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patch.com
· 2025-12-07
Two Chinese nationals from Corona, California pleaded guilty to a $16.2 million Apple device fraud scheme in which counterfeit iPhones and iPads were exchanged for genuine devices at Apple stores across Southern California using cloned serial numbers, then resold for profit primarily in China. Yushan Lin and Shuyi Xing, along with four other co-conspirators, exploited Apple's warranty program by visiting multiple retail locations and deceiving the company into replacing counterfeit devices with authentic ones. Additionally, Xing pleaded guilty to laundering over $1 million from elder fraud schemes in a separate money laundering operation.
bctv.org
· 2025-12-07
This is an educational event announcement rather than a news article about a specific scam or fraud case. Here's the summary:
A free educational program on senior fraud protection will be held September 8 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm, presented by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Senior Protection Unit and a Reading-based elder law firm. Attorney David Shallcross will cover scams targeting seniors including tech repair scams and romance fraud, along with protection strategies, while Attorney Rose Kennedy will discuss estate planning and elder law considerations. Registration is required through the Wyoming Public Library website or by phone at 610-374-2385.
wlrn.org
· 2025-12-07
Palm Beach County officials held a community meeting in Delray Beach to alert residents about rising scams targeting seniors, including fake SunPass charges, Bitcoin ATM schemes, and identity theft via suspicious texts. State Attorney Alexcia Cox announced that her office has created specialized prosecution units for elder abuse, cybercrime, and property deed fraud, while noting that AI technology and overseas offenders have complicated fraud prosecution efforts. According to FBI data, cybercrimes cost Americans over $16 billion in 2024, representing a 33% increase from the previous year.
northwestgeorgianews.com
· 2025-12-07
The Elder Justice Initiative highlights common financial scams targeting seniors age 60 and older, including Social Security impostor scams (false suspension claims), tech support scams (fake virus/hacking warnings), lottery scams (foreign sweepstakes requiring upfront fees), and romance scams (online dating schemes requesting money). Digital technology has increased seniors' vulnerability to these schemes, which exploit personal information and trust, making elder fraud a recognized threat requiring public education and awareness efforts.
hola.com
· 2025-12-07
An 80-year-old woman in Hokkaido, Japan lost approximately $6,700 of her life savings to a romance scam in which a man posed as an astronaut claiming his spaceship needed oxygen money. The article highlights the growing epidemic of romance fraud targeting vulnerable elderly populations, noting that in the U.S. alone over 7,600 seniors were scammed through romance and confidence fraud in 2024, losing nearly $389 million, and that seniors remain prime targets due to isolation, trusting nature, and available savings.
news18.com
· 2025-12-07
An 80-year-old Japanese woman living alone lost approximately ¥1 million (₹5.5 lakh) to a romance scam in which a fraudster posing as an astronaut convinced her he was stranded in space and needed money to purchase oxygen. The victim met the scammer on social media in July and developed an online relationship before sending the funds when he claimed to be under attack in a spaceship. This case reflects a broader surge in romance scams targeting elderly populations globally, with Japan reporting 3,326 such cases in the first 11 months of 2024—double the prior year—resulting in ¥34.6 billion in losses.
inkfreenews.com
· 2025-12-07
Indiana ranks second nationally for senior fraud complaints at 76.9 per 100,000 residents, with seniors age 60+ losing $4.8 billion to fraud nationwide in 2023. The state experienced a sharp 240% increase in elderly fraud complaints over three years, driven partly by its growing senior population expected to exceed 20% by 2030. The most common scams involved tech support impersonation, while cryptocurrency fraud proved most costly, with victims averaging losses exceeding $108,000 per case.
qchron.com
· 2025-12-07
State Sen. Joe Addabbo partnered with computer support company DMS International to provide a technology education class at a senior center in Glendale, focusing on how seniors can identify, avoid, and report common scams. The presentation covered tactics used by scammers impersonating utility companies like Con Edison, and attendees received guidance on verification procedures and reporting resources such as calling 311.
wral.com
· 2025-12-07
Brian Taulton, a 56-year-old from West Virginia, was arrested on charges of defrauding North Carolina residents between February 2024 and June 2025 by posing as a Duke Energy employee and driveway repair contractor, stealing approximately $90,000 and attempting to steal an additional $38,600 from elderly and disabled victims. Taulton would knock on doors claiming to have leftover asphalt from nearby jobs, then either perform substandard work or not complete repairs at all, with individual victims losing amounts ranging from $7,000 to $20,000. He faces 22 felony charges related to exploitation and fraud, an
wral.com
· 2025-12-07
Brian Taulton, a West Virginia man, was arrested for defrauding Wake County seniors by approaching their homes and draining their bank accounts, exploiting victims out of tens of thousands of dollars. The case highlights a door-to-door fraud scheme targeting elderly residents in the area.
butlereagle.com
· 2025-12-07
AARP of Pennsylvania is warning seniors about cryptocurrency scams that cost Americans $1.4 billion in 2024, typically involving fraudsters who contact victims via text or social media and direct them to deposit money into Bitcoin ATMs with threats or promises of quick returns. Once deposited, the funds cannot be recovered. AARP encourages victims to report scams to local law enforcement or contact them directly at 1-877-908-3360.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-07
Antonio Peña and Brandi Durst were indicted in August 2025 for operating a "gold bar scam" that defrauded senior victims across the United States between April 2024 and July 2025. The defendants posed as Federal Reserve agents and government officials, convincing elderly victims to liquidate retirement funds to purchase gold under the false premise of protecting assets from identity theft, then stole the gold and laundered the proceeds. Both face up to 40 years in prison, fines, and restitution if convicted.
fox13news.com
· 2025-12-07
An 88-year-old Florida woman discovered $108,000 in unclaimed stock options from a company where she worked 30 years earlier after becoming suspicious of solicitation letters from lawyers and private investigators offering to help claim the money for a fee. She contacted the Bradenton Police Department's elder fraud division, which verified the funds through the Florida Department of Financial Services and helped her complete the paperwork to claim the money directly without paying intermediaries. The case highlights how scammers exploit unclaimed property schemes while also demonstrating the importance of consulting trusted sources before acting on unsolicited financial offers.
mysuncoast.com
· 2025-12-07
An elderly Bradenton woman who feared she was being scammed after receiving solicitations about unclaimed funds contacted local police and was assisted by Detective Jim Curulla of the senior fraud division. Curulla verified the funds were legitimate through the Florida Department of Financial Services database and helped the woman recover over $100,000 in unclaimed property, then accompanied her to deposit the check.
abc10.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers increasingly target seniors through digital platforms, with California consumers reporting over $1.7 billion in fraud losses in 2024, particularly involving identity theft and smartphone scams. Seniors are vulnerable because they are more likely to respond to unsolicited calls and urgent emails, and common tactics include impersonating government agencies or family members to pressure victims into quick payments via gift cards. Experts recommend that seniors never give personal information over the phone, keep antivirus software updated, verify website legitimacy before transactions, and immediately notify law enforcement and financial institutions if targeted, while family and friends can support prevention through regular check-ins and open conversations about fraud.
wcnc.com
· 2025-12-07
In 2023, older Americans lost over $3.4 billion to scams, with the problem escalating in 2024 when individuals over 60 represented the largest group of cybercrime victims in the U.S., losing more than $1 billion since the start of the year through increasingly sophisticated schemes including tech support fraud, romance scams, investment fraud, and government impersonation. Experts recommend seniors protect themselves by never sharing personal information unsolicited, using strong passwords with two-factor authentication, consulting family before financial decisions, and recognizing red flags such as urgent requests for money via gift cards or wire transfers, pressure to act quickly, and threats from callers.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-07
An 80-year-old woman in Hokkaido, Japan lost approximately $6,700 of her life savings to a romance scammer who posed as an astronaut stranded in space and claiming to need money for oxygen after meeting her on a social media app in July. Local police classified the case as a typical romance scam targeting vulnerable elderly individuals, noting that similar schemes victimize older adults across the United States and other countries.
bluewin.ch
· 2025-12-07
An 80-year-old woman in Japan was defrauded of approximately 5,780 francs in a romance scam where a fraudster posing as an astronaut claimed to be under attack in space and needed money for oxygen. The woman met the scammer online in July, developed emotional feelings for him, and transferred the funds based on his fabricated emergency. Police warn that romance scams use elaborate stories and fake identities to manipulate victims into sending money, and advise people to remain suspicious of online acquaintances requesting funds and to contact authorities if targeted.
97x.com
· 2025-12-07
An elderly woman in her 80s from Hokkaido, Japan lost approximately $6,700 after being targeted by a romance scammer who posed as an astronaut claiming his spaceship was under attack and needed money for oxygen. The victim, who lived alone and met the scammer on social media in July, developed emotional attachment through online conversations that made her vulnerable to his fabricated crisis. This case reflects a broader surge in romance scams globally, with the U.S. reporting over 64,000 victims and $1 billion in losses in 2023 alone, prompting authorities to urge the public to avoid sending money to online contacts and report suspicious requests immediately.
wild941.com
· 2025-12-07
A Port Richey, Florida senior lost $47,000 in an AI-powered romance scam after being deceived by a fake Facebook profile using deepfake videos of a person named "Bonnie Fleck" who claimed to need funds for work in Australia; the scammer, traced to Nigeria, used computer-generated video chats to build trust before convincing the victim to wire cash and send Bitcoin. The victim now faces an additional $22,000 bank liability and risks losing his home, and the case highlights Florida's growing senior fraud problem, with reports reaching 9,000 yearly and increasing 40% since 2019.
people.com
· 2025-12-07
A woman in her 80s in Hokkaido, Japan lost approximately $6,700 (1 million yen) in a romance scam that began on social media in July, when a con artist posed as an astronaut claiming to be in space under attack and in need of oxygen, convincing her to send money for his survival. The incident reflects a broader trend: in 2024, over 7,600 people over 60 in the United States fell victim to romance and confidence scams, resulting in more than $389 million in losses, with elderly victims being particularly vulnerable due to their trustworthiness, financial resources, and reluctance to report fraud.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
Regions Bank associates supported seniors in their community through two initiatives on National Senior Citizens Day (August 21). One team assembled care kits with household supplies and personal messages for distribution through the United Way Area Agency on Aging, which serves nearly 11,000 seniors annually; another team delivered homemade cards, treats, and information about elder fraud to residents at an elder-care facility. The efforts focused on combating senior isolation and promoting financial wellbeing and independence among older community members.
observer-me.com
· 2025-12-07
Maine Credit Unions released a collaborative fraud awareness video featuring state experts including the Maine Attorney General and state police to educate older adults about recognizing and preventing scams. Recent Federal Trade Commission data shows that fraud losses among adults over 60 have surged dramatically between 2020-2024, with reports of losses exceeding $10,000 quadrupling and cases above $100,000 increasing significantly, though actual losses are likely higher due to underreporting. The video is being distributed free to cable access stations and online as a public service to help Mainers identify and stop fraudsters before becoming victims.
wtsp.com
· 2025-12-07
A Bradenton, Florida senior citizen contacted the Elder Fraud Unit after receiving calls from law firms and private investigators, initially suspecting a scam, but Detective Jim Curulla determined she was legitimately owed over $100,000 in unclaimed stock dividends from an employer she worked for more than 30 years prior. The detective assisted Barbara in filing the necessary paperwork and accompanied her to safely deposit her check on September 3. The Bradenton Police Department recommends Florida residents check the state's treasure hunt website (fltreasurehunt.gov) to discover if they have unclaimed funds.
valdostatoday.com
· 2025-12-07
A Florida man, Charles Henry Williams, was arrested following a 5-month multi-state cyber investigation for running an online timeshare scam that defrauded an elderly Georgia couple of over $1 million across four years, with additional victims identified during the investigation. Williams was charged with Theft by Deception and Exploitation of an Elder Person and arrested on August 29, 2025, to face charges in Coweta County. The investigation involved coordination between the GBI, Georgia Attorney General's Office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and Florida law enforcement agencies.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-07
Brian Alexander Taulton, 57, was arrested in Wake County, North Carolina, and charged with exploiting elderly residents through a driveway repair scam that defrauded victims of approximately $100,000. Taulton allegedly posed as a city worker or offered unsolicited asphalt repair services, collecting upfront payments (including nearly $16,000 from one victim and $18,000 from a 95-year-old) before performing substandard or no work; he is also facing fugitive charges in Virginia for similar crimes. Authorities advise residents to verify credentials, request references, and avoid pressure tactics emphasizing urgency, as elder fraud costs an estimate
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
An 80-year-old woman from Hokkaido, Japan lost $6,750 (1 million yen) to a romance scam in which a fraudster posing as a stranded astronaut claimed to need oxygen money while "under attack in space." The scammer built emotional trust over months of social media messaging before fabricating the emergency, exploiting the victim's isolation and the platform's lack of fraud detection. Romance scams cost Americans over $1 billion in 2023, and the case highlights how social media platforms fail to protect vulnerable elderly users from increasingly sophisticated psychological manipulation schemes.
countryherald.com
· 2025-12-07
Impersonation scams targeting older adults in Illinois and nationwide have increased more than fourfold since 2020, with losses exceeding $100,000 skyrocketing from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024, according to FTC data. Scammers impersonate trusted entities like government agencies, banks, and businesses through urgent calls, texts, or emails, pressuring victims to transfer money, move funds to cryptocurrency, or hand over cash by falsely claiming account compromises, criminal ties to Social Security numbers, or hacked computers. The FTC advises consumers to never send money in response to unsolicited communications, verify contacts through
recordcourier.com
· 2025-12-07
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is hosting a free Senior Scam Seminar on September 18 at the Kahle Community Center in Stateline, designed to educate residents about identifying and preventing fraud targeting seniors. The one-hour session will cover common scam tactics including phone, email, and in-person schemes, warning signs to recognize, and available resources, with Sheriff Dan Coverley noting that fraudulent schemes affecting seniors are on the rise and education is a key defense against fraud.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-07
A 75-year-old South Korean woman nearly lost her life savings of 100 million won (approximately $92,500) to a voice phishing scam in which a fraudster impersonated a Financial Supervisory Service official and convinced her to withdraw funds and convert them to gold. A taxi driver became suspicious after overhearing her phone conversation with the scammer, noticing a male voice despite her claim she was speaking to her daughter, and alerted police who intercepted the vehicle and prevented the handover of the gold.
dailybulldog.com
· 2025-12-07
Maine Credit Unions released a collaborative educational video warning residents—particularly older adults—about rising fraud, featuring experts from the Maine Attorney General's Office, State Police, and other agencies. Recent FTC data shows that reports of adults over 60 losing $10,000 or more to impersonation scams quadrupled between 2020-2024, with many cases going unreported. The video aims to equip Mainers with practical knowledge to identify and prevent scams before they cause financial and emotional harm.
gilmermirror.com
· 2025-12-07
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides resources and tools to help older adults, caregivers, and families protect themselves from fraud and scams. Key resources include the BBB's Older Adult Resources page for recognizing red flags, ScamTracker for reporting and researching scams, credit monitoring through annualcreditreport.com, and the Do-Not-Call Registry to reduce unsolicited communications. The article also highlights warning signs of elder abuse—including unexplained injuries, financial manipulation, isolation, and declining living standards—and encourages families to use these tools to support safe, informed aging.
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece highlights the rising threat of sophisticated online scams targeting seniors, noting that FTC data shows reports of victims aged 60+ losing $10,000 or more quadrupled between 2020 and 2024. Scammers use impostor schemes impersonating businesses or government agencies, increasingly leveraging AI-generated deepfakes and voice technology, with a notable 2024 case involving 16 defendants charged in a grandparent scam ring that defrauded victims of over $55 million. The article recommends verification through trusted channels, raising awareness of scam tactics, and implementing cybersecurity tools as key defenses against elder fraud.
wifr.com
· 2025-12-07
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are increasingly using AI voice-cloning technology to impersonate grandchildren and other loved ones, convincing seniors to send money by claiming emergencies such as accidents, arrests, or medical crises. These "grandparent scams" are becoming more realistic by incorporating personal details gleaned from social media, and scammers can now replicate voices with just seconds of audio. The BBB recommends families establish code words for verification, limit personal information on social media, avoid sending money through untraceable methods like gift cards or payment apps, and contact police if suspicious requests occur or money has already been sent.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
AARP is hosting a free telephone town hall on September 4 featuring fraud prevention experts Liz Buser and Staff Sergeant Tara Hardin to educate older adults and caregivers about evolving scam tactics, how to identify red flags, and reporting procedures. The event will cover current fraud trends targeting seniors, response strategies for suspicious communications, available support resources, and practical protection tools from AARP and law enforcement.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-07
An elderly man in Ohio on disability was scammed out of $70 after receiving messages claiming he won $50,000 and a car, then was convinced by AI-generated videos impersonating country artist Jelly Roll to purchase Apple gift cards for supposed shipping costs. A family member discovered the scam before additional losses occurred, prompting the victim to file a police report and share his story as a warning that AI-based celebrity impersonation scams are becoming increasingly common and convincing.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-07
Two California men pleaded guilty to a $16.2 million fraud scheme in which they smuggled counterfeit Apple devices from China and returned them to Apple stores across Southern California, fraudulently claiming warranty coverage and receiving genuine replacements that were resold for profit. Shuyi Xing, 35, also admitted to conspiring to launder over $1 million from elder fraud schemes and faces up to 40 years in prison, while co-defendant Yushan Lin, 31, faces up to 20 years; the defendants returned or attempted to return at least 1,584 counterfeit devices using stolen serial numbers from genuine products.
easttexasradio.com
· 2025-12-07
Federal authorities arrested 13 individuals involved in a transnational emergency/grandparent scam operation that defrauded over 400 victims of more than $5 million. The scammers impersonated distressed family members via calls, texts, or social media, claiming arrests, accidents, or emergencies to pressure victims into sending money via payment apps, sometimes even using fake mugshots or voice-cloning technology to enhance credibility. To protect themselves, people should verify urgent requests by contacting family members directly, avoid sending money through untraceable payment methods, and alert police if anyone offers to pick up cash in person.
wnegradio.com
· 2025-12-07
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts arrested 13 individuals involved in a transnational elder fraud scheme that targeted over 400 victims and resulted in more than $5 million in losses. Emergency scams—also called grandparent scams—use fake urgent situations (arrests, accidents, medical emergencies) to pressure victims into sending money via payment apps, often impersonating family members and using personal details found on social media or even voice cloning technology to appear credible. To avoid these scams, victims should resist acting immediately, verify stories by calling family members directly, avoid sending money through payment apps or gift cards without confirmation, and contact police if someone arrives to collect cash.
tomshardware.com
· 2025-12-07
An 80-year-old woman in Japan lost approximately $6,700 to a romance scammer who posed as a stranded astronaut, claiming he needed funds for oxygen supplies while trapped in space. After establishing an online relationship beginning in July, the fraudster convinced the victim to send money by fabricating an emergency situation involving his spaceship being under attack. This case exemplifies the broader threat of romance scams, with the FTC reporting that 64,000 Americans lost $1 billion to similar schemes in 2023.
mitrade.com
· 2025-12-07
**Risk Factors and Prevention for Elder Fraud**
Research by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation identifies key risk factors that increase older adults' vulnerability to fraud, including exposure to unsolicited communications, loneliness, financial fragility, and preference for higher-risk investments. The article recommends protective strategies such as blocking unknown contacts, ignoring promises of guaranteed returns, researching sellers and products, combating loneliness through in-person connections, avoiding rushed financial decisions, building financial literacy, and staying informed about current scams through trusted organizations like AARP and the BBB.
taipeitimes.com
· 2025-12-07
Seven suspects were charged with defrauding 35 people through the Line messaging app by posing as cryptocurrency dealers, stealing nearly NT$97.43 million (US$3.18 million). Investment scams in Taiwan increased 21 percent year-over-year, with women aged 50 and older representing the majority of victims, and losses from such schemes comprising the largest share of all fraud-related financial losses. The article calls for strengthened government education campaigns and legislation empowering banks and technology platforms to intervene against fraudulent activity, particularly to protect vulnerable elderly populations.
cullmantribune.com
· 2025-12-07
The Cullman Police Department reported a sharp increase in scams and financial crimes targeting seniors, including sophisticated phone, online, and fraudulent banking schemes. In response, CPD has prioritized fraud awareness through community outreach to senior groups, participation in U.S. Secret Service financial crime meetings, and partnerships with local banks to educate residents on warning signs and protective measures. The department encourages residents to contact their banks immediately and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
atlantanewsfirst.com
· 2025-12-07
Fulton County launched ACT (Avoid Cyber Threats), a free online cybersecurity training program for seniors, in response to alarming fraud statistics showing that seniors lost approximately $5 billion to internet crimes in 2024, with Georgia ranking 7th nationally for such losses. The program educates seniors on recognizing digital scams including AI voice cloning, government impersonation, and phishing schemes, with the county aiming to train 2,000 seniors and caregivers by year-end. One local resident shared how she fell victim to a scam that resulted in $2,000 being stolen from her account, though her bank helped her recover the funds.
aol.com
· 2025-12-07
A woman in her 80s in Japan lost approximately $6,700 (1 million yen) to a romance scam that began on social media in July 2024, when a con artist posed as an astronaut claiming to be under attack in space and needing money for oxygen. In 2024, over 7,600 people aged 60+ in the United States fell victim to romance and confidence scams, resulting in more than $389 million in losses, with seniors targeted because they tend to be trusting, have financial savings, and may be reluctant to report fraud due to shame.
wsfa.com
· 2025-12-07
AARP warns of AI-enabled "grandparent scams" where sophisticated international crime rings use artificial intelligence to replicate grandchildren's voices and call seniors late at night claiming to be in trouble and requesting immediate money. To protect against these scams, AARP recommends establishing a family code word for verification, avoiding calls from unknown numbers, and keeping personal information off the internet.
abc3340.com
· 2025-12-07
The FBI warns seniors to remain vigilant against fraud schemes targeting older adults, noting that elder fraud remains a significant problem because criminals exploit vulnerable seniors who may be more trusting and often live alone. The agency recommends protective measures including shredding financial documents, avoiding unsolicited contact, resisting pressure to act quickly, and discussing investments with trusted individuals. Seniors are encouraged to report suspected fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center or local field offices, as many victims do not report incidents due to shame and can suffer severe financial losses.
ainvest.com
· 2025-12-07
Social Security scams surged 46% in 2024, resulting in $4.885 billion in losses and disproportionately affecting retirees who were pressured through fake government alerts to transfer funds or deposit cash into ATMs or cryptocurrency accounts. The FBI and FTC reported that fraud losses for those aged 60+ skyrocketed from $122 million in 2020 to $700 million in 2024, with significant regional impacts such as $99.8 million in losses in Massachusetts alone. To protect themselves, retirees are advised to adopt strategic diversification, use Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, implement fraud detection technology, maintain social networks, and work with
the420.in
· 2025-12-07
Authorities in Uttarakhand arrested multiple suspects across two cyber fraud cases totaling ₹1.9 crore in losses. In the first case, a 27-year-old man defrauded a 58-year-old Dehradun businessman of ₹50 lakh through a romance scam involving a fake foreign woman and fabricated airport detention charges; in the second case, two Delhi men were arrested for a "digital arrest" scheme that victimized a retired university vice-chancellor of ₹1.4 crore over 12 days in August. These arrests highlight the expansion of organized cyber fraud networks across India using social engineering tactics.
soapcentral.com
· 2025-12-07
Cecilie Fjellhøy, a victim of romance scammer Simon Leviev who lost over £200,000, transformed her experience into activism by co-founding LoveSaid and appearing in Netflix's Love Con Revenge alongside investigator Brianne Joseph to expose romance scams and advocate for legal reform. The documentary highlights common romance fraud tactics including love bombing and emotional manipulation while revealing how the legal system often dismisses these crimes as personal disputes rather than serious offenses. Fjellhøy continues raising awareness about emerging threats like deepfake and AI-enabled scams while working to change public perception and policy surrounding romance fraud victimization.