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yahoo.com
Elder fraud losses in the Boston FBI Division (Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island) totaled $89.6 million across 2,689 victims in 2023, with national losses reaching $1.6 billion from January to May 2024—a significant increase from the prior year. The most common scams targeting seniors include tech support, romance, investment, and government impersonation schemes, with investment scams involving cryptocurrency showing a particularly sharp rise of 419% in losses between 2021-2023. The FBI emphasizes that actual losses are likely higher due to underreporting and recommends elders be cautious of unsolicited contact, resist pressure
justice.gov
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington seized over $1 million in collectible stamps purchased with stolen money from a fraud scheme targeting seniors and vulnerable populations. The scheme involved two phases: victims were first defrauded by scammers impersonating government agents (FBI, SEC, DOJ) who claimed their accounts were breached and demanded they transfer funds for safekeeping, and some of those stolen funds were then funneled through romance scam victims via cashier's checks to purchase the stamps. The government has identified 28 victims defrauded of hundreds of thousands of dollars collectively, and seized stamps will be liquidated with proceeds returned to victims
vallartadaily.com
**Summary:**
The FBI reported a rise in timeshare fraud scams primarily targeting older Americans who own part-time properties. Criminals deceive timeshare owners into paying substantial sums of money under false pretenses related to their properties, constituting a form of elder fraud aimed at extracting cash or cryptocurrency from senior victims.
thetelegraph.com
A 57-year-old Wood River woman was charged with financial exploitation of an elderly disabled person (Class 1 felony) and theft over $5,000 by deception (Class 2 felony) after she took more than $5,000 in cash from the victim using a position of trust between October and December 2023, and attempted to cash a forged check for $4,769.26 in November. The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriff's Department.
interpol.int
Operation First Light 2024, a global police operation spanning 61 countries, disrupted transnational online scam networks by freezing 6,745 bank accounts, seizing USD 257 million in assets, and arresting 3,950 suspects involved in phishing, investment fraud, romance scams, and impersonation schemes. Notable successes included recovering AUD 5.5 million (USD 3.7 million) for an Australian impersonation scam victim and saving a 70-year-old Singapore resident from losing SGD 380,000 (USD 281,200) in a tech support scam, while also rescuing 88 you
thecut.com
Nelson Counne was sentenced to four to eight years in state prison for perpetrating romance scams that defrauded at least five women of $1.8 million over three decades. Counne used fake personas (posing as a wealthy retired art dealer and investor with international properties) to charm victims through upscale restaurants and dating apps, then convinced them to lend him money for fraudulent investment opportunities, which he used to repay earlier victims and attract new ones. The scam scheme operated since at least 1992 and involved false claims about his wealth, travel, and business dealings, all of which were fabricated.
fedweek.com
**Summary:**
In 2023, the FBI reported an 11 percent overall increase in fraud complaints, with a 14 percent surge in scams targeting adults 60 and older, who lost $3.4 billion of the $12.5 billion in total reported losses. Tech support fraud was the leading crime affecting seniors with nearly 18,000 complaints and $600 million in losses, while investment scams proved costliest at over $1.2 billion, and call center schemes disproportionately impacted older adults who lost almost $770 million—more than all other age groups combined, with some victims reportedly taking their own lives. The FBI recommends resisting pressure to
coconutcreektalk.com
A woman in her 90s in Coconut Creek fell victim to a gift card scam after receiving a fraudulent email claiming her iCloud payment failed and her Social Security number was compromised, with a warrant issued for her arrest. The scammers convinced her to purchase multiple gift cards and provide the card numbers to resolve the issue. Coconut Creek Police are investigating and urging residents to recognize that requests for gift cards to fix problems are always scams.
canada.ca
This is an informational resource page from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) outlining how to recognize, report, and protect oneself against tax-related scams, fraud, and identity theft. The CRA provides guidance on identifying common scams, verifying legitimate CRA communications, protecting personal accounts, recognizing tax schemes, and reporting suspected tax cheating or evasion through various confidential channels. The page also details the CRA's enforcement mechanisms, including criminal investigations and international collaboration through partnerships like the J5 alliance to combat tax crime.
heraldnews.com
Elder fraud in the New England region resulted in $89.6 million in reported losses across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island in 2023, with Massachusetts accounting for $63.7 million of that total, though the FBI estimates actual losses are significantly higher due to underreporting. The FBI-Boston reports a double-digit increase in financial fraud targeting adults over 60, with investment scams showing the sharpest growth (victimization up 209% and losses up 419% from 2021-2023), largely driven by cryptocurrency schemes, alongside common scams including tech support, romance, and government impersonation fraud. The FBI recommends elderly individuals and their families be
bostonglobe.com
Fraud targeting people aged 60 and older increased 11 percent nationwide last year, resulting in $3.4 billion in total losses, with Massachusetts accounting for $63.6 million across 1,610 reported victims. Common schemes include tech support scams, romance scams, investment fraud, and government impersonation, with the average victim losing nearly $34,000; the FBI warns that actual numbers may be higher since only half of complaints include victim ages, and scammers are increasingly employing artificial intelligence tactics.
oig.ssa.gov
Victor Anthony Valdez, 39, of the Bronx, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy for acting as a courier in a transnational "grandparent scam" operated from Dominican Republic call centers between August 2020 and August 2021. The scheme targeted elderly Americans by impersonating their grandchildren, attorneys, or court officials to convince victims their grandchild had been arrested and needed bail money, with Valdez collecting tens of thousands of dollars from victims' homes in New York and New Jersey. If convicted, Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
hampshirereview.com
A U.S. Navy veteran and federal employee from Charles Town lost nearly $2 million after befriending Sam Bunner at a local American Legion; Bunner, recognizing the veteran's cognitive decline, obtained power of attorney and systematically emptied his bank and investment accounts and sold his real estate, resulting in Bunner's 10-year federal prison sentence. The article highlights common elder fraud schemes in West Virginia, including caretaker theft, romance and tech support scams, government impersonation, and family member exploitation, while recommending protective measures such as resisting urgency, avoiding online money transfers, limiting power of attorney authority, and securing valuables for in-home care situations.
rlsmedia.com
Victor Anthony Valdez, a 39-year-old from the Bronx, was indicted on wire fraud conspiracy charges for serving as a courier in a Dominican Republic-based "grandparent scam" targeting elderly Americans. Between August 2020 and August 2021, Valdez allegedly collected tens of thousands of dollars from victims in New York and New Jersey after call center operatives convinced seniors that their grandchildren had been arrested and needed bail money. If convicted, Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
telegram.com
Elder fraud losses in the FBI-Boston Division reached $89.6 million across 2,689 victims in 2023, with Massachusetts accounting for $63.7 million of those losses, and financial fraud targeting adults over 60 increasing by double digits. The most common scams include tech support, romance, investment, and government impersonation schemes, with investment scams showing the sharpest growth (419% increase in losses from 2021-2023, largely driven by cryptocurrency fraud). The FBI emphasizes that actual losses are likely higher due to underreporting and recommends that seniors avoid unsolicited contacts, resist pressure to act quickly, never share personal information with un
thesandpaper.net
The state Senate Judiciary Committee advanced bill S-1887, which creates a new theft offense specifically for "financial exploitation of the elderly," with companion legislation A-4593 introduced in the Assembly. The bills, sponsored by Senator Carmen Amato and Assemblymen Brian Rumpf and Gregory Myhre, address elder fraud as a growing criminal concern in the state.
newjersey.news12.com
Victor Anthony Valdez, a 39-year-old from the Bronx, was charged with wire fraud for acting as a courier in a "grandparent scam" operation based in the Dominican Republic that targeted elderly Americans between 2020 and 2021. Scammers called elderly victims impersonating grandchildren requesting emergency cash for bail or expenses, and Valdez collected tens of thousands of dollars from victims in New Jersey and New York. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
justice.gov
Casey Alexander, a 27-year-old from London, was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to pay $202,195.58 in restitution for his role in a wine and whiskey investment scam targeting elderly Americans. The scheme used cold-calling and deceptive tactics to convince older investors to wire funds for supposed fine wine and whiskey portfolios held in European warehouses, with victims then pressured to make additional investments. The FBI investigation identified over 150 U.S. victims who collectively lost more than $13 million in the fraud.
mcall.com
Elder fraud costs Americans over $37 billion annually, with common schemes including contractor fraud, sweepstakes scams, and romance/grandparent impersonation cons. Deputy prosecutor Paul Greenwood, who handled more than 750 elder abuse felony cases in San Diego, highlighted that criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated—using AI-assisted text conversations and spoofed caller IDs—while noting that jobless adult children and unvetted caregivers represent the most typical perpetrators. Greenwood recommended 20 protective measures including using bonded caregivers, freezing credit, checking credit reports regularly, and letting unknown calls go to voicemail, while cautioning against romance sc
otdowntown.com
Nelson Counne stole $1.8 million from at least five women using romance scam tactics between 2012 and his 2024 conviction, posing as a wealthy art dealer named "Nelson Roth" or "Justin Roth" and promising investment opportunities and financial support that never materialized. After pleading guilty to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, he was sentenced to up to eight years in prison, with prosecutors noting he used the stolen money to repay victims who detected fraud while recruiting new victims. The scammer had no actual wealth, properties, or passport—only an "expertly craf
ghanaweb.com
Hajia4Reall's ex-partner, Luvman Allison, allegedly used her bank accounts to receive and transfer fraudulent funds while on probation, misleading her into believing they were in a genuine relationship. Hajia4Reall stated in court documents that she continued facilitating these transactions out of fear for her safety and her daughter's wellbeing, despite knowing the activities were wrong. The case involves allegations of romance scams, though Allison's supporters claim his legal troubles were related to drug offenses rather than fraud.
indiatoday.in
A businessman from Cherthala, Kerala, lost Rs 7.55 crores over two months in an online investment scam where fraudsters impersonating Invesco Capital and Goldman Sachs representatives promised high returns on share trading and then froze his account, demanding additional funds to unfreeze it. Police are investigating the case and have warned the public to verify investment firm credentials, be skeptical of unusually high returns, use only regulated platforms, and report suspected scams immediately to authorities.
timesheraldonline.com
State Senator Bill Dodd advanced Senate Bill 278 in California to strengthen protections against elder financial abuse by clarifying banks' and financial institutions' legal duties to detect and prevent fraud. The legislation would allow victims of financial elder abuse to hold institutions accountable when they negligently assisted in fraudulent transfers despite warning signs, thereby supporting victims in meeting their legal burden of proof. The bill, supported by elder rights advocates and consumer attorneys, addresses California's rising financial elder abuse cases affecting seniors across all socioeconomic backgrounds.
jdsupra.com
On June 14, 2024, President Biden declared June 15th World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, prompting FinCEN to remind financial institutions to identify and report elder financial exploitation (EFE). Between June 2022 and June 2023, approximately $27 billion in EFE-related suspicious activity was reported through Bank Secrecy Act filings, with the FBI's 2023 data showing that individuals aged 60 and over reported over $3.4 billion in fraud losses (averaging $34,000 per victim), with tech support scams being the most commonly reported type and investment scams causing the greatest financial harm. Financial institutions are expecte
justice.gov
Victor Anthony Valdez, a 39-year-old from the Bronx, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy for acting as a courier in a transnational "grandparent scam" operated from call centers in the Dominican Republic between August 2020 and August 2021. The scheme involved scammers posing as grandchildren, attorneys, or court personnel to convince elderly American victims that their relatives had been arrested and needed bail money, with Valdez collecting tens of thousands of dollars from victims' homes in New York and New Jersey. If convicted, Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
ivpressonline.com
The U.S. Attorney's Office and San Diego FBI have recovered over $3.3 million in a coordinated anti-fraud operation targeting seniors, obtaining more than 40 seizure warrants for $5.6 million since January 2024. The data-driven initiative aims to interrupt fraudulent transactions and return stolen funds to elderly victims before money is transferred out of reach. California leads the nation in both number of elder fraud victims (over 55,000) and total losses ($2.1 billion), with cryptocurrency investment scams and tech support/government impersonation schemes causing the highest losses.
nj.com
Victor Anthony Valdez, a 39-year-old from the Bronx, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy for his role in an international "grandparent scam" that operated from Dominican Republic call centers and targeted elderly residents in New Jersey and New York between August 2020 and August 2021. Scammers impersonated grandchildren, their attorneys, or court officials to convince victims that their grandchildren needed bail money and legal fees, with Valdez serving as a courier to collect tens of thousands of dollars from the victims. The case highlights the ongoing threat of grandparent scams targeting elderly Americans, with the public encouraged to report suspected elder fraud to the FTC.
nypost.com
Six fraudsters were arrested in Florida for stealing nearly $250,000 from seniors through "grandparent scams," where they impersonated lawyers claiming grandchildren needed bail money after hitting a pregnant woman with a vehicle. The suspects used emotional manipulation and escalating demands—sometimes contacting victims multiple times with new fee claims—to pressure seniors into sending cash via ride-share couriers, with individual losses ranging from $8,000 to over $54,000. All six suspects face multiple first-degree felony charges including organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, and criminal use of personal identification.
foxbusiness.com
Six individuals were arrested in Florida for operating a "grandparent scam" that defrauded seniors of nearly $250,000. The suspects impersonated lawyers and contacted elderly victims claiming their grandchildren needed bail money for hitting a pregnant woman, then pressured them to send cash via couriers; in some cases, the same victims were contacted multiple times with escalating demands, with individual losses ranging from $8,000 to $54,000. All six suspects face multiple first-degree felonies including organized fraud, grand theft, and criminal identity theft.
radio.wpsu.org
Officials in Centre County hosted a "Scam Jam" event featuring fraud awareness education, as prosecutors report increased losses among seniors due to AI and new technology-enabled scams. A deputy district attorney highlighted a case where an elderly woman lost $20,000 to an AI voice scam impersonating her grandson, while recommending protective measures such as family passwords and direct verification of urgent requests. The educational initiative provides seniors with practical advice on avoiding common scams like card skimmers and AI-based fraud schemes.
floridadaily.com
Six individuals were arrested in Florida for operating a grandparent scam that defrauded senior citizens of nearly $250,000 across multiple counties. The defendants posed as lawyers or legal representatives claiming victims' grandchildren were arrested and needed bail money, then used couriers (unknowing ride-share drivers) to collect cash from the victims. In some cases, the scammers contacted the same victim multiple times with escalating stories—such as a pregnant woman miscarrying or dying—to extract additional payments, with individual victims losing between $8,000 and $54,000.
justice.gov
**Summary:**
Victor Anthony Valdez, a 39-year-old from the Bronx, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy for acting as a courier in a Dominican Republic-based "grandparent scam" that targeted elderly Americans between August 2020 and August 2021. Scammers from call centers in the Dominican Republic impersonated victims' grandchildren or legal representatives, claiming the grandchildren had been arrested and needed bail money, then sent Valdez and other couriers to collect tens of thousands of dollars from victims' homes in New York and New Jersey. Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
justice.gov
Two women—Rosanna Lisa Stanley (48, Florida) and Gina Guy (37, New York)—were arrested and charged with defrauding at least 16 elderly victims of over $7 million through romance scams spanning from 2009 to 2024. The defendants gained victims' trust through in-person meetings and online dating platforms, then convinced them to transfer money under false pretenses (fake businesses, organ transplants), which they laundered through shell company accounts and spent on luxury items including vehicles, jewelry, and a boat. Both face charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, each
manhattanda.org
Nelson Counne, 71, was sentenced to 4-to-8 years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing more than $1.8 million from at least five women through romance and investment scams between 2012 and 2021. Using fake identities and posing as a wealthy retired art dealer, Counne met victims through online dating apps, gained their trust, and persuaded them to invest in fraudulent opportunities (including purported Alibaba and tech startup deals), then used their money to appear wealthy to new victims and repay those who grew suspicious. The Manhattan District Attorney emphasizes that romance scams remain a persistent threat and urges potential victims to report such crimes.
malaya.com.ph
Online romance scams are surging in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia, with perpetrators using dating apps to quickly build emotional connections, move victims to private channels, and solicit money or personal information for potential blackmail. The Facebook awareness group Online Alerto educates users on red flags—including rapid declarations of love, financial requests, inconsistent information, and reluctance to meet in person—and recommends protective measures such as reverse image searching and cautious information sharing. These scams affect both direct victims and individuals coerced into participating in fraudulent schemes.
innercitypress.com
Gina Guy was charged with wire fraud and money laundering in connection with romance scams targeting elderly victims in the Southern District of New York. She was released on June 25 on her own signature with a $250,000 bond, pending the addition of a financially-responsible co-signer within one week.
justice.gov
Adedayo John, a 35-year-old from Texas, was sentenced to seven years in prison for leading a money laundering and bank fraud ring that stole over $19 million from more than 50 victims through business email compromise and romance fraud schemes targeting elderly individuals. John directed conspirators to open fraudulent bank accounts, approximately $4.5 million in proceeds passed through accounts he controlled, and he was ordered to forfeit over $4.5 million and pay nearly $1.6 million in restitution. In total, 11 defendants pleaded guilty in the scheme, which collectively resulted in over $25 million in forfeitures and $8
staysafeonline.org
The FBI reported nearly 10,000 Americans fell victim to real estate scams in 2023, losing over $145 million, with one in four home buyers and sellers targeted by fraudulent activities. The article outlines five common real estate scams including wire transfer fraud (where criminals intercept payment instructions), predatory lending targeting vulnerable populations like seniors, and mortgage/foreclosure relief scams that demand upfront fees without delivering services. Protection strategies emphasize verifying payment instructions through secure channels, consulting trusted financial advisors, avoiding pressure tactics, and educating all parties involved in real estate transactions about fraud risks.
startribune.com
An individual was scammed by fraudsters impersonating an Xfinity customer service representative who collected payment information over the phone for a supposedly late bill; the scammer's fraudulent payments appeared to post initially but the account was eventually shut down, requiring multiple lengthy calls with actual Xfinity representatives to resolve. According to an FTC report, scammers impersonating major companies like Best Buy, Geek Squad, Amazon, PayPal, Apple, and Comcast/Xfinity defrauded U.S. consumers of over $200 million, using increasingly sophisticated tactics across email, text, and online channels that mimic legitimate company communications to pressure victims into quick action.
pymnts.com
AI-powered scams targeting travelers have surged, with fraudsters using generative AI to create convincing fake travel websites and listings that steal credit card information or install malware on devices. According to a McAfee report, 30 percent of adults have fallen victim to or know someone who has fallen victim to online travel scams. Experts recommend paying only through official websites, avoiding suspiciously low prices, researching unfamiliar sites, and being wary of generic reviews and missing contact information to protect against these increasingly sophisticated threats.
reason.com
The IRS estimates that between 60% and 70% of Employee Retention Credit claims submitted during the COVID-19 pandemic show unacceptable fraud risk, with only 10-20% of claims deemed low-risk. As of May 2024, the agency had initiated 450 criminal cases involving potentially fraudulent claims worth nearly $7 billion and recovered over $2 billion through its Voluntary Disclosure Program. Pandemic stimulus fraud extends beyond this program, with the GAO estimating $100-135 billion lost to unemployment insurance fraud and the SBA Inspector General finding over $200 billion stolen from disaster loan and small business programs.
consumerfinancemonitor.com
On June 14, 2024, President Biden declared June 15th World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, prompting FinCEN to remind financial institutions to vigilantly identify and report elder financial exploitation. FinCEN's analysis of 155,415 suspicious activity reports revealed approximately $27 billion in EFE-related suspicious activity between June 2022 and June 2023, while the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report documented over $3.4 billion in losses affecting more than 101,000 victims aged 60 and over, with tech support scams being most prevalent and investment scams causing the greatest financial harm. FinCEN and the
audacy.com
In 2023, elder fraud complaints increased 14% with total losses exceeding $3.4 billion, averaging $33,915 per victim, with tech support and investment scams identified as major threats causing over $1.2 billion in losses. Authorities recommend verifying identities during emergencies and using trusted contacts for financial accounts, while suspected victims should report incidents to the FBI or submit complaints online.
publicnewsservice.org
Adults over 64 are increasingly targeted by scams on social media, with common schemes involving investments, romance, and home improvement fraud; red flags include pressure to act urgently, requests for unusual payment methods (Zelle, Venmo, debit cards), and unrealistic offers. According to the Department of Justice, elder financial abuse costs older Americans at least $36.5 billion annually, with seniors experiencing cognitive decline, social isolation, and low financial literacy being most vulnerable. The BBB recommends victims contact local police and their financial institution immediately and report scams through BBB.org/ScamTracker.
pennwatch.org
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities is hosting educational presentations throughout July 2024 for seniors, employees, and the general public on financial fraud prevention and investor protection. Topics include avoiding identity theft, selecting investment professionals, preventing elder financial fraud, recognizing common scams, and cybersecurity best practices, with sessions held at libraries, government offices, and community organizations across Pennsylvania.
cbs12.com
Six fraudsters were accused of stealing nearly $250,000 from Florida seniors across multiple counties through grandparent scams, where they impersonated lawyers claiming victims' grandchildren had been arrested and needed bail money. The defendants directed victims to withdraw cash and place it in boxes for pickup by ride-share drivers (unknowingly recruited couriers), with some victims being contacted repeatedly and pressured to send additional funds based on escalating false charges, resulting in individual losses exceeding $50,000. All six defendants faced multiple first-degree felonies including organized fraud and grand theft.
yourdailyjournal.com
The Department of Insurance reports a spike in insurance fraud cases affecting all consumers through increased premiums, with particular targeting of seniors through door-to-door fake insurance sales, deceptive annuity/investment schemes, prescription fraud, and staged accident claims. The department received over 10,000 Medicare fraud complaints in 2023 involving unauthorized billing for medical supplies and duplicate charges, and provides 14 protective tips including verifying agent credentials, obtaining written estimates, protecting personal information, and reviewing explanation of benefits statements.
tampafp.com
Six individuals were arrested by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody's office for operating a grandparent scam that defrauded Florida seniors of nearly $250,000 across multiple counties. The perpetrators impersonated lawyers and claimed grandchildren had been arrested, demanding bail money in cash from victims—in one case, a Palm Bay victim lost over $54,000 after being told of escalating legal fees and medical expenses. The coordinated arrest involved law enforcement agencies from Miami-Dade, Brevard, Lee, Broward, and Orange counties, with the defendants facing multiple felonies including organized scheme to defraud and grand theft.
newportdispatch.com
The Milford Police Department reported a surge in scam complaints involving multiple fraud tactics, including impersonation of law enforcement demanding payment for arrest warrants or court fines, online romance scams, remote computer access schemes, and fake family bail requests—with scammers typically requesting payment via cryptocurrency ATMs, gift cards, or prepaid cards. Police emphasized that legitimate agencies never request money online or by phone and urged residents to contact authorities before sending any funds.
wvnews.com
A U.S. Navy veteran from Charles Town lost nearly $2 million to Sam Bunner, a caretaker who befriended him at the American Legion, obtained power of attorney, and systematically emptied his bank and investment accounts while selling his real estate; Bunner was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. The article highlights that West Virginia seniors face significant risks from both caretakers and strangers perpetrating scams including tech support schemes, romance scams, government impersonation, and family member theft, with artificial intelligence making these schemes increasingly difficult to detect. Protective measures include resisting pressure to act quickly, avoiding sending money to online contacts, limiting power of attorney authority,