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spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
**Scam Type:** Elder fraud (various types)
**Key Facts:** The FBI reported a 14% increase in elderly scams nationally, with over 101,000 complaints in 2023 resulting in $3.4 billion in losses. In Kentucky specifically, 908 elder scam cases led to $12.8 million in losses. Authorities attribute the rise to elderly individuals' greater trust, lower digital literacy, and scammers operating as organized full-time operations, recommending family members educate and monitor seniors to prevent victimization.
thecyberexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Malachi Mullings, 31, from Georgia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for money laundering and conspiracy related to a fraud network that defrauded over $4.5 million from victims through business email compromise attacks, romance scams, and healthcare benefits fraud, including $310,000 diverted from a state Medicaid program and $260,000 from romance scam victims. Mullings was part of a 10-person conspiracy that caused more than $11.1 million in total losses by targeting Medicare, Medicaid programs, private health insurers, and vulnerable individuals. FBI data shows elder fraud complaints increased 14% in 2023
itechpost.com
· 2025-12-08
**Cryptocurrency scams targeting seniors have become a billion-dollar problem, with victims over 60 losing $3.4 billion in 2023—including $1.6 billion specifically through cryptocurrency transactions like Bitcoin and Ethereum.** Common fraud schemes include investment scams and romance/tech support impersonation scams that exploit seniors' unfamiliarity with digital assets and manipulate them into sending money via crypto platforms. Companies like Lionsgate Network are working to combat the issue through blockchain forensics and asset recovery, while emphasizing that public awareness and education in senior communities are critical to prevention.
nbcnewyork.com
· 2025-12-08
Former Miss New York Briana Siaca lost $2,000 in seconds after handing her phone to scammers posing as teenagers collecting money for a Bronx basketball team, who used the access to make an unauthorized Zelle transfer. The NYPD's Financial Crimes Task Force reports that at least 87 victims, mostly women, fell for this same scam in 2024, with thieves stealing $35,000 from 15 victims in less than a month by targeting vulnerable individuals in parks near subway lines; notably, Zelle fraud victims have received no reimbursements despite the payment platform's policy allowing reversals in certain imposter scams.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Pamela Mangum and her husband lost $70,000 to an investment scam that began when Mangum clicked on a Bitcoin mining link posted by a family member (whose account had been hacked) and was contacted by a fraudster posing as an investment coach. Over six months, Mangum made deposits through Bitcoin ATMs and the scammers also created unauthorized Cash App accounts using her personal information obtained from an online investment profile, draining additional funds before she discovered the scheme when attempting to withdraw her purported $159,638 balance. The scammer, believed to be operating from Nigeria, exploited Mangum's information to fraudulently access her bank accounts, resulting in significant
wtop.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau reports receiving thousands of complaints annually about moving company scams, with consumers losing an average of $350 per incident. To avoid moving scams, consumers should obtain multiple quotes, verify company credentials and insurance, check for BBB accreditation, avoid large upfront payments, and get all agreements in writing. For interstate moves, verify the mover's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration identification number and carefully review contract terms including liability limits and delivery dates.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
Online scams are rapidly increasing in India, with common types including phishing, fake investment schemes, social media fraud, and UPI payment fraud that trick victims into revealing personal information or transferring money. The article provides guidance for victims: immediately stop communicating with scammers, notify your bank or payment provider to block accounts, change passwords and enable two-factor authentication, and file a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell or National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to maximize chances of money recovery.
gulflive.com
· 2025-12-08
Florida's seniors lost nearly $300 million to scams in 2023, with the state ranking second nationally for elder fraud complaints. Major schemes included investment fraud ($90 million), tech support scams ($51 million), and romance scams ($40 million), often resulting in devastating consequences such as foreclosed homes and emptied retirement accounts. Nationally, people over 60 lost approximately $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023, representing an 11% increase from the previous year.
bankingjournal.aba.com
· 2025-12-08
Banking industry associations testified before the Senate that combating fraud requires a coordinated, multi-sector approach beyond banks' technology and consumer education efforts alone. The associations emphasized that successful fraud prevention requires cooperation from law enforcement, telecommunications regulators, and social media companies to address all stages of scams, from target identification to fund processing. They highlighted the industry's existing anti-phishing campaigns and technology investments while calling for regulators to prevent phone number spoofing and social media platforms to remove fraudulent accounts impersonating financial professionals.
mediavillage.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly half of scam victims (49%) have experienced postal delivery scams, which exploit the increasing volume of door-to-door deliveries to target people. Scammers use malicious parcel schemes to capitalize on consumers' expectations of legitimate package deliveries.
dav.org
· 2025-12-08
U.S. veterans reported $350 million in fraud losses in 2023, representing a $60 million increase from 2022, with over 74,000 fraud reports and a median loss of $577 per victim according to FTC data. The Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion (VSAFE) Act (H.R. 6452) was introduced to address this growing problem by establishing a dedicated scam and fraud evasion officer within the Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans identify, report, and prevent fraud. Veterans are twice as likely as the general population to fall victim to scams including identity theft, loans, and investment fraud, making this centralize
14news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Evansville Police Department warns of a rising trend in rental property scams where fraudsters impersonate property representatives on social media, collect deposits or rent payments from victims, and have no actual authority over the properties. Victims have lost nearly $2,000 each, with minimal chances of recovery, and scammers often use tactics like unusually low prices, pressure for quick wire transfers, and avoidance of in-person meetings. The police advise potential renters to watch for red flags, report suspicious listings to website administrators and the Federal Trade Commission, and contact the Financial Crimes Unit if victimized.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-08
This segment features consumer advice on identifying and avoiding job offer text scams, a growing threat where scammers use SMS messages to impersonate employers and target job seekers. The piece, presented by Nina Pineda on a New York-based news program, aims to educate viewers on protective measures against this type of fraud.
newstribune.com
· 2025-12-08
Jefferson City police received multiple reports of cryptocurrency phone scams targeting both individuals and local business employees, prompting the department to issue a public warning. The scams involved callers attempting to solicit cryptocurrency from victims through phone contact.
fox7austin.com
· 2025-12-08
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative members reported increased phone scam attempts wherein callers falsely claimed their power would be disconnected unless they made immediate payments. The cooperative clarified that it never demands payment by phone and instead notifies delinquent accounts through mail and courtesy calls before disconnection. Members are advised not to pay or share personal information if they receive such calls without prior written or courtesy notice, and should report suspicious calls to local law enforcement and member services.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A mother-daughter duo and three co-conspirators were sentenced to federal prison for stealing personal information from two elderly residents in Miami-Dade County and using it to fraudulently purchase over $500,000 in vehicles and obtain credit cards and pandemic relief loans (EIDL and SBA) between May-June 2020. Aisladys Diaz, a home health aide, stole the identities and shared them with her daughter Ailensy Buron Diaz and three others who executed the fraud scheme; sentences ranged from 30 to 52 months in prison with restitution hearings pending.
aba.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot summarize this content as it does not contain an article about scams, fraud, or elder abuse. The text appears to be a navigation menu or table of contents from a banking industry website (American Bankers Association), listing various topics, training programs, conferences, and committees related to banking and financial services.
To provide a summary for the Elderus database, please provide an actual article or transcript about a specific scam, fraud incident, or elder abuse case.
wlos.com
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated scam in Asheville, North Carolina defrauded two residents of $50,000 total, in which suspects posed as Microsoft employees after displaying pop-up warnings on victims' computers, then convinced them to withdraw cash and sent an in-person courier to collect it from their homes. The scam is notable for its rare in-person component, involving a suspect driving a dark silver or gray Toyota Highlander with possible front-right quarter panel damage. Police are warning residents to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent Microsoft or other companies before providing money or access to their homes.
itechpost.com
· 2025-12-08
**Cryptocurrency scams targeting seniors have become a billion-dollar crisis, with victims over 60 losing $3.4 billion in 2023—including $1.6 billion specifically through cryptocurrency transactions—according to FBI data.** Common schemes include investment fraud, romance scams, and tech support impersonation, where scammers exploit older adults' unfamiliarity with digital assets to pressure them into sending money via crypto platforms. Companies like Lionsgate Network are developing blockchain forensics technology to trace and freeze stolen crypto assets and recover funds through legal channels.
fortune.com
· 2025-12-08
A coalition of major tech and crypto companies—including Match, Meta, Coinbase, Kraken, Ripple, and Gemini—launched Tech Against Scams to combat romance scams and "pig butchering" schemes that have cost Americans $700 million in romance scams (2022) and $2.5 billion in crypto-related scams overall. Criminal gangs primarily based in Southeast Asia exploit social media, dating platforms, and cryptocurrency to build false relationships and trick victims into sending money, with a recent arrest of two Chinese nationals revealing a single syndicate that stole at least $73 million. The coalition aims to share threat intelligence and security tools to more rapidly identify an
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Tech and crypto companies including Meta, Match, Coinbase, Kraken, Ripple, and Gemini formed a coalition called Tech Against Scams to combat romance scams and "pig butchering" schemes, where scammers gain victims' trust before stealing money through fake investment opportunities. The initiative was announced in response to a surge in fraud losses, including $700 million lost to romance scams and $2.5 billion to crypto scams in 2022, with criminal gangs primarily based in Southeast Asia using human trafficking victims to target victims via social media and dating platforms. By sharing threat information and tools across companies, the coalition aims to disrupt scam networks more quickly an
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Major technology companies including Meta, Coinbase, Match Group, Ripple, Kraken, and Gemini announced the formation of "Tech Against Scams," a coalition aimed at collaborating to prevent and disrupt online fraud schemes such as romance scams, crypto scams, and "pig butchering" scams. The coalition will share threat intelligence, best practices, and consumer education strategies to identify and combat evolving financial scams that target users across multiple platforms. This cross-industry effort addresses the challenge that scammers operate across multiple services, requiring coordinated action that no single company can achieve alone.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, UK consumers lost a record £85.9 million to purchase scams, with 156,000 cases recorded where victims paid for goods or services that never materialized, according to UK Finance. Purchase scams accounted for approximately two-thirds of the 232,429 authorized push payment (APP) fraud cases reported, with total APP losses reaching £459.7 million; romance scams also hit a record high at £36.5 million lost. UK Finance warned that scammers would likely target consumers seeking tickets to major 2023 events like the Olympics and Taylor Swift concerts, with Lloyds Bank estimating over £1 million already lost to frau
techcrunch.com
· 2025-12-08
On Tuesday, major tech companies including Match Group, Meta, and Coinbase launched "Tech Against Scams," a coalition aimed at combating online fraud across dating apps, social media, and cryptocurrency platforms. Romance scams cost users more than any other fraud type as of 2019, while social media scams caused $770 million in losses in 2021 and investment scams exceeded $3.8 billion in losses in 2022; the coalition plans to improve fraud detection, user education, and data-sharing between platforms to address these issues.
ca.sports.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Los Angeles retirees, both in their late 70s/early 80s, lost approximately $79,500 and $75,000 respectively to tech support and cryptocurrency scams in early 2024. Neal was duped into allowing remote computer access after a fake software subscription email, while Mrs. K. was tricked by a pop-up virus alert into withdrawing cash and depositing it into bitcoin machines at multiple locations. The article notes that elder fraud is widespread and sophisticated, with the FBI reporting that victims over 60 lost $3.1 billion in 2022, and recommends disconnecting from the internet when encountering suspicious pop-ups and being cautious of uns
crypto.news
· 2025-12-08
An investor lost over $101,000 in cryptocurrency across multiple blockchains after falling victim to a phishing scam that exploited a multi-call function vulnerability, allowing attackers to execute unauthorized transactions that appeared legitimate. The attackers tricked the victim into signing transactions containing malicious code that enabled fund transfers without consent, while the exploiter retained approximately $220,000 in stolen assets across various chains. This incident is part of a broader trend of phishing attacks in the crypto space, with similar schemes resulting in losses exceeding $674,000 and $180,000 in other recent cases.
globalnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
I apologize, but the content provided appears to be only a webpage header/navigation listing rather than the actual article text. The title indicates the story is about a Calgary senior who was targeted by a scammer impersonating a loved one to solicit money, but the full article content needed to write an accurate summary is not included.
To provide a proper 2-3 sentence summary for the Elderus database, please share the actual article text or transcript content.
fox26houston.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
This educational piece from the Better Business Bureau provides guidance on avoiding contractor scams during storm damage repairs. The article emphasizes the importance of vetting contractors and taking precautions when hiring someone to work on storm-damaged homes, a vulnerable period when fraudsters often target homeowners needing urgent repairs.
waff.com
· 2025-12-08
A Huntsville business lost over $1.5 million in a check-washing scam, where criminals stole checks from the mail, used chemicals to remove the original ink, and replaced it with fraudulent information before cashing them. The U.S. Postal Service recovers over $1 billion annually in counterfeit checks and money orders nationwide. To prevent check washing, the Better Business Bureau recommends using gel pens, employing electronic payments, avoiding overnight check drop box deposits, and mailing checks directly at post office locations or using a P.O. box instead of a physical mailbox.
palmbeachpost.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams affected 70,000 people in 2022, resulting in $1.3 billion in losses with an average loss of over $4,000 per victim, according to the FTC. Florida ranked third nationally with 1,474 reported victims losing $53.4 million. The article identifies ten warning signs of romance scammers, including unusually fast professions of love, reluctance to video chat, requests to move communications off dating platforms, claims of emergencies requiring money transfers, poor grammar, and pressure to keep the relationship secret from friends and family.
sandhillsexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nebraska identified an impersonation scam using U.S. Attorney Susan Lehr's name, image, and title in fraudulent emails requesting payment from victims; several concerned citizens reported receiving the emails, but no financial losses occurred. The office advises recipients to avoid opening attachments or sharing personal information, and to report such emails to the FBI Tip Line and FTC Fraud Line, noting that the U.S. Attorney's Office only collects money for court-ordered restitution in criminal cases.
icij.org
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Treasury Department released a national illicit finance strategy outlining plans to operationalize its new beneficial ownership database for law enforcement, modernize anti-money laundering policies, and address emerging threats including cryptocurrency "pig butchering scams," ransomware, and real estate money laundering. The strategy identifies regulatory gaps in the financial system and highlights recent enforcement actions, including efforts to seize properties purchased with illicit funds, such as apartments linked to foreign officials and corrupt actors. Treasury aims to improve collaboration between domestic and international partners while developing new secure financial platforms and providing training for regulators to combat evolving financial crimes.
winonapost.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** U.S. Department of Justice - Elder Fraud Overview
Millions of elderly Americans lose over $3 billion annually to financial fraud schemes including romance, tech support, grandparent, government impersonation, sweepstakes, home repair, and caregiver scams. Seniors are frequently targeted because they tend to be trusting, have savings and good credit, and are often reluctant to report fraud due to shame or concerns about losing independence. The DOJ recommends protection strategies including recognizing scam attempts, verifying contact information online, resisting pressure to act quickly, avoiding unsolicited offers, never sharing personal information with unverified sources, maintaining updated security
knoe.com
· 2025-12-08
Jo Ann Deal from the Better Business Bureau discussed unfair and deceptive trade practices, emphasizing that these violations occur across all states and highlighting the importance of understanding paper and electronic billing laws. Consumers are encouraged to contact the BBB at (318)-387-4600 to learn more about their rights under Louisiana billing laws and how to identify deceptive trade practices.
blockonomi.com
· 2025-12-08
U.S. authorities arrested two Chinese nationals, Daren Li and Yicheng Zhang, for orchestrating a transnational money laundering scheme that funneled over $73 million from "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scams through U.S. financial institutions and converted the funds into USDT (Tether) tokens. The defendants directed co-conspirators to establish shell company bank accounts where victims were deceived into depositing millions, which were then dispersed to accounts in the Bahamas and converted to cryptocurrency. If convicted on money laundering charges, each defendant faces up to 140 years in prison.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
AI voice cloning scams use just a three-second voice clip from social media to impersonate victims and deceive their family and friends into sending money. Nearly a quarter of British adults have experienced or witnessed such scams, with 78 percent losing money, as criminals exploit emotional manipulation and high-pressure scenarios (like fabricated accidents or emergencies) to bypass victims' logic. The technology is readily available online through free and paid tools, making it increasingly accessible to scammers.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Voice cloning scams use artificial intelligence to impersonate loved ones requesting emergency money, as exemplified when fraud attorney Gary Schildhorn nearly lost $9,000 after receiving a call from what he believed was his injured son in jail. Scammers obtain voice samples from social media, voicemail, and phone recordings, making complete protection difficult despite technology companies offering verification features. To protect against such scams, experts recommend using secret code words with family members, hanging up and independently verifying caller identity through known contact information, and remaining skeptical of urgent requests for immediate payment.
kunc.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers across Colorado are using phone calls, texts, and emails impersonating law enforcement, the IRS, tech support, and other trusted entities to defraud victims of thousands of dollars. In 2023, Colorado reported $188 million in losses across 11,000+ victims, ranking 7th nationally per capita, with Summit County Sheriff's Office reporting 80 fraud cases so far this year totaling tens of thousands in losses. Authorities advise remaining skeptical of urgent requests, offers that seem too good to be true, and unsolicited contact, and recommend reporting suspicious activity to StopFraudColorado.gov or IC3.gov, noting that once funds are
wsiu.org
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters are sending text message phishing scams impersonating toll collection services like the Illinois Tollway and Florida Turnpike, claiming recipients owe small amounts (typically around $12) and threatening $50 late fees to pressure immediate payment. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to verify any toll debt by visiting the official toll service website or calling their customer service line directly rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages.
wxyz.com
· 2025-12-08
Two elderly Troy, Michigan residents lost over $1 million combined to online scams between October 2023 and February 2024—an 81-year-old man lost $460,000 to a fake gold investment scheme, and another senior lost $700,000 to a Publishers Clearing House tax scam. Police are investigating both cases and note these scams are becoming more frequent, with scammers using convincing tactics, urgency, and increasingly AI-generated voices to pressure victims into sending money or personal information. Experts recommend seniors verify requests with family members, be cautious of rushed decisions, and trust their instincts when something feels suspicious.
news4sanantonio.com
· 2025-12-08
Texas ranks third in the nation for elder fraud, with 7,035 complaints from seniors over 60 resulting in losses exceeding $278 million in 2023, according to the FBI report. Scams include phishing, romance schemes, investment fraud, and cryptocurrency theft, with one couple in their 80s losing nearly $200,000 through a pop-up computer scam. Experts note that quick reporting is critical for potential fund recovery, though victims like the Shockeys have had limited success retrieving losses.
krforadio.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 study by Incogni found that U.S. residents over age 60 lost $3.4 billion to fraud—a 10.6% increase from 2022—with 101,068 reports filed, up 14.5% from the prior year. Minnesota elderly were among the hardest hit nationally, with victims over 60 losing an average of $44,623 each, ranking third-highest per-victim loss behind only DC and Hawaii. The article advises protecting against scams by scrutinizing emails for misspellings, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and verifying requests directly with companies' official websites or customer service.
kvnutalk.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, scammers stole over $3.4 billion from older Americans through increasingly sophisticated schemes, with the FBI receiving more than 100,000 complaints from victims over 60, nearly 6,000 of whom lost over $100,000 each. Common tactics include tech support scams, romance fraud, investment schemes, and impersonation of officials who convince victims their accounts are compromised and direct them to move funds to secret accounts or arrange in-person courier pickups of cash or gold. The FBI warns that losses have risen sharply since the pandemic as organized criminal enterprises target vulnerable older adults, and recommends grown children conduct "tech check-ins" with aging parents to
wbay.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP declared a "fraud crisis in America," noting that while the Federal Trade Commission reported record losses exceeding $10 billion last year, actual losses may be ten times higher due to significant underreporting. Bank impersonation scams are currently the most concerning threat, where criminals pose as fraud investigators to convince victims to move money to fake "safe accounts." AARP emphasizes that fraud victims should not feel ashamed, encourages reporting to authorities and one's bank, and urges the public to discuss scams openly to reduce vulnerability.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
A 37-year-old Illinois man, Ligneshkumar Patel, was charged with stealing $148,000 in gold Krugerrand coins from a 73-year-old Edwardsville woman in March 2024 after scammers posing as PayPal convinced her to purchase the coins with her retirement funds and hand them over to him. Patel, arrested in Wisconsin while attempting to scam another victim, served as the middleman in the scheme and faces two felony counts. Police Chief Michael Fillback warned that such scams targeting vulnerable individuals through fake identity fraud alerts and high-pressure tactics demanding immediate payment have become increasingly common, and advised victims
cachevalleydaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers stole over $3.4 billion from Americans over 60 last year, with the FBI receiving more than 100,000 complaints and nearly 6,000 victims losing over $100,000 each. The most common schemes include tech support scams, romance fraud, investment fraud, and account-compromise scams where criminals impersonate officials and either pressure victims to transfer funds electronically or arrange in-person courier pickups of cash and precious metals. The FBI warns that families should conduct "tech check-ins" with elderly parents and implement preventive measures, as scammers increasingly use sophisticated and brazen tactics that can leave victims financially devastated.
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Home improvement scams disproportionately target older adults and can cost homeowners thousands of dollars through shoddy workmanship, unfinished projects, or property damage. To protect against contractor fraud, homeowners should obtain multiple estimates and references, avoid paying full costs upfront, and proactively seek reputable contractors rather than responding to unsolicited solicitations. Those who suspect fraud can report it to local law enforcement or contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 877-908-3360.
wmur.com
· 2025-12-08
The "Say Yes" scam, where scammers allegedly record someone saying "yes" to authorize fraudulent purchases, is largely a myth with no documented financial losses reported to the Better Business Bureau. Cyber security experts explain that a recording of the word "yes" alone cannot authorize purchases, and the urban legend likely originated from telemarketers using automated systems to verify active phone numbers. Consumers should be aware of related scams where callers impersonate law enforcement claiming to have intercepted packages containing drugs, but the specific "Say Yes" recording scam is not a legitimate financial threat.
windsorpolice.ca
· 2025-12-08
I'm unable to provide a summary of this content as it appears to be a navigation menu or website structure rather than an article or transcript about a specific scam, fraud case, or elder abuse incident. To create an accurate summary for the Elderus database, please provide the actual article text or content discussing a particular scam, fraud case, or related advisory.
kwch.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that rental scams surge from May to August, with victims losing money and housing during peak moving season. Scammers often lack verifiable contact information and use fake online listings to defraud renters. The BBB recommends working only with rental companies that provide contact details, requesting virtual tours or video calls with owners, and avoiding companies unwilling to verify their legitimacy before payment.