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5newsonline.com
This article covers recent legal developments involving Donald Trump across multiple jurisdictions and does not relate to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It focuses on criminal prosecutions, civil cases, and political matters involving the former president. This content is outside the scope of the Elderus elder fraud research database and cannot be summarized as requested.
cbsnews.com
Match Group CEO Bernard Kim stated that while the company invests over $125 million annually to protect customers and removes 96% of fraudulent accounts within a day, he acknowledged romance scams with a dismissive "things happen in life" when asked about victims who lost their life savings. A CBS News investigation found that overseas-based romance scammers stole over $1 billion in 2023, affecting tens of thousands of victims—including younger, wealthier, and better-educated individuals, with an estimated 40% being men—with the FBI attributing the sharp increase since 2017 to the proliferation of dating sites.
livemint.com
India registered 1.13 million fraud cases in 2023, with "pig butchering" emerging as a growing cyber scam where fraudsters build trust with victims through social media and dating apps before convincing them to invest in fake opportunities or job offers. The scam relies on emotional manipulation and fake investment platforms or job postings, with victims ultimately losing significant sums once trust is established. To protect against these scams, individuals should verify investment and job offers thoroughly, avoid sharing personal financial information with online strangers, resist pressure to make rushed financial decisions, and consult trusted advisors before proceeding with any financial transactions.
businessinsider.com
Two men in Florida were arrested for defrauding an elderly woman showing early signs of dementia by convincing her she had won $3 million in a Publisher's Clearing House sweepstakes and demanding upfront tax payments; she lost $477,000 across three checks, with only $40,000 recovered. Michael Lawrence and Max Richards face felony charges for theft and fraud scheme. The FTC warns that legitimate sweepstakes never require upfront fees or taxes, and victims should immediately contact their banks to attempt recovery.
e-know.ca
Grandparent scams, where perpetrators contact elderly individuals claiming to be distressed family members in need of immediate money, continue to affect victims across British Columbia, with scammers now using AI-assisted voice manipulation to increase authenticity. The fraud typically requests payment via wire transfers or cryptocurrency ATMs, making recovery nearly impossible, though anyone can become a target regardless of age. To protect against these scams, people should verify caller identities independently, avoid sending money immediately, and report suspected fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
justice.gov
**Summary:**
Jason Pick, a 42-year-old New Orleans accountant, was indicted on eight counts of wire fraud for stealing approximately $64,137 from his employer between June 2020 and October 2021 by altering tenant rent payment money orders and depositing them into his personal account. While awaiting sentencing for the initial scheme, Pick submitted a fraudulent letter to a federal judge to delay his prison report date so he could conceal additional fraudulent changes to the company's accounting system. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
fox35orlando.com
Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., a 50-year-old from Winter Haven, Florida, was sentenced to two years in prison for laundering over $2.3 million in proceeds from Nigerian romance scams and business email compromise schemes by receiving funds into bank accounts and converting them to Bitcoin for co-conspirators. He was ordered to forfeit nearly $465,000 in personal proceeds, with four additional defendants remaining at large in the scheme.
aarp.org
Criminologist David Maimon's research team at Georgia State University has documented extensive criminal activity on the dark web, where organized groups anonymously buy and sell stolen personal information, forged checks, and hacked financial accounts at minimal prices. The research reveals that stolen personal identification data is often more valuable to criminals than cash itself, as it enables them to open fraudulent bank accounts, obtain fake documents, and commit various financial crimes. Dark web criminals also engage in romance scams, mail theft using stolen postal keys, and bank fraud, operating through sophisticated networks that steal billions of dollars annually.
yahoo.com
Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., a 50-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to four years in federal prison for his role in a romance scam network that defrauded at least three women of $2.3 million. Garcia provided bank accounts to co-conspirators who posed as romantic interests to victims aged 40 to 80, requesting money for fake overseas oil sales and other expenses, then used cryptocurrency to launder the proceeds before sending funds to accomplices in Nigeria. He was ordered to forfeit approximately $465,000, while his four Nigerian co-conspirators remain at large.
wlwt.com
The U.S. Marshals Service issued a warning about phone imposter scams in which callers falsely claim to be law enforcement officials and demand immediate payment of fines for alleged identity theft, missed jury duty, or other legal violations, using tactics like providing fake badge numbers and courthouse information to appear credible. The Marshals emphasized that legitimate law enforcement will never contact the public by phone to demand money, request credit card numbers, bank routing numbers, or wire transfers. Victims are urged to contact their local police department.
13newsnow.com
FBI forensic accountant Daniel Booth warns that cryptocurrency scams are increasingly prevalent in the Hampton Roads, Virginia region, representing traditional fraud schemes updated to use digital currency. Three common types include ransomware attacks on businesses (demanding crypto payments for system access), fake tech support scams targeting individuals (gaining remote access to steal financial data), and "pig butchering" schemes (fake investment websites encouraging victims to deposit money with false promises of trading gains, sometimes resulting in loss of life savings). Victims of cryptocurrency fraud are encouraged to report cases to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
justice.gov
Jorrel Tyler Jackson, a 31-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to 6.5 years in federal prison for his role in an international fraud conspiracy that targeted senior citizens across multiple states, causing $1,584,077 in losses to 22 victims. Jackson's role involved collecting cash packages from victims and recruiting others; the scam began with fake virus warning pop-ups that directed victims to call numbers where Indian-based scammers impersonated tech companies or federal agents, then convinced them to surrender money through various ruses including fake bank compromise claims, criminal investigation threats, and technical support fees. Authorities emphasize that victims should never click unsolicited pop-ups,
pensionsage.com
A study by the Money and Pensions Service found that 71% of people using its Pension Guidance helpline felt more confident spotting and managing financial scams, with 83% feeling greater control over their finances. Among 833 service users in 2023/24, approximately £13.6 million was lost to financial crimes and scams (averaging £16,297 per person), with identity theft, bank account scams, and investment fraud being the most common types.
justice.gov
Christopher Markham, a 40-year-old SSA employee in Indiana, was charged with wire fraud for defrauding the Social Security Administration of approximately $49,256 between February 2019 and June 2022. While claiming to telework full-time for SSA, Markham actually performed home inspections for his personal business during work hours, enlisting his wife and mother to send emails making him appear online, and submitted 53 fraudulent time reports and falsified work logs to collect his full federal salary. He also fraudulently claimed Emergency Paid Leave and Family and Medical Leave Act benefits while conducting approximately 70 home inspections for his personal business.
aol.com
An elderly Birmingham, Alabama woman with medical needs was defrauded of over $200,000 by five individuals employed to care for her, including two live-in caretakers, a house cleaner, and a hairdresser, who were charged with wire fraud and identity theft between December 2020 and February 2022. The perpetrators used the victim's credit card information and banking services to make unauthorized purchases and transfers, with the hairdresser alone charging over $130,000 to her Square account. The case reflects a broader trend of elder financial exploitation in the U.S., with the Treasury reporting approximately $27 billion in suspicious elder fraud activity in a single year.
liherald.com
A 27-year-old Brooklyn man was arrested in April 2023 for defrauding a 94-year-old victim of approximately $250,000 through a Publishers Clearing House prize scam, in which the perpetrator posed as a representative and convinced the victim to pay upfront taxes via cashier's checks. The victim reported the fraud to police after realizing he had been deceived, leading to a multi-agency investigation and the arrest of Jamario Smellie, who was charged with grand larceny.
flcourier.com
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill was arrested and charged with elder abuse and fraud after a 13-month investigation revealed she stole over $100,000 from a 96-year-old woman she represented through power of attorney, using the funds for cosmetic procedures, a home purchase, and personal expenses. Hill faces seven charges including exploitation of an elderly person and mortgage fraud, with potential sentences totaling up to 180 years in prison; her trial is scheduled for July 2024. Following her suspension by Governor Ron DeSantis in April, a special election was set for May 21 to fill her vacant District 5 city commission seat.
justice.gov
Michael Jerome Wright and Cortney Lashea Young, both of Princeton, Indiana, were charged with mail theft and check forgery after law enforcement discovered they had stolen checks totaling over $1 million from USPS collection boxes using an unauthorized arrow key between October 2023 and April 2024. During a vehicle stop and subsequent apartment search, investigators recovered the arrow key, stolen mail including forged checks, and illegal firearms including a "ghost gun" equipped with a machinegun conversion device. Both defendants, who have prior felony convictions, face federal charges including identity theft, weapons violations, and mail theft.
justice.gov
Neely B. Hargis and Joseph T. Trotta, both age 60 from New Orleans, were indicted in April 2024 for conspiring to commit wire fraud and theft of government funds totaling approximately $443,455 from a deceased woman's Social Security Administration account. The defendants, who gained access to the account through owning the deceased beneficiary's former residence, used the stolen funds for personal expenses including vehicle purchases and utility bills from 2002 to 2020, and subsequently lied to federal agents during investigation. If convicted, each defendant faces up to 20 years imprisonment and substantial fines.
cbsnews.com
Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., a 50-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for his role in laundering romance scam proceeds, having scammed $2.3 million in funds that he sent to criminal associates in Nigeria using cryptocurrency exchanges. Garcia worked with four other suspects to defraud multiple victims and was ordered to return $464,923.91 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Romance scams have grown significantly, with American victims losing over $1 billion to overseas criminals in 2023, though actual figures are likely much higher due to underreporting and the difficulty law enforcement faces in prosecuting transn
usatoday.com
Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., a 50-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to money laundering conspiracy related to a romance scam that defrauded at least three women of $2.3 million. Garcia's role involved providing bank accounts to receive fraud proceeds and using cryptocurrency to conceal the money's origin before transferring funds to his Nigerian co-conspirators, who remain at large; he was ordered to forfeit approximately $465,000.
news.clearancejobs.com
Former Army specialist Sanda G. Frimpong was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution for laundering over $350,000 obtained through romance scams targeting vulnerable victims including seniors and military veterans. Frimpong and at least three conspirators executed multiple scams by impersonating romantic interests, diplomats, and military personnel via encrypted messaging apps, and also fraudulently obtained CARES Act funds and unemployment benefits using stolen identities across multiple states. The money was laundered through various banking systems, across state lines, and through contacts in Ghana while Frimpong remained on active duty at Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
wfaa.com
Dallas County residents received scam calls from fraudsters impersonating law enforcement who demanded immediate payment via wire transfer or gift cards, claiming the victims had outstanding warrants for missing grand jury duty. The Dallas County Criminal District Attorney's Office warned that legitimate law enforcement never requests payment over the phone and advised residents to verify suspicious calls directly with law enforcement and avoid sharing personal information with callers.
lohud.com
A 70-year-old Bedford resident was scammed out of $28,000 after responding to a pop-up security alert on their computer and calling the number provided, believing they were contacting Microsoft support. The scammer, identified as Jinguan Li, 48, of Brooklyn, posed as a Microsoft employee and convinced the victim that a cash payment was necessary for computer repairs, which the victim then handed over in person; Li was arrested with over $100,000 in cash and charged with grand larceny. The incident highlights the vulnerability of older adults to pop-up scams and authorities recommend scrutinizing pop-ups before clicking and reporting suspicious activity to banks or police.
rcmp-grc.gc.ca
This is a general informational page from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police website describing their services and departments rather than a specific article about a scam or fraud incident. The page mentions that Canadians lose millions yearly to fraud and references the Anti-Fraud Centre as a resource, but provides no specific case details, victim information, or fraud scheme descriptions to summarize.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
The Indian government is planning to establish a Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre under the Cybercrime Coordination Centre to combat the surge in online scams by coordinating real-time responses across banks, telecom providers, IT companies, and law enforcement. The centre will co-locate representatives from major banks, telecom service providers, and police departments to enable seamless cooperation and prevent financial losses, with the project targeted for completion within the government's first 100 days in office.
cbsnews.com
A McKinsey woman lost over $3,200 to a romance scammer posing as a German cardiologist on Instagram, experiencing severe emotional trauma including suicidal ideation. The FBI reports 19,000 Americans fell victim to romance scams in the past year, losing $1.3 billion collectively, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated fake photos, audio, and videos to make schemes harder to detect—though federal prosecutors have successfully pursued cases, including a 2021 North Texas indictment of 35 people who stole $17 million from over 100 victims.
fox26houston.com
Regina Lynn Thomas, also known as Nikki Laday, is wanted by the FBI on over 65 counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for allegedly posing as a nurse to defraud elderly victims in the Houston area. The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to her arrest, emphasizing the serious community impact of elder fraud.
abc13.com
Regina Thomas and her son Isaiah allegedly ran a wire fraud scheme targeting seniors in Houston, stealing over $1 million from an elderly couple by impersonating a nurse and lawyer, respectively, and fabricating stories about FEMA fraud and legal troubles. Regina Thomas is currently a fugitive, prompting the FBI Houston office to offer a $10,000 reward—marking the first time they've offered a reward in an elder fraud case—while Isaiah faces federal wire fraud charges and is out on bond. Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are actively seeking Regina Thomas, also known as Nikki Laday.
spectrumnews1.com
Since the pandemic, scams targeting seniors in Ohio have more than doubled according to AARP data. An 81-year-old man was charged with murder after shooting an Uber driver whom he believed was involved in a scam, and legal experts indicate that if the actual scam perpetrator is caught, they could face up to 20 years in federal prison on wire fraud and extortion charges, though locating the suspect may be difficult if they are located outside the United States.
bluebonnetnews.com
The FBI's Houston field office is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of Regina Lynn Thomas (also known as Nikki Laday), who has been federally charged with over 65 counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Thomas allegedly targeted senior citizens in the Houston area by impersonating a registered nurse at senior care facilities, with suspected ties to Pearland, Sugarland, and the greater Houston metro area.
justice.gov
Victoria Zerillo, a 49-year-old general manager in Riverview, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for embezzling over $400,000 from senior citizens between December 2015 and November 2022. Zerillo and co-conspirators created false bank statements and destroyed records to steal funds from a non-profit that provided repair services to a senior residential community, spending the money on personal luxuries including vacations. The court ordered her to forfeit $410,963.78, and senior residents testified about the significant financial harm caused by the fraud.
cbsnews.com
A 44-year-old caregiver, Gerald Camposanto Cerillo, was arrested in April 2024 for stealing over $10,600 from an elderly Los Altos Hills couple by using their debit card to make 15 unauthorized ATM withdrawals in December 2023. The theft went unreported for two months until the victims' daughter discovered it while preparing tax documents, and Cerillo was identified through ATM surveillance video and arrested on charges of financial elder abuse and unlawful use of a debit card. Authorities indicate there may be additional victims, as similar fraud allegations involving Cerillo surfaced from another employer in June 2023.
cbsnews.com
Between 2013 and 2018, as many as 25-30 percent of new Match.com members were reportedly using the platform to perpetrate romance scams, according to an FTC lawsuit against parent company Match Group. American victims lost over $1 billion to romance scammers in 2023 alone, with dating apps serving as primary "hunting grounds" for scammers targeting vulnerable individuals, including a case where an Illinois widow lost her life savings of $1.5 million to a fake profile. Despite Match Group's reported $125 million annual investment in trust and safety measures, critics argue the company has not done enough to prevent scammers from accessing the platform
cbsnews.com
A former Nigerian romance scammer named Christopher, who operated fake dating profiles from 2016 to defraud women of large sums of money, was arrested and has since reformed by working for an anti-scam company and sharing his story to raise awareness. Romance scams are a widespread federal crime affecting tens of thousands of Americans annually, with cases often involving multiple victims and complex schemes that are difficult to prosecute; U.S. Attorney Erek Barron's office in Maryland has made scam and fraud cases a top priority through participation in the Justice Department's "Elder Justice Strike Force" and partnerships with organizations like AARP to prevent future victimization.
sandhillsexpress.com
Laura Kowal became a victim of a sophisticated romance scam in which a man posing as "Frank Borg" initially romanced her, then manipulated her into becoming a "money mule" by setting up fake companies and bank accounts to launder stolen money for overseas-based scammers. This emerging tactic leverages victims' emotional attachment and trust to coerce them into committing fraud themselves, creating a legal dilemma for prosecutors who must decide whether to charge victims as accomplices or treat them primarily as victims of manipulation. The FBI has identified this pattern as increasingly widespread, with scammers using victims' criminal complicity as additional leverage to maintain control and coerce continued cooperation.
law360.com
I don't have access to the full article content—only the header and subscription information are visible. To provide an accurate summary for the Elderus database, I would need the complete article text detailing:
- The specifics of the romance fraud scheme
- Names and locations of defendants/victims
- How the $1M was obtained
- Any arrests or convictions
- The role of federal agencies
Could you please share the full article text so I can provide a proper 2-3 sentence summary?
cbsnews.com
Romance scams in the Chicago area are becoming increasingly sophisticated, utilizing AI-generated images and videos to impersonate real people and deceive victims into sending money, often via cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams have cost Americans over $2 billion since 2021, with scammers using freely available AI software to create convincing fake content and cryptocurrency's instant transfer capabilities to quickly disperse stolen funds across multiple digital wallets, making investigation and recovery extremely difficult.
cbsnews.com
Laura Kowal fell victim to a romance scam where she was emotionally manipulated over two years, then coerced into becoming a "money mule" by setting up fake companies and bank accounts to launder stolen money for overseas scammers. This increasingly common tactic exploits victims' emotional vulnerability and creates legal complications for prosecutors, who must decide whether to charge these individuals as victims or criminals, as they have technically committed fraud and money laundering while being manipulated by their scammers. Law enforcement agencies like the FBI are developing psychological profiles and issuing warnings about this scheme, as scammers use the threat of criminal charges as additional leverage to control their victims.
justice.gov
Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., a 50-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for laundering over $2.3 million in proceeds from romance scams and business email compromise fraud schemes orchestrated by Nigerian co-conspirators; he used bank accounts and cryptocurrency exchanges to conceal and transfer the funds. Garcia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and was ordered to forfeit $464,923.91. Four additional defendants remain at large in this transnational fraud operation.
sandhillsexpress.com
A 57-year-old retired hospital executive from Illinois lost $1.5 million to a romance scam perpetrated by someone posing as a Swedish investment adviser between October 2018 and August 2020. The victim's daughter, Kelly Gowe, discovered her mother had been victimized after a federal investigator's call and subsequently found a suicide note, motivating her to advocate for romance scam awareness. According to the Federal Trade Commission, over 64,000 Americans were defrauded of more than $1.14 billion by romance scammers in a recent year, with victims often reluctant to report due to shame and embarrassment, though law enforcement emphasizes
fayobserver.com
Sanda G. Frimpong, a 33-year-old former U.S. Army specialist from Fort Bragg, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for operating a romance scam and unemployment fraud scheme from 2019 to 2022 that defrauded thousands of vulnerable people, including elderly victims and military veterans. Frimpong and his conspirators impersonated romantic interests, diplomats, and military personnel to extract money from victims—including one person who lost $150,000—and laundered hundreds of thousands of dollars through bank accounts and contacts in Ghana, while also fraudulently obtaining over $100,000 in pandemic unemployment
abcactionnews.com
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office warned the public of a scam where fraudsters impersonate deputies, claiming victims have outstanding warrants and demanding cash payments via unconventional methods like Bitcoin or gift cards to avoid arrest. Law enforcement emphasized that legitimate agencies never solicit payments over the phone or accept cryptocurrency, and advised victims to hang up immediately and report suspicious calls to the sheriff's office at 813-247-8200.
law.georgia.gov
Lawrence Montgomery, Jr. pleaded guilty to exploiting his 77-year-old mother, Ruth Montgomery, who had Alzheimer's disease, by diverting her social security checks to himself over five months (October 2019–February 2020) while she was in a nursing home, putting her at risk of discharge. He was sentenced to 10 years of probation, ordered to pay restitution, and barred from serving as a guardian or power of attorney. Georgia's Attorney General emphasized that protecting seniors from family-member exploitation remains a priority and noted that the state's Medicaid Fraud Division has secured 90 convictions for elder abuse and fraud since 2019.
cbsnews.com
Laura Kowal, a 57-year-old retired hospital executive from Illinois, was victimized by a romance scam perpetrated by someone posing as "Frank Borg," a Swedish investment adviser, beginning in October 2018; she eventually went missing in 2020 after losing significant money and being manipulated through sophisticated psychological tactics. Her daughter, Kelly Gowe, discovered her mother's disappearance and subsequently learned that over 64,000 Americans were defrauded of more than $1.14 billion through romance scams in a single year, with victims often too ashamed to report the crime. Gowe has since dedicated herself to raising awareness
sandhillsexpress.com
A widow named Laura Kowal lost her $1.5 million nest egg to a romance scam perpetrator using the alias "Frank Borg" on Match.com, who manipulated her through emotional connection before coercing her into fraudulent investments and wire transfers; she subsequently died in the Mississippi River. The case exemplifies a growing epidemic of romance scams combined with investment fraud targeting dating app users, with over 64,000 reported American victims in 2023 and losses totaling $1.14 billion in 2022, though experts believe actual figures are significantly higher due to underreporting and shame among victims. Law enforcement officials acknowledge the response has been inadequate, with sc
insideedition.com
A widow lost her entire life savings of $1.5 million to a dating scam after meeting a man claiming to be a Swedish businessman on Match.com; the scammer used a stolen profile photo and convinced her he was "Frank" before convincing her to wire her money. Online dating scams have become increasingly sophisticated and harmful, targeting vulnerable individuals through fake romantic profiles.
jaxtoday.org
Impersonation scams in Florida have increased 84% per capita over the past five years, with scammers posing as IRS agents, FBI officials, court representatives, and other trusted entities to defraud victims. In 2023, impersonation scams were the third most frequent fraud in the U.S., resulting in over $1.3 billion in losses, often involving organized crime groups with international connections that pressure victims into sending money or personal information through urgent threats. To protect themselves, people should verify caller identities by hanging up and calling official numbers directly, avoid sharing personal information when pressured, and report suspected scams to law enforcement.
ktvz.com
The Crook County Sheriff's Office warns of a phone scam in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement, claiming victims have arrest warrants and demanding payment of hundreds to thousands of dollars via gift cards or prepaid accounts to avoid arrest. The scammers manipulate caller ID to appear local and cite various reasons for fictitious warrants, including traffic violations, missed jury duty, or tax issues. The Sheriff's Office clarifies it never requests phone payments or negotiates reduced fines and advises residents to contact courts or local law enforcement directly to verify any warrant claims.
americanbanker.com
FinCen's analysis of elder financial exploitation found that approximately 80% of reported cases involve scams (fraudulent transfers to strangers) while 20% involve theft by trusted individuals, with account takeover being the most common exploitation method. Warning signs include sudden changes in banking practices, unexplained large withdrawals, and abrupt changes to wills or financial documents, with approximately 10% of people aged 65 and older experiencing some form of elder abuse annually. Financial institutions play a critical role in identifying and preventing elder financial exploitation through compliance reporting and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, while research indicates that susceptibility to scams correlates with lower income, reduced cognitive function, and limited financial literacy.