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in Scam Awareness
clarencevalleynews.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Australians lost $2 billion to scams (down 25.9% from 2023), though more people fell victim to increasingly sophisticated impersonation scams, with social media being the leading contact method for financial loss at $69.5 million across 7,724 reports. Common impersonation scams include bank impersonation, government agency impersonation, family/friend impersonation using deepfakes, job scams requiring upfront payments or bank access, and celebrity endorsement scams. The key prevention strategies are to stop and verify before giving money or information, check requests independently using known contact details, and protect yourself by contacting your bank immediately
discovermoosejaw.com
· 2025-12-08
The Moose Jaw Police Service reported a surge in "Grandparent/Parent Scam" activity, receiving over 30 reports in a single day, with some victims losing money. Fraudsters target elderly residents by impersonating distressed grandchildren or family members requesting urgent cash payments, often using real names obtained from social media and obituaries, followed by secondary calls from individuals posing as lawyers, police officers, or judges. Police emphasize that legitimate law enforcement and legal professionals never request cash payments by phone and advise residents to independently verify such calls and report suspected fraud to authorities.
dailypress.com
· 2025-12-08
This article does not contain sufficient substantive content for the Elderus fraud database. While the headline references "Savvy Senior: How to protect yourself from identity theft scams," the only actual advice provided is that individuals concerned about personal information privacy should place a "fraud alert" or "credit freeze" on their credit file. This is a brief educational tip rather than a news event involving actual fraud or elder abuse.
thegrand101.com
· 2025-12-08
Wellington County OPP warned the public of two fraud schemes targeting seniors in March 2025: one involving a fake energy rebate offer to a senior in Minto, and another where two suspects posing as water company employees offered gift cards to enter a home in Guelph-Eramosa Township, during which prescription medication was stolen. Police are investigating both incidents and urge seniors to verify identities, refuse pressure to act quickly, never share personal information, and contact authorities if suspicious.
dauphin.crimewatchpa.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Swatara Police participated in PSECU's 2nd Annual Senior Fraud Forum on March 27 in Harrisburg, where Detective Christopher Seiler and four other panelists discussed types of scams, fraud prevention strategies, and victim response procedures. The event was available both in-person and online, followed by an informational fair where attendees could gather additional resources and ask targeted questions about fraud and scams.
romesentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, more than 4,300 New Yorkers age 60 and older lost $203.4 million to financial scams—an average of $47,000 per victim—prompting AARP New York and state legislators to urge inclusion of fraud prevention measures in the state budget. Key proposed protections include training bank employees to identify exploitation and temporarily hold suspicious transactions, with particular focus on common schemes like the "grandparent scam" where criminals pose as relatives requesting emergency funds via untraceable methods like cash or gift cards.
liherald.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, over 4,300 New Yorkers age 60 and older lost $203.4 million to financial scams, averaging $47,000 per victim, with the "grandparent scam" being one of the most common schemes targeting seniors. AARP New York and a coalition of state officials are urging legislative leaders to include fraud prevention measures in the state budget, including training bank employees to recognize exploitation and authorize them to place holds on suspicious transactions. Governor Hochul's proposal aims to strengthen financial institutions' ability to detect and prevent scams while giving law enforcement better opportunity to intervene before funds are lost.
liherald.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, older New Yorkers age 60 and older lost $203.4 million to financial scams—averaging $47,000 per victim—prompting AARP New York and state officials to urge legislators to include consumer protection measures in the state budget. The proposed legislation would train bank employees to recognize and halt suspicious transactions targeting seniors, with the "grandparent scam" being among the most common schemes used to defraud older adults. State and federal officials emphasized that financial institutions must play an active role in preventing these increasingly sophisticated crimes.
delawarepublic.org
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud targeting seniors is rising significantly, with the Federal Trade Commission estimating billions of dollars stolen in 2023, including phishing texts and impostor scams. AARP Fraud Ambassador Paul Greenwood, who prosecuted hundreds of elder abuse cases over 22 years in San Diego, met with Delaware law enforcement and FBI specialists to discuss strategies for curbing elder fraud and protecting vulnerable older adults.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-08
More than 72 million Americans use cryptocurrency, but they face significant vulnerability to scams that stole nearly $10 billion in 2024. Common scams include phishing, romance scams luring victims into crypto investments, and "rug pulls" where celebrities or developers promote tokens then abandon them, leaving investors with worthless assets. Experts recommend sticking to established cryptocurrencies with proven track records, researching developer credentials, and questioning why payments are requested in cryptocurrency, as these transactions are difficult or impossible to reverse.
richlandsource.com
· 2025-12-08
Imposter scams are among the most commonly reported forms of fraud, according to Federal Trade Commission data, with scammers posing as trusted businesses, government entities, family members, or romantic interests to deceive victims. While older adults typically lose larger sums when victimized, people in their 30s and 40s report the highest fraud victimization rates per age group, with scammers using tactics like fake Facebook accounts, urgency-creating threats, grandparent schemes, and romance scams to trick victims into sending money, gift cards, or personal information. Common scam tactics include impersonating utilities or banks threatening service shutoffs, posing as stranded relatives needing emergency funds
fox26houston.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022, with the FBI receiving over 101,000 complaints from seniors that year—a 14% jump. Tech support fraud was the most common scam type, while investment fraud proved the costliest at $1.2 billion in losses, followed by tech support scams at $589 million and illegal call scams at over $700 million. The actual losses may be significantly higher since only about half of complaints to the Internet Crime Complaint Center included victim age data, and many seniors never report their losses due to stigma and emotional impact.
spokesman.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security scams remain the most common government impersonation fraud in the U.S., with Americans losing over $577 million to these schemes in the previous year. Common tactics include impersonators claiming Social Security numbers have been suspended, demanding overpayment repayment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, phishing for personal information through fake emails and messages, and distributing malicious download links. The SSA never suspends accounts, threatens callers, demands immediate payment, requires non-traditional payment methods, or sends unsolicited downloads—victims should verify communications through official .gov addresses and report suspected scams to the Social Security Office of the Inspector General.
onlineathens.com
· 2025-12-08
An Athens man lost over $70,000 to a cryptocurrency investment scam after being befriended by a woman named "Lyra" on Instagram who convinced him to invest through a fraudulent app. When he attempted to withdraw funds to pay off his car, he was told to deposit more money first, and upon checking the app again, his $74,000 balance had been reduced to 25 cents. The FBI warns that these "pig butchering" scams manipulate victims into making repeated deposits into fake cryptocurrency investments controlled by overseas criminals, with victims typically losing all invested funds.
daytondailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Kettering woman lost over $50,000 in a tech support scam after scammers posing as Google and Apple technicians convinced her to install remote access software and transfer funds to cryptocurrency accounts. The scammers built trust by providing fake employee credentials and employee IDs, then coordinated with a fake bank representative to convince her that cybercriminals were targeting her account for illegal activities. This case illustrates a broader trend: elder fraud complaints to the FBI's IC3 rose 14% in 2023, with victims aged 60+ reporting over $3.4 billion in losses—averaging $33,915 per victim—while imposter scams remain the most common frau
al.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI confirmed that scammers operate fake file converter websites that mimic legitimate URLs to distribute malware and steal sensitive information from users. These sites, which appear in search results when users search for free file conversion tools, can infect computers with malware and scrape uploaded documents for Social Security numbers, passwords, and banking details. The FBI advises users to avoid unknown file converter websites and report suspected infections to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Bhiwandi travel agency's accountant fell victim to a WhatsApp phishing scam where fraudsters impersonated the company owner and pressured him to transfer ₹90 lakh ($10,800 USD) for an urgent business project. Maharashtra Cyber responded swiftly by coordinating with banks to freeze the transaction before it reached the criminals, and the refund process to the agency is underway. In the past 48 hours, Maharashtra Cyber resolved five similar cyber fraud complaints totaling ₹1.47 crore, demonstrating the effectiveness of rapid reporting and coordinated action.
exetertoday.ca
· 2025-12-08
This awareness piece highlights the emergency scam, a common fraud targeting people in the province during Fraud Prevention Month, where scammers impersonate family members in distress to pressure victims into sending money quickly. Sergeant Ed Sanchuk of the West Region OPP emphasizes that legitimate police will never call requesting money, and warns parents and grandparents to verify such requests directly with family before responding. The article stresses the importance of staying informed about various scam tactics used by fraudsters.
wabi.tv
· 2025-12-08
A Bucksport, Maine man nearly fell victim to a puppy scam after finding an online listing for a Maltese puppy priced under $800 from a supposed Texas breeder; he avoided the fraud after noticing inconsistencies in property details and transportation costs, and was subsequently targeted for Bitcoin transfers through PayPal. Puppy scams are increasingly common, with perpetrators requesting wire transfers, cryptocurrency payments, or money sent to individuals rather than businesses—all red flags that indicate potential fraud and make fund recovery unlikely.
kjzz.org
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud cases are rising nationwide, with Arizona experiencing the highest rate at 289 cases per 100,000 seniors, and older adults losing $3.4 billion to scams in 2023. Louise Harrison, 73, lost $2,000 in an Arizona jury duty scam in which fraudsters impersonated law enforcement and sent a fake arrest warrant to pressure payment. Experts warn that scams are evolving to exploit technology, including voice-cloning AI, romance schemes, and urgent payment demands via phone, text, and social media, and recommend education and awareness efforts through organizations like AARP, the Better Business Bureau, and R.O.S.E. to protect
slate.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman's mother has been victimized by multiple romance scams since October, losing tens of thousands of dollars to scammers impersonating celebrities and entertainment figures through gift cards, bank transfers, and cryptocurrency payments. The daughter has attempted multiple interventions including gentle conversations and contacting organizations like AARP and the FTC, but her mother denies the scams, remains secretive, and continues sending money, including funds for a canceled "visit" with an alleged fiancé. The advice column recommends framing a conversation around financial planning rather than the romance itself, focusing on how these expenditures impact her mother's long-term financial security.
daijiworld.com
· 2025-12-08
An 83-year-old retired railway employee and his 79-year-old wife in Belagavi, India, died by suicide after losing Rs 6 lakh to cybercriminals who impersonated law enforcement officials and threatened to release fabricated obscene content unless they paid ransom. The couple endured a month of escalating harassment and continued extortion demands before the wife consumed sleeping pills and the husband subsequently took his own life, leaving a note exposing the scammers' tactics. The incident highlights the rising cybercrime threat in Karnataka and underscores the importance of recognizing that police never initiate cases online or demand money, and that "digital arrest" is not a
yourvalley.net
· 2025-12-08
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office Community Affairs Department presented information to Sun City West residents about scams targeting seniors, noting that fraud losses follow a bell curve distribution across age groups, with the highest concentrations in middle age ranges rather than the very young or very old. The presentation emphasized that while seniors frequently request fraud awareness information, scams and identity theft affect all age groups.
news-herald.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior scam incidents in Mentor are reaching all-time highs despite ongoing public warnings, according to local police detectives. The editorial emphasizes the need for seniors to remain alert and informed to protect themselves from becoming victims of these fraud schemes.
thealpinesun.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County seniors lose approximately $100 million annually to scams, though the actual figure is likely higher due to underreporting from shame. The San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, comprising local and federal law enforcement, collaborates to prosecute perpetrators and identify criminal rings, with a focus on common schemes like fake virus alerts that trick victims into granting remote computer access or purchasing gold, often followed by cash pickup via courier. The District Attorney's office provides preventive guidance including never allowing remote access to devices, refusing to meet unknown individuals with cash, and immediately reporting suspected fraud to the FBI IC3 and local police.
thestarnews.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County seniors lose approximately $100 million annually to scams, though actual figures are likely higher due to underreporting caused by victim shame. A prevalent scam involves fraudsters posing as tech companies, gaining remote access to victims' computers to steal financial information, often resulting in cash pickups by couriers or victims purchasing gold under false pretenses. The San Diego District Attorney's Elder Justice Task Force, composed of local and federal law enforcement, prosecutes perpetrators through state and federal charges while providing public education on prevention strategies including never allowing remote access, avoiding unsolicited pop-ups, and immediately reporting suspicious activity to the FBI IC3 and local police.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 76-year-old Hingham resident lost $30,000 in a tech support and financial emergency scam after scammers convinced him his computer was infected and his bank account was at risk. The victim withdrew $30,000 in cash and deposited it into a Bitcoin machine at a gas station after being deceived about its purpose, and nearly fell victim to a second $35,000 loss before becoming suspicious when the scammer requested cash delivery to his home. Police noted the scammers kept the resident on the phone for an extended period to prevent verification and used fear tactics to ensure compliance with their instructions.
aba.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot summarize this content as it is not an article about scams, fraud, or elder abuse. This appears to be a navigation menu or site structure from a banking industry website (likely the American Bankers Association). It contains only topic headers, training categories, and committee listings with no substantive information about a specific fraud case, scam, or elder abuse incident.
Please provide an actual article or transcript related to elder fraud for summarization.
fox9.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022, with the FBI receiving over 101,000 complaints from this age group and an average loss of nearly $34,000 per victim. Tech support fraud was the most common scam type, while investment fraud was the costliest at $1.2 billion in losses, followed by tech support scams at $589 million and illegal impersonation calls at $700 million. The actual figures may be significantly higher since only half of reported complaints included victim age data and many seniors never report their losses due to stigma.
linkedin.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud cost UK consumers £460 million across 230,000 cases, with 76% originating online and 16% through telecom channels via fraudulent ads. UK Finance and Which? are calling on the government to require technology and telecommunications companies to work with banks and law enforcement to prevent fraud at its source, as victims suffer not only financial losses but also significant psychological harm.
agrinews-pubs.com
· 2025-12-08
Data breaches and financial scams targeting seniors have reached all-time highs, with scammers exploiting seniors' perceived wealth, politeness, and limited technology skills. The article recommends protective measures including regularly monitoring credit reports through annualcreditreport.com, placing credit locks at major bureaus, taking technology safety classes, and screening unknown callers to reduce vulnerability to fraud.
moderndiplomacy.eu
· 2025-12-08
Sophisticated AI-powered scams are emerging as a major threat, combining deepfake technology, voice cloning, and personalized phishing to create highly convincing fraud. Cybercriminals use AI to automate social engineering attacks at scale, impersonating trusted figures through manipulated videos and voice messages, while AI-generated phishing leverages personal data to craft customized deceptive communications. Organizations and individuals must implement advanced security measures and heightened vigilance, as traditional detection methods are increasingly inadequate against these evolving threats.
tucson.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season presents increased fraud risk, with scammers using phishing emails, impersonation calls, and fake refund promises to steal personal information and money. Experts warn that recent IRS workforce cuts may embolden criminals by creating uncertainty and potentially slowing the agency's response to fraud reports, and they advise taxpayers to watch for red flags like urgency tactics, threats, suspicious links, and promises of inflated refunds, while only using accredited tax professionals and reporting scams directly to the IRS.
abc3340.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting Medicare seniors with free genetic testing offers that are billed to Medicare, with potential out-of-pocket costs ranging from $9,000 to $11,000 if Medicare denies coverage. Red flags include unsolicited offers at public venues, telemedicine consultations with unfamiliar doctors, and charges on Medicare statements for tests never requested. Seniors are advised to consult with their personal doctor, review their Medicare Summary Notice and Explanation of Benefits for unauthorized charges, and report suspected fraud to the NYS Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374.
cbs6albany.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting Medicare seniors with fraudulent genetic testing offers, claiming tests are "free" but billing Medicare for expensive tests seniors never requested, potentially costing victims $9,000-$11,000 out-of-pocket when Medicare denies payment. Red flags include unsolicited telemedicine consultations with unfamiliar doctors, requests for Medicare numbers at public venues, and unexpected charges on Medicare statements for genetic or pharmacogenetics tests. Seniors are advised to consult only with their personal doctor, review their Medicare Summary Notice and Explanation of Benefits for unauthorized charges, and report suspected fraud to the NYS Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors face disproportionate risk from digital scams and fraud, with older adults five times more likely to lose money in scams than younger people, particularly from AI deepfakes and phishing schemes. Experts recommend that seniors verify website authenticity, avoid clicking links from unknown sources, build relationships with trusted tech-savvy contacts for guidance, and apply common sense and critical thinking to online activities to navigate digital threats safely.
agrinews-pubs.com
· 2025-12-08
Data breaches and financial scams targeting seniors have reached all-time highs, with scammers exploiting seniors' perceived wealth, politeness, and limited technology skills. The article recommends protective measures including regularly monitoring credit reports through annualcreditreport.com, placing credit locks with the three major bureaus, taking technology safety classes, and refusing to engage with unknown callers.
coinfomania.com
· 2025-12-08
Westlake, Ohio residents have fallen victim to multiple cryptocurrency scams involving fraudsters posing as police officers, Microsoft support, and Social Security Administration officials, demanding victims withdraw cash and deposit it into Bitcoin ATMs. Losses ranged from $5,500 to $20,000, though one couple was saved by an alert bank manager who prevented a $17,000 loss by contacting police. Police advise residents never to wire money or use cryptocurrency based on unexpected calls, and to verify requests by contacting official company websites rather than phone numbers found through online searches.
fallriverreporter.com
· 2025-12-08
A 76-year-old Massachusetts resident lost $30,000 after scammers convinced him his bank account was at risk due to a virus and instructed him to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin machine at a gas station, claiming it was an "FDIC machine." When the scammers later asked him to convert additional stock funds and arrange for someone to pick up cash from his home, he became suspicious and contacted his bank before losing additional money. Hingham Police warn that scammers use extended phone calls, fear tactics about compromised accounts, and instructions to avoid telling bank staff to manipulate victims into transferring funds.
globenewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2025 Nasdaq Verafin analysis of European financial crime found that an estimated $750 billion in illicit funds flowed through Europe's financial system in 2023, with approximately $194.9 billion (over a quarter of total money laundering) moved across borders. The report identified fraud, elder abuse, human trafficking, and drug trafficking as major drivers of financial crime, resulting in an estimated $103.6 billion in fraud losses across the region, and emphasized the need for cross-border collaboration and advanced technology to combat these crimes.
aba.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary of this content. What you've shared appears to be a navigation menu or table of contents from a banking industry website (likely the American Bankers Association), not an article about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse.
To help you, please provide:
- An actual article or transcript about a specific scam, fraud case, or elder abuse incident
- The article text, not just menu links or structural elements
I'm ready to summarize elder fraud-related content once you share the relevant material.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 79-year-old retired teacher lost approximately $400,000 to a Facebook romance/investment scam after befriending a man named "Robert" who promised 100x returns on investments in exchange for gift card payments to retailers like Apple, Target, and eBay. The scam drained her 401(k) and created significant credit card debt, and she continued sending money to the scammer even after her son discovered the fraud. The article advises protecting elderly relatives by verifying recipient information before sending money, strengthening privacy settings, avoiding suspicious links, reporting scams to the FTC, and using the National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-372-8311
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Four individuals were indicted on federal charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering as part of a sweepstakes scam that defrauded elderly and vulnerable victims of over $4.5 million across Pennsylvania and the United States. The defendants and their co-conspirators contacted victims claiming they had won multi-million-dollar prizes and used forged documents to convince them to send money in taxes and fees, which was then laundered through bank accounts and money mules to conspirators in Jamaica. All four defendants were arrested between March 14-27, 2025, and face sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
cknxnewstoday.ca
· 2025-12-08
The Ontario Provincial Police are warning residents about "smishing" scams, where fraudsters send deceptive text messages impersonating banks, government agencies, or retailers to trick victims into clicking malicious links or calling fraudulent numbers, potentially leading to identity theft, financial fraud, or malware installation. The OPP recommends protecting yourself by avoiding unknown links, using multi-factor authentication, reporting suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM), and verifying messages directly with organizations. Victims should contact their local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report online via the Fraud Reporting System.
huffpost.com
· 2025-12-08
Starting April 14, the Social Security Administration will eliminate phone-based identity verification for most retirement and family benefit applicants, requiring them to apply online or in person at field offices instead—a change that advocates warn will disproportionately burden elderly, rural, and less tech-savvy beneficiaries who lack internet access, smartphones, or proper identification. The policy, implemented as part of an anti-fraud initiative, exempts disability insurance, Medicare, and SSI applicants from the requirement but will affect approximately three-quarters of Social Security beneficiaries and grieving families applying for survivor benefits, who previously could complete applications entirely by phone.
cknxnewstoday.ca
· 2025-12-08
Wellington County OPP warned residents of scams targeting seniors, including a March 6 incident where a caller falsely claimed to represent an energy company and requested a home visit for a "seniors' energy rebate," and a March 21 case where two suspects posing as water company representatives gained home entry under false pretenses, resulting in stolen prescription medication. Police are seeking additional victims and recommend residents verify caller identification, refuse to share personal information, and contact authorities if suspicious visitors refuse to leave.
huffpost.com
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration is eliminating phone-based identity verification for retirement, survivor, and family benefit applications starting April 14, requiring most beneficiaries to apply online or in person instead—a change intended to combat fraud but which advocates warn will disproportionately burden elderly, disabled, rural, and technology-limited populations who lack smartphones, internet access, or valid identification. The policy excludes disability insurance, Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income applicants, who may continue filing by phone, but will affect approximately three-quarters of Social Security beneficiaries who are retirees and grieving families seeking survivor benefits.
freshfields.com
· 2025-12-08
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned residents to watch out for post-storm scams following severe weather that swept across Michigan in late March 2025. Common fraud schemes include contractors overcharging for repairs, imposters claiming to offer government funding for disaster relief, and fraudulent charity solicitations; residents are advised to verify contractor credentials, obtain multiple written estimates, research charities before donating, and avoid unsolicited payment requests via wire transfer or gift cards.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
British banks (Barclays, HSBC, Santander, Lloyds), tech companies (Amazon, Meta, Google), and telecoms (BT, Three) have pledged to increase real-time data-sharing on fraud indicators to detect scammers faster, moving beyond a 2023 pilot program to exchange tens of thousands of data points daily. Fraud accounts for 41% of offenses in England and Wales, costing an estimated $8.8 billion annually, with investment scams causing median losses of $1,104 and romance scams causing median losses of $1,996 per victim.