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pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
A PYMNTS Intelligence study of 10,103 U.S. consumers found that approximately 77 million adults (3 in 10) lost money to scams over the past five years, with many losing more than $500. Modern scammers use mass personalization to tailor fraud schemes by age, income, and habits—targeting Gen Z through social media, older adults via email and phone calls, and selecting contact channels that feel legitimate to each demographic. The study reveals that scams now account for 27% of U.S. financial institutions' fraud losses in 2024 (up from 12% in 2023), highlighting the need for dynamic defenses including behavioral monitoring
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scams resulted in $9.3 billion in reported losses in 2024, with $5.8 billion specifically from investment fraud schemes; seniors over 60 suffered approximately $2.8 billion in losses. Scammers increasingly use AI-generated deepfakes of celebrities and trusted contacts to convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrencies or surrender wallet access. The article advises investors to verify the legitimacy of coins and sources, never share private wallet information, use multi-factor authentication, and carefully examine exchange website URLs before investing.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article addresses the widespread problem of spam calls in the US, noting that over 40% of Americans never answer unknown calls due to spam concerns. The piece provides practical guidance on blocking unwanted calls using built-in features on Android and iOS devices, as well as carrier-specific tools like AT&T's ActiveArmor and Verizon's Call Filter, many of which are available for free or at a low monthly cost.
wafb.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational awareness piece highlights two prevalent scams targeting consumers: Amazon smishing, where scammers text victims impersonating Amazon to trick them into entering personal and purchasing information through fraudulent links under the guise of refunds or recalls; and fake sports gambling sites, where scammers operating unsecured platforms steal users' private information and refuse payouts or demand money after losses. The article recommends avoiding unexpected message links, using official Amazon customer service channels, and relying only on licensed sportsbooks when gambling online.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Police and councils have issued fresh warnings about rising parking scams, which include fake text messages demanding payment for unpaid tickets with malicious links, tampered parking machines with skimming devices that steal card details, and fraudulent parking notices lacking required details like vehicle registration and location. The article provides four protective measures: verify genuine fines contain vehicle registration, offense time, and location; avoid clicking links in unsolicited payment texts; restart devices and change passwords if a suspicious link is clicked; and inspect parking machines for physical tampering before using contactless payment.
themarketperiodical.com
· 2025-12-08
A Venus Protocol user lost $27 million in cryptocurrency through a phishing scam that tricked them into approving a malicious token transfer, prompting the decentralized finance platform to pause operations for security review and investigation. Phishing scams have caused over $1 billion in losses in 2024 alone, with crypto theft and hacks exceeding $2.7 billion in the first half of 2025, surpassing the prior year's total losses of $2.42 billion. Venus Protocol clarified the incident resulted from user error rather than a smart contract vulnerability and stated it would remain paused to prevent further fund transfers to the attacker.
thv11.com
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old Port Richey, Florida man lost tens of thousands of dollars to a romance scam involving an AI-generated woman named "Bonnie" who claimed to be in Australia; the scammers, traced to Nigeria, convinced him to take out loans, wire money, and send Bitcoin, leaving him facing a $22,000 bank debt and potential bankruptcy and loss of his home. The victim, a retired firefighter and police officer, is now advocating for other seniors to recognize warning signs, noting that Florida ranks second nationally in elder fraud cases, with only one in five victims reporting the crime.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly woman in Hokkaido, Japan lost approximately 1 million yen ($6,700) to a romance scammer who posed as an astronaut claiming to need money for oxygen while stranded in space. The fraudster spent weeks building emotional trust through social media before making the urgent financial request, exploiting the victim's loneliness and desire for connection. Hokkaido police warn that romance scams are a growing global threat targeting vulnerable seniors, with the FTC reporting over 64,000 Americans lost more than $1 billion to such scams in 2023.
independent.co.uk
· 2025-12-07
An 80-year-old Japanese woman lost £5,000 to a romance scammer who posed as an astronaut claiming to be stranded in space and needing money for oxygen. The scammer contacted her on social media in July, built a romantic connection, and eventually convinced her to transfer funds for his alleged distress. Romance scams are surging globally, with Japan reporting over 3,300 cases in 2024 (double the previous year) totaling £173.8 million in losses, while UK victims aged 61+ lost an average of £19,000 in 2024.
bankingjournal.aba.com
· 2025-12-07
The American Bankers Association Foundation and FBI released an educational infographic warning about the growing threat of deepfake scams, which use AI-generated or manipulated media to impersonate trusted individuals. Since 2020, over 4.2 million fraud reports have resulted in more than $50.5 billion in losses, with deepfake scams representing an increasingly significant portion. The organizations are promoting practical tips to help consumers recognize red flags and protect themselves from these sophisticated schemes.
aba.com
· 2025-12-07
I cannot provide a summary of this content. What you've shared appears to be a navigation menu or table of contents from a banking industry website (likely the American Bankers Association), not an article about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse.
To help you with the Elderus database, please provide an actual article or transcript about:
- A specific scam or fraud case
- Elder abuse incidents
- Fraud prevention advice or research findings
- Consumer warnings about fraudulent schemes
Once you share the actual article content, I'll be happy to summarize it according to the guidelines you've outlined.
digitalterminal.in
· 2025-12-07
Quick Heal Technologies' report reveals that cybercrimes against seniors in India surged 86% from 2020 to 2022, with projected losses exceeding ₹1.2 lakh crore by 2025, as the senior population increasingly adopts digital platforms. The report identifies three primary fraud schemes targeting elders: impersonation and authority scams (fake police arrests, court sessions), technical deception scams exploiting digital unfamiliarity, and investment scams that can devastate life savings, exemplified by a Telangana case where a 75-year-old lost ₹13 crore. The company recommends combating this epidemic through
kpbs.org
· 2025-12-07
This announcement describes a free educational information session held by the FBI San Diego Elder Justice Task Force on October 15 at the Encinitas Community & Senior Center. The session, designed for seniors, caregivers, and neighbors, covers common elder fraud schemes, warning signs of fraud, law enforcement efforts to combat scams, and prevention strategies and reporting procedures for potential victims.
brooklyneagle.com
· 2025-12-07
Two New Jersey brothers, Abhishek and Tushar Barvalia, were indicted for allegedly defrauding four elderly women aged 76 to 90 out of approximately $400,000 between June 2023 and January 2024. The defendants impersonated government agents, FBI officials, and bank representatives to convince victims their accounts were compromised, instructing them to withdraw funds and transfer money to accounts the perpetrators controlled. The victims, located in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, and Connecticut, were told to keep the transactions confidential, and a total of over $393,000 was stolen through cashier's checks and wire transfers.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-07
Financial exploitation of older adults is rising at epidemic rates through scams, family manipulation, and digital illiteracy, with the FBI reporting over 100,000 victims age 60+ in 2023 and total losses exceeding $3 billion (averaging $35,000 per person). Older adults are particularly vulnerable due to trust, isolation from face-to-face interaction, and a digital divide, with those age 80+ suffering the highest median losses. Common schemes include tech support, grandparent scams, government impersonation, romance scams, and increasingly sophisticated AI-generated voice clones, while many cases go unreported due to shame or involvement of trusted family members
canada.ca
· 2025-12-07
This is an educational resource from Canada's CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) that encourages the public to report suspected donation scams and charity non-compliance. The guide explains common fraud tactics, such as door-to-door solicitors without credentials who pressure donors to give cash, and lists red flags for registered charity misconduct including improper fundraising, false receipts, fund misappropriation, and unauthorized activities. The CRA advises providing the organization's name, registration number, and supporting documentation when filing reports.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
In 2024, consumers lost over $1.4 billion to cryptocurrency scams, according to the FTC, prompting AARP Pennsylvania to alert residents to fraud schemes involving fake investment opportunities and romance scams that direct victims to deposit money into crypto ATMs. Scammers contact victims via text, email, or social media claiming guaranteed profits or threatening legal action, then direct them to send cryptocurrency through ATMs or other untraceable methods. AARP urges consumers to verify investment sources, resist pressure to act quickly, and never send money or cryptocurrency to unknown contacts.
wtoc.com
· 2025-12-07
Post-disaster cyber scams cost Americans $9.3 billion annually, with fraudsters increasingly using artificial intelligence to create convincing fake FEMA websites, charity scams, and phishing messages that exploit urgency and fear during natural disasters. Experts recommend verifying contractor licenses, donating only to trusted charities, avoiding unsolicited requests for money or personal information, and independently confirming information rather than relying on calls, texts, or emails from unknown sources. Those targeted by disaster fraud can report it to the Justice Department's Disaster Fraud Hotline (866-702-5721) or FEMA's hotline (866-720-5721).
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-07
Elderly Americans relocating face elevated fraud risk, as more than 3 million seniors move annually and scammers exploit exposed personal data from real estate listings, moving companies, and address changes published by data brokers. One woman's elderly mother fell victim to two consecutive scams immediately after moving to assisted living, illustrating how criminals target seniors during transitions. The article identifies common scams targeting downsizing seniors including identity theft, cash-rich fraud schemes, phishing, and harassment, and recommends protective measures such as using data removal services, official USPS address change forms, and limiting information exposure online.
mlive.com
· 2025-12-07
Apple warned iPhone users about ongoing "smishing" scams—fraudulent text messages falsely claiming unpaid tolls, undelivered packages, or traffic violations—that aim to trick users into clicking malicious links to steal sensitive financial information. An upcoming iOS 26 update will add protective features including spam and unknown sender filters that prevent users from immediately clicking links in suspicious messages, though Apple advises users to avoid sharing personal information, clicking unverified links, and to enable multi-factor authentication as additional safeguards.
malwarebytes.com
· 2025-12-07
A sophisticated phishing email impersonates PayPal using a spoofed sender address and targets users with claims of a $910.45 unauthorized charge at Kraken.com, urging them to click a link within 24 hours. The scam uses multiple deceptive tactics including suspicious recipient addresses, generic greetings, artificial urgency, and a fake link that actually directs victims to PayPal's legitimate site but initiates adding a secondary user to their account—allowing scammers to issue payments from the victim's account.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-07
National Preparedness Month provides an opportunity to protect against disaster-related scams, as fraudsters commonly impersonate contractors, government officials, and charities during emergencies to steal money and personal information. The FTC offers resources at ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies to help people spot and avoid common post-disaster scams such as repair fraud and government impersonation schemes. Individuals can report suspected scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov to help the FTC identify trends and stop fraudsters.
bctv.org
· 2025-12-07
This is an educational event announcement rather than a news article about a specific scam or fraud case. Here's the summary:
A free educational program on senior fraud protection will be held September 8 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm, presented by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Senior Protection Unit and a Reading-based elder law firm. Attorney David Shallcross will cover scams targeting seniors including tech repair scams and romance fraud, along with protection strategies, while Attorney Rose Kennedy will discuss estate planning and elder law considerations. Registration is required through the Wyoming Public Library website or by phone at 610-374-2385.
wlrn.org
· 2025-12-07
Palm Beach County officials held a community meeting in Delray Beach to alert residents about rising scams targeting seniors, including fake SunPass charges, Bitcoin ATM schemes, and identity theft via suspicious texts. State Attorney Alexcia Cox announced that her office has created specialized prosecution units for elder abuse, cybercrime, and property deed fraud, while noting that AI technology and overseas offenders have complicated fraud prosecution efforts. According to FBI data, cybercrimes cost Americans over $16 billion in 2024, representing a 33% increase from the previous year.
northwestgeorgianews.com
· 2025-12-07
The Elder Justice Initiative highlights common financial scams targeting seniors age 60 and older, including Social Security impostor scams (false suspension claims), tech support scams (fake virus/hacking warnings), lottery scams (foreign sweepstakes requiring upfront fees), and romance scams (online dating schemes requesting money). Digital technology has increased seniors' vulnerability to these schemes, which exploit personal information and trust, making elder fraud a recognized threat requiring public education and awareness efforts.
tribunact.com
· 2025-12-07
Jackie Crenshaw, a Connecticut resident, lost nearly $1 million to a cryptocurrency romance scam in which a fraudster built emotional trust to manipulate her into making false investments. She testified before the Connecticut legislature in support of House Bill 6990, which passed and was signed into law, establishing a legal framework for law enforcement to seize virtual currency used in criminal offenses—legislation designed to help recover stolen funds from future victims. Crenshaw's advocacy highlights how romance scams, which exploit emotional connections for financial gain, have become increasingly prevalent, with the FTC estimating true annual fraud losses at $137 billion despite only $9 billion being reported.
koaa.com
· 2025-12-07
**Summary:**
Colorado author Josh Kern lost over $100,000 to a romance and investment scam involving an AI-generated persona who conducted convincing video calls on WhatsApp, then lost an additional $50,000 to a fake recovery scam. FBI Special Agent Eric Burns confirmed that scammers now use AI technology downloaded from the dark web or smartphone apps to disguise their voices and faces during video chats to appear as different people and target vulnerable individuals on dating websites. The FBI recommends meeting people in person before sending money and filing reports through the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center if victimized.
inkfreenews.com
· 2025-12-07
Indiana ranks second nationally for senior fraud complaints at 76.9 per 100,000 residents, with seniors age 60+ losing $4.8 billion to fraud nationwide in 2023. The state experienced a sharp 240% increase in elderly fraud complaints over three years, driven partly by its growing senior population expected to exceed 20% by 2030. The most common scams involved tech support impersonation, while cryptocurrency fraud proved most costly, with victims averaging losses exceeding $108,000 per case.
qchron.com
· 2025-12-07
State Sen. Joe Addabbo partnered with computer support company DMS International to provide a technology education class at a senior center in Glendale, focusing on how seniors can identify, avoid, and report common scams. The presentation covered tactics used by scammers impersonating utility companies like Con Edison, and attendees received guidance on verification procedures and reporting resources such as calling 311.
butlereagle.com
· 2025-12-07
AARP of Pennsylvania is warning seniors about cryptocurrency scams that cost Americans $1.4 billion in 2024, typically involving fraudsters who contact victims via text or social media and direct them to deposit money into Bitcoin ATMs with threats or promises of quick returns. Once deposited, the funds cannot be recovered. AARP encourages victims to report scams to local law enforcement or contact them directly at 1-877-908-3360.
abc10.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers increasingly target seniors through digital platforms, with California consumers reporting over $1.7 billion in fraud losses in 2024, particularly involving identity theft and smartphone scams. Seniors are vulnerable because they are more likely to respond to unsolicited calls and urgent emails, and common tactics include impersonating government agencies or family members to pressure victims into quick payments via gift cards. Experts recommend that seniors never give personal information over the phone, keep antivirus software updated, verify website legitimacy before transactions, and immediately notify law enforcement and financial institutions if targeted, while family and friends can support prevention through regular check-ins and open conversations about fraud.
kait8.com
· 2025-12-07
The Arkansas Department of Health warned SNAP users about circulating scams targeting SNAP benefits in Arkansas and other states. The department recommends updating account information, changing PIN numbers, watching for card skimmers, and verifying phone numbers to prevent fraud and to report stolen funds promptly.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-07
Two jewelry sellers, Jonathan Parra and Paula Sanchez Zapata, were arrested in Miami-Dade after defrauding a man of over $70,000 by selling him counterfeit Rolex watches they claimed were authentic; the victim discovered the fraud when water entered one watch, prompting an independent jeweler's authentication that revealed all three watches were fake and one was over 10 years old despite being sold as new. The couple, who operated as independent jewelers through word-of-mouth rather than a store, ceased communication and blocked the victim when confronted, and have been charged with organized fraud; detectives believe there may be additional victims and urge buyers to purchase from authorized dealers
wcnc.com
· 2025-12-07
In 2023, older Americans lost over $3.4 billion to scams, with the problem escalating in 2024 when individuals over 60 represented the largest group of cybercrime victims in the U.S., losing more than $1 billion since the start of the year through increasingly sophisticated schemes including tech support fraud, romance scams, investment fraud, and government impersonation. Experts recommend seniors protect themselves by never sharing personal information unsolicited, using strong passwords with two-factor authentication, consulting family before financial decisions, and recognizing red flags such as urgent requests for money via gift cards or wire transfers, pressure to act quickly, and threats from callers.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-07
An 80-year-old woman in Hokkaido, Japan lost approximately $6,700 of her life savings to a romance scammer who posed as an astronaut stranded in space and claiming to need money for oxygen after meeting her on a social media app in July. Local police classified the case as a typical romance scam targeting vulnerable elderly individuals, noting that similar schemes victimize older adults across the United States and other countries.
bluewin.ch
· 2025-12-07
An 80-year-old woman in Japan was defrauded of approximately 5,780 francs in a romance scam where a fraudster posing as an astronaut claimed to be under attack in space and needed money for oxygen. The woman met the scammer online in July, developed emotional feelings for him, and transferred the funds based on his fabricated emergency. Police warn that romance scams use elaborate stories and fake identities to manipulate victims into sending money, and advise people to remain suspicious of online acquaintances requesting funds and to contact authorities if targeted.
kwch.com
· 2025-12-07
A scammer impersonated a pastor at NorthRidge Church in northeast Kansas by sending emails to church members requesting gift card purchases with claims of urgency, though no one fell for the scam due to misspellings in the fraudulent email. The Seneca Police Department warns of this impersonation tactic, noting that Americans lost $1.1 billion to impersonation scams in 2023, with gift card scams being a common method where scammers pose as government officials, tech support, family members, or other trusted sources.
amarillo.com
· 2025-12-07
An Amarillo resident fell victim to an employment scam in August 2025 after depositing fraudulent checks from a fake remote personal assistant job posting and transferring the funds through a Bitcoin ATM. Amarillo Police Department's Financial Crimes Unit tracked the cryptocurrency across digital wallets and exchanges, successfully freezing the funds within four days and recovering the majority through legal processes by September 1. The case demonstrates the importance of rapid reporting and specialized financial crimes investigation in cryptocurrency-related scams.
97x.com
· 2025-12-07
An elderly woman in her 80s from Hokkaido, Japan lost approximately $6,700 after being targeted by a romance scammer who posed as an astronaut claiming his spaceship was under attack and needed money for oxygen. The victim, who lived alone and met the scammer on social media in July, developed emotional attachment through online conversations that made her vulnerable to his fabricated crisis. This case reflects a broader surge in romance scams globally, with the U.S. reporting over 64,000 victims and $1 billion in losses in 2023 alone, prompting authorities to urge the public to avoid sending money to online contacts and report suspicious requests immediately.
people.com
· 2025-12-07
A woman in her 80s in Hokkaido, Japan lost approximately $6,700 (1 million yen) in a romance scam that began on social media in July, when a con artist posed as an astronaut claiming to be in space under attack and in need of oxygen, convincing her to send money for his survival. The incident reflects a broader trend: in 2024, over 7,600 people over 60 in the United States fell victim to romance and confidence scams, resulting in more than $389 million in losses, with elderly victims being particularly vulnerable due to their trustworthiness, financial resources, and reluctance to report fraud.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
Regions Bank associates supported seniors in their community through two initiatives on National Senior Citizens Day (August 21). One team assembled care kits with household supplies and personal messages for distribution through the United Way Area Agency on Aging, which serves nearly 11,000 seniors annually; another team delivered homemade cards, treats, and information about elder fraud to residents at an elder-care facility. The efforts focused on combating senior isolation and promoting financial wellbeing and independence among older community members.
observer-me.com
· 2025-12-07
Maine Credit Unions released a collaborative fraud awareness video featuring state experts including the Maine Attorney General and state police to educate older adults about recognizing and preventing scams. Recent Federal Trade Commission data shows that fraud losses among adults over 60 have surged dramatically between 2020-2024, with reports of losses exceeding $10,000 quadrupling and cases above $100,000 increasing significantly, though actual losses are likely higher due to underreporting. The video is being distributed free to cable access stations and online as a public service to help Mainers identify and stop fraudsters before becoming victims.
valdostatoday.com
· 2025-12-07
A Florida man, Charles Henry Williams, was arrested following a 5-month multi-state cyber investigation for running an online timeshare scam that defrauded an elderly Georgia couple of over $1 million across four years, with additional victims identified during the investigation. Williams was charged with Theft by Deception and Exploitation of an Elder Person and arrested on August 29, 2025, to face charges in Coweta County. The investigation involved coordination between the GBI, Georgia Attorney General's Office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and Florida law enforcement agencies.
thesun.co.uk
· 2025-12-07
Cecilie Fjellhoy met Simon Leviev (real name Shimon Hayut) on Tinder in 2018, who posed as a wealthy diamond company CEO and convinced her to lend him money for travel expenses over 13 weeks, ultimately stealing £200,000 from her credit card. Leviev defrauded an estimated £7.4 million from numerous women using the same romance scam tactics before being arrested in Greece in 2019 on unrelated charges; he was never prosecuted for the Tinder scheme. Fjellhoy, who experienced severe psychological trauma and required psychiatric care and therapy, has since released a Netflix documentary called "
cosmopolitan.com
· 2025-12-07
Norwegian woman Cecilie Fjellhøy was scammed out of £188,000 by Tinder romance scammer Shimon Hayut (alias Simon Leviev) in a sophisticated fraud involving luxury lifestyle fabrications. After speaking out in Netflix's 2022 documentary *The Tinder Swindler*, Fjellhøy partnered with a private investigator for a new docuseries called *Love Con Revenge* to help other victims of romance scams, which can result in losses exceeding $2 million and severe psychological consequences including depression and suicidal ideation.
cosmopolitan.com
· 2025-12-07
Cecilie Fjellhøy was defrauded of £188,000 by Simon Leviev (real name Shimon Hayut), a con artist who posed as a wealthy diamond mogul's son on Tinder and lured her into providing money by claiming his accounts were frozen due to attacks by enemies. Following her appearance in Netflix's 2022 documentary *The Tinder Swindler*, Fjellhøy partnered with private investigator Brianne Joseph to create the series *Love Con Revenge*, which helps other romance scam victims recover funds and reclaim their lives, as Leviev is believed to have swindled approximately $10
netflix.com
· 2025-12-07
Netflix's "Love Con Revenge" follows host Cecilie Fjellhøy (a former "Tinder Swindler" victim) and private investigator Brianne Joseph as they investigate romance scams and help victims pursue justice. The series documents cases including a man who manipulated a woman out of thousands by fabricating military trauma stories, and another who posed as a doctor while orchestrating approximately $2 million in fraud against his wife and her daughters. The hosts emphasize that romance fraud is widespread and encourage victims to come forward despite the emotional and financial devastation, as well as challenges in holding perpetrators accountable.
netflix.com
· 2025-12-07
Romance fraud is a crime where scammers create fake relationships to steal money or personal information from victims, costing Americans over $1 billion annually. The documentary series "Love Con Revenge" features Cecilie Fjellhøy (known from the "Tinder Swindler" case) and private investigator Brianne Joseph breaking down warning signs such as "love bombing," "future faking," and manufactured crises, while highlighting how law enforcement often fails to prioritize these cases, allowing serial scammers to continue victimizing others. The experts recommend victims report suspected scams immediately to social media platforms and emphasize the importance of overcoming shame to seek help and justice.
countryherald.com
· 2025-12-07
Impersonation scams targeting older adults in Illinois and nationwide have increased more than fourfold since 2020, with losses exceeding $100,000 skyrocketing from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024, according to FTC data. Scammers impersonate trusted entities like government agencies, banks, and businesses through urgent calls, texts, or emails, pressuring victims to transfer money, move funds to cryptocurrency, or hand over cash by falsely claiming account compromises, criminal ties to Social Security numbers, or hacked computers. The FTC advises consumers to never send money in response to unsolicited communications, verify contacts through
recordcourier.com
· 2025-12-07
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is hosting a free Senior Scam Seminar on September 18 at the Kahle Community Center in Stateline, designed to educate residents about identifying and preventing fraud targeting seniors. The one-hour session will cover common scam tactics including phone, email, and in-person schemes, warning signs to recognize, and available resources, with Sheriff Dan Coverley noting that fraudulent schemes affecting seniors are on the rise and education is a key defense against fraud.