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in General Elder Fraud
timesofsandiego.com
· 2026-07-23
Seniors in San Diego County are losing hundreds of millions of dollars annually to fraud schemes that use impersonation, urgency, and increasingly AI technology—with victims 60 and older nationally reporting over $7.75 billion in losses in 2025, a 59% increase from the previous year. The article urges Congress to pass H.R. 2478, the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act, which would allow banks to temporarily pause suspicious withdrawals to prevent exploitation. Actionable steps include contacting your senators to support this legislation and being cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, and emails claiming to be from grandchildren, banks, or government agencies, especially those creating a sense of urgency.
losalamosreporter.com
· 2026-07-23
The Los Alamos Police Department and FBI are hosting a community presentation on August 18 to educate residents about fraud and scams, with particular attention to schemes targeting seniors. The free town hall event will feature law enforcement experts discussing common fraud tactics and protection strategies, with time for attendees to ask questions about safeguarding themselves and their families. Community members concerned about fraud risks are encouraged to attend and can contact Sergeant Dezendorf with questions in advance.
kitv.com
· 2026-07-23
An Indian national named Harsh Fojalal Shah was arrested in Hawaii for his role in a "gold bar purchase" fraud scheme targeting elderly victims, where scammers impersonated U.S. Marshals to convince seniors their identities had been compromised and pressure them to liquidate assets and buy gold. One victim lost over $137,000 in life savings and retirement funds before law enforcement intervened, and Shah admitted to conducting similar scams with at least ten other elderly victims. To protect yourself: be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies, never liquidate assets based on phone pressure, and verify any urgent claims by calling official agencies directly using numbers from their official websites.
ladailypost.com
· 2026-07-23
The Los Alamos Police Department and FBI are hosting a community presentation on August 18 to educate residents about common fraud and scams, with particular emphasis on elder fraud. The town hall-style event will allow attendees to ask questions and learn protective measures, and while seniors are a primary focus, all community members are welcome to participate. Those interested in attending or with fraud-related questions can contact Sergeant J. Dezendorf for more details.
wausaupilotandreview.com
· 2026-07-23
A Chicago man named Tao Wu was sentenced to 2½ years in prison for orchestrating a scam that stole over $135,000 from an elderly Marathon County woman's life savings. Wu received a total sentence of 7½ years (split between prison time and extended supervision) and was ordered to pay restitution, maintain employment, and avoid contact with the victim. Elderly residents should be cautious of unsolicited financial requests and contact from strangers, verify requests through independent means, and report suspicious activity to local authorities immediately.
witn.com
· 2026-07-23
The Kinston Police Department held a fraud prevention forum for seniors after seeing an increase in scam attempts targeting older adults in their community. Common schemes include spoofed phone calls from fake bank representatives, romance scams, and marketplace fraud, with Americans 60 and older losing over $7.7 billion to fraud in 2025. Police advise seniors to verify requests before sharing personal information or money, avoid gift card payments, trust their instincts by hanging up on suspicious calls, and report scams within the first 72 hours when recovery is still possible.
floridaweekly.com
· 2026-07-23
Older adults in South Florida are increasingly targeted by scams—including romance schemes, fake tech support calls, government impersonation, and cryptocurrency fraud—which can devastate those living on fixed incomes where even small losses affect their ability to afford housing, food, and medications. A Palm Beach woman fell victim to a classic romance scam where a fraudster posed as a Hallmark actor to gain her trust and money. Experts recommend that seniors and their families take preventive steps to protect themselves, such as watching for common scam tactics and being cautious about unfamiliar technology and unsolicited contacts.
kpax.com
· 2026-07-23
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen hosted an Elder Justice Summit in Kalispell to warn seniors about sophisticated scams targeting older citizens, highlighting the case of Susan Bivins, who lost her entire $240,000 life savings to scammers posing as Amazon and DEA officials in 2022. Scammers increasingly use advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and emotional manipulation to exploit seniors' fears, making it difficult for law enforcement to recover stolen funds since criminals typically operate overseas. Knudsen advised Montanans to constantly question suspicious communications, immediately cut off contact with suspected scammers, and report incidents to law enforcement rather than sending money or personal information.
observernews.net
· 2026-07-23
Scammers are increasingly targeting Hillsborough County residents, particularly seniors and vulnerable people, through three main schemes: gold bar scams, lottery scams, and romance scams. In the gold bar scam, fraudsters impersonate government officials and pressure victims into withdrawing savings to buy gold bars by falsely claiming identity theft or criminal activity, with one case resulting in a $1.4 million loss to an 80-year-old veteran. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected calls or messages claiming emergencies, never withdraw money based on such contact, and verify any government agency communication by calling the official number directly rather than using numbers provided by the caller.
americascreditunions.org
· 2026-07-23
Credit unions in Ohio and Montana are implementing new fraud prevention tactics, such as brief questionnaires for large cash withdrawals, to catch scams before members lose money. One Cleveland-area credit union's simple intervention—asking a member withdrawing $15,000 where the cash was going—led her to realize she was likely being scammed and halt the transaction. These member-owned institutions are partnering with law enforcement and local agencies to create moments of reflection that help stop fraud, with some credit unions reporting three to four suspicious withdrawal attempts per month at individual branches.
polizei.nrw
· 2026-07-23
An elderly woman in Leichlingen fell victim to a phone scam in which a caller impersonating a prosecutor claimed her daughter caused a fatal accident and demanded bail, convincing her to withdraw cash and hand over jewelry worth tens of thousands of euros to an unknown person. Police warn that such calls are fraudulent schemes targeting seniors, and advise people to hang up immediately on suspicious calls, never give cash or valuables to strangers, and alert authorities if targeted—emphasizing that German police never demand bail by phone for traffic accidents.
foxbusiness.com
· 2026-07-22
# Summary
A 39-year-old Chinese national, Didi Zou, was arrested in June for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated internet fraud scheme that defrauded an elderly Buffalo-area woman of $360,000 in life savings and inherited assets. Using fake Microsoft security alerts and posing as an IRS agent, Zou tricked the victim into transferring $20,000 in cash and gold coins/bullion to "protect" her funds from supposed hackers. Zou faces federal charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering and was ordered held in custody pending trial.
aol.com
· 2026-07-22
Scammers increase their activity during summer months by targeting vacation planning and recreational spending, exploiting opportunities when people share personal information and make purchases online. Common summer scams include vacation rental fraud and impostor schemes, with Americans losing $3.5 billion to impostor scams alone in 2025. To protect yourself, stay vigilant about verifying the legitimacy of vacation rental hosts, avoid making impulse purchases, and be cautious about sharing personal details during summer travel planning.
yahoo.com
· 2026-07-22
Scammers are impersonating FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to target people who have already lost money to fraud, using tactics like AI-generated deepfake videos, fake websites, and social media impersonation to trick victims into sharing more personal and financial information. The FBI has received over 100 reports of these "recovery scams" since December 2023, with losses exceeding $20 billion reported across all cyber fraud in 2025—a 26% increase from the previous year, hitting older adults especially hard. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact claiming to recover your lost funds, verify any FBI communication directly through official channels, and avoid clicking links or sharing information with people who contact you first.
patch.com
· 2026-07-22
About 2 million people fall victim to medical identity theft annually, but Medicare beneficiaries can protect themselves through awareness and vigilance. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program offers free education, counseling, and assistance to help people prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse. If you suspect you've been scammed or want to get involved, contact your local Connecticut SMP at 800-994-9422 or visit their website for resources and information.
hoosierenquirer.com
· 2026-07-22
An elderly Indiana man lost his home to title theft while hospitalized when a former caregiver fraudulently changed the property records, but local police refused to file a report, claiming it was a civil matter rather than a crime. The incident highlights a broader problem of elder fraud cases going unreported and unaddressed in Indiana, with courts and prosecutors reportedly too overwhelmed to handle these crimes effectively. Seniors should protect themselves by monitoring property records, keeping legal documents secure, carefully vetting caregivers, and contacting Adult Protective Services or state authorities if they suspect fraud rather than relying solely on local police.
aol.com
· 2026-07-22
Scam victims face a double financial hit: not only do they lose money to fraudsters, but a 2017 tax law change now permanently prevents them from deducting those losses on their taxes, even if the stolen funds came from retirement accounts that are still taxed as income. Fraud losses have surged dramatically, reaching a record $15.9 billion in 2025 with a 27% increase from the previous year, yet victims are denied any tax relief despite their losses. To protect yourself, remain vigilant against scams (especially those impersonating federal agents), verify unexpected requests independently, and consult a tax professional if you do become a victim to understand your specific tax obligations.
haveagonews.com.au
· 2026-07-22
Seniors in Western Australia have lost over $1 million to gift card scams in recent years, with romance scams—where criminals pose as online romantic partners—now being the leading cause. Scammers convince victims to purchase gift cards and share the serial numbers, with some victims losing tens of thousands of dollars despite warnings from retail staff. To protect yourself, remember that no legitimate business, government agency, or employer will ever ask for payment via gift cards, and report any suspected scams to WA ScamNet at 1300 30 40 54.
techround.co.uk
· 2026-07-22
Pig butchering scams are a rapidly growing form of fraud that have cost victims over $10 billion globally, in which criminals spend weeks or months building trust with victims through social media, messaging apps, and dating platforms before convincing them to invest money in fake cryptocurrency schemes. Unlike traditional scams that rely on urgency, these sophisticated scams operate as a slow "grooming process" designed to gradually extract larger amounts of money from victims who believe they're developing genuine relationships or legitimate investment opportunities. To protect yourself, be cautious of new online contacts who seem unusually friendly and interested in discussing investments, and avoid sharing financial information or sending money to anyone you haven't met in person or verified through official channels.
nbcdfw.com
· 2026-07-22
A Dallas senior center held technology classes to teach older adults how to identify and avoid online scams, after many seniors reported being targeted by fraudsters through malicious emails and phishing links. Participants learned how to spot scam emails, use apps safely, and shop online securely, with some receiving free computers and tablets to practice on. The takeaway for seniors: be cautious when opening emails from unfamiliar sources, verify sender identities before clicking links, and take advantage of local tech training programs to build digital literacy skills.
newsbreak.com
· 2026-07-22
Three men were arrested for defrauding over $1 million from seniors in Virginia and Maryland using a two-stage scam: fake Amazon alerts warning of unauthorized purchases, followed by imposters posing as federal agents claiming the victims' identities were compromised and demanding they convert savings into gold bars or cash for "safekeeping." The scheme is part of a larger national trend combining business impersonation with government-agent impersonation to exploit elderly victims. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls about account problems, remember that legitimate companies and federal agencies never demand immediate payment or asset conversion over the phone, and verify any such claims by hanging up and calling the official organization directly.
floridaweekly.com
· 2026-07-22
A Palm Beach woman fell victim to a classic romance scam in which a fraudster posed as a Hallmark actor and eventually separated her from money—a scheme emblematic of the growing threat seniors face across South Florida. Older adults living on fixed incomes are increasingly targeted by various scams including tech support fraud, government impersonation, Medicare fraud, and romance schemes, with even small financial losses potentially jeopardizing their ability to afford housing, utilities, medication, and care. Experts recommend that seniors and their families take protective steps such as staying alert to common scam tactics, being cautious with technology, and verifying the identities of people requesting money or personal information.
irs.gov
· 2026-07-21
Federal prosecutors in Indiana have established a new Fraud Task Force and convened 20 law enforcement agencies to crack down on fraud targeting taxpayer-funded programs, cybercrime, and predatory schemes across the state. The initiative, part of a nationwide White House effort, has already resulted in charges or prison sentences against 19 individuals in 2026, including convictions in a $1.2 million travel insurance scheme and a $500,000 elder fraud case. Citizens should be aware that fraud investigations and prosecutions are expected to increase, and they can protect themselves by reporting suspicious activity involving federal benefit programs or targeting vulnerable populations like the elderly.
knue.com
· 2026-07-21
A McKinney man named Hung-Chi Chen was arrested during an undercover sting operation after attempting to collect $44,000 in cash from an elderly victim in Sulphur Springs who had been scammed by fraudsters posing as Federal Trade Commission agents. The scammers had convinced the victim that her bank account was compromised and instructed her to withdraw the money, but law enforcement intervened and arrested Chen when he arrived to pick up the cash. Police urge people to discuss common scams with elderly family members and neighbors, and to contact law enforcement immediately if they suspect suspicious activity.
lonestar923.com
· 2026-07-21
A McKinney man named Hung-Chi Chen was arrested in an undercover sting operation after attempting to collect $44,000 from an elderly victim in Sulphur Springs by posing as a Federal Trade Commission agent and claiming her bank account was used for illegal purchases. The Sulphur Springs Police Department set up the operation at the victim's home and arrested Chen when he arrived to pick up the cash, charging him with theft from an elderly individual. Authorities urge people to warn elderly relatives and friends about such scams and to contact law enforcement immediately if they suspect fraudulent activity.
legalexaminer.com
· 2026-07-21
Phone scammers impersonating banks through "spoofing" have become a major fraud problem, with over 191,000 complaints and $215 million in losses reported in 2025, particularly affecting older Americans. Whether you can recover money depends on the type of transfer: if a scammer made an unauthorized transfer, you have stronger legal protections under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, but if you were tricked into authorizing the transfer yourself, banks are typically not liable under current law. To protect yourself, be cautious about unsolicited calls claiming to be from your bank, independently verify requests by calling your bank's official number, and never authorize transfers based on phone requests alone—especially for wire transfers, which offer fewer consumer protections.
bostonglobe.com
· 2026-07-21
Romance scams originating from Nigeria typically involve young men, sometimes as young as 14, who pose as Western women online to manipulate and extract money from victims, primarily in places like California. The scammers use fake profiles, downloaded scripts, and Google searches to build convincing false identities, often targeting lonely men who are seeking romantic connections. To protect yourself, be skeptical of online romantic interests who quickly ask for money, verify identities through video calls, and research new contacts before sharing personal or financial information.
thehill.com
· 2026-07-20
A woman lost her life savings to a romance scammer who manipulated her into withdrawing funds from retirement accounts, and despite law enforcement investigation, the money was never recovered—then she faced an additional blow when the IRS hit her with a tax bill on those withdrawals. While the IRS allows theft-loss deductions for victims of investment scams like "pig butchering" scams, romance scam victims are ineligible because they weren't motivated by profit, creating an unfair distinction in the tax code between people defrauded by different tactics. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious with online dating connections that quickly escalate emotionally or request money, verify the identity of romantic interests through video calls, and consult a tax professional if you've been victimized by any type of scam.
lawenforcementtoday.com
· 2026-07-20
A Wisconsin man was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in a sweepstakes fraud scheme that defrauded an elderly couple of over $431,000 by falsely claiming they had won Publishers Clearing House and Mega Millions prizes and needed to pay taxes upfront. The victims lost money through cash payments, gift card purchases, and unauthorized bank withdrawals over an eight-month period. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited prize notifications requiring upfront payments—legitimate lotteries and sweepstakes never ask winners to pay fees before claiming prizes—and verify any claims directly with the official organization before sending money.
kiplinger.com
· 2026-07-20
A 79-year-old retiree lost $1,400 to a card skimmer installed on an ATM, and while she eventually recovered the money, the experience highlighted how vulnerable seniors are to increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. The article outlines five major scams currently targeting retirees and emphasizes that fraud deserves more attention in financial planning conversations alongside traditional investment strategies. To stay safe, retirees should regularly monitor their bank accounts for unauthorized transactions, inspect ATMs for signs of tampering before use, and report suspicious activity immediately to their banks.
kvia.com
· 2026-07-20
Millions of older Americans fall victim to financial scams annually, with the U.S. Treasury identifying $27 billion in suspected elder financial exploitation over a 12-month period, largely through phishing scams and impersonation fraud that exploit increasingly common digital banking and communication channels. A SmartAsset analysis of 2024 Federal Trade Commission data identified which states have the highest rates of reported scams targeting seniors aged 60 and older, as well as the most common scam types by state. To protect yourself, remain cautious of unsolicited communications claiming to be from banks or government agencies, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspected fraud to the FTC.
abc17news.com
· 2026-07-19
Millions of older Americans lose billions annually to financial scams, with $27 billion in suspected elder fraud occurring in just one year, as scammers increasingly use phishing and impersonation tactics through digital channels. A SmartAsset analysis of 2024 Federal Trade Commission data examined fraud reports by state to identify where seniors aged 60 and older face the highest scam rates and what types of scams are most common in each region. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited communications claiming to be from banks or government agencies, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspected fraud to the FTC.
keyt.com
· 2026-07-19
Millions of older Americans lose billions of dollars annually to financial scams, with the U.S. Treasury identifying $27 billion in suspected elder financial exploitation in a single year. Scammers increasingly use phishing schemes, business impersonation, and government impersonation fraud to target seniors through digital banking and communication platforms. To protect themselves, older adults should verify the legitimacy of institutions before sharing personal information, be skeptical of unsolicited contact, and report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-19
A 76-year-old woman in Riverside lost her home and hundreds of thousands of dollars in a romance scam where a man claimed to have $7 million and used repeated promises of repayment to justify ongoing financial requests. Romance scams are particularly effective because they exploit trust and isolation, with each new money request framed as temporary and necessary to unlock the promised wealth. To protect yourself, be wary of online relationships that quickly turn romantic and involve requests for money, especially from people claiming to have delayed access to large sums—legitimate wealthy individuals don't need your funds to access their own assets.
mercurynews.com
· 2026-07-19
yen.com.gh
· 2026-07-19
Romance scams are costing Americans over a billion dollars annually, with the case of Ghanaian businessman Abu Trica—who faces trial for an alleged $8 million scheme targeting elderly Americans—highlighting the scale of this growing problem. The FBI has intensified efforts to combat cross-border fraud networks, including establishing an office in Ghana, as these scams continue to rise across the United States. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic relationships that develop quickly online, especially with people who claim to need money or avoid meeting in person.
fox10tv.com
· 2026-07-19
Three people were arrested in Mobile County, Alabama for allegedly exploiting an elderly resident through fraud, forgery, and theft over a six-year period, stealing an estimated $659,314 in verified assets (with total losses possibly approaching $1 million). The suspects—Melissa Lynn Hobden, Michael Lewis Crouch, and Nora Powe Hobden—worked together to target the victim's finances and property between 2019 and 2025, with the scheme uncovered when the victim's daughter reported concerns in November 2025. Seniors and their families should monitor financial accounts regularly, verify unusual transactions with banks and creditors, and report suspected exploitation to local law enforcement immediately.
courant.com
· 2026-07-19
Seniors across America lose billions to scams annually, with $27 billion in suspected elder financial exploitation occurring in just one 12-month period, according to Treasury Department analysis. Business imposter and government imposter phishing scams are among the most common methods targeting older Americans, who are increasingly vulnerable as scammers exploit digital banking and communication tools. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact from supposed businesses or government agencies, verify caller identity through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.
viconsortium.com
· 2026-07-19
A new bill advancing in the Virgin Islands Senate would establish criminal and civil penalties for using fraud, coercion, or undue influence to trick seniors into signing promissory notes, a growing problem that often involves family members exploiting their own relatives. According to the Department of Human Services, financial exploitation of seniors is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with financial institutions reporting over 155,000 cases tied to $27 billion in suspicious activity nationwide between mid-2022 and mid-2023. The legislation would also require financial institutions to temporarily hold certain transactions, implement mandatory training, and conduct public education campaigns to help prevent senior financial exploitation.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-19
An Edmonton woman named Bonnie Lo, a former Service Canada employee, was convicted of defrauding seniors of nearly $180,000 in Old Age Security and Canada Pension Plan payments over four years by redirecting 176 government checks to her personal bank account; she received an 18-month jail sentence. The fraud was discovered in 2018 when a senior couldn't cash their CPP checks and found they had already been cashed by Lo, prompting an investigation that revealed the systematic theft of vulnerable seniors' benefits. Seniors should monitor their pension statements regularly and contact Service Canada immediately if they notice missing or unauthorized payments, and governments should implement stronger safeguards to prevent employees from accessing and redirecting benefit payments.
postnewsgroup.com
· 2026-07-19
The National Probate Reform Coalition will present at Washington's 2026 Whistleblower Summit to raise awareness about adult guardianship abuse, a widespread problem where vulnerable seniors and adults are exploited financially through the guardianship system. The event will feature a screening of the documentary "The Bad Guardian," panel discussions with advocates and journalists, and aims to shift public perception of guardianship issues from private family matters to serious public policy concerns. If you or a family member is subject to a guardianship, experts recommend seeking legal counsel and contacting organizations like the Center for Estate Administration Reform to ensure proper oversight and protection against financial exploitation.
foxnews.com
· 2026-07-18
Georgia's new House Bill 945, effective July 1, 2026, allows banks and credit unions to pause suspicious transactions they suspect are fraudulent, protecting adults 65 and older as well as those with physical or mental incapacities, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease. Common bank scams involve callers claiming your account is under attack and pressuring you to transfer money to a "safe account" that actually belongs to scammers, potentially turning years of savings into irreversible losses. The law's effectiveness depends on your state, financial institution, and account type, so consumers should stay alert to scam calls, verify requests directly with their bank using official numbers, and consider registering for fraud prevention resources.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-07-18
Americans lost $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025, with criminals posing as bank representatives or government officials to trick victims into sending money or sharing personal information. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to these scams, though younger people can also suffer losses—as illustrated by a case where a 74-year-old woman fell for a phone scam impersonating an FBI agent and wired $12,000 from her daughter's linked account. To protect yourself, verify caller identities through official phone numbers, never wire money based on unsolicited calls, and consider limiting account access for vulnerable family members.
kiro7.com
· 2026-07-18
Millions of older Americans lose billions annually to financial scams, with $27 billion in suspected elder exploitation occurring in just one year, as digital banking makes it easier for scammers to impersonate trusted institutions and reach vulnerable victims. A SmartAsset analysis of Federal Trade Commission data identified which states have the highest rates of fraud targeting seniors aged 60 and older, revealing that phishing scams and imposter fraud are among the most common methods used. To protect yourself, remain cautious of unsolicited communications claiming to be from banks or government agencies, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspected fraud to the FTC.
amac.us
· 2026-07-18
Scammers targeting older Americans aren't calling randomly—they're purchasing personal data from "data brokers" before reaching out, which makes their pitches unnervingly personalized and effective. Americans 60 and older lost $3 billion to fraud in 2025, up from $600 million in 2020, with exposed personal information playing a role in 72% of reported elder fraud cases. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls regardless of how convincing they sound, and consider limiting your personal information online by opting out of data broker services when possible.
ocregister.com
· 2026-07-18
A luxury senior living facility in San Clemente allegedly embezzled over $360,000 from at least two elderly residents through its chief operating officer, Monica Westphaln, who exploited her trusted position and access to their finances for personal expenses like lavish purchases and travel. The victims, isolated from family and friends according to state investigators, included Ron Hugli (who lost over $266,000) and Marie Siegel (who claims losses of $1.1 million including fraudulent charges for care never provided). Seniors and their families should carefully vet who they grant power of attorney to, maintain regular contact with loved ones in care facilities, and monitor all financial accounts and charges closely.
danvillesanramon.com
· 2026-07-18
Patelco Credit Union's Senior Advocate Program successfully stopped 700 fraud attempts and prevented nearly $10 million in losses over the past year by training employees to identify suspicious transactions through personal interaction. The most common scams targeting seniors involved family and friend impersonation (26%), tech support scams (12%), and cryptocurrency fraud (10%), though overall suspicious transaction attempts have declined since peaking in April. To protect yourself, stay alert to unsolicited requests for money or personal information, verify requests by contacting organizations directly through official channels, and don't hesitate to ask trusted friends or family members for a second opinion on suspicious communications.
hospicenews.com
· 2026-07-18
Dr. Sanjoy Banerjee and two other medical directors at Fountain Hospice in Los Angeles were arrested for defrauding Medicare and Medi-Cal of over $3.2 million by falsely certifying ineligible patients for hospice care without their knowledge between 2016 and 2024. Patients were harmed when they were later denied hospice services at the end of life after their information was misused to submit fraudulent claims. To protect yourself, verify that any hospice care recommendations come directly from your healthcare provider and confirm your eligibility before enrollment.
wftv.com
· 2026-07-18
Millions of older Americans lose an estimated $27 billion annually to financial scams, with phishing and imposter fraud being the most common tactics used against seniors as digital banking becomes more prevalent. A SmartAsset analysis of 2024 Federal Trade Commission data identified which U.S. states have the highest rates of reported scams targeting people aged 60 and older, along with the specific scam types most common in each state. To protect yourself, remain cautious of unsolicited contact claiming to be from banks or government agencies, verify requests through official phone numbers or websites, and never share personal or financial information with unverified callers.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-07-18
Scammers are impersonating FTC employees via text messages and sending fake ID photos to trick people into believing they can help recover money lost in previous scams. This "refund and recovery" scam particularly targets fraud victims who are eager to get their money back, making them more vulnerable to manipulation. To protect yourself, remember that the real FTC will never contact you unexpectedly by text or messaging app, and legitimate government employees won't send photo IDs to prove their identity—if you receive such a message, ignore it and report it to the FTC directly.