avoid clicking links or scanning QR codes from unknown sources.
fredericksburgfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office reports ongoing impersonation scams where callers falsely claim to be law enforcement, threatening arrest over alleged warrants, missed jury duty, or unpaid fines unless the victim pays immediately. The sheriff's office clarifies they never contact residents by phone requesting payment and advises recipients of suspicious calls to hang up and verify by contacting the office directly at 540-582-7115.
wcjb.com
· 2025-12-08
Law enforcement agencies, the FBI, and the Better Business Bureau in North Central Florida are warning of a significant increase in scam calls and texts, with residents like Jacqueline Johnson experiencing multiple fraud incidents including unauthorized credit cards and cash app fraud. Officials recommend not sharing personal information, verifying caller identities, and spreading awareness about scams to friends and family, as advancing technology enables increasingly sophisticated fraud including voice cloning and impersonation schemes.
kfyrtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonated a sergeant from the Ward County Sheriff's Department, calling citizens and falsely claiming they had missed jury duty and had an arrest warrant issued against them, then demanding Bitcoin payment for bail. The sheriff's office warned residents that legitimate law enforcement will never request payment over the phone and advised citizens to report suspicious calls to local authorities.
fox13news.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are conducting a phishing scam targeting iCloud users through text messages that appear to be from Apple, directing victims to a fake login page (signin.authen-connexion.info/icloud) to steal their email addresses and passwords. Once compromised, victims lose access to their iCloud accounts, which contain sensitive information including email passwords, banking details, and personal photos. Cybersecurity experts recommend enabling two-factor authentication, using unique passwords for each account, and verifying that links end with legitimate company domains (apple.com) to protect against these attacks.
coinfomania.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Coinbase users fell victim to a sophisticated impersonation scam in which fraudsters sent phishing emails posing as customer support representatives, directing victims to fake websites to steal their cryptocurrency seed phrases. One high-profile victim lost $1.7 million, and at least four users were targeted; the scammers likely exploited data from a 2022 CoinTracker breach. In the first half of 2024, crypto phishing attacks resulted in over $900 million in losses, with experts urging users to never share seed phrases or private keys regardless of who requests them.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 31-year-old IT engineer in Pune lost Rs 96.57 lakh (approximately $11,600 USD) to an online share trading scam between April and May after clicking a social media link that added him to a messenger group promising 1,000% returns on stock investments. The fraudsters used a fake trading app showing inflated profits and requested repeated deposits, claiming additional funds were needed for withdrawals; when the victim tried to withdraw money, he realized the fraud and filed a complaint with police. This case is part of a surge in online share trading fraud cases reported in Pune over five months, with scammers targeting victims through social media advertisements and posing as employees of