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states.aarp.org
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell established a new Elder Justice Unit to combat the frequent and pervasive fraud targeting older residents, with director Mary Freeley coordinating resources across multiple bureaus to enhance prosecution and education. In 2023, Massachusetts consumers reported over 87,000 fraud cases resulting in $142.3 million in losses, though experts note significant underreporting due to shame and lack of awareness. Common scams include impostor fraud targeting bank and government agency impersonation, grandparent scams, and cryptocurrency schemes, with prevention experts recommending victims slow down and avoid emotional reactions that bypass logical thinking.
fallriverreporter.com
A 77-year-old Massachusetts woman lost $9,500 to a "grandparent scam" in which a caller claimed to be her grandson in need of emergency cash for a car accident involving a pregnant woman. When scammers attempted to extract an additional $5,000 by impersonating a federal agent, the victim became suspicious and contacted police, who intercepted the second pickup and apprehended the driver (who was unknowingly hired through a ride-share app). The case remains under investigation, and police are urging public awareness to help prevent this common scheme targeting seniors.
greenwichfreepress.com
Cryptocurrency investment fraud grew 53% in 2023 to $4.5 billion (potentially $75 billion since 2021), primarily driven by "pig butchering" scams where fraudsters build trust with victims through dating apps and social media before directing them to fake investment platforms. Once victims see fabricated profits, scammers pressure them to invest more before disappearing with the funds; the Connecticut State Police recovered nearly $4 million in 2023, though this represents a fraction of total losses. Key warning signs include unsolicited contact, promises of guaranteed high returns, pressure to invest quickly, unregistered investments, and requests for personal information or unconventional payment methods like cryptocurrency
sourceofthespring.com
The U.S. Marshals Service warned against scammers impersonating law enforcement officials who use spoofed government phone numbers, fake badge numbers, and names of real judges to demand payment via Bitcoin ATMs, claiming victims face arrest for identity theft or missed jury duty. The agency clarified that legitimate marshals never demand payment by phone or request financial information, credit card numbers, or wire transfers. Victims should report incidents to the Federal Trade Commission and local law enforcement.
mirror.co.uk
Suzanne Famula, a 39-year-old hairdresser from Hertfordshire, lost £20,810 to Christopher Harris, a 41-year-old serial fraudster she met on dating app Hinge in 2020, who posed as a vulnerable man needing money for medical expenses over five months before she discovered his deception in August 2021. Harris was jailed for 29 months after pleading guilty to fraud by false representation, and Famula is now advocating for romance fraud to be recognized as a specific crime, citing inadequate victim support and a lengthy three-year legal process that significantly impacted her mental health.
shawlocal.com
This letter describes two scams targeting consumers: fake purchase confirmation emails with suspicious attachments designed to trick recipients into clicking links or opening files, and phone impersonators claiming to be from medical facilities who request personal information to "update patient profiles" and likely file fraudulent insurance claims. The writer advises deleting suspicious emails without opening attachments, monitoring bank accounts regularly, and never providing personal information to unsolicited callers—particularly warning that elderly patients with frequent medical visits are vulnerable targets.
freepressjournal.in
On March 30th, RPF Titwala and the Mumbai division crime branch arrested Nandu Bhikan Jadhav for operating a ticket touting scam in which he fraudulently obtained railway tickets using fake email IDs and resold them at inflated prices, with 16 tickets seized from approximately 20 affected passengers. Railway authorities warn the public to purchase tickets only through official channels, as unauthorized purchases can result in penalties and leave buyers vulnerable to exploitation, and are urging passengers to report suspicious ticket sales activities.
mexicodailypost.com
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a major Mexican drug organization, ran a sophisticated timeshare fraud scheme that extracted approximately $40 million from Americans in 2022, with many elderly victims losing their life savings. Operating from call centers in Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, Acapulco, and other tourist destinations, the cartel systematically targeted U.S. timeshare owners over the past decade, generating hundreds of millions annually—revenue now rivaling their drug trafficking operations. The U.S. Treasury and FBI have worked to disrupt the scheme through sanctions and warnings, as the complex fraud continues to victimize thousands of Americans, particularly seniors.
uk.finance.yahoo.com
**Social Security Scams and AI-Enabled Fraud**
Americans aged 60 and older reported $3.1 billion in scam losses in 2022, representing an 84% increase from the previous year, with 88,262 fraud complaints filed that year at an average loss of $35,101 per victim. Fraudsters are increasingly using artificial intelligence to steal Social Security numbers and benefits by creating fake accounts, impersonating public figures through AI-generated videos, and manipulating personal records, with seniors particularly vulnerable due to accumulated savings and lower technological literacy. Experts advise verifying the legitimacy of Social Security communications and watching for AI-generation errors such
boston25news.com
A 77-year-old Hingham woman lost $9,500 in a "grandparent scam" in which a caller impersonated her grandson claiming he needed money after a car accident, followed by a second caller posing as a federal agent who arranged for pickup of the cash via ride-share driver. When the scammers attempted to solicit an additional $5,000 the next day by claiming a miscarriage and legal involvement, the victim became suspicious and contacted police, who intercepted the second payment and apprehended the unknowing ride-share driver. Hingham Police note this mirrors a 2022 incident in which an 87-year-old lost $
ghanaweb.com
Kofi Osei, a 30-year-old Ghanaian national, was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for orchestrating a romance fraud scheme that stole over $8 million from elderly victims between 2016 and 2020. Working with accomplices, Osei created fake identities and opened 77 bank accounts to receive and launder fraud proceeds, with specific victims deceived into sending $200,000 and $65,000 based on false claims about overseas emergencies involving fictitious romantic partners. In addition to his prison sentence, Osei was ordered to pay $4.1 million in restitution.
natwest.com
This is an educational resource from NatWest Bank outlining fraud prevention strategies and reporting procedures. The bank provides tools including security scoring, biometric authentication, and step-by-step guides to help customers identify and avoid common scams such as holiday fraud and romance scams, while offering support through Victim Support services for those who have been defrauded.
thethaiger.com
A 51-year-old South Korean fugitive was arrested in Thailand after orchestrating a sophisticated call centre scam from China that defrauded six South Korean victims of approximately $150,000 (200 million won) in just two weeks through manipulated phone calls and text messages. In related enforcement actions, Thai authorities dismantled a major call-centre syndicate operating across Thailand, China, and Russia, arresting 71 suspects (52 Chinese nationals and 19 Thai accomplices), and also arrested five individuals for operating a romance scam that swindled a Thai millionaire of over 63 million baht over six years.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
A 40-year-old man from Thane was defrauded of Rs 23 lakh in an online stock market investment scam after encountering a Facebook advertisement that led him to a fraudulent WhatsApp group promising lucrative trading returns. The scammers provided fake training, instructed him to invest in specific stocks, and routed his money through their own bank accounts under the guise of legitimate investments. When the victim attempted to withdraw his funds, he was told of a technical glitch and the scammers subsequently became unreachable.
usaherald.com
In September 2022, Bridlewood Estates HOA's treasurer fell victim to a wire fraud scheme and transferred $124,000 to a hacker impersonating an Aztec Paving project manager. State Farm denied coverage under the HOA's directors and officers (D&O) insurance policy, but a California federal court ruled against the insurer, finding that the treasurer's negligent acts fell within the policy's coverage scope. The ruling emphasizes that insurers must carefully evaluate underlying facts before denying claims and that D&O policies without explicit contractual liability exclusions may provide coverage for fraud-related losses.
wmtv15news.com
A 23-year-old Chicago man was arrested in Verona, Wisconsin after nearly defrauding an elderly woman of $30,000 through a tech support scam. The suspect posed as an IRS agent after the victim received a fake virus warning on her computer, was directed to call fake "Apple Support," and was told she needed to withdraw cash to prove she wasn't involved in criminal activity. Police arrested the suspect after receiving an anonymous tip and conducting surveillance of the victim's residence.
news.yahoo.com
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, 58, pleaded not guilty after being indicted on multiple felony charges including elder exploitation, identity fraud, and mortgage fraud related to her relationship with a 96-year-old constituent whose bank accounts and properties she controlled. According to civil court filings and law enforcement, Hill allegedly drained approximately $100,000 from the elderly woman's accounts between 2021 and the present to fund personal expenses including home renovations, clothing, cosmetic surgery, and a Miami hotel stay, while also using the victim's resources to purchase property. Hill faces up to 180 years in prison if convicted on all counts and has been ordered to cease contact with the victim's homes an
yahoo.com
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, 58, pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges including elder exploitation, identity fraud, mortgage fraud, and scheming to defraud after being indicted by a grand jury for allegedly exploiting a 96-year-old constituent. According to civil court filings, Hill gained power of attorney over the elderly woman starting in 2021 and allegedly drained approximately $100,000 from her bank accounts to fund home renovations, personal expenses, and a house purchase, while living in one of the victim's properties. If convicted on all charges, Hill faces up to 180 years in prison.
justice.gov
Carla Magaly Alcedo Mendoza, a 43-year-old from Lima, Peru, was extradited to the United States to face federal charges for operating call center fraud schemes from 2013 to 2018 that targeted Spanish-speaking Americans. Alcedo and her co-conspirators falsely posed as representatives of universities and government agencies, luring victims with promises of financial assistance for English language programs, then extorted them by demanding payment for fabricated fees and threatening legal action or arrest. This marks the fourteenth arrest and tenth extradition in the investigation; if convicted on all 18 counts, Alcedo faces up to 20 years in prison per count.
witn.com
In 2024, imposter scams remain the most commonly reported fraud category, with emerging threats including AI scams, synthetic identity fraud, and fake charity schemes. One Pitt County resident lost over $12,000 after scammers posed as Microsoft support and convinced her to call a fraudulent number, highlighting how scammers use fear tactics to manipulate victims. Experts recommend staying calm when receiving suspicious emails or calls, avoiding clicking links or calling provided numbers, and contacting legitimate technology professionals for verification.
dauphin.crimewatchpa.com
On March 28th, Swatara Township Police Department partnered with PSECU and multiple law enforcement agencies to host a Senior Fraud Forum at the PSECU building in Harrisburg, PA, where over 200 seniors attended in-person or online to learn about preventing fraud targeting older adults. Law enforcement specialists from Dauphin County, including Detective Chris Seiler and representatives from state police, the PA Attorney General's Office, and the U.S. Postal Inspector's office, conducted panel discussions to address seniors' questions about scams and fraud prevention strategies. The forum was designed to combat the significant increases in fraud cases against seniors that have occurred in recent years.
theadvocate.com
On March 18, representatives from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office Financial Crimes Division presented to the GFWC Lagniappe Club about senior financial scams, providing awareness and educational information to help protect elderly community members from fraud.
dfpi.ca.gov
This educational resource outlines common investment scams including Ponzi schemes, boiler room scams, pump-and-dump schemes, advance fee fraud, crypto scams, and affinity fraud that exploit trust within specific communities. Key red flags to avoid include guaranteed returns, artificial urgency, unclear information, unsolicited offers, and promises that seem too good to be true. Consumers are advised to conduct independent research, request verified financial statements, and report suspected scams to authorities.
clarechampion.ie
This Irish awareness article highlights the rising sophistication of financial scams and provides protective measures for potential victims. Key scam types targeting young people include money muling (using personal bank accounts to launder stolen funds, which carries criminal penalties), ticket fraud for sold-out events, and phishing schemes, with victims losing €8.6 million in the first half of 2023. The article advises protecting finances through strong passwords, two-factor authentication, vigilance against unsolicited contact, and using only official vendors for ticket purchases.
fox13news.com
A Highlands County business and a related construction company fell victim to an elaborate $60,725 fraud scheme involving email hacking and romance scam elements. Taufiq Kailani, 47, was arrested in March after a multi-year FDLE investigation; he hacked into one company's email to send fraudulent wire instructions while simultaneously convincing an elderly woman to open a bank account and withdraw the stolen funds as part of a romance scam. The money was subsequently sent overseas and remains unrecovered, highlighting the importance of verifying financial requests through direct phone contact rather than relying on email alone.
the-sun.com
Valerie of Illinois lost nearly $100,000 in a PayPal phishing scam that began with fraudulent billing emails in January 2023. After calling a number in the suspicious emails, a scammer convinced her to download remote access software, then manipulated her account to make it appear he had deposited $100,000 while actually stealing that amount from her savings. She eventually received a full refund in February after local news coverage prompted Blue Ridge Bank to assist, though her initial fraud report from Chase Bank had been declined.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
A 47-year-old woman in Trichy was defrauded of 8.6 lakh rupees by online scammers who lured her through a social media clickbait offering fake stock market investment opportunities. After clicking the link and making an online payment in March, the scammers ceased communication and the victim realized she had been deceived, prompting her to file a complaint with the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. Trichy city cybercrime police initiated an investigation into the case.
patch.com
A 22-year-old man named Zhi Gao was sentenced to two years of probation for his role in defrauding a 65-year-old San Diego woman of over $200,000 in life savings through a multi-stage scam. The scam began with a fake Microsoft pop-up message on her computer, escalated to fraudulent Chase Bank calls claiming account fraud, and resulted in the victim making multiple cash withdrawals of $20,000-$30,000 that she handed to couriers; Gao was arrested during a sting operation while attempting to collect a final $30,000 payment, and has paid $30,000 in restitution
morningjournal.com
Scammers impersonating U.S. Marshals, court officers, and law enforcement officials are calling victims claiming they owe fines for identity theft, missed jury duty, or civil violations, then pressuring them to pay immediately via cash deposits to bitcoin ATMs to avoid arrest. The scammers use spoofed government phone numbers, real badge numbers, and actual official names to appear credible. The U.S. Marshals Service clarified that it never demands payment by phone or requests financial information, and victims should report such calls to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.
tampafp.com
A husband and wife from Burlington County, New Jersey (Martins Friday Inalegwu and Steincy Mathieu), along with a third codefendant, pleaded guilty to tax evasion and unlawful money-transmitting charges for their roles in a romance fraud scheme that defrauded over 100 victims of more than $4.5 million between October 2016 and May 2020. The conspirators, some based in Nigeria, posed as romantic interests on dating sites, built relationships with victims, and requested money for fake emergencies, which they then spent on personal expenses or transferred to overseas accounts without paying taxes.
ici.radio-canada.ca
Richmond, B.C. RCMP warned of a surge in romance-investment scams that cost victims over $16 million in 2023, with 87 reported cases that year and another 12 cases totaling nearly $500,000 in losses between January and March 2024. Scammers groom victims through dating websites and social media over weeks or months, building trust before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes, often involving cryptocurrencies and fake investment returns. Police also issued a warning about a "speeding ticket" text scam designed to steal personal and financial information by directing victims to a fake website mimicking the government's legitimate PayBC payment portal.
tampabay.com
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill was indicted on charges of elder exploitation, identity fraud, mortgage fraud, and scheming to defraud after allegedly abusing her power of attorney over a 96-year-old constituent to drain approximately $100,000 from the woman's bank accounts between 2021 and the investigation period, using the funds for personal expenses including home renovations, cosmetic surgery, and luxury items. Hill faced three counts of elder exploitation, two counts of identity fraud, and single counts of mortgage fraud and scheming to defraud of at least $50,000, and was held on a $40,000 bond. The city indicated that if suspended by the governor, a special election would be hel
newsdaytonabeach.com
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, 63, was arrested for allegedly exploiting a 96-year-old woman in her district by withdrawing over $100,000 from the victim's savings account for personal use. Hill was charged with three counts of exploitation of the elderly, two counts of fraud, and one count each of mortgage fraud and scheme to defraud, with a temporary protective injunction issued to sever contact between Hill and the victim. A former aide of Hill's served as a whistleblower after being terminated for raising concerns about the commissioner's misconduct.
wmfe.org
**Summary:**
Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill was arrested on charges of elderly abuse and fraud, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The article also includes information on elder fraud prevention resources, including AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline (1-877-908-3360), and covers additional Orlando-area news regarding anti-squatting legislation and a community celebration of Mister Rogers' legacy.
wtsp.com
A 26-year-old Pinellas County man was arrested and charged with two counts of felony exploitation of elderly or disabled adults after stealing approximately $69,300 from two vulnerable victims he was close to by gaining access to their bank accounts and using the funds for personal expenses, including a house down payment. The victims were evicted from assisted living facilities as a result of depleted funds and forced to move in with the defendant in the home he purchased with their money. The case highlights a broader problem in Florida, where over 8,100 fraud reports involving seniors aged 60+ were filed in the past year, resulting in losses exceeding $290 million.
wkow.com
The Dane County Sheriff's Office reports that artificial intelligence is being increasingly used in "Grandparent Scams," where scammers use AI-generated voice recordings created from online videos to impersonate grandchildren in distress and convince seniors to send money. The scam has become more convincing and effective at stealing thousands of dollars from vulnerable elderly victims. Authorities recommend tightening social media privacy settings, hanging up and independently calling family members to verify claims, and reporting suspected scams to local law enforcement.
nbcphiladelphia.com
Three New Jersey residents—married couple Martins Friday Inalegwu and Steincy Mathieu, plus Oluwaseyi Fatolu—pleaded guilty to operating a romance scam from 2016 to 2020 that defrauded over 100 victims of $4.5 million. The defendants posed as romantic interests on dating sites and social media to convince victims to send money for fictitious emergencies, with funds wired to U.S. bank accounts, mailed as checks, or transferred overseas to accomplices in Nigeria and Turkey, while the defendants spent proceeds on personal expenses and cash withdrawals.
summitdaily.com
The Summit County Sheriff's Office warned residents of ongoing telephone fraud schemes in which callers impersonate law enforcement and claim victims have outstanding warrants or missed jury duty, demanding payment via prepaid credit cards or gift cards. The Sheriff's Office emphasized that legitimate law enforcement will never call to demand electronic payments and advised residents to hang up on suspicious calls and verify caller identity by independently calling non-emergency dispatch.
cbc.ca
Richmond, B.C. RCMP warned of a significant rise in romance investment scams in 2023, with 87 reported cases resulting in over $16 million in losses, continuing into 2024 with 12 cases and nearly $500,000 lost in just three months. These "long-con" scams involve fraudsters grooming victims through dating websites and social media over weeks or months, building trust before convincing them to invest in fake schemes often involving cryptocurrencies and displaying fabricated returns. The RCMP also warned of a separate "speeding ticket" phishing scam using text messages with fake government websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
nj.com
A New Jersey married couple, Martins Friday Inalegwu (35) and Steincy Mathieu (27), admitted to stealing at least $4.5 million from over 100 victims through an online romance scam operating from October 2016 to May 2020, using dating websites and social media to build fake relationships before requesting money for fabricated emergencies. The perpetrators received funds via wire transfers, checks, Western Union, MoneyGram, and international bank accounts in Turkey and Nigeria, and also failed to pay taxes on the stolen money. Inalegwu pleaded guilty to money transmitting violations and tax evasion, while Mathieu
cbc.ca
Between January 2023 and March 2024, Richmond, B.C. RCMP reported 99 romance scam cases totaling over $16 million in losses, with scammers using dating websites and social media to build trust with victims over weeks or months before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes, often involving cryptocurrencies. The article also warns of a separate "speeding ticket scam" where fake text messages direct victims to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial information by impersonating official government traffic violation notices.
ghanaweb.com
Ghanaian social media influencer Mona Faiz Montrage (Hajia4Reall) pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money from romance scams targeting older Americans, facing up to five years in prison and ordered to forfeit and pay restitution of $2,164,758.41. The scams victimized elderly Americans through fraudulent romantic relationships that resulted in financial theft. Montrage was arrested abroad and her case was prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice's Southern District of New York.
goldrushcam.com
Former licensed insurance agent Brett E. Lovett was found guilty of 29 felony counts including grand theft, elder abuse, and money laundering for defrauding at least nine victims, including senior citizens, of approximately $1.2 million between 2011 and 2016. Lovett befriended vulnerable victims at places of worship and through a legal aid business, then misappropriated their money intended for nonexistent investments or financial management by using powers of attorney and promissory notes. This conviction followed a prior 2007 CFTC case in which Lovett was ordered to pay over $675,000 in restitution for commodity futures fraud, penalties he never
justice.gov
Angel Giancarlo Bellido Cosio and Angel Eugenio Bances Chaponan, both Peruvian citizens, were indicted on federal charges of credit card fraud and identity theft for operating a distraction theft scheme at Trader Joe's and other retail stores across the United States. The defendants rented vehicles using fraudulent passports, stole wallets from victims, and then used the stolen credit and debit cards to purchase electronic devices and other merchandise. Both men were arrested on March 13, 2024, and face up to 10 years imprisonment for access device fraud plus a mandatory 2-year consecutive sentence for aggravated identity theft.
abc.net.au
Jo O'Brien lost her $500,000 divorce settlement after being deceived by scammers who impersonated AMP employees through a fake comparison website and convinced her to transfer funds into what she believed was her own investment account but was actually controlled by a fraudulent shell company called Supercheap Security. Over $1.3 million from multiple victims was funneled through a NAB bank account, and O'Brien alleges the bank was slow to freeze the account even after she reported the fraud, allowing an additional $275,000 to be transferred overseas. The account operator, Hassan Mehdi, was arrested attempting to leave Australia but charges were later dropped, with the case highlighting vulner
ktemnews.com
This educational piece provides five key scam prevention tips for Texas residents: legitimate prizes do not require upfront payment; real law enforcement will not threaten arrest or deportation by phone to collect debts; legitimate businesses allow time for decision-making rather than pressuring immediate commitment; scammers use untraceable payment methods like wire transfers and gift cards; and government agencies will never call unsolicited to request sensitive personal information. The advice emphasizes recognizing pressure tactics, verifying caller identity, and avoiding irreversible payment methods as primary safeguards against common fraud schemes.
welivesecurity.com
Loan fraud is surging as financial pressures from inflation and rising costs push vulnerable populations to seek credit, with scammers exploiting this desperation through various schemes. Common tactics include advance-fee fraud (requesting upfront payments for loans that never materialize), student loan forgiveness scams, phishing for personal information, and malicious loan apps—with victims in the UK losing an average of £255 ($323) per incident. Those most at risk are young people, seniors, low-income households, and individuals with poor credit scores who are targeted because they're most likely to be desperate for quick funding.
investopedia.com
Pig butchering scams are a sophisticated investment fraud scheme in which scammers create fake online identities to build trust with victims before stealing their money, often through fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. The scams use social engineering, AI-generated content, and emotional manipulation to exploit victims' vulnerabilities, with billions of dollars in global losses reported. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited messages, verify financial advice independently, and immediately report any suspected scam to your bank and law enforcement.
vancouversun.com
Richmond RCMP reported a significant rise in romance-investment scams in 2023, with victims losing over $16 million across 87 reported cases, and an additional 12 cases reported in early 2024 resulting in nearly $500,000 in losses. These "long-con scams" involve criminals grooming victims over weeks or months through dating websites and social media, building trust before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes, often involving cryptocurrencies and fake investment returns. Police advise the public to be skeptical of unsolicited romantic contacts, especially from attractive profiles, and note that legitimate romantic interests should not involve requests for money.
nationalpost.com
Richmond, B.C. residents lost over $16 million to romance-investment scams in 2023, with 87 reported cases involving criminals who groomed victims over weeks or months through dating websites and social media before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes, typically involving cryptocurrencies. Police noted an alarming continuation of the trend with 12 additional cases reported in early 2024 resulting in nearly $500,000 in losses, and suspect actual victim numbers are higher due to underreporting stemming from embarrassment or fear. Authorities advise the public to be skeptical of unsolicited romantic contacts, especially from unusually attractive profiles or strangers promising investment returns.