Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
6,239 results
in Phishing
wfmynews2.com
· 2025-12-08
The North Carolina Department of Transportation warned of a "smishing" scam in which fraudsters impersonate tolling agencies nationwide and send text messages to randomly selected phone numbers demanding payment for unpaid tolls. Victims should verify legitimacy by confirming NC Quick Pass never requests payment via text and that official links contain ncquickpass.com, and should report suspicious messages to the IC3 at www.ic3.gov.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
This compilation covers six major elder fraud and scam cases: Nigerian "Yahoo Boys" used AI-generated deepfakes in romance scams causing $650 million in losses (2021), with recent cases totaling $25 million and a Salt Lake City jury indicting seven members for laundering $8 million; a Montreal woman lost $25,000 to a crypto scam featuring a fake Elon Musk deepfake; Greek police arrested nine individuals who defrauded victims of €305,789 through phone impersonation scams; a Myanmar trafficking operation forced victims into romance scams via torture and exploitation; and a UK survey found 22% of young adults
breitbart.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI issued a warning about a "smishing" scam active since March 2024 that uses fake SMS text messages claiming recipients have unpaid toll fees, directing them to fraudulent websites to steal payment information or malware. Over 2,000 complaints were received across three states, including Pennsylvania and Illinois, with scammers impersonating legitimate toll services and threatening late fees. Victims are advised to verify toll balances through official channels, avoid clicking suspicious links, delete fraudulent messages, and report incidents to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
thehindubusinessline.com
· 2025-12-08
Sterling Holidays and Resorts, a vacation ownership company with over 100,000 members in India, warned members of a phone scam in which fraudsters impersonated company representatives and pressured members to sell their memberships at inflated prices. Members reported receiving calls with threats that their memberships would lapse, and became abusive when offers were refused; Sterling Holidays confirmed no data breach occurred and advised members to use only official contact channels and avoid sharing personal information over the phone.
buffalonews.com
· 2025-12-08
An online romance scam orchestrated by Nigerian nationals Tochukwu Okerulu and Nicole Dibba defrauded 26 victims of more than $1.5 million, with one local woman losing her entire life savings of over $400,000. Okerulu was sentenced to 11 months and 25 days in federal prison Friday after suffering a debilitating stroke that delayed his case; he acted as a "money mule" in the scheme, posing as a romantic interest to extract funds from victims who believed they had found love online. The second defendant, Dibba, is expected to receive a lighter sentence given her circumstances.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
This article addresses two separate issues affecting young people: delays in the redesigned FAFSA form that are leaving high school students uncertain about financial aid packages before college decision deadlines, and job recruitment scams targeting college graduates. Career expert Francisco Tobon warns that identity thieves posing as recruiters are targeting job-seekers, advising students to be wary of red flags including upfront payment requests, poor grammar, offers after a single interview, and requests to move conversations off professional platforms like LinkedIn.
wthr.com
· 2025-12-08
The Hendricks County Sheriff's Office warned the public about fraudulent Facebook accounts impersonating Deputy Fred Fislar's funeral services ahead of his public visitation and funeral on April 21, 2024. Scammers created fake accounts titled "Deputy Fred Fislar Funeral Service Line" and "Deputy Fred Fislar Funeral Service Live Stream" requesting personal information and payments, though the family explicitly requested no livestream be held. The Sheriff's Office advised people not to click links, accept friend requests, or share personal or payment information with these fraudulent accounts.
tulsaworld.com
· 2025-12-08
Arvest Bank offered financial literacy guidance to help people avoid fraud scams, emphasizing the importance of spotting potential fraud and managing money wisely. According to the Federal Trade Commission, people reported losing $10 billion to scams in 2023—$1 billion more than 2022—with a median loss of $300 per person, while Oklahoma residents reported $29.8 million in total fraud losses with a median loss of $430 per person. The article highlighted imposter scams as the top fraud category in 2023, accounting for $2.6 billion in losses, and recommended steps such as avoiding suspicious links, contacting official business numbers directly, and researching before
news4sanantonio.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of a text message scam targeting drivers nationwide, where scammers impersonate toll agencies and claim unpaid balances with threatening late fees. Victims receive texts with malicious links leading to fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate transportation agencies like TXTtag. The FBI recommends recipients delete such messages and file complaints with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Laura Kowal, a widowed healthcare executive, lost her $1.5 million nest egg to a romance scammer operating under the name "Frank Borg" on Match.com, who manipulated her through months of calls and emails before pressuring her into fraudulent investments and coercing her to help defraud other victims; she was found dead in the Mississippi River. The FBI and Justice Department reported over 64,000 American romance scam victims in 2023 (with experts believing the true number is significantly higher due to underreporting), with financial losses ballooning from $500 million in 2019 to $1.14 billion in
boredpanda.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece outlines common online and phone scams while providing prevention advice from SafeWise safety expert Rebecca Edwards. Key recommendations include not answering unknown calls, changing passwords every six months, avoiding suspicious links and unreviewed websites, and recognizing common schemes like extended warranty calls, fake giveaways, and ticket scams. According to Gallup data, 8% of Americans fell victim to scams in the past year, with Edwards attributing the rise in scams to increased internet reliance, weak law enforcement consequences, and online anonymity that embolden fraudsters.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
On April 16, the FTC proposed extending the Telemarketing Sales Rule to cover inbound calls for technical support services in response to advertisements, allowing the agency to pursue civil penalties and consumer redress against tech support scammers. Consumer complaints about tech support scams rose from 40,000 in 2017 to nearly 115,000 in 2021, with reported losses exceeding $55 million in 2018, disproportionately affecting seniors over 60 years old. The proposed rule defines technical support services broadly to address evolving scam tactics and seeks public comment by June 17.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued a ticket purchasing alert ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, warning consumers about scams targeting ticket buyers. Scammers use fake websites, counterfeit tickets, and peer-to-peer payment apps to defraud fans purchasing VIP draft tickets (priced from hundreds to thousands of dollars), while general entry remains free through official registration. The AG recommends buying only from reputable vendors using credit cards, researching sellers through the Better Business Bureau, and avoiding P2P payment apps like Venmo and Cash App that offer no fraud protections.
scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
Hong Kong police reported a resurgence in WhatsApp account hijacking scams in the first quarter, with 864 cases resulting in losses exceeding HK$20.4 million (US$2.6 million). Fraudsters use phishing links to steal user information and take over messaging accounts, then access victims' contact lists to conduct further scams. Police are intensifying enforcement, international cooperation, and public education efforts to combat the trend.
kxoradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz is hosting a senior fraud awareness workshop on Wednesday in El Centro with representatives from the Federal Trade Commission, Social Security Administration, IRS, and Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program. The workshop will educate seniors on recognizing and avoiding common scams including identity theft and Medicare fraud, while providing guidance on steps to take if they suspect they are victims of fraud.
techtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scams targeting elderly individuals have surged dramatically, with investment fraud losses among Americans aged 60+ rising 38% to $4.57 billion in 2023, and crypto-specific investment fraud increasing 53% to $3.96 billion. Scammers exploit social media platforms to establish trust with seniors through fake investment opportunities featuring artificially high returns, gradually escalating requests for larger amounts. Recovery solutions exist through specialized blockchain forensics and asset recovery services, while protection measures include verifying contacts through face-to-face communication and avoiding suspicious links or unsolicited requests.
kpax.com
· 2025-12-08
Aging services agencies in Montana are warning Medicare enrollees about a scam where fraudsters pose as government officials and offer free medical equipment (such as catheters) in exchange for Medicare numbers, which are then used to commit identity theft and fraud. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General reports that scammers contact victims via phone, email, or social media claiming to represent Medicare or state health departments, requesting personal information under false pretenses like settling debts or providing grants. Medicare beneficiaries are advised to hang up immediately on unsolicited offers of free equipment, never provide their Medicare number to callers, review Explanation of Benefits statements, and report suspected fraud to the H
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This episode of the BBC's "You & Yours" program covers three consumer-related topics: the struggles of Amazon Fresh grocery stores despite their frictionless checkout technology, scams targeting churches and charities through fake Facebook event flyers that solicit upfront payments for fundraising events, and the oversaturation of the UK holiday lettings market following the post-pandemic boom. The program features interviews with affected organizations including St Mary's Church in Beverley and Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter, along with industry experts and consumers.
wcpo.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece identifies impersonation scams as a growing threat, with the U.S. Postal Service being the most impersonated organization in 2023 according to the Better Business Bureau. The FTC received over 330,000 business impersonation complaints and nearly 160,000 government impersonation complaints last year, with text and email fraud increasing while phone scams decline. The article advises consumers to verify account status directly through official websites rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages, and notes that USPS will not initiate contact via text or email unless customers request tracking notifications.
jaxtoday.org
· 2025-12-08
Impersonation scams in Florida have increased 84% per capita over the past five years, with scammers posing as IRS agents, FBI officials, court representatives, and other trusted entities to defraud victims. In 2023, impersonation scams were the third most frequent fraud in the U.S., resulting in over $1.3 billion in losses, often involving organized crime groups with international connections that pressure victims into sending money or personal information through urgent threats. To protect themselves, people should verify caller identities by hanging up and calling official numbers directly, avoid sharing personal information when pressured, and report suspected scams to law enforcement.
ktvh.com
· 2025-12-08
Impersonation scams are increasingly common, with scammers impersonating businesses and government agencies via text and email to trick victims into sharing personal information. The U.S. Postal Service, Amazon, Publishers Clearing House, GeekSquad, and Norton AntiVirus were the most impersonated organizations in 2023, with the FTC receiving over 330,000 business impersonation complaints and nearly 160,000 government impersonation complaints that year. Consumers should verify account status directly through official websites rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages, and be cautious of fake subscription renewal alerts and delivery notifications, as USPS will not contact customers via text or
sandhillsexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A widow named Laura Kowal lost her $1.5 million nest egg to a romance scam perpetrator using the alias "Frank Borg" on Match.com, who manipulated her through emotional connection before coercing her into fraudulent investments and wire transfers; she subsequently died in the Mississippi River. The case exemplifies a growing epidemic of romance scams combined with investment fraud targeting dating app users, with over 64,000 reported American victims in 2023 and losses totaling $1.14 billion in 2022, though experts believe actual figures are significantly higher due to underreporting and shame among victims. Law enforcement officials acknowledge the response has been inadequate, with sc
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Townsend, Massachusetts woman was victimized by romance scammers posing as actor Thorsten Kaye, who manipulated her through sophisticated scripts and persuasive messaging into sending money and allegedly considering poisoning her husband with contaminated soup. After reporting the fraud to police in December 2023, Doucette was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder when her daughter discovered text exchanges with the scammers discussing "getting rid of" her husband, though toxicology tests came back negative and authorities acknowledge the case's complexity. The incident highlights a growing problem in Massachusetts, where over 14,600 imposter scams were reported in 2023, with federal agents noting that
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns that online romance scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often perpetrated by organized crime rings exploiting dating app users. A victim named Carina lost $150,000 after being manipulated by a fake profile into investing in cryptocurrency over a three-month period, and in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware alone, 970 people reported romance scam losses totaling $33.5 million last year. Experts emphasize that victims experience significant emotional damage beyond financial loss and recommend approaching suspected victims with empathy rather than judgment, while noting that many scammers operate overseas, making recovery difficult.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Laura Kowal, a 57-year-old retired hospital executive from Illinois, was victimized by a romance scam perpetrated by someone posing as "Frank Borg," a Swedish investment adviser, beginning in October 2018; she eventually went missing in 2020 after losing significant money and being manipulated through sophisticated psychological tactics. Her daughter, Kelly Gowe, discovered her mother's disappearance and subsequently learned that over 64,000 Americans were defrauded of more than $1.14 billion through romance scams in a single year, with victims often too ashamed to report the crime. Gowe has since dedicated herself to raising awareness
breakingnews.ie
· 2025-12-08
A fake social media account impersonated Transport for Ireland (TFI) and attempted to scam users by selling counterfeit leap cards for €2.35, falsely promising a year of free travel. TFI warned the public to avoid clicking suspicious links and to verify information only through official TFI channels. The fraudulent account used official TFI imagery but had minimal followers and directed victims to complete purchases through a link in the post.
crypto.news
· 2025-12-08
A 71-year-old digital artist in India lost approximately $1,895 to scammers posing as an NFT art dealer on a fraudulent platform (nfttradeplace.com) between October 2023 and March 2024. The scammers promised to purchase his artwork for a substantial amount but then repeatedly demanded bogus "gas fees" and "delay fees" for platform transactions and withdrawals, with the victim making four payments before realizing the fraud. The victim filed a police complaint in April 2024, though authorities noted that tracing cryptocurrency transactions and identifying the perpetrators remains challenging.
m.economictimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A private firm director named Sharath lost Rs 5.2 crore (~$625,000 USD) in a stock market investment scam that began with a suspicious WhatsApp message in March and escalated when he was added to a fraudulent investment group and pressured to download a fake trading app. After transferring funds to five separate accounts over several weeks, Sharath discovered the fraud on April 2 when he was unable to withdraw his profits, and filed a cybercrime complaint on April 8. Law enforcement has initiated proceedings under the IT Act and frozen related bank accounts in an attempt to recover the defrauded funds.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal and Montana aging services are warning Medicare enrollees of a scam where fraudsters impersonate government officials and offer free medical equipment or services in exchange for Medicare numbers. Scammers use phone calls, emails, and social media to solicit personal, medical, and financial information, which they then use to steal money or commit identity fraud. Victims are advised to hang up immediately if offered free medical equipment in exchange for their Medicare number and to report suspected fraud to the HHS OIG Hotline at 1-800-447-8477.
prunderground.com
· 2025-12-08
"Senior Savvy: A Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Scams," authored by retired investment advisor Andy LaPointe, is an educational resource designed to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud targeting them both online and offline. The guide covers scam types ranging from door-to-door schemes to cryptocurrency fraud, and provides practical advice on internet safety, password creation, phishing recognition, and steps for reporting fraud and recovery. Bulk purchase discounts are available for organizations seeking to use the book as an educational tool for community workshops and seminars.
chicagotribune.com
· 2025-12-08
The city of Aurora is partnering with the FBI to offer a free "Empowering Seniors Against Scams" workshop on May 15 at two locations, designed to help seniors, caregivers, and service providers recognize and avoid scams threatening their financial security. The workshop will focus on common scams such as fraudulent credit card calls rather than complex computer-related issues, and has already generated over 100 applications in its first weekend, indicating strong community interest in fraud prevention education.
wdbj7.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraud losses reached a record $10 billion in 2023, representing a 317% increase from $2.4 billion in 2019, with seniors frequently targeted through phone, email, mail, and in-person scams. AARP recommends seniors protect themselves by placing credit freezes with all three major credit bureaus using their social security number, birth date, and past addresses, and recording their PIN for future reference. Those who suspect fraud can contact the Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 to report incidents.
13newsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
The Virginia Department of Transportation and FBI warned the public about a widespread "smishing" scam targeting over 2,000 people nationwide, in which fraudulent text messages claim recipients owe money for unpaid tolls and direct them to fake payment websites. The scam affects users of various toll systems including E-ZPass, NC Quick Pass, and SunPass, with messages often threatening late fees to pressure victims into clicking malicious links and providing financial information. Authorities advise recipients to verify toll balances directly through official websites, never click links in unsolicited texts, and report suspected fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
beaconjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
The Ohio Turnpike Commission is warning Ohioans about a "smishing" scam (SMS phishing via text message) where scammers falsely claim recipients owe unpaid tolls and demand payment through suspicious links. The FBI reports receiving over 2,000 complaints about nearly identical toll-related smishing texts since March across at least three states, with messages claiming outstanding toll amounts of $12.51 and threatening $50 late fees. To protect themselves, recipients should never click unknown links or call unfamiliar numbers, verify any toll claims directly through official websites, and report suspicious texts to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
deseret.com
· 2025-12-08
A Citi survey reveals that while 90% of U.S. adults believe they can spot financial scams, 27% have actually fallen victim to one, highlighting a significant gap between confidence and reality. The FTC reported $10 billion in losses to scams in 2023, with scammers using email, text, phone calls, and mail to target victims. The article outlines five emerging scam types—QR code scams ("quishing"), student loan forgiveness schemes, peer-to-peer payment fraud, and virtual celebrity impersonations—and provides protective measures for each.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2024 Norton survey found that while 64% of online daters are interested in using AI as a dating coach, romance scams have increased 72% since 2023, with 27% of dating app users targeted by scams and 42% of those falling victim. The report warns that AI technology, while potentially helpful for profile writing and photo enhancement, can also be exploited by scammers to make dating fraud harder to detect, and advises users to watch for red flags such as avoidance of video calls, limited profile images, and rapid relationship progression.
sandhillsexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 57-year-old retired hospital executive from Illinois lost $1.5 million to a romance scam perpetrated by someone posing as a Swedish investment adviser between October 2018 and August 2020. The victim's daughter, Kelly Gowe, discovered her mother had been victimized after a federal investigator's call and subsequently found a suicide note, motivating her to advocate for romance scam awareness. According to the Federal Trade Commission, over 64,000 Americans were defrauded of more than $1.14 billion by romance scammers in a recent year, with victims often reluctant to report due to shame and embarrassment, though law enforcement emphasizes
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., a 50-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for laundering over $2.3 million in proceeds from romance scams and business email compromise fraud schemes orchestrated by Nigerian co-conspirators; he used bank accounts and cryptocurrency exchanges to conceal and transfer the funds. Garcia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and was ordered to forfeit $464,923.91. Four additional defendants remain at large in this transnational fraud operation.
thesun.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
MOTOR experts are warning drivers about a rising tide of parking-related scams involving counterfeit QR codes, fake websites, and fraudulent parking ticket emails that exploit cost-of-living pressures on British motorists. The article advises drivers to download parking apps only from official sources (Apple App Store, Google Play Store), avoid unauthorized QR codes on parking meters, monitor bank statements for unrecognized charges, and verify parking instructions directly with operators rather than through suspicious links. Additionally, the article reports on related vehicle scams, including "resteal" fraud where used cars are sold and then stolen back multiple times, with this practice reportedly increasing particularly in Northern England.
highlandcountypress.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides digital safety tips for senior citizens to protect themselves while using technology. Key recommendations include recognizing and avoiding phishing scams, adjusting privacy settings on social media, creating strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication, and staying informed through training programs. Highland County Community Action Agency and County Commissioners are sponsoring free in-person digital literacy training sessions for seniors covering computer basics, internet safety, and social media.
wtop.com
· 2025-12-08
"Smishing" is a text message-based scam combining "phishing" and SMS that tricks recipients into clicking malicious links by claiming unpaid toll balances are due. The FBI issued a warning after more than 2,000 complaints across North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, though Virginia has not yet reported cases; authorities advise never clicking links in unsolicited toll-related texts and instead using official websites or calling legitimate customer service numbers to verify account status.
sandhillsexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Laura Kowal became a victim of a sophisticated romance scam in which a man posing as "Frank Borg" initially romanced her, then manipulated her into becoming a "money mule" by setting up fake companies and bank accounts to launder stolen money for overseas-based scammers. This emerging tactic leverages victims' emotional attachment and trust to coerce them into committing fraud themselves, creating a legal dilemma for prosecutors who must decide whether to charge victims as accomplices or treat them primarily as victims of manipulation. The FBI has identified this pattern as increasingly widespread, with scammers using victims' criminal complicity as additional leverage to maintain control and coerce continued cooperation.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired Chicago worker lost over $19,000 in a wire transfer scam after a fraudster impersonating a Chase Bank representative gained remote access to his computer through a phishing email about an unauthorized credit card. The scammer deposited $20,000 into his account, then manipulated Thomas into transferring back $19,450 of his own money by claiming it was an error and using emotional manipulation. Chase Bank denied his refund claim, stating he had compromised his account by sharing sensitive information, despite multiple similar cases affecting Chase customers.
channelnewsasia.com
· 2025-12-08
This commentary discusses "scambaiting"—intentionally engaging with scammers to waste their time—as an unconventional tactic some people use against fraud. While it can provide psychological satisfaction and prevent scammers from targeting vulnerable victims, scambaiting carries legal risks under harassment and stalking laws, and may provoke retaliation including doxxing or threats to the person's loved ones.
inews.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A 61-year-old man from Kent lost nearly £80,000 in cryptocurrency tokens after being deceived by a fraudster impersonating a Ledger wallet support representative on X (Twitter). The scammer used a verified blue tick account to gain credibility and tricked him into sharing his "seed phrase," which granted access to his digital wallet containing IoTeX tokens that represented his planned retirement savings. The incident highlights the vulnerability of crypto holders to social engineering scams and the diminished trustworthiness of X's blue tick verification system since its monetization in 2022.
moneycontrol.com
· 2025-12-08
This content is not an article about elder fraud, scams, or abuse. It is promotional material and user consent language from Moneycontrol, a financial news and information website. It does not contain information relevant to the Elderus fraud research database.
deseret.com
· 2025-12-08
Generation Z Americans are falling victim to online scams at significantly higher rates than older generations, with a 2023 Deloitte survey showing Gen Z is three times more likely to be scammed than baby boomers and twice as likely to have social media accounts hacked; social media scams accounted for 38% of reported losses among people aged 20-29 in 2023. Scammers increasingly use text, email, and social media impersonation rather than phone calls, and exploit victims' familiarity with technology and inadequate cybersecurity education. To protect themselves, people should enable two-step authentication, avoid upfront payment job offers, be skeptical of guaranteed returns
verifythis.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary as requested. This content is a corporate website for TEGNA (a media company) listing their television stations, advertising services, and business offerings. It contains no information about scams, fraud, elder abuse, or any related incidents that would be relevant to the Elderus elder fraud research database.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
A Kaspersky survey of 2,000 North American adults found that scams are widespread across online platforms, with 42% encountering fraud on dating apps, 38% on Facebook, and 29% falling victim to scams overall. Phishing attacks grew 40% in 2023, with scammers using AI tools and social engineering to impersonate customer service representatives, daters, and celebrities across dating apps, social media, gaming platforms, and banking sites. The survey also revealed that 75% of consumers want stronger privacy regulations and that users recognize gaps in their own security habits, with 65% wanting to be more cautious about clicking links and 57
duanemorris.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS released its 2024 "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams, warning that both simple and sophisticated schemes continue to target taxpayers year-round, with peaks during tax season. The most prevalent scams include phishing and smishing (fraudulent emails and text messages impersonating the IRS or financial organizations to steal personal information) and abusive employee retention credit claims that convince ineligible people to claim false credits. Taxpayers are advised to be cautious of unsolicited communications and verify the authenticity of official-looking emails and texts before providing sensitive information.