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nationaltradingstandards.uk
· 2025-12-05
Three men have been convicted in a major fraud investigation targeting elderly and vulnerable people who were deceived into buying unnecessary and overpriced solar panel upgrades through companies Clear Renewables Ltd and Efficient Homes SE Ltd. Scammers used cold-calling, misleading scripts, and high-pressure tactics to convince homeowners their existing solar systems needed urgent repairs or replacements, charging thousands of pounds for equipment that cost the companies a fraction of that price and was sometimes hazardous. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited calls about home energy systems, get independent quotes before agreeing to expensive upgrades, and verify that your current equipment actually needs replacement before proceeding with any work.
mebaneenterprise.com
· 2025-12-05
# Romance and Extortion Scams in North Carolina
A tragic case in North Carolina has exposed the deadly risks of online romance scams, where a Jonesborough man was manipulated and extorted by scammers posing as romantic interests before taking his own life in October 2023. North Carolina has seen a surge in various scams affecting over 500 victims and $17 million in losses, including romance fraud, impersonation schemes, and sextortion targeting vulnerable individuals—ranging from elderly residents to teenagers. To protect yourself, authorities advise verifying any unsolicited contact by independently calling known numbers, never sharing personal or financial information with unverified callers, and being cautious of online profiles pressuring you for money, cryptocurrency investments, or wire transfers.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-05
Vietnamese police arrested three South Korean men in December 2024 who operated an international romance scam network using deepfake technology to impersonate women and lure male victims into forced online fraud schemes. The scammers gained victims' trust through fake romantic relationships, then tricked them into traveling to Southeast Asia under false pretenses, confiscated their passports, and forced them to participate in fraud operations, allegedly stealing approximately $1 million between August and December 2024. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic contacts who quickly push for investment opportunities or travel plans, verify identities through video calls, and never surrender your passport or travel documents to anyone.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-05
A care home manager and a couple were convicted of defrauding an 85-year-old resident out of £178,000 by fabricating her will to steal her life savings and property. The manager, Jamiel Slaney-Summers, deliberately isolated and manipulated the vulnerable woman—who had failing eyesight—and was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison. The scam was uncovered when the victim's cousin reported suspicious activity to authorities, serving as a stark reminder for families to monitor elderly relatives' finances and ensure proper oversight of their care.
crr.bc.edu
· 2025-12-04
Seniors ages 60+ lost nearly $5 billion to scams in 2024, with over 140,000 complaints filed to the FBI, and experts believe actual losses are even higher. Scammers specifically target older adults because they typically have more savings, may be less tech-savvy, and are less likely to report fraud, using tactics like impersonating grandchildren claiming emergencies or posing as financial institutions. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited emails and calls asking for personal information or urgent payments, verify requests by contacting organizations directly using official numbers, and never send money via gift cards or wire transfers to unknown parties.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-04
# Two men have pleaded guilty to defrauding an elderly Carlsbad resident of $1.49 million through an elaborate scam in which they impersonated government, bank, and tech support officials, convincing her to purchase gold bars under the false premise they would be secured by the U.S. Treasury. Xilin Sun and Alexander Charles James admitted to participating in a scheme that targeted elderly victims across the United States, with the victim in this case sending approximately $1.335 million in three wire transfers over two months before handing over the purchased gold to individuals claiming to safeguard it. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited pop-ups or calls claiming your computer or accounts have been compromised, verify requests by contacting institutions directly using official phone numbers, and remember that legitimate government agencies never ask you to purchase precious metals or other items for security purposes.
ksat.com
· 2025-12-04
San Antonio's West Side councilwoman is proposing stronger protections for seniors who are frequently targeted by door-to-door scams, including fraudulent solar panel sales and forged signatures. Her proposal includes distributing "no soliciting" yard signs, strengthening city ordinances to require solicitor ID badges and bonding, restricting sales after sunset and on Sundays, and making it easier for seniors to enroll in do-not-call registries. Seniors can protect themselves by being skeptical of unsolicited door-to-door offers, verifying any solicitor's registration with the city through 311, and using do-not-call registries.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-04
The FBI has launched the "Take a Beat" campaign to warn Americans about holiday season scams, which spike during peak shopping periods and often use urgency and fear tactics to trick people into sharing personal information. Scammers may drain victims' bank accounts or use stolen information to harm others, making it crucial to independently verify any suspicious calls or offers before responding. The FBI recommends monitoring your accounts, being cautious of unsolicited contact, verifying businesses through trusted sources like the Better Business Bureau, and reporting suspected scams to your local FBI office or IC3.gov.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-03
A 79-year-old Welsh angler fell victim to an elaborate scam in which fraudsters posing as the International Monetary Fund sent him emails claiming a relative in New Zealand had died, prompting him to travel to Mexico City. During his journey, a woman named "Carolina" convinced him to carry a locked suitcase containing "gifts" to Chile in exchange for a promised £3.7 million reward, but the bag actually contained £200,000 worth of methamphetamine, leading to his arrest. The key takeaway for readers is to be extremely suspicious of unexpected emails claiming emergencies or inheritances, especially those appearing to come from official organizations like the IMF, and never transport sealed items across borders for strangers, regardless of promised rewards.
soloneconomist.com
· 2025-12-03
The December Solon Senior News alerts seniors to beware of common holiday scams, including fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers, pyramid scheme gift exchanges on social media, grandparent scams requesting emergency money, and fraudulent job postings that steal personal information. Seniors are advised to verify suspicious calls with family members before sending money, shop only on official retailer websites, and avoid "too good to be true" deals like social media gift exchanges. The newsletter also reminds readers about local senior services in Solon, including free holiday lunch on December 12th and transportation assistance available by calling the provided contact numbers.
wbir.com
· 2025-12-03
Three people were sentenced to prison for orchestrating a romance scam that impersonated celebrities and government officials to defraud elderly victims, including a retired Jonesborough teacher who lost his entire life savings of $87,000 and subsequently died by suicide in October 2023. The scammers, Stephen O. Anagor, Chinagorom Onwumere, and Salma Abdalkareem, targeted multiple victims across the United States by pretending to be celebrities or falsely claiming to be FBI and Justice Department officials to pressure victims into paying fabricated fines and fees. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic advances from celebrities online, never send money to people you haven't met in person regardless of their claimed identity, and verify any official government communications directly through official channels rather than through email or unsolicited contact.
wjhl.com
· 2025-12-03
# Article Summary
Three individuals—two from New Jersey and one from Washington—have been sentenced to a combined 20 years in prison for orchestrating romance scams that targeted elderly Americans, including a Tennessee man who lost his entire $86,900 life savings and later died by suicide. The scammers impersonated celebrities and government officials online to convince victims they were in romantic relationships, then extorted money by posing as law enforcement claiming investigations were underway. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited romantic advances online, never send money to people you haven't met in person, and verify claims by contacting official organizations directly through their published phone numbers rather than using contact information provided by the scammer.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-03
Three individuals—two from New Jersey and one from Washington—were sentenced to a combined 20 years in prison for orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded a Tennessee victim of nearly $87,000 in 2023, ultimately contributing to his suicide. The scam involved criminals in Nigeria impersonating celebrities and government officials online to trick elderly victims into sending money, with U.S.-based conspirators receiving the funds and using harassment tactics to extract additional payments. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected romantic connections online, never send money to someone you haven't met in person, and report suspicious communications to authorities immediately.
cbs8.com
· 2025-12-03
A Carlsbad woman lost $1.3 million in a nationwide gold scam where two men convinced her over several months that converting her savings to gold bars would protect her money in a U.S. Treasury locker—when in fact they were stealing the gold. Two suspects, Xilin Sun and Alexander Charles James, have pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges after an FBI sting operation caught them red-handed. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected pop-up warnings on your computer, never wire money to strangers claiming to be government or bank officials, and remember that legitimate agencies will never ask you to convert savings to gold or other valuables for "safekeeping."
nbcsandiego.com
· 2025-12-03
Two men pleaded guilty to federal charges for their role in a tech support scam that defrauded a Carlsbad elderly woman of nearly $1.5 million. The scammers tricked her into believing her bank account was compromised and convinced her to purchase gold bars and hand them over for "safekeeping," but the gold was never secured as promised. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited pop-ups warning of hacks, never wire money based on urgent calls from people claiming to be government or bank officials, and contact your financial institution directly using a known phone number if you have security concerns.
fox5sandiego.com
· 2025-12-03
Two men pleaded guilty to a sophisticated fraud scheme that defrauded a Carlsbad woman of $1.49 million over two months. The scammers posed as government, bank, and tech support employees, initially luring the victim through a fake computer hack warning, then convincing her that gold bars purchased through a precious metals company could be "secured" at the U.S. Treasury. To protect yourself, never respond to pop-up warnings or unsolicited tech support calls, be skeptical of anyone claiming you need to move money for "safekeeping," and always verify requests through official channels before sending funds.
dickinsoncountynews.com
· 2025-12-03
A New Jersey woman named Fanny Singer, accused of impersonating a local Milford resident to fraudulently access their bank accounts as part of a larger fraud ring, has postponed her trial from its original December 2 date. The suspect has been held in Dickinson County Jail while her case proceeds. Residents should be cautious about protecting their personal information and monitor their bank accounts for unauthorized activity, as identity theft and account fraud remain serious threats.
einpresswire.com
· 2025-12-03
Two men, Xilin Sun and Alexander Charles James, pleaded guilty to their roles in a sophisticated scam that defrauded a Carlsbad resident of $1.49 million by impersonating government, bank, and tech-support employees and convincing her to purchase gold bars under the false pretense of protecting her savings. The victim was initially targeted through a pop-up warning about a hacked computer, and over two months was tricked into making three wire transfers totaling over $1.3 million to buy gold that was never actually secured. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited pop-ups or calls about computer problems, never wire money based on pressure from supposed government or bank officials, and contact your bank directly using a verified phone number if you have concerns about your accounts.
news10.com
· 2025-12-03
New York State Senator Zellnor Myrie introduced the "RIPOFF Act," a bill that would allow judges to strip large corporations (making over $100 million annually) of stock shares when convicted of financial crimes like fraud, bribery, and money laundering, with proceeds going to crime victims. The legislation aims to close legal loopholes that have allowed white-collar criminals to avoid serious punishment and to modernize fraud laws that haven't been updated in decades as criminal tactics have become increasingly sophisticated. Myrie emphasized the need for stronger state-level enforcement since federal agencies may scale back financial crime investigations, urging residents to stay vigilant about protecting their hard-earned money from corporate scams.
cm.asiae.co.kr
· 2025-12-02
Side job scams are targeting financially vulnerable people—particularly those seeking extra income to pay for children's education or medical expenses—by exploiting their guilt and pressuring them to make deposits under the false premise that their teammates will suffer losses if they don't comply. Victims have lost millions of won in these schemes, which are widespread on social media platforms where scammers pose as legitimate side job opportunities and use fake "team missions" to manipulate people into transferring money. To protect yourself, be wary of side job offers on social media that require upfront deposits, demand screenshots or personal information, or create pressure by claiming others depend on your participation—legitimate work opportunities don't operate this way.
ministrywatch.com
· 2025-12-02
This article is a roundup of past ministry-related controversies covered by MinistryWatch, ranging from one to seven years ago. Notable cases include a pastor arrested for stealing $250,000 from elderly people through his contracting company, a radio host investigated for sexual impropriety allegations, and a charity issuing deceptive fundraising appeals. For donors and church members, the key takeaway is to research religious organizations before giving money, watch for red flags like deceptive solicitations, and stay informed about leadership controversies through reputable watchdog sources like MinistryWatch.
legit.ng
· 2025-12-02
Nigerian singer Peter Okoye has denied reports that the EFCC (an anti-corruption agency) abandoned an $800,000 fraud lawsuit he filed against his brother Jude, calling the claims "propaganda" and "lies" on social media. The EFCC allegedly told the court they had no evidence linking Jude to the fraud case, but Peter insists the court session being referenced never actually took place. The dispute stems from ongoing tensions between the Okoye brothers following the breakup of their music group P-Square.
saltwire.com
· 2025-12-01
Charles Gillen, 25, defrauded over $130,000 from seniors in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, with three victims providing emotional impact statements describing trauma, sleepless nights, financial devastation, and lasting psychological harm. The victims, aged 74-87, lost their savings and spoke of feeling vulnerable, embarrassed, and anxious, with some unable to afford planned trips or recover from recent losses. Anyone suspicious of unsolicited contact offering financial opportunities or requests for personal information should verify the caller's identity through official channels and remember that legitimate organizations never pressure people into immediate decisions or ask for upfront payments.
bernama.com
· 2025-12-01
International police agencies are warning of a dangerous surge in transnational scam operations across Southeast Asia that are linked to human trafficking, forced labor, and serious crimes including torture and sexual exploitation. Victims are often lured with fake job promises and then forced into compounds where they operate fraud schemes like romance scams, investment fraud, and cryptocurrency scams targeting people worldwide. Law enforcement is increasing coordination and information sharing to dismantle these criminal networks, with Myanmar recently destroying hundreds of illegal scam buildings, and regional authorities are emphasizing joint efforts to combat the cross-border crime problem.
investmentnews.com
· 2025-12-01
David Gentile, the former CEO of GPB Capital, had his seven-year prison sentence commuted by President Trump just days after he began serving time for defrauding approximately 1.6 billion dollars from retail investors. Gentile and his firm promised steady investment returns but allegedly used new investor money to pay distributions rather than actual profits, operating as a Ponzi scheme that affected thousands of individual investors who had invested through brokers and financial advisors. Investors should be cautious of investment funds promising consistent high returns and should verify that distributions come from actual operating profits, not recycled investor capital.
legit.ng
· 2025-12-01
Singer Peter Okoye accused his brother Jude of stealing approximately $800,000 from their defunct music group Psquare, but Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated it has no evidence to support the claim and is asking Peter to prove his allegations. Jude was detained for two months before being released on bail, and the case has caused further family drama as Peter's twin brother Paul has sided with Jude and cut ties with Peter on social media. For anyone involved in business disputes with family members, this case highlights the importance of maintaining clear financial records and documentation, as unsubstantiated claims—even when involving large sums—may not hold up in court without solid evidence.
eastidahonews.com
· 2025-11-30
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is warning residents about scams using fake jury duty notices sent via text, phone, and email to pressure people into paying fines or facing arrest—a scheme particularly targeting seniors. The scammers use spoofed caller IDs and official-looking documents to appear legitimate, but legitimate courts never demand payment through links or threaten arrest by phone. To protect yourself, ignore these messages, hang up immediately, and report suspected scams to ReportScamsIdaho.com rather than clicking any links or providing personal information.
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-11-30
Cybercriminals in Bhopal are using terror-related threats to scam elderly people, falsely claiming their bank accounts funded terrorist attacks and demanding money to avoid legal consequences. The scam has already caused at least one suicide and defrauded several victims of significant sums, with incidents increasing rapidly over recent weeks. Authorities advise citizens—especially families with elderly members—to verify caller identities through official channels, report suspicious calls to police immediately, and educate older adults about these digital scams.
ppc.land
· 2025-11-30
Internal documents reviewed by Reuters revealed that Meta's platforms display approximately 15 billion higher-risk scam advertisements daily, with projections suggesting 3-4% of the company's $200 billion 2024 advertising revenue came from fraudulent ads. Users of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other Meta platforms are exposed to these scams, which include banned goods and deceptive schemes that Meta only removes when it reaches 95% certainty of fraud. While experts debate whether stricter detection could help, the challenge remains balancing fraud prevention with protecting legitimate small businesses from being wrongly blocked by automated systems.
tampafp.com
· 2025-11-30
Federal prosecutors charged 235 individuals along the Texas border in a coordinated enforcement operation from November 21-27, with the most alarming case involving a driver caught transporting 51 undocumented immigrants hidden in a refrigerated produce trailer at 55 degrees—creating dangerous conditions with limited escape routes. The charges include 146 felony reentry cases (many involving prior criminal records), 70 illegal entry cases, and 17 human smuggling cases, targeting both smuggling networks and individuals with histories of serious crimes attempting to re-enter the country. Anyone who suspects human trafficking or smuggling should contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888) or local law enforcement immediately, as these operations often endanger lives.
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CBC News
· 2025-10-10
**Scam Type:** Romance/Investment Fraud
**Victim:** Marcel Desan (Ontario, Canada)
**Perpetrator:** Mariam Chan (operating under fake identity "Mary")
**Amount Lost:** $3,500
A scammer using a fake identity and stolen photos defrauded Marcel Desan of $3,500 through an online romance scheme. When Desan discovered the fraud and confronted the perpetrator (identified as Mariam Chan on social media), recorded calls captured the scammer's abusive responses and threats. The investigation traced the stolen funds being used by the fraudster to finance a lavish lifestyle while the
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KOAA 5
· 2025-10-07
A Colorado Springs woman lost her $37,000 inheritance to a fake cryptocurrency investment scam after seeing what appeared to be an investment opportunity posted by a close friend on Facebook. The friend's account had been hacked, and scammers used it to lure Suzanne Pence into the fraudulent scheme, stripping away the funds her father had left behind.
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Arizona’s Family (3TV / CBS 5)
· 2025-10-06
This podcast segment from "On Your Side" features hosts Gary Harper and Susan Campbell discussing the evolving nature of scams targeting vulnerable populations. The hosts highlight how scams have become increasingly sophisticated and believable over time, using technology to deceive victims—exemplified by Susan's personal anecdote about her grandmother falling for a classic Microsoft pop-up scam that prompted her to call a fraudulent number and potentially compromise her financial accounts. The hosts emphasize that scams are becoming more prevalent and convincing, affecting even intelligent and vigilant people, and stress the importance of family awareness and intervention to protect loved ones from fraud.
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CTV News
· 2025-10-02
I cannot provide a summary of this article as requested. The transcript provided does not contain information about a fraud case involving a convicted fraudster scamming customers out of $360,000. Instead, the content discusses a municipal planning issue regarding the City of Barrie's land annexation and expansion plans.
To properly summarize an elder fraud case for the Elderus database, please provide the actual article content about the fraud scheme.
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ABC News
· 2025-09-25
A 91-year-old woman named Shirley Morrow lost $9,000 in a "grandparent scam" after receiving a phone call from someone posing as her grandson, claiming he was in jail following a car accident and needed bail money. The scam involves fraudsters impersonating a grandchild in distress and requesting immediate payment, with tens of thousands of cases reported nationwide targeting senior citizens. Scammers use voice mimicking technology and social engineering tactics to convince victims to withdraw cash before they realize they've been deceived.
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ABC News
· 2025-09-25
**Grandparent Scam - Voice Technology Fraud**
Scammers are using advanced voice technology to impersonate grandchildren in what the FBI identifies as an escalating problem targeting older adults. A 91-year-old victim (Shirley Morrow) was convinced by a call mimicking her grandson's voice that he was in legal trouble and needed $9,000; older adults collectively lost $4.9 billion to these scams, which typically involve fraudsters posing as family members in supposed emergencies to pressure immediate payment.
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KTVB
· 2025-09-23
Idaho enacted a new "Report and Hold" law that authorizes banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to temporarily freeze suspicious transactions when fraud is suspected. The law protects financial professionals from legal liability when reporting suspected fraud and applies to adults over 65 as well as younger adults with physical or mental impairments.
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Forbes Breaking News
· 2025-09-22
Congressman Warren Davidson emphasizes that elder fraud represents a pressing threat to American families and calls for stronger legal protections against these schemes, which he characterizes as particularly deceptive and now operating as global enterprises. He advocates for bipartisan action to address the issue and references the Guard Act as an example of bipartisan legislation designed to better protect seniors from financial fraud.
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13WHAM ABC News
· 2025-09-18
Thirty-five-year-old Esther Marie Jones of Rochester appeared in federal court as one of eight suspects accused of running fraud schemes targeting dozens of senior citizens in Western New York. According to the criminal complaint, Jones was found in possession of 31 fraudulent identification cards, 4 stolen social security cards, and 65 fraudulent bank cards, which she allegedly used to steal money from seniors and open businesses under their identities. A fraud prevention expert noted that elder fraud victims often suffer devastating consequences, as seniors who lose their life savings lack the financial resources to recover, unlike younger fraud victims.
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13WHAM ABC News
· 2025-09-17
Eight suspects were charged federally for operating fraud schemes targeting over 139 senior citizens across Western New York, resulting in approximately $11 million in losses. The schemes employed multiple tactics including romance scams, account hacking, and identity theft, and were dismantled by a newly formed Department of Justice task force based in Rochester.
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WMAR-2 News
· 2025-09-11
A Parkton woman received unsolicited medical braces (knee, wrist, and back) that she never ordered and her doctor never prescribed, only to discover that fraudulent companies billed Medicare approximately $1,100 for a back brace worth $25 on eBay, with Medicare covering nearly $400 of the fraudulent charge. The companies involved were difficult to reach and unresponsive when contacted, raising concerns about how they obtained the victim's personal health information to perpetrate the Medicare fraud scheme.
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ABC11
· 2025-09-05
Brian Talton was arrested and charged with stealing thousands of dollars from homeowners in Wake County through driveway repair scams targeting elderly residents. Talton and associates would claim to have extra asphalt supplies and offer to repair driveways, then charge exorbitant fees (one victim was charged nearly $16,000), perform substandard work, and disappear after cashing checks. At least one 95-year-old victim reported that Talton falsely claimed to work for the city, and victims discovered cracks in the new driveways almost immediately after completion.
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ABC10
· 2025-09-04
California seniors lost $1.7 billion to fraud in 2024, with scammers increasingly targeting older adults through digital devices using evolving tactics like spoofing and gift card scams. Experts from AARP and Chase Bank conducted educational workshops in Sacramento to help seniors recognize common scams and protect their identities, emphasizing that awareness and vigilance are key to prevention.
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FOX6 News Milwaukee
· 2025-08-22
**Title:** Preventing scams and fraud | FOX6 News Milwaukee
A Hartford staffing support company received a convincing phone call from someone impersonating their bank, with a spoofed caller ID, claiming fraudulent transactions required setting up a new account and requesting current account credentials. The company president recognized red flags when asked for sensitive information despite the caller's friendly demeanor and trust-building tactics, ultimately refusing to provide the information and avoiding financial loss. The segment provides awareness about how financial fraud scams use social engineering and caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate and manipulate victims into revealing account information.
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ABC News
· 2025-08-20
This Nightline special examined the "Tinder Swindler," a notorious romance scammer who defrauded multiple victims of substantial sums including $20,000, $30,000, and $140,000 by posing as a wealthy man with a luxurious lifestyle on dating apps. Two victims lost their savings and homes after falling for his love-bombing scheme and have since become advocates, publishing a book titled "Swindle, Never After" to warn others about romance scams. The program featured an investigation into the scammer's methods and aims to help prevent future victims from falling for similar con artists.
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FOX 5 Atlanta
· 2025-08-20
Peach Tree City Police identified cryptocurrency ATMs as the leading cause of fraud in their jurisdiction, with victims losing $2 million in just eight months of 2024. Scammers deceived residents into depositing cash into cryptocurrency accounts via ATMs located in stores and gas stations, often wiping out life savings and retirement accounts. Police emphasized that any unsolicited request to use a crypto or Bitcoin ATM is a scam, and warn this problem is occurring in communities nationwide.
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WHNT News 19
· 2025-08-19
Scammers are tricking consumers into paying fees for passport renewal forms that are actually free downloads from the U.S. government website. These fraudulent sites mimic the official government website (ending in .com instead of .gov) and may trick victims into providing personal and financial information, potentially leading to identity theft. Consumers should verify they are using the official site (travel.state.gov) and avoid clicking sponsored search results, while monitoring their bank accounts if they suspect they've been victimized.
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wgaltv
· 2025-08-13
Thirteen suspects were arrested in connection with a sophisticated international grandparent scam ring that stole over $5 million from more than 400 seniors, with call centers in the Dominican Republic and money-collection runners across the United States including Massachusetts. The scam involved criminals posing as grandchildren in distress and pressuring elderly victims to withdraw cash from banks, with one victim's family losing $18,000 in the scheme. Authorities recommend families establish a code word that grandchildren must provide when calling, as a protective measure against this type of fraud.
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Western Mass News
· 2025-08-13
Thirteen individuals have been charged for operating a transnational elder fraud scheme centered at a call center in the Dominican Republic that defrauded over 400 U.S. seniors of more than $5 million. The perpetrators used fake emergency scripts claiming victims' loved ones needed money, sometimes orchestrating ride-share drivers to transport elderly victims to banks for additional withdrawals, before laundering funds back to the Dominican Republic. Nine suspects are in custody while four remain at large; all face multiple fraud charges.
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WCVB Channel 5 Boston
· 2025-08-12
Thirteen members of a transnational elder fraud ring operating from a call center in the Dominican Republic were charged, with nine arrested and four still at large. The sophisticated operation targeted more than 400 victims, including at least 50 in Massachusetts, using the "grandchild in trouble" scam and even arranging Uber rides to banks to collect cash from seniors. Many victims lost their life savings and suffered lasting emotional trauma, with full financial recovery unlikely as authorities work to seize assets.