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wbbjtv.com
The Better Business Bureau reported a record-high 9,000 phishing scam reports in 2023, nearly doubling from the previous year, with scammers increasingly using text messages and other new technologies to target victims. Red flags include unsolicited emails, texts, and calls claiming suspicious account activity or requesting confirmation of financial information via links. The BBB advises consumers to verify the source of communications and avoid clicking links, noting that banks rarely contact customers via text or email except for fraud alerts, with younger adults (18-24) particularly targeted by text scams and seniors by phone calls.
paymentsdive.com
Zelle parent Early Warning Services and the National Council on Aging launched a joint educational initiative to reach elderly Americans with content about business impostor scams, text messaging scams, and online scams, distributing materials through senior centers and community organizations. About one-third of fraud victims last year were over age 60, with older Americans losing approximately $1.6 billion to scams, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The effort comes as Zelle faces increasing congressional scrutiny over fraud reimbursement policies and criticism that fraud on the platform remains unacceptably high.
patch.com
A Bradenton senior lost nearly $50,000 after clicking on a phishing message on Facebook that falsely claimed her account was hacked and directed her to call a number for help. Bradenton police identified this as part of a broader phishing scam trend on Facebook Messenger designed to steal money, and they advise users to avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments and to report such messages directly to Facebook.
yahoo.com
The Ishpeming Multi-Purpose Senior Center, in partnership with the Tri County Office of Aging, is hosting a free educational event to teach seniors and caregivers how to prevent fraud and scams targeting phone, text, and email. The event includes trained staff who help identify fraud, prevention strategies, and reporting procedures, with the center extending outreach to seniors with limited technology access throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
broadbandbreakfast.com
Older adults' losses to fraud and scams have increased significantly, from $1 billion in 2021 to approximately $1.8 billion in reported losses in 2023, with the FTC estimating actual losses may reach as high as $48 billion when accounting for unreported cases. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to business impersonation scams (especially Amazon impersonation), romance scams, tech support scams, and investment scams involving fake cryptocurrency opportunities. Government agencies, tech companies, and nonprofit organizations are working to combat fraud through education, awareness tools, and new coalitions like Tech Against Scams, while also recognizing the significant mental and emotional health impact on scam
freep.com
Two emerging scams exploit people's willingness to help others: the "borrow your phone" scam, where strangers ask to use your phone and secretly transfer money from payment apps to their accounts (stealing $150-$200 or more), and the "accidental deposit" scam, where scammers claim they mistakenly sent you money via Venmo and request you send it back, potentially involving fraudulent transactions. Experts recommend never handing phones to strangers and verifying overpayment claims directly with payment app customer support rather than trusting unsolicited requests.
justice.gov
In January 2023, a Massachusetts workers union was defrauded of $6.4 million through a business email compromise (BEC) scheme in which scammers spoofed an investment consulting firm's email address (changing one letter) to request a payment information change. The U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil forfeiture action to recover approximately $5.3 million in traced proceeds that were transferred through multiple intermediary accounts in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, and Nigeria before being seized from seven domestic bank accounts.
usatoday.com
Summer months see an increase in fraud targeting popular activities, with young adults ages 18-24 particularly vulnerable to scams involving fake concert tickets, vacation rentals, and travel websites. Common schemes include fraudsters offering discounted tickets through fake sites, spoofed travel websites requesting payment via gift cards or wire transfers, and fake vacation rental listings on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. To protect themselves, consumers should verify website authenticity, book directly from official providers, use credit cards instead of peer-to-peer payment apps, and exercise caution with QR codes.
ktvz.com
The FBI Portland Division reported an increase in scammers impersonating federal agents and government officials to extort cash and gold from victims, with couriers collecting payments directly from homes. Seniors over 60 are the primary targets, and in 2023, government impersonation scams resulted in over 14,190 victim reports nationally with losses exceeding $394 million, including $1.7 million in Oregon alone. The FBI emphasized that legitimate federal agencies never call or email threatening arrest or demanding money, and encouraged victims to report suspicious contacts to local law enforcement and the IC3 at ic3.gov.
heraldnet.com
Washington residents lost approximately $250 million to fraud in 2023, with 53,269 complaints filed to the Federal Trade Commission—roughly $3.2 million per 100,000 residents. Imposter scams (22% of cases) and identity theft (14% of cases) were the most common fraud types, followed by online shopping fraud, bank and lender scams, and prize/sweepstakes schemes. Victims are advised to report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and avoid providing personal information to unknown callers, even those claiming to be legitimate authorities.
fox13news.com
The Bradenton Police Department established a dedicated Elder and Vulnerable Adult Fraud Unit in response to a surge in elder fraud cases, investigating 36 incidents this year with victims averaging 75 years old and total losses of $2 million. Common scams targeting seniors include phishing messages (one victim lost nearly $50,000 after clicking a fraudulent Facebook link claiming account compromise), romance scams, and untraceable payment methods like gift cards and cryptocurrency. The unit focuses on prevention through education at assisted living facilities and partnerships with banks to identify potential victims before scammers strike.
wfmynews2.com
Financial exploitation represents the most common form of elder abuse in the U.S., with losses exceeding $28 billion annually, with the majority perpetrated by people known to the victim rather than strangers. AARP emphasizes that older adults' trusting nature makes them vulnerable to scams and fraud through email and phone calls. The organization is promoting World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2024, with a community event in Kernersville featuring education, document shredding, and medication disposal services to help combat financial exploitation.
fscs.org.uk
This article from the Financial Conduct Services (FSCS) outlines common financial scams targeting their customers as of September 2025, including fraudulent compensation claims for failed firms like MH Carbon Ltd, London Court Ltd, and various investment companies. Key warning signs include unsolicited calls from non-FSCS numbers, requests for upfront payments, screen-sharing requests, emails with suspicious domains (not @fscs.org.uk), and mentions of URNs or compensation entitlements. FSCS emphasizes that legitimate claims are completely free and advises customers to verify communications directly through official channels and check the FCA register before providing any personal financial information.
usatoday.com
Elder fraud complaints are rising significantly, with the FBI reporting 101,000 victims who lost $3.4 billion in 2023, though AARP estimates actual losses exceed $28 billion annually due to underreporting driven by victim shame and embarrassment. Common scams targeting seniors include AI voice cloning, romance scams, tech support fraud, impersonations of banks and government agencies, and investment schemes. Key protective measures include establishing code words with family to verify identity, never sending money to unknown contacts, ignoring unsolicited pop-up and email messages, hanging up and calling back known numbers to verify callers, and remembering that legitimate government agencies contact by mail rather than
wgal.com
News 8 viewers have successfully identified fake invoice scams impersonating PayPal by recognizing suspicious details such as fabricated purchase receipts and fraudulent dispute phone numbers that don't match the legitimate company's contact information. Scammers use these fake invoices to pressure victims into calling provided numbers where they attempt to extract account credentials and personal information under the guise of processing refunds. The article advises recipients of suspicious transaction notifications to independently verify claims by contacting the company directly through official websites or trusted phone numbers rather than using contact information provided in the suspicious message.
justice.gov
The U.S. Attorney's Office, along with Age-Friendly Mecklenburg and AARP-Charlotte, hosted a Walk for Awareness event on June 15, 2024, to highlight World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and increase community recognition of elder exploitation, neglect, and abuse. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals 60 and older filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses from online fraud, with tech support scams, government impersonation, phishing, and romance scams being particularly prevalent threats to older adults.
gobankingrates.com
This educational article outlines 11 common scams expected in 2025 and protective measures for consumers. Key scams include AI-powered fraud (voice cloning, deepfakes, phishing, and fake job postings), check fraud through digital alteration, debt relief scams, and fake package delivery schemes, with seniors particularly targeted through "grandparent scams." The article advises consumers to verify identities before sharing information, use secure payment methods instead of checks, contact legitimate financial institutions directly, and remain vigilant as scammers use advancing technology to make frauds harder to detect.
wbiw.com
Elder fraud incidents rose 14% in 2023, with seniors over 60 losing over $724 million to scams in 2022—more than all other age groups combined. The article identifies five prevalent fraud types targeting seniors: impersonation scams (using AI voice technology), robocalls and phishing, the grandparent scam, sweepstakes scams (costing victims nearly $70 million in 2022), and investment/charity scams (causing $1.2 billion in losses in 2023). Key protective measures include verifying caller identity through alternative channels, hanging up on suspicious calls, confirming situations with family members, and researching
dos.ny.gov
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection issued guidance on elder fraud awareness, reporting that scams targeting adults over 60 caused $3.4 billion in losses in 2023 (an 11% increase from 2022), with average victim losses of $33,915. The advisory outlined common scams affecting older adults including medical device scams, grandparent scams, identity theft targeting deceased persons, jury duty scams, and sweepstakes scams, while recommending protective measures such as avoiding unsolicited calls, not clicking unknown links, and verifying requests through trusted phone numbers.
nny360.com
During World Elder Abuse Month, New York's Department of State highlighted the growing crisis of elder fraud, noting that adults over 60 lost over $3.4 billion in 2023 (an 11% increase from 2022), with the average victim losing $33,915. State officials urged New Yorkers to educate themselves and older family members about common scam tactics, warning that scammers use increasingly sophisticated methods to steal money and personal information, and emphasized the importance of reporting suspected abuse to adult protective services.
mysuncoast.com
A Bradenton senior citizen lost nearly $50,000 after clicking on a phishing message on Facebook that falsely claimed her account was hacked and directed her to call a number for assistance. The Bradenton Police Department warned against similar Facebook messenger scams designed to steal money, advising residents not to click suspicious links or attachments and to report such messages to Facebook immediately.
uppermichiganssource.com
The Ishpeming Multi-Purpose Senior Center hosted a free scam awareness presentation featuring Michigan's Assistant Attorney General Kristen Stinedurf, who addressed phishing, AI scams, and fraud warning signs across calls, texts, mail, and email. The presentation, held in partnership with the Tri-County Office on Aging, targeted seniors new to Medicare and technology who receive frequent scam-related communications, aiming to help attendees recognize and avoid fraud.
ftadviser.com
Geoff Harris lost £3,042.34 to a text scam impersonating his daughter and initially received only £40 reimbursement from HSBC, which he challenged as inadequate. After Harris contacted FT Adviser, HSBC conducted a new review and, considering mitigating circumstances including his diagnosed OCD and anxiety disorder that were triggered by the emotional situation, offered a full refund. The case highlights how banks may initially overlook mental health factors and vulnerable circumstances when assessing scam victim claims.
en.cryptonomist.ch
"Crypto Boy," a Netflix film released in October 2023, dramatizes the true-to-life story of Amir, a boy who lost his life savings and recruited friends and relatives into a cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme after being promised easy returns by a fraudulent investment platform. The film illustrates a widespread problem in the crypto sector, where analysis of 1,450 Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) in 2018 identified 271 as suspicious with approximately $1 billion in fraudulent investments. The scam exemplifies how cryptocurrency schemes use promises of quick earnings and pyramid structures to lure vulnerable victims before operators disappear and funds become inaccessible.
wxii12.com
Chatham County's Department of Social Services hosted a senior resource fair to address the growing problem of financial exploitation targeting vulnerable adults. In 2022, $3 billion was lost to financial exploitation nationwide, with sweetheart scams and exploitation by trusted individuals (such as those with power of attorney) being the most common types reported in Chatham County, where cases have increased from 25% to approximately 33% of all reports. Officials recommend people "see it, stop it, and report it" by recognizing warning signs like unusual money transfers and gift card purchases, immediately contacting banks and law enforcement, and reporting suspected exploitation to adult protective services or the Federal Trade Commission.
prnewswire.com
Blue Shield of California issued a Medicare Fraud Prevention Week alert warning seniors about scammers targeting personal and financial information, noting that healthcare fraud costs up to $300 billion annually in the U.S. and that older adults lost nearly $770 million to call center schemes in 2023—more than all other age groups combined. The health plan recommends Medicare beneficiaries protect themselves by never sharing personal information unsolicited, refusing free offers for medical care, and contacting Medicare directly at 1-800-633-4227 if they suspect fraudulent activity.
wfmynews2.com
Scammers are sending increasingly convincing text messages impersonating USPS, claiming packages cannot be delivered and requesting action within 12 hours, often including fake links and polite language like "We wish you a wonderful day" to appear legitimate. Red flags include the sender being a .com address or regular phone number rather than an official source, and requests for payment to complete delivery. The actual USPS does not send text messages about packages, so recipients should verify delivery status by logging directly into their carrier's account rather than clicking links in unsolicited texts.
securitymagazine.com
A malicious email campaign discovered by Proofpoint sent over 125,000 deceptive messages primarily targeting colleges and universities in North America, offering free pianos and then requesting shipping payment from victims. The scammers used emotional manipulation, such as fabricating stories about deceased family members, to convince targets to send money before disappearing with the funds. As of January 2024, at least one Bitcoin wallet linked to the scheme contained over $900,000 in transactions.
yahoo.com
A Harvard Business School study found that AI-generated phishing emails were as effective as human-created ones, deceiving 60% of participants, while large language models can automate the entire phishing process and reduce scam costs by 95%. Researchers warn that phishing attacks will likely increase drastically in both quality and quantity, though they note that AI tools like Claude can also help detect phishing attempts and recommend defensive strategies such as verifying offers through official company websites.
m.cbs12.com
Port St. Lucie Police reported a surge in text and phone scams in which perpetrators demanded money from residents while making violent threats, using personal information gleaned from social media or government websites and sending intimidating photos to coerce payment, with some falsely claiming cartel affiliations. Fortunately, recent victims recognized these scams as fraudulent and did not pay, and police advised residents to remain vigilant and resist fear-based pressure tactics.
which.co.uk
This Which? article provides consumer awareness about common scams rather than reporting a specific fraud incident. The piece highlights three prevalent scam types: hotel booking fraud where hackers gain access to hotel systems to send phishing messages requesting card details (with 40 reported Booking.com scams in early 2024); phone/broadband provider impersonation calls offering refunds or upgrades while tricking victims into sharing remote access or making unauthorized payments; and hidden subscription scams where victims are charged recurring fees (up to £50/month) through misleading ads and fake QR codes. The article emphasizes that all consumers are vulnerable to sophisticated fraud and recommends awareness and protective measures.
news.blueshieldca.com
**Article:** Blue Shield of California Medicare Fraud Prevention Week Alert
Blue Shield of California warned Medicare beneficiaries during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 3-9, 2024) about scams targeting seniors seeking personal, financial, and health plan information. Healthcare fraud costs the U.S. up to $300 billion annually, with older adults accounting for 40% of call center fraud complaints and 58% of losses—nearly $770 million in 2023, more than all other age groups combined. The organization recommends seniors protect themselves by never sharing personal information, verifying callers through official numbers like 1-800-MEDICARE, reviewing Explanation of Benefits statements
detroitnews.com
Older adults lose an estimated $3.4 billion annually to financial scams (averaging $33,915 per victim), with tech support scams, data breaches, and romance scams being most prevalent due to older adults' assets, trusting nature, and lower likelihood of reporting fraud. Experts recommend protecting against scams through basic data hygiene practices (secure websites, strong passwords, two-factor authentication), using credit cards for online purchases, verifying suspicious communications directly with sources, establishing multiple trusted contacts to monitor accounts, and fostering open conversations about fraud to reduce shame and encourage reporting.
therogersvillereview.com
Phishing scams target seniors through deceptive emails posing as trustworthy entities to steal sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, and personal data. Key warning signs include suspicious sender addresses, spelling errors, unexpected attachments, and artificial urgency or threats. Seniors can protect themselves by enabling two-factor authentication, avoiding clicking links, verifying requests with known contacts, never sharing personal information via email or unsolicited calls, and keeping devices updated with security software.
cbs12.com
Port St. Lucie Police reported a surge in phone and text scams where perpetrators demanded money from residents while making violent threats, using personal information gleaned from social media and government websites along with intimidating images to coerce payment. Some scammers falsely claimed cartel affiliations, though recent victims in the area successfully identified the scams and avoided losing money. Police advise residents to remain vigilant and resist fear-based pressure tactics.
yahoo.com
California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert warning residents of AI-powered scams that impersonate government officials and family members, particularly targeting parents and grandparents with deepfake voice calls claiming a child needs help. The FBI reported grandparent scams alone resulted in nearly $2 million in losses last year, with imposter scams being the most commonly reported fraud type in 2023. Bonta's office provided prevention tips including using family code words, limiting personal audio/video on social media, checking privacy settings, letting unknown calls go to voicemail, and using call-blocking technology.
theage.com.au
This opinion piece provides guidance for victims of scams on steps to take after falling victim to fraud. The article outlines three key actions: immediately report the scam to your bank and contact IDCARE (1800 595 160) to limit recovery losses; remain vigilant against follow-up scams targeting victims with stolen personal information; and develop a financial recovery plan through budgeting adjustments, investment strategy changes, or seeking professional financial advice. The piece emphasizes that scam victims often experience profound emotional and psychological impacts, with one in three victims being scammed multiple times.
the-review.com
Scammers are targeting travelers by creating fake airline websites and customer service numbers to charge for non-existent flights or fabricated cancellations. The BBB Scam Tracker has received multiple reports where victims either paid for tickets on fraudulent sites that were never delivered, or received fake cancellation notices and paid extra fees to "rebook" flights that were never actually canceled. To protect yourself, verify website URLs and phone numbers directly with the airline, research companies on BBB.org before booking, and use credit cards for disputes protection.
uk.movies.yahoo.com
This is not an article about scams, fraud, or elder abuse. It is a standard privacy and cookie consent notice from Yahoo's website. No summarization relevant to the Elderus database is applicable here.
dailyforex.com
Telegram has become a popular platform for Forex scammers to target traders by impersonating legitimate traders or brokers and convincing victims to deposit funds with fake platforms or wallets under their control. Common scam types include copycat channels, phishing schemes, pump-and-dump schemes, romance scams, fake broker impersonation, and fake education programs, with scammers typically using fake account screenshots, grammatical errors, and time-pressure tactics to manipulate victims. Traders can protect themselves by verifying legitimacy through official channels, avoiding unsolicited contacts, never sharing personal details, and being cautious of pressure tactics and guaranteed returns.
states.aarp.org
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong reports that Connecticut consumers lost over $70 million to fraud in 2023, with older Americans particularly targeted not because of generational differences but because they have accumulated savings and steady income sources like Social Security. Tong emphasizes that fraud affects everyone regardless of education or profession, and highlights romance scams as the largest threat to people over 60, where criminals use social media research to build fake relationships before requesting money for emergencies. His office partners with AARP and fellow state attorneys general to combat fraud through public awareness campaigns, though scammers continuously develop new schemes faster than they can be stopped.
readthereporter.com
This educational piece observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) and emphasizes that elder abuse—including physical, emotional, neglect, and financial mistreatment—affects approximately 5 million U.S. older adults annually, with older victims losing roughly $30 billion yearly to financial fraud, yet only one in 14 cases are reported. The article provides prevention guidance including recognizing common scams (lottery schemes, identity theft, phishing), using technology safeguards (bank alerts, direct deposits), maintaining social connections, and leveraging reporting resources such as Adult Protective Services, local law enforcement, and the National Center on Elder Abuse to combat exploitation.
kait8.com
Arvest Bank issued a warning to customers about text message scams that impersonate the bank and use fear tactics to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or providing sensitive information. The bank emphasized that it never initiates contact requesting personal information and advised customers to verify suspicious messages by contacting the bank directly rather than clicking links in unsolicited texts. Common scam indicators include urgent language, requests for personal data, claims of locked cards, and missed delivery notifications.
berkshireeagle.com
Fraud reports exceeded $10 billion in the United States last year, representing a 14% increase from the previous year, with scammers increasingly using sophisticated tactics including phishing, fake urgency, and AI-enhanced schemes. Key prevention strategies include never sharing personal information or online banking credentials with anyone claiming to be from a financial institution or government agency, avoiding unknown callers, and immediately contacting your bank using numbers from official statements rather than online searches if fraud is suspected. A local couple nearly lost $46,000 in a Microsoft impersonation scam but was protected when a bank manager intervened, highlighting the importance of quick action and institutional fraud prevention measures.
chroniclelive.co.uk
This educational article outlines eight common WhatsApp scams and prevention strategies. The scams include impersonation schemes (where fraudsters pose as family members or romantic interests), verification code theft, cryptocurrency and investment fraud, and malware distribution, with each targeting different types of personal information or money from victims. The key advice emphasizes verifying sender identity through independent channels, never sharing sensitive codes or personal data, researching investment opportunities thoroughly, and reporting suspicious activity to WhatsApp and authorities.
cbsaustin.com
The City of Sunset Valley lost $12,000 in a phishing scam in March 2023 when someone impersonated a festival event planner and requested payment via a spoofed email. The fraudster, later identified as 66-year-old Cynthia Louis Dickinson, had compromised the vendor's email account and used prior communication history to make the request appear legitimate; Dickinson then transferred the funds from a coaching service account to her personal account.
powerretail.com.au
Delivery package scams are the most prevalent fraud affecting Australians, with 73% of survey respondents reporting receipt of fake delivery messages and over 25% falling victim to losses, including some exceeding $20,000. Over 80% of Australians receive between one to ten scam texts and calls weekly, with more than half initially believing fraudulent messages were legitimate before detecting the deception. Australia Post warns that scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and urges the public to verify communications, emphasizing that Australia Post never requests personal information, financial details, or payments via unsolicited contact.
ad-hoc-news.de
Globe Telecom in the Philippines implemented Mavenir's SpamShield messaging fraud prevention technology, which achieved a 67% year-on-year reduction in blocked spam and scam SMS messages (from 1.1 billion in Q1 2023 to 362.8 million in Q1 2024) and a 74% decline in bank-related scam messages. Customer-reported scam SMS incidents also fell 44% during the same period, demonstrating the technology's effectiveness in deterring fraudsters by raising technical barriers and reducing profit incentives for scammers.
news-journalonline.com
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 556 into law, which allows financial institutions to delay suspicious transactions from seniors aged 65+ or vulnerable adults for up to 15 business days (extendable to 30 days) while investigating potential fraud. The bill addresses the rising threat of scams targeting elderly Floridians, who lost nearly $294 million to fraud in 2023, with seniors nationwide losing over $3.4 billion that same year to schemes including fake calls, investment fraud, and romance scams. The law takes effect January 1, 2025, and requires banks to notify trusted contacts and develop employee training programs to identify and prevent financial exploitation.
nationalseniors.com.au
Criminals are targeting Australian Age Pension recipients with social media messages and online advertisements promising non-existent "bonus" payments of up to $1,800 from Centrelink, directing victims to fake websites designed to steal personal information. Services Australia warns seniors to only use official government websites and highlights multiple active scams affecting older Australians, including MyGov impersonation, Medicare fraud, fake disaster relief, COVID-19 schemes, and deepfake investment scams that have caused significant financial losses. The Australian government has allocated $67.5 million over four years to combat scamming, but individuals must remain vigilant about unsolicited messages and suspicious links.