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saultstar.com
Sault Ste. Marie Police Services is warning residents about an increase in "grandparent scams," where fraudsters contact seniors by phone impersonating grandchildren in legal trouble or their lawyers, typically demanding $5,000 to $10,000 in cash delivered by a fake courier. Police recommend that seniors pause and verify such claims by asking personal questions, contacting family members directly using known phone numbers, and never sharing money or personal information over the phone.
barbadostoday.bb
This opinion piece discusses the vulnerability of elderly adults to digital scams and fraud, particularly in the Caribbean context. The author highlights that seniors aged 60 and older lost over US$3.4 billion to scams in 2023 according to FBI data, with the average victim losing US$33,915, and notes that older adults are targeted due to their trusting nature, substantial savings, technological inexperience, and emotional vulnerabilities exploited through tactics like grandparent scams and romance fraud. The article emphasizes that data breaches exposing personal information increase seniors' risk, and that most cannot recover financially from these losses due to their inability to re-enter the workforce.
fingerlakesdailynews.com
Schuyler County officials issued a holiday season warning about gift card scams targeting seniors and consumers. Scammers impersonate government agencies, financial institutions, or legitimate companies via phone, email, or text to pressure victims into purchasing gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Apple, etc.) and providing the card numbers and PIN codes. County officials emphasize that no legitimate business or government agency requests payment via gift card, and urge victims to report suspected fraud immediately to law enforcement, the gift card issuer, and keep receipts, as some companies may issue refunds.
bbc.com
A 72-year-old woman from Staffordshire was targeted by a romance scammer posing as a widower named "John" who claimed to be a civil engineer in Dubai and eventually requested £100 in gift cards after fabricating a story about being shot and hospitalized. The victim became suspicious and did not send money, contacting authorities instead. This case exemplifies the surge in dating scams reported to Action Fraud, which received 4,109 dating fraud reports in the first six months of 2024—a 56% increase from the same period in 2019—as fraudsters emotionally manipulate vulnerable people online into sending money.
examiner.com.au
Over 260 people were arrested in Manila, Philippines during a raid on a romance scam operation that targeted Australian men over 35 through dating apps and social media. The scammers, working in shifts aligned with Australian time zones, built trust with victims before directing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency trading platforms. Australian Federal Police worked with Philippine authorities to gather intelligence on the scam's structure and money laundering operations, with plans to identify victims and shut down similar operations globally.
gvnews.com
This article discusses pig butchering, a evolving romance scam variation that originated in China where fraudsters build fake romantic relationships with victims (called "pigs") to eventually swindle them out of money. The piece, written by a Community Outreach Specialist with R.O.S.E. (Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly), alerts readers—particularly older adults—to this emerging fraud threat and directs them to roseadvocacy.org for information on the latest scams targeting seniors.
ogletree.com
Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams involve criminals spoofing legitimate email addresses to trick victims into sending wire transfers, with Real Estate Wire Fraud (REWF) targeting property buyers into wiring funds to fraudulent accounts. Between 2013 and 2022, the FBI documented over 211,000 BEC complaints totaling approximately $30.4 billion in losses, with REWF complaints surging 27% from 2020 to 2022 and losses jumping 72% to $446.1 million. The FBI recommends verifying payment requests independently through known contact information, avoiding unsolicited links, and confirming any account or procedural changes directly
fincen.gov
The U.S. Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has joined a multi-sector national task force convened by the Aspen Institute to develop a comprehensive strategy for preventing fraud and scams. FinCEN will participate in working groups alongside financial services, technology companies, consumer advocacy groups, and federal agencies to create cross-sector recommendations for combating fraud. This initiative expands FinCEN's public-private partnerships in addressing fraud, cybercrime, and illicit finance risks.
wfsb.com
An AARP report found that 82% of consumers fell victim to fraud in 2024, with online holiday shopping scams including gift card fraud, counterfeit products, and fake deliveries being the most prevalent. While elderly consumers are typically targeted with investment scams, younger adults aged 18-24 are losing the most money overall, particularly through employment scams involving fake work-from-home opportunities. The report recommends verifying company websites, researching before purchases, checking charities before donating, and reporting scams to the Better Business Bureau.
consumerreports.org
Bank imposter fraud targeting customers is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers using phishing schemes, hacked personal data, and affordable "phishing-as-a-service" cybercrime kits (costing as little as $150/month) to steal billions from Americans' bank accounts. Major banks like Wells Fargo have faced multiple class-action lawsuits, with documented losses exceeding $700,000 in individual cases, yet banks frequently deny reimbursement claims citing the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, which does not require them to reimburse customers who are tricked into authorizing fraudulent transfers. Key advice includes being skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from banks,
advocacy.consumerreports.org
Consumer Reports investigation found that wire transfer scams targeting bank customers are increasingly common, with victims rarely reimbursed—major banks like JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America reimbursed customers at rates of only 2-24 percent in 2023. The scams exploit banks' security gaps using readily available "phishing-as-a-service" kits sold on Telegram and the Dark Web for as little as $150 monthly, with phishing complaints to the FBI more than doubling since 2019 to nearly 300,000 reports annually. Consumer Reports is calling on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to investigate these scams and support reforms including stronger account authentication, security
pressdemocrat.com
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to be vigilant about online shopping scams during the holiday season, reporting that online fraud rose nearly 125% in 2023 with projections of over $240 billion in U.S. online sales expected in 2024. Scammers target all demographics through fake advertisements offering unrealistic discounts on viral items, beauty products, athletic shoes, and animals, with over 80% of reported fraud victims losing money last year. The BBB recommends researching companies and items beforehand, using credit cards instead of debit cards, avoiding suspicious social media ads, and reporting fraud immediately rather than feeling embarrassed.
dailystar.co.uk
A UK survey reveals that nearly one in three Brits worry about falling victim to purchase scams during Christmas shopping, with four in ten experiencing increased scam attempts during the festive season. UK Finance reported that a record £85.9 million was stolen through 156,516 purchase scams last year, with 92% occurring online—a 34% increase from 2022. The most common scams target high-demand items including phones (26%), tickets (23%), gift cards (23%), laptops (21%), and clothing (19%), typically involving fake products, counterfeit goods, or non-delivery after payment on fraudulent websites or social media ads.
federalwaymirror.com
Federal Way Police Department community engagement coordinator Tiffany Clemmings presented crime prevention education to local seniors at a November 13 meeting, covering situational awareness, vehicle theft prevention, home safety, and common scams. The presentation emphasized that while criminals need desire, ability, and opportunity to commit crimes, individuals can reduce criminal opportunities through crime prevention awareness and situational awareness. Key information included that tech support scams, government imposter scams, grandparent scams, and romance scams are the top threats to seniors, and that Federal Way experienced a 50% decline in auto thefts in 2024 compared to 2023.
ucf.edu
Scammers stole over $1.6 billion from victims in the first five months of 2024—a 20% increase from 2023—though actual numbers are higher due to underreporting. Researcher Nichole Lighthall at UCF's Adult Development and Decision Lab found that while most older adults recognize scams as a problem, they feel disempowered to prevent them, and scams range from minor losses of $50 to financially catastrophic amounts. Lighthall's research aims to empower seniors with knowledge and solutions, noting that modern scammers use increasingly relentless tactics like impersonation texts, robo-calls, and social engineering because
we-ha.com
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and AARP Connecticut Director Nora Duncan held a press conference to warn consumers about increasing fraud and scams, particularly during the holiday season when shopping, travel, and charitable giving increase. According to an AARP report, approximately 82% of U.S. consumers have experienced attempted fraud in the past year, with scams becoming increasingly sophisticated through phishing emails about delivery problems, counterfeit products, and fake charities. Officials urged awareness and caution, recommending that people report suspicious activity to the AARP Fraud Watch Network (877-908-3360), the Federal Trade Commission, or the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
securitybrief.com.au
During Australia's end-of-year shopping season, online scams pose increased risk as consumer spending surges, with over 11% of Australians experiencing scams or card fraud in 2022/2023 and Westpac reporting a 47% rise in buying and selling scams in 2023. Common tactics include misleading sales promotions, non-delivery of products, fake shipping notifications, and SMS phishing, with scammers targeting consumers during the forecast $11.8 billion holiday gift-spending period. Experts recommend consumers and retailers employ security measures such as navigating directly to retailer websites, using secure payment methods (PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay),
forbes.com
Cybercriminals are using AI-generated phishing emails claiming that recipients' Apple IDs have been suspended, creating false urgency especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping season to trick users into clicking malicious links and surrendering account credentials. The scams target Apple's 2 billion+ users by impersonating legitimate Apple communications, sometimes including sophisticated 2FA-bypass methodologies, and exploiting the affluent Apple user demographic. Apple advises users to verify sender email addresses, avoid clicking suspicious links, recognize that Apple never requests passwords or authentication codes via email, and contact Apple directly through its official website if they suspect account issues.
brobible.com
A 56-year-old Florida man was arrested for impersonating Elon Musk on Facebook and defrauding a 74-year-old Texas woman of approximately $600,000 by posing as the billionaire and promising massive returns on fake investments. Jeffrey Arthur Moynihan Jr. befriended the victim over several months, using real posts from Musk's social media accounts to appear authentic, and directed the money to bank accounts he controlled. The case highlights a broader epidemic of celebrity impersonation scams targeting elderly victims across the United States.
nationalpost.com
A 56-year-old Florida man, Jeffrey Arthur Moynihan Jr., was arrested and charged with grand theft for impersonating Elon Musk on Facebook to scam a 74-year-old Texas woman out of $250,000 (with her husband reporting the actual total may reach $600,000) by convincing her to invest in fake business opportunities. Moynihan established rapport with the victim over several months in 2023 by referencing real Musk social media posts, eventually persuading her that she had legitimately invested with the tech billionaire; police also discovered evidence he used false identities of actors Johnny Depp and Lionel Richie, an
globenewswire.com
This article announces The Assembly Caribbean 2024, a virtual anti-financial crime conference hosted by ACAMS on December 5-6, 2024, featuring over 40 experts and regulatory officials addressing compliance challenges in the Caribbean region. The conference will cover fraud risks including elder fraud, romance scams, and "pig butchering" schemes, alongside discussions of money laundering, sanctions enforcement, virtual assets regulation, and the fentanyl crisis. The event aims to provide compliance professionals with practical strategies to detect financial crimes and implement effective anti-money laundering measures tailored to the Caribbean's unique AFC landscape.
bbc.com
Des Healey, a kitchen fitter from Brighton, lost £75,000 to a Facebook investment scam that used AI-generated deepfake videos falsely showing money-saving expert Martin Lewis and Elon Musk endorsing a bitcoin scheme. After initially investing £1,000 through a fraudster posing as financial adviser "Carl," Des was manipulated into taking out four loans totalling £70,000 to keep investing, only discovering the scam when his son heard suspicious background noise during a call with the scammer. Martin Lewis highlighted that scammers use psychological manipulation and urgency tactics, and emphasized that falling victim to scams does not indicate a lack of
yahoo.com
Scammers are sending fraudulent emails impersonating the TSA PreCheck program to trick travelers into enrolling through fake websites and stealing their personal information. The TSA and FTC warn that legitimate PreCheck enrollment requires in-person payment at an airport enrollment center, never online, and users should only visit the official tsa.gov/precheck website to avoid falling victim to these schemes.
sheppnews.com.au
A woman lost money to a sophisticated two-stage scam that began with a fraudulent call claiming to be from NBN offering an internet refund, which gained remote access to her computer via AnyDesk software. The scammers then impersonated her bank's fraud department, using the continued remote access to move funds between her accounts and authorize an unauthorized transfer, which she discovered only after visiting her bank branch the next day. The article highlights red flags including unsolicited direct contact from NBN, requests for remote computer access, and fraudulent claims of being a bank representative needing device access—legitimate banks never require remote access to verify accounts or detect fraud.
gbnews.com
ITV Love Island star Amy Hart lost £5,000 to a sophisticated phone scam in 2022 when fraudsters impersonated her bank's fraud team, demonstrated knowledge of her finances, and used high-pressure tactics to manipulate her into authorizing unauthorized access to her account. Hart has since spoken publicly about her experience to reduce stigma around victimization and encourage other victims to come forward, emphasizing that scammers are professionals who exploit psychological pressure rather than victim negligence.
vancouver.citynews.ca
Vancouver police warned the public about ticket scams targeting Taylor Swift Eras Tour attendees, advising buyers to use only verified ticketing platforms and trusted resellers. A Toronto woman lost $600 after being defrauded by an online scammer posing as a teenage girl on TikTok and Instagram who sold her fake concert tickets via PayPal, leaving her and her friend with only one ticket instead of two.
yahoo.com
This column warns readers about the prevalence of holiday-season scams, which range from fake delivery notifications and fraudulent timeshare exit schemes to tech support scams and gift card draining. According to fraud prevention experts, sophisticated international criminal syndicates are targeting consumers through multiple channels, with older adults suffering particularly high losses despite millennials reporting fraud more frequently; one notable case involved an 85-year-old woman who lost $80,000 between Thanksgiving and Christmas to a fake virus warning scam. The article advises consumers to be vigilant when making purchases, booking travel, donating to charities, and handling gift cards, as stolen money is often transferred overseas and virtually impossible to recover.
bbc.com
Farmer Alan Steven lost £28,000 total (£12,000 to a contractor and £16,000 to a grain merchant) after scammers hacked his email account and cloned invoices from his legitimate suppliers, changing only the bank details. Invoice fraud targeting farmers is rising sharply, with Action Fraud reports jumping 54% from 35 cases in 2022 to 54 in 2023, and agricultural insurers now paying out triple the fraud claims compared to previous years, with individual losses often reaching tens of thousands of pounds that can devastate small farm operations.
indianexpress.com
Google identified five common online scams affecting its billions of users: deepfake content impersonating public figures to promote investment fraud, cryptocurrency investment schemes promising unrealistic returns, fake banking apps and websites designed to steal personal information, cloaking attacks that show different content to users than to Google's security systems, and fraudulent event ticketing pages that mirror legitimate sites to sell fake merchandise and tickets. The company recommends users verify app sources, examine URLs and website details carefully, watch for unnatural expressions in videos, avoid investment offers that seem too good to be true, and enable browser protections to identify malicious sites.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Bengaluru police are investigating sophisticated VoIP scams where fraudsters impersonate traffic police officers using spoofed official phone numbers to falsely accuse victims of traffic violations or hit-and-run cases, threatening digital arrest and demanding money. While no financial losses have been reported yet, victims describe receiving calls in multiple languages claiming rental vehicles registered to their Aadhaar cards were involved in accidents, with callers pressuring them to visit police stations or provide personal details. Authorities warn that these scams are particularly convincing because they use official department numbers, and advise the public to verify any such calls directly with police stations.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Bengaluru traffic police uncovered a sophisticated extortion scam where fraudsters used Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications to spoof official police phone numbers and demand payments from victims under false claims of traffic violations and hit-and-run cases. The scammers targeted approximately 20 individuals across multiple cities by impersonating senior traffic police officials, though no confirmed losses have been reported as victims contacted police when contacted. Police are working to obtain data from VoIP app operators to trace the perpetrators, and have clarified that the traffic department only communicates violations through mail, formal notices, or official websites.
dicksoncountysource.com
During Medicare's Open Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7), scammers impersonate Medicare representatives to steal personal information and money by falsely claiming they need Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, or bank account details for new cards or fake medical equipment claims. Medicare never unexpectedly contacts beneficiaries to request personal information, sell coverage, or charge for cards, and consumers should hang up suspicious calls and verify by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or report scams to that same number.
levittownnow.com
As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers pose as Medicare officials or insurance company employees via phone calls and text messages to trick older adults into disclosing Social Security numbers and sensitive information. Experts advise that legitimate Medicare programs and private insurers rarely contact beneficiaries by phone unsolicited, and recommend hanging up on suspicious callers, avoiding robocalls, and contacting insurers directly through official toll-free numbers to verify requests. Caregivers should help elderly relatives enroll early to avoid deadline pressure, which makes people more vulnerable to scams.
insurance-edge.net
According to a 2023 SAS survey of 13,500 people across 16 countries, 7 in 10 respondents reported experiencing fraud at least once, with nearly 40% experiencing two or more incidents. The article discusses how generative AI is being exploited by fraudsters while also being adopted by anti-fraud professionals, and highlights best practices including staff training, password management, email verification, and real-time AI analytics to combat evolving fraud threats.
greekreporter.com
Virgin Media O2 launched Daisy, an AI-powered virtual grandmother, to combat rising phone and online scams targeting older adults by engaging fraudsters in lengthy, complex conversations that waste their time and prevent them from victimizing real customers. The initiative addresses a critical problem: Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023 (an 11% increase from 2022), with the average victim losing $33,915, while 22% of Britons report facing fraud attempts weekly. Daisy uses advanced natural language processing and realistic voice synthesis to convincingly pose as a vulnerable elderly person, gathering intelligence on scam tactics while raising public awareness about digital
chicago.suntimes.com
Three suburban men were sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating romance, inheritance, and business email fraud schemes that defrauded victims of at least $3.5 million. Anthony Ibekie received 20 years, Samuel Aniukwu received 10 years, and Jennifer Gosha is pending sentencing; the trio built trust with victims through social media and dating websites before directing them to send money under false pretenses including fake inheritances and compromised corporate email accounts.
mk.co.kr
Romance scams on social media and dating apps caused 45.4 billion won in damages in the first half of the year, with scammers building relationships with victims before luring them into fraudulent investments. Victims lost significant sums—including a man in his 40s who invested 100 million won after initial "profits" and a woman who lost tens of millions through a fake overseas trading site—while others faced extortion through sextortion schemes. Authorities recommend immediately reporting suspected romance scams and avoiding investment recommendations from unverified online sources or private exchanges.
jdsupra.com
Deepfake technology is being weaponized for widespread fraud, including financial scams where criminals impersonate executives or loved ones to steal money (one case involved a $25.6 million loss), sextortion schemes, and romance scams enhanced with fake video. The technology poses escalating threats to individuals, corporations, and institutions as criminals exploit AI-generated deepfakes faster than legal protections can be established, with victims including everyday people, minors, and public figures targeted for financial exploitation and non-consensual explicit content.
latimes.com
Scammers use multiple channels—email, phone calls, texts, fliers, and mail—to target victims year-round, with increased activity during the holiday season. Common scams include fake delivery notifications, timeshare exit schemes, fake virus warnings that trick victims into giving remote computer access, and tampered gift cards, with losses often unrecoverable as money is quickly moved offshore. The article advises consumers to never respond to communications from unknown sources and remain vigilant, as older adults suffer significantly greater losses than younger fraud victims despite millennials reporting fraud at higher rates.
ktnv.com
A Las Vegas woman was targeted by scammers impersonating a debt collector who claimed she owed $960.10 for lab tests from National Diagnostic Imaging, threatening legal action to pressure payment. The victim initially resisted but paid $100 out of fear before discovering red flags: the company operates only via teleradiology with no physical offices, the check address was in Florida (not Ohio where the company is based), and the phone number didn't match. The article advises verifying debts directly with medical providers, demanding written confirmation from collectors, and placing fraud alerts with credit reporting agencies to protect against similar scams.
mashable.com
Blanca, a 29-year-old investor, lost $60,000 to Ascend CapVentures Inc. (operating as Ascend Ecom), a company that promised to manage an Amazon store on her behalf and generate five-figure monthly income. The Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit alleging the company defrauded customers out of at least $25 million by misrepresenting earnings potential and using customer investments to enrich themselves rather than manage stores. The FTC also took action against similar companies, Ecommerce Empire Builders and FBA Machine, highlighting widespread fraud in the ecommerce automation opportunity sector.
fox61.com
The Better Business Bureau warns of surging online shopping scams expected during the $240 billion holiday season, with reports jumping 125% year-over-year to nearly 30,000 incidents in 2023. Scammers use fake social media advertisements to promote steep discounts on popular items like beauty products, shoes, and viral mugs, as well as pet scams, with over 87% of 2024 reports involving financial losses. The BBB recommends verifying sellers before purchasing, using credit cards, avoiding social media ads, and reporting suspicious activity to protect against these growing fraud schemes.
becu.org
Native and Indigenous elders in the U.S. face disproportionate risks of financial fraud and scams, with one documented case involving a tribal member losing $15,000 to a sweetheart scam. According to federal data, Alaska Native and Indigenous individuals are more likely to be victims of scams and less likely to report them than other groups, with approximately one million Indigenous and Alaska Native people over 65 across 574 federally recognized tribes. Community organizations are working to address this vulnerability by providing support without stigma, while recognizing that factors like regular tribal payments, Social Security, and cultural values around resource-sharing make older Indigenous people particularly attractive targets for financial exploitation.
theconcordian.org
On November 4, many Concordia College students received a phishing email impersonating campus staff and faculty members, offering free expensive items like musical instruments and electronics to trick recipients into providing sensitive information. The scam was identified by students who noticed mismatched email addresses, and the college has implemented security measures including multi-factor authentication and email filtering to reduce such incidents, while encouraging community reporting as the best defense against fraud.
nbclosangeles.com
During the holiday shopping season, scammers are targeting gift cards by tampering with packaging on store racks, stealing card information, and draining the balance before purchase. According to AARP's fraud prevention director, 30% of people have given or received a worthless gift card, up 21% from two years prior, with one woman discovering multiple cards she gifted to community members had zero value. Experts recommend purchasing gift cards from locked displays or behind cashier counters, or sending digital gift cards via email or text to prevent theft.
standoutmagazine.co.uk
More than half of UK consumers incorrectly view social media as a safe space for buying live event tickets, despite platforms offering no buyer protection, leading to widespread fraud. Research by Get Safe Online found that 42% of survey respondents had purchased tickets on social media, with one in eight becoming victims of scams; during the Oasis ticket sale, scam victims lost an average of £346 each, with 90% of frauds occurring on social media platforms. Younger consumers (18-34) and Londoners are particularly vulnerable to ticket scams, with 17% of social media ticket buyers reporting negative experiences including fake tickets, phishing scams, and sellers disappearing with payment.
cbc.ca
A 26-year-old Winnipegger nearly fell victim to an elaborate Manitoba Hydro impersonation scam in which fraudsters used personal information, fake work orders, and realistic-sounding IVR systems to pressure her into depositing money at a bitcoin kiosk. The scammers posed as Hydro technicians and agents, claiming she had unpaid bills and threatening power disconnection within an hour, but the scheme was exposed when she visited actual Hydro headquarters. Manitoba Hydro confirmed awareness of the scam and reminded customers that the utility does not accept cryptocurrency, credit cards, e-transfers, or phone payments for bills.
abc.net.au
Donna Nelson, a Perth grandmother, is on trial in Japan for importing two kilograms of methamphetamine after being deceived by an online romance scammer named Kelly whom she had communicated with for two years without meeting in person. Nelson claims she was unaware of the drugs hidden in a suitcase she received in Laos, believing it was a sample for Kelly's fashion business, and did not suspect the scam because Kelly never asked her for money. The case highlights how romance scammers can manipulate victims through emotional connection and trust, bypassing typical warning signs.
listverse.com
This article is not relevant to the Elderus elder fraud research database. The content is a general listicle about various scams (cryptocurrency investment scams, online marketplace scams, phone scams, etc.) rather than a focused article about elder fraud, elder abuse, or scams specifically targeting older adults.
To be useful for Elderus, the article would need to specifically address scams affecting seniors, elder financial exploitation, or elder abuse cases. Please provide an article or transcript focused on elder-specific fraud or abuse for summarization.
siliconangle.com
Meta removed approximately 2 million accounts linked to "pig-butchering" scams, a sophisticated fraud scheme where scammers build trust with victims online before directing them to invest in cryptocurrency or fraudulent job opportunities. The accounts originated primarily from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines, and studies indicate these scams have stolen over $75 billion globally since 2020, with Americans losing a record $4 billion in crypto scams alone as of September.