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in General Elder Fraud
savingadvice.com
· 2026-01-18
Scammers are targeting seniors with fake "urgent" messages claiming they'll lose federal tax credits by January 20th, using artificial time pressure to trick people into revealing personal information or paying bogus fees. The actual IRS filing deadline isn't until April 15, 2026, and legitimate tax credits don't vanish from missing a random mid-January cutoff. To protect yourself, ignore pressure to act immediately—contact the IRS directly through their official website or phone number, verify claims with trusted family members, and remember that the IRS typically initiates contact by mail, not unsolicited calls or emails.
the420.in
· 2026-01-18
A retired senior citizen in Navi Mumbai lost over ₹4 crore in an elaborate cyber fraud where scammers impersonated police and investigation officials, using WhatsApp calls and fabricated bank notices to convince him his identity was involved in money laundering and threatening him with arrest if he didn't transfer funds to "secure accounts." The victim eventually realized the deception after noticing suspicious account activity and reported it to authorities. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from officials, never transfer money based on threats or alleged legal issues, and verify any such claims directly with official agencies through their known contact numbers rather than responding to the caller.
goldrushcam.com
· 2026-01-18
A Chinese national named Zhao Wang pleaded guilty to orchestrating a $27 million fraud scheme that targeted approximately 2,000 elderly Americans through fake technical support calls, bank impersonation, and refund scams. The scammers used unsolicited calls and pop-up ads to direct victims to India-based call centers, where they used social engineering and remote access software to trick victims into sending their own money via wire transfers or cash in the mail. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact about refunds or technical problems, never grant remote access to your computer to unknown callers, and verify any refund claims directly with companies using official contact information.
womansworld.com
· 2026-01-17
Cybersecurity experts warn that AI voice cloning scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and dangerous, allowing criminals to impersonate trusted figures like family members, police officers, and bank employees to manipulate victims into sending money or revealing personal information. These scams use emotional pressure tactics and create artificial urgency, with warning signs including demands to keep the call secret, stay on the line, or pay via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or ATM transfers. To protect yourself, establish a family password that must be provided before responding to urgent requests for money or personal information.
inkl.com
· 2026-01-17
Fraud detection systems flag certain online purchases as "risky," particularly for people over 50, because scammers frequently target this age group—common red flags include buying expensive electronics, cryptocurrency, or luxury items from unfamiliar websites or in unusual quantities. To avoid these delays and protect yourself from actual scams, use verified retailers and trusted payment platforms like PayPal or Apple Pay, and verify investment platforms through official sources like FINRA before depositing money.
waff.com
· 2026-01-17
A high school senior in Huntsville, Alabama named Harris Dunham is volunteering at a senior living facility to teach older adults how to use technology safely and avoid online scams—inspired after his own grandparents lost money to an Amazon scam. The sessions cover practical topics like password security, camera operation, and how to recognize suspicious calls, helping seniors understand that unexpected calls from unknown numbers should not be answered. For seniors seeking to protect themselves, Dunham's advice is simple: be cautious of unsolicited calls and seek help from trusted younger family members or tech-savvy friends when questions arise about technology or unfamiliar contacts.
fullertonobserver.com
· 2026-01-17
# Elder Fraud Prevention Initiative Expands Across Southern California
Elder fraud is escalating nationwide with older adults losing billions of dollars annually to increasingly sophisticated scams involving impersonation, investment schemes, and AI-powered fraud. The San Diego Seniors Community Foundation, supported by a $200,000 Wells Fargo Foundation grant, is expanding free educational programs across Southern California to help seniors and their families recognize and prevent these crimes before they happen. To protect yourself, stay alert to urgent requests, verify caller identities through independent phone numbers, and never share personal or financial information with unsolicited contacts—education about these tactics is the most effective defense against becoming a victim.
gulte.com
· 2026-01-17
Retired people and senior citizens across India are losing large sums of money—sometimes crores of rupees—to fraudulent trading apps and investment scams, with recent cases showing losses ranging from 80 lakhs to over 5 crores. Scammers typically contact victims via WhatsApp and social media, build trust through fake profit screenshots, and trick them into downloading fake trading apps where withdrawals are impossible once money is transferred. To protect yourself and elderly family members, be skeptical of unsolicited investment offers, verify apps through official sources, and avoid downloading software from strangers or unverified links.
kashmirlife.net
· 2026-01-17
An elderly couple in Srinagar lost Rs 48 lakh after scammers posing as CBI and TRAI officials convinced them they were under "digital arrest" for financial fraud, subjecting them to psychological intimidation and continuous video surveillance until they transferred the money. Authorities emphasize that "digital arrest" is not a real legal process and warn that such scams disproportionately target senior citizens, particularly those living alone. People should immediately report suspicious calls to the cyber helpline 1930, never share banking details with callers claiming to be officials, and always verify claims directly through official channels.
goldrushcam.com
· 2026-01-17
Victor Marion, the leader of a San Diego-based money laundering operation, pleaded guilty to his role in an international fraud scheme that defrauded over 500 elderly Americans of more than $42 million. The scam operated from call centers in Dubai and India, using fake technical support pop-ups to trick victims into sending money, then exploiting them further with fake refund schemes that appeared to show large overages on their computers. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited technical support pop-ups, never allow remote access to your computer from unsolicited callers, and verify any refunds through official company websites or phone numbers rather than responding to unexpected messages.
atholdailynews.com
· 2026-01-17
# Fraud Case Summary
An Idaho woman accused of helping steal $338,000 from the town of Orange through fraudulent invoices claims she was actually a victim of a romance scam, according to her attorney. Jennifer Grasmick, 51, allegedly deposited and transferred funds to cryptocurrency as a favor to someone she believed was a romantic interest online, without realizing the money came from fraudulent sources. Her attorney argues she never personally benefited from the scheme and that a proper investigation would reveal she was manipulated by foreign scammers, not a willing participant in the town's theft.
bhaskarenglish.in
· 2026-01-17
An elderly man in Ahmedabad lost ₹1.40 crore to a sophisticated share trading scam after downloading a fake trading app that displayed false profits to convince him to invest more money. A woman gained his trust and orchestrated the fraud, with scammers continuing to pressure him for additional payments totaling over ₹2 crore by claiming he had won an IPO allocation. To protect yourself, avoid downloading trading apps from unknown sources, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities with guaranteed returns, verify apps through official websites or app stores, and never transfer money based on screenshots showing profits.
ktalnews.com
· 2026-01-17
# Grandparent Scam Summary
An elderly Louisiana resident lost over $13,000 in a "grandparent scam" where a caller impersonated her grandson, claiming he was in jail and needed bond money, then a female accomplice posed as a bail bond courier to collect the cash in person. Police warn this scam specifically targets seniors by exploiting family bonds and creating false urgency, and they're appealing to the public to help identify the suspects. Elderly individuals should verify any urgent requests by calling family members directly at known numbers and never give cash to strangers, even if they claim to represent law enforcement or bail bond services.
wrdw.com
· 2026-01-16
# Article Summary
Contrary to common belief, younger adults—Gen Z and millennials—are actually more vulnerable to scams than seniors, with 43% of Gen Z engaging with scam attempts compared to just 14% of baby boomers, according to a Mastercard cybersecurity survey. Young people fall victim to scams designed around their online habits, including shopping scams (fake storefronts and deals), employment scams (fake job listings with fees or personal data collection), romance scams, and text message phishing. To protect yourself, be skeptical of urgent messages and too-good-to-be-true offers, verify website addresses carefully before clicking links, and never provide personal information or payment to unverified sources.
local3news.com
· 2026-01-16
Recent data reveals that younger adults—Gen Z and millennials—are actually more vulnerable to scams than seniors, with 43% of Gen Z and 39% of millennials engaging with scam attempts compared to just 14% of Baby Boomers. Scammers target younger people through methods tailored to their online behavior, including fake job listings, fake product ads, romance scams, impersonation of banks and government agencies, and phishing messages that appear legitimate. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages and links, never provide personal information or grant remote access to strangers, and be especially wary of any request for payment via gift cards—a major red flag that no legitimate organization would use.
wilx.com
· 2026-01-16
# Scams Target Younger Adults More Than Seniors
Contrary to popular belief, Gen Z and millennials are more vulnerable to scams than seniors, with 43% of Gen Z and 39% of millennials engaging with scam attempts compared to just 14% of baby boomers, according to new Mastercard data. Scammers exploit how younger people shop, apply for jobs, and communicate online through fake product ads, employment schemes, romance scams, fraudulent text messages, tech support popups, and impostor schemes that demand payment via untraceable gift cards. To protect yourself, be skeptical of urgent messages asking you to click links or provide personal information, verify web addresses before entering information, never grant remote access to unsolicited tech support popups, and remember that legitimate companies and agencies never demand payment through gift cards.
foxnews.com
· 2026-01-16
Scams spike dramatically in January as criminals exploit people focused on taxes and finances, using updated personal data from data brokers to craft convincing fraudulent messages about account verification and benefits. U.S. consumers received 4.7 billion robocalls in January 2025 alone, with scammers impersonating government agencies and banks to pressure people into sharing sensitive information. To protect yourself, remember that legitimate government agencies and banks never request personal information via unsolicited emails or texts, and you should always verify requests by contacting the organization directly through official channels.
pcmag.com
· 2026-01-16
Cybercrime has evolved into a sophisticated, organized industry where criminals operate in teams to deploy large-scale attacks like phishing emails with malicious QR codes, ransomware, and deceptive texts targeting everyday users. Anyone online is vulnerable, but you can protect yourself by ignoring suspicious emails and password reset requests, enabling two-factor authentication, using a password manager, and avoiding clicking links when emotional or distracted. The key takeaway: be skeptical of unexpected communications, keep your passwords strong and unique, and enable extra security layers on important accounts.
yahoo.com
· 2026-01-16
# Scam Summary
Scams targeting seniors in Bradenton are increasing rapidly, with people over 60 losing $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023 alone. Police recommend using the "Five Ps" method to identify red flags: watch out for someone pretending to be from a trusted organization, claiming there's a problem or offering prizes, creating pressure to act quickly, or requesting specific payment methods. Seniors should have open conversations with family about scams, learn their phone's security features with help from trusted people or their carrier, and always verify requests before taking action.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-16
Older adults nationwide lose billions of dollars annually to increasingly sophisticated scams involving investment fraud, impersonation schemes, and technology-driven attacks, prompting the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation to expand its fraud prevention education programs across Southern California with a $200,000+ grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation. The foundation will reach more seniors, caregivers, and families through in-person and virtual education events, as scammers now use advanced tools like AI, voice cloning, and spoofed phone numbers to impersonate trusted contacts and institutions. Experts emphasize that the best defense is education and awareness before fraud occurs, rather than trying to recover losses after the fact.
wgem.com
· 2026-01-16
The Quincy Police Department has appointed Detective Katie Hatch as its new Elder Service Officer to help protect seniors from increasingly sophisticated scams involving phone calls, social media impersonation, and fake government agencies. Elderly residents are particularly vulnerable to financial exploitation, and Hatch's key advice is straightforward: don't answer calls from unknown numbers and hang up without being polite if unsure who's calling. Seniors and their families can seek help from Hatch's office at the Quincy Senior & Family Resource Center, available Monday-Thursday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by calling (217) 592-3604.
mcall.com
· 2026-01-16
# Fraud Scam Summary
A 25-year-old New Jersey man was sentenced to 12-36 months in prison after stealing over $500,000 in gold and $91,000 in cash from a 74-year-old Lehigh County resident through an elaborate scam involving fake PayPal fraud claims and threats of arrest. The perpetrator convinced the victim to withdraw funds from his IRA and purchase gold by repeatedly claiming there were account errors and threatening jail time if payments weren't made via cryptocurrency and cash. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited calls or emails requesting large sums of money, especially in untraceable forms like cryptocurrency or gold, and verify any financial claims directly with official company channels rather than through provided contact information.
cbs8.com
· 2026-01-16
A San Diego man pleaded guilty to laundering millions of dollars stolen through an international scam that defrauded over 500 elderly victims of more than $40 million since mid-2021. The scheme, operating from India, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, used fake tech support pop-ups to trick victims into purchasing unnecessary services or convinced them they'd been over-refunded and needed to return money to scammers. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited tech support pop-ups, never purchase services from unexpected tech support contacts, and verify any refund claims by contacting companies directly through official channels.
ttownmedia.com
· 2026-01-16
A 43-year-old San Diego man pleaded guilty to leading a criminal network that defrauded elderly Americans of over $42 million through a scheme involving fake tech support pop-up ads that tricked victims into sending money to fraudsters operating from Dubai and India. The scam targeted seniors aged 60 and older who were deceived into believing they had overpaid for fake refunds, with the stolen money funneled through shell companies and bank accounts in San Diego. If you or an older relative suspects being targeted by financial fraud, contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
patch.com
· 2026-01-16
A San Diego man pleaded guilty to laundering millions of dollars stolen from over 500 elderly victims through an international scam operation based in India, Thailand, and the UAE. The scam used two main tactics: fake tech support pop-ups that tricked people into buying unnecessary services, and false refund schemes asking victims to return money. Seniors should be cautious of unexpected tech support warnings on their computers and never send money to resolve technical issues or refund discrepancies—legitimate companies handle these matters directly without requesting payment.
recorder.com
· 2026-01-16
An Idaho woman named Jennifer Grasmick is accused of helping drain $338,000 from the town of Orange through fraudulent invoices, but her attorney claims she was actually a victim of a romance scam who unknowingly deposited and transferred funds to cryptocurrency for a foreign scammer posing as a love interest. Grasmick, described as a vulnerable senior citizen with limited education and health issues, allegedly never received any money herself and had no knowledge of the fraudulent invoice scheme. The case highlights how romance scammers target vulnerable people online and manipulate them into laundering stolen funds through cryptocurrency, which is difficult to trace.
inkl.com
· 2026-01-16
Starting January 2026, over half of U.S. states have implemented new "Safe Harbor" laws that allow banks to freeze customer accounts for up to two weeks if they suspect elder financial exploitation, leaving thousands of retirees unable to access their own funds for routine transactions. Banks now have legal immunity to delay transfers without fear of lawsuits, causing AI-driven systems to aggressively flag legitimate transactions—like gifts to grandchildren—as potential scams. To navigate these changes, seniors should contact their bank in advance to understand their specific policies, inform institutions about planned large transfers, and verify any account holds directly with their bank rather than responding to unsolicited contacts.
yahoo.com
· 2026-01-16
New York's Manhattan district attorney is pushing lawmakers to criminalize unlicensed cryptocurrency operations, warning that regulatory gaps allow criminals to launder an estimated $51 billion annually through platforms that ask few questions about money sources. Unlicensed crypto ATMs—which charge fees up to 20%—have become a preferred tool for moving proceeds from guns, drugs, fraud, and terrorism financing without oversight. To protect consumers and cut off criminal activity, prosecutors are urging lawmakers to require all crypto businesses to obtain licenses and implement customer verification procedures (know-your-customer rules).
dailyexcelsior.com
· 2026-01-16
# Cyber Fraud Summary
Cyber fraud is increasing rapidly as digital platforms expand, with criminals constantly evolving their tactics to target unsuspecting victims through scams like fake job offers, digital arrest schemes, phishing, and "pig butchering" fraud. Police officials emphasize that public awareness and basic precautions—such as not sharing OTPs or passwords, verifying links, and maintaining cyber hygiene—are the strongest defenses against these crimes. Victims should report incidents immediately to the 1930 helpline or cybercrime.gov.in to help prevent financial losses.
waka.com
· 2026-01-15
# Fraud Summary
Contrary to popular belief, younger generations—not seniors—are falling for scams at higher rates, with 43% of Gen Z and 39% of millennials engaging with scam attempts compared to just 14% of Boomers. Young people are most vulnerable to shopping scams, fake job listings, romance scams, and deceptive text messages that exploit how they shop and apply for jobs online, while seniors face different threats like tech support scams and impostor schemes. To protect yourself, scrutinize web addresses in suspicious messages, be wary of urgent requests for money or personal information, and remember that legitimate companies never demand payment via gift cards.
10news.com
· 2026-01-15
A San Diego man pleaded guilty to laundering millions of dollars stolen from over 500 elderly victims through an international scam operation based in India, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates that has cost victims more than $40 million since mid-2021. The scheme used fake tech support pop-ups and fake refund claims to trick elderly people into sending money or purchasing unnecessary services. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited tech support pop-ups, never send money to unknown callers claiming you were over-refunded, and verify any tech issues by contacting companies directly through official phone numbers or websites.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-01-15
Starting January 2026, over half of U.S. states enacted "Safe Harbor" laws that allow banks to freeze senior citizens' accounts for up to two weeks if they suspect financial exploitation, protecting the institutions from lawsuits while doing so. While these rules aim to prevent elder fraud, they can inadvertently lock legitimate account holders out of their own funds, preventing them from paying bills or making routine transfers. Seniors should contact their banks to understand their specific hold policies, document the purpose of large transfers clearly, and consider discussing transaction patterns with their banks in advance to avoid unexpected account freezes.
azfamily.com
· 2026-01-15
A 69-year-old Arizona woman lost her home and life savings to a romance scammer who posed as a U.S. Naval officer on Facebook, convincing her to sell her house to fund their fake relationship and pay supposed customs fees for packages that never existed. The scammer used classic tactics including romantic messages, claims of being stationed overseas (preventing phone calls), and fabricated stories about needing money for customs clearance, ultimately extracting over $70,000 from Susan across multiple payments. To protect yourself: be skeptical of online relationships that quickly turn romantic, never wire money or make large payments to people you've only met online, and consult trusted financial advisors before making major financial decisions based on someone's requests.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2026-01-15
# Fraud Scams Affecting Older Adults
Older adults lost $2.4 billion to fraud in 2024, with increasing cases of romance scams, investment scams, and imposter schemes targeting vulnerable seniors. Lifespan of Greater Rochester's Fraud Awareness Network provides free support groups for fraud survivors aged 60 and older, helping them share experiences in a safe environment and emphasizing that victims are not at fault. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited online relationships and financial requests, verify investment opportunities independently, and contact Lifespan at (585) 244-8400 or join their free virtual support group that meets every Tuesday if you've been targeted.
azfamily.com
· 2026-01-15
Scammers stole over $400,000 from Sedona residents in 2025, with 67 police reports filed related to fraud and phone scams, targeting both elderly residents and younger people through AI impersonation schemes. The problem is part of a nationwide trend, with Americans losing $196 billion to scams in 2024 and Arizonans losing over $521 million. To protect yourself, avoid clicking suspicious links, be wary of urgent money requests from people claiming to be friends or family, and keep your passwords updated.
moneytalksnews.com
· 2026-01-15
Scammers are impersonating the Social Security Administration and Medicare using fake official-looking letters claiming beneficiaries received improper payments or overpaid premiums, then pressuring them to immediately provide banking information or send money via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. These sophisticated schemes exploit confusion around government programs and prey on seniors' fears about losing benefits through "clawbacks." The best protection is knowing that Social Security and Medicare never contact beneficiaries about overpayments via email, text, or unsolicited mail—legitimate billing issues follow a formal process—so anyone receiving such communications should independently verify with official government agencies rather than responding to the fraudulent letters.
wbrc.com
· 2026-01-15
Pelham, Alabama police are warning about a surge in cryptocurrency scams targeting senior citizens, where criminals impersonate law enforcement and threaten victims with arrest or jail time unless they pay in Bitcoin. The scammers use scare tactics and keep victims on the phone to coerce them into cryptocurrency transfers, which are harder to trace and faster than traditional bank transactions. If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from police, hang up immediately and call your local police department directly to verify the claim rather than providing any payment information.
quiverquant.com
· 2026-01-15
Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the Trump Administration for efforts to weaken the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), arguing that these actions put senior citizens at greater risk of financial scams and fraud. Warren emphasized that the regulatory safeguards provided by the CFPB are essential for protecting vulnerable older adults who are particularly susceptible to financial exploitation. To stay safe, seniors should remain vigilant about unsolicited financial offers, verify the legitimacy of financial institutions before sharing personal information, and consider consulting trusted family members or financial advisors before making major financial decisions.
worldtribune.com
· 2026-01-15
Foreign criminal gangs, particularly from Romania, are exploiting West Coast sanctuary states by committing sophisticated fraud schemes including credit card theft and elder fraud, knowing they face minimal legal consequences. These organized crime rings steal credit cards and personal information from victims at gyms, create fake IDs, and make large purchases (like $40,000 Rolex watches) before moving to another state when caught, avoiding serious prosecution due to sanctuary policies that prevent immigration enforcement. To protect yourself, residents should secure valuables and personal items at gyms, monitor credit card statements closely for unauthorized charges, and report suspicious activity to local police and their banks immediately.
thesun.co.uk
· 2026-01-14
Steve, a 39-year-old Army veteran, became a victim of identity fraud when scammers stole his photo from the internet and used it in romance scams globally, leading his girlfriend Jennifer to receive approximately ten messages weekly from people worldwide—including jealous threats and accusations—who believed they were in relationships with him and some of whom had lost significant money to the scammers. The scammers exploited Steve's public appearances on survival shows like Bear Grylls Wild Reckoning and Discovery's Naked & Afraid to make their fake profiles seem more credible. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic interests, especially if they avoid video calls, ask for money, or their stories seem inconsistent—and verify someone's identity through multiple channels before developing an emotional or financial connection.
womansworld.com
· 2026-01-14
Scammers are impersonating celebrities like Reese Witherspoon on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, sliding into fans' direct messages to build fake relationships before requesting personal information or arranging fraudulent meetings. Witherspoon herself recently warned fans about multiple fake accounts using her name to manipulate people, with some imposter profiles already gaining thousands of followers. To protect yourself, be skeptical of direct messages from celebrities, verify accounts through official verification badges, and never share personal information or agree to meetings with unverified accounts.
cybersecurityventures.com
· 2026-01-14
AI-powered deepfakes are being weaponized by cybercriminals to deceive employees and executives into transferring large sums of money, with one UK engineering firm losing £20 million after an employee was tricked by a fake video call with a supposed senior officer. Finance professionals are particularly vulnerable, with 53% targeted by deepfake scams and 43% actually falling victim to them, contributing to the estimated $10.5 trillion in global cybercrime losses in 2025. To protect yourself and your organization, experts recommend learning to identify red flags in voice cloning, deepfake videos, and social engineering tactics, which can be done with minimal financial investment.
whio.com
· 2026-01-14
A Montgomery County woman's old Roadrunner email account was compromised, and scammers used it to send messages to her contacts claiming she needed money for an online gift card for a sick friend—a classic impersonation scam. Fortunately, her sister recognized the fraud because she didn't know how to buy online gift cards and asked for clarification, preventing financial loss. To protect yourself, regularly monitor old email accounts for suspicious activity, change passwords immediately if compromised, and be skeptical of urgent money requests from contacts via email—verify directly with the person through another communication method before sending any funds.
nypost.com
· 2026-01-14
New York taxpayers are spending $400 million annually on Adult Social Day Care centers that are largely unregulated and potentially exploiting Medicaid by serving relatively healthy seniors instead of those with serious disabilities. These facilities charge the state up to $85 per meal for lunch that costs $7-12 at local restaurants, while providing minimal services beyond meals and basic activities like ping pong, and the vague state requirements for "nutrition" and "socialization" go largely unenforced. To protect themselves, taxpayers should demand greater oversight and stricter eligibility verification for Medicaid-funded services, and state officials should clarify and enforce the eligibility standards that restrict these centers to seniors with documented chronic illnesses or disabilities.
jdsupra.com
· 2026-01-14
FINRA announced proposed rule changes in January 2026 to help financial firms combat fraud, which has cost Americans over $16 billion annually with seniors losing at least $4.8 billion in 2024. The new rules would allow firms to place temporary holds on suspicious transactions, extend hold periods for seniors and vulnerable investors, and encourage customers to designate trusted contacts who can help prevent fraud. Investors of all ages should consider naming a trusted contact person with their financial firms and remain vigilant about unauthorized account activity, especially if they receive unsolicited requests for money or account access.
asiatimes.com
· 2026-01-14
# Crypto Scams Surge to $14 Billion in 2025 with AI-Powered Tactics
Cryptocurrency scams reached at least $14 billion in 2025, more than doubling from $12 billion in 2024, with scammers using artificial intelligence, impersonation tactics, and sophisticated phishing to target victims more effectively than ever before. The average scam payment jumped dramatically from $782 to $2,764, while impersonation scams—where fraudsters pose as government agencies or legitimate organizations—grew by 1,400% year-over-year. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited cryptocurrency investment opportunities, verify the authenticity of official communications through independent channels before responding, and never transfer funds based on messages or calls claiming to be from government agencies or authority figures.
ucalgary.ca
· 2026-01-14
Canadian seniors lost $38 million to fraud in 2021, with common scams including phishing, tech support scams, investment fraud, and charity fraud, according to research by University of Calgary graduate students Harshad Krishnaraj and Shah Zaib. The researchers found that seniors face increasing vulnerability as digital systems replace in-person services, and identified a critical gap in cybersecurity education and awareness programs specifically designed for older adults. Their award-winning research recommends developing targeted education programs and policy solutions to better protect seniors from these growing threats.
ntd.com
· 2026-01-14
A Senate committee is holding a hearing to address the growing problem of international scams targeting seniors, particularly fraud operations linked to China that are costing older Americans significant money. Experts from organizations focused on national security and fraud prevention are presenting evidence on how these scams work and their impact on vulnerable populations. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited calls, messages, or emails requesting personal information or money, and should verify requests through official channels before responding.
ibtimes.co.uk
· 2026-01-14
Scammers posing as government officials are draining retirement accounts from older Americans at alarming rates, with adults over 60 losing $2.4 billion to fraud in 2024—a fourfold increase since 2020. These "government imposter" schemes, now the third-largest scam category targeting seniors, trick victims into emptying their 401(k)s and bank accounts by fabricating crises like identity theft or criminal investigations and claiming their money needs to be moved for "protection." To stay safe, older adults should never transfer money based on unsolicited calls or messages, verify requests directly by calling official government agencies using numbers from their official websites, and remember that legitimate government agencies will never ask for emergency fund transfers.
capitolcitynow.com
· 2026-01-14
The Taylorville Police Department is warning about a rising wave of cryptocurrency scams that primarily target senior citizens through fake calls claiming kidnappings, unpaid bills, or compromised bank accounts, then directing victims to Bitcoin kiosks to send money. A law passed in August 2024 capped new user exchanges at $2,500, but scammers now instruct victims to visit multiple machines to bypass the limit. Police advise that any request to send cryptocurrency is a major red flag—hang up on suspicious calls, verify requests by calling organizations directly, and never send money through these machines, as cryptocurrency transfers are nearly impossible to recover once sent internationally.