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fredericton.ca
The Fredericton Police Force issued a warning about a rise in scams and fraud complaints, with 11 reports already filed since January 2024 and over 350 instances reported throughout 2024 costing residents more than $500,000. The grandparent scam, where fraudsters impersonate distressed family members requesting urgent money, is identified as particularly targeting elderly residents. The police recommend verifying caller identity, refusing requests for money from anyone claiming to be police, avoiding rushed decisions, and consulting trusted contacts before responding to suspicious communications.
mycouriertribune.com
This article provides cautionary guidance about AI-based scams targeting older adults. Senior writer Matilda Charles warns readers to be vigilant against emerging AI tricks and scams that are becoming increasingly prevalent at the start of 2025. The piece emphasizes the need for seniors to educate themselves on how artificial intelligence is being exploited by scammers to target vulnerable populations.
info.bai.org
This resource outlines emerging fraud threats targeting financial institutions in 2025, including deepfakes, voice impersonation, and AI-generated scams, while highlighting the particular vulnerability of elder abuse through familial exploitation and romantic schemes. Banking institutions are advised to implement transaction monitoring, staff training, and proactive fraud controls to mitigate risks and differentiate competitively. The document emphasizes that digital identity verification and secure customer authentication are critical as financial services increasingly move online.
americanbanker.com
**Scam Type:** Account takeover and wire fraud following inheritance receipt
**What Happened:** An 86-year-old widow received a life insurance check after her husband's death in July. Within days, a fraudster opened two bank accounts using her name and stole the funds by transferring them between the accounts. The theft was discovered on August 11, and the money was eventually recovered with help from the U.S. Secret Service and Palm Beach County Police—a rare outcome, as most victims do not recover stolen funds.
**Key Issue:** The article highlights systemic banking vulnerabilities including inconsistent anti-fraud regulations, lack of document authentication tools to detect forgeries, an
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This article discusses romance scams on online dating platforms, where fraudsters create fake profiles to emotionally manipulate victims before requesting money. In 2023, the average romance scam in the UK was worth approximately £30,000, with fraudsters spending weeks or months "grooming" victims before making financial requests, resulting in nearly £6 million in attempted romance scams that year. The article provides warning signs of romance fraud (inconsistent stories, quick professions of love, requests for money) and prevention tips for online daters.
independent.co.uk
In 2024, nearly one in five UK consumers fell victim to scams, with purchase scams averaging £650 in losses and investment scams significantly higher at £15,564 per claim. The top reported scams included fake deliveries, HMRC impersonation, purchase fraud, and romance schemes, with the majority originating on social media platforms where AI-enabled tactics are making scams increasingly difficult to identify. Experts stress that consumers feel overwhelmed by evolving scam methods and call for cross-industry collaboration to combat fraud, while recommending people avoid disclosing personal details, verify company contacts, and resist pressure to make quick decisions.
wkbw.com
New York State has introduced legislation that takes effect in February requiring dating apps to notify users if potential matches have been previously banned from the platform, addressing safety concerns in online dating. The measure responds to documented risks, as the Federal Trade Commission reported 70,000 Americans fell victim to romance scams in 2022, with users commonly worried about fake profiles and scammers on dating platforms.
greybullstandard.com
Scams are becoming increasingly frequent, sophisticated, and successful, with law enforcement reporting a notable uptick in impostor scams where criminals pose as government officials or law enforcement to threaten arrest and extort money—one Big Horn County resident lost over $20,000 in such a scheme. Scammers employ phishing techniques to harvest personal information from victims and social media, using these details to make fraudulent requests appear legitimate and to impersonate targets for additional scams. The FBI reported that online fraud complaints doubled from 2019 to 2023 (467,361 to 880,418 complaints) with financial losses exceeding $12.5 billion, and authorities advise
rnz.co.nz
Doreen, a woman in her late 70s, lost approximately $100,000 in a revictimization scam after initial investment fraud losses. A caller claiming to help recover her previous losses convinced her that dormant investments worth $66,000 to $500,000+ existed in her name, requiring cryptocurrency payments for taxes and fees; she and her husband transferred funds in $20,000 chunks via cryptocurrency exchange and granted the scammer access to their digital wallet. The scammer, who instructed them to hide the scheme from family and others, continued contacting them even after they cut off contact in late December, demonstrating how revictimization scams exploit previous frau
wect.com
A scammer posing as a New Hanover County Sheriff's deputy targeted multiple victims in North Carolina by calling them about alleged missed jury duty and threatening arrest, demanding $2,000 be paid via a Food Lion kiosk. The victim, Eddie Keith, became suspicious when the caller used his legal name instead of his preferred name and insisted he stay on the phone and not contact an attorney. The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office warns the public that legitimate law enforcement will never demand money over the phone and advises citizens to hang up if calls create urgency or request payment.
kclyradio.com
A Wichita man in his mid-70s lost $15,000 to a multi-agency impersonation scam in which fraudsters posing as Amazon, Social Security Administration, and U.S. Marshals Service officials falsely accused him of money laundering and instructed him to purchase bitcoin as "proof" of innocence. Bank employees intervened before additional funds could be transferred, prompting a police report and FBI notification. Authorities warn that legitimate government agencies and major corporations never contact citizens by phone to claim account compromises or request money transfers.
7news.com.au
Former TV host David Koch's image was used without permission in a fraudulent investment scam that convinced victim Allison to lose $250,000. The article reports that fake celebrity-endorsed investment advertisements have defrauded over 600,000 Australians as part of a multi-billion-dollar scam industry, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes to impersonate celebrities and create fake endorsements. NAB warns that common red flags include unexpected contact, artificially created urgency, and celebrity or expert endorsements, particularly on social media platforms.
fox4now.com
A young couple in Lehigh Acres, Florida was scammed out of $2,650 after finding a rental listing on Craigslist and sending payment to a fake landlord who posed as the property owner, provided a lock box code remotely, and sent them a forged lease. The couple moved into the home only to discover a week later they were squatting illegally when the real property manager, Adam Bartomeo, arrived for a showing. Bartomeo's company ultimately waived a month's rent and fees to help the victims, and implemented new security measures including requiring agents to attend all showings and verify tenants' identification rather than distributing lock box codes.
themountainmail.com
The Chaffee Sheriff's Office received multiple reports of phishing-style scam calls in which fraudsters impersonated local law enforcement officers using names obtained from social media, claiming victims missed court dates or jury duty and had warrants for their arrest. As of January 2, three residents had reported the scam, with some losing money before authorities could intervene. Sheriff Rohrich advised victims to immediately contact their banks to dispute transactions and to report incidents to the Chaffee County Communications Center.
weau.com
This article provides tax season fraud prevention advice from the Better Business Bureau. Scammers impersonate the IRS and tax preparers to steal sensitive documents and refunds through unsolicited calls, emails, and texts demanding immediate payment—tactics the IRS never uses. Key protective measures include filing taxes early to prevent identity theft, researching tax preparers' credentials through the BBB, and reporting suspected fraud to the IRS or FTC.
odt.co.nz
Doreen, in her late 70s, lost approximately $100,000 to a recovery scam after initially losing small amounts in previous investment fraud. A scammer called claiming to recover her earlier losses and convinced her and her husband that they had access to accounts containing $66,000, $280,000, and $500,000 in their names, requiring them to pay cryptocurrency fees to unlock these funds. The scammer instructed them not to tell anyone (a major red flag), obtained access to their computer and digital wallet, and continued attempting to extract additional funds even after they cut contact in late December.
gulfcoastnewstoday.com
State Rep. Frances Holk-Jones and the Better Business Bureau are hosting three community educational sessions across south Baldwin County to help residents recognize and avoid scams and learn about available victim resources. The free sessions, held in January 2025 in Lillian, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach, will feature speakers discussing scam prevention strategies and include a complimentary light lunch for registered attendees.
rnz.co.nz
Doreen and her husband lost approximately $100,000 in a revictimization scam after being contacted by someone claiming to recover their previous investment losses. The scammer convinced them they had substantial funds ($66,000, $280,000, and $500,000+) locked in accounts that required cryptocurrency payments for taxes and fees to access, and instructed them not to discuss the scheme with anyone—a major red flag. Netsafe officials advise that victims should only work through banks or police for fund recovery, not through third parties, and that revictimization scams targeting prior fraud victims are increasingly common.
cdispatch.com
A woman in New Hope became the victim of a romance scam after sending her entire life savings ($20,000) via FedEx to an online boyfriend who did not actually exist. Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins highlighted this case while warning the public about multiple prevalent scams, including phone spoofing schemes impersonating the sheriff's office, utility companies, and government agencies, as well as employment, cryptocurrency, lottery, and tech support scams. Hawkins emphasized that scammers are sophisticated professionals and advised victims to hang up and call official numbers directly rather than staying on suspicious calls.
states.aarp.org
AARP is hosting two virtual webinars on February 12, 2025 (at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. EST) led by an AARP NJ Speakers Bureau volunteer focused on identity protection and online romance scam prevention. Participants will learn an ID protection checklist, actionable security tips, and how to recognize red flags and warning signs of fraud to help secure their personal information online.
regtechtimes.com
Cristine Petitfrere, a 30-year-old from Miramar, Florida, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for conspiring to launder over $2.7 million stolen from romance scam victims. She helped funnel money from these schemes to international criminals and kept $203,815.59 for herself, which she was ordered to forfeit as part of her sentence. Romance scams—where fraudsters create fake online personas to deceive victims into sending money—disproportionately affect vulnerable populations including the elderly who lose savings and retirement funds.
states.aarp.org
Over one-third of U.S. adults who purchased items through social media ads have been defrauded, according to an AARP survey. To protect yourself, avoid clicking ads directly (use official websites instead), research unfamiliar retailers through the Better Business Bureau, and watch for bait-and-switch scams where products are inferior or missing. Report suspected scams to local law enforcement or contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network for assistance.
wafb.com
**Summary:**
During tax season, scammers pose as the IRS and tax preparers to steal sensitive documents and money through unsolicited phone calls, emails, and texts demanding immediate payment—a tactic the IRS never uses. Taxpayers can protect themselves by filing taxes early, verifying tax preparer credentials through the Better Business Bureau, and recognizing red flags such as poor grammar, urgent language, and generic greetings. Those who suspect tax identity theft should report the issue to the IRS and FTC and use the FTC's identity theft recovery plan.
foxnews.com
The FBI has issued a warning that criminals are increasingly using generative AI technologies, particularly deepfakes, to exploit individuals through scams. The alert highlights the growing sophistication and accessibility of these tools and emphasizes the need for public vigilance in protecting against potential fraud.
bulkorder.ftc.gov
This educational handout provides guidance on identifying and avoiding rental housing scams and is available in multiple languages (Korean, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese). The resource can be ordered free in bulk quantities of 50-200 copies, downloaded and printed for smaller needs, or requested in larger quantities through a submission form.
channelnewsasia.com
An 18-year-old student on a social visit pass to Singapore was arrested after being manipulated by scammers into assisting with an impersonation fraud targeting an elderly woman, who lost S$290,000 after being deceived into believing her identity had been misused in China. The teenager herself had been a prior victim of the same scam and was tricked into believing she was helping with official investigations. She now faces potential imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine if convicted of cheating.
aol.com
Johnny Depp warned fans on Instagram that scammers are impersonating him and his team through fake social media and email accounts to solicit money, exploiting AI technology to mimic his appearance and voice. He clarified that he and his team never ask fans for money, personal information, or payment for meetings, calls, or memberships, and shared his official account handles while noting he is not on X, Snapchat, or Discord. This follows similar warnings from other celebrities including Kelly Rowland and Reba McEntire, as scammers frequently use celebrity identities in online fraud schemes targeting fans.
in.mashable.com
31-year-old YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna lost Rs 2.5 lakhs in a "digital arrest" scam that began with a fake automated call about a cancelled courier delivery. After pressing zero to connect with "customer service," scammers fabricated claims of illegal items in a package allegedly sent by him, then transferred the call to WhatsApp video where an impersonator dressed as a police officer accused him of money laundering and drug trafficking while threatening his family and keeping him under "self-custody" surveillance for 40 hours. Bahuguna was freed from the ordeal only when a concerned friend alerted him to similar cases circulating online.
straitstimes.com
Singapore passed the Protection from Scams Bill, which grants police powers to issue restriction orders (ROs) that freeze or limit bank account transactions of scam victims who continue sending money to scammers despite warnings from authorities and family. The law applies to both remote scams and in-person cheating cases, with ROs lasting up to 30 days (extendable up to six months) while allowing victims access to funds for essential expenses; safeguards include police consultation with victims and families, and appeals to the Commissioner of Police. Singapore took this action after data showed that from January to September 2024, 86% of scams involved victims willingly transferring money, with cases like a
nasdaq.com
Cristine Petitfrere, a Florida resident, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for laundering over $2.7 million from romance scams, earning hundreds of thousands in fees while working with a co-conspirator. Romance scams caused Americans $1.14 billion in losses in 2023, with elderly and vulnerable individuals disproportionately affected by both the financial losses and emotional harm.
vpnranks.com
Elder fraud losses reached $3.4 billion in 2023 with over 101,000 victims aged 60 and older reporting fraud, representing an 11% increase in losses and 14% increase in complaints compared to 2022. Tech support scams are the most commonly reported fraud type affecting seniors, while investment scams cause the highest financial damages at over $1.2 billion. Projections estimate elder fraud losses could rise to $4.47 billion by 2025 with approximately 121,229 victims, underscoring the need for stronger awareness and protective measures.
foxnews.com
The FBI warns that criminals are increasingly using generative AI and deepfakes to exploit victims through 17 common techniques, including voice cloning, fake video calls impersonating authority figures, and phishing emails designed to manipulate people into revealing personal information or transferring funds. These tactics exploit emotional manipulation during crises and use AI-generated content that mimics trusted individuals and public figures. Individuals should remain vigilant by verifying identities through independent contact methods and remaining skeptical of unsolicited urgent requests for money or sensitive information.
siliconvalley.com
The article outlines three major scams that persist year-round, particularly during the holiday season. "Pig butchering" scams involve fraudsters slowly building trust with victims before stealing money through fake investment schemes, often cryptocurrency-based; Santa Clara County prosecutors charged two suspects in a case where a 66-year-old man lost $170,000 after being targeted by a fake investment banker on Facebook. Travel scams have increased 500-900% with AI-generated fake booking websites, phishing emails, and fraudulent reviews, while utility scams cost PG&E customers over $334,000 in 2024 through threats of service disconnection and demands for immediate payment via prep
usatoday.com
Johnny Depp warned fans on Instagram that scammers are impersonating him through fake social media and email accounts to solicit money, exploiting AI technology that can replicate his face and voice. He clarified that he and his team never ask fans for money, personal information, or payment for meetings, memberships, or fan cards, and provided his official social media handles while noting he is not on X, Snapchat, or Discord. The warning reflects a broader trend of celebrity impersonation scams affecting stars like Scarlett Johansson, Taylor Swift, and Kelly Rowland, with the FTC advising consumers never to send money to unknown individuals claiming to be celebrities on social media.
abc7chicago.com
The Better Business Bureau released its 2024 annual Scam Tracker report showing that online shopping scams remained the top fraud scheme for the fifth consecutive year, followed by phishing and employment scams. Scammers increasingly exploit new technologies like AI and deepfake video to impersonate legitimate organizations, conduct fake interviews, and use emotional manipulation and urgency tactics to target victims across all age groups. The BBB emphasizes that vigilance and refusing to engage with fraudsters is essential to combating these schemes.
kens5.com
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are exploiting winter weather conditions to defraud consumers by impersonating utility companies and threatening immediate service shutoffs unless payment is made via untraceable methods like gift cards or peer-to-peer payments. Texas law prohibits utility companies from disconnecting service during freezing temperatures, making these threats illegal and fraudulent. The BBB advises customers to verify utility company policies, remain calm when receiving such communications, and report suspected scams to authorities.
vermontbiz.com
This article announces the resignation of United States Attorney Nikolas Kerest, effective January 20, 2025, following a typical transition with a new presidential administration. While primarily focused on administrative transition, it notes that during Kerest's three-year tenure, the U.S. Attorney's Office for Vermont prosecuted elder financial fraud cases including those against Nicholas Melanson and Nasir Hussain, and partnered with federal agencies to provide education to Vermont's elder community on fraud prevention.
cnbctv18.com
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a "digital arrest" scam in which fraudsters impersonating law enforcement held him hostage for nearly 40 hours, claiming he was linked to illegal items and threatening arrest for money laundering and drug trafficking. The scammers used spoofed phone numbers, fake police officers in video calls, and personal information to manipulate him into isolating himself at a hotel and causing significant financial and mental distress. Bahuguna shared his experience publicly to raise awareness, urging people to verify suspicious calls directly with authorities and emphasizing that scammers use personalized research to exploit victims through panic and fear.
bollywoodshaadis.com
**Summary:**
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam in January 2025 after receiving an automated call claiming his courier delivery was cancelled. The scammers, impersonating police officers via WhatsApp video calls and armed with his personal information, isolated him from family and friends while holding him virtually hostage for 40 hours, threatening him with illegal substance charges. A vigilant friend's intervention ended the ordeal and prevented further financial loss, prompting Ankush to publicly share his experience to raise awareness about the evolving tactics and psychological manipulation tactics used in digital scams.
onlymyhealth.com
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a digital scam lasting nearly 40 hours that resulted in significant financial loss and severe mental health impacts, which he publicly documented on Instagram. The article provides expert guidance on responding to digital scams, including pausing to breathe, verifying caller information through official channels, disconnecting from the internet, documenting incidents, and seeking professional support. Digital scam victims commonly experience psychological effects including anxiety, depression, shame, and diminished confidence in using digital platforms.
startupnews.fyi
A victim named Bahuguna fell prey to a "digital arrest" scam after answering a spoofed international call claiming his courier delivery was cancelled. Scammers convinced him that a package in his name contained illegal items, fabricated an arrest warrant, impersonated a police officer via fake video call, and coerced him into isolating himself in a hotel while threatening serious consequences for money laundering and drug trafficking charges. The victim suffered financial losses and severe mental health impacts, but friends' intervention helped him recognize the fraud; he now advocates awareness and vigilance, noting that cybercriminals use personalized research and panic tactics to manipulate victims into complying with their demands.
sfntoday.com
Romance scams target seniors, including those in rural areas, often exploiting their desire for companionship and emotional connection, resulting in losses sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. Wisconsin's Division for Trade and Consumer Protection emphasizes that approaching victims requires empathy and avoiding blame, as scammers are skilled professionals who deliberately target vulnerable people. Families should communicate openly and collaboratively with affected seniors to help them recognize the scam and seek help from consumer protection authorities.
benningtonbanner.com
In 2023, romance scams cost Americans over $1.1 billion across more than 64,000 reported cases, with victims like Ellen experiencing severe financial and emotional losses after multi-year fake relationships. Scammers create elaborate fake identities on social media and dating sites to build trust over extended periods, using collected photos and relatable personas to manipulate victims who seek companionship, with the scam remaining undetected because no in-person or video meetings ever occur. Effective intervention requires patience, detailed planning, and avoiding shame or confrontation, instead using trusted third parties, reverse image searches to verify photos, and maintaining supportive communication to help victims recognize the fraud.
biometricupdate.com
Hong Kong police arrested 31 members of a deepfake romance scam syndicate that defrauded victims across Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia of HK$34 million (US$4.37 million). The criminals used AI-generated composite images of women to create fake dating profiles, then manipulated victims into investing in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes through carefully scripted conversations designed to build emotional connections and establish trust over five stages. The arrests represent the second major deepfake romance fraud bust in Hong Kong within three months and highlight how scammers exploit loneliness and social insecurity alongside technological capabilities.
news.abplive.com
This educational article from Kaspersky outlines nine major types of online scams targeting internet users: fake job offers with counterfeit checks, lottery scams, inheritance scams, romance scams, charity fraud, tech support scams, social media scams, robocall fraud, messaging scams, and online shopping scams. For each scam type, the article provides warning signs and protective measures, such as verifying charity status through trusted databases, avoiding remote access to unknown individuals, and checking website security features before making purchases. The overarching advice emphasizes vigilance, scrutinizing suspicious offers, and remembering that offers that sound too good to be true typically are.
finextra.com
A Barclays Bank survey of 2,000 consumers found that one in five fell victim to a scam in 2024, with 93% of losses occurring online; investment scams caused the highest financial damage despite being only 4% of reported cases, averaging £15,564 per claim and accounting for one-third of all claimed losses. The research revealed that one in five respondents had parents who were scammed and 8% had grandparents targeted, while 75% of scams originated on social media and tech platforms, leaving half of Brits feeling overwhelmed by evolving fraudster tactics.
vietnamnet.vn
The Department of Information Security warned of scammers in ASEAN "fraud camps" shifting from Telegram to Signal to conduct various frauds, including counterfeit currency schemes during Tet, fake investment and romance scams, and impersonation of bank employees requesting personal or financial information. Victims are advised to verify identities through official channels, avoid transacting with unknown individuals on social media, and report fraudulent activity to authorities rather than risk involvement in illegal transactions.
newsbreak.com
Romance scams can target seniors in rural areas and result in significant financial losses despite victims' age or location. Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture's Administrator of the Division for Trade and Consumer Protection, advises that these scams can be devastating and recommends having conversations with elderly relatives or friends who may be vulnerable to such schemes. Resources for consumer protection information are available at datcap.wi.gov.
commbank.com.au
This educational article encourages readers to make cybersecurity a New Year's resolution by conducting a security audit on their accounts. The piece provides practical advice on preventing scams, including using strong passwords with multifactor authentication, verifying suspicious contacts before responding, improving banking security settings, staying connected with friends and family, and reporting incidents to the National Anti-Scam Centre—noting that Australian scam losses decreased 52.8% in the first half of 2024 due to increased public education about fraud.
newportnewstimes.com
This article is not about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It is a weather forecast combined with general consumer fraud prevention guidance from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. While it contains useful scam awareness information (recognizing common scam tactics, verification methods, and what legitimate agencies will not do), it does not describe a specific fraud incident, victim demographics, financial losses, or outcomes relevant to an elder fraud research database.
**Note:** If you have an article specifically about elder fraud or scams targeting older adults, please submit that for summarization.