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in General Elder Fraud
ossoff.senate.gov
· 2025-12-08
Georgia seniors lost over $775,000 to financial scams in 2022, with the state ranking among the top five most scammed states nationally and the FBI reporting a surge in deceptive practices targeting those over 60. Senator Jon Ossoff launched an inquiry with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to review the effectiveness of their senior protection resources and improve communication, noting that 68% of elderly fraud victims reported substantial emotional impact from their experiences.
oilcity.news
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Wyoming residents and companies lost $13.7 million to scams, with investment fraud being the costliest at $5.7 million, followed by business email compromise ($2.3 million) and data breaches ($1.5 million), according to the CyberWyoming Alliance's annual report. Extortion, tech support, and non-payment scams affected the most victims, while impersonation of companies like PayPal, Geek Squad, and Kohl's and spoofing of individuals were common tactics. The report recommends that business leaders educate employees to verify unusual requests through alternative channels before acting on them.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Cyprus-based tech support companies, Restoro Cyprus Limited and Reimage Cyprus Limited, agreed to pay $26 million to settle FTC charges for defrauding tens of millions of dollars from consumers, particularly older adults, using fake pop-up warnings claiming their computers had viruses. The companies used scare tactics and false threat claims to trick users into purchasing software ($27-$58) and then pressured them into buying additional services costing hundreds of dollars through phone activation calls. The FTC plans to use the settlement funds to compensate affected victims once the order is approved by federal court.
chqgov.com
· 2025-12-08
The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office warned residents of two ongoing scams primarily targeting elderly community members: imposters posing as Department of Social Services representatives going door-to-door to collect sensitive personal information (Social Security numbers, Medicare cards, utility bills) under the guise of distributing free tablets and phones, and fraudsters coercing residents to sign paperwork designating Social Services as their representative payee for Social Security income by threatening cessation of benefits. The Department of Social Services confirmed it does not engage in such activities and urged residents to report any suspicious encounters to local law enforcement.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A 76-year-old Georgia widow lost her life savings of approximately $78,700 in a romance scam after meeting a man claiming to be a doctor working for the Red Cross in Yemen on Facebook. The scammer, using the name Caleb, built a months-long relationship with Jennifer Dennis and convinced her to wire money toward purchasing a home in North Carolina together, but the property was already occupied and the scammer disappeared after sending a final photo claiming he had been beaten. Dennis and her son ended up homeless and sleeping in their car until receiving a camper from their church, and she now warns others about romance scam red flags.
yourvalley.net
· 2025-12-08
Over 100 Sun City residents attended a March 20 scam prevention seminar hosted by Chase Bank and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, where officials reported that fraud and scams are rising nationally and particularly in retirement communities. Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Captain Brian Stutsman noted that Arizona ranked 10th nationally for fraud in 2022, with losses reaching over $10 billion in 2023, and that a nine-month period in the Sun Cities resulted in $2.7 million in losses, though actual figures are likely higher due to underreporting caused by shame and embarrassment.
dallasnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Ijeoma Okoro, a 33-year-old Denton County woman, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in a large romance scam operation targeting elderly victims in North Texas between 2015 and 2020, with an order to pay $2.2 million in restitution. Okoro was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering; scammers used fake identities and online dating sites to build trust with divorced or widowed victims before requesting financial assistance. The operation involved 11 arrests in 2021, with several co-conspirators receiving lesser sentences ranging from 2 to 37 months
kpbs.org
· 2025-12-08
On March 20, 2024, the U.S. Attorney's Office presented an educational program at San Diego State University featuring Assistant U.S. Attorney Oleksandra Johnson, an elder fraud coordinator, who discussed various methods of elder financial abuse including mail, phone, computer, and in-person schemes. The presentation covered trending fraud types in Southern California such as grandparent scams, romance scams, and investment fraud, while providing information on recognizing signs of financial abuse and prevention strategies.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
A Spring Hill, Florida couple, Wendy and Samuel Bunner, defrauded an elderly Berkeley County man with dementia of over $1.9 million by fraudulently obtaining cashier's checks, emptying bank and investment accounts, and opening credit cards in his name. The couple used the stolen funds to purchase homes, vehicles, campers, and consumer goods for their personal benefit, with Wendy pleading guilty to money laundering and Samuel previously pleading guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft; they face up to 10 and 30 years in prison respectively.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Mrs. Gupta, a 70-year-old retiree, fell victim to a phishing scam when she clicked a fraudulent email link that mimicked her bank's website and unknowingly surrendered her login credentials. The article notes that seniors are increasingly vulnerable to online scams as they adopt technology without the digital literacy of younger generations, and cybercriminals exploit this knowledge gap through fear and urgency tactics. Key protective measures include: scrutinizing email senders and suspicious links, avoiding sharing sensitive information with unknown callers, independently verifying bank contacts by calling official numbers, and seeking help from family members rather than remaining silent about potential fraud.
cibolacitizen.com
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration and its Office of the Inspector General held the fifth annual "Slam the Scam" Day on March 7, 2024, to combat Social Security imposter scams that disproportionately target seniors and veterans. Scammers use spoofed caller IDs, fake documents, and threats of arrest to trick victims into sending cash, gift cards, or wire transfers by impersonating government officials, with veterans alone losing over $257 million to fraud in 2021. The SSA emphasized that legitimate contact never involves demands for immediate payment, threats, or requests for personal financial information, and urges the public to report suspicious activity to oig.ssa.gov
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old retiree, Mrs. Gupta, fell victim to a phishing scam when she clicked a fraudulent email link impersonating her bank and unknowingly entered her login credentials on a fake website. The article uses her case to illustrate how older adults are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals who exploit their unfamiliarity with technology, and provides key protective measures including: being cautious about clicking suspicious links, not sharing sensitive information with strangers, independently verifying bank contacts, and seeking help from family without shame.
nwestiowa.com
· 2025-12-08
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers a free research-based workshop called "Stay Independent: Spot, Stop and Avoid Fraud" designed for adults 60 and older to help them identify and prevent financial scams. The workshop addresses why seniors are targeted by scammers, reviews common fraud schemes in Iowa, and provides strategies to protect finances, as elder financial fraud is the most prevalent form of elder abuse affecting over 50 million Americans age 62 and older. Interested participants can contact their local ISU Extension county office to request the workshop in their community.
observerlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 19-year-old Palm Coast man was indicted in January 2025 for federal wire fraud involving over $800,000, following a separate incident in October 2024 where Flagler Schools lost $719,000 to fraudulent transfer. Elderly residents are increasingly targeted by sophisticated fraud schemes including tech support scams, investment fraud, and impersonation of government officials, with FBI data showing that victims over 60 reported $3.1 billion in losses in 2022—an 84% increase—and cryptocurrency-related losses among seniors jumping 350%. Law enforcement officials note that most cases go unsolved due to funds being transferred overseas or through multiple accounts
walb.com
· 2025-12-08
Senator Jon Ossoff launched an inquiry with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to address the escalating problem of financial scams targeting Georgia seniors, following reports that Georgia seniors lost over $775,000 to scams in 2022 and that Georgia ranks among the top five most financially scammed states. Ossoff is requesting the CFPB review the effectiveness of its protective resources and improve communication to seniors, as the state has experienced a surge in deceptive practices targeting those over 60 in recent years.
nij.ojp.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. population of adults age 60 and older grew 33% from 2010 to 2020, yet research on fraud victimization in this demographic remains limited despite older adults losing over $36 billion annually to financial fraud. Older adults face heightened vulnerability to fraud due to cognitive decline, reduced financial literacy, social isolation, and greater trustfulness, with 34.8% of those age 50+ targeted by scams in a five-year period and 2.7-6.6% experiencing fraud annually, though actual numbers are likely higher due to significant underreporting.
stories.td.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Canadian fraudsters targeted thousands of people, with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre processing over 62,000 fraud reports affecting more than 41,000 individuals and resulting in $554 million in losses. Common scams include the "Bank Investigator" scam, where fraudsters impersonate bank officials or law enforcement to trick victims into wiring money or revealing banking credentials, and the CRA scam. To protect yourself, never provide banking information or remote device access to unsolicited callers, verify the legitimacy of calls by contacting your institution directly, and remember that financial institutions will never ask you to withdraw money or share security codes for investigations.
theatlantic.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost a collective $10 billion to fraud in the past year—a first-time benchmark—as scammers exploit social isolation and emotional vulnerabilities using increasingly sophisticated methods targeting romance, finances, immigration, and family emergencies. Risk factors include loneliness and secrecy rather than age alone, with research showing that 10 percent of people aged 18-29 reported being scam victims compared to 9 percent of those 65 and older, though older adults tend to lose higher dollar amounts per incident. Scammers deliberately trigger heightened emotional states to impair rational decision-making and create confidential relationships where victims feel pressured to keep conversations secret.
techradar.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating FTC and U.S. government workers to defraud victims, particularly elderly people, by claiming accounts are compromised and directing them to purchase gold bars or withdraw cash to send to couriers. The FTC has issued a warning clarifying it never demands money, threatens arrest/deportation, or directs consumers to Bitcoin ATMs or gold purchases; the FBI received over 14,000 government impersonation reports in the past year, with median losses increasing from $3,000 in 2019 to $7,000 in 2024.
hermoney.com
· 2025-12-08
Contrary to common stereotypes, younger adults (ages 18-59) are 34% more likely than older adults to report losing money to fraud, with particular vulnerability to online shopping and investment scams. Financial columnist Charlotte Cowles fell victim to an elaborate scam involving fake Amazon and FTC calls that threatened arrest and her child's safety, ultimately resulting in her handing over $50,000 in cash from her emergency fund. The key takeaway is that victims should speak with a trusted person before transferring money, as interruption by someone else is often what prevents financial loss rather than recognizing red flags.
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old South Carolina woman lost $30,000 after scammers posing as her bank instructed her to deposit cash into a Bitcoin ATM at a Circle K gas station, with the funds routed to the criminals instead. She filed a lawsuit against Bitcoin Depot and Circle K under a 2021 South Carolina law allowing civil claims against financial institutions that aid the exploitation of vulnerable adults, arguing the companies failed to prevent the fraud despite profiting over $7,500 from the transactions at inflated markups. The case is part of a broader pattern of elder fraud, with people over 60 losing more than $1.6 billion to fraud in 2022
ktvq.com
· 2025-12-08
Montana's Commissioner of Securities and Insurance office is conducting community education across the state to help residents identify scams and recognize vulnerable populations, particularly seniors who are targeted because they typically have more accumulated wealth. The office has identified pig-butchering schemes—a cryptocurrency-based twist on romance scams where perpetrators contact victims online and eventually solicit money or investment advice—as a rising threat in Montana. The CSI emphasizes that education and awareness of common red flags are the most effective prevention methods.
afr.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly man named Alan Baldwin fell victim to a romance scam during the COVID-19 lockdown, believing he was in a relationship with someone who did not exist; police discovered the fraud months later when Detective Constable Rebecca Mason visited his Hertfordshire home in November 2020 to inform him of the deception. The article highlights how romance scams often go undetected until family members notice suspicious bank transactions, friends identify fake online profiles, or the fraudster can no longer maintain excuses for avoiding in-person meetings.
reviewjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational piece warning Medicare beneficiaries about phone scams falsely claiming to represent Medicare and offering new plastic cards with chips. The article advises that legitimate Medicare will never call requesting personal information, recommends using a safety script to refuse unsolicited callers, and directs fraud victims to report scams to the Senior Medicare Patrol at 877-808-2468.
sachsenews.com
· 2025-12-08
Sgt. Brent Merryman of the Sachse Police Department educated seniors about common scams targeting elderly people, noting that scammers exploit older adults' larger assets, trust, leisure time, and potential loneliness. Common scams include fake charity calls following disasters, family emergency schemes, and fraudulent tech support offers claiming to remove computer viruses. The presentation emphasized that awareness is key to preventing elder fraud.
globalnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
Regina police are warning seniors about "grandparent scams" in which fraudsters call posing as grandchildren or police officers claiming an emergency requiring immediate payment of thousands of dollars for bail, car repairs, or legal fees. Multiple reports were received over three days, with some scammers fraudulently claiming to be officers who would pick up bond money at victims' homes. Police urge anyone experiencing or suspecting such fraud to contact them immediately.
wach.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned South Carolina residents about escalating romance scams that target vulnerable populations, particularly elderly individuals, through social media, email, and text messaging by building trust over weeks or months before requesting money. Losses from these scams in South Carolina increased dramatically from $5 million in 2016 to $59 million in 2023, with 2024 projections exceeding that figure. The FBI advised potential victims to pause contact, consult trusted friends or family, and reconsider why they trust the person reaching out.
nbcwashington.com
· 2025-12-08
A 64-year-old woman in Leisure World, Maryland was defrauded of nearly $800,000 after a caller posing as a federal investigator convinced her to convert her savings into gold bars under the guise of protecting her from identity thieves. The suspect, Wenhui Sun, collected the gold bars in multiple parking lot exchanges before fleeing with the stolen assets. This cash-to-gold scam has affected at least a dozen seniors in Montgomery County, though police arrested Sun after setting up a sting operation with a decoy victim and $376,000 in gold bars.
fox5dc.com
· 2025-12-08
A California man was arrested in Montgomery County, Maryland for defrauding a 64-year-old woman out of $800,000 by posing as a federal investigator and convincing her to convert her assets into gold bars for supposed identity theft protection, then stealing the gold from a parking lot. The FBI reports this cash-to-gold scam resulted in over $55 million in losses nationwide from May to December of the previous year, with at least 12 victims identified in Montgomery County alone, as scammers exploit the lack of transaction scrutiny from gold bullion websites compared to traditional banking institutions.
keyt.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, scammers impersonating Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) stole approximately $875,000 from nearly 43,000 customers across California, with an average loss of $785 per victim. The scams, which peaked in early 2024 with $67,000 stolen in January alone, targeted vulnerable populations including seniors, low-income communities, and non-English speakers through phone calls and emails demanding immediate payment via prepaid cards to avoid service disconnection. PG&E advises customers to verify bills through official channels, use only legitimate payment methods (checks, money orders, or ACH transfers), and report suspected scams to authorities or
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Albertans reported losing over $156 million to fraud since 2020, with losses reaching $62.5 million in 2023 alone—a fivefold increase from 2020—though experts estimate only 5-10% of incidents are reported due to victim reluctance and embarrassment. Investment scams, particularly cryptocurrency fraud, accounted for nearly 58% of 2023 losses ($35.9 million), followed by spear-phishing attacks that took $8.5 million, with technological advancements and the unregulated nature of cryptocurrency enabling fraudsters to operate across borders with relative anonymity.
wxii12.com
· 2025-12-08
A Burlington woman, Marilyn Ingram, was charged with felony exploitation of an elderly adult after an investigation revealed she misused her mother's power of attorney to access and spend the victim's money for personal gain. Ingram turned herself in on Thursday following the issuance of warrants and was charged with one count of felony exploitation of a disabled or elder adult through a position of trust and one count of felony obtaining property by false pretense, with bond set at $10,000.
ojp.gov
· 2025-12-08
This National Institute of Justice report analyzes data from the 2017 National Crime Victimization Survey to examine financial fraud victimization among adults aged 60 and older. The study addresses limitations in prior fraud research by providing nationally representative estimates that include both reported and unreported cases, revealing that older adults' fraud victimization profiles differ from younger adults' patterns. The findings highlight the need for continued research on unreported fraud cases to better understand the full scope of financial fraud targeting seniors.
koamnewsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond warned consumers about a rising wave of cryptocurrency ATM scams targeting elderly victims, where scammers convince people their banks are failing and convince them to withdraw funds and deposit them into virtual currency kiosks, with the crypto then sent irreversibly to the scammer's wallet. The advisory also detailed other related scams including romance scams, pig butchering schemes, fake investment platforms, computer antivirus scams, and impersonation of government agencies, all designed to trick victims into making cryptocurrency payments. Drummond advised Oklahomans to never pay anyone demanding advance cryptocurrency payments and to contact relatives or the Oklahoma Attorney General's office if victimized.
columbiavalleypioneer.com
· 2025-12-08
This editorial highlights the persistent threat of fraud despite increased public awareness, noting that scammers continue to successfully target victims using various tactics. The piece details specific current scams including CRA tax refund text messages and follow-up BC Hydro impersonation calls, and one woman nearly lost access to her bank account before recognizing red flags. The editor advises readers to verify claims through official government websites, remain skeptical of unsolicited offers, and remember that "if it's too good to be true, it probably is."
wusa9.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating "The Tax Group" are using voicemail messages before Tax Day to target taxpayers with offers to enroll them in a fake "Zero Tax Initiative" program, claiming past tax debts can be made non-collectible. The Better Business Bureau and IRS website confirm no such program exists, and the legitimate Tax Group business has reported being spoofed; experts note that tax preparers cannot access filing history without explicit permission, and the IRS never initiates contact by phone, text, or email.
newschannel6now.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau reports that AI-powered phone scams are increasing, with scammers using artificial intelligence to imitate loved ones' voices and create urgent situations claiming danger. Contrary to common assumptions, young adults aged 18-24 are the primary targets, not seniors, and these scams represent old fraud tactics repackaged with modern technology. Last year, Americans lost nearly $9 billion to various scams; experts recommend hanging up and calling loved ones directly at their known number to verify any emergency claims.
semissourian.com
· 2025-12-08
The Kage Family Continuing Education Club met on March 14 at the Cape Girardeau Senior Center, where member Jo Dixon presented a program on scams targeting seniors. Key warning signs include offers of prizes, pressure to act immediately, and requests for payment via gift cards or wire transfers; the presentation emphasized that elderly individuals are vulnerable targets due to loneliness and isolation, and recommended consulting trusted contacts and reporting suspected scams to police, the attorney general, or the Federal Trade Commission before taking action.
25newsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Bartonville held its annual Safety for Seniors event, which attracted over 200 attendees—triple the previous year's attendance—featuring 50 vendors and educational sessions on common scams. Local police and fire departments warned seniors about phone scams impersonating relatives requesting bail or legal fees, and highlighted wire fraud as a prevalent threat affecting elderly residents. The event, now in its 20+ year history, aimed to educate both seniors and younger generations about fraud prevention and the importance of avoiding unknown callers.
kvoe.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational awareness event rather than a news story about a specific fraud case. The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging is hosting two informational sessions on Tuesday at the Fairgrounds Bowyer Community Building to educate seniors about volunteer opportunities and current scams targeting elderly residents. A Kansas Legal Services attorney will present information on frauds and scams, while the agency will also provide details on senior services including Medicare benefits, wellness programs, and in-home services; breakfast and lunch will be provided, and registration is requested by noon Monday.
bostonherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Boston Police reported a resurgence of grandparent scams in which callers claim to hold a child hostage and demand ransom payment, often using recordings of children crying to manipulate family members into paying. The department advised potential victims to verify the caller's information by asking specific questions about the supposed hostage, contacting the person directly to confirm their safety, and immediately reporting the scam to local police and the Federal Trade Commission.
thirteen.org
· 2025-12-08
FBI and IRS special agents visited the Pemberton Senior Center in Browns Mills to warn seniors about increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes targeting their age group. The agents provided education on common fraud tactics and prevention strategies to help seniors protect themselves from these growing threats.
blogto.com
· 2025-12-08
Toronto residents are experiencing a surge in scams targeting seniors and vulnerable citizens, including fraudulent speeding ticket texts, rental listing scams (with victims losing up to $3,600), 407 ETR toll highway payment scams via text message, and grandparent scams that have defrauded over 200 Toronto victims of more than $1 million since 2021. Recent cases include an 87-year-old who lost $10,000 when scammers falsely claimed her grandson needed bail money for drug possession charges, highlighting how fraudsters exploit urgency and trust in authorities to manipulate victims.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
Police warn that lonely and retired seniors are susceptible to investment and love scams, with victims losing substantial sums including one retiree who lost RM2 million in a cryptocurrency investment scheme and a 60-year-old widow who transferred RM200,000 to a fake online romantic interest. Scammers exploit victims' lack of cybersecurity awareness and isolation by posing as investment opportunities or authority figures on social media, with victims often refusing to believe they've been defrauded. Authorities recommend frequent family contact, cybersecurity education, and vigilance against online relationships that involve requests for money or gifts.
wptf.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly targeting older adults in North Carolina and nationwide using impersonation, investment schemes, and AI tactics, with senior citizens losing $1.6 billion to financial scams last year out of a total of $10 billion in fraud losses. A common scam involves fraudsters texting seniors posing as wrong numbers to build personal relationships before requesting money or investment. Financial caregivers and seniors can protect themselves by monitoring accounts for suspicious activity, using unique passwords across websites, and staying informed about fraud warnings from the FTC and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
nwfdailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article discusses common scams targeting the public, particularly elderly individuals. It covers traditional fraud like the "grandchild in jail" scheme where scammers pose as a relative needing bail money, as well as modern digital scams including fake package delivery notifications requesting payment and credit card information, and fraudulent refund offers designed to exploit victims' greed by asking for financial details.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
A pharmacist fell victim to an elaborate impersonation scam when scammers spoofed the Ohio Board of Pharmacy's number, falsely claiming her license was linked to a narcotics investigation and threatening arrest unless she paid a $500,000 bond. Over three months, the scammers manipulated her into moving $500,000 of her savings and retirement funds into a "protected account" and taking out two additional loans totaling $250,000, all of which went directly to the fraudsters. The article notes that scams are rising nationally, with Americans losing over $159 billion in 2023, and that professionals with specialized licenses and higher incomes—such as pharmacists
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 65-year-old woman from Bengaluru lost ₹77,000 after ordering spoilt milk online and attempting to return it. When she called a fake customer service number found online, a fraudster posing as a platform executive instructed her to use PhonePe to transfer money to a UPI ID under the guise of receiving a refund, then obtained her UPI PIN to steal the funds. The woman filed a complaint with cyber police, who registered a case under the Information Technology Act and took steps to freeze the fraudster's account.
floridadaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Taufiq Mohammed Kailani of Daytona Beach was arrested for using a business email imposter scam to defraud two construction companies of $60,725 by posing as an employee and sending a counterfeit bank letter to trick one company into wiring funds. Kailani exploited an elderly victim he met through a romance scam to open a fraudulent bank account and withdraw the stolen money, which the victim unwittingly facilitated. He was charged with organized fraud, fraudulent use of personal identification information, and money laundering, with bail set at $1.5 million.
businessworld.in
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams in India have evolved significantly, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes and voice technology to create convincing fake profiles and impersonate romantic interests. According to 2023 reports, 43% of Indians fell victim to AI voice scams (83% of whom lost money), 77% encountered AI-generated fake profiles on dating apps, and 66% have been targeted by online dating scams. Experts recommend public education on scam warning signs, stronger regulations from dating platforms and law enforcement, and user vigilance—particularly protecting vulnerable populations like elderly widowed individuals—through identity verification and avoiding sharing sensitive personal information with online strangers.