Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
2,048 results
in Bank Impersonation
wpsdlocal6.com
In 2024, seniors aged 60 and older lost $4.8 billion to online scams—a 43% increase from the previous year—with an average loss of $83,000 per victim, according to FBI data cited by Paducah-based cybersecurity firm SOMA Cyber Inc. Investment scams were the costliest fraud type, taking nearly $2 billion from this age group, while romance scams and tech support impersonation schemes also caused significant losses. SOMA Cyber is launching awareness workshops and recommends seniors verify unexpected financial requests independently, use strong password practices, enable two-factor authentication, and immediately contact their bank if victimized.
wifr.com
Americans lost $470 million to text scams in 2024, with fraudsters increasingly impersonating banks and credit unions using convincing messaging to trick victims. Experts recommend being skeptical of all unsolicited communications and instead calling your bank directly using the number on your physical card, checking online banking portals independently, or visiting your financial institution in person to verify any suspicious activity before responding to texts or emails.
manxradio.com
The Isle of Man Cyber Security Centre reported a surge in digital fraud from March to April, including over 700 suspicious emails, advance fee scams, phishing attempts, and impersonation schemes targeting residents and businesses through fake websites and social media accounts. Notable cases included a romance scam that escalated to sextortion (£1,500 + £4,000 demanded), deepfake videos impersonating politicians promoting cryptocurrency fraud, business invoice fraud costing £9,000, and marketplace scams resulting in losses ranging from £850 to £965. The Centre advised residents to verify financial claims through official sources and businesses to rely on their own websites rather than social media platforms where impersonation
local.aarp.org
The Federal Trade Commission estimated criminals stole $61.5 billion from adults age 60 and over in 2023, with financial abuse coming from both known perpetrators like family members and strangers carrying out scams. To prevent elder financial exploitation, AARP recommends adding trusted contacts to financial accounts, freezing credit to prevent unauthorized accounts, and using robocall and text message blockers to reduce exposure to phone-based scams. Victims should report scams to local law enforcement or contact AARP's Fraud Watch Network at 1-877-908-3360.
gulfnews.com
The FBI has issued a nationwide warning about a surge in phone scams where fraudsters spoof official FBI numbers and impersonate federal agents, threatening victims with imminent arrest to pressure them into sending money via prepaid cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Scammers have expanded tactics to also impersonate bank investigators, charity workers, and court officials demanding payment, often instructing victims to stay silent and threatening legal consequences if personal information like Social Security numbers is not shared. The FBI advises hanging up immediately on suspicious calls, never sharing personal or financial details, and reporting scams at ic3.gov.
wbay.com
Americans receive approximately 50 billion nuisance and scam calls annually, with scammers responsible for roughly 30 billion of those calls and text messages. The article provides seven key ways to identify scam calls and texts, including checking the official organization's website, understanding what legitimate organizations will and won't do (such as the IRS never calling without sending a letter first), and recognizing common scam characteristics like pressure to act quickly and requests for personal information. While robocalls have declined somewhat since the TRACED Act gave regulators new enforcement tools, individuals remain primarily responsible for protecting themselves from these increasingly common scams.
ibtimes.co.uk
Barclays UK released research revealing the top 10 scams affecting British consumers in 2024, finding that one in five people were scammed and a third know someone who was. The most common scams include fake delivery notifications (51%), HMRC impersonation (42%), purchase fraud (40%), and online marketplace scams (38%), with the bank advising consumers to verify companies, avoid pressure tactics, and be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true. Barclays and tech companies like Google are implementing better detection tools, though consumers must remain vigilant with strong passwords and skepticism to protect themselves.
boothbayregister.com
The Federal Trade Commission estimated that criminals stole approximately $61.5 billion from adults age 60 and over in 2023, with elder financial abuse coming from both known perpetrators and stranger scams. AARP highlights preventive measures including adding trusted contacts to financial accounts, freezing credit to prevent unauthorized accounts, and using robocall/text blockers to reduce exposure to phone-based scams. The article emphasizes that these proactive steps can significantly protect older adults' financial security.
straitstimes.com
A 57-year-old Malaysian retiree lost RM161,000 (approximately $49,000) to an online romance/financial scam after responding to a social media advertisement claiming a woman in Hong Kong needed a sperm donor and would pay HK$2 million. The victim was deceived into making multiple payments for purported air tickets, protection services, and medical monitoring, despite warnings from his bank and police, and never met the scammer or the woman in person. The scammer likely used stolen photos of an unwitting woman to perpetrate the fraud.
nwestiowa.com
Four Sioux Center banks—American State Bank, Northwest Bank, Peoples Bank, and Primebank—are partnering with local police to present a free fraud awareness education event on June 11, aimed at helping community members recognize and prevent scams. While the presentation targets the 55+ demographic, organizers emphasize that all age groups are vulnerable to fraud, with data showing adults 18-59 are actually 34 percent more likely to report fraud losses than older adults. The event will address common scam tactics including impostor scams, romance scams, and cryptocurrency fraud, teaching attendees to recognize red flags like urgency, unnerving pressure, and unexpected contact.
nbcphiladelphia.com
Joe Subach lost over $1 million after calling a fake Apple customer service number found through an online search, which connected him to a scammer posing as "Daisy from Apple." The scam evolved from a fake account breach alert (requesting gift card purchases) into a romance scam, eventually leading Subach to surrender $780,000 in gold and silver to someone claiming to pick them up at his home. The FBI noted this case is unusual for combining financial, romance, and in-person theft elements, and emphasized that individuals are the best protectors of their own assets.
verywellmind.com
This educational article from Verywell Mind explains that phishing scams and fraud are widespread in the digital age, using psychological manipulation tactics that can deceive even intelligent individuals. The piece emphasizes that banks never initiate contact about suspicious account activity, and advises readers that falling victim to scams is not a reflection of intelligence or gullibility but rather a result of sophisticated criminal tactics. It also stresses the importance of self-compassion for scam victims and introduces a series covering common fraud types, psychological vulnerabilities exploited by scammers, and prevention strategies.
wgal.com
The Federal Trade Commission warned of investment scams on social media where hackers compromise victims' accounts to post bank account screenshots and fake investment opportunities promising quick returns with little risk, typically requesting a few hundred dollars via cryptocurrency or payment apps before blocking the victim. The FTC advises consumers to resist pressure to act immediately, research companies using terms like "scam" or "fraud," and remember that no legitimate investment guarantees returns. Victims should alert their compromised contacts directly in case their accounts have been hacked.
mirror.co.uk
A travel expert nearly fell victim to a Booking.com phishing scam when scammers impersonating a "guest relations manager" contacted him via WhatsApp, claiming to verify his card details after a security flag. According to UK Action Fraud, this scam has resulted in 532 reports and £370,000 in losses between June 2023 and September 2024, with incidents reportedly increasing 500-900% across the travel market. The vulnerability stems from Booking.com's reliance on third-party hosts with weak security measures and minimal vetting requirements, which allowed hackers to access customer information through compromised host websites.
newscop.com.au
Women aged 50 and older account for the majority of crypto ATM scam victims in Australia, with 150 reports received over 12 months (January 2024-2025) totaling $3.1 million in losses, averaging over $20,000 per report. The most common scams involved investments (63 cases), extortion emails (35), and romance scams (24), with authorities warning that actual losses are likely significantly underreported due to victim embarrassment or lack of awareness. The AFP recommends vigilance against common warning signs including unsolicited requests to use crypto ATMs, promises of guaranteed high returns, and pressure from new romantic partners or strangers to invest
berkshireeagle.com
A two-stage phone scam is circulating where criminals first defraud victims, then pose as FTC agents claiming to recover their money while stealing additional personal information and funds. The scam exploits victims' desperation to recover losses and uses fake badges and official-looking credentials easily created from internet images. The FTC warns that legitimate agents never call unsolicited, request money, or ask for personal information—victims should hang up and call agencies directly to verify identity, avoid payments via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and report suspected scams to local police and the FTC.
finance.yahoo.com
In 2024, 2.6 million U.S. consumers reported $12.5 billion in losses to fraud—a 25% increase from 2023—with investment scams ($5.7 billion) and imposter scams ($2.95 billion) comprising the largest categories. Notably, government imposter scams and business/job opportunity fraud showed significant growth, and consumers lost more money through bank transfers and cryptocurrency payments than through all other payment methods combined.
afp.gov.au
From January 2024 to January 2025, Australian authorities received 150 reports of cryptocurrency ATM scams resulting in $3.1 million in losses, with an average loss of $20,000 per victim; however, officials warn this likely represents significant under-reporting, as approximately $275 million moves through crypto ATMs annually in Australia. The victims were predominantly women (68%) and people over 51 years old (48%), who were targeted through investment scams, extortion emails, and romance scams that pressured them to deposit cash into crypto ATMs. Australian authorities are implementing educational campaigns near crypto ATMs to warn the public about common warning signs, including unsolicited deposit
foxnews.com
Cybercriminals have evolved phishing tactics to create sophisticated subscription scam campaigns, with over 200 convincing fake online stores promoting products via Facebook ads to trick users into recurring credit card charges. These scams use tactics like mystery boxes, hidden fine print subscription terms, and layered add-ons (loyalty programs, VIP memberships) to confuse victims, with many sites traced back to a single Cyprus address linked to offshore entities. The fraudsters continuously rotate brands and product types—from counterfeit goods to fake supplements and investment schemes—while employing evasion techniques like rotating ad versions and image swaps to avoid detection.
hccommunityjournal.com
A Kerrville Police Department sergeant conducted an internet safety presentation outlining major threats including identity theft, phishing, and romance/grandchild scams, which criminals use to steal sensitive information and money from victims. Key safety recommendations include verifying secure websites (https and lock icons), using strong passwords, enabling stricter social media settings, installing malware protection, and never responding to unsolicited requests for personal information from official agencies.
10tv.com
Scammers have been targeting Ohio small business owners with PPP loans by impersonating bank personnel and using spoofed caller IDs to trick victims into revealing online banking credentials and security codes, allowing fraudsters to access and drain their accounts. The Ohio Department of Commerce warns consumers to independently verify any unsolicited calls claiming to be from their bank by calling their bank directly through a published number, and recommends strengthening security with strong passwords and multifactor authentication.
limerickleader.ie
AIB has issued a warning to Irish customers about an ongoing threat of text message and phone call fraud, with reports of people being scammed through impersonation of legitimate institutions. The bank's Financial Crime Prevention team advised customers to avoid clicking suspicious links, never share login details or PINs, and to hang up and call back on trusted numbers if receiving unexpected calls. AIB encourages victims to report fraud through their website security center or contact their 24/7 fraud support line.
investopedia.com
This article outlines six common scams targeting users of peer-to-peer payment platforms like Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle, including impersonation of trusted contacts, fake "accidental" payments designed to exploit goodwill, fraudulent sellers and buyers using stolen payment methods, fake contest winnings, and impersonation of customer support teams. According to Pew Research, 13% of P2P payment app users have sent money to scammers, affecting millions of users across platforms with 92 million active users on Venmo alone. The key prevention strategies are to verify recipient identity before sending money, report unexpected payments from strangers immediately without cashing out
cbs12.com
A 29-year-old Palm Beach County woman was arrested for orchestrating a SIM-swap fraud scheme that victimized over 50 people nationwide, including a 75-year-old Palm Beach man who lost over $200,000. The suspect used social engineering tactics to obtain verification codes, hijack phone numbers by porting them to different carriers, and gain unauthorized access to victims' bank accounts, email, and Apple accounts to commit wire fraud and theft. Investigators discovered a notebook with personal information of 50+ victims and over $15,000 in proceeds at her home.
whio.com
This article explores the legal landscape of scams and fraud, explaining that while scamming is generally illegal, some deceptive practices exist in legal gray areas by technically offering a service or relying on consumer awareness. The article discusses how scammers exploit loopholes—such as with carnival games and deceptive solicitations (like fake domain renewal notices)—by staying vague about their offerings and not explicitly making false promises, allowing them to operate despite feeling fraudulent to consumers. The key takeaway is that scamming tactics are increasingly sophisticated and difficult to distinguish from legitimate services, making consumer vigilance essential.
toledocitypaper.com
The Better Business Bureau of Northwest and West Central Ohio and Southeast Michigan operates ScamGuard, an educational program launched three years ago to protect seniors from increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. The program warns older adults about common scams including telephone/tech support scams, gift card tampering, fake charities, grandparent scams, sweepstakes fraud, and online dating schemes, providing practical advice such as verifying unfamiliar callers, researching charities before donating, and never sending money to individuals met only online.
tucson.com
Financial scams targeting seniors (age 60+) have increased significantly in the digital age, leading the U.S. Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiative to educate older adults about common fraud schemes. The article describes four prevalent scams targeting seniors: Social Security Administration impostor scams (using caller ID spoofing to demand money be moved to gift cards), tech support scams (falsely claiming viruses exist and requesting remote device access to steal information), lottery scams (claiming winners owe fees until funds are depleted), and romance scams (using dating sites to manipulate victims into sending money).
bbc.com
Gavin Butters, 27, was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison for courier fraud targeting elderly people across eight UK areas, stealing over £50,000. Butters impersonated police officers and bank investigators in phone calls, convincing victims to hand over cash, bank cards, and jewellery, then collected the items in person; in one case, he used a victim's three bank cards to purchase £5,896 worth of iPhones.
oprahdaily.com
Scams targeting consumers are rising dramatically, with phishing, deepfakes, tech-support scams, and spoofing becoming increasingly common. Readers shared varied experiences including fraudulent tax and loan collection calls, fake rental listings, phishing texts posing as delivery services and financial institutions, and sextortion emails with personal information. The advice emphasized by victims includes not answering unknown numbers, immediately deleting suspicious messages, verifying requests independently, and never providing personal information or upfront payments to unverified sources.
wxii12.com
Government impersonation scams stole $789 million in 2024, with scammers now using fake FTC agent credentials and badges to target victims through urgent alerts about viruses, compromised accounts, or identity theft, then pressuring them to transfer money. The FTC warns it has no agents and never requests money transfers, advising victims to verify claims by contacting their banks directly using official numbers and to report suspected scams at ReportFraud.FTC.gov.
etnownews.com
This article outlines ten common fraud schemes targeting Indian consumers, including phishing impersonations of banks and government agencies, Ponzi schemes promising unrealistic returns, fake law enforcement extortion, fraudulent work-from-home jobs, UPI PIN theft, ATM skimming, predatory loan apps, pump-and-dump stock schemes, romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals, and fake parcel delivery scams. The piece emphasizes that fraudsters exploit trust through multiple channels (email, SMS, calls, apps) and advises victims to verify legitimacy through official channels, avoid sharing sensitive information like OTPs and UPI PINs, use only RBI-registered financial services, and report suspicious
okcfox.com
This editorial discusses the evolution and pervasiveness of fraud from ancient times to 2024, noting that the FBI received 859,532 online crime complaints in 2024 with losses exceeding $16 billion—a 33% increase from the prior year. The article highlights emerging threats including cryptocurrency fraud ($24.2 billion in illicit transfers in 2023), AI-powered deepfakes (which surged 1,740% in North America between 2022-2023, with one incident targeting a Hong Kong firm for $25 million), and voice-cloning scams targeting individuals through fake calls from loved ones. Williams emphasizes that fraud affects all demographics—not just the
columbiamagazine.com
Romance scammers operating on dating apps and social media platforms defrauded Americans of over $1 billion in 2023 and at least that much in 2024, with one notable victim being a 72-year-old widower named Gary who lost $50,000 to a scammer posing as a woman named Nasha. Scammers use tactics including requests for money for travel or investments, pressure for gift cards, and AI-generated photos to impersonate real people and celebrities. The U.S. Secret Service recommends avoiding financial transactions with people you've never met in person and being wary of red flags such as urgent money requests, pressure for gifts, an
cointelegraph.com
Seniors are increasingly targeted in cryptocurrency scams because scammers view them as wealthy, trusting, and less technologically savvy, exploiting the irreversible nature of crypto transactions and victims' reluctance to report fraud. The FTC reports growing losses from crypto investment fraud, romance scams, and government impersonation, with seniors in Beaufort County, South Carolina alone losing over $3.1 million in 2024, while sophisticated schemes using AI voice cloning and fake websites are becoming more prevalent. Examples include British pensioners losing hundreds of thousands to romance fraud operations in Cambodia, Minnesota crypto ATM scams that cost over $189 million in 2023, and government impersonation
bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com
A senior citizen in Bengaluru lost Rs 4.7 crore to scammers who impersonated bank officials, government agencies, and judiciary members in a "digital arrest" fraud scheme spanning two months. The fraudsters used psychological manipulation, fear tactics, and fake WhatsApp video calls to convince the victim they were under investigation for money laundering and could not contact family or leave home. This marks the third similar case reported in the city within one week, highlighting gaps in awareness initiatives despite efforts by police and banks to educate the public about such scams.
moneyweek.com
In 2024, fraudsters stole £144.4 million through investment fraud in the UK—a 34% increase from 2023—despite a 24% reduction in the number of cases, indicating victims are losing larger amounts per scam. Investment fraud involves criminals convincing victims to invest in fictitious funds or fake opportunities (cryptocurrencies, property, commodities, etc.), often amplified through AI deepfaking on social media. Overall UK fraud losses reached £1.17 billion across 3.31 million confirmed cases in 2024, with unauthorised fraud (particularly card fraud and remote purchase fraud) being the most prevalent type.
zanesvilletimesrecorder.com
Scammers impersonate legitimate customer service for airlines, banks, retailers, and other companies by posting fake support numbers and accounts online, particularly targeting frustrated consumers posting complaints on social media platforms. Amazon reported a 33% increase in customer service impersonation scams between December 2024 and February, with criminals using fake accounts to direct victims to malicious links, request personal information, or demand payment via gift cards. Consumer watchdogs advise against posting complaints publicly online and warn that red flags include requests for upfront payment, gift card payments, or claims of fraud investigations.
patch.com
The Fremont Police Department reported a rise in medical impersonation scams where callers pretend to be healthcare providers and demand immediate payment or sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers and insurance details from residents. Scammers use tactics like spoofed phone numbers, medical terminology, threats of arrest or coverage termination, and requests for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers to appear legitimate. Residents are advised to be cautious of unexpected medical calls and recognize red flags such as pressure to act quickly or demands for personal data.
dailyhodl.com
Scammers targeting senior citizens on Long Island impersonated banks to convince victims their accounts were compromised, then fraudulently obtained their debit and credit cards and PINs before stealing money from ATMs. Suffolk County police advised seniors to avoid answering unknown calls, never provide personal information or PINs to callers, and to independently verify any account security claims by calling the number on the back of their card.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
A 60-year-old retired man from Hyderabad lost 1.6 lakh rupees in a sextortion scam after being tricked into a nude video call with a fraudster posing as an acquaintance on WhatsApp. The scammer then threatened to post the intimate footage on social media and extorted multiple payments from the victim between May 17-22. Hyderabad Cyber Crime police have registered a case and are tracing the money trail to the accused's bank account.
usatoday.com
Bogus customer service scams are proliferating online, with scammers impersonating legitimate companies (airlines, banks, Amazon, etc.) by planting fake customer service numbers and accounts on social media to target frustrated consumers. Amazon reported a 33% increase in customer service impersonation scams between December 2024 and February 2025, with criminals monitoring public complaints, responding with fake accounts, and directing victims to fraudulent links or requesting personal information and payment. Consumer experts advise against posting complaints on social media and recommend using official company channels instead, as scammers exploit vulnerable moments—such as flight cancellations or lost packages—to manipulate victims into providing money or sensitive data.
investopedia.com
Americans lost an estimated $47 billion to scams in 2024, with investment fraud accounting for at least $5.7 billion of those losses. Contrary to common assumptions, younger adults are 34% more likely than older adults to fall victim to fraud, which takes multiple forms including impostor scams using AI voice cloning, lottery/prize schemes, and phishing attempts. To protect yourself, watch for red flags such as unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, promises of guaranteed returns, unusual payment requests, and demands for login credentials—and always independently verify investment opportunities through official resources like the SEC's EDGAR database before committing funds.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Fraudsters in India are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics—including AI-powered targeting—to deceive people across all age groups, with scams ranging from fake job offers and digital arrest threats to fraudulent investment schemes and fake KYC updates. Between January and May 2024, approximately 9.5 lakh cybercrime complaints were registered in India, with citizens losing approximately Rs 1,750 crore during this period. The article outlines 10 common scam methods including TRAI impersonation, fake digital arrests, false family member arrest schemes, fraudulent stock trading, customs scams, and fake credit card transactions, emphasizing the importance of verification and caution before sharing
theguardian.com
A "quishing" scam involves fraudsters placing fake QR codes on parking machines and signs that direct victims to phishing websites where their payment and personal details are stolen. UK Action Fraud reported 1,386 QR code scams in 2024 and 502 in the first three months of 2025, with one victim losing £13,000 after scammers impersonated her bank; the true scale is likely higher as many victims remain unaware their details were compromised until receiving unwarranted parking fines. To protect yourself, verify QR codes haven't been placed over legitimate ones, use existing parking apps, check URLs for HTTPS and suspicious formatting, and report any frau
pressdemocrat.com
A 21-year-old man pleaded no contest to helping scam a 78-year-old Sonoma County woman out of nearly $20,000 through an impersonation scheme where accomplices posed as bank and Federal Reserve employees while he impersonated a federal marshal to collect the stolen cash. He was arrested at the victim's home on December 3 while attempting to collect an additional $20,000 and is expected to serve two years in prison under his plea deal. The case highlights the importance of verifying requests for large cash withdrawals by contacting your bank or local police directly.
lilydale.mailcommunity.com.au
Ray, a 78-year-old retired tradesman, was financially abused by his son Peter over seven years, during which Peter stole over $152,000 in redirected pension payments and fraudulently obtained an additional $78,000 in loans using Ray's name. Peter manipulated his father by controlling his finances through a MyGov account, providing Ray with only meager allowances while creating fake government correspondence and impersonating officials to conceal the theft. Peter was eventually convicted and sentenced to four years in prison, with Ray's case highlighting the need for stronger institutional safeguards, such as direct verification with pension recipients before payment redirections, to prevent similar family-based financial abuse.
newsofbahrain.com
Deepfake technology—AI-generated videos that convincingly mimic real people's faces and voices—is increasingly used by scammers to impersonate family members, bank officials, and executives in fraud schemes targeting the general public. Contrary to assumptions, younger adults aged 16-34 are most vulnerable to these scams, which exploit psychological manipulation tactics alongside sophisticated visual and audio mastery. Detection is becoming difficult even for experts, prompting recommendations for AI-based identity verification tools, digital literacy, and confirmation through alternative sources when authenticity is uncertain.
pressdemocrat.com
A 21-year-old man pleaded no contest to scamming a 78-year-old Sonoma County woman out of nearly $20,000 through an impersonation scheme where he posed as a federal marshal while accomplices impersonated bank and Federal Reserve employees to convince the victim to withdraw cash. He was arrested at the victim's home on December 3 while attempting to collect an additional $20,000 and is expected to serve two years in prison under a plea deal. Authorities warn residents to be cautious of unsolicited calls from anyone claiming to represent banks or government agencies demanding cash withdrawals.
crowdfundinsider.com
Greenlight launched Family Shield, a subscription plan that helps caregivers protect seniors from financial fraud and physical safety risks through features including financial account monitoring, fraud/identity theft insurance (up to $100,000 for deceptive transfer fraud and $1 million for identity theft), real-time location tracking, and crash detection. The service addresses a significant problem: financial exploitation costs adults 60+ an estimated $62 billion annually, while seniors face rising digital threats including scams and money management errors. The plan includes educational resources and a monitored debit card to help caregivers oversee their senior loved ones' finances and safety comprehensively.
cbsnews.com
Suffolk County police warn of a new banking fraud scheme targeting Long Island seniors using AI-generated voice calls and spoofed bank numbers to trick victims into revealing PIN numbers and allowing criminals to steal their cards and money from ATMs. Multiple banks are alerting customers about these fraudulent hotlines, with surveillance identifying alleged ringleaders in Bohemia and Garden City who specifically target elderly and vulnerable individuals. Authorities advise people to hang up when prompted for personal information and to contact their banks directly if they suspect fraud.