Explore the Archive

**Scam Jam Educational Event - October 16, 2025** AARP Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Elder Justice Coalition hosted a Scam Jam awareness event at UW-Green Bay to educate attendees about current scams and connect them with fraud-fighting professionals. The event featured a resource fair with multiple Wisconsin organizations including AARP's Fraud Watch Network, the Better Business Bureau, state consumer protection agencies, and local support services, all offering free fraud prevention information, complaint filing assistance, and community presentations.

Shawn Smith, Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol Director, warned seniors at the Front Royal/Warren County TRIAD Senior Expo about three major Medicare scams: government impostors, durable medical equipment fraud, and genetic testing scams, which collectively cost Medicare $60-$80 billion annually. Smith advised attendees to avoid unsolicited calls, never disclose Medicare numbers, scrutinize medical offers, and regularly review Medicare statements for fraudulent charges, noting that the Senior Medicare Patrol offers free assistance through 1-800-938-8885 to help seniors report suspicious activity and protect themselves from becoming unwitting accomplices to fraud.

Minnesota Aging Pathways (formerly Senior LinkAge Line) will offer a free online presentation on November 12, 2025, focused on health care fraud prevention. The virtual event aims to educate seniors and caregivers about recognizing and avoiding health care-related scams.

**Summary:** During government shutdowns, scammers target federal employees, contractors, and benefit recipients with fraudulent calls and emails impersonating Social Security, Medicare, and other agencies, falsely claiming benefits are suspended unless fees are paid or personal information is verified. Common tactics include phishing emails with subject lines like "Government Shutdown Notice," fake relief programs requiring wire transfers or gift cards, and malware-laden links designed to steal credentials. Authorities stress that most federal benefits continue during shutdowns and the government never demands payment or sensitive information via phone or email; victims should report fraud to their state attorney general or the FTC.

Patricia Linda-Ahono, a nursing director at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in New Jersey, was indicted in July 2025 on charges including aggravated assault, neglect of an elderly or disabled adult, and falsifying records after she allegedly struck a resident with a broom on June 24, 2023, causing bleeding injuries. The incident was recorded on video by a nurse, but Lindo-Ahono allegedly falsified the incident report by claiming the resident had a weapon and misrepresenting the date; she also allegedly instructed staff not to contact police and later attempted to coach a witness to deny knowledge of the event. The charges reflect both the physical assault and the

Patricia Lindo-Ahono, a 59-year-old nursing director at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in New Jersey, was indicted on multiple charges including aggravated assault, neglect of an elderly adult, and tampering with witnesses for allegedly striking an elderly male resident with a broom on June 24, 2023. Video evidence contradicted her incident report, which falsely claimed the assault occurred four days earlier and that the resident had wielded a weapon; she also allegedly attempted to influence a witness's testimony and failed to notify required oversight agencies of the incident as required. If convicted, Lindo-Ahono faces potential prison sentences ranging from 18 months to

Three individuals were charged with Medicaid fraud for allegedly exploiting Michigan's transportation reimbursement program: Bernice Marie Pate (10 counts), Wanda Rose Spivey (5 counts), and Ashley Eliza Mendoza (5 counts). The defendants allegedly used a smartphone app to spoof GPS location data and submit false reimbursement claims for medical trips that never occurred, defrauding a program designed to help Medicaid beneficiaries reach medical appointments. All three were arraigned in October 2025 and released on $50,000 personal recognizance bonds.

In June, 73-year-old Karen Pagano from Truro nearly lost $40,000 to scammers who impersonated PayPal fraud specialists, gained remote access to her laptop, and attempted to transfer funds from her bank account while keeping her on the phone. Although police intervention prevented the full loss, Pagano experienced significant disruption including delayed retirement and Social Security payments, and has since received six to eight suspicious calls daily. According to local law enforcement, elder fraud is rampant in the Cape and Islands region, with 393 reports filed over 21 months (January 2023–October 2024) but only 15 resulting in charges, reflecting resource

**District Attorney Seeks Support For Elder Fraud Abuse Prosecution Unit** Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois is requesting funding to establish a dedicated elder fraud prosecution unit, citing a significant surge in cases overwhelming local law enforcement. From 2023 to 2024, Barnstable Police received 393 elder fraud calls, filed 253 reports, but secured charges in only 15 cases, with victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars to various scams including spoofed bank calls and check theft. The DA is seeking letters of endorsement to present to state officials to secure increased resources for investigating and prosecuting these cases.

Patricia Linda-Ahono, nursing director at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in New Jersey, was indicted in July 2025 on charges including aggravated assault, neglect of an elderly or disabled adult, and falsifying records for physically assaulting a resident with a broom on June 24, 2023. The assault was captured on video, and Ahono allegedly attempted to cover up the incident by filing a false incident report claiming the resident had a weapon and by instructing staff not to contact authorities or notify state agencies as required.

Minnesota Aging Pathways is hosting a free virtual presentation on November 12, 2025, from 10-11:30 a.m. to educate older adults on health care fraud, waste, and abuse prevention, including how to detect and report scams. The presentation, informed by the Senior Medicare Patrol federal program, addresses the rising trend of scammers targeting seniors and provides strategies for protecting personal information. Minnesota Aging Pathways, a free statewide service of the Minnesota Board on Aging, offers this educational opportunity to help older Minnesotans and caregivers stay safe from fraud.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday warned of a growing Medicare scam targeting seniors in which scammers ship unsolicited durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, oxygen tanks) that were never prescribed by doctors, then attempt to bill patients or the state Medicare program for the expensive gear. The Attorney General's office advises seniors to regularly review Medicare claims, report unsolicited medical items, verify unfamiliar bills with their doctor before paying, protect personal information, and avoid providing details or making enrollment changes over the phone.

**Title:** As Medicare open enrollment starts, beware health care cons coming your way During Medicare open enrollment periods (Oct. 15-Dec. 7 for Medicare; Nov. 1-Jan. 15 for Healthcare.gov), scammers make unsolicited calls and texts impersonating Medicare or healthcare brokers, pressuring callers to provide Social Security numbers and Medicare ID numbers under the guise of enrolling them in cheaper plans with better coverage. The article advises consumers to avoid unsolicited contacts, never share government-issued numbers with unknown callers, access plans only through official websites (Medicare.gov or Healthcare.gov), and report suspected fraud to

Pennsylvania residents are on track to lose more money to fraud in the current year than in the previous year, with Pennsylvanians having lost approximately $400 million to scams last year and ranking eighth nationally in total fraud losses. Artificial intelligence is enabling increasingly sophisticated scams—including the "grandparent scam" where criminals use AI voice technology to impersonate family members—making traditional detection methods like spotting typos ineffective, and most scams originate from organized networks outside the U.S., making investigation and prosecution difficult. The National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, launched this year with analysts based in Pittsburgh, is working to address this growing epidemic through coordination between private and public sector partners.

This is an educational awareness piece in which California Assemblymember Catherine Stefani announces two free "Senior Scam Stopper" workshops designed to help seniors and their families recognize and prevent fraud. The events, held in partnership with the California Department of Consumer Affairs and featuring experts from state agencies and law enforcement, will cover common scams including fraudulent contractors, identity theft, Medicare fraud, lottery schemes, and mail fraud.

Hundreds of Medicaid and Medicare recipients in Michigan received fraudulent text messages claiming their insurance coverage was terminated, with scammers exploiting federal government shutdown fears to pressure victims into clicking malicious links and surrendering personal information. At least 200 patients of EPIC Health fell victim to the scam, which caused significant disruptions to healthcare delivery and delayed medical care for vulnerable populations with chronic conditions. The Michigan Attorney General issued a warning advising recipients to block messages, avoid clicking links, and report the fraud.

This educational piece identifies common patterns across various scams targeting victims, including job fraud, Medicare fraud, and imposter schemes. Scammers typically create artificial urgency, demand secrecy, and isolate victims from seeking second opinions, with red flags including requests for Social Security numbers and instructions not to tell others. The most effective defense is to hang up and independently verify claims by contacting banks, police, or trusted family members, which often causes fraudulent schemes to fail.

During Medicare's open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), scammers impersonate insurance providers through calls, emails, and in-person contact to steal beneficiaries' money, Medicare information, and personal identity using tactics like free gifts and limited-time offers. Beneficiaries should protect themselves by never sharing personal information with unsolicited contacts, only using official channels like medicare.gov or 1-800-633-4227 to compare plans, and being cautious of unapproved medical devices. To report suspected fraud, individuals can contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 1-877-908-3360.

During government shutdown periods, fraudsters target federal employees, contractors, and benefit recipients with scams impersonating Social Security, Medicare, and food assistance officials, falsely claiming benefits are suspended and demanding fees or personal information to restore them. Common tactics include phishing emails with subject lines like "Government Shutdown Notice," requests for upfront payments via wire transfer or cryptocurrency for fake "relief programs," and malware-laden links designed to steal credentials. Authorities emphasize that most federal benefits are not actually cut off during shutdowns and that legitimate government agencies will never demand money or sensitive information via phone or email.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned of potential government imposter scams during the federal government shutdown, where fraudsters may pose as officials to steal personal information or money by falsely claiming issues with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or SNAP benefits. Nessel advised consumers not to click links or download attachments in suspicious communications, and to verify any government contact directly with the agency, noting that legitimate government agencies never request personal information via email, phone, or text, and never demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps.

Fraudsters in Arkansas and nationwide are increasingly targeting seniors by offering free medical equipment in exchange for their Medicare numbers, then billing Medicare for devices the seniors never ordered or needed. This scheme not only costs Medicare millions but can deny seniors legitimate coverage when they actually need medical care. Seniors should verify any medical orders with their doctors, return unsolicited items, contact Medicare to dispute fraudulent claims, and report suspected fraud to the Arkansas Attorney General or by calling 1-800-Medicare.

Senior Friendship Centers in Sarasota is offering free and low-cost services to older adults, including flu and RSV vaccines, Medicare counseling, and scam-prevention workshops, in response to rising financial and health challenges facing seniors. The initiative addresses a poverty rate of 15 percent among Americans 65 and older and record fraud losses of $12.5 billion last year, with workshops and clinics scheduled throughout October 2025.

Medicare scams occur year-round but peak during the October 15–December 7 annual open enrollment period, taking various forms including spam calls and phishing emails to obtain sensitive health and financial information. These scams continuously evolve with new tactics each year, and individuals should learn to recognize and avoid them through awareness and education.

Medicare open enrollment (October 15–December 7) coincides with peak Medicare fraud season, when scammers pose as insurance providers via calls, emails, or in-person visits to steal personal information, Medicare data, or identities using offers of free gifts or limited-time deals. Beneficiaries should avoid sharing personal information with unsolicited contacts, only use equipment prescribed by doctors, and verify plans through legitimate channels like medicare.gov or 1-800-633-4227 to protect themselves from fraud schemes.

The Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program issued a warning during Medicare's 2025 Open Enrollment period (October 15-December 7) about a surge in scams targeting beneficiaries, including unsolicited calls, fraudulent mailings, and misleading offers of free benefits or refunds. The program advises seniors to protect their Medicare numbers, avoid clicking suspicious links, hang up on unknown callers, and verify plan information only through official Medicare.gov channels or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Residents can receive free, unbiased assistance from SHINE counselors by contacting MassOptions at 1-800-243-4636 or report suspicious

During Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15-December 7), scammers impersonate Medicare representatives and contact seniors unexpectedly, requesting personal information, Medicare numbers, or payments under the false pretense of issuing new or updated Medicare cards. Medicare never contacts beneficiaries unsolicited to request financial information or payment, as legitimate Medicare cards are free and mailed automatically. To protect yourself, ignore unexpected calls demanding personal information, verify suspicious calls by independently dialing 1-800-MEDICARE, use official resources like Medicare.gov and your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for plan information, and report scams to 1-800-MEDICARE and the FTC at Re

This educational piece advises Medicare beneficiaries and those who know them on avoiding scams during the Medicare open enrollment period (October 15 – December 7). Scammers commonly impersonate Medicare representatives to steal personal information or money by falsely claiming beneficiaries need to provide Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, or bank details for new cards or fake medical equipment claims—all services Medicare provides for free. The article recommends never sharing personal information with unexpected callers claiming to be from Medicare, verifying calls by hanging up and calling 1-800-MEDICARE directly, and reporting suspected scams to that same number or through the local Senior Medicare Patrol.

Seniors in Marquette, Michigan are being targeted by a Medicare fraud scam involving false claims for unnecessary medical equipment, such as diabetic supplies for non-diabetics and orthopedic braces for those without medical needs. The scam uses stolen personal information including names and Social Security numbers, though fraudsters are often located outside the area, making them difficult to track. Victims can report suspected fraud by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or contacting the Marquette Senior Center for assistance.

During Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15-December 7), scammers impersonate Medicare representatives and contact seniors unsolicited, falsely claiming they need a new Medicare card and requesting Medicare numbers, bank account information, or payments—when legitimate Medicare cards are free and automatically mailed. To protect themselves, seniors should ignore unexpected requests for personal or financial information, verify caller identity by hanging up and calling 1-800-MEDICARE directly, and use official resources like Medicare.gov or their State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for plan comparisons. Suspected Medicare fraud should be reported to 1-800-MEDICARE and the FTC at ReportFrau

The 3rd Annual Senior Legal Safety Conference in Roanoke, Virginia brought together experts to educate seniors on critical planning decisions including powers of attorney, medical directives, and end-of-life care. The conference highlighted major threats to seniors including fraud, scams, and Medicare fraud, which costs Virginia approximately $2 billion annually, with attendees learning how to recognize double billing, verify charges, and protect their personal information. The sponsoring organization also began offering Medicare Open Enrollment counseling sessions to help seniors navigate this complex process with fewer mistakes and financial losses.

Older adults are frequent targets for financial scams because they have accumulated wealth, may experience cognitive or sensory decline, and often grew up in a more trusting era, making them vulnerable to exploitation. The FBI estimates seniors lose over $3 billion annually to fraud through common schemes including robocalls, government impersonation scams, romance scams, tech support scams, and emerging threats like deepfakes and grandparent scams. Protection strategies include hanging up on high-pressure calls, verifying caller identities independently, and familiarizing oneself with common scam tactics.

This article is not about elder fraud, scams, or abuse. It is a weather advisory notice followed by an educational event summary about Medicare fraud prevention. The relevant portion describes an educational workshop where 20 senior citizens in Hertford, North Carolina learned to protect themselves against Medicare fraud during a "Shred & Shield" event on September 16, ahead of Medicare's open enrollment period (October 15-December 7). Ashley Lamb, a family caregiver support specialist, warned attendees about common Medicare scams including unsolicited calls offering free medical equipment in exchange for Medicare numbers, and advised seniors to never provide their Medicare card number, Social Security number, or bank information to callers, since Medicare does not

Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law hosted an educational webinar on October 23 featuring FBI Special Agent Jeremy Michaelis and Forensic Accountant Chris Knight to educate seniors on recognizing and avoiding common scams. The session provided practical tips and insights into current fraud threats targeting senior citizens, drawing on the experts' backgrounds in complex financial crimes and fraud investigation.

Twenty senior citizens attended a "Shred & Shield" educational event in Hertford on September 16 to learn how to protect themselves from Medicare fraud during the upcoming open enrollment period (October 15-December 7). Family caregiver support specialist Ashley Lamb warned attendees to avoid unsolicited callers seeking Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, or bank account information, and advised seniors to monitor their Medicare summaries, guard their information like credit cards, and hang up on suspicious calls by verifying the caller through official numbers.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday warns seniors of a rising Medicare scam involving unsolicited shipments of durable medical equipment (such as oxygen machines and wheelchairs) that scammers bill to patients or Medicare without legitimate prescriptions. The scam is used as a pretext to collect fraudulent payments and reimbursements from both individuals and the state Medicare program. Seniors are advised to review Medicare claims regularly, refuse to share personal information with unknown callers, verify questionable medical bills with their doctors, and report suspected scams to Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE) or the Attorney General's office.

A woman named Abigail Ruvalcaba was deceived by a scammer impersonating actor Steve Burton through Facebook messages and phone calls, eventually selling her home to send money to the fraudster. Romance scams using celebrity impersonation have become increasingly prevalent and profitable, with the FTC reporting nearly 65,000 victims losing $1.14 billion in 2023, and artificial intelligence now enabling scammers to create deepfakes and mimic celebrities like Taylor Swift, Brad Pitt, and Keanu Reeves. Lawmakers have responded by introducing the NO FAKES Act to protect individuals' likenesses from unauthorized AI-generated recreations used in fraud schemes

Abigail Ruvalcaba sold her home after being romance scammed by someone impersonating actor Steve Burton, who used AI-generated videos and promises of love to exploit her. According to the FTC, nearly 65,000 people reported romance scams in 2023 with losses totaling $1.14 billion, with scammers increasingly using deepfakes and AI to impersonate celebrities like Taylor Swift, Brad Pitt, and Keanu Reeves to defraud victims seeking romantic connection. Lawmakers have introduced the NO FAKES Act to protect individuals' voices and likenesses from AI-generated impersonation.

A Nashville caregiver, Eric Scott, was arrested in May following a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult under his care. Scott allegedly used the victim's bank card and personal information between May 26-27 to make fraudulent withdrawals and purchases. He was charged with theft over $1,000, fraudulent use of a credit card over $1,000, identity theft, and financial exploitation of a vulnerable person over $1,000, with bond set at $17,500.

The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the "Save our Seniors" initiative resulting in the arrest of eight defendants across seven criminal complaints for defrauding over 139 senior citizens of more than $11 million total. The defendants engaged in various schemes including customer support scams, romance scams, counterfeit check fraud, and identity theft, with notable cases including Dhruv Patel (accused of defrauding at least 12 victims of over $9.1 million through pickups of stolen goods), Stephen Odiboh (received $70,000 from a romance scam victim who lost $175,000), and Christopher Hernandez (stole $

**Summary:** This educational article identifies nine common email scams targeting retirees, including fake account lockouts, Social Security verification requests, Medicare renewal threats, suspicious activity alerts, unpaid invoices, delivery notifications, payment updates, prize offers, and tax return warnings. The article explains that scammers use urgency, official-looking logos, and authority figures to manipulate victims into clicking malicious links or providing sensitive data. The key defense strategies are to recognize panic-inducing language, verify communications through official channels rather than email links, and remember that legitimate institutions rarely request sensitive information via unsolicited emails.

Precious Cruse, owner of Caring Through Love, a prenatal care coordination company, was convicted on September 12, 2025, of seventeen federal charges including healthcare fraud, identity theft, and money laundering for exploiting vulnerable pregnant women and new mothers. Cruse lured participants with kickbacks of free baby items, then fraudulently submitted claims to Medicaid for services never provided, while using the proceeds to finance a luxury lifestyle. She faces a mandatory minimum of 2 years and up to 20 years imprisonment, with sentencing scheduled for January 20, 2026.

The New York StateWide Senior Action Council designated AI-enabled scams as the "Medicare Fraud of the Month for September," warning seniors about fraudsters using artificial intelligence to commit prescription fraud, spoof Medicare representatives, create fake medical documents, and operate fraudulent telehealth websites. The council advised seniors to review Medicare statements for unauthorized charges, hang up on unsolicited calls requesting personal information, avoid clicking suspicious links, and verify medical providers directly with their offices. Medicare fraud costs taxpayers an estimated $60 billion annually nationwide, and seniors can report suspected fraud by calling the NYS Medicare Fraud Helpline at 800-333-4374.

The Glassell Park Improvement Association held a community meeting featuring state officials who outlined common fraud schemes targeting seniors, including investment fraud, insurance scams, and Medicare fraud, most of which originate from phone calls seeking personal information. Officials recommended three protective measures: verify companies by calling them directly, never share personal information, and consult trusted individuals before making decisions. Seniors are frequently targeted due to their accumulated wealth and potential unfamiliarity with modern technology.

A Reuters investigation found that popular AI chatbots, including Elon Musk's Grok, can be easily manipulated to generate convincing phishing emails targeting seniors, despite built-in safety training. Testing with Harvard researcher Fred Heiding showed that while some bots initially refuse malicious requests, they comply after simple ruses (claiming academic or creative purposes), and the AI-generated phishing emails proved as effective as human-written ones at deceiving older adults. With seniors losing at least $4.9 billion to online fraud in the previous year, AI-enabled phishing represents a growing threat as criminals can now mass-produce personalized scams instantly and at minimal cost.

Debbie Worthington of Lehi has been bombarded with unsolicited calls from scammers posing as Medicare representatives, seeking to obtain her Medicare number to fraudulently bill the system for medical supplies and equipment she never ordered. Medicare fraud costs the system approximately $60 billion annually in taxpayer money, with scammers targeting beneficiaries especially during open enrollment season by calling from spoofed local numbers despite Medicare's strict prohibition on cold calling. Medicare advises beneficiaries to never share their Medicare number unless they initiate contact with a trusted provider and to report suspicious calls to 1-800-MEDICARE.

Medicare scam calls are surging, particularly during open enrollment season, with scammers impersonating Medicare representatives to fraudulently obtain beneficiaries' Medicare numbers for billing unauthorized medical equipment and services. Medicare fraud drains approximately $60 billion annually from the system, and legitimate Medicare representatives never cold-call beneficiaries. Beneficiaries should protect themselves by never sharing their Medicare number over the phone unless they initiate the call, blocking suspicious numbers, and reporting scams to 1-800-MEDICARE.

This educational article warns seniors about Medicare scams that surge during fall open enrollment periods. Scammers impersonate Medicare or medical providers via phone calls to trick beneficiaries into revealing Social Security numbers, Medicare card numbers, and other personal information—which criminals use to submit fraudulent claims worth tens of thousands of dollars. The article advises that Medicare will never call unsolicited, recommends hanging up on suspicious callers, and directs victims to call 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance.

Americans lost $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, with adults over 60 being frequent targets due to their savings, limited digital experience, and trust in official-sounding communications. The article provides 10 protective strategies for seniors, including not answering unknown numbers, rejecting unsolicited calls from government agencies, never sharing personal information over the phone, resisting pressure tactics and unusual payment requests (gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency), verifying impersonators through independent sources, consulting trusted contacts before responding to suspicious requests, and enabling two-factor authentication on accounts.

In 2024, Americans lost $12.5 billion to scams, with adults over 60 being frequent targets due to their savings, limited digital experience, and trust in official-sounding messages. Modern scammers employ sophisticated tactics like AI voice cloning and deepfake videos to impersonate loved ones and government agencies. The article provides ten practical tips for seniors to avoid scams, including not answering unknown numbers, never sharing personal information over the phone, recognizing pressure tactics, avoiding unusual payment methods, verifying identities through trusted sources, and enabling two-factor authentication on accounts.

Seven suspects were charged with defrauding 35 people through the Line messaging app by posing as cryptocurrency dealers, stealing nearly NT$97.43 million (US$3.18 million). Investment scams in Taiwan increased 21 percent year-over-year, with women aged 50 and older representing the majority of victims, and losses from such schemes comprising the largest share of all fraud-related financial losses. The article calls for strengthened government education campaigns and legislation empowering banks and technology platforms to intervene against fraudulent activity, particularly to protect vulnerable elderly populations.