Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
8,635 results
in Phishing
denisonforum.org
**Pig Butchering Scam Overview**
Pig butchering scams exploit victims' desire for connection and romantic relationships by having scammers pose as attractive strangers via text or social media, gradually building trust over weeks or months before introducing cryptocurrency investment schemes that result in complete financial loss. These scams, operated by organized gangs in Southeast Asia (primarily in Laos, Thailand, and the Philippines) using coerced workers, have generated an estimated $75 billion in losses and are particularly effective against older adults unfamiliar with digital deception tactics like AI-generated photos. Victims have suffered devastating consequences including suicide, with protection strategies including awareness of the sc
b105country.com
Grand Marais State Bank warned customers of a text message phishing scam impersonating the bank and requesting users click a link to "secure" their account after detecting a new device login. The scam attempts to trick victims into clicking malicious links (hosted on free website services like Weebly) and providing personal banking information that fraudsters could use to access accounts. The bank advises customers never to click unexpected links related to accounts and instead contact their bank directly to verify any security alerts.
aarp.org
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages to drivers claiming they have unpaid tolls, creating a sense of urgency by threatening additional fees if balances aren't paid immediately through fake toll payment websites. The Identity Theft Resource Center reports this scam is proliferating across the country, exploiting drivers' anxiety about legitimately owing toll fees by using real toll system names like "Good-to-Go" in Washington State and "Easy Pass" on the East Coast. The scheme preys on consumers' fear of accumulating fines and encourages them to click malicious links or provide personal information to cybercriminals.
ministers.treasury.gov.au
Australia has seen a modest decrease in scam losses over the past 12 months, with Queensland reporting losses dropping from $54 million (January-June 2023) to $21 million in the same period this year, down significantly from $37-38 million in 2022. Investment scams account for over half of losses nationwide, typically originating through emails or social media messages promoting cryptocurrency investments, fake bonds, or fake celebrity endorsements. Key prevention advice includes: never clicking links in unsolicited text messages or emails, avoiding investments that offer returns above market rates, and consulting professional financial advisors rather than relying on social media recommendations.
independent.co.uk
A newspaper columnist fell victim to a Taylor Swift ticket scam after purchasing four tickets at face value (£100 each) from someone introduced through a friend-of-a-friend who was presented as trustworthy and a former primary school teacher. The scammer ceased communication via WhatsApp and blocked calls before delivering the tickets, leaving two 12-year-old girls disappointed before the Wembley Stadium concert. The author emphasizes this as a cautionary tale about social engineering and trust-based fraud rather than typical online phishing or fake resale sites.
wsoctv.com
This article identifies five types of political call and text scams targeting voters: fake polls, donation scams, impersonation scams, questionable petitions, and voter registration scams. Experts advise consumers not to feel pressured to provide personal information, to verify requests by contacting organizations directly, and to delete suspicious messages rather than engage with them.
ca.news.yahoo.com
A newspaper columnist lost £400 ($500 USD equivalent) after falling for a Taylor Swift ticket scam where she purchased four tickets at face value from someone vouched for by mutual acquaintances—a former teacher presented as trustworthy—who never delivered the tickets and subsequently blocked all contact before the Wembley Stadium concert. The author shares her experience to warn others that scams rely on social trust and word-of-mouth assurance rather than just online phishing or typical fraud tactics, emphasizing how even seemingly legitimate people can perpetrate fraud.
fox26houston.com
The Better Business Bureau warns parents and students to watch out for several back-to-school scams, including fake social media ads and websites offering discounted school supplies and clothing at unrealistically low prices. Additional scams to avoid include tech support scams via suspicious emails or alerts, scholarship and financial aid scams, and phishing emails impersonating school officials. Experts recommend using credit cards with fraud protection, shopping only on secure websites with SSL certificates, and verifying legitimacy before providing personal information or clicking links.
abc7chicago.com
A Chicago-area woman had her identity stolen after responding to a fake job posting that included a legitimate-seeming face-to-face Zoom interview and written job offer; the scammers later sent her a counterfeit check for $8,950 and requested she purchase office equipment and return funds. The Better Business Bureau reports job scams have increased significantly since the pandemic, with the 18-34 age group most at risk, and warns that the biggest red flag is when companies send checks to purchase supplies—if cashed and spent, victims are responsible to their banks.
thecoastlandtimes.com
A smishing (SMS phishing) scam is targeting random phone numbers nationwide, with fraudsters impersonating tolling agencies and demanding payment for unpaid tolls. The North Carolina Turnpike Authority warns that these messages are not tied to actual toll accounts or road usage, and recommends customers verify notifications through official channels and report suspicious messages to authorities.
siliconvalley.com
A woman was scammed through a Facebook ad advertising Bombas socks at an unrealistically low price and never received her order. The article discusses various online shopping scams involving fake ads on Facebook and third-party sellers on Amazon, and provides protective measures including: verifying seller legitimacy and reviews, checking for secure website connections (HTTPS), using credit cards or reputable payment services, purchasing only returnable items, and comparing prices across platforms before buying from unfamiliar merchants.
siliconvalley.com
A woman was scammed after responding to a Facebook ad offering Bombas socks at an unrealistically low price and never received her order, illustrating how illegitimate sellers exploit social media platforms to advertise name-brand products they cannot deliver at those prices. The article provides guidance on avoiding online shopping fraud, including verifying seller legitimacy through research and reviews, checking for secure websites (HTTPS), using protected payment methods like credit cards or PayPal, and taking advantage of return policies during trial periods. Consumers should be cautious of third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon and compare prices across retailers, as prices that seem too good to be true typically are.
psychologytoday.com
AI-generated voice and video impersonation scams are making traditional emergency fraud increasingly difficult to detect, with scammers using snippets from social media or voicemail to realistically replicate loved ones' voices and deepfake technology to create convincing video calls. Notable cases include an Arizona mother who received an AI-generated call from her daughter's voice demanding $50,000 ransom and a Hong Kong finance worker who lost $25 million to scammers using deepfake video to impersonate his CFO. To protect against these scams, individuals should establish family code words, verify caller information, have a third party independently contact the loved one, and maintain emotional awareness that anyone can be
aol.com
U.S. consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023, a 14 percent increase from 2022, according to the FTC. Police and Active Aging Inc. warn that scammers target people of all ages through multiple channels including mail, phone calls, email, text, and social media, using tactics such as demanding gift card payments, impersonating government agencies, and fabricating family emergencies. The agencies recommend protective measures including establishing family code words, avoiding unsolicited contacts, and resisting pressure to act immediately.
news.trendmicro.com
Deepfake technology powered by AI is fueling a rising tide of scams in 2024, with deepfake content increasing 900% between 2019 and 2020. Cybercriminals use deepfakes to impersonate celebrities, recruiters, and romantic partners through fake video calls, job interviews, and investment schemes to steal money and personal information from victims. Key scams include romance fraud (where scammers conduct convincing video calls using face-swapping), recruiting scams (impersonating employers on LinkedIn to extract payment and data), and investment scams (using fake celebrity endorsements to promote cryptocurrency schemes).
clarksvilleonline.com
Police departments and the Better Business Bureau are warning consumers about rapidly increasing QR code scams that direct victims to phishing websites, malicious downloads, and fraudulent payment portals. Common schemes include parking meter payment fraud, cryptocurrency wallet scams, utility/government impostor scams, and romance scams, which can result in significant financial losses and personal data theft. Consumers are advised to verify QR codes before scanning, avoid codes from unfamiliar sources, check for tampering on public codes, and report suspected fraud to the BBB or FTC.
forwardtimes.com
In 2023, senior citizens reported $3.4 billion in fraud losses, a 14 percent increase from 2022, with losses continuing to rise in 2024 at $1.6 billion through May alone. The article highlights a specific case in Houston where a man was indicted for defrauding a 92-year-old dementia patient out of his home by falsely claiming property tax obligations and repair needs, then coercing him to sign over his deed. Experts emphasize that reporting fraud promptly and seeking help from legal services are critical, as scammers actively target vulnerable elderly individuals, particularly in the African American community.
www3.erie.gov
In 2023, elder fraud complaints rose 14% with 101,000 victims collectively losing $3.4 billion, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. The article identifies eight common senior scams—including grandparent, medical device, IRS imposter, and sweepstakes scams—and provides prevention tips such as never sharing personal information over the phone, blocking robocalls, keeping software updated, and verifying caller identity before responding. Seniors should be particularly cautious of unsolicited calls, suspicious emails with attachments, and fraudsters impersonating government agencies.
uk.style.yahoo.com
This is not an article about elder fraud, scams, or abuse. It is a cookie and privacy consent notice from Yahoo explaining how the company uses cookies and personal data for website functionality, security, and advertising purposes. No summary relevant to elder fraud research is applicable.
forbes.com
This article highlights five emerging phishing scam tactics that security experts recently identified, including state-sponsored attacks targeting 40,000 high-level business professionals using sophisticated Microsoft impersonations and multi-factor authentication bypasses, and a 183% surge in weight-loss drug scams with 176,871 phishing attempts targeting individuals seeking discounted Ozempic and similar medications. Additional tactics include tricking users into running malicious PowerShell commands through fake error dialogs, hijacking legitimate customer portals to send trusted phishing emails, and exploiting Windows Search functionality to deploy malware, demonstrating how adversaries continuously evolve their methods to evade detection.
freep.com
This article warns consumers about several back-to-school scams that surge in August and September, including fake websites that duplicate legitimate retailers to steal money or personal information, clickbait ads with nearly-identical URLs offering unrealistic discounts, and fraudulent payment requests. Victims often receive outdated or counterfeit merchandise, nothing at all, or lose money entirely when paying through digital platforms like Zelle that offer no fraud protection. The article advises shoppers to verify deals directly on official websites, check for red flags like suspicious URLs and missing contact information, use credit cards instead of payment apps, and contact their bank before completing questionable transactions.
aarp.org
The Google Voice scam involves fraudsters posing as buyers on Facebook Marketplace who request verification codes from sellers, claiming to confirm identity and prevent fraud. Once the seller provides the six-digit verification code, scammers use it to create a Google Voice account linked to the seller's number, generating a disguised phone number to conduct additional scams while leaving a trail leading to the innocent victim. The FTC first warned of this scam in 2021, and it remains the most commonly reported fraud to the Identity Theft Resource Center, accounting for 60 percent of scams reported in 2023.
freep.com
Kari Morales, a 51-year-old from Milford, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for acting as a money mule in an IRS impersonation scam targeting a Kent County woman for $60,000. Morales was recruited online by a co-conspirator known as "Tom" to collect the fraudulently obtained cash in Grand Rapids while posing as a federal agent with fake FBI and IRS documents, unaware the victim's phone number had been reassigned to an undercover federal agent. Morales was promised $2,500 for her role in the scheme and pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court.
freepressjournal.in
A 42-year-old woman from Dombivali, Mumbai lost Rs30 lakh (approximately $36,000 USD) to scammers who posed as courier executives, police officials, and CBI agents. The fraudsters claimed a drug-laden parcel was found in her name and used false authority to convince her she was involved in money laundering, extracting Rs18.72 lakh through fake financial checks and an additional Rs12 lakh under the pretense of purchasing bitcoins to trace hackers.
wvua23.com
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics including AI voice mimicry to impersonate family members and request bail money, fake law enforcement calls claiming missed jury duty or warrants, and phishing texts posing as banks with frozen accounts. The article advises consumers to verify suspicious calls independently by hanging up and calling back directly, avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts, and be skeptical of unexpected prize notifications and car warranty offers.
consumer.ftc.gov
Scammers impersonate utility companies with urgent calls claiming unpaid bills and demanding immediate payment via barcodes, QR codes, gift cards, or wire transfers—payment methods legitimate utility companies never require. To protect yourself, contact your utility company directly using the number on your bill or their official website, never the caller's number, and report suspected scams to the FTC and your utility company immediately.
malaysia.news.yahoo.com
Modern scammers use sophisticated social engineering tactics—not victim naivety—to defraud people, employing psychological manipulation techniques and scripted interactions that mimic legitimate organizations like banks and police. Experts explain that continuous phone conversation and repeated "yes" responses create mental compliance, while common scam methods include mule account schemes (where job applicants are tricked into opening bank accounts for criminals) and APK file installation that grants remote phone access. Scammers reportedly employ psychologists and use standardized scripts refined over decades, making their operations highly organized criminal enterprises rather than isolated fraud attempts.
huffpost.com
Scammers target students and families during the academic season with scholarship scams, typically sending deceptive emails promising tuition discounts or scholarships in exchange for application or processing fees. These fraudulent schemes exploit families' financial anxieties about college costs and may also aim to steal sensitive personal data for resale; red flags include guaranteed scholarships, requests for social security numbers, upfront fees, and wire transfer or peer-to-peer payment methods. Victims should report fraud to authorities and their banks immediately to dispute charges, though recovery options may be limited depending on the payment method used.
7news.com.au
A Washington business owner nearly fell victim to an impersonation scam when a fraudster posing as a National Australia Bank representative called his assistant, requesting banking credentials under the pretense that his business credit card had been blocked due to activity in Darwin. The scammer targeted an account containing $3 million, but the business owner and assistant recognized red flags—including the scammer's inability to provide account details or the correct banker's name—and verified the call through official channels, preventing any loss. The article notes that impersonation scams are among the most common fraud tactics, with the Australian Tax Office receiving 22,000 reports of government impersonation scams in the past year, emphasizing the importance of vigilance
vermontjournal.com
This educational piece debunks three common myths about fraud victimization: that intelligence protects against scams, that only wealthy people are targets, and that only elderly people are victimized. The article emphasizes that scammers target people across all ages, education levels, and demographics, noting that the FTC reports higher victimization rates among 25-45 year-olds than seniors, though seniors typically suffer larger dollar losses. The piece advocates for fraud defense through behavior change and awareness rather than relying on intelligence alone, and alerts readers to an active scam targeting Justices of the Peace involving fake wedding payments.
wsaw.com
The Better Business Bureau cautions college students to watch out for seven common scams targeting them during the school year: phishing emails impersonating the school's financial department, fake credit card offers, fraudulent rental listings, identity theft, scholarship grant scams, online shopping scams, and test preparation blackmail schemes. The BBB recommends students verify offers through official channels, check credit reports regularly at annualcreditreport.com, view apartments in person before paying, and research companies on BBB.org before engaging with them. Students are encouraged to report suspected scams to BBB's ScamTracker and contact their local BBB office with concerns.
rbcroyalbank.com
This educational article identifies five common online scams targeting young people: fake contests requiring fees or personal information, fraudulent online shopping deals that harvest credit card and shipping data, social media quizzes designed to collect personal information for password cracking, phishing and smishing scams using enticing offers or false urgency, and job scams targeting graduates through fake job postings and interviews that steal identity or financial information. The article emphasizes that while young people are digitally savvy, they tend to be trusting and vulnerable to misinformation, and recommends educating them about these risks along with key security practices like using strong passwords, questioning online content, and avoiding sharing sensitive information.
wbckfm.com
The U.S. Secret Service has warned Michigan residents about "smishing"—text message phishing scams—targeting online shoppers with three main tactics: fake package tracking notifications, undelivered package alerts, and fraudulent purchase warnings, all designed to trick victims into clicking malicious links and surrendering sensitive financial information. The Secret Service recommends avoiding unsolicited messages entirely, never clicking links from unknown sources, independently verifying requests for personal information, and deleting suspicious texts rather than responding to them.
welivesecurity.com
This article outlines six common Craigslist scams to avoid: fraudsters selling non-existent items (tickets, cars, rentals, jobs) at below-market prices to solicit untraceable payments; overpayment schemes where a bounced check leaves sellers out of pocket; Google Voice verification code theft that allows scammers to create accounts linked to victims' phone numbers; phishing emails impersonating Craigslist to harvest personal information; fake cashier's checks that are easier to counterfeit than genuine ones; and fake escrow services. The article advises users to only use secure payment methods, verify items in person before payment, never share verification codes
lfpress.com
A 65-year-old Ontario man lost $83,000 over two years in a romance scam involving an online woman he married by proxy without meeting in person. The scam escalated when he wired $53,000 to a renovation company she recommended, which turned out to be part of the fraud scheme. Police issued warning signs to watch for, including requests for money, avoidance of in-person meetings, unverifiable online presence, and inconsistent stories.
expressandstar.com
This article reports on the reopening of a refurbished Nationwide bank branch in Codsall, which the local MP visited to celebrate the branch's commitment to remaining open until at least 2028. The branch staff highlighted their fraud prevention efforts, noting they have stopped over £25,000 in fraudulent transactions in the past year by identifying romance scams, fake HMRC emails, and investment fraud through face-to-face customer conversations. The branch also serves the local community as a collection point for a food bank, underscoring the importance of physical banking locations in combating fraud and supporting vulnerable customers.
kiplinger.com
In 2023, over 101,000 people age 60 and older lost nearly $3.4 billion to financial exploitation, according to the FBI's Elder Fraud Report, with common scams including tech support fraud ($590 million in losses), investment fraud ($4.57 billion, up 38% year-over-year), power of attorney abuse, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, and homeowner scams. AI-driven fraud is making scams increasingly sophisticated, with criminals creating convincing fake audio and video to deceive victims. Protection requires vigilance about warning signs such as unusual account activity and suspicious communications, along with education and open family dialogue about financial security.
paulfletcher.com.au
This is not an article about elder fraud or scams. It is a TechLeaders 2024 conference speech that discusses technology's broader societal impacts, both positive and negative. While the speaker mentions romance scams, fake social media endorsements, and text-based scams ($26.9 million in losses to Australians in 2023) as examples of technology-enabled crime, the document is a general technology policy speech rather than a focused report on elder abuse or fraud.
jamaicaobserver.com
Romance scams, business imposter scams, and internet/email fraud are common schemes targeting older adults. Romance scammers exploit loneliness through fake online profiles to extract money for purported travel or emergencies, while business imposters use caller ID spoofing to pose as legitimate companies or charities to steal personal information and funds. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to internet scams, phishing emails, and fake anti-virus pop-ups due to lower technology adoption rates and unfamiliarity with online security features.
headtopics.com
The Nationwide branch in Codsall has reopened for face-to-face banking and is working to combat an increase in romance scams, fake HMRC emails, and investment fraud affecting local customers. The branch serves as both a banking hub and community resource, supporting local initiatives like the food bank "The Well" while providing customers with in-person financial services and fraud awareness support.
wrexham.com
Wrexham residents are being warned about rental scams where fraudsters pose as landlords to steal money from prospective tenants through phantom listings, hijacked ads, or bait-and-switch tactics. Common warning signs include suspiciously low rent, requests for upfront payments, avoidance of in-person meetings, high-pressure tactics, and incomplete property information, with one victim losing £1,400. Residents are advised to use reputable platforms, verify landlord credentials through Rent Smart Wales, meet properties in person before paying, and report suspected scams to Citizens Advice or Trading Standards.
businessinsider.com
Election officials across multiple states warned about voter registration scams ahead of the 2024 presidential election, where scammers posed as get-out-the-vote groups via text messages and other communications to trick victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal information like Social Security numbers. Voter registration fraud is one of the three most common election-cycle scams, and officials recommend verifying communications directly with local election officials and reporting suspicious contacts to the FTC. No specific dollar amounts or victim counts were reported in the warnings.
wsbtv.com
Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady issued a warning about an imposter scam in which fraudsters pose as prosecutors and send emails to defendants and attorneys requesting payment for court costs and fines to close cases and expunge records. The DA's office emphasized that they do not solicit payments via email and will never charge fees to close cases, and advised recipients to verify the authenticity of such emails with their attorney or prosecuting agency before sending any money.
malaymail.com
Scammers today employ sophisticated social engineering tactics—including scripted phone calls using psychological manipulation techniques and impersonation of trusted institutions—rather than relying on victims' lack of knowledge. Common scam methods include mule account schemes targeting job seekers who are tricked into opening bank accounts and providing personal information, and APK file scams that grant scammers control of victims' mobile phones through fake job or service advertisements. Experts note that scammers may employ actual psychologists to craft these tactics, making them increasingly difficult for victims to detect regardless of their education or experience level.
courant.com
A Connecticut resident lost over $68,000 in a phishing scam involving unsolicited cryptocurrency token offers in April, but state police recovered more than $60,000 using blockchain analytics to trace the stolen funds to the suspect's wallet. The investigation identified multiple victims across the country in this ongoing scheme. Connecticut State Police advise residents to avoid unsolicited investment offers and never share personal or financial information with unknown contacts via text, phone, email, or social media.
straitstimes.com
A 21-year-old national serviceman's suicide in 2021 after losing $10,000 to a scam prompted Singapore's Government Technology Agency (GovTech) to intensify anti-scam efforts. GovTech's Scam Analytics and Tactical Intervention System (Satis) has taken down over 42,000 scam websites since July 2023, including fraudulent sites impersonating government agencies, banks, and concert ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster, which victimized at least 2,000 people of $1 million from January to May alone. GovTech warns that scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence an
rawstory.com
Donald Trump's political campaign reported being compromised through a phishing email scam, resulting in internal campaign documents, including a dossier on running mate J.D. Vance, being sent to Politico by an anonymous individual. The campaign blamed "foreign sources" for the breach, though the incident drew widespread mockery and skepticism on social media, with observers questioning the campaign's cybersecurity practices and credibility.
masslive.com
This article is not about elder fraud or scams. It is an advice column addressing grief and bereavement, with a brief mention of romance scams as a resource tip. The content focuses on helping a widow process complicated grief after her husband's death from dementia-related illness, and does not document any actual fraud case, scam incident, or elder abuse.
bbc.co.uk
A Nationwide building society branch in Codsall, Staffordshire reopened after rebranding to continue offering face-to-face banking services to the community. The branch staff reported an increase in romance scams, fake HMRC emails, and investment fraud in the area and are working to educate customers about these threats. The reopened branch also serves as a community hub, supporting the local food bank and providing essential in-person banking access for residents.
etvnews.com
This is an educational piece advising seniors on a legitimate Social Security Administration email notifying users to migrate old "my Social Security" accounts created before September 18, 2021 to new Login.gov accounts for improved security and simpler access. The article warns readers to verify they are visiting the official SSA website (ssa.gov) rather than fraudulent scam sites mimicking the legitimate portal, and provides the SSA's fraud hotline (800-269-0271) for reporting suspicious emails or links.