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Search across 22,013 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
ky3.com
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Justice notified Medicare recipients in the Ozarks of a May 2023 data breach involving personally identifiable information compromised on systems of Greylock McKinnon & Associates (GMA), a DOJ contractor. While no confirmed cases of identity theft or fraud resulting from the breach have been reported, affected individuals were offered fraud resolution services and credit monitoring; experts recommend recipients verify letter authenticity by calling the DOJ directly at 1-844-979-6702 and consider freezing their credit as a proactive protective measure.
which.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
An Age UK survey found that nearly 4.9 million people over 50 fear answering the phone due to scam risks, with 2.8 million also anxious about opening their doors, leading some to withdraw from society by avoiding the internet, smartphones, or going outside. Analysis of ONS data indicates approximately four people over 50 are scammed every minute, with older adults particularly vulnerable to doorstep scams (90% of victims aged 65+), postal scams (average victim age 75), and phone scams involving impersonation and number spoofing technology. Age UK recommends five prevention steps: stop and avoid on-the-spot decisions, check credentials,
calgaryherald.com
· 2025-12-08
A 41-year-old Vermilion man was charged with fraud after posing as a lawyer in a grandparent scam targeting a 75-year-old woman in Lethbridge, Alberta. The scammer convinced the senior that her grandson needed bail money, resulting in her handing over $3,400 in cash to a courier who arrived at her home; he was arrested when he returned for additional money, and some cash was recovered during a search of his motel and vehicle. Police commended the victim for contacting a family member despite being told not to discuss the matter, and are investigating whether there are additional victims.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
An 81-year-old Ohio man was charged with murder after shooting and killing Uber driver Loletha Hall, 61, on March 25, believing she was working with scammers who had called him claiming to be court officials demanding money for a supposed arrested family member. The scammer had actually ordered the Uber to pick up money from Brock's home, making both Brock and Hall unwitting victims of the same fraud scheme; Brock shot Hall three times when she arrived, and she died from her injuries. Brock was indicted on three counts of murder, felonious assault, and kidnapping, facing up to life in prison with a minimum of 15
twistedsifter.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman named Marley fell victim to a jury duty scam when she received a phone call from someone claiming to be from the Sheriff's Department, informing her of missed jury duty and two $375 fines with an arrest warrant pending. Believing the caller had legitimate information about her case, Marley paid the demanded amount before discovering the entire interaction was a scam. The scammer used a prepared script with accurate details to appear credible and exploited Marley's fear of arrest to pressure immediate payment.
independent.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
An 81-year-old Ohio man, William Brock, fatally shot Uber driver Loletha Hall, 61, in March 2024 after falling victim to a bail scam where scammers falsely claimed his relative was in jail and demanded cash. Hall, an innocent victim herself, had been directed through the Uber app to pick up a package at Brock's home as part of the same scam operation; when she arrived, Brock confronted her at gunpoint and shot her multiple times as she attempted to flee. Brock was charged with murder, felonious assault, and kidnapping, while the actual scammers who orchest
iredellfreenews.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina is warning residents about IRS imposter scams and other fraud schemes that disproportionately target older adults, with the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report noting that individuals 60 and above filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses—the highest among all age groups. Common scams include government impersonation (IRS, SSA, sheriff's office), tech support scams, romance scams, grandparent scams, and non-delivery schemes, with authorities emphasizing that reporting fraud helps recover stolen funds and identify emerging criminal trends.
newstopicnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office issued a warning about IRS imposter scams and other financial fraud schemes disproportionately targeting older adults, which cause substantial monetary losses and emotional distress. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals aged 60 and above filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses, with tech support scams, government impersonation, romance scams, and non-delivery schemes being the most common schemes. Federal prosecutors conducted educational "Fraud Bingo" sessions at senior centers to help older adults recognize scam tactics and encourage fraud reporting to authorities.
wimsradio.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Marshals Service and FBI are alerting the public to widespread imposter scams in which callers falsely claim to be law enforcement officials, telling victims their identities have been stolen and instructing them to withdraw cash and purchase gift cards—tactics that are entirely fraudulent. The Marshals Service has received daily inquiries from victims nationwide who have lost tens of thousands of dollars, and emphasizes that it never requests money, financial information, or monetary instruments by phone. Victims are urged to report suspected scams to the FBI and Federal Trade Commission, or contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
news.azpm.org
· 2025-12-08
Kitboga, a computer engineer-turned-Twitch streamer with 1.2 million followers, is a prominent "scam baiter" who poses as vulnerable individuals to waste scammers' time and expose their tactics through livestreamed videos. Americans lost a record $12.5 billion to internet crimes in the past year (a 22% increase from the previous year), yet law enforcement lacks resources to investigate most cases; Kitboga aims to reduce actual victims by keeping fraudsters occupied while educating viewers about common scams like tech support fraud, romance scams, and pig butchering schemes. He was inspired to start scam baiting in 2017 after
nasdaq.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece identifies six scams targeting Costco members: fake Costco websites mimicking the real site, phishing emails/texts offering fake giveaways or membership renewals, fraudulent reimbursement texts requesting banking details, delivery scams impersonating postal services, and fake job offers with unusually high pay or upfront fees. The article advises members to verify URLs and sender addresses, navigate directly to Costco.com rather than clicking suspicious links, and call Costco directly about any concerns instead of responding to unsolicited communications.
nbclosangeles.com
· 2025-12-08
Jeff Drobman lost $21,000 from his Bank of America account after scammers used SIM swapping—convincing his wireless carrier Spectrum to transfer his phone number to their device, then using intercepted text-based two-factor authentication codes to access his bank account. According to FBI data, victims lost over $68 million to SIM swapping in 2021, and cybersecurity experts say the scam is preventable if wireless carriers require PINs for number transfers and banks use stronger authentication methods like facial recognition instead of text codes. Bank of America reimbursed Drobman after the investigation brought attention to his case.
abc7news.com
· 2025-12-08
A reformed Nigerian scammer who stole over $70,000 through romance and tax-related fraud now works for Social Catfish to combat similar schemes, as government impersonation scams surge nationwide. California experienced record losses of $88.3 million in 2023, with the FBI reporting $394 million lost to government impersonation scams overall—a 63% increase from 2022. The five most prevalent tax-related scams targeting victims include Turbo Tax phishing, fake accountant schemes, IRS spoofing calls, unclaimed refund emails, and fraudulent Employee Retention Credit promotions.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A Texas man, Oluseun Martins Omole, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for operating a scheme that defrauded thousands of U.S. victims of over $12 million in consumer electronics between February 2018 and March 2023. Working with a Nigerian-based criminal enterprise, Omole received fraudulently obtained goods through romance scams, fake online marketplace listings, and employment scams, then repackaged and shipped them overseas while earning hundreds of thousands in fees. He faces up to 20 years in prison and has agreed to pay restitution and asset forfeiture as part of his plea agreement.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Chase customer's account was compromised, with over $1,000 fraudulently transferred via Zelle to someone using the name "Adam," which Chase initially refused to refund despite the customer being an account holder for over 30 years. After media intervention, Chase reversed its decision and credited the victim $1,094 to her account. The article notes that one in five older Americans falls victim to financial exploitation, losing an average of $120,303, and provides recommendations for protecting seniors including disabling Zelle, monitoring accounts, and never giving remote device access to unknown parties.
cnhi.com
· 2025-12-08
This article describes programming and social activities at the 127 Senior Center in Crossville, highlighting their Friday morning gatherings that include bingo, meetings, and entertainment. Members Linda Kondrach and Lynda Ennis raised awareness about common scams targeting seniors, specifically warning about fraudulent computer messages and telephone scams where callers record victims saying "yes." The center also hosts weekly Thursday evening live music events open to the community.
kpq.com
· 2025-12-08
Police departments in Grant County are warning residents about door-to-door home improvement scams that surge during warmer months, where fraudsters pose as contractors offering discounted paving or tree trimming services using leftover materials or available time. These scammers typically deliver substandard work at inflated prices and demand cash payment upfront to avoid traceable transactions, making it impossible for victims to dispute or cancel payment afterward. Homeowners should verify contractors are licensed and bonded, check for permanent business addresses, request non-cash payment methods, and report suspicious solicitation to local law enforcement, with particular attention paid to warning elderly neighbors who are more vulnerable to these schemes.
chicagotribune.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters are impersonating U.S. Marshals, judges, and police officers in phone scams targeting the elderly and others, claiming their identities have been stolen and bank accounts hacked, then convincing victims to withdraw money and place it on gift cards. The scammers use fake badge numbers and caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate, with some victims losing tens of thousands of dollars; the U.S. Marshals Service urges recipients to report such calls to the FBI and FTC, noting that legitimate agencies never request money over the phone.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office in North Carolina warned the public about IRS imposter scams and other financial fraud schemes targeting older adults, particularly around Tax Day. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals 60 and older filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses, with tech support scams, government impersonation, phishing, romance scams, and non-delivery schemes being the most common schemes. Federal prosecutors used an interactive "Fraud Bingo" educational tool at a senior center to help older adults, caregivers, and community workers recognize fraud tactics and report suspicious activity to help recover stolen funds and identify emerging
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A Canadian man, Patrice Runner, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for operating a psychic mass-mailing fraud scheme that defrauded over 1.3 million victims—primarily elderly and vulnerable Americans—of more than $175 million between 1994 and 2014. The scheme involved sending fraudulent letters falsely attributed to psychics Maria Duval and Patrick Guerin, promising wealth and happiness in exchange for fees, then bombarding victims who paid with dozens of follow-up letters requesting additional payments. Runner, who operated through shell companies in Canada and Hong Kong while living in multiple countries, was extradited from Spain in 2020 to face federal charges of mail
wowo.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Marshals Service and FBI are warning of a surge in sophisticated phone scams where criminals impersonate law enforcement officials, using real badge numbers, officer names, and spoofed government phone numbers to appear credible. Victims in the Northern District of Indiana and across the nation have been deceived into withdrawing cash, purchasing gift cards, and transferring funds under false claims that their identities were stolen or bank accounts compromised, with losses reaching tens of thousands of dollars. Authorities urge victims to report incidents to the FBI and FTC, and remind the public never to share financial information with unsolicited callers or send money to anyone claiming to be law enforcement.
wibc.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating U.S. Marshals Service officials and law enforcement are making phone calls claiming victims' identities have been stolen and bank accounts hacked, then instructing them to withdraw money and purchase gift cards under the false promise of opening new bank accounts and providing new social security numbers. The FBI and USMS warn that these fraudulent calls have been reported nationally and in northern Indiana, often targeting elderly victims who lose thousands of dollars; authorities urge recipients to hang up, report the calls to the FTC, and contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311 if victimized.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel re-issued an alert in April 2024 warning small and midsized business owners about tax scams targeting entrepreneurs during tax season, including W-2 phishing schemes, fraudulent Employer Identification Number websites, and IRS imposter calls demanding immediate payment. Scammers use threats of legal action, fake tax bills, and refund promises to deceive business owners and employees, putting company data and finances at serious risk. The AG recommends businesses implement security protocols, train employees to recognize scams, and report suspected fraud to the IRS, FTC, or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
npr.org
· 2025-12-08
Kitboga, a software engineer-turned-Twitch streamer with 1.2 million followers, poses as elderly people and other characters to waste scammers' time and expose their tactics, inspired by his grandmother's vulnerability to tech support scams. By documenting his interactions with fraudsters on livestream, he educates viewers about common scams including romance schemes, pig butchering, and gift card fraud, while Americans lose a record $12.5 billion annually to internet crimes. His scam-baiting efforts aim to reduce the number of actual victims by keeping perpetrators occupied and helping people recognize fraud through his educational content.
wccbcharlotte.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Charlotte issued a warning about IRS imposter scams and other financial fraud schemes targeting older adults, noting that victims often suffer substantial monetary losses and emotional distress. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals aged 60 and above filed 101,068 complaints and lost $3.4 billion to fraud, with tech support scams, government impersonation, phishing, romance scams, and non-delivery schemes being the most common schemes. Federal prosecutors conducted "Fraud Bingo" education sessions at senior centers to teach older adults about fraudster tactics and encourage reporting to help identify trends and recover stolen funds.
wired.com
· 2025-12-08
Ryan, a self-employed business owner, invested $750 in a Rebel Satoshi memecoin presale in early 2021, attracted by what appeared to be legitimate credentials including a Yahoo Finance press release and credit card payment option. After the token's March launch, the developers changed the terms of token distribution, the price collapsed 65%, and the project pivoted to promoting a different token—all indicators of an exit scam that technical analysis confirmed contained suspicious code designed to benefit the developers. This case exemplifies how scammers exploit FOMO (fear of missing out) in the memecoin market, where presale scams increased fivefold in March 2021 with approximately
wafb.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS warned that imposter scams were the top fraud category in 2023, with scammers increasingly posing as IRS agents via phone calls, emails, and social media to demand immediate payment for alleged tax debts and threaten arrest. The IRS clarified that it will never call demanding immediate payment or contact about taxes owed without first mailing a bill, and provided guidance for reporting such scams to the Treasury Inspector General, IRS, and Federal Trade Commission.
wdbj7.com
· 2025-12-08
A scam targeting car shoppers involves imposters impersonating local car dealers, with such virtual vehicle vendor frauds rising in frequency both locally and nationally in the Roanoke, Virginia area. The Better Business Bureau advises potential victims to watch for red flags and report suspicious activity to the BBB by phone or online.
freebeacon.com
· 2025-12-08
An 81-year-old Ohio man fatally shot an Uber driver after both became entangled in a telephone scam involving threats and demands for money. William Brock received calls from a scammer claiming a relative was incarcerated and demanding payment, while the same scammer directed driver Lo-Letha Hall to pick up a package from Brock's home, leading to a confrontation in which Brock shot Hall three times. This case illustrates the growing danger of phone scams targeting elderly individuals, particularly those involving false claims about incarcerated relatives.
opb.org
· 2025-12-08
Kitboga, a Twitch streamer and "scam baiter," poses as vulnerable characters (like an elderly woman named Edna) to waste scammers' time and expose their tactics, preventing them from targeting real victims. With Americans losing a record $12.5 billion to internet crimes in the latest year—a 22% jump from the previous year—Kitboga uses his 1.2 million Twitch followers to educate viewers about common scams including tech support fraud, gift card scams, and "pig butchering" (romance-investment scams involving cryptocurrency). Inspired by his grandmother's vulnerability to scams and a chatbot
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybersecurity experts at Trend Micro have identified five prevalent Google Chat scams targeting users: romance scams involving emotional manipulation and requests for money, phishing attempts seeking personal information, fake tech support messages claiming account issues and requesting payment or remote access, fraudulent job offers, and investment scams promising high returns. Users are advised to be skeptical of unsolicited messages offering deals that seem too good to be true, avoid sending money to people known only online, never grant remote access to devices, and verify the identity of anyone requesting information or immediate action.
thaiexaminer.com
· 2025-12-08
Thai police disrupted a transnational call scam network operating across Asia that planned to use Elon Musk's Starlink satellite system to bypass traditional telecommunications networks and conduct fraud operations targeting Thai residents. The operation, believed to be Chinese-controlled and staffed by Burmese, Thai, Lao, and Chinese personnel, was based in the Golden Triangle region near Laos and Cambodia; authorities intercepted a shipment of high-tech communications equipment valued at approximately ฿5.4 million destined for the area. This discovery marks the first time Starlink technology was found being used for criminal purposes in Thailand and comes after reports indicating Thai people are highly susceptible to online
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau identifies the top 10 scams targeting small businesses, which are attractive to scammers because business owners are often distracted and lack robust cybersecurity support. Common schemes include phony invoices for unordered supplies, stolen identity/brand hijacking through fake websites, directory listing scams, phishing emails, office supply fraud, and vanity award scams (which charge fees for worthless honors). Small business owners should be aware of these tactics to protect themselves from financial losses.
fox23.com
· 2025-12-08
The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office is warning the public about scammers impersonating the AG's Office and claiming victims have won money, then demanding fees to collect the supposed winnings. Callers have used 918 area codes, spoofed the official AG phone number, and displayed "unknown" caller IDs, though no financial losses have been reported yet. The AG advises Oklahomans to never wire money or share personal information with unsolicited callers claiming to be government officials, to verify caller identity independently, and to disregard caller ID information as it can be faked.
king5.com
· 2025-12-08
The Seattle Aquarium is warning customers about a widespread scam targeting AZA-accredited institutions that advertises heavily discounted tickets (four tickets for $9.95 versus the standard $40 per adult ticket) through illegitimate channels. Consumers who fall for the scam risk providing their bank or credit card information without receiving tickets. The aquarium advises customers to purchase tickets only through its official website or at the gate.
newindianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 51-year-old advocate in New Delhi lost Rs 70,000 to scammers who posed as police officers on WhatsApp, claiming his son was in custody and demanding payment for his release; the scammers even provided a voice mimicking his son to increase credibility. Police investigation led to the arrest of Vishwajeet Giri in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, who operated a network receiving fraudulent money through multiple bank accounts, along with four additional accomplices; authorities seized 40 mobile phones, 41 SIM cards, and multiple financial documents used in the scheme.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A senior in Oceanside, California, was defrauded of $50,000 through a pop-up scam falsely claiming their bank account was compromised; when scammers attempted to collect an additional $40,000, police and the FBI Elder Justice Task Force coordinated with the victim to apprehend 44-year-old Chi Hung Duong, who was arrested and charged with bail set at $200,000. The case highlights the dangers of pop-up scams and courier-based fraud schemes targeting seniors.
wsbtv.com
· 2025-12-08
During tax season, cybersecurity experts warn that tax-related scams are spiking, including identity theft, phone scams, tax preparer fraud, and "helper" scams where fraudsters pose as IRS assistants to steal personal information. Experts advise being suspicious of urgent requests for clicks, links, or personal information, and to only enter sensitive data on the official IRS.gov website, avoiding so-called "ghost preparers" who disappear after obtaining information.
10tv.com
· 2025-12-08
A coordinated scam targeting both rideshare drivers and older adults in central Ohio manipulated victims into dangerous situations by falsely claiming packages or bail money needed to be picked up. The scam resulted in the fatal shooting of Uber driver Loletha Hall by 81-year-old William Brock, who believed she was part of the scheme after receiving threatening calls, and similarly endangered Lyft driver David Young two days earlier when a homeowner tried to detain him after being targeted by the same scammer.
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Offshore scammers stole approximately $6.7 million from 25 New Zealand victims who shared their stories with the Herald, with only $700,000 recovered, representing part of hundreds of millions stolen annually from Kiwis. The scams involved sophisticated fraudsters posing as investment advisers from major banks (Citibank, HSBC, Macquarie) using fake prospectuses and call-routing software to appear legitimate, while directing victims to deposit money into local "holding accounts" controlled by money mules. Victims—including business owners, retirees, health workers, and a politician—experienced significant emotional trauma and shame, with most complaints to the Banking
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers operate on dating apps like Tinder, creating fake personas to build trust with users before manipulating them into sending money, sharing banking details, or purchasing items online. The Federal Trade Commission reported that romance scams stole a combined $1.1 billion from victims in 2023. Red flags include refusing to share personal information, fishing for deep personal details, avoiding video calls, claiming to travel abroad, and quickly requesting money or sensitive information.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 37-year-old civil engineer discovered that fraudsters had stolen his identity and opened two unauthorized HSBC accounts in his name—a credit card with £12,000+ in charges and a current account with a £5,000 overdraft—despite never banking with HSBC. He suspects the thieves accessed his personal information by breaking into his letterbox to intercept account opening documents and cards, resulting in his credit score dropping over 300 points; after 14 weeks of poor resolution efforts from HSBC, he remained liable for approximately £17,000 in fraudulent debt.
azfamily.com
· 2025-12-08
California resident Donald Franklin Huegel was sentenced to four years in prison for his role in romance scams targeting two elderly Arizona victims, stealing nearly $400,000. Huegel posed as a romantic interest online (using aliases like "Chad Callahan" and "Michael Williams") and funneled victims' money to co-conspirators in Africa, with one victim sending over $90,000 and another sending over $367,000. He was convicted of fraudulent schemes, money laundering, and theft, with a restitution hearing to be scheduled for the victims.
mb.com.ph
· 2025-12-08
Cyber criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to disguise scams as legitimate advertisements and messages on social media and mobile platforms, including mimicking real website addresses, crafting convincing offers for jobs or modeling work, and using fake cell towers to intercept communications. Recent cases include a predator who tricked a minor into sending nude photos by posing as a modeling agent and then blackmailed the victim, and fraudsters impersonating legitimate U.S. military recruitment domains to solicit former and active Filipino soldiers. Authorities recommend vigilance when responding to unsolicited offers—verifying sources directly with companies and remembering that offers that sound too good to be true typically are scams.
techtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Hong Kong authorities arrested 1,121 people in "Operation AttackPlan," a major crackdown on a cross-border online scam ring linked to 952 fraud cases totaling approximately HK$2.2 billion (US$280 million) in losses. The operation dismantled a money laundering syndicate that had moved over HK$230 million through "stooge accounts" and cryptocurrency purchases, with the syndicate recruiting mainlanders to facilitate illicit fund transfers between Hong Kong and mainland China. The busts come as Hong Kong faces a surge in fraud, with online scams accounting for nearly 68% of cases and authorities urging the public to use detection tools to identify suspicious
azag.gov
· 2025-12-08
California resident Donald Franklin Huegel was sentenced to four years in prison for his role in a romance scam that defrauded two elderly Arizona residents of nearly $400,000 over two years. Huegel participated in the scheme by funneling victim payments to co-conspirators in Africa after victims were lured by fake online profiles ("Chad Callahan" and "Michael Williams") and manipulated into sending money under false pretenses, including claims their identities were on the Dark Web. The first victim lost over $90,000 and the second lost over $367,000; Huegel was convicted of fraudulent schemes, money laundering, and theft, and will be required to pay
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
John Kyle Muller of Boulder, Colorado pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud for operating a prize notice scam from 2012 to February 2018 that defrauded thousands of consumers, predominantly elderly victims, of over $15 million. The scheme involved mailing millions of fraudulent notices claiming recipients had won cash prizes, then charging $20-$50 fees to claim non-existent rewards, while victims received only worthless reports or trinkets. Muller and his co-conspirators were shut down in February 2018 through U.S. Postal Inspection Service search warrants and a federal court order.
thebrunswicknews.com
· 2025-12-08
STAR of Coastal Georgia will host a free educational workshop on April 16 for senior citizens focused on recognizing and protecting against elder fraud, scams, and identity theft, with presentations from Bank of America representatives. Registration is required by calling 912-265-0620 or visiting starofcoastalga.org for the 9:30-11 a.m. event at their Brunswick location.
globalnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
Teqare, an Indigenous-owned tech company in Manitoba, created a scam prevention workshop for elders after co-founder Zachary Flett's grandmother nearly fell victim to a phone-based gift card scam. The workshop covers common scams including romance, phishing, and text-based fraud, and addresses the shame victims often experience; participants at the first workshop in March 2024 with Sagkeeng First Nation responded positively, with one elder even deciding to purchase a cellphone after gaining confidence in digital safety.
mymcmedia.org
· 2025-12-08
The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection warns homeowners about unlicensed driveway-paving scammers who typically target residents in spring, using tactics like unsolicited offers, pressure for cash deposits, and claims of leftover materials to defraud victims. These scammers either abandon projects midway, leave properties damaged, or complete substandard work at inflated prices with no warranty protection, potentially resulting in civil or criminal charges including fraud and property destruction. Homeowners should verify contractors have a Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license, obtain written contracts, and avoid cash-only deals or unsolicited offers with pressure for quick decisions.