Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
14,184 results
in Scam Awareness
wibx950.com
**Summary:**
An upstate New York senior lost over $10,000 in a phone scam on January 12, 2025, when scammers impersonated government agencies, utility companies, tech firms, or relatives to solicit money and personal information. The New Hartford Police Department is warning residents to never send money or gift cards over the phone, hang up on suspicious callers, verify claims independently, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
globalnews.ca
A family friend scammed British Columbia seniors out of $300,000 in what authorities are investigating as a financial exploitation case. The incident highlights the vulnerability of seniors to fraud perpetrated by individuals within their trusted social circles.
citizensvoice.com
During natural disasters like wildfires and floods, scammers impersonate FEMA officials, utility companies, and contractors to prey on vulnerable victims by requesting personal information, charging fraudulent fees for disaster aid, or demanding upfront cash payments for repairs. The FTC warns disaster victims to verify contact through official channels, avoid anyone creating urgency or requesting immediate payment, and conduct background checks on contractors before hiring. In 2023 alone, the FTC received reports of approximately 1 million identity theft cases, 2.6 million fraud cases, and 1.9 million other scam reports.
ptbotoday.ca
The Peterborough Police Service issued a warning about a phishing scam circulating in the community, wherein victims received threatening emails falsely claiming their online activity was being monitored and demanding cryptocurrency payment to prevent disclosure to contacts. Police advise residents to avoid opening suspicious emails from unknown sources, refrain from clicking links, and report such messages to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or local police.
abc12.com
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned Lions fans about ticket scams ahead of the playoffs, advising buyers to purchase from reputable websites using credit cards and to avoid money transfer apps like CashApp and Venmo that offer limited fraud protection. The alert also cautioned against common scams including overpayment check schemes, impersonation calls from fake bank representatives, and unsecured websites, emphasizing that banks never request customers send money to verify transactions.
carscoops.com
An Ohio woman lost over $600 in a rental car scam after finding a fake Hertz customer service number online and being convinced by a fraudster to purchase two Walmart gift cards to resolve a payment issue on her rental. The scammer claimed the first $320 gift card wasn't the exact amount needed, then requested a second $312 card before disconnecting the line and never reactivating her vehicle. The incident underscores that legitimate companies never request payment via gift cards, and victims should always verify phone numbers through official websites rather than online searches.
yahoo.com
Tax scams resurface each season with scammers impersonating the IRS through phone calls, emails, and mail to pressure victims into paying taxes owed or stealing personal information via tax identity theft and phishing schemes. Key prevention strategies include filing taxes early, obtaining an Identity Protection PIN, verifying IRS communications through official channels, and using trusted tax professionals, as the IRS never initiates contact via email, text, or social media requesting personal or financial information.
abcnews.go.com
As wildfires devastated Los Angeles County, authorities warned the public about scammers creating fraudulent charities and nonprofits to exploit donors' generosity, with elderly individuals, immigrants, and non-English speakers identified as particularly vulnerable targets. Officials recommended verifying organizations through sites like Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau, using traceable payment methods instead of cash, and reporting suspected fraud to law enforcement, emphasizing that perpetrators would face prosecution.
indeonline.com
Tax scams proliferate each season, with scammers impersonating the IRS through phone calls, emails, mail, and fake websites to steal money or personal information—tactics include demanding payment for back taxes with threats of arrest, filing fraudulent tax returns using victims' Social Security numbers, and phishing emails directing people to bogus IRS sites. To protect themselves, taxpayers should file early, use IRS Identity Protection PINs, verify caller identity independently with the IRS, watch for poor grammar in suspicious communications, use trusted tax preparers, and remember that the IRS never initiates contact via email, text, or social media requesting personal or financial information.
finance.yahoo.com
A Maryland senior, Judith Boivin, lost nearly $595,000 to a government impersonation scam in which fraudsters posed as FBI agents and Rockville Police, claiming her Social Security number was involved in a federal drug investigation and asking her to move funds to a "government safety locker" for protection. The scammers used spoofed caller IDs, fake FBI email addresses with .com domains, assigned case IDs, and maintained contact over months to build trust and credibility. Government impersonation scams—where criminals pose as FBI, IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or other agencies to pressure victims into immediate payments or asset transfers—are widesprea
thestar.com.my
Authorities warn that scammers use multiple tactics year-round to defraud victims, including "pig butchering" investment scams where perpetrators gain trust before stealing money (with one recent case involving a 66-year-old who lost $170,000 to a fake Facebook investment banker), AI-generated travel scams that have increased 500-900% and use fake websites and phishing, and utility scams where fraudsters impersonate companies like PG&E to demand immediate payment, causing customers over $334,000 in losses in 2024 alone. Experts recommend verifying suspicious offers directly with companies, avoiding clicking unknown links, paying attention to detail inconsistencies
desertsun.com
Los Angeles officials are warning residents affected by recent wildfires that scammers are actively targeting vulnerable victims through false job postings, impersonation of government employees and FEMA agents, phone/text phishing attempts, unsolicited in-person solicitations, and fraudulent donation schemes. Law enforcement recommends verifying credentials through official channels, avoiding sharing personal information via social media or unsolicited contacts, never paying through gift cards or cryptocurrency, and trusting your instincts if something feels suspicious. County Sheriff Robert Luna pledged that perpetrators—including those impersonating firefighters to commit burglaries—will face prosecution.
theglobeandmail.com
AI-powered phishing emails are becoming increasingly effective and scalable threats, achieving 54% click-through rates while costing scammers as little as four cents per email and increasing profitability by up to 50 times. Canada reported $531 million in cybercrime losses in 2022, with phishing being a major vector that allows attackers to harvest personal information from social media and craft highly personalized fraudulent messages targeting login credentials, bank accounts, and identity theft. The article recommends protective measures including verifying sender authenticity, scrutinizing links, limiting social media exposure, enabling multifactor authentication, and consulting the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for guidance.
evoke.ie
A man in his 30s, dubbed the "Tinder Swindler" by victims, was arrested in Dublin on suspicion of romance fraud targeting women on dating apps, allegedly scamming hundreds of euros from victims by posing as a wealthy Oxford graduate and businessman before requesting money for fake banking emergencies. The suspect, who operates under multiple aliases and has been active for at least eight years, also allegedly engaged in blackmail and insurance fraud; he was released after questioning and gardaí are appealing for additional victims to come forward. Multiple women reported falling victim to his scheme, with estimates suggesting hundreds of potential victims across various dating platforms.
dailydodge.com
Wisconsin's Division of Trade and Consumer Protection reports an increase in impersonation scams where callers spoof law enforcement phone numbers to pressure victims into immediate payments for alleged crimes, missed jury duty, or unpaid fines. The scammers may call multiple times from different numbers and request cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—forms of payment that legitimate law enforcement never demands. Consumers should hang up on suspicious calls and independently verify by contacting the agency directly using a verified phone number.
westerniowatoday.com
Rural seniors are frequent targets of scammers, particularly through the Grandparent Scam, where fraudsters request money in non-traditional forms. According to Michelle Reinen of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, establishing a secret family passcode can serve as an effective protection measure to prevent seniors from sending money to scammers impersonating grandchildren or other family members.
goldrushcam.com
The Kern County Sheriff's Office warned residents of a phone scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement (claiming to be "Sergeant Youngblood") and demand electronic payments via gift cards or bitcoin to resolve alleged warrants, missed court appearances, or jury duty violations, threatening arrest if payment is not made. The scammers use spoofing technology to display the Sheriff's Office callback number and may pressure victims to visit the Sheriff's Office afterward. The Sheriff's Office clarified that legitimate law enforcement never requests payment over the phone and that warrant arrests are made in person, not via phone calls.
kenyans.co.ke
On January 10, Kenyan detectives arrested 14 suspects involved in a Ksh174 million (approximately $1.34 million USD) gold scam targeting a US businessman. The arrests followed weeks of surveillance and a raid in Nairobi's Lavington area, where authorities seized documents, stamps, and seals used in the fraud scheme, along with evidence of 2,820 kg of gold that had been smelted between March and May of the previous year. The investigation also implicated two US citizens and a Congolese accomplice who were separately arrested and charged with conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretenses.
ksby.com
The Better Business Bureau warned of donation scams targeting both disaster relief donors and Southern California wildfire victims, noting that fraudulent charities typically emerge after major disasters and often initiate contact rather than waiting for donors to find them. To avoid scams, donors should verify charities through trustworthy resources like Give.org, avoid clicking suspicious links, look for specific program descriptions, and check state charity registration records. Reporting suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center is recommended, though recovering money from fake charities—often operating outside the United States—is unlikely.
themortgagepoint.com
Rental scams are increasingly affecting U.S. renters, with 93% believing such scams are common and 90% worried about becoming victims, according to Rently's Rental Scams and Fraud Report. Facebook hosts 88% of fraudulent listings, and victims reported significant financial losses, with 62% losing over $500, 48% losing over $1,000, and 8% losing more than $5,000 through fake deposits, application fees, and rent payments. The report calls for stronger fraud prevention measures including identity verification, secure payment systems, and public education to combat the emotional and financial harm these scams inflict on renters.
womansworld.com
This article describes four common gift card scams: payment scams where fraudsters demand gift card payments instead of credit cards (often posing as government agencies or businesses), fake e-gift card offers sent via email or text that contain malicious links to steal personal information, phony balance-checking websites designed to phish for card details, and drained gift card scams where criminals copy card numbers from retail shelves before they're purchased. The article recommends verifying senders before clicking links, using official retailer websites to check balances, and being cautious of unsolicited gift card offers to avoid losing money that is difficult to recover once stolen.
newslj.com
This article compiles multiple elder fraud alerts and prevention tips: A Wyoming resident received an extortion email falsely claiming malware access (a common scare tactic), while another fell victim to a phishing email impersonating Microsoft to steal account credentials. The Identity Theft Resource Center predicts cybercrime will surge in 2025 due to reduced government resources and increased AI exploitation, while identity fraud cost Americans $43 billion in 2023—with veterans particularly vulnerable, losing $477 million that year to service-focused scams. Key prevention measures include verifying sender identities, avoiding suspicious attachments and links, using strong passwords with multi-factor authentication, and monitoring credit reports regularly.
wsls.com
An AARP survey found that over one-third of U.S. adults who purchased from social media ads experienced fraud. The article provides three protective measures: avoid clicking suspicious ads by retyping retailer URLs directly, research unfamiliar sellers through the Better Business Bureau, and dispute charges if products are misrepresented or undelivered. Consumers are encouraged to report suspected scams to local law enforcement or the AARP Fraud Watch Network.
usatoday.com
Scammers are exploiting the California wildfires by creating fake donation pages and impersonating charities and government agencies to steal money from people wanting to help and to target disaster victims seeking assistance. People should verify organizations through legitimate channels (such as Give.org), watch for red flags like misspelled URLs and phishing emails, and avoid clicking links from unverified social media ads or unsolicited contacts, as AI-enhanced scams are becoming increasingly difficult to detect.
timesleader.com
A woman from Wilkes-Barre was scammed out of $58,400 after receiving a fake Microsoft security alert on her computer; she granted the scammer remote access to her device, which allowed them to view her bank balance and convince her to transfer funds to a Bitcoin account. Wilkes-Barre Police used the incident to issue public awareness about common scams including phishing, romance, job offer, and tech support schemes, advising residents to verify the legitimacy of contacts before sharing personal information or clicking links.
floridapolitics.com
Gift card scams remain a prevalent fraud method in which scammers impersonate authority figures (like bosses) via spoofed emails using social engineering tactics, requesting victims purchase gift cards and share the codes. The article highlights that while gift card schemes typically involve smaller amounts (hundreds of dollars), related scams like wire transfer fraud and fake vendor invoices can result in losses reaching hundreds of thousands or millions, with recent examples including a University of Central Florida incident and U.S. Treasury hacking allegedly by Chinese government actors. Protection strategies include verifying requests through independent phone numbers, using two-factor authentication, strong passwords, and advanced threat protection tools.
witf.org
The Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers and credit union representatives are advocating for new legislation to protect seniors from elder financial abuse, citing tech support scams, romance scams, and investment frauds as prevalent threats. They are urging updates to Pennsylvania's Older Adults Protective Services Act to mandate reporting of suspected elder financial abuse and allow banks to place temporary holds on suspicious transactions while notifying law enforcement and aging agencies. The groups emphasize that trained bank employees can serve as critical safeguards against financial exploitation of older adults.
consumer.ftc.gov
This article announces Sheryl Harris, Director of the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs in Ohio, as the recipient of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection Partner Award for her long-standing work combating scams and elder fraud. Harris leads the Scam Squad initiative, which coordinates multiple agencies to alert residents about scams, encourage reporting, and share information with appropriate law enforcement, while also championing the Consumer Sentinel Network database and using innovative communication methods like text alerts to reach communities. Her contributions include creating plain-language scam alerts, collaborating on the Stop Senior Scams Act working committees, and establishing herself as a trusted voice on consumer protection through her journalism and community engagement efforts.
malaymail.com
In 2024, Malaysia's Commercial Crime Investigation Department reported 770 love scam cases resulting in RM45.9 million in losses, with elderly women aged 61 and above representing the highest demographic affected at 173 victims. Approximately 75.6% of all love scam victims were women, with syndicates primarily using Facebook and WhatsApp to identify and manipulate emotionally vulnerable targets through increasingly sophisticated tactics.
observer-reporter.com
CHROME Federal Credit Union launched the Trusted Contact program in late 2024, a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau-recommended service that allows members to designate a trusted contact without granting financial access, enabling the credit union to reach out if potential fraud is detected. The initiative responds to a documented surge in elder fraud, with $3.4 billion in losses reported in 2023 and elder fraud complaints rising 14% year-over-year. CHROME, which serves approximately 14,000 members across eight Southwestern Pennsylvania counties, positioned the program as a critical protection tool amid growing fraud and scam awareness concerns.
newportdispatch.com
Between December 30 and January 5, Needham Police responded to multiple fraud incidents including check fraud, identity fraud on Elder Road, credit card fraud on Hunnewell Street, bank fraud, and a gift card scam, along with reports of suspicious communications and a stolen mailbox. While specific dollar amounts were not disclosed, the department advised victims on how to proceed and continues investigating the cases. The police encourage residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
yahoo.com
June Walker, a Detroit woman, paid $15,000 over four years for a rent-to-own lease from a fraudulent "landlord" who had no authority to lease the property; after making her final payment in 2021, she faced eviction by the actual owner, Boccafe LLC. Texas entrepreneur Jerry Gumbert learned of Walker's story and donated $45,000 to help her purchase the home outright in 2022, giving her ownership of the house she had worked to restore. The "fake landlord" scam is prevalent in Detroit, affecting an estimated one in ten residents facing eviction, and involves scammers collecting rent payments on properties they do not
wbur.org
Judith Boivin, an 80-year-old Maryland retiree, lost $600,000 of her life savings in an elaborate government impersonation scam in September 2023. Scammers posing as FBI and local police officers convinced her that her Social Security number was being used for drug trafficking and money laundering, then persuaded her to withdraw her retirement funds in cash under the guise of assisting a federal investigation. This case exemplifies a broader trend of sophisticated scams targeting well-meaning Americans, particularly those with caregiving backgrounds and strong civic values.
ktvz.com
A young couple in Lehigh Acres, Florida was scammed out of $2,650 after finding a rental property listing on Craigslist and sending payment to a fraudulent landlord who provided fake lease documents and remote access to a home via lockbox code. After moving in for a week, the couple was confronted by the legitimate property management company and technically accused of squatting, though the real estate firm ultimately waived their first month's rent and fees after learning they were victims of the scam. The incident highlights the risks of renting through third-party websites and sending money via digital payment apps without proper verification.
standard.co.uk
Hundreds of Booking.com customers lost at least £370,000 between June 2023 and September 2024 in a hotel payment scam where fraudsters used phishing attacks to hijack hotel accounts and send fake payment requests via messages, emails, and WhatsApp. Over 500 victims received requests for credit card details and payments that appeared to come from legitimate hotels where they had genuine reservations. Action Fraud warned users to verify any unexpected payment requests directly with Booking.com or hotels, and to report suspicious communications to prevent further losses.
koaa.com
A Pueblo man encountered a fake job scam on Facebook advertising remote work for major retailers like Costco and Best Buy, where he earned $96 in a virtual wallet for reviewing products before being told he needed to invest $60-$80 to withdraw his earnings. The incident exemplifies "task scams" identified by the Federal Trade Commission, where fraudsters build trust with small initial payouts before demanding upfront fees with promises of larger returns. Key warning signs of employment scams include unrealistic salaries, vague job descriptions, lack of video interviews, requests for personal information, and demands for upfront fees or unusual payment methods.
ca.news.yahoo.com
Over 500 Booking.com customers were victimized by a hotel payment scam between June 2023 and September 2024, resulting in losses of at least £370,000. Fraudsters used phishing attacks to hijack hotel accounts on the platform and sent fake messages, emails, and WhatsApps to customers with genuine reservations, requesting credit card details and payments. Action Fraud advised holiday bookers to verify any payment requests directly with Booking.com or hotels and to report suspicious communications to the appropriate authorities.
theglobeandmail.com
In June 2021, a Toronto woman lost approximately $355,000 in a romance fraud scheme after being befriended on Facebook by a man posing as "Moshe Theodor McNigh" who convinced her to invest in bitcoin through a fraudulent website; the scammer was later identified as Nigerian national Omonkhoa Precious Afure and arrested by Nigerian authorities, resulting in the recovery of $225,000 in December 2021. Romance fraud represents the second-highest-grossing scam type in Canada with $37.2 million in reported losses as of September 2024, characterized by perpetrators grooming vulnerable victims over weeks or months, building trust, an
newsregister.com
This opinion column discusses the widespread problem of consumer fraud in America and globally, noting that the FTC estimated over $10 billion in U.S. consumer fraud in 2024 while worldwide losses exceeded $1.03 trillion. The piece highlights that elderly people are particularly vulnerable due to their trust, but cautions that even cautious individuals can fall victim to increasingly sophisticated scams involving AI deepfakes, impostor schemes, romance fraud, and investment fraud. The author emphasizes that people should be vigilant about sharing personal information, clicking suspicious links, and falling for phishing emails, as scams can cause life-altering financial damage within hours.
kdhlradio.com
Scam attempts in Minnesota and globally are escalating, with over $1.03 trillion lost to scammers in 2024, increasingly aided by artificial intelligence that generates convincing phishing emails, fake images, and cloned voices. High-risk scams include imposter schemes (grandparent and romance scams with median losses of $800), government imposter scams ($14,000+ median loss), cryptocurrency scams, employment scams, and task scams (which increased from 5,000 reports in 2023 to 20,000 in the first half of 2024). Scammers exploit recent disasters and events while using AI to intensify existing frau
ottawa.citynews.ca
Ontario Provincial Police reported that scammers in the east region are using multiple fraud schemes, including a recent case where a business employee was manipulated into withdrawing cash and depositing it into a Bitcoin machine in Peterborough. The top scams targeting the region include cryptocurrency investment fraud ("get rich quick" schemes), bank investigator fraud, romance scams, and identity theft/phishing attacks, with Canadians losing an estimated $638 million to fraud in 2024, though actual losses are likely much higher due to significant underreporting.
abcactionnews.com
Federal officials are warning of an increased surge in online "gaming" job scams where victims are deceived into paying fees upfront with the promise of employment earnings, only to lose their money instead. The scams exploit job-seekers looking for work opportunities. Consumer protection tips are available to help people identify and avoid these fraudulent schemes.
dispatch.com
AI-powered phishing scams are increasingly difficult to detect as artificial intelligence generates highly personalized fraudulent emails that appear to come from friends or family by analyzing victims' social media activity. Major email platforms like Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail currently lack adequate defenses against these AI-generated attacks. To protect yourself, the FCC recommends using multi-factor authentication, installing auto-updating anti-malware software, backing up data, and reporting suspected phishing emails to the FBI's IC3 database.
states.aarp.org
A 2025 awareness article from AARP highlights that 73% of Colorado adults worry about scams and fraud, then outlines six common red flags to recognize fraud attempts, including requests for non-traditional payments, unsolicited contact, demands for personal information, artificial urgency, unrealistic offers, and lack of verifiable contact information. The article encourages individuals to trust their instincts and provides resources including the AARP ElderWatch helpline (800-222-4444) for fraud questions and assistance.
forbes.com
Scammers are exploiting generosity during the California Wildfires (which began January 7th and displaced 200,000 people with $135 billion in damages) by posing as legitimate charities and FEMA officials to steal donations and charge fees for disaster assistance. Fraudsters use techniques including caller ID spoofing, AI-generated content, deepfakes, and fake charity websites to appear legitimate, making it difficult for donors to verify authenticity through phone, email, text, or social media contact. To protect themselves, donors should verify charities through Charity Navigator before giving, never provide payment information to unsolicited contacts, and avoid charities that use more than 25
independent.co.uk
In 2024, nearly one in five UK consumers fell victim to scams, with purchase scams averaging £650 in losses while investment scams were significantly costlier at an average of £15,564 per claim. The top reported scam types included fake deliveries, HMRC impersonation, purchase scams, online marketplace fraud, and WhatsApp "Hello Mum" messages, with the majority originating on social media platforms. Experts emphasize that consumers should protect themselves by avoiding disclosure of personal details, verifying company identities, and resisting pressure to make quick decisions or payments.
cgsentinel.com
This educational article warns that scams occur year-round through emails, texts, and phone calls, often impersonating legitimate agencies and using threats of penalties or emotional manipulation to extract personal information and payments via gift cards, bitcoin, or money orders. The article advises verifying agency legitimacy by independently looking up contact information, bookmarking official websites, and never sharing passwords or clicking links from suspicious communications. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office specifically clarifies it will not contact residents about jury duty, request phone payments, or accept non-traditional payment methods.
tribuneindia.com
A 53-year-old disbarred Indian-origin South African attorney, Prelyn Mohanlall, was arrested after scamming at least 17 couples by taking advance payments for wedding venues she had no connection to, leaving couples with deserted, non-functional spaces on their wedding days. The fraud spanned multiple provinces and included at least R226,000 in confirmed losses, with Mohallall having a 20-year history of scams and prior fraud convictions. Her attorney has offered full restitution to victims, which may result in reduced jail time or sentencing leniency.
psychologytoday.com
Rural Americans face unique vulnerabilities to fraud due to geographic isolation, limited access to resources, and higher concentrations of older adults who report larger financial losses to scams. Rural residents are more reliant on online services for shopping, may turn to online dating platforms due to limited in-person social opportunities, and often encounter barriers to reporting scams including decreased government trust, lack of support services, and social stigma. Scammers exploit these vulnerabilities through various schemes including online shopping fraud, romance scams, and disaster relief impersonation, yet rural fraud trends remain largely undocumented because most consumer protection agencies do not differentiate data by population density.
paymentsjournal.com
A Fortiguard security officer discovered a sophisticated "no-phish" phishing scam that exploits PayPal's legitimate money request feature, using authentic PayPal emails and URLs to direct victims to the real PayPal site where fraudsters submit fake payment requests. The scam bypasses typical warning signs consumers are trained to identify, making it particularly dangerous; in this case, a $2,185.96 payment was requested. Security experts recommend the best defense is bypassing email links entirely and logging directly into financial accounts to verify any transaction requests.