Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
10,158 results
in Scam Awareness
rstreet.org
· 2025-12-08
The GUARD Act is a proposed federal rule that would authorize law enforcement agencies at all levels to use existing Department of Justice grant funds to investigate elder financial fraud and scams like pig butchering schemes, with support for emerging technologies, real-time intelligence sharing, and interagency coordination. The legislation addresses a critical need, as FBI data shows fraud complaints from adults over 60 increased 46 percent in 2024 to 147,127 cases, yet 78 percent of fraud victims do not report incidents to law enforcement due to shame and jurisdictional challenges that make prosecution difficult. The bill aims to combat transnational organized crime targeting elderly Americans, who face vulnerabilities including diminished digital literacy
wusf.org
· 2025-12-08
Bipartisan senators, led by Sen. Rick Scott, urged federal agencies to increase efforts combating international scams targeting older Americans, citing $3.4 billion in losses during 2023 and transnational criminal networks operating scam labor camps in Southeast Asia. Elder fraud complaints rose 14% in 2023, with many scams originating overseas and linked to trafficked labor, prompting lawmakers to call for coordinated investigations, stronger international law enforcement partnerships, and expanded public awareness campaigns.
indiatvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article addresses online dating safety in India, where dating apps like Tinder and Bumble have become increasingly popular among younger generations. It provides five key safety tips to prevent romance scams: protect personal information from strangers, recognize red flags such as quick declarations of love or requests for money, verify profiles through reverse image searches and social media checks, never send money regardless of claimed emergencies, and use app reporting tools to block suspicious users. The article emphasizes that while online dating offers opportunities for meaningful connections, users must remain vigilant to avoid identity theft, stalking, and financial fraud.
moodys.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides an overview of the evolving fraud landscape, noting that the United States experienced over 59,000 fraud risk events in 2024—a 12,500 event increase over five years—while globally, an estimated $1.03 trillion is lost annually to fraud schemes including credit card fraud, romance scams, phishing, and identity theft. Businesses are implementing comprehensive fraud prevention strategies, including ongoing screening and monitoring, third-party risk management, and compliance with new regulations like the UK's "failure to prevent" fraud offence that requires senior managers to allocate reasonable budgets for fraud prevention technology and training. The article emphasizes that effective fraud prevention requires collaboration among financial institutions, adverse
vocal.media
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost Americans over $1.3 billion in 2022, with losses quadrupling over five years and affecting victims across all age groups, though those 50 and older account for approximately 60% of reported cases. Sarah, an Ohio woman, lost $45,000 to a romance scammer impersonating a successful oil rig worker named Marcus over three months before discovering the entire relationship was fabricated. These increasingly sophisticated, organized international schemes employ specialized teams that steal identities, build emotional connections through psychological manipulation, and exploit fundamental human needs for connection to extract money from victims.
greenwichsentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
At a July 2 Retired Men's Association meeting, computer expert Aaron Woodin presented "Don't Fall for It! Recognizing and Avoiding Scams," detailing how scammers exploit trust through tactics like false urgency, emotional manipulation, and enforced isolation. He identified common digital threats including fake event invitations and invoices, scam pop-ups, social media impersonations, phone-based impersonations of tech companies and government agencies, grandparent/romance scams, and SIM Swap attacks. Woodin advised victims to verify contact information independently, shut down suspicious screens, avoid calling numbers on suspicious invoices, add cyber fraud insurance riders, and contact mobile
whec.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, scammers impersonated Geek Squad (Best Buy's tech support subsidiary) more than any other company, with the FTC receiving 52,000 reports; the scam typically begins with fake invoices via email or text claiming unauthorized charges, then directs victims to remote access software (anydesk.com) to steal banking credentials and drain accounts. Red flags include non-official phone numbers, Gmail addresses, and pressure tactics claiming auto-renewal charges, and victims should report such scams to the FTC and Internet Crime Complaint Center.
kwch.com
· 2025-12-08
A Wichita woman was scammed out of thousands of dollars by Frank Annin, whom she met on the dating app eHarmony in June 2022; Annin used classic romance scam tactics including "love bombing," moving communication off the app, and feigning wealth before disappearing with the money. During trial testimony, a psychologist specializing in geriatrics explained how scammers manipulate victims by creating emotional dependency and how victims may continue believing the relationship is real even after recognizing financial fraud. This marks the first romance scam prosecution in Sedgwick County.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
From January through April 2025, the Federal Trade Commission received over 75,000 reports of government imposter scams, with scammers impersonating U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Social Security, Medicare, and the FTC itself to steal money via phone and text. Consumers lost approximately $204 million total, with median losses ranging from $650 overall to $12,000 for FTC impersonation scams, typically requested through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or banking information. Scammers exploit current concerns about immigration, drug trafficking, and tariffs by claiming intercepted packages contain drugs or threatening arrest warrants to pressure victims into immediate payment.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Prime customers are being targeted by phishers impersonating Amazon to steal personal information such as social security numbers, bank details, and account credentials through fake emails, calls, and texts. In 2024, Amazon removed over 55,000 phishing websites and 12,000 fraudulent phone numbers, with scammers commonly claiming false purchase or account issues requiring verification, or threatening automatic subscription renewals at unexpected prices. Amazon recommends verifying purchases through official channels, using secure email verification features, and contacting the company directly if unsure about communications.
klcc.org
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
The Justice Department charged three individuals operating PageTurner in January for defrauding approximately 800 authors of $44 million through false promises of publishing deals, marketing services, and entertainment industry opportunities while collecting high upfront fees. Self-published authors are identified as particularly vulnerable to such predatory schemes.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A scammer hijacked a woman's Facebook account and impersonated her to target her friends with a fake $150,000 government grant scheme, nearly deceiving a retired tech worker into sending $2,500 in upfront fees. The scam involved the imposter posing as a "Global Empowerment" agent who requested personal information and payment for "approval and shipping," even fabricating photos of cash-filled FedEx boxes. The potential victim avoided financial loss by recognizing inconsistencies in the pitch and continuing the conversation to expose the scam tactics.
politifact.com
· 2025-12-08
**Title:** Fact-check of Governor Newsom's claims about Florida's rankings
This article fact-checks California Governor Gavin Newsom's claim that Florida ranks worst nationally in mental health care, home insurance costs, elder fraud, and rent increases. Regarding elder fraud specifically, FBI reports show Florida ranked second to California in raw numbers of fraud complaints from people over 60 as of 2024, though another report ranked Florida first per capita in complaints from all age groups in 2024. Overall, Newsom's claims are partially accurate—Florida does lag in these areas but doesn't consistently rank dead last in each category.
wfmz.com
· 2025-12-08
A senior couple in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania was scammed out of $20,000 through a phishing email scheme in which scammers impersonated Apple Customer Support, claimed fraudulent charges had occurred, and eventually sent someone to their home to collect cash in person. The scammers contacted the couple over 20 times via email, directing them to a fake help-line and falsely telling them Apple had accidentally deposited $20,000 into their account that needed to be repaid. Financial exploitation through such scams is now the leading form of elder abuse reported in Pennsylvania, with an estimated $2 billion annually stolen from older adults in the state.
kmbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Trenton and Kirsten Hansuld were denied bond reduction after being accused of stealing over $3.2 million in money and property from an elderly couple they knew in Ray County, Missouri. The investigation began with a fraud alert from Bank Midwest in June 2024, revealing that Trenton Hansuld had added himself to the victims' account and withdrawn over $800,000 since November 2022, and had fraudulently changed the deed to their home and farmland into his own name. The couple, who owned an exotic pet shop, face decades in prison, and prosecutors are investigating whether there are additional victims.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The Rockville Police Department warned the public about a fake inheritance scam in which individuals receive letters from fraudulent law firms claiming they are beneficiaries of a large life insurance policy or inheritance from a deceased person. Once victims respond, scammers posing as lawyers attempt to gather personal information and money by claiming fees and taxes are required, though the inheritance is entirely fabricated. Police advise recipients to disregard such letters, report them to the FTC, FBI, or local law enforcement, and to be alert for red flags including unsolicited offers, unprofessional communication, requests for upfront payments, and pressure to act quickly.
globalnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old Edmonton woman was approached by a man in a vehicle who used a distraction scam involving fake jewelry and emotional manipulation to steal her gold necklace with a religious pendant. Alberta RCMP reports multiple similar incidents targeting seniors across the province, where scammers approach victims claiming to need help, offer cheap jewelry as exchange, and use close contact or hugging to steal real valuables. Fraud prevention experts emphasize that scammers deliberately target trusting seniors and recommend victims say no firmly, protect personal space, trust their instincts, and report incidents to police.
edhat.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational awareness event scheduled for August 5th in Santa Barbara featuring two local experts who will teach seniors practical strategies to recognize and prevent phone and online scams. The seminar will cover how to spot warning signs of financial exploitation and elder abuse, with speakers including a mortgage banker and an estate planning attorney with combined decades of experience in lending and law.
edhat.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational seminar scheduled for August 5th in Santa Barbara featuring local experts who will teach seniors practical strategies to recognize and prevent phone and online scams, as well as warning signs of elder financial exploitation. Speakers include a Wells Fargo mortgage banker and an estate planning attorney with 25 years of experience in financial and legal matters. The free event, hosted at Grace Fisher's Clubhouse, includes refreshments and aims to equip attendees with tools to protect themselves from fraud targeting seniors.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
Scams targeting older adults in the Palm Desert, California area are increasing in sophistication and frequency, utilizing fake phone calls, deceptive emails, and online schemes with tactics enhanced by artificial intelligence. In response, Assemblymember Greg Wallis partnered with the Desert Recreation District to host a free senior scam awareness seminar on August 13, 2025, featuring state agencies and representatives providing current information to help older adults protect themselves before falling victim to fraud.
rocketcitynow.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial fraud targeting older Americans reached nearly $5 billion in losses in 2024, with over 147,000 complaints reported to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center—a 46 percent increase from the previous year. TARCOG's Senior Medicare Patrol is hosting a free Fraud and Scam Summit on August 20 at Athens State University to educate seniors and caregivers on recognizing scams, preventing identity theft, and reporting suspected financial abuse, with preregistration required.
mcknightsseniorliving.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal lawmakers are pressing government agencies to strengthen efforts against elder fraud, which caused $5 billion in losses in 2024, with elder fraud complaints to the FBI increasing 14% in 2023. Senators Gillibrand and Warren have requested that the Government Accountability Office investigate how job cuts at federal agencies will impact fraud prevention capabilities, particularly at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Additionally, a bipartisan group of senators sent a letter to federal officials requesting coordinated investigations to dismantle foreign fraud networks and outlined five priority areas for scam prevention, including public awareness campaigns and improved interagency coordination.
cftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
A federal court ordered five defendants—two Chinese residents (Qian Bai and Chao Li), one Oklahoma resident (Lan Bai), and two UK companies (Aipu Limited and Fidefx Investments Ltd.)—to pay approximately $19 million in civil penalties and restitution for operating fraudulent trading websites that misappropriated at least $3.6 million from at least 34 customers over 18 months. The scheme involved soliciting victims through fake platforms claiming to offer leveraged commodity and foreign currency trading contracts. The CFTC advises the public to verify company registration before investing and warns of increasing romance scams that lure
scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old Hong Kong man lost HK$4 million (HK$3 million in savings plus HK$1 million in debt) to an online romance scam that began with a fake water leak alert via WhatsApp. The scammer posed as a neighbor, built a romantic relationship with the victim, then exploited his trust by promoting fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. This case was one of nearly 20 romance scams reported over two weeks affecting almost HK$10 million in losses, with 40 percent of victims over age 60.
travelandtourworld.com
· 2025-12-08
Elderly travelers are increasingly targeted by AI-generated deepfake scams that create convincing fraudulent videos of non-existent vacation destinations, causing significant financial losses to seniors who book trips based on the fabricated content. Scammers use advanced AI technology to produce hyper-realistic videos, fake testimonials, and manipulated voices to lure victims into bookings, exploiting older adults' lower digital literacy and trusting nature. As deepfake technology becomes more accessible and sophisticated, authorities warn that awareness, careful verification of travel offers, and digital literacy education are essential to protect vulnerable seniors from this growing fraud threat.
ktlo.com
· 2025-12-08
Local officials are warning residents, particularly seniors, about rising fraud activity in the region, including fake billing, phony tech support, family impersonation, and spoofed caller IDs. The "grandparent scam"—where someone impersonates a relative requesting emergency funds while demanding secrecy—is among the most commonly reported schemes in Baxter County. Law enforcement advises residents to verify contact information independently, never send money through untraceable means like cryptocurrency ATMs, and pause to consult trusted contacts or their bank if something feels suspicious.
noozhawk.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Californians lost over $2.5 billion to cyber scams, with seniors increasingly targeted by sophisticated fraud schemes including government impersonation, tech-support scams, grandparent scams, and emerging AI-powered voice cloning tactics. Protection measures include refusing to share personal information over the phone, independently verifying caller identity, discussing scams with family members, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2025 bipartisan report highlights that fraud and scams cost seniors $4.8 billion in 2024, with investment, cryptocurrency, and romance scams posing the greatest risks to older adults who are often targeted due to politeness, trust, and unfamiliarity with digital technologies. Common scams include Medicare fraud ($80.5 million in losses), imposter scams ($789 million in losses), phishing, and deepfakes, which cause not only financial devastation but also significant emotional and physical health impacts on victims.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
North Branford police conducted an elder fraud awareness presentation at Evergreen Woods Community to educate seniors on prevention strategies. The presentation highlighted that seniors lose more than $3 billion annually to various fraud schemes including romance scams, tech support scams, grandparent scams, and government impersonation scams, with tips provided on how to recognize and protect against these threats.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Amazon sent warning emails to hundreds of millions of customers alerting them to phishing scams that use fake renewal notices and fake login pages to steal account credentials and personal information. Scammers use scare tactics and real personal details from previous data breaches to make the emails appear legitimate, then harvest login credentials, credit card information, and other data that can be used for unauthorized purchases or sold to other criminals. Amazon has shut down tens of thousands of phishing websites and phone numbers, and recommends customers verify account status directly through Amazon's website or app, enable two-factor authentication, use unique passwords, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails.
wlwt.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating the Department of Motor Vehicles in text messages claiming recipients owe money for overdue traffic tickets, threatening license suspension, prosecution, and credit damage to pressure victims into clicking malicious links that steal money and personal information. The Federal Trade Commission advises recipients to delete such messages, report them as spam, and contact their state DMV directly using official contact information rather than links in unsolicited texts.
cambridgema.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating Cambridge Police Department officers via phone calls, using spoofed caller IDs to appear legitimate while demanding personal information or financial payments (often in Bitcoin or gift cards) to clear fake arrest warrants or help fictitious persons in distress. Legitimate law enforcement never requests personal information, financial compensation, or payments over the phone; all sensitive matters are handled in-person at police stations and any penalties are paid directly to official agencies. Victims should contact their financial institutions and report the incident to their local police department.
app.com
· 2025-12-08
A phishing scam impersonating the New Jersey DMV has circulated since at least May, sending text messages threatening vehicle suspension, credit score damage, and prosecution for alleged unpaid traffic tickets to pressure recipients into clicking malicious links and providing personal financial information. The NJMVC clarified it only sends text messages for appointment reminders and never requests services or payments via unsolicited communications. Victims should verify claims directly with official websites and report such SMiShing attempts to the FTC and FBI.
dailyamerican.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers employ constantly evolving tactics including fake emails, texts, and social media profiles to deceive victims, with Pennsylvanians losing approximately $400 million through text messaging scams alone. To avoid becoming victims, consumers should guard credit and debit cards, avoid clicking links from unknown senders, verify company contact information independently, refrain from posting vacation photos on social media, and be cautious during high-risk periods like summer travel and back-to-school shopping when scams increase. Victims can report scams to the Federal Trade Commission or FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending text messages impersonating Amazon, claiming items failed quality inspection or were recalled and offering refunds via suspicious links—a phishing scheme designed to steal personal information and money. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts, verify any concerns by logging directly into your Amazon account through official channels, and report suspicious messages to 7726 (SPAM) or your carrier's junk reporting feature.
westernunion.com
· 2025-12-08
This is a navigation page and "About Us" header for a money transfer service's fraud awareness section, not a specific article about a scam or fraud incident. The page displays menu options and links to educational fraud prevention resources covering topics like puppy scams, identity theft, military scams, romance scams, and telemarketing scams, but contains no actual content, case study, or data to summarize.
wect.com
· 2025-12-08
The Brunswick County Sheriff's Office warned of a phone scam targeting family members of detained individuals, in which a caller impersonating an officer requested $800 for "ankle monitor hookup fees" to secure a detainee's release. The victim's husband had not actually been served with a warrant or had release conditions set at the time of the fraudulent call. Law enforcement clarified that officers never solicit money by phone for release and directed residents to report such calls to the sheriff's office.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
A surge in SMS phishing scams impersonating Amazon has increased more than 5,000% since July 8, with attackers sending millions of text messages claiming refunds or delivery issues to lure users to fake Amazon websites designed to steal login credentials. The scam targets Amazon users indiscriminately based on the high likelihood that recipients have made recent purchases, with organized criminal gangs operating at industrial scale from beyond U.S. law enforcement reach. Amazon advises recipients to delete suspicious texts immediately, verify accounts through official channels, and enable two-factor authentication, while the company reported taking down over 55,000 phishing websites and 12,000 phone numbers used in impersonation schemes
news.ua.edu
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are posing as University of Alabama students on GroupMe, Snapchat, and other social media platforms to sell fake football tickets, requesting untraceable payments through Venmo, CashApp, or Apple Pay before blocking victims and disappearing with their money. To protect against this fraud, the university recommends using official platforms like MyTickets or SeatGeek, avoiding social media ticket sales, meeting sellers in person at safe locations, and never sharing personal information or using untraceable payment methods. Victims should immediately report scams to University Police at 205-348-5454.
ama-assn.org
· 2025-12-08
Two federal agencies—the DEA and CMS—issued warnings about scams targeting physicians that impersonate government officials to fraudulently obtain medical records, personal information, or payments. The DEA alerts physicians to impersonation schemes claiming to investigate their practices via phone or letter, while CMS warns of fraudulent requests for medical records or alleged Medicare debt payments. Both agencies emphasize that their personnel do not initiate contact via unsolicited calls, emails, or faxes demanding information or payment, and recommend reporting suspicious incidents to the FBI or Federal Trade Commission.
wobm.com
· 2025-12-08
Phone scams targeting New Jersey seniors have surged significantly, with scammers using sophisticated tactics like spoofed caller IDs and emotional manipulation to exploit older adults' willingness to engage in conversation and trust callers claiming to be family members or banks. Common schemes pressure victims to act quickly without verification, and scammers exploit seniors' unfamiliarity with modern fraud tactics. Protective measures include teaching seniors not to share information with suspicious callers, verifying numbers by hanging up and calling back independently, and contacting New Jersey's consumer affairs division or local police fraud departments for assistance.
weny.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania State Representative Tina Pickett held an annual Senior Expo in Athens to educate seniors on protecting themselves from scams, featuring speakers on healthcare, benefits, secure banking, and Medicare, as well as free document shredding services. According to the National Council on Aging, seniors over 60 lost $3.4 billion combined to scams in 2023, with fraud threats including identity theft and financial exploitation that can damage victims' credit and finances.
donalds.house.gov
· 2025-12-08
Congressman Byron Donalds announced a free, in-person scam awareness workshop in Bonita Springs, Florida, co-hosted with regional FBI partners for constituents of Florida's 19th Congressional District. The workshop aims to educate attendees about common scams and elder fraud prevention strategies.
miamitimesonline.com
· 2025-12-08
U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in sending a letter to federal officials demanding coordinated efforts to combat international financial scams targeting seniors, which cost victims over $3.4 billion annually. The letter, signed by senators including Rick Scott, Mark Kelly, and Kirsten Gillibrand, requested enhanced investigations, increased foreign law enforcement partnerships, public awareness campaigns, and improved interagency coordination. Moody, a member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, has prioritized senior fraud issues, previously recovering millions of dollars for victims as Florida's Attorney General and supporting the designation of National Slam the Scam Day.
wchstv.com
· 2025-12-08
Charleston Police and Chase Bank hosted a scam awareness workshop for seniors in Charleston, West Virginia, where attendees learned to recognize common fraud schemes including E-Z Pass, jury duty, and romance scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, West Virginia residents lost approximately $27 million to fraud and scams in 2024 and are on pace to lose more in 2025. Experts advised seniors to verify requests with trusted sources directly, avoid sharing personal information via phone or email, and report scams immediately to police and their banks, noting that once money reaches scammers—typically operating overseas—it is nearly impossible to recover.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 20 Hong Kong residents lost HK$10 million (US$1.3 million) to online romance scams over two weeks, with 40% of victims aged over 60. One notable case involved a 70-year-old man who lost HK$3 million in savings plus HK$1 million in debt after being befriended via WhatsApp by a scammer posing as a neighbor, who then gained his trust through romantic messages and convinced him to invest in cryptocurrency. Police recommend verifying identities through video calls, avoiding rushed emotional or financial commitments with online strangers, and using the "Scameter" tool to check suspicious contacts and websites.
koaa.com
· 2025-12-08
A Colorado author lost nearly $160,000 to a combined romance and investment scam in 2024, first depositing over $100,000 into a cryptocurrency platform recommended by a woman he met on a dating app, then losing an additional $50,000 to a fake scam recovery service when he attempted to retrieve his funds. After filing reports with the FBI, Colorado Attorney General's office, and FTC, Kern received no response and is now focused on repaying his parents, whose retirement funds he borrowed from to pay the fraudulent recovery service. The case exemplifies how romance scams—which ranked in the top 10 FBI complaints for 2024—often escalate into secondary frau
dailydot.com
· 2025-12-08
A 5th-grade teacher received a convincing scam call from someone impersonating a sheriff's department official claiming she had failed to appear for jury duty and faced citations and arrest warrants. She avoided falling victim by questioning the caller's information and verifying with her local sheriff's department non-emergency line, which confirmed it was a scam—noting that legitimate jury duty failures are handled by mail, not threatening phone calls. The teacher's warning highlights that this scam is circulating widely, with multiple commenters reporting they experienced similar calls or were actually defrauded by the scheme.
chronline.com
· 2025-12-08
An Eastern Oregon woman in her 60s lost $600,000 to scammers posing as federal agents who instructed her to purchase gold bars and transfer ownership to them for "safekeeping," though intervention by state officials prevented an additional $300,000 loss. A second woman in the region also lost $60,000 in a similar silver bar scam. Oregon Department of Justice officials warn that government agencies, banks, and tech companies never request customers buy precious metals or transfer ownership, and advise people to hang up on unsolicited callers and report suspicious activity to authorities.