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in Scam Awareness
nysenate.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A senior fraud prevention forum is being held in Glenmont, NY on June 23 to educate seniors and community members about avoiding common scams and fraud. The event, hosted by Senator Patricia Fahy, AARP New York, and local officials, highlights that senior fraud costs consumers over $3 billion annually and has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.
ffxnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Fairfax County leaders are advocating for a coordinated regional approach to combat senior fraud, noting that inconsistent messaging across jurisdictions weakens prevention efforts. The county's Silver Shield campaign has reached over 60,000 residents since 2017, but data shows the problem remains significant—the county's Financial Exploitation Task Force handled nearly 160 cases in fiscal year 2024 involving $19 million in losses, with only about 20% recovered. County officials plan to work with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments to develop consistent anti-fraud messaging across the D.C. region and potentially statewide.
pajaronian.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors in three California communities attended a town hall meeting where Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell and Sheriff Chris Clark provided guidance on current scams targeting older adults, including phone, text, postal service, credit card, and door-to-door fraud schemes. Law enforcement advised residents to hang up on unrecognized callers, request suspicious in-person transactions occur at a police station, verify government contacts use official domains (not .com or .net), use credit cards instead of debit cards, and refuse unsolicited door-to-door offers. The presentation emphasized that legitimate businesses rarely conduct transactions at someone's home, and residents should report scams to the Federal Trade Commission or local authorities.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Dishonest businesses are impersonating legitimate substance abuse treatment centers through paid search ads, misleading callers about their identity and redirecting them to unwanted or distant treatment options. To protect yourself, verify contact information by accessing company websites directly rather than relying on search results, distinguish between paid ads and organic results, and use trusted resources like FindTreatment.gov to locate legitimate treatment services.
denver7.com
· 2025-12-08
The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles is warning residents of a text message scam claiming recipients have outstanding traffic tickets and threatening license suspension or prosecution to pressure them into paying fake fines. The DMV clarified it never initiates contact via text and advises recipients not to click links or provide personal information, while the Better Business Bureau recommends verifying sender identity, avoiding suspicious links, and reporting such messages as junk.
pennlive.com
· 2025-12-08
DMV officials across multiple U.S. states issued advisories in May warning citizens about text message scams impersonating the DMV and demanding payment for fake "outstanding tolls" or traffic violations, with messages threatening license suspension, penalties, or legal action. The fraudulent texts use official-looking ".gov" links and domain variations (such as "ezpassnj") to appear legitimate, targeting unsuspected victims in at least ten states including New York, New Jersey, Florida, and California. Authorities recommend recipients delete the messages immediately, avoid clicking links or providing information, and report the scams to the FTC or their service provider via the SPAM hotline (7726).
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are running fake social media advertisements impersonating the California DMV and offering 50% discounts on vehicle registration renewals, requesting personal information and payment via Cash App. State law prohibits the DMV from offering discounted registrations, and the department never solicits personal or financial information through unauthorized channels or social media. Residents should only renew registrations through the official DMV website, kiosks, or offices, and should verify any suspicious offers by contacting the DMV directly.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission warned of investment scams on social media where hackers compromise victims' accounts to post bank account screenshots and fake investment opportunities promising quick returns with little risk, typically requesting a few hundred dollars via cryptocurrency or payment apps before blocking the victim. The FTC advises consumers to resist pressure to act immediately, research companies using terms like "scam" or "fraud," and remember that no legitimate investment guarantees returns. Victims should alert their compromised contacts directly in case their accounts have been hacked.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Text message job scams have surged dramatically, with reported losses reaching $470 million in 2024—five times the 2020 amount—making job offers the second most common scam after fake package delivery. Scammers pose as recruiters from well-known companies, using increasingly sophisticated AI-crafted messages to lure vulnerable job seekers with unrealistic offers, then steal personal information (Social Security numbers, IDs, bank details) or trick victims into sending money for supposed work equipment. The problem is expected to worsen as economic uncertainty and remote work demand increase, making people more susceptible to these plausible-seeming frauds.
al.com
· 2025-12-08
The Mobile Police Department warned residents of a "pine straw scam" operating in the Spring Hill area, where scammers quote low initial prices ($8 per roll) but charge victims thousands of dollars (up to $5,000) upon job completion without providing accurate estimates beforehand. Police advise citizens to verify business reputation, obtain written agreements before paying, and never pay upfront costs without documentation.
goerie.com
· 2025-12-08
Police are warning the public about a widespread DMV text message scam that threatens to suspend vehicle registration unless victims click malicious links and pay fake fines, with reports across multiple states including Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey. The scam is part of a broader wave of "smishing" (SMS phishing) attacks designed to steal personal and financial information by creating panic and prompting immediate action. To protect yourself, do not click links in unsolicited DMV texts, report suspicious messages to the FTC and your wireless provider, and verify any requests directly through your state's official DMV website or phone number.
verywellmind.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article from Verywell Mind explains that phishing scams and fraud are widespread in the digital age, using psychological manipulation tactics that can deceive even intelligent individuals. The piece emphasizes that banks never initiate contact about suspicious account activity, and advises readers that falling victim to scams is not a reflection of intelligence or gullibility but rather a result of sophisticated criminal tactics. It also stresses the importance of self-compassion for scam victims and introduces a series covering common fraud types, psychological vulnerabilities exploited by scammers, and prevention strategies.
torontoguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022, with nearly 70,000 people reporting losses, according to recent findings. Contrary to common assumptions, adults aged 18-59 are 13% more likely to fall victim than those over 60, though older victims typically lose nearly twice as much money per scam. Romance scammers employ sophisticated tactics including creating fake personas (military personnel, offshore workers, or those with emergencies), moving conversations to private messaging apps, and gradually requesting financial assistance, with half of 2023 fraud cases originating on mainstream social media rather than dedicated dating sites.
roanoke-chowannewsherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Detective Darrell Rowe of the Northampton County Sheriff's Office presented at an Elder Abuse Awareness event to educate older adults about financial exploitation, which includes family members misusing benefits or bank accounts and strangers conducting home repair scams, grandchild bail scams, and IRS impersonation scams. Rowe emphasized that victims are often reluctant to report abuse due to shame and that it is difficult to recover lost money, recommending community members verify suspicious calls with family and report potential scams to law enforcement or DSS before sending any money.
kttc.com
· 2025-12-08
A U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report identifies significant gaps in federal anti-fraud coordination, finding that 13 agencies lack a unified strategy, clear definitions of scams, government-wide loss estimates, and risk assessments needed to combat fraud proactively. The report recommends establishing a government-wide coordinated approach led by the FBI, improving consumer education and awareness, and urging the public to report scams rather than remain silent, while noting inconsistent fraud warnings across retailers like gift card sellers demonstrate the need for standardized consumer outreach.
waka.com
· 2025-12-08
The Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission held a free Fraud Summit in Selma to educate residents about common scams targeting seniors, including text messages impersonating postal services or toll road operators. Attendees were advised not to respond to suspicious communications, avoid clicking links, and contact police if targeted, as these scams aim to steal personal information from victims' phones.
westsidespirit.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines scam prevention strategies shared at a training session in New York targeting older adults. Key advice includes slowing down, consulting friends or neighbors before responding to suspicious requests, and avoiding sharing personal information—as scammers rely on speed and isolation to succeed. Common scams affecting seniors include romance scams, postal fraud, charitable giving scams, and text message schemes, with perpetrators often prioritizing theft of personal data (like Social Security numbers or credit card information) over individual payments.
fox13memphis.com
· 2025-12-08
Tennessee law enforcement agencies warned residents about fraudulent text messages impersonating the Department of Motor Vehicles, claiming recipients have outstanding traffic tickets and threatening driver's license or registration suspension unless fines are paid via fake websites. The scammers use official-looking messages and links to trick victims into providing payment information. Authorities advised residents to avoid clicking suspicious links, verify contact information directly through official channels, and report scam messages to the Federal Trade Commission or Internet Crime Complaint Center.
witn.com
· 2025-12-08
Officials in Pitt County, North Carolina warned residents of a widespread DMV scam text campaign, where scammers impersonate the Department of Motor Vehicles and other trusted entities (UPS, tolls, jury duty) to create false urgency and pressure recipients into making immediate payments. The scam texts, which originate from random codes or email addresses rather than phone numbers, use threats of license revocation, jail time, or financial penalties to manipulate victims. Authorities advise residents to never click suspicious links, verify payment websites independently, and report suspicious texts to their mobile carrier or the Federal Trade Commission, noting that legitimate DMV communications never request payment via text.
news9.com
· 2025-12-08
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Service Oklahoma are warning drivers of a text message scam falsely claiming to be from the Oklahoma DMV requesting payment for overdue traffic fines. Recipients should not respond to or click links in these fraudulent messages, which threaten penalties for unpaid traffic violations.
wwnytv.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Government Accountability Office released a 116-page report urging the creation of a government-wide strategy to combat fraud and scams, identifying critical weaknesses including no centralized estimate of scam-related losses, no uniform definition of scams, and fragmented inter-agency coordination. The report found that federal agencies lack risk assessments and adequate consumer education efforts, and recommended that the FBI lead a unified initiative to define scams, develop countermeasures, and establish consistent fraud prevention messaging—including prominent warnings at retailers like gift card locations. The GAO director emphasized the importance of consumer reporting, stating that filing scam reports helps agencies identify patterns and take preventive action before fraud becomes widesprea
journal-news.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old Ohio woman was victimized by a cryptocurrency scam where she was instructed to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM via QR code—one of hundreds of similar cases targeting seniors in Ohio in 2024, often impersonating companies like Amazon, FedEx, or federal agencies. Americans aged 60+ lost nearly $4.89 billion to internet fraud in 2024 (a 46% increase from 2023), with cryptocurrency scams being particularly difficult to reverse once funds are transferred through digital wallets and mixers that obscure transaction origins. Law enforcement emphasizes that quick reporting is critical to recovering funds, and legitimate companies never request payments
nwestiowa.com
· 2025-12-08
Four Sioux Center banks—American State Bank, Northwest Bank, Peoples Bank, and Primebank—are partnering with local police to present a free fraud awareness education event on June 11, aimed at helping community members recognize and prevent scams. While the presentation targets the 55+ demographic, organizers emphasize that all age groups are vulnerable to fraud, with data showing adults 18-59 are actually 34 percent more likely to report fraud losses than older adults. The event will address common scam tactics including impostor scams, romance scams, and cryptocurrency fraud, teaching attendees to recognize red flags like urgency, unnerving pressure, and unexpected contact.
westsidespirit.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines scam prevention strategies for seniors based on a training session at the JCC Marlene Myerson Center in New York. Key scam types targeting older adults include romance scams (exemplified by a woman who sold her house after being deceived by a fake Amnesty International worker), postal fraud, charitable giving scams, and text message schemes originating from the Philippines. The training recommends three defense strategies: slowing down decision-making, consulting friends or neighbors before acting, and avoiding any response, payment, or personal information disclosure, as scammers rely on speed and isolation to succeed.
silversurfers.com
· 2025-12-08
This article describes seven prevalent scams on social media targeting users: fake shop accounts, phishing scams with malicious links, fake giveaways, investment scams promising high returns, romance scams, impersonation scams, and charity scams exploiting crises. The article advises users to verify sources, avoid clicking unsolicited links, use strong passwords with two-factor authentication, and stay educated about evolving fraud tactics to protect themselves and report suspicious activity to platforms.
boredpanda.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman fell victim to a romance scam when an online boyfriend requested $10,000, but she initially rejected her coworker's warning and only recognized the deception when unable to provide the money. The article highlights that romance scams cost victims over $1.14 billion in 2023, with scammers building trust over time before requesting money, and recommends warning signs include unsolicited contact, requests for funds, reluctance to meet in person, and profiles that seem too good to be true.
globalnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
Barbara Grant, a 75-year-old Canadian, lost $800,000 CAD in life savings to a romance scam that began on a dating site during the pandemic. She was deceived by someone claiming to be "Michael Janda" who built an emotional connection with her over nearly a year, eventually requesting money through fabricated emergencies in Qatar, which was funneled through intermediary "mules" to overseas accounts. After discovering the scam in November, Grant hired a private investigator and pursued complaints with her bank TD and the Ombudsman, but was denied compensation; her case highlights broader concerns about inadequate bank monitoring systems, as TD faced billions in penalties across North American juris
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Consumer Protection WA warned of escalating scratchie mail scams involving fake scratch-off tickets offering $US240,000 prizes sent via registered post from Kuala Lumpur, which request personal identification details and payment to claim winnings. Five West Australians lost $30,550 total to these scams over the past year, with scammers using collected personal information for identity theft, loans, and other fraudulent purposes. Since 2020, Australians have lost more than $5.8 million to unexpected winnings scams overall, and authorities advise recipients to never share ID documents and remember that legitimate prizes never require payment to claim.
kdhlradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Minnesota Department of Public Safety issued a warning about scam text messages threatening residents with fines and license suspension for alleged outstanding traffic tickets. The texts falsely claim to be from the "Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles" or "DPSMN," include fake official language and links to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal information, and demand payment via wire transfer or similar methods. Officials recommend not responding to or clicking links in these messages, deleting them, and contacting Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) directly through drive.mn.gov if verification is needed; anyone who has already provided information or money should contact their bank and report the incident to law enforcement.
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission estimated that criminals stole approximately $61.5 billion from adults age 60 and over in 2023, with elder financial abuse coming from both known perpetrators and stranger scams. AARP highlights preventive measures including adding trusted contacts to financial accounts, freezing credit to prevent unauthorized accounts, and using robocall/text blockers to reduce exposure to phone-based scams. The article emphasizes that these proactive steps can significantly protect older adults' financial security.
news.kbs.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
Marriage matchmaking apps have become vehicles for romance scams, including a case where a man in his 30s lost 200 million won after building rapport with a woman who lured him into a fake investment scheme involving fake online trading sites and subsequent requests for tax payments. Additional scams on these platforms include photo theft, where fraudsters steal images from real users to create fake profiles and approach victims. Over 1,200 romance scam cases were reported last year, with experts noting that users are less suspicious when approached through dating apps and are more likely to trust financial requests from matches they've emotionally bonded with.
ibtimes.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Barclays UK released research revealing the top 10 scams affecting British consumers in 2024, finding that one in five people were scammed and a third know someone who was. The most common scams include fake delivery notifications (51%), HMRC impersonation (42%), purchase fraud (40%), and online marketplace scams (38%), with the bank advising consumers to verify companies, avoid pressure tactics, and be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true. Barclays and tech companies like Google are implementing better detection tools, though consumers must remain vigilant with strong passwords and skepticism to protect themselves.
technadu.com
· 2025-12-08
A two-part docuseries titled "ROMCON: Who the F**k is Jason Porter?" premieres on Prime Video in June 2025, documenting a romance scam perpetrated by convicted criminal Jason Porter against Toronto real estate broker Heather Rovet over a three-year period. The documentary follows Rovet's investigation into Porter's schemes as she connects with other victims and exposes his sophisticated tactics of emotional and financial manipulation. The series highlights how one woman's determination uncovers a dangerous criminal network and seeks justice for multiple victims of romance fraud.
odt.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
The online safety agency updated its Get Set Up for Safety programme to help protect older adults from increasingly sophisticated digital scams. Scammers exploit emotions like trust, fear, and hope by building relationships over weeks or months, isolating victims from friends and family, then requesting money for fabricated emergencies such as medical needs or travel. Advanced AI tools enable scammers to improve language quality and create believable fake images and backstories, making these cons harder to detect than previous fraud attempts.
41nbc.com
· 2025-12-08
A text message scam is targeting Georgia drivers, with fraudulent messages falsely claiming to be from the "Georgia State Department of Motor Vehicles" and demanding gift card or cryptocurrency payments for alleged outstanding traffic tickets under threat of license suspension. Monroe County Sheriff Brad Freeman warns that legitimate traffic ticket payments are only accepted as cash, cashier's checks, or money orders to the court clerk, and advises recipients to avoid clicking links or calling numbers in suspicious messages, instead contacting their local law enforcement or checking the Georgia Department of Driver Services website directly.
wdtv.com
· 2025-12-08
I appreciate you sharing this, but these news items don't appear to be related to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. The articles cover unrelated topics: a Netflix/Warner Bros. Discovery deal, a product safety recall, and a legal matter involving a firefighter.
To help you effectively, please provide an article or transcript specifically about:
- Financial scams targeting seniors
- Elder abuse or exploitation
- Fraud schemes (romance scams, investment fraud, tech support scams, etc.)
- Findings or advice related to elder fraud prevention
I'm ready to create a summary once you share relevant content!
dailydodge.com
· 2025-12-08
A Wisconsin consumer fell victim to a door-to-door charity scam where fraudsters convinced him to donate $40 but fraudulently charged his credit card $4,000 after scanning it. The state's Division of Trade and Consumer Protection recommends donating through familiar charities' official websites, paying by credit card for fraud protection, and verifying solicitors' credentials before contributing.
klkntv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Lincoln Police Department and several Nebraska counties are warning residents of a text message scam in which scammers impersonate the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles and threaten license revocation due to unpaid traffic fines. The scam uses urgency and fear tactics to trick recipients into clicking suspicious links or paying money, and police advise victims to report such messages to the FTC, FBI, or their phone carrier, while independently verifying any claims directly through official agency websites rather than through information provided in the suspicious text.
aspenjournalism.org
· 2025-12-08
Immigration attorneys in Colorado are raising awareness about a surge in scams and extortion targeting immigrants, exploiting heightened fear under increased federal immigration enforcement. Common tactics include blackmail demands, fake promises to expedite visas or green cards for large fees (some victims losing $20,000+), and impersonation of immigration officials through fake documents, Zoom calls, and social media. Attorneys advise that legitimate government agencies never conduct business via social media or personal email, never request wire transfers to individuals, and that all official immigration matters must go through government websites like uscis.gov.
inforum.com
· 2025-12-08
As summer travel increases, scammers are targeting vacation planners with fraudulent hotel deals that exploit people's excitement and desire for affordable getaways. Experts recommend booking directly through official hotel websites, researching thoroughly before providing payment information, checking the BBB website for legitimacy, using credit cards instead of debit cards, and being wary of deals offering discounts significantly higher than 10-15% off normal rates or websites with spelling errors and unclear policies.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
DMV text message scams, known as "smishing," are expanding across multiple states including Colorado, Indiana, Minnesota, California, Michigan, and North Carolina, with earlier warnings issued in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, and New York. These fraudulent texts falsely claim recipients have unpaid traffic tickets or outstanding bills and threaten consequences like vehicle registration loss, driving privilege suspension, or credit score damage unless they click a link and pay. The Federal Trade Commission advises recipients not to click links or respond, instead contacting their state DMV directly through official channels and reporting the messages to their wireless provider, the FTC, and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece outlines common scam types affecting email and social media users, including phishing, romance scams, investment fraud, and ATM skimming, noting that scammers exploit vulnerable people in distressing situations. New Zealand's Banking Association is implementing protections by November that will require banks to reimburse fraud victims up to $500,000 under certain conditions and use new technology to detect suspicious transactions. The article emphasizes that awareness and family support are critical defenses, as even tech-savvy individuals can fall victim to fraud.
brigadanews.ph
· 2025-12-08
At age 80, Priscilla Presley filed a lawsuit in July 2024 against memorabilia dealer Brigitte Kruse and alleged co-conspirators, claiming they manipulated her into signing over approximately 80 percent of her earnings—worth more than $1 million—through financial fraud and elder abuse, including isolation from key relationships and systematic bank account draining. Presley was reportedly within two months of financial collapse when the suit was filed, and the case is proceeding in California with additional hearings scheduled for June and July. Kruse has countered that she assisted Presley during financial difficulties when the former actress owed over $700,000 in unp
ajirayako.co.tz
· 2025-12-08
This is a job posting, not an article about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It describes a Senior Program Officer position at Jhpiego, a nonprofit health organization affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, focused on HIV services coordination in Tanzania. This content is not relevant to the Elderus elder fraud research database and does not require summarization for that purpose.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
Senior executives at Greenko Group in Hyderabad lost ₹2.7 crore ($325,000 USD equivalent) to a WhatsApp impersonation scam in June, where fraudsters posed as the Managing Director using his photo to trick officials into authorizing two fund transfers to fake accounts. The scam exploited corporate hierarchy and trust, with ₹1.95 crore transferred on June 2 and ₹75 lakh on June 5, only discovered fraudulent when details were shared with the actual MD's office. A similar attempt at another company (RCML) targeting ₹20 lakh was prevented when the CFO verified the request directly
gulfnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Pakistani authorities launched "Operation Grey," a major crackdown targeting a transnational cybercrime network involving individuals from over ten countries who perpetrated multibillion-rupee online fraud through illegal gambling apps, loan scams, call centres, and fake investment platforms. The investigation led to arrests including a woman and bank manager, recovery of Bitcoin and foreign currency, and exposed suspicious transactions across 36 company accounts, with the operation being monitored at the highest government levels due to its scale and complexity. The FIA plans to expand the nationwide operation post-Eid holidays to dismantle remaining illegal call centres involved in cyber fraud.
newindianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
This article covers an educational masterclass on artificial intelligence organized for senior citizens in India, featuring experts who demonstrated how AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance safety, independence, and quality of life for elders. Around 130 seniors learned practical applications including health monitoring, home security, fact-checking, deepfake identification, and fraud detection, with organizers planning future programs focused on protecting seniors from cybercrime.
kitv.com
· 2025-12-08
During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, Hawaii advocates warned seniors about rising scam threats, noting that kupuna lost over $52 million to internet scams in 2023. The Senior Medicare Patrol highlighted that imposter scams and identity theft are the most common fraud types targeting Hawaii residents, with particular concern as the state's aging population continues to grow.
dailyhodl.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old Wells Fargo customer in North Carolina lost $61,000 to an impostor scam that began with a fake virus warning pop-up, which directed her to call a fraudulent Apple Care number. The scammers posed as Apple and Wells Fargo representatives, convincing her that her accounts were compromised and instructing her to withdraw cash and convert it to Bitcoin over several days. The victim became suspicious when the scammers asked her to meet at a police station to recover funds and reported the incident to the sheriff's office, which is investigating the case.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Online scammers use fake login alert emails impersonating legitimate companies like Google, Apple, and Facebook to create urgency and fear, tricking victims into clicking malicious links that lead to fake login pages where attackers steal credentials and personal information. The scam is effective because it mimics genuine security notifications that these companies actually send, though scammers increasingly use AI to write professional-sounding phishing emails that lack the grammar errors once considered a red flag. To protect yourself, verify alerts come from official company addresses, avoid clicking suspicious links, and check your account directly through the company's official website rather than through email links.