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wmtw.com
Seniors are increasingly targeted by scammers using phone calls impersonating banks or relatives to steal personal information and money. According to FBI data, older Americans lost $1.6 billion to fraud from January-May 2024, with Maine victims alone losing $7.2 million in 2023 (397 cases averaging $18,040 per victim). Experts recommend pausing to verify unexpected urgent calls through known phone numbers and educating older adults about common scams, with organizations like Kennebunk Savings partnering with the Southern Maine Agency on Aging to provide fraud prevention resources and support.
adirondackdailyenterprise.com
Saranac Lake Police Chief Darin Perrotte provided guidance on protecting oneself from financial scams, emphasizing the importance of skepticism toward unverifiable communications and resisting artificial urgency tactics. He outlined why seniors are vulnerable targets—including accumulated assets, trusting nature, and isolation—and recommended verification strategies such as calling organizations back using independently verified numbers and questioning requests for information companies should already have on file. Perrotte stressed protecting Social Security numbers, avoiding text-based financial requests, and remaining aware that exploitation often comes from trusted individuals like family members and caregivers rather than strangers.
abc17news.com
Phishing scams reached a record high in 2023 with 9,288 reports to the Better Business Bureau, and 2024 is on track to exceed this with 3,363 reports in the first quarter alone. One victim, Stacy Keys, lost $800 after clicking a fraudulent Hertz rental website and being instructed to load money onto prepaid cards by phone; scammers are increasingly using technology and AI to mimic legitimate websites and conduct phishing via email, phone calls, and text messages. Since 2021, the BBB has received 23,126 phishing reports with a median loss of $300 each, and victims are advise
wect.com
The IRS issued a warning about impersonation scams targeting older adults in North Carolina, where fraudsters pose as government officials or businesses to steal personal information and pressure victims into making payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Common tactics include fabricating urgent tax debts or refund claims, spoofing caller IDs, and threatening arrest or deportation to create a sense of urgency. The IRS recommends hanging up on unexpected calls and verifying communications through official channels (800-829-1040) or their online account portal.
federalnewsnetwork.com
Scammers impersonating federal agencies caused Americans to lose approximately $1.3 billion in the past year, with financial losses surging over sevenfold since 2019. Generative AI technology, particularly voice cloning, has made these impersonation scams more convincing and successful, with criminals posing as Medicare, IRS, law enforcement, and other federal officials to pressure victims into disclosing sensitive information or paying fraudulent fees. The article emphasizes that federal agencies need enhanced tools and tactics to combat these evolving threats, as these scams exploit public trust in government institutions.
sbs.com.au
During Australian tax season, scammers are targeting residents with sophisticated phishing scams impersonating government agencies like the Australian Taxation Office and myGov; Commonwealth Bank data shows 24 percent of Australians have already been exposed to tax-related scams, with only 69 percent able to identify them correctly. Scammers use robocalls, emails, and SMS messages containing malicious links to trick victims into providing personal information or payment under false pretenses of urgent debts or refunds. To protect themselves, Australians should recognize that legitimate ATO communications never include unsolicited links or QR codes, request passwords, show a caller ID, or threaten immediate arrest.
lavanguardia.com
Digital fraud targeting seniors in Spain has surged dramatically, with scam cases against people over 65 increasing 78% between 2019 and 2022 (from 7,568 to 13,479 cases), and digital fraud cases alone rising 21.73% in 2022 compared to 2021. Seniors are vulnerable targets due to lower technology familiarity, trustfulness, and susceptibility to social engineering tactics such as fake investment schemes and fraudulent shopping charges, with 15% of victims losing over €10,000 according to one survey. Experts emphasize that enhanced digital education and protection measures are needed to help older adults navigate the internet safely and avoi
sebastopoltimes.com
Financial exploitation of elderly residents in Sonoma County increased significantly, with Adult Protective Services reporting a 9% rise in abuse reports and 14% increase in investigations from 2022 to 2023, with 19% of over 7,800 allegations involving financial exploitation. Common scams targeting seniors include investment fraud, tech support scams, phishing schemes, and romance scams, which collectively cost victims $3.4 billion nationally in 2023, with romance scams proving particularly damaging due to the emotional manipulation involved. Experts advised seniors to avoid clicking links in suspicious emails or calls, contact companies directly to verify account issues, and be wary of requests for money from online dating
wthr.com
The FBI reported that elder fraud losses reached $1.6 billion from January to May 2024, a $300 million increase over the same 2023 period, with tech support, romance, investment, and government impersonation scams being the most prevalent. To protect themselves, seniors should verify unsolicited contacts through independent research, resist pressure to act quickly, avoid sharing personal information or money with unverified sources, and monitor financial accounts for suspicious activity. Victims should document details of the scam and report it to their local FBI office or IC3.gov.
bctv.org
The Internal Revenue Service has issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting senior citizens, where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use high-pressure tactics and spoofed caller IDs to demand immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency for fictitious tax debts or false refunds. The IRS advises recipients of unexpected calls claiming to be from the agency to hang up immediately and instead contact IRS customer service directly at 800-829-1040 to verify any legitimate tax issues.
wuky.org
Elder Kentuckians lost $12.8 million to scams in the previous year, with projections to double to $12.7 million by May of the current year, according to FBI officials who warn the problem is not declining. The three most common scams targeting Kentucky elders are investment fraud (including cryptocurrency and precious metals schemes), tech support fraud (phishing and fake security alerts), and romance fraud, with a detailed case study showing a 72-year-old woman losing nearly $200,000 to a military officer imposter who cultivated a romantic relationship with her over months before requesting money for military contract payouts and travel expenses. The investigation resulted in the indictment of three U
wkyt.com
**Summary:**
Elder fraud is escalating in Kentucky, with residents aged 60 and older losing over $12 million in the past five months to scams including pop-up malware, romance schemes, and cryptocurrency fraud. Law enforcement officials emphasize that education and public awareness are more effective than prosecution alone, urging families to discuss finances with elderly relatives, recognize warning signs, and report suspicious activity rather than engaging with unknown contacts.
milfordlive.com
Delaware Hospice reported that elder fraud is rising nationwide, with the "phantom hacker" tech support scam being particularly successful against seniors; between January and June 2023, $542 million was fraudulently transferred, with two-thirds of victims over age sixty-five. Common scams include fake tech support calls requesting remote access to computers, fraudulent bank/brokerage contacts directing victims to transfer funds to "protected" accounts, and impersonation of government agencies (IRS, Federal Reserve) urging fund transfers via wire, cash, or cryptocurrency. To protect elderly family members, avoid responding to unsolicited hacker alerts, never allow unknown parties remote computer access, verify company contact information independently
kfvs12.com
Phishing scam reports doubled in 2023, reaching a record high of over 9,000 cases according to a BBB study, with scammers increasingly using artificial intelligence and chatbots to target victims through text messages and steal personal information. Both individuals and businesses were affected, with businesses alone losing $2.9 billion to these scams in 2023. The BBB warns that phishing links can install malware on devices and urges people to be cautious of unsolicited messages with suspicious links.
plantcityobserver.com
After hurricanes, scammers target disaster victims through fake contractors demanding upfront payment or using misleading Assignment of Benefits documents, fake government/utility workers requesting personal information, non-existent rental listings, and fraudulent charities. Victims should verify all contractors' credentials and insurance, avoid cash/wire transfer payments, never pay for FEMA assistance, and check charity legitimacy before donating.
advantagenews.com
The Better Business Bureau warns of a Facebook scam where legitimate-appearing posts about lost pets or missing persons are shared by users with good intentions, then altered by scammers to promote deceptive rental ads or fraudulent surveys promising cash prizes. Since the beginning of 2021, the BBB received over 23,000 phishing-related reports, with more than 9,000 in the previous year; users should be suspicious of posts lacking comment options.
legends1063.fm
A BadCredit.org report found that 78% of Millennials and Gen Z have been targeted by debt collection scams, with young adults losing an average of $3,067 to scams over their lifetime. The most common scam types affecting this demographic are phishing, identity theft, and mobile payment scams, with the FTC receiving over 124,000 debt collection scam reports in 2023 alone.
nbcconnecticut.com
A "smishing" scam targeting Connecticut drivers falsely claims they owe outstanding tolls and directs them via text message to fraudulent websites designed to steal login credentials. The FBI reports over 10,000 complaints nationwide about this scam, which exploits reused passwords to gain access to victims' financial accounts and banking information. Consumers are advised to ignore suspicious texts, verify toll balances directly through official websites, use unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication on financial accounts.
fox61.com
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors, in which fraudsters pose as IRS or other government officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers pressure victims into immediate payments via gift cards or wire transfers by threatening arrest or promising false refunds, often using spoofed caller IDs and creating false urgency. The IRS recommends hanging up on unexpected calls, contacting IRS customer service at 800-829-1040 to verify communications, and remembering that the IRS initiates contact primarily through mail and never demands payment via gift cards or wire transfers.
newsweek.com
The IRS issued a warning about scams targeting elderly Americans, where fraudsters impersonate IRS agents and demand immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency for fictitious tax debts or false refunds. Common tactics include spoofed caller IDs, threats of arrest or deportation, and pressure for urgent action without time for verification. The IRS advises that it never demands immediate payment through unconventional methods, threatens law enforcement involvement, or requests financial information over the phone—legitimate tax bills are sent by mail first.
effinghamradio.com
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about impersonation scams targeting seniors in Illinois and nationwide, where fraudsters pose as IRS or other government agency officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use tactics such as spoofed caller IDs, fabricated urgent scenarios (false tax debts or refunds), threats of arrest, and demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to pressure victims into immediate action. The IRS advises recipients of unsolicited calls claiming to be from the IRS to hang up immediately and contact legitimate IRS customer service at 800-829-1040 to verify any communications.
wdam.com
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting Mississippi seniors, where fraudsters pose as IRS or government agency representatives to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Scammers use pressure tactics, fake urgency, and demand payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, often spoofing caller IDs to appear legitimate. The IRS advises that anyone receiving an unexpected call claiming to be from the IRS should hang up immediately and not return the call, as the IRS initiates contact by mail about account issues.
carolinajournal.com
North Carolina's Senior Consumer Fraud Task Force held a press conference highlighting the rising epidemic of elder fraud, with statistics showing that approximately 1 in 10 seniors becomes a victim, resulting in $3.1 billion in losses nationwide in 2022 (an 84% increase from 2021), with individual victims losing an average of $40,000. The task force identified five major scam types targeting seniors: sweetheart scams, sweepstakes scams, impostor scams, tech support scams, and grandparent scams, while warning that scammers increasingly use AI to replicate voices. Victims can report fraud to local authorities, the FBI's Internet Crime
wyomingnews.com
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about IRS impersonation scams targeting seniors, part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day efforts. The IRS clarified that it does not demand immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers, threaten involvement of law enforcement, or request card numbers over the phone—tactics commonly used by scammers.
chicagocrusader.com
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about impersonation scams targeting seniors in Illinois and nationwide, where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use tactics such as spoofed caller IDs, fabricated urgent scenarios (false tax debts or refunds), threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The IRS recommends hanging up on unexpected calls claiming to be from the IRS, never returning calls using provided numbers, and verifying legitimacy by contacting IRS customer service at 800-829-1040.
saga.co.uk
Four people over 50 are victims of fraud every minute in the UK, according to Age UK research, yet most cases go unreported due to stigma and shame surrounding fraud victimization. The article identifies common scams targeting older adults including QR code fraud (fake codes redirecting to fraudulent payment sites), ATM skimming (devices that capture card details and PINs), and card trapping, while emphasizing that fraud is a crime of manipulation by criminals rather than a reflection of victim vulnerability. Experts recommend checking for tampered codes, protecting PINs at ATMs, reporting suspicious activity, and learning to recognize warning signs across emails, social media, phone calls, and in-person interactions
connexionfrance.com
France launched Cybersecure, a free online portal operated by Orange Cyberdéfense that allows users to check URLs and emails against a database of known scams and fraudulent sites. The service provides instant results for flagged links or human expert review within 12 hours for unknown URLs, though Orange acknowledges it is not 100% effective and users should remain vigilant. The article also provides guidance on avoiding email and website scams, including never clicking suspicious links directly and verifying requests independently with relevant organizations.
ajc.com
The article discusses the upcoming film "Thelma," which dramatizes elder fraud through a story in which two elderly characters seek revenge against a scammer who defrauded the main character of $10,000 through a grandchild impersonation scheme. The film was inspired by writer/director Josh Margolin's real-life experience when his grandmother nearly fell victim to a similar scam but avoided losing money by contacting family members first. The piece highlights how elder fraud schemes have become increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, with FBI complaints rising 14% in 2023, and emphasizes the importance of family engagement in protecting vulnerable older adults from these crimes.
irs.gov
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning on June 12, 2024, about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors who are deceived by fraudsters posing as IRS or other government agency representatives. Scammers use manipulated caller IDs, fabricated urgent scenarios, and pressure victims to make immediate payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to steal personal information and money. The IRS recommends that anyone receiving unsolicited calls from alleged IRS representatives should hang up immediately and verify legitimacy by calling the official IRS customer service line at 800-829-1040.
newarkadvocate.com
Fraud cases are rising significantly across Ohio, with the Ashland Police Department reporting a 62% increase in fraud and forgery cases, while the FBI documented a 14% increase in fraud allegations against older adults in 2023, resulting in average losses of $33,915 per victim and over $3.4 billion in total losses. Scammers target all demographics—including business professionals and online daters—using tactics such as requesting gift card payments, threatening account hacks, and romance manipulation. Police recommend avoiding unsolicited money transfers to unknown individuals, using buyer-protected payment services, recognizing deals that seem too good to be true, and contacting local police if feeling uneasy
katc.com
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors nationwide, particularly in Louisiana, where fraudsters pose as government officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Scammers use advanced tactics including spoofed caller IDs, fabricated debt claims, and pressure for immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers to exploit victims. The IRS recommends hanging up on unexpected calls about tax issues and verifying legitimacy by calling official IRS customer service at 800-829-1040.
wcpo.com
Phishing scams are increasingly prevalent, with the Better Business Bureau reporting over 9,000 phishing scam reports in the past year—nearly double the previous year. One woman nearly fell victim to a scam posing as her cable company offering a discount, only to be asked to purchase a Target gift card and read the numbers aloud. Key warning signs include unsolicited messages creating panic, unexpected account issues, payment links, suspicious typos, and urgent language; consumers are advised to slow down and verify messages before responding, especially text messages which scammers increasingly exploit.
blackhillsfox.com
The Pennington County Sheriff's Office warned of a delivery app scam in which fraudsters cancel orders, then impersonate company support staff and call drivers requesting bank account information or personal details. A DoorDash driver in Rapid City nearly fell victim to this scheme when she received a call claiming to be from "DoorDash Support," but she hung up before providing any information. Law enforcement advises delivery app users to immediately disconnect calls requesting account or personal information and report suspicious activity to the FTC or local police.
stltoday.com
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yahoo.com
Research from the University of Florida shows that approximately 1 in 6 Americans aged 65+ are vulnerable targets for financial fraud, with the FBI reporting over 90,000 older victims in 2021 alone, resulting in $1.7 billion in losses (a 74% increase from 2020). Psychologists have identified that susceptibility to deception varies by individual factors—including cognitive decline, memory loss, emotional state, and social isolation—as well as the method of deception employed, with those carrying Alzheimer's risk gene variants showing particular vulnerability to phishing and fraud schemes. Financial exploitation, often perpetrated by family members, caregivers, or stran
supertalk.fm
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting senior citizens nationwide, including in Mississippi, where fraudsters pose as government officials to steal personal information and money. These scams use tactics such as fabricating urgent debts or prize claims, threatening arrest or deportation, and demanding payment through untraceable methods like gift cards and cryptocurrency. The IRS advises seniors to hang up on unexpected calls claiming to be from the agency and to report suspected scams to the IRS at 1-800-366-4484.
newportnewstimes.com
Social media scams are currently the most prevalent fraud type, surpassing phone and text fraud. The article identifies four common tactics: giveaway scams requiring personal information or suspicious link clicks, investment scams promising unrealistic returns, fake shopping deals with pressure tactics and unusual payment requests, and impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as trusted contacts requesting urgent financial assistance. Protection strategies include verifying account authenticity, avoiding unsolicited offers, using secure payment methods, enabling two-factor authentication, and confirming unexpected requests through independent contact channels.
turnto10.com
A survey by MedicareFAQ.com found that nearly 40% of seniors have fallen victim to scams, with victims losing an average of $3,500, though most never report the crimes due to not knowing where to report, embarrassment, or believing losses were too small. Common scam methods include phishing emails, fake tech support, phony shopping offers, phone calls, and text messages, and experts recommend seniors ignore unsolicited communications, monitor financial accounts closely, and set up transaction alerts to protect themselves.
theconversation.com
In 2021, the FBI reported over 90,000 older adult victims of fraud losing $1.7 billion, a 74% increase from 2020, though actual numbers likely exceed reported cases due to underreporting. Financial exploitation—the most common form of elder abuse—often comes from trusted individuals and is enabled by cognitive decline with age, emotional vulnerabilities like loneliness and isolation, low digital literacy, and specific genetic risk factors associated with Alzheimer's disease. Research shows that older adults' susceptibility to deception varies based on individual characteristics (cognition, memory, mood, social support) and the method of targeting (phishing emails, fake news, deepfakes), with
kare11.com
A Maple Grove senior lost $20,000 in a phone scam after accidentally dialing an incorrect number and reaching scammers posing as Xfinity customer service. The scammer convinced the victim that his accounts had been hacked and pressured him to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM; a gas station clerk intervened during the final transaction, preventing the loss of an additional $5,000. Brooklyn Park police report that residents lost over $1 million to cryptocurrency scams in 2024, with recovery being nearly impossible once funds are transferred between digital wallets, particularly when scammers operate overseas.
vieravoice.com
This article is an educational awareness piece announcing a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event hosted by the Brevard Commission on Aging on June 14. The piece highlights that millions of older adults annually fall victim to various scams including fraudulent phone calls, emails, and in-person interactions, with research suggesting only about 1 in 14 cases are reported to authorities. The free community event will feature expert speakers discussing internet and telephone scams, legal protections, and benefits for seniors over 65, with resources and reporting information provided for suspected elder abuse.
cannoncourier.com
Simone Zeno purchased $2,561 in concert tickets through StubHub but needed to cancel due to a family emergency; a StubHub representative agreed to refund her money via phone and email, but the company later refused and cited its "all sales final" policy, providing contradictory instructions and rejecting her documentation. After the consumer advocate intervened, StubHub acknowledged miscommunication and ultimately processed refunds for both orders, demonstrating that companies cannot avoid accountability by invoking policies after initially agreeing to exceptions.
publicnewsservice.org
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and AARP Maryland's PROTECT Week highlight the rising threat of elder financial abuse, with FBI data showing Americans age 60+ lost over $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, an 11% increase from the prior year. Common fraud schemes targeting seniors include tech support scams, phishing via email and text, and the "grandparents scam"—increasingly sophisticated with AI-generated voice mimicry and caller ID spoofing—with Maryland seniors alone reporting nearly $72 million in losses from nearly 2,000 complaints in 2023. Advocates stress that fraudsters often pose as trusted individuals like caretakers or neighbors
mageenews.com
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15, 2024) was recognized by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Mississippi to promote awareness of elder fraud and abuse. The Justice Department highlighted common scams targeting seniors—including Social Security impostor schemes, tech support fraud, and lottery scams—and emphasized that information and vigilance, along with partnerships between law enforcement and the public, are key to prevention. Resources like the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force and Senior Scam Alerts are available to help older individuals and families identify and avoid fraudulent activity.
953mnc.com
The Better Business Bureau warns that text-based phishing scams are increasing in 2024, with scammers employing new technology tactics. Red flags include unsolicited messages claiming account problems, requesting financial information, containing suspicious links, or filled with typos. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unexpected texts or emails, don't open messages from anonymous senders, and ignore urgent action demands.
wmdt.com
During Maryland's PROTECT Week, state officials highlighted efforts to combat elder financial abuse, which affects one in five adults over 65 and costs seniors $2.9 billion annually, despite younger Americans being more frequent targets. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown and Comptroller Brooke Lierman announced that their offices are working through Project SAFE and other initiatives to educate seniors and pursue asset recovery, emphasizing that scammers—including trusted family members and neighbors—specifically target seniors' life savings. The officials provided protective tips including letting unknown calls go to voicemail, guarding personal information, and regularly monitoring financial statements, while encouraging victims to seek help without shame.
local12.com
Scams targeting people 60 and older have increased 14 percent, with victims collectively losing $3.4 billion, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. The most common scam involves fraudsters calling or emailing victims claiming they've won a prize or contest, then requesting payment for taxes before disappearing with the money. Protection strategies include being skeptical of unknown callers, consulting trusted contacts before responding, verifying suspicious communications, contacting police if necessary, and using data removal services to reduce exposure of personal information.
wifr.com
The Better Business Bureau reported that phishing scam reports nearly doubled in 2023, with scammers impersonating legitimate companies via links and messages to trick victims into sharing personal or financial information. Both individuals and businesses have been targeted, with the FBI indicating businesses have lost billions over the past three years. The BBB advises consumers to be cautious of red flags including unsolicited payment requests with embedded links, suspicious activity claims, and generic messages using well-known company logos.
abc.net.au
A sophisticated romance scam operation based in the Dubai desert targeted tens of thousands of people through fake text messages and WhatsApp messages, with scammers posing as wealthy Eastern European women and models to lure victims into cryptocurrency investment schemes. An insider named Evan, who took a job at the facility out of desperation, discovered the operation involved a three-stage "pig-butchering scam" where workers messaged 40-50 potential victims daily using stolen photos and video call actors. The syndicate was eventually exposed through the collaboration of an Australian victim (Murray Sargant), a private detective, a YouTube scam-baiter, and Evan himself, who worked from within to help
kiiitv.com
A 2023 Better Business Bureau report shows phishing scam reports nearly doubled compared to 2022, with first quarter 2024 numbers on track to exceed last year's totals. U.S. consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with a couple billion attributed to imposter and phishing scams, including losses exceeding $1 million in Corpus Christi alone (though only 3-5% of victims report scams). Experts advise verifying unsolicited contacts by calling official business numbers independently and avoiding urgent pressure tactics and threats commonly used by scammers to extract personal information.