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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
cnet.com
Digital payment apps like Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal are increasingly targeted by scammers, with customers at three banks losing over $870 million to Zelle fraud since 2017. Common scams include cash flipping schemes, phishing attacks, fake item sales, counterfeit tickets, software update tricks, and rental deposit frauds—all designed to trick users into sending irretrievable payments to criminals. To protect yourself, never click links from unsolicited emails, avoid paying sight unseen, use official app stores for updates, and verify requests directly through the payment app's customer service.
cointelegraph.com
The FBI warned in June of a rising work-from-home job scam where fraudsters contact victims with offers of simple remote work (like rating restaurants), show fake earnings on a fake interface, then demand cryptocurrency payments to "unlock" additional work—with payments going directly to the scammer. Red flags include job postings that overuse the word "optimization" and don't require references, and victims should be cautious of any employer demanding cryptocurrency as a condition of employment.
sent-trib.com
The Perrysburg Township Police Department warned residents of phone scams targeting elderly people, citing an incident where a woman was nearly defrauded of $10,000 after being instructed to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM. The department emphasized that legitimate businesses never request payment via Bitcoin or gift cards, and cautioned against allowing anyone remote access to computers or bank accounts under the guise of IT security.
elkhornmediagroup.com
The FBI Portland Division reported an increase in government impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as FBI or other federal agents and demand payment via cash, gold, or courier pickups, using intimidation tactics and threatening arrest. In 2023, 14,190 people nationally reported being victims of these scams with losses exceeding $394 million, with the Portland Division alone losing $1.7 million; adults over 60 accounted for 40% of victims but suffered 58% of national losses, with some experiencing home foreclosures, emptied retirement accounts, and suicides due to financial devastation. The FBI advises that legitimate federal agencies never call demanding money or threatening arrest, an
mysuncoast.com
In 2024, the Bradenton Police Department investigated elder fraud cases resulting in nearly $2 million in losses, prompting the creation of a dedicated Elder Fraud Unit to combat these crimes. Recent cases include a woman who lost $50,000 after clicking a phishing scam on Facebook that directed her to call a fraudulent assistance number, with social media emerging as a particularly effective platform for scammers to target seniors. Police recommend that residents verify requests by calling companies directly rather than clicking links or responding to unsolicited messages, and warn that losses are expected to increase throughout the year.
fingerlakesdailynews.com
**Title:** New York Department of State Warns of Elder Fraud Epidemic
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection issued guidance on elder fraud following the FBI's 2023 report showing that scams targeting adults over 60 resulted in $3.4 billion in losses (an 11% increase from 2022), with the average victim losing $33,915. The advisory describes eight common scams affecting older adults—including medical device, grandparent, ghosting, jury duty, funeral notification, sweepstakes, IRS imposter, and free grant scams—and provides prevention tips such as resisting immediate action, verifying caller identity, an
troyrecord.com
New York's Department of State Division of Consumer Protection released guidance on scams targeting older adults, noting that elder fraud caused over $3.4 billion in losses nationally in 2023, with the average victim losing $33,915. The advisory outlines common scams including medical device, grandparent, jury duty, funeral notification, and IRS imposter schemes, and recommends that seniors hang up on unrecognizable numbers, avoid unsolicited links, and verify requests through trusted phone numbers. Officials emphasized that elder abuse is widely underreported and urged anyone suspecting abuse to contact the New York State Adult Services Helpline at 1-844-697-3505.
messenger-inquirer.com
AARP's Scam Prevention Guide addresses the growing threat of fraud targeting seniors through increasingly sophisticated schemes including fake pop-up warnings, romance scams on social media, grandparent scams involving multiple perpetrators, home repair fraud, and impersonation of government agencies like the IRS. The guide emphasizes that seniors are vulnerable to these scams because scammers exploit emotions like fear, loneliness, and the desire to help family members, with perpetrators using personal information and legitimate-sounding tactics to build trust. Protection strategies include not answering calls from unknown numbers, verifying social media profiles before accepting requests, and remembering that legitimate agencies like the IRS contact people by mail, not phone
wbbjtv.com
The Better Business Bureau reported a record-high 9,000 phishing scam reports in 2023, nearly doubling from the previous year, with scammers increasingly using text messages and other new technologies to target victims. Red flags include unsolicited emails, texts, and calls claiming suspicious account activity or requesting confirmation of financial information via links. The BBB advises consumers to verify the source of communications and avoid clicking links, noting that banks rarely contact customers via text or email except for fraud alerts, with younger adults (18-24) particularly targeted by text scams and seniors by phone calls.
indiatoday.in
A 75-year-old man from the US lost approximately $716,212 (Rs 6 crore) in a "pig butchering" romance scam after meeting a scammer posing as a wealthy Chinese woman named Violaine Chen on LinkedIn. The scammer built romantic trust over time, then convinced the victim to invest in a fake trading platform (Fuex) that showed false returns, and blocked withdrawal attempts while demanding additional fees. Despite FBI reporting, the victim was unable to recover his funds and suffered significant emotional and financial consequences.
malaysiakini.com
A 60-year-old retired police officer in Batu Pahat lost over RM310,000 to a phone scam in which the caller impersonated a police officer from Perak police headquarters. The scammer convinced the victim through a fraudulent phone call, exploiting her trust in law enforcement authority to facilitate the financial loss.
wtsp.com
Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida's "Protection of Specified Adults" bill into law, which allows banks to delay disbursing funds for up to 15 days if employees suspect seniors aged 65 and older or vulnerable adults are being scammed. Florida seniors reported nearly $300 million in losses from scams, the second-highest in the nation, with cases ranging from phone impersonation schemes to elaborate financial exploitation; the law takes effect in January 2025. Experts recommend protecting against scams by hanging up on suspicious calls, avoiding unverified links, and verifying requests directly with official sources rather than numbers provided by potential scammers.
uppermichiganssource.com
Michigan's Assistant Attorney General Kristen Stinedurf held a Zoom presentation at the Ishpeming Senior Center to educate seniors about evolving scam tactics, including urgency tactics, secrecy demands, and gift card scams. Attendee Joe Ellen Yeadon reported her bank account had been targeted three times, reflecting a broader community problem. Stinedurf advised seniors to hang up calls or delete texts when offers seem too good to be true.
yahoo.com
The Ishpeming Multi-Purpose Senior Center, in partnership with the Tri County Office of Aging, is hosting a free educational event to teach seniors and caregivers how to prevent fraud and scams targeting phone, text, and email. The event includes trained staff who help identify fraud, prevention strategies, and reporting procedures, with the center extending outreach to seniors with limited technology access throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
broadbandbreakfast.com
Older adults' losses to fraud and scams have increased significantly, from $1 billion in 2021 to approximately $1.8 billion in reported losses in 2023, with the FTC estimating actual losses may reach as high as $48 billion when accounting for unreported cases. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to business impersonation scams (especially Amazon impersonation), romance scams, tech support scams, and investment scams involving fake cryptocurrency opportunities. Government agencies, tech companies, and nonprofit organizations are working to combat fraud through education, awareness tools, and new coalitions like Tech Against Scams, while also recognizing the significant mental and emotional health impact on scam
freep.com
Two emerging scams exploit people's willingness to help others: the "borrow your phone" scam, where strangers ask to use your phone and secretly transfer money from payment apps to their accounts (stealing $150-$200 or more), and the "accidental deposit" scam, where scammers claim they mistakenly sent you money via Venmo and request you send it back, potentially involving fraudulent transactions. Experts recommend never handing phones to strangers and verifying overpayment claims directly with payment app customer support rather than trusting unsolicited requests.
justice.gov
In January 2023, a Massachusetts workers union was defrauded of $6.4 million through a business email compromise (BEC) scheme in which scammers spoofed an investment consulting firm's email address (changing one letter) to request a payment information change. The U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil forfeiture action to recover approximately $5.3 million in traced proceeds that were transferred through multiple intermediary accounts in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, and Nigeria before being seized from seven domestic bank accounts.
infosecurity-magazine.com
The FBI issued a public service announcement warning of a surge in fraudulent work-from-home scams that pose as legitimate job opportunities, luring victims with promises of easy tasks and using tactics like impersonating reputable companies, requesting cryptocurrency payments, and displaying fake earnings on phony interfaces. Red flags include unsolicited job offers with simplistic descriptions, demands for upfront cryptocurrency payments, and no reference checks, while the FBI advises people to avoid sending money to unfamiliar entities and protect personal financial information. Experts emphasize trusting one's instincts about suspicious job offers and recognizing warning signs like confusing payment structures, particularly as remote work becomes more normalized.
ktvz.com
The FBI Portland Division reported an increase in scammers impersonating federal agents and government officials to extort cash and gold from victims, with couriers collecting payments directly from homes. Seniors over 60 are the primary targets, and in 2023, government impersonation scams resulted in over 14,190 victim reports nationally with losses exceeding $394 million, including $1.7 million in Oregon alone. The FBI emphasized that legitimate federal agencies never call or email threatening arrest or demanding money, and encouraged victims to report suspicious contacts to local law enforcement and the IC3 at ic3.gov.
heraldnet.com
Washington residents lost approximately $250 million to fraud in 2023, with 53,269 complaints filed to the Federal Trade Commission—roughly $3.2 million per 100,000 residents. Imposter scams (22% of cases) and identity theft (14% of cases) were the most common fraud types, followed by online shopping fraud, bank and lender scams, and prize/sweepstakes schemes. Victims are advised to report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and avoid providing personal information to unknown callers, even those claiming to be legitimate authorities.
wfmynews2.com
Financial exploitation represents the most common form of elder abuse in the U.S., with losses exceeding $28 billion annually, with the majority perpetrated by people known to the victim rather than strangers. AARP emphasizes that older adults' trusting nature makes them vulnerable to scams and fraud through email and phone calls. The organization is promoting World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2024, with a community event in Kernersville featuring education, document shredding, and medication disposal services to help combat financial exploitation.
spectrumnews1.com
Over 140 million American adults have been victims of fraud according to AARP's Fraud Watch Network. Patricia Kaster lost approximately $1.7 million in a 2023 impersonation scam where fraudsters posed as her bank's fraud department and the FTC, convincing her to liquidate assets and sell her house by falsely accusing her of money laundering. The FTC reported that consumers lost $10 billion to fraud in 2023, and AARP recommends hanging up on unsolicited calls and avoiding providing money or information to unknown callers as key fraud prevention strategies.
ca.style.yahoo.com
During Melbourne's lockdown, Australian comedian Michelle Brasier transferred $500 AUD to a man named Jacob on Facebook Marketplace for a discounted Pilates Reformer that was never delivered; when Jacob blocked her after refusing a refund, she tracked down his contact information and confronted him, discovering he had scammed multiple people. Rather than pursue legal action, Brasier chose to befriend Jacob after suspecting he was in personal distress, eventually establishing an ongoing relationship based on empathy and radical forgiveness.
thenevadaglobe.com
A North Las Vegas woman lost approximately $9,000 in a sophisticated phone scam where a caller impersonated her bank, reported fraudulent charges, and convinced her to surrender her debit card to a fake courier who arrived at her door. The scammer used urgent pressure tactics, spoofed caller ID, and already possessed personal details like her address, ultimately gaining access to her account information after the victim handed over her card. The victim has filed a police report and contacted her bank, though recovery of the stolen funds remains uncertain.
indy100.com
A 75-year-old pensioner lost his entire life savings of $715,000 in a romance scam after connecting with someone claiming to be a 37-year-old Chinese woman on LinkedIn. The scammer built an emotional relationship with the victim over months, using flattery and guilt-tripping messages to convince him to transfer his money, then disappeared once the transaction was complete. The victim reported the case to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
intouchweekly.com
Romance scams, which exploited approximately 70,000 Americans in 2022 resulting in $1.3 billion in losses (a 78% increase from 2020), typically begin on social media platforms (40% of cases) or dating apps where scammers build trust before requesting money for investments, emergencies, or travel. Older adults aged 65 and above are the most frequently targeted demographic and suffer the highest financial losses, with victims experiencing not only severe financial consequences but also profound emotional trauma including shame, betrayal, and lasting psychological harm.
fscs.org.uk
This article from the Financial Conduct Services (FSCS) outlines common financial scams targeting their customers as of September 2025, including fraudulent compensation claims for failed firms like MH Carbon Ltd, London Court Ltd, and various investment companies. Key warning signs include unsolicited calls from non-FSCS numbers, requests for upfront payments, screen-sharing requests, emails with suspicious domains (not @fscs.org.uk), and mentions of URNs or compensation entitlements. FSCS emphasizes that legitimate claims are completely free and advises customers to verify communications directly through official channels and check the FCA register before providing any personal financial information.
usatoday.com
Elder fraud complaints are rising significantly, with the FBI reporting 101,000 victims who lost $3.4 billion in 2023, though AARP estimates actual losses exceed $28 billion annually due to underreporting driven by victim shame and embarrassment. Common scams targeting seniors include AI voice cloning, romance scams, tech support fraud, impersonations of banks and government agencies, and investment schemes. Key protective measures include establishing code words with family to verify identity, never sending money to unknown contacts, ignoring unsolicited pop-up and email messages, hanging up and calling back known numbers to verify callers, and remembering that legitimate government agencies contact by mail rather than
purplesneakers.tv
This article documents scams targeting musicians by fraudulent PR representatives who take upfront fees ($800-$8,000) without delivering promised services, then disappear with no accountability or evidence of work performed. The scammers exploit artists' insecurities and lack of industry knowledge, often discouraging them from seeking legitimate representation and causing some to abandon music careers entirely. The article provides guidance on vetting PR representatives by asking specific questions about their client load, their genuine interest in the artist's work, their pitch strategy, and requesting references from recent clients.
kait8.com
Greene County Sheriff Brad Snyder warned residents of scam calls from someone posing as Chief Deputy Shannon Anthony, who falsely claimed victims had unpaid warrants requiring immediate payment—a common fraud tactic. The sheriff clarified that his office never contacts people by phone to collect fines or warrant payments and encouraged residents to hang up on such calls, even humorously inviting them to contact the suspect's phone number to express their displeasure with the scam activities.
justice.gov
The U.S. Attorney's Office, along with Age-Friendly Mecklenburg and AARP-Charlotte, hosted a Walk for Awareness event on June 15, 2024, to highlight World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and increase community recognition of elder exploitation, neglect, and abuse. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals 60 and older filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses from online fraud, with tech support scams, government impersonation, phishing, and romance scams being particularly prevalent threats to older adults.
gobankingrates.com
This educational article outlines 11 common scams expected in 2025 and protective measures for consumers. Key scams include AI-powered fraud (voice cloning, deepfakes, phishing, and fake job postings), check fraud through digital alteration, debt relief scams, and fake package delivery schemes, with seniors particularly targeted through "grandparent scams." The article advises consumers to verify identities before sharing information, use secure payment methods instead of checks, contact legitimate financial institutions directly, and remain vigilant as scammers use advancing technology to make frauds harder to detect.
wbiw.com
Elder fraud incidents rose 14% in 2023, with seniors over 60 losing over $724 million to scams in 2022—more than all other age groups combined. The article identifies five prevalent fraud types targeting seniors: impersonation scams (using AI voice technology), robocalls and phishing, the grandparent scam, sweepstakes scams (costing victims nearly $70 million in 2022), and investment/charity scams (causing $1.2 billion in losses in 2023). Key protective measures include verifying caller identity through alternative channels, hanging up on suspicious calls, confirming situations with family members, and researching
dos.ny.gov
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection issued guidance on elder fraud awareness, reporting that scams targeting adults over 60 caused $3.4 billion in losses in 2023 (an 11% increase from 2022), with average victim losses of $33,915. The advisory outlined common scams affecting older adults including medical device scams, grandparent scams, identity theft targeting deceased persons, jury duty scams, and sweepstakes scams, while recommending protective measures such as avoiding unsolicited calls, not clicking unknown links, and verifying requests through trusted phone numbers.
m.cbs12.com
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new Florida law allowing banks to delay withdrawals or transactions for up to 15 days (extendable) if employees suspect a senior citizen or vulnerable adult is being financially exploited. The law addresses concerns that isolated seniors and disabled individuals are targets for financial scams by family members, caregivers, and other unscrupulous individuals who gain access to their substantial assets.
nny360.com
During World Elder Abuse Month, New York's Department of State highlighted the growing crisis of elder fraud, noting that adults over 60 lost over $3.4 billion in 2023 (an 11% increase from 2022), with the average victim losing $33,915. State officials urged New Yorkers to educate themselves and older family members about common scam tactics, warning that scammers use increasingly sophisticated methods to steal money and personal information, and emphasized the importance of reporting suspected abuse to adult protective services.
ca.news.yahoo.com
Charlotte held its second annual walk at Freedom Park to raise awareness about elder abuse, organized by AARP, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and Mecklenburg County services ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. Participants highlighted that seniors lose approximately $23.8 billion annually to fraud and scams, while also emphasizing that abuse can occur within families and nursing homes, often exacerbated by isolation and lack of community support.
uppermichiganssource.com
The Ishpeming Multi-Purpose Senior Center hosted a free scam awareness presentation featuring Michigan's Assistant Attorney General Kristen Stinedurf, who addressed phishing, AI scams, and fraud warning signs across calls, texts, mail, and email. The presentation, held in partnership with the Tri-County Office on Aging, targeted seniors new to Medicare and technology who receive frequent scam-related communications, aiming to help attendees recognize and avoid fraud.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
A 75-year-old Midwestern professional lost $716,212 in a "pig butchering" romance scam that began with a LinkedIn message from a scammer posing as a wealthy Chinese woman named Violaine Chen. The scammer built trust over months of intimate conversations before convincing him to invest in a fake trading platform (Fuex), where his account was frozen when he attempted withdrawal, leading him to take out loans to pay fraudulent fees. The man, who reported the crime to the FBI, was left with no recovered funds and hopes his experience will warn others about this sophisticated fraud scheme.
ftadviser.com
Geoff Harris lost £3,042.34 to a text scam impersonating his daughter and initially received only £40 reimbursement from HSBC, which he challenged as inadequate. After Harris contacted FT Adviser, HSBC conducted a new review and, considering mitigating circumstances including his diagnosed OCD and anxiety disorder that were triggered by the emotional situation, offered a full refund. The case highlights how banks may initially overlook mental health factors and vulnerable circumstances when assessing scam victim claims.
wxii12.com
Chatham County's Department of Social Services hosted a senior resource fair to address the growing problem of financial exploitation targeting vulnerable adults. In 2022, $3 billion was lost to financial exploitation nationwide, with sweetheart scams and exploitation by trusted individuals (such as those with power of attorney) being the most common types reported in Chatham County, where cases have increased from 25% to approximately 33% of all reports. Officials recommend people "see it, stop it, and report it" by recognizing warning signs like unusual money transfers and gift card purchases, immediately contacting banks and law enforcement, and reporting suspected exploitation to adult protective services or the Federal Trade Commission.
cbs12.com
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new Florida law that empowers banks to delay withdrawals or transactions for up to 15 days if employees suspect a senior citizen or vulnerable adult is being financially exploited. The law addresses the vulnerability of isolated elderly people and those with disabilities who may be targeted by scammers—including unscrupulous caregivers, family members, or home health aides—seeking access to their substantial assets.
prnewswire.com
Medicare fraud costs an estimated $60 billion annually and affects beneficiaries through loss of medical identity, time, stress, and potential health consequences. The Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol launched Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 5-6) to educate beneficiaries, caregivers, families, and healthcare providers on protective measures such as monitoring insurance statements, verifying medical equipment orders, safeguarding Medicare numbers, and reporting suspicious activity.
prnewswire.com
Blue Shield of California issued a Medicare Fraud Prevention Week alert warning seniors about scammers targeting personal and financial information, noting that healthcare fraud costs up to $300 billion annually in the U.S. and that older adults lost nearly $770 million to call center schemes in 2023—more than all other age groups combined. The health plan recommends Medicare beneficiaries protect themselves by never sharing personal information unsolicited, refusing free offers for medical care, and contacting Medicare directly at 1-800-633-4227 if they suspect fraudulent activity.
wgal.com
Romance scams in the Susquehanna Valley have affected multiple victims, including a 53-year-old Lebanon County man who lost over $10,000, Mark Heath who lost $165,000, and a woman who lost $40,000, with scammers posing as romantic interests to extract money from vulnerable individuals, particularly widows and widowers. The FBI recommends victims be cautious about online information sharing, verify profiles through reverse image searches, avoid sending money to online-only contacts, and watch for red flags such as requests to move off dating platforms, promises to meet that never materialize, and requests for financial or personal information.
wfmynews2.com
Scammers are sending increasingly convincing text messages impersonating USPS, claiming packages cannot be delivered and requesting action within 12 hours, often including fake links and polite language like "We wish you a wonderful day" to appear legitimate. Red flags include the sender being a .com address or regular phone number rather than an official source, and requests for payment to complete delivery. The actual USPS does not send text messages about packages, so recipients should verify delivery status by logging directly into their carrier's account rather than clicking links in unsolicited texts.
m.cbs12.com
Port St. Lucie Police reported a surge in text and phone scams in which perpetrators demanded money from residents while making violent threats, using personal information gleaned from social media or government websites and sending intimidating photos to coerce payment, with some falsely claiming cartel affiliations. Fortunately, recent victims recognized these scams as fraudulent and did not pay, and police advised residents to remain vigilant and resist fear-based pressure tactics.
which.co.uk
This Which? article provides consumer awareness about common scams rather than reporting a specific fraud incident. The piece highlights three prevalent scam types: hotel booking fraud where hackers gain access to hotel systems to send phishing messages requesting card details (with 40 reported Booking.com scams in early 2024); phone/broadband provider impersonation calls offering refunds or upgrades while tricking victims into sharing remote access or making unauthorized payments; and hidden subscription scams where victims are charged recurring fees (up to £50/month) through misleading ads and fake QR codes. The article emphasizes that all consumers are vulnerable to sophisticated fraud and recommends awareness and protective measures.
news.blueshieldca.com
**Article:** Blue Shield of California Medicare Fraud Prevention Week Alert
Blue Shield of California warned Medicare beneficiaries during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 3-9, 2024) about scams targeting seniors seeking personal, financial, and health plan information. Healthcare fraud costs the U.S. up to $300 billion annually, with older adults accounting for 40% of call center fraud complaints and 58% of losses—nearly $770 million in 2023, more than all other age groups combined. The organization recommends seniors protect themselves by never sharing personal information, verifying callers through official numbers like 1-800-MEDICARE, reviewing Explanation of Benefits statements
southeastiowaunion.com
Libertyville Savings Bank is hosting a free educational open house on June 13 to raise awareness about elder financial exploitation, coinciding with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. According to FinCEN, over 155,000 suspicious activity reports related to elder abuse were filed in the past year, totaling $27 billion in suspicious activity, though many cases go unreported. The event will inform attendees about recognizing fraudulent communications and scams targeting seniors of all ages.