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10news.com
· 2026-01-08
Online scams are costing San Diego County seniors over $130 million annually, but two local high school brothers have created an innovative solution to fight back. Neil and Rohan Chandra developed the "Stay Cyber Safe" project, which includes workshops at senior centers and an upcoming app that teaches older adults to recognize phishing attempts and AI-generated scams through interactive games. Seniors can protect themselves by attending these educational workshops, staying skeptical of unsolicited texts and emails, and reaching out to local resources like the District Attorney's Elder Abuse Prosecution Unit for guidance on suspicious online activity.
kfor.com
· 2026-01-08
Seniors are increasingly targeted by artificial intelligence scams, according to a warning from Becky Seda, organizer of the Senior Living Truth Series. To protect yourself, experts recommend being cautious and vigilant about AI-based fraud attempts. For detailed information on how these scams work and specific protective measures, viewers are encouraged to watch the full video.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-08
A woman in her 70s in Guelph, Ontario lost approximately $800,000 to scammers who posed as bank representatives after she clicked on a suspicious pop-up on her computer. Over several months, the fraudsters convinced her that her accounts were compromised and instructed her to withdraw cash, invest in cryptocurrency, cash in life insurance policies, and hand over gold bars, promising she'd recover everything once their "investigation" was complete. Police are urging people to protect themselves by independently verifying any urgent requests from banks—such as calling your bank directly or visiting in person—and emphasize that legitimate banks will never ask you to withdraw money and put it into cryptocurrency machines.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-08
I don't see an article body in your message—only a title and a privacy notice from Yahoo. The title indicates that a senior in Guelph lost $800,000 to scammers impersonating bank representatives, but I don't have the actual article content needed to provide a summary with details about what happened, who was affected, and actionable advice. Could you please share the full article text so I can create an accurate summary?
abc.net.au
· 2026-01-08
Two men have been charged in New South Wales for operating a scam targeting elderly people in shopping centre car parks, where one would distract victims by claiming there was an issue with their vehicle while his partner stole valuables like wallets and purses from inside. Police have recorded at least 18 similar incidents across the state, with seven occurring in the Riverina region last weekend. To protect yourself, be cautious when strangers approach you in parking lots about vehicle problems, and keep valuables secured inside your car rather than left accessible.
wthitv.com
· 2026-01-08
Scammers are targeting elderly residents in Terre Haute by sending fake arrest warrants and using phone calls to pressure victims into depositing thousands of dollars at Bitcoin ATMs, with local ATMs reportedly collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars from victims. Police warn that legitimate arrest warrants are never resolved through payment and advise residents to hang up on threatening callers and never transfer money via Bitcoin, gift cards, or wire transfers. If you receive a suspicious call demanding payment, contact your local police department directly using a verified phone number rather than any number provided by the caller.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-07
Seniors lose over $3.4 billion annually to fraud, prompting a new company called Jortty to launch an AI-powered tech support platform designed to help people identify scams and get immediate guidance on digital threats. The service, inspired by a devastating case where a senior lost $49,000 to a PayPal impersonation scam, offers features like email scam detection and real-time tech support to act as a "trusted voice" for navigating digital dangers. Users concerned about suspicious emails or messages can forward them to Jortty for AI analysis, providing a resource for those unsure whether they're being targeted by scammers.
wgal.com
· 2026-01-07
# Pennsylvania Scams Rise with AI-Enhanced Fraud Tactics
Scams in Pennsylvania have surged dramatically, with reported incidents jumping from 3,500 in 2024 to 4,000 in 2025, and financial losses soaring from $45 million to $75 million respectively, as scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence to make their schemes more convincing and harder to detect. Senior citizens are the primary targets, with common scams including jury duty impersonations using AI-mimicked voices and requests for untraceable payments via gift cards or cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, authorities advise questioning every unsolicited email, text, or phone call from unknown sources and trusting your instincts, since AI has eliminated traditional red flags like poor grammar that once helped identify fraudulent communications.
wvnews.com
· 2026-01-07
Seniors are losing over $3.4 billion annually to fraud, with losses increasing 11% year-over-year, prompting a new AI platform called Jortty to launch as a "digital 911" that helps users identify scams and get real-time tech support. The platform was inspired by a case where a scammer convinced a woman to withdraw and ship $49,000 in cash, a scenario that plays out daily for thousands of vulnerable older Americans. Users affected by suspected fraud or digital threats should contact trusted resources like Jortty or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) rather than following instructions from unsolicited callers claiming to be from banks or payment services.
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-01-07
A new AI-powered service called Jortty launched to help combat the $28 billion annual fraud economy, which particularly targets seniors who lost over $3.4 billion to scams in 2023 alone. The platform acts as a digital "tech concierge" that users can contact to identify suspicious emails, texts, and other scams in real-time, providing expert guidance when they're unsure about potential fraud. The service was inspired by a devastating case where a senior was tricked into sending $49,000 to scammers and aims to fill a critical gap by offering seniors a trusted first point of contact—essentially a "911 for the internet"—to verify whether they're being targeted before falling victim to fraud.
lebanondemocrat.com
· 2026-01-07
# Romance Scam Warning Summary
Sumner County's District Attorney General Thomas Dean is warning residents about increasingly sophisticated romance scams, particularly during the holiday season, in which criminals create fake online identities on dating apps and social media to build trust and extract money from victims under false pretenses. These "professionals" typically use manipulation tactics like love-bombing, fabricated emergencies (medical, legal, or travel-related), and claims of being overseas to justify why they can't meet in person, before requesting money through untraceable methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, watch for red flags such as someone professing love too quickly, refusing to video call or meet in person, requesting money or banking information, and attempting to isolate you from friends and family.
thesenior.com.au
· 2026-01-07
William Ian Southey, a Melbourne man, was defrauded in a romance scam and left his entire $2 million estate to someone he met online, only for that person to be revealed as a fraudster after his death. The case serves as a cautionary tale, particularly for seniors who may be vulnerable to online dating scams where fraudsters build emotional connections to exploit victims financially. People should be wary of online relationships that quickly escalate to requests for money or inheritance changes, verify the identities of online contacts, and consult with trusted family members before making major financial decisions.
fox61.com
· 2026-01-07
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and AARP launched a public awareness campaign to combat online scams targeting seniors, featuring the story of a 61-year-old woman who lost nearly $1 million to a romance scam involving fake cryptocurrency investments. The scammer, posing as "Brandon" on a dating site, built trust over months before convincing the victim to drain her retirement account and take out a home loan. With Americans reporting nearly 860,000 internet crime complaints in 2024 causing $16.6 billion in losses, seniors should be cautious of unsolicited romantic connections online, verify investment opportunities independently, and consult trusted family members or financial advisors before making large financial decisions.
desotocountynews.com
· 2026-01-06
A Taiwanese national named Chia Lai has been indicted on fraud charges for allegedly leading an international scam that stole millions of dollars from elderly Americans by draining their bank accounts through high-pressure financial schemes. His arrest involved coordination between federal and local authorities, though it was temporarily complicated when California officials initially refused to cooperate due to state sanctuary policies. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited financial offers and pressure to move money quickly, and should verify any investment or financial advice directly with trusted banks or financial institutions before acting.
mtairynews.com
· 2026-01-06
A 28-year-old bank teller named Sarah Wilson was sentenced to 21 months in prison for embezzling over $150,000 from First Citizens Bank in North Carolina and fraudulently draining the savings accounts of two elderly customers (ages 89 and 90) by a combined $59,700 between December 2023 and May 2024. Wilson concealed her crimes by making false entries in the bank's computer system, and when one elderly customer questioned suspicious activity, she falsely assured him everything was fine. To protect yourself, elderly customers should regularly monitor their accounts for suspicious transactions, verify account details with bank management rather than individual tellers, and consider having a trusted family member help oversee finances.
yourtango.com
· 2026-01-06
A bride discovered on her wedding day that her maid of honor and 17-year best friend had been systematically scamming her family for decades, including charging fake alcohol expenses to multiple people and stealing thousands from an elderly family member with dementia. The scam came to light when the bride was helping manage finances for a family member and found suspicious charges, prompting her to cut ties with the friend and remove her from wedding photos. This story serves as a reminder to regularly monitor finances of vulnerable family members and to be cautious about large or unusual expenses from trusted friends, as financial betrayal can come from the closest relationships.
eastbaytimes.com
· 2026-01-06
Elderly Americans are increasingly falling victim to imposter scams, with losses exceeding $445 million in 2024 alone, according to FTC data showing an eightfold increase in six-figure losses since 2020. The article recommends that families create a "Family CFO checklist" by having open conversations and documenting critical financial information—including account numbers, property ownership, beneficiaries, and income sources—to help detect fraud before it happens. The most effective protection against financial scams isn't expensive monitoring services but rather family members staying informed and alert to suspicious activity.
kiplinger.com
· 2026-01-06
The article discusses how aging parents may experience declining financial judgment and become vulnerable to poor money decisions, prompting concerned adult children to seek legal protection without removing their parents' independence. An elder law attorney can help establish safeguards—such as powers of attorney, trusts, or joint account arrangements—that protect aging parents from financial mistakes while respecting their desire for autonomy. The key takeaway for families is to consult with an elder law specialist early to create legal frameworks that prevent costly errors before cognitive decline becomes severe.
pymnts.com
· 2026-01-06
Modern scams have evolved into a sophisticated, AI-powered industry that targets people of all ages—not just the elderly—through social engineering and psychological manipulation on digital platforms. According to Block and PayPal executives, nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults have experienced a scam in the past five years, with Gen Z and millennials now equally vulnerable to these attacks. To protect yourself, experts recommend using "smart friction" (targeted warnings that interrupt suspicious transactions) and staying alert to urgency tactics, while companies should prioritize quick reimbursement and clear reporting mechanisms to maintain user trust in digital finance.
fox13news.com
· 2026-01-06
# Fraud Summary
Seniors lost $2.4 billion to fraud in 2024, a dramatic increase from $600 million in 2020, according to a new Federal Trade Commission report, with investment scams on social media being the most common type. Law enforcement in the Tampa Bay area is warning about rising government impersonation scams that trick seniors into sending money via wire transfers, gift cards, and cryptocurrency, often to international criminals who make recovery nearly impossible. To protect themselves, seniors should be cautious of unsolicited contacts claiming to be from the government or investment firms, especially around tax season, and verify requests directly with official agencies before sending any money.
wiregrassdailynews.com
· 2026-01-06
SARCOA is hosting a free Fraud Summit on January 22, 2026, in Enterprise, Alabama, designed to help seniors and their caregivers recognize and avoid financial scams and exploitation. Expert speakers from organizations like the Alabama Securities Commission and AARP will provide practical guidance on spotting common scams, protecting personal information, and accessing help resources. Seniors interested in attending should register by January 12 to secure their spot at this free event, which includes lunch.
patch.com
· 2026-01-06
An elderly woman in Palos Hills, Illinois lost $788,000 of her life savings to scammers who contacted her by phone and manipulated her through multiple calls involving Bitcoin, cashier's checks, and gold purchases. Senior citizens aged 60 and older lost nearly $4.9 billion to various fraud schemes in 2024—a 46% increase from the previous year—making older Americans a primary target for criminals exploiting their vulnerability. To protect yourself or elderly relatives, be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, never share personal financial information with callers, and report suspected fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center or local law enforcement rather than handling it alone.
wccsradio.com
· 2026-01-06
Pennsylvania residents lost $75 million to scammers in 2025, with state officials reporting a record number of fraud complaints that year. Senior citizens were particularly targeted by these schemes, which came through suspicious phone calls and emails from unknown sources. Attorney General Dave Sunday is urging residents to ignore these suspicious messages and implicitly recommending heightened caution when contacted by unfamiliar callers and emailers.
thefactsnewspaper.com
· 2026-01-06
# Fraud Prevention Summary
Washington State's Department of Financial Institutions and the North American Securities Administrators Association are warning investors about 12 new sophisticated fraud schemes expected in 2026, with scammers increasingly using artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to steal money. State securities regulators investigated over 8,800 cases in 2024 resulting in $259 million in fines and restitution, with common schemes including "pig butchering" romance scams that build trust before requesting fake investments and deepfake impersonations using AI-generated videos of celebrities. Investors should be skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches—especially those involving new technologies or creating urgency—and verify any investment opportunity through official channels before sending money.
wfsb.com
· 2026-01-06
Shelton police are warning residents about a growing "gold bar" scam targeting seniors, in which criminals impersonate government agents or tech support to convince victims their money or computers are at risk, then pressure them to withdraw cash or purchase gold bars that a "courier" collects and never returns. Red flags include urgent pressure to act quickly, threats of arrest, demands for secrecy, and requests for cash, gold, or cryptocurrency—legitimate government agencies will never ask for these actions. Residents who receive suspicious calls, pop-ups, or messages should report them to the Shelton Police Department at (203) 924-1544.
enidnews.com
· 2026-01-05
# Seniors Targeted in Enid Scams
Senior citizens in Enid, Oklahoma are the primary targets of scam operations, according to Detective Jeran Jones of the Enid Police Department, who shared this warning with the Rotary Club in January 2026. While the article doesn't specify particular scam tactics or provide detailed advice, the key takeaway is that older residents should be particularly vigilant about protecting their personal and financial information. If you or an elderly loved one receives suspicious calls, emails, or requests for money, contact local law enforcement immediately rather than engaging with the potential scammers.
livebitcoinnews.com
· 2026-01-05
Two elderly Indian citizens lost approximately $386,000 combined in cryptocurrency trading scams orchestrated through messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp, where fraudsters posed as investment professionals and used fake trading platforms to manipulate victims into depositing money. The scammers employed social engineering tactics, including fake dashboards showing inflated account balances and requests for personal banking information, while impersonating legitimate professionals to build trust before disappearing with the funds. To protect yourself: avoid unsolicited investment offers on messaging apps, never download wallets or software from unknown links, verify the legitimacy of investment platforms through official channels, and be suspicious of guaranteed high returns or unexpected contacts offering trading opportunities.
turnto23.com
· 2026-01-05
# Fake Sweepstakes Scams Target Older Adults
Scammers are running fake sweepstakes schemes that demand gift card payments from victims, with older adults over 55 being the primary targets—they represent 72% of reported cases and lose an average of $978 per person, compared to $279 for younger victims. These scams exploit isolation (especially during COVID-19), emotional motivations like helping family members, and social manipulation tactics to convince people they've won prizes. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited sweepstakes notifications, never pay gift cards or upfront fees to claim winnings, and verify any prize claims directly with the official organization's main website or phone number.
the420.in
· 2026-01-05
In 2025, cybercriminals defrauded Nagpur residents of ₹45.77 crore (approximately $5.5 million USD), with senior citizens making up 60% of victims through schemes involving fake investments, cryptocurrency scams, and "digital arrest" tactics that exploited fear and greed. The cyber police registered 125 FIRs from 15,000 complaints and arrested 42 accused persons, but the rapid psychological manipulation used in these scams—particularly digital arrest schemes involving impersonated government officials—allowed fraudsters to drain lifetime savings in minutes. Residents should verify any investment opportunities independently, never transfer money under pressure or threats of legal action, and report suspicious contacts to local cyber police rather than complying with demands from unknown callers claiming government authority.
nagpurtoday.in
· 2026-01-05
# Cyber Fraud Summary
In 2025, cybercriminals stole Rs 45.77 crore from Nagpur residents, with senior citizens making up 60% of the victims, losing their life savings to scams involving fake investments, stock market schemes, cryptocurrency deals, and "digital arrest" frauds. Police received approximately 15,000 complaints throughout the year, registered 125 cases, and arrested 42 suspects, but prosecution has been slow with only 20 charge sheets filed so far. Authorities warn that elderly residents should exercise greater caution with online transactions and be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those promising quick profits or claiming to involve legal authorities.
pelhamexaminer.com
· 2026-01-05
# Fraud Awareness for Seniors
New York State Legislator Amy Paulin and Westchester County Consumer Protection Director Jim Maisano addressed elderly residents about common scams targeting seniors, including phone fraud and contractor schemes, while emphasizing that residents should call the Consumer Protection office for guidance before making financial decisions. Key safety tips included avoiding public Wi-Fi for banking and financial transactions, verifying store scales for accurate product weights, and being cautious of unsolicited contractors offering home repairs. Seniors were provided with phone numbers to report suspected scams and encouraged to contact consumer protection officials as a first step when they suspect fraudulent activity.
saturdayeveningpost.com
· 2026-01-05
# Romance Scams Summary
Romance scams have become increasingly sophisticated and costly, with Americans losing $1.3 billion in 2022 alone—more than double the previous year's losses. Scammers build fake emotional relationships with victims (particularly targeting elderly people, women, and widowed individuals, often through social media) and then request money under false pretenses, with criminals now using AI-generated deepfake videos and voice cloning to appear convincing during video calls. To protect yourself, be skeptical of romantic interests who quickly ask for money, verify identities through independent means before sending funds, and avoid sharing personal information or video chatting with people you haven't met in person.
abc15.com
· 2026-01-05
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is prioritizing consumer protection in 2026, with a focus on combating romance scams that have devastated seniors who are losing their life savings to online predators. She's also targeting corporate consolidation through antitrust enforcement—such as her lawsuit against RealPage for allegedly colluding to artificially raise rents—and plans to crack down on robocalls and spam. Consumers can protect themselves by being cautious of unsolicited online romantic overtures, staying informed about corporate practices affecting their costs, and reporting suspicious calls to authorities.
bitdefender.com
· 2026-01-05
Americans lost at least $333 million to Bitcoin ATM scams in 2025, with older adults being particularly vulnerable to fraudsters impersonating government agencies or using fake emergency situations to pressure victims into depositing cash into irreversible cryptocurrency machines. Scammers exploit the fact that Bitcoin ATM transactions cannot be traced or reversed and operate through social engineering tactics like IRS impersonation calls, fake malware warnings, or fake kidnapping emergencies. The key takeaway: no legitimate organization will ever ask you to pay through a Bitcoin ATM, and if a request feels urgent or suspicious, verify it directly with the official organization before taking action.
aol.com
· 2026-01-05
An 80-year-old woman lost over $50,000 to romance scammers who convinced her she was dating Elon Musk and tricked her into buying Apple gift cards to convert to Bitcoin, while also allowing her mortgage to fall $28,000 behind. Elderly people are increasingly vulnerable to financial scams, particularly romance scams that exploit loneliness and create elaborate false identities. Family members should monitor aging relatives' financial activity closely, have open conversations about suspicious relationships or requests for money, and be prepared to intervene if loved ones show signs of declining financial judgment.
mynews13.com
· 2026-01-04
Scammers are targeting seniors in Florida with a new gold-related scheme where victims receive fake notifications claiming their bank funds are unsafe and must be transferred to a federal institution, leading them to withdraw tens of thousands of dollars to buy gold for "security." Susan Lancaster, a Largo woman, lost nearly all her savings across two separate scams after unknowingly giving scammers access to her computer, and she's now refinancing her home to survive. Police warn that once money is sent to scammers, it's nearly impossible to recover, and advise residents to verify any unexpected financial notifications directly with their bank before taking action.
newsmobile.in
· 2026-01-04
An 81-year-old man in Hyderabad lost over Rs 7 crore in an elaborate "digital arrest" scam that began with a fake courier company call and escalated into impersonators claiming to be Mumbai police officials accusing him of serious crimes. Over nearly two months, the scammers kept the victim isolated, forced him to transfer funds as "verification" payments, and coerced him into liquidating investments while maintaining control through a messaging app. To protect yourself, be wary of unexpected calls from authorities or companies, never share financial information with callers, verify claims independently through official channels, and involve trusted family members or bank officials if you're asked to make urgent transfers.
the420.in
· 2026-01-04
Cybercriminals in India are increasingly using psychological manipulation tactics like fake reward point expiration warnings, fraudulent product listings, and fake legal threats to trick people into revealing sensitive financial information such as OTPs and UPI PINs, rather than relying on technical hacking methods. The scams disproportionately affect online shoppers and digital payment users who are pressured by urgency and fear into clicking malicious links or making advance payments for non-existent products. To protect yourself, never share OTPs or click links from unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from banks or payment providers, and verify offers directly through official apps or customer service numbers before taking action.
the420.in
· 2026-01-04
An 81-year-old retired businessman in Hyderabad lost ₹7.12 crore to sophisticated "digital arrest" scammers who impersonated Mumbai Police and threatened him with false charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and terrorism over several months. The fraudsters used intimidation tactics and isolation—forbidding the victim from contacting family, lawyers, or banks—to coerce him into transferring large sums of money for "verification" of assets. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from law enforcement or courier companies, never share financial details or asset information with callers, immediately verify any serious allegations through official police channels using independently confirmed phone numbers, and always consult with trusted family members or lawyers before making any financial decisions.
agrinews-pubs.com
· 2026-01-03
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to target seniors by cloning voices and creating fake videos from social media photos and posts, allowing them to impersonate family members or pose as people the victim knows. To protect yourself, the article advises removing personal photos from social media, being cautious about sharing vacation details and family names online, and asking friends and family to delete any photos you send them. If you suspect you've been defrauded, report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
wgal.com
· 2026-01-03
In 2025, the most common scams targeting people include Medicare fraud (where scammers impersonate Medicare officials to steal account numbers), romance scams (where criminals pose as attractive individuals online to build trust before asking for money, costing Americans over $600 million last year), fake jury duty demands (using fake USPS labels and impersonating law enforcement), and AI-powered scams that create realistic fake images and videos. Senior citizens and lonely individuals are particularly vulnerable targets. To protect yourself, remember that Medicare will never call asking for your number, courts contact you by mail (not text) about jury duty and don't demand immediate payment, and be cautious of online relationships that quickly ask for money.
yahoo.com
· 2026-01-03
# Scam Summary
Scammers target people of all ages with tailored schemes—from college tuition scams for young people to Social Security and "grandma scams" for seniors—exploiting trust and emotional appeals, sometimes even using AI to mimic voices of loved ones. According to Fox Crossing Police Officer Dan Wiechman, seniors are particularly vulnerable because they come from an era when handshakes meant something and often have greater financial resources, with victims sometimes losing tens of thousands of dollars. To protect yourself, establish a secret code with family members, hang up and call loved ones directly to verify requests, and consult a trusted person before proceeding with any suspicious requests or transactions.
grandrapidsmn.com
· 2026-01-03
# Fraud and Scams Prevention Presentation
Minnesota Aging Pathways is offering a free online presentation on February 11, 2026, to help people recognize and prevent fraud and scams, which are increasingly targeting older adults. The two-hour Zoom workshop will cover detection methods, reporting procedures, and protection strategies based on the Senior Medicare Patrol program. Anyone interested can register at the Eventbrite link or by calling 800-333-2433.
townhall.com
· 2026-01-03
Three people have been sentenced to prison for running a romance scam that defrauded victims across the United States and contributed to the death of at least one elderly victim, resulting in $388,500 in losses. Salma Abdalkareem, Chinagorom Onwumere, and Stephen Anagor received sentences ranging from 51 to 108 months and must repay victims and complete supervised release. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic relationships—especially with people claiming to be military personnel or those asking for money or personal information—and verify identities through video calls or in-person meetings before sending any funds.
yahoo.com
· 2026-01-03
Scammers stole over $333 million from Americans in 2025 by impersonating government agencies and pressuring victims to deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs, where the money is quickly transferred to untraceable digital wallets. Older Americans are particularly targeted by these schemes, which have surged dramatically—losses more than tripled from 2024 to 2025. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages urging immediate cryptocurrency payments, verify requests directly with official agencies using known contact numbers, and avoid using Bitcoin ATMs for any transaction initiated by someone else.
baxterbulletin.com
· 2026-01-03
# Elder Fraud Summary
Americans aged 60 and older lost nearly $2.4 million to scammers in 2024, making them the group most targeted by financial fraud, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Criminals use elaborate schemes—including imposter, romance, and sweepstakes scams—primarily through phone calls and online contact to gain trust and steal money or misuse personal property. Arvest Bank recommends that older adults and their families stay vigilant by learning about common scam tactics and verifying the legitimacy of unexpected financial requests before sharing any information or money.
inkl.com
· 2026-01-03
Banks are increasingly scrutinizing large cash withdrawals in 2026 due to federal anti-money laundering regulations and AI monitoring systems that flag unusual patterns. Customers are being flagged for legitimate reasons including "structuring" (making multiple withdrawals to avoid the $10,000 reporting threshold, which is actually illegal), sudden deviations from normal spending habits, and other suspicious activity patterns. To avoid problems, customers should be transparent about large withdrawals, avoid deliberately keeping transactions under reporting limits, and expect banks to ask questions about significant cash requests that differ from their typical behavior.
wgal.com
· 2026-01-02
Medicare scams are the most prevalent fraud targeting Americans in 2025, with scammers impersonating Medicare representatives to trick seniors into revealing their Medicare numbers through various tactics including fake card offers, low-cost plan pitches, and fraud alerts. While most people successfully avoid these scams, seniors remain particularly vulnerable and should remember that Medicare will never call unsolicited or ask for personal information. To stay safe, protect your Medicare number and verify any calls directly with Medicare rather than responding to incoming calls or messages.
wiregrassdailynews.com
· 2026-01-02
The Wiregrass region is hosting a free Fraud Summit on January 22 to help seniors recognize and avoid scams and financial exploitation, featuring expert presentations from organizations like AARP and the Alabama Securities Commission. The event, held at the Enterprise Civic Center, is designed to educate older adults on financial safety as scam activity continues rising nationwide. Seniors and caregivers interested in attending should reserve seats by January 12 by calling 334-793-6843 or emailing the provided address, as seating is limited and lunch will be provided.
fairfaxtimes.com
· 2026-01-02
Fairfax County launched the "Pause, Question, Protect" anti-scam initiative to help residents recognize and avoid online fraud, which has become increasingly sophisticated and targets people of all ages, not just seniors. The county's Consumer Protection Commission developed the program based on successful models like the U.K.'s "Take Five To Stop Fraud," emphasizing simple, memorable steps to take when something feels suspicious. The key advice is to pause when pressured, question unexpected requests, and take protective action if you suspect fraud.