Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 22,013 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
11,667 results
in Scam Awareness
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2025-12-08
Blockchain analysts report that online scammers are shortening the duration of scams and creating new fraudulent schemes at an accelerated pace to avoid detection, with 43% of cryptocurrency flowing to scam wallets in 2024 originating from newly created accounts. The average scam duration has collapsed from 271 days in 2020 to 42 days in 2024, while "pig butchering" romance scams—where victims are deceived into fake investments—remain highly lucrative, with one Myanmar-based operation netting $100 million year-to-date. Illicit cryptocurrency marketplaces like Huione Guarantee have processed billions in transactions and enabled these scams to
kjct8.com
· 2025-12-08
Online used car scams commonly involve stolen vehicles, salvaged vehicles misrepresented as undamaged, VIN swaps, and fraudulent titles being sold through platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. To protect themselves, buyers should research vehicle history using resources like CarFax or Kelley Blue Book, verify the seller's identity, inspect the car in person, take test drives, and avoid sharing personal information until confident in the purchase. Security experts recommend bringing a knowledgeable person to evaluate the vehicle or consulting a dealership if uncertain about a car's condition.
fox61.com
· 2025-12-08
The Town of Plymouth, Connecticut fell victim to a social engineering scam in which fraudsters, after hacking a town vendor's email account, sent fake invoices with incorrect payment instructions to the Finance Department, resulting in two unauthorized payments of $104,150 each totaling $208,300. The town's finance director resigned, and the incident has been reported to local police, the FBI, and the town's insurance company, which is expected to cover the loss.
13wmaz.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in Monroe County, Georgia have been targeting grieving families by impersonating funeral home employees and demanding payment for funeral services, threatening to cancel arrangements if payment isn't made. A recent victim lost thousands of dollars before realizing they had already paid the funeral home in full, with scammers exploiting families' vulnerability during their time of grief. Authorities recommend contacting your funeral home director directly before making phone payments and reporting suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission and local sheriff's office.
cbs12.com
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old Belle Glade woman was accused of insurance fraud after surveillance video showed her intentionally staging a fall at a Winn-Dixie store in May 2023. The footage allegedly captured Williams unscrewing a water bottle to create a spill, then deliberately falling into it—contradicting her claim that she slipped on an existing liquid. Investigators also discovered she had previously filed a similar slip-and-fall claim against Walmart, leading the Florida Department of Financial Services to charge her with insurance fraud.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Amy lost $16,000 from her ubank account after falling victim to a common scam where fraudsters impersonated bank staff, obtained her security details via a fake verification process, and authorized push payments to steal her savings; only $7 was recovered. Neobanks and digital banking platforms create vulnerability to fraud through instant payments to new accounts, limited customer service accessibility, and the difficulty in detecting and recovering funds once scammers move money overseas or to cryptocurrency platforms. The National Anti-Scam Centre reported ubank appeared in at least 490 complaints in the prior year with total losses exceeding $500,000.
gov.mo
· 2025-12-08
Fans of a well-known Mainland Chinese boy band became victims of an online ticket scam in Macao, with at least 24 victims reporting losses exceeding 210,000 Macao Patacas since August 23rd. Fraudsters posed as ticket sellers on social media, collected advance payments or deposits, and then ceased contact on the concert day without delivering tickets. Authorities advise purchasing tickets only through official channels and licensed retailers, avoiding unofficial private sellers, and using the Judiciary Police's anti-fraud resources to verify legitimacy.
2news.com
· 2025-12-08
Washoe County partnered with the Better Business Bureau to educate seniors about common scams, as fraud targeting this population is increasing. Imposter scams (posing as Social Security, revenue agencies, or retailers like Amazon) are most frequently reported, while investment, cryptocurrency, and romance scams pose the highest financial risk to those 65 and older; scammers often use phone calls rather than online methods, exploiting seniors' likelihood of answering calls. The BBB emphasizes that reporting scams—even those without financial loss—is critical since only about 5% of victims report fraud, and encouraging community reporting helps prevent others from becoming victims.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
A 20-year nationwide telemarketing scheme defrauded over 150,000 elderly and vulnerable Americans of approximately $300 million through bogus magazine subscriptions and fake cancellation services. Anthony Eugene Moulder and Abdou-Rahmane Diallo, among 64 defendants from 14 states and Canada, were sentenced to prison (10 and 7.5 years respectively) after pleading guilty; Moulder's operation alone scammed $86.6 million by using deceptive sales scripts, while Diallo's scheme collected $30 million by posing as a cancellation service. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection
2news.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment and cryptocurrency scams pose the highest fraud risk for seniors aged 65 and older, with romance scams ranking as the second most prevalent threat. Senior citizens are increasingly falling victim to scams, according to Better Business Bureau experts who emphasize the need for targeted prevention awareness among this vulnerable population.
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Perth widow Maggie Ayres lost tens of thousands of dollars in a romance scam involving a man named "Bryan" who used deepfake technology to impersonate an American real estate agent on video calls and claimed to work on an oil rig. Ayres discovered the fraud when a technical glitch revealed the scammer's actual face during a video call, and authorities report that deepfake-enabled romance scams have affected multiple Western Australian victims, with the state losing $3.7 million to romance fraud in 2023 and $2.9 million already by mid-2024.
7news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A Perth woman lost tens of thousands of dollars to a romance scammer who used deepfake artificial intelligence to disguise his identity as "Brian," a supposed Sydney engineer working on an oil rig. The scammer built trust through fake documents and video calls with digital filters, then exploited her vulnerability following her husband's death by requesting money for fabricated emergencies on the rig, with the victim only discovering the deception when a technical glitch exposed his real appearance during a video call. This case is part of a broader pattern in Western Australia, where romance and dating scams drained $2.9 million from 26 victims in the year covered by the report, leaving the victim emotionally devastated and financially dependent
miragenews.com
· 2025-12-08
This awareness piece highlights sophisticated investment scams targeting Australians, particularly "pig butchering" schemes where scammers build trust over weeks or months before soliciting cryptocurrency investments. A Queensland victim lost approximately $244,000 AUD after being befriended on Facebook by a scammer who gradually encouraged increasingly larger investments in cryptocurrency, promising substantial returns; when the victim attempted to withdraw funds, the scammer blocked all contact. Recent data from the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre shows Australians lost at least $180 million to cryptocurrency investment scams in 12 months, with nearly half of all investment scam losses involving cryptocurrency and victims now more likely
finder.com.au
· 2025-12-08
An ANZ customer nearly lost AUD $50,000 to a romance scam involving a woman he met online who claimed her father had left her USD $1.5 million and needed him to send funds for taxes; ANZ's fraud team identified red flags and prevented the transfer. The article outlines six common romance scam scenarios and warning signs, including scammers expressing quick affection, avoiding video calls, and requesting money either directly or indirectly, as part of Scams Awareness Week 2024 education efforts highlighting that approximately 2.5% of Australians have experienced scams.
lycoming.crimewatchpa.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides guidance on avoiding internet and social media scams, which have risen significantly in recent years. Key prevention strategies include being skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, protecting personal information, verifying website legitimacy (https://), using strong passwords, and avoiding suspicious links and attachments. For victims who have lost money, the article recommends immediately notifying credit card companies and banks, reporting to police, and provides the Williamsport Police Department's non-emergency contact number for local residents.
smartcompany.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Australians lost $2.74 billion to scams, with small businesses facing particular risk from phishing, compromised email accounts, false billing, supply scams, and overpayment schemes. ASIC reported removing approximately 20 scam sites daily, highlighting the scale and sophistication of fraud targeting Australian businesses. Key protective measures include verifying email legitimacy, double-checking payment requests, maintaining updated software, training employees to recognize suspicious activity, monitoring online presence, and implementing strong password policies.
bankinfosecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Job seekers in cybersecurity are increasingly targeted by fraudulent job postings that exploit the field's high demand and remote work prevalence. Common scam tactics include requests for personal information (Social Security numbers, identification), unusually high salaries with quick hiring processes, vague job descriptions, and unprofessional communication. Job applicants can protect themselves by researching companies directly, contacting employers through official websites, and remaining skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
choosework.ssa.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines five key warning signs to identify work-from-home job scams: positions offering unusually high pay or requiring minimal qualifications, companies lacking an online presence or verifiable information, employers requesting upfront payment during the application process, communication through unofficial platforms like WhatsApp, and job offers extended without conducting interviews. Scammers typically seek personal information for identity fraud and money through fake checks or equipment fees, while legitimate employers maintain professional websites, use standard communication channels, and conduct thorough screening processes.
krgv.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybersecurity experts warn travelers to avoid common scams including fake vacation rental listings, fraudulent hotel payment calls, counterfeit concert tickets, and phishing texts about unpaid tolls. To protect yourself, book through reputable sites, verify listings before paying, avoid wire transfers and prepaid cards, call businesses directly to confirm requests, and monitor your bank and credit accounts while traveling. Victims of travel scams can contact the Identity Theft Resource Center at 888-400-5530.
multivu.com
· 2025-12-08
Crimes against seniors resulted in over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, with more than 100,000 complaints filed by people over 60—an 11% increase from the previous year, according to FBI data. Common senior scams employ tactics such as demanding urgent payment, requesting non-conventional payment methods (wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards), or threatening to contact authorities. Red flags include unsolicited emails, calls, or texts using pressure tactics, and victims or their families can report suspected fraud to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
nuggetnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A resident of Sisters, Oregon fell victim to a Facebook Marketplace firewood scam and is warning others to avoid similar fraud. The scammer used tactics including immediate questionnaire popups and falsely claiming to have oak firewood (unavailable in Central Oregon); the victim worked with authorities to disable a dozen scam pages and recommends paying only on cash-on-delivery terms to avoid upfront payment theft.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
An X user received and publicly shared a message from a scammer impersonating Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, who claimed to be stranded at Delhi's Connaught Place and requested ₹500 for a cab fare, promising repayment after reaching court. The obvious scam—which included the detail "Sent from iPad" to appear legitimate—went viral with over 200,000 views and drew humorous responses from social media users mocking the fraudster's transparently fake impersonation.
wa.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
Two Western Australian victims lost over $1.4 million combined to romance scammers in recent weeks, with one victim transferring $825,000 for relocation costs and another losing at least $600,000 to a fake cryptocurrency investment scheme. The scammers employed multiple tactics including coaching victims to evade bank questions, using deepfake AI technology to manipulate video calls, and dragging victims into secondary scams as money mules and fake recovery schemes. Western Australia has recorded $2.9 million in losses across 26 romance scam victims in 2024, prompting authorities to warn people never to transfer money to online-only contacts and to be wary of love interests unw
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Brookdale Senior Living released educational guidance on protecting seniors from fraud, noting that crimes against seniors totaled over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, with more than 100,000 complaints filed by people over 60—an 11% increase from the previous year. The article identifies common scam types including tech support scams, romance scams, investment schemes, and non-payment fraud, advising seniors to recognize red flags such as urgent demands for payment, requests for wire transfers or cryptocurrency, and threats from authorities. Resources provided include awareness information at Brookdale.com and the National Elder Fraud Hotline (833-372-8311) for reporting suspecte
floridatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors are frequently targeted by scammers who exploit their trust and financial stability, with elder fraud causing over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023 and an average victim loss of $33,915. Common scams include fraudulent phone calls impersonating banks or family members, phishing emails and texts, fake charities, Medicare/insurance schemes, tech support scams, and romance scams (which resulted in $1.3 billion in losses in 2022). The article advises seniors to be skeptical of unsolicited contact, verify organizations directly before donating or sharing information, and report suspected scams to the FTC, Department of Justice, or AARP.
abcactionnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI and Sarasota County Sheriff's Office warned of an increase in sophisticated scams targeting senior citizens in which fraudsters impersonate tech support or government officials, convince victims to liquidate assets into cash or precious metals, and then dispatch couriers to collect the money before disappearing. Victims have reported losses exceeding $300,000, and authorities recommend hanging up on scammers, avoiding suspicious links, and reporting incidents to law enforcement immediately.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A GOBankingRates survey found that Gen Z and millennials fall victim to financial scams at higher rates than older generations, with 35% experiencing phone-related scams compared to 25% of Gen Xers, and 18% of Gen Zers victimized by Social Security scams versus less than 2% of seniors. Fraud prevention experts attribute this vulnerability to younger generations' greater trust in digital platforms, overconfidence in spotting scams, financial pressures, and exposure to recruitment into fraudulent activities on social media, despite 81% of Gen Z believing they can identify AI-generated fraud.
nbcbayarea.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau reported over 250 cases in the past year of people losing money to text message scams in which fraudsters impersonate legitimate companies like retailers, utilities, and the postal service. Scammers use these impersonations to trick victims into revealing personal information or making payments. Recipients of suspicious text messages should avoid responding or clicking links and can report suspected scams using the BBB's free scam tracker.
fox23maine.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that college students are increasingly targeted by scams as the fall semester begins, with fraudsters exploiting this vulnerable population through schemes involving fake scholarships, grants, credit cards, apartments, online shopping, test preparation, and secret shopping jobs. According to BBB representative Cinthya Lavin, scams targeting college students have risen significantly in recent years, and students should be cautious about sharing personal information online and verifying the legitimacy of organizations they interact with.
dispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
The Ohio Turnpike warns of a resurgence of "smishing" scams where fraudsters impersonate toll authorities via text messages to collect payment for fake unpaid tolls and obtain personal financial information. The scam, first identified in April 2024, targets drivers across Ohio and Michigan with fake text links to fraudulent payment websites; the Ohio Turnpike clarifies it never requests payment by text and only uses ezpassoh.com and ohioturnpike.org for legitimate transactions. Consumers are advised to avoid clicking unknown links or replying to suspicious texts, report scams to the FBI's IC3, and verify toll accounts through official websites and customer service numbers.
indeonline.com
· 2025-12-08
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission is warning of ongoing "smishing" (SMS phishing) scams where fraudsters impersonate toll authorities via text messages to trick drivers into clicking malicious links and revealing personal financial information. The scams, which first emerged in April 2024, are particularly relevant ahead of the Labor Day weekend when travelers are on toll roads; the Ohio Turnpike reminds customers that it never requests payments by text and that only ezpassoh.com and ohioturnpike.org are legitimate payment websites. To protect themselves, drivers should avoid clicking unknown links, delete suspicious texts, keep devices updated, and report any smishing attempts to the FBI's IC3
wfmynews2.com
· 2025-12-08
Online shopping scams exploit consumers by creating fake websites that closely mimic legitimate retailers like Amazon, with 50% of victims reporting they fell for the deal because the price seemed too good to resist. Scammers use cheap phishing kits and domain registration services to build convincing fakes with URLs like "Amazon-id.net" instead of the legitimate "Amazon.com." Consumers can protect themselves by carefully scrutinizing URLs and remembering that legitimate company sites use the format "companyname.com" without hyphens or extra words before the domain extension.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Seven Maryland residents lost a combined $6.3 million in a gold bar scam where fraudsters posed as federal agents and claimed to be safeguarding assets from identity theft or foreign threats, directing victims to convert cash into gold bars for courier pickup by fake "FBI agents." The Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office believes approximately 20 victims total were targeted in what officials describe as organized crime with international links to India and China, with scammers able to transport the untraceable gold across borders. Seniors are particularly vulnerable, with people over 60 reporting $3.4 billion in cyber fraud losses nationally in 2023.
thirteen.org
· 2025-12-08
At an AARP fraud prevention summit in Edison, New Jersey, experts including AARP's Kathy Stokes challenged the misconception that older adults are the most vulnerable to phone, text, and social media fraud. The summit, attended by more than 250 people, highlighted various fraud prevention strategies and raised awareness about the actual risk factors for financial exploitation.
uk.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This article identifies common red flags for financial scams, including unsolicited communications, poor grammar, unfamiliar sender information, requests for specific personal data, and time-sensitive offers. Financial experts explain why people still fall victim despite these warning signs: scammers use increasingly sophisticated techniques, AI-generated messages, spoofed contact information, and psychological pressure tactics to appear legitimate. Additional red flags include too-good-to-be-true investment promises, lack of online presence, pressure tactics, requests for unusual payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency, and impersonation of trusted organizations.
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
Imposter scams were the FTC's top-reported fraud type in 2023, resulting in $2.7 billion in losses, with a current trend of deceptive emails and texts falsely claiming subscriptions are expiring or have been renewed to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or providing payment information. Victims who click these links risk fraudulent charges, identity theft, and malware installation on their devices. To avoid these scams, consumers should verify messages independently by logging into accounts through official channels, scrutinize sender email addresses and message language for red flags, contact businesses directly using verified phone numbers, and avoid providing payment information in response to unsolicited messages.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Moving scams are prevalent, with the Better Business Bureau receiving 5,918 complaints against moving companies in 2023, and victims losing a median of $350. Common scams include stolen belongings, false quotes with inflated prices on moving day, non-refundable deposits where movers never appear, hostage loads where movers refuse to unload until additional payment is made, and unexpected charges for labor or supplies. To protect yourself, research companies using the FMCSA database and BBB, verify they have a physical address and U.S. DOT number, obtain multiple in-home estimates, keep detailed written documentation, use credit cards for payment, and supervise the move while using
media.anz.com
· 2025-12-08
ANZ reported a 49% reduction in customer scam losses between October 2023 and June 2024, preventing over $100 million in funds from reaching cybercriminals, while implementing multiple protective measures including AI-based scam detection, cryptocurrency payment restrictions, and enhanced customer education. The bank identified online platforms as the most common scam source (45% of reports), followed by telephone/SMS and email, and emphasized that community awareness and victim willingness to share experiences are critical to combating increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 68-year-old NAB customer lost $10,000 after scammers impersonating Microsoft gained remote access to his computer and convinced him they needed his help catching fraudsters at his bank. A vigilant NAB fraud analyst detected the suspicious transaction and helped recover the full amount after the customer disconnected immediately. The incident highlights the sophistication of remote access scams, which have cost Australians over $4.7 million this year as part of $134 million in total scam losses.
wsaz.com
· 2025-12-08
I appreciate you providing this article, but the text provided appears to be incomplete—it only contains the header, publication information, and a reference to Brookdale's website without any actual content about protecting seniors from scams.
To provide an accurate summary for the Elderus database, I would need the full article text. Could you please share the complete article content?
actionnews5.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center's Elder Fraud Report, seniors lost over $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, with more than 100,000 complaints filed by people over 60—representing an 11% increase from the previous year. The article provides general awareness about common senior scams and includes expert commentary from Brookdale Senior Living's general counsel on how to identify and prevent fraud targeting older adults.
japantimes.co.jp
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary because the article content is not available—only an expiration notice is present. Please provide the actual article text or a different source material for me to summarize.
2news.com
· 2025-12-08
Washoe County is hosting a free scam prevention presentation by the Better Business Bureau on August 28 at 2:00 p.m. at the Washoe County Senior Center. The event aims to educate local seniors about common scams and scammer tactics as a defense against fraud.
fbcnews.com.fj
· 2025-12-08
During Fiji's National Scam Awareness Week, police revealed that retired women are being targeted in romance scams, with one victim losing approximately $500,000 after being manipulated through WhatsApp by a perpetrator posing as an overseas resident. Nine cases have been reported, with scammers employing tactics such as requesting nude photos and threatening to expose victims on social media unless they provide money. Retired women, particularly those aged 60-70, are identified as vulnerable targets for these fraudulent schemes.
abilene-rc.com
· 2025-12-08
Detective Kevin Landers of the Abilene Police Department outlines common scams targeting seniors, including romance, lottery, sweepstakes, and government impersonation schemes where callers demand payment via gift cards or bitcoin. Seniors are frequently targeted because they tend to be trusting, have savings, own homes, and maintain good credit, though scammers prey on people of all ages. Landers recommends protecting oneself by verifying unsolicited offers online, resisting pressure to act quickly, monitoring credit reports annually, and stopping communication with suspected scammers immediately.
kwqc.com
· 2025-12-08
The Coalition Against Financial Crime is hosting a scam awareness event on September 12 in Bettendorf, Iowa to educate financial institutions, law enforcement, and businesses about evolving fraud tactics. Common scams discussed include romance scams, check fraud, work-from-home schemes, and back-to-school scams, with experts advising the public to slow down before making financial decisions and learn to verify information to avoid victimization.
thefinanser.com
· 2025-12-08
The UK government is implementing new APP (Authorised Push Payment) fraud regulations on October 7 that will require payment providers to reimburse consumers up to £415,000 per case when they are defrauded, addressing losses exceeding £450 million annually (potentially £700 million unreported). The payments industry strongly opposes the law, arguing it will increase moral hazard, attract fraudsters to the UK, raise consumer costs, reduce competition among fintech companies, and potentially destabilize critical payment infrastructure, with some calling for a one-year delay to prepare adequate systems and technology.
fbcnews.com.fj
· 2025-12-08
An eBay online shop recruitment scam in Fiji defrauded over 900 people of approximately $1.7 million, with victims ranging from civil servants to small business owners and individuals with serious illnesses. The Consumer Council launched National Scam Awareness Week in response, noting that underreporting is likely due to shame and fear, and emphasizing that scammers target people across all education and demographic levels through impersonation tactics on digital platforms. The awareness campaign involves partnerships with the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Fiji Police, UNDP, and the World Bank to educate the public on fraud prevention.
knoe.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting consumers by posing as government officials and offering free solar panels door-to-door, though the federal government does not provide free solar installations. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to avoid "free" offers that pressure immediate payment, to never provide personal information to unverified sources, and to verify offers through legitimate government resources like the Department of Energy before signing any contracts.
dispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
Amanda Prior-Grissinger, a Westerville mother and Facebook group moderator, is working to prevent scams by screening applicants to local Facebook groups and identifying suspicious fake or hacked profiles before they can target members. Her efforts were motivated after her cousin lost $1,300 in a Facebook marketplace scam selling a dining room table, and she has since created a coalition of local moderators to share information about suspected fraudulent accounts. Experts note that scammers exploit trust in small community groups and use fake identities to pose as trustworthy neighbors, with many operating as professional organized crime rings that research and share successful tactics.