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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud complaints are rising significantly, with the FBI reporting 101,000 victims who lost $3.4 billion in 2023, though AARP estimates actual losses exceed $28 billion annually due to underreporting driven by victim shame and embarrassment. Common scams targeting seniors include AI voice cloning, romance scams, tech support fraud, impersonations of banks and government agencies, and investment schemes. Key protective measures include establishing code words with family to verify identity, never sending money to unknown contacts, ignoring unsolicited pop-up and email messages, hanging up and calling back known numbers to verify callers, and remembering that legitimate government agencies contact by mail rather than
purplesneakers.tv
· 2025-12-08
This article documents scams targeting musicians by fraudulent PR representatives who take upfront fees ($800-$8,000) without delivering promised services, then disappear with no accountability or evidence of work performed. The scammers exploit artists' insecurities and lack of industry knowledge, often discouraging them from seeking legitimate representation and causing some to abandon music careers entirely. The article provides guidance on vetting PR representatives by asking specific questions about their client load, their genuine interest in the artist's work, their pitch strategy, and requesting references from recent clients.
kait8.com
· 2025-12-08
Greene County Sheriff Brad Snyder warned residents of scam calls from someone posing as Chief Deputy Shannon Anthony, who falsely claimed victims had unpaid warrants requiring immediate payment—a common fraud tactic. The sheriff clarified that his office never contacts people by phone to collect fines or warrant payments and encouraged residents to hang up on such calls, even humorously inviting them to contact the suspect's phone number to express their displeasure with the scam activities.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office, along with Age-Friendly Mecklenburg and AARP-Charlotte, hosted a Walk for Awareness event on June 15, 2024, to highlight World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and increase community recognition of elder exploitation, neglect, and abuse. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals 60 and older filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses from online fraud, with tech support scams, government impersonation, phishing, and romance scams being particularly prevalent threats to older adults.
gobankingrates.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines 11 common scams expected in 2025 and protective measures for consumers. Key scams include AI-powered fraud (voice cloning, deepfakes, phishing, and fake job postings), check fraud through digital alteration, debt relief scams, and fake package delivery schemes, with seniors particularly targeted through "grandparent scams." The article advises consumers to verify identities before sharing information, use secure payment methods instead of checks, contact legitimate financial institutions directly, and remain vigilant as scammers use advancing technology to make frauds harder to detect.
wbiw.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud incidents rose 14% in 2023, with seniors over 60 losing over $724 million to scams in 2022—more than all other age groups combined. The article identifies five prevalent fraud types targeting seniors: impersonation scams (using AI voice technology), robocalls and phishing, the grandparent scam, sweepstakes scams (costing victims nearly $70 million in 2022), and investment/charity scams (causing $1.2 billion in losses in 2023). Key protective measures include verifying caller identity through alternative channels, hanging up on suspicious calls, confirming situations with family members, and researching
dos.ny.gov
· 2025-12-08
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection issued guidance on elder fraud awareness, reporting that scams targeting adults over 60 caused $3.4 billion in losses in 2023 (an 11% increase from 2022), with average victim losses of $33,915. The advisory outlined common scams affecting older adults including medical device scams, grandparent scams, identity theft targeting deceased persons, jury duty scams, and sweepstakes scams, while recommending protective measures such as avoiding unsolicited calls, not clicking unknown links, and verifying requests through trusted phone numbers.
m.cbs12.com
· 2025-12-08
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new Florida law allowing banks to delay withdrawals or transactions for up to 15 days (extendable) if employees suspect a senior citizen or vulnerable adult is being financially exploited. The law addresses concerns that isolated seniors and disabled individuals are targets for financial scams by family members, caregivers, and other unscrupulous individuals who gain access to their substantial assets.
nny360.com
· 2025-12-08
During World Elder Abuse Month, New York's Department of State highlighted the growing crisis of elder fraud, noting that adults over 60 lost over $3.4 billion in 2023 (an 11% increase from 2022), with the average victim losing $33,915. State officials urged New Yorkers to educate themselves and older family members about common scam tactics, warning that scammers use increasingly sophisticated methods to steal money and personal information, and emphasized the importance of reporting suspected abuse to adult protective services.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Charlotte held its second annual walk at Freedom Park to raise awareness about elder abuse, organized by AARP, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and Mecklenburg County services ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. Participants highlighted that seniors lose approximately $23.8 billion annually to fraud and scams, while also emphasizing that abuse can occur within families and nursing homes, often exacerbated by isolation and lack of community support.
uppermichiganssource.com
· 2025-12-08
The Ishpeming Multi-Purpose Senior Center hosted a free scam awareness presentation featuring Michigan's Assistant Attorney General Kristen Stinedurf, who addressed phishing, AI scams, and fraud warning signs across calls, texts, mail, and email. The presentation, held in partnership with the Tri-County Office on Aging, targeted seniors new to Medicare and technology who receive frequent scam-related communications, aiming to help attendees recognize and avoid fraud.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old Midwestern professional lost $716,212 in a "pig butchering" romance scam that began with a LinkedIn message from a scammer posing as a wealthy Chinese woman named Violaine Chen. The scammer built trust over months of intimate conversations before convincing him to invest in a fake trading platform (Fuex), where his account was frozen when he attempted withdrawal, leading him to take out loans to pay fraudulent fees. The man, who reported the crime to the FBI, was left with no recovered funds and hopes his experience will warn others about this sophisticated fraud scheme.
ftadviser.com
· 2025-12-08
Geoff Harris lost £3,042.34 to a text scam impersonating his daughter and initially received only £40 reimbursement from HSBC, which he challenged as inadequate. After Harris contacted FT Adviser, HSBC conducted a new review and, considering mitigating circumstances including his diagnosed OCD and anxiety disorder that were triggered by the emotional situation, offered a full refund. The case highlights how banks may initially overlook mental health factors and vulnerable circumstances when assessing scam victim claims.
wxii12.com
· 2025-12-08
Chatham County's Department of Social Services hosted a senior resource fair to address the growing problem of financial exploitation targeting vulnerable adults. In 2022, $3 billion was lost to financial exploitation nationwide, with sweetheart scams and exploitation by trusted individuals (such as those with power of attorney) being the most common types reported in Chatham County, where cases have increased from 25% to approximately 33% of all reports. Officials recommend people "see it, stop it, and report it" by recognizing warning signs like unusual money transfers and gift card purchases, immediately contacting banks and law enforcement, and reporting suspected exploitation to adult protective services or the Federal Trade Commission.
cbs12.com
· 2025-12-08
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new Florida law that empowers banks to delay withdrawals or transactions for up to 15 days if employees suspect a senior citizen or vulnerable adult is being financially exploited. The law addresses the vulnerability of isolated elderly people and those with disabilities who may be targeted by scammers—including unscrupulous caregivers, family members, or home health aides—seeking access to their substantial assets.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Medicare fraud costs an estimated $60 billion annually and affects beneficiaries through loss of medical identity, time, stress, and potential health consequences. The Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol launched Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 5-6) to educate beneficiaries, caregivers, families, and healthcare providers on protective measures such as monitoring insurance statements, verifying medical equipment orders, safeguarding Medicare numbers, and reporting suspicious activity.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Blue Shield of California issued a Medicare Fraud Prevention Week alert warning seniors about scammers targeting personal and financial information, noting that healthcare fraud costs up to $300 billion annually in the U.S. and that older adults lost nearly $770 million to call center schemes in 2023—more than all other age groups combined. The health plan recommends Medicare beneficiaries protect themselves by never sharing personal information unsolicited, refusing free offers for medical care, and contacting Medicare directly at 1-800-633-4227 if they suspect fraudulent activity.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams in the Susquehanna Valley have affected multiple victims, including a 53-year-old Lebanon County man who lost over $10,000, Mark Heath who lost $165,000, and a woman who lost $40,000, with scammers posing as romantic interests to extract money from vulnerable individuals, particularly widows and widowers. The FBI recommends victims be cautious about online information sharing, verify profiles through reverse image searches, avoid sending money to online-only contacts, and watch for red flags such as requests to move off dating platforms, promises to meet that never materialize, and requests for financial or personal information.
wfmynews2.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending increasingly convincing text messages impersonating USPS, claiming packages cannot be delivered and requesting action within 12 hours, often including fake links and polite language like "We wish you a wonderful day" to appear legitimate. Red flags include the sender being a .com address or regular phone number rather than an official source, and requests for payment to complete delivery. The actual USPS does not send text messages about packages, so recipients should verify delivery status by logging directly into their carrier's account rather than clicking links in unsolicited texts.
m.cbs12.com
· 2025-12-08
Port St. Lucie Police reported a surge in text and phone scams in which perpetrators demanded money from residents while making violent threats, using personal information gleaned from social media or government websites and sending intimidating photos to coerce payment, with some falsely claiming cartel affiliations. Fortunately, recent victims recognized these scams as fraudulent and did not pay, and police advised residents to remain vigilant and resist fear-based pressure tactics.
which.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This Which? article provides consumer awareness about common scams rather than reporting a specific fraud incident. The piece highlights three prevalent scam types: hotel booking fraud where hackers gain access to hotel systems to send phishing messages requesting card details (with 40 reported Booking.com scams in early 2024); phone/broadband provider impersonation calls offering refunds or upgrades while tricking victims into sharing remote access or making unauthorized payments; and hidden subscription scams where victims are charged recurring fees (up to £50/month) through misleading ads and fake QR codes. The article emphasizes that all consumers are vulnerable to sophisticated fraud and recommends awareness and protective measures.
news.blueshieldca.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** Blue Shield of California Medicare Fraud Prevention Week Alert
Blue Shield of California warned Medicare beneficiaries during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 3-9, 2024) about scams targeting seniors seeking personal, financial, and health plan information. Healthcare fraud costs the U.S. up to $300 billion annually, with older adults accounting for 40% of call center fraud complaints and 58% of losses—nearly $770 million in 2023, more than all other age groups combined. The organization recommends seniors protect themselves by never sharing personal information, verifying callers through official numbers like 1-800-MEDICARE, reviewing Explanation of Benefits statements
southeastiowaunion.com
· 2025-12-08
Libertyville Savings Bank is hosting a free educational open house on June 13 to raise awareness about elder financial exploitation, coinciding with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. According to FinCEN, over 155,000 suspicious activity reports related to elder abuse were filed in the past year, totaling $27 billion in suspicious activity, though many cases go unreported. The event will inform attendees about recognizing fraudulent communications and scams targeting seniors of all ages.
inyourarea.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Janet Smith, 62, fell victim to a Facebook romance scam involving an imposter posing as Take That singer Gary Barlow who flattered her and requested money over a week-long interaction. After confronting the scammer—a 24-year-old man from Nigeria—and exposing the deception, the real Gary Barlow learned of her story and invited her to a Take That concert in Norwich, where he met with her and thanked her for her grace in handling the situation. Janet now uses her experience to raise awareness about catfishing and scams, and the article provides tips for spotting and avoiding similar deceptions online.
detroitnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Older adults lose an estimated $3.4 billion annually to financial scams (averaging $33,915 per victim), with tech support scams, data breaches, and romance scams being most prevalent due to older adults' assets, trusting nature, and lower likelihood of reporting fraud. Experts recommend protecting against scams through basic data hygiene practices (secure websites, strong passwords, two-factor authentication), using credit cards for online purchases, verifying suspicious communications directly with sources, establishing multiple trusted contacts to monitor accounts, and fostering open conversations about fraud to reduce shame and encourage reporting.
wkyt.com
· 2025-12-08
Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control warned pet owners of a phone scam in which callers impersonate animal control officers and demand immediate payment to prevent the euthanasia of found pets. The scam targets vulnerable owners of missing animals and has occurred nationwide, with at least three reported cases in Lexington within a week; legitimate animal control will never request money over the phone and instead arrange in-person identification at a veterinary clinic. Victims are advised to hang up and call animal control directly, then report the incident to local police and the FBI.
nbcmiami.com
· 2025-12-08
Travel scams increase during busy vacation seasons, and consumers can protect themselves by researching typical pricing for their destination, booking directly through official platforms rather than external communications, and avoiding wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency payments that pressure quick decisions. Additional red flags include imposter scams where fraudsters impersonate airline or hotel staff to steal personal information, making it especially important to verify you're on legitimate websites when booking on mobile devices. Suspected travel scams should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
wjla.com
· 2025-12-08
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown warned residents of an escalating AI-powered imposter scam targeting Prince George's County residents, where scammers mimicked sheriff's voices to demand $500-$5,000 via cash app, wire transfer, or gift cards by claiming victims had outstanding arrest warrants. The scammers used officials' real names and created false urgency to pressure victims into quick payments, exploiting AI technology's ability to replicate government and law enforcement voices convincingly. Brown recommends verifying unexpected official contacts through independent phone numbers, avoiding payment requests via gift cards or wire transfers, and reporting suspected scams to the Attorney General, FTC, or FBI.
cbs12.com
· 2025-12-08
Port St. Lucie Police reported a surge in phone and text scams where perpetrators demanded money from residents while making violent threats, using personal information gleaned from social media and government websites along with intimidating images to coerce payment. Some scammers falsely claimed cartel affiliations, though recent victims in the area successfully identified the scams and avoided losing money. Police advise residents to remain vigilant and resist fear-based pressure tactics.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert warning residents of AI-powered scams that impersonate government officials and family members, particularly targeting parents and grandparents with deepfake voice calls claiming a child needs help. The FBI reported grandparent scams alone resulted in nearly $2 million in losses last year, with imposter scams being the most commonly reported fraud type in 2023. Bonta's office provided prevention tips including using family code words, limiting personal audio/video on social media, checking privacy settings, letting unknown calls go to voicemail, and using call-blocking technology.
hawaiinewsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Honolulu CrimeStoppers is seeking suspects in three crimes: a vehicle break-in on April 18 where a female stole property from a parked car, a May 10 vehicle break-in by a male suspect, and a May 4 armed robbery in which a male suspect with a handgun robbed a victim on Liliha Street. The department also warns the public about a phone scam where criminals pose as HPD officers (claiming names like "Captain Cortez") using spoofed phone numbers to demand payment for fake arrest warrants; residents should hang up and call the police directly, as law enforcement never requests payment by phone. Tips leading to arrests are eligible for
theage.com.au
· 2025-12-08
This opinion piece provides guidance for victims of scams on steps to take after falling victim to fraud. The article outlines three key actions: immediately report the scam to your bank and contact IDCARE (1800 595 160) to limit recovery losses; remain vigilant against follow-up scams targeting victims with stolen personal information; and develop a financial recovery plan through budgeting adjustments, investment strategy changes, or seeking professional financial advice. The piece emphasizes that scam victims often experience profound emotional and psychological impacts, with one in three victims being scammed multiple times.
the-review.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting travelers by creating fake airline websites and customer service numbers to charge for non-existent flights or fabricated cancellations. The BBB Scam Tracker has received multiple reports where victims either paid for tickets on fraudulent sites that were never delivered, or received fake cancellation notices and paid extra fees to "rebook" flights that were never actually canceled. To protect yourself, verify website URLs and phone numbers directly with the airline, research companies on BBB.org before booking, and use credit cards for disputes protection.
dailyforex.com
· 2025-12-08
Telegram has become a popular platform for Forex scammers to target traders by impersonating legitimate traders or brokers and convincing victims to deposit funds with fake platforms or wallets under their control. Common scam types include copycat channels, phishing schemes, pump-and-dump schemes, romance scams, fake broker impersonation, and fake education programs, with scammers typically using fake account screenshots, grammatical errors, and time-pressure tactics to manipulate victims. Traders can protect themselves by verifying legitimacy through official channels, avoiding unsolicited contacts, never sharing personal details, and being cautious of pressure tactics and guaranteed returns.
mdjonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Georgia ranks among the top ten states targeted by organized scam operators who extract millions of dollars annually from senior citizens through romance scams, jury duty scams, grandparent scams, and identity theft. As law enforcement catches up to scammers' money laundering methods—which have evolved from cash deposits to gift cards to cryptocurrency ATMs—sophisticated criminals continue adapting by using new untraceable methods like gold bullion to hide stolen funds and avoid detection.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong reports that Connecticut consumers lost over $70 million to fraud in 2023, with older Americans particularly targeted not because of generational differences but because they have accumulated savings and steady income sources like Social Security. Tong emphasizes that fraud affects everyone regardless of education or profession, and highlights romance scams as the largest threat to people over 60, where criminals use social media research to build fake relationships before requesting money for emergencies. His office partners with AARP and fellow state attorneys general to combat fraud through public awareness campaigns, though scammers continuously develop new schemes faster than they can be stopped.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior Medicare Patrol Hawaii is hosting Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 3-9) to educate the public about Medicare fraud schemes, offering a free webinar on June 8 and providing resources like the "My Health Care Tracker" booklet to help seniors detect fraudulent claims. Medicare loses approximately $60 billion annually to false claims, and the program teaches seniors and their caregivers how to prevent, detect, and report fraud by monitoring billing statements, protecting their Medicare numbers, and reporting suspected identity theft.
kauainownews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Medicare Fraud Prevention Week Educational Piece**
Senior Medicare Patrol Hawai'i is promoting Medicare fraud awareness during June 3-9, highlighting that Medicare loses an estimated $60 billion annually to false claims. The organization recommends beneficiaries use a free "My Health Care Tracker" booklet to log health services and cross-check against billing statements, monitor for unauthorized use of their Medicare number, and never share their Medicare number with unsolicited callers—while caregivers, families, and community members should watch for suspicious medical equipment deliveries and encourage loved ones to protect their Medicare information as they would a credit card number.
readthereporter.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) and emphasizes that elder abuse—including physical, emotional, neglect, and financial mistreatment—affects approximately 5 million U.S. older adults annually, with older victims losing roughly $30 billion yearly to financial fraud, yet only one in 14 cases are reported. The article provides prevention guidance including recognizing common scams (lottery schemes, identity theft, phishing), using technology safeguards (bank alerts, direct deposits), maintaining social connections, and leveraging reporting resources such as Adult Protective Services, local law enforcement, and the National Center on Elder Abuse to combat exploitation.
berkshireeagle.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraud reports exceeded $10 billion in the United States last year, representing a 14% increase from the previous year, with scammers increasingly using sophisticated tactics including phishing, fake urgency, and AI-enhanced schemes. Key prevention strategies include never sharing personal information or online banking credentials with anyone claiming to be from a financial institution or government agency, avoiding unknown callers, and immediately contacting your bank using numbers from official statements rather than online searches if fraud is suspected. A local couple nearly lost $46,000 in a Microsoft impersonation scam but was protected when a bank manager intervened, highlighting the importance of quick action and institutional fraud prevention measures.
chroniclelive.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines eight common WhatsApp scams and prevention strategies. The scams include impersonation schemes (where fraudsters pose as family members or romantic interests), verification code theft, cryptocurrency and investment fraud, and malware distribution, with each targeting different types of personal information or money from victims. The key advice emphasizes verifying sender identity through independent channels, never sharing sensitive codes or personal data, researching investment opportunities thoroughly, and reporting suspicious activity to WhatsApp and authorities.
sungazette.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania lawmakers are advancing House Bill 2064, which would allow banks to flag suspicious transactions, delay potentially fraudulent transfers, and share information with law enforcement and aging agencies to combat elder financial abuse. The legislation addresses a growing national problem—the National Council on Aging reported nearly 90,000 fraud complaints in 2022 totaling over $3 billion in losses, with common scams including grandparent fraud, romance scams, and government impersonation schemes. The bill aims to protect the state's aging population by giving financial institutions liability protections when they voluntarily report suspected exploitation and providing guardrails against high-pressure scams.
smh.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A Melbourne couple lost approximately $300,000 to a sophisticated investment scam involving fraudulent HSBC representatives in March, recovering only $100,000 months later. The article explores the psychological aftermath of scams, highlighting that victims often experience prolonged shame, guilt, and self-blame despite being targets of crime, with societal attitudes and bank responses frequently exacerbating these emotional impacts. The piece emphasizes that scams cause lasting psychological trauma beyond financial loss and that victim-blaming culture discourages people from speaking about their experiences.
arlnow.com
· 2025-12-08
An Arlington woman nearly became a victim of an impostor scam when a caller impersonated her daughter, claiming she had been in a serious car accident and arrested, with bail set at $180,000. The scammer used convincing details including the daughter's mannerisms and speech patterns, then transferred the call to someone posing as a police officer and later an attorney, but the scheme unraveled when the husband asked questions the scammer couldn't answer (such as the car model and courthouse location). No money was lost, but Arlington County police report over 700 fraud instances year-to-date and advise residents to verify unusual requests through independent contact with loved ones.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
A Winnipeg man lost hundreds of dollars in a scam after Meta AI incorrectly verified a fake Facebook customer support phone number (1-844-457-0520) as legitimate. When he called the number to troubleshoot transferring his Facebook account to a new phone, the scammer gained access to his account and convinced him his IP address was hacked, then used remote access to his phone to fraudulently purchase a $500 Apple gift card via his PayPal account. The victim's wife recognized the scam and he was able to cancel his cards and reverse the charge, but the incident highlights the dangers of relying on AI verification tools for sensitive account support numbers.
powerretail.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Delivery package scams are the most prevalent fraud affecting Australians, with 73% of survey respondents reporting receipt of fake delivery messages and over 25% falling victim to losses, including some exceeding $20,000. Over 80% of Australians receive between one to ten scam texts and calls weekly, with more than half initially believing fraudulent messages were legitimate before detecting the deception. Australia Post warns that scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and urges the public to verify communications, emphasizing that Australia Post never requests personal information, financial details, or payments via unsolicited contact.
bnt.bg
· 2025-12-08
A 76-year-old woman from Stara Zagora, Bulgaria fell victim to a telephone scam in which she was told her daughter needed emergency surgery and handed over 6,600 BGN (approximately $3,700 USD) to the fraudsters over two days—1,600 BGN on May 29 and 5,000 BGN the following day. Pre-trial proceedings were initiated following her report to police on May 31, and this incident represents another telephone fraud case in the region, following a similar scam in March where another elderly woman lost 9,000 BGN and 500 euro.
news-journalonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 556 into law, which allows financial institutions to delay suspicious transactions from seniors aged 65+ or vulnerable adults for up to 15 business days (extendable to 30 days) while investigating potential fraud. The bill addresses the rising threat of scams targeting elderly Floridians, who lost nearly $294 million to fraud in 2023, with seniors nationwide losing over $3.4 billion that same year to schemes including fake calls, investment fraud, and romance scams. The law takes effect January 1, 2025, and requires banks to notify trusted contacts and develop employee training programs to identify and prevent financial exploitation.
nationalseniors.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Criminals are targeting Australian Age Pension recipients with social media messages and online advertisements promising non-existent "bonus" payments of up to $1,800 from Centrelink, directing victims to fake websites designed to steal personal information. Services Australia warns seniors to only use official government websites and highlights multiple active scams affecting older Australians, including MyGov impersonation, Medicare fraud, fake disaster relief, COVID-19 schemes, and deepfake investment scams that have caused significant financial losses. The Australian government has allocated $67.5 million over four years to combat scamming, but individuals must remain vigilant about unsolicited messages and suspicious links.
thereporter.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 750 senior citizens in Solano County reported financial abuse in the previous year, prompting Solano Public Health's Older and Disabled Adult Services to launch the Solano Senior Fraud Prevention Center website. The center provides prevention resources, educational materials on five key anti-scam strategies, and a reporting mechanism for fraud cases, while addressing three major fraud categories affecting the county: phone/mail fraud, internet/email/texting fraud, and family/caregiver fraud. Nationally, seniors lose over $3 billion annually to fraud, averaging $35,101 per victim.