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in Scam Awareness
dominicantoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Police in the Dominican Republic arrested Smaylin Berroa Lorenzo for benefiting from a phishing scam that defrauded a citizen in Cotuí of RD$77,931 (approximately $1,450 USD). The scam involved cybercriminals using fake emails and social engineering to steal the victim's confidential information and identity. The suspect was apprehended on a highway in Pedro Brand and turned over to prosecutors for legal proceedings.
rhyljournal.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
North Wales fans have been targeted by ticket fraud scams, including one woman who lost £250 attempting to purchase Taylor Swift concert tickets from a fraudulent source. In the past 12 months, North Wales Police recorded 59 ticketing fraud cases resulting in approximately £17,500 in losses, with reports increasing 200% between February and March 2024. Police and safety experts are urging the public to only purchase tickets through official sellers, use credit cards or PayPal for transactions, and avoid bank transfers when buying from unknown sellers, particularly as demand surges for Taylor Swift and Euro 24 events.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 UK retail industry study found that 35% of retailers experienced fraudulent activity, cyber-attacks, or data leaches, representing a 37% increase from 2022, with the sector losing £11.3 billion total and retailers averaging £1.4 million in losses each. Payments fraud also surged among consumers, affecting 33% in 2023 compared to 23% in 2022, with victims losing an average of £311 per incident—a 16% increase year-over-year. The findings reveal that fraud concerns are affecting consumer shopping behavior, though retailers are increasingly investing in fraud prevention systems and exploring enhanced security measures and regulatory compliance.
macaudailytimes.com.mo
· 2025-12-08
The Judiciary Police in Macau launched a WeChat-based anti-fraud initiative in response to a sharp 70-120% surge in fraud cases from January to February, which resulted in 69 million patacas in losses across 265 reported incidents, including a concerning 44% increase in student-targeted scams. The interactive program offers fraud risk analysis, reporting channels, and educational resources to help residents identify fraudulent schemes. Two women were victimized by phone scams impersonating public prosecutors and immigration officials, with one losing 41,700 patacas after being coerced into transferring funds based on false money laundering allegations.
longisland.com
· 2025-12-08
An 83-year-old victim in Saddle Rock was defrauded of $31,000 in a tech support scam after receiving a fake Microsoft notification on his computer claiming his device and bank account were compromised. Two men, Rong Chen, 47, and ZhenSheng Yu, 46, were arrested in April 2024 after collecting the cash withdrawals on behalf of the scammers, with Chen and Yu charged with Grand Larceny. The victim avoided additional loss by refusing a third request and contacting police.
wfsb.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting families of high school students preparing for the SAT by impersonating test preparation companies or the College Board itself, often using personal information about the student to appear legitimate and requesting deposits for prep materials that never arrive. Common tactics include claiming the student requested the service, knowing the child's name and test date, and requesting payment over the phone or email—methods the legitimate College Board never uses. Consumers are advised to verify requests directly with their children, pay only by credit card to enable dispute options, and question unsolicited calls about test preparation services.
santander.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are using fake news on social media to conduct financial fraud by impersonating banks, executives, and well-known individuals with altered images and fabricated investment opportunities. These fraudulent posts mimic legitimate news websites and banking platforms to trick users into clicking links that steal personal and banking information. Recent scams have falsely claimed to offer investment products endorsed by Santander, using an AI-altered image of an executive to appear credible.
dailycardinal.com
· 2025-12-08
The Dane County Sheriff's Office is warning seniors about the "Grandparents Scam," where callers impersonate grandchildren claiming to be in legal or financial trouble and request cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers, sometimes using AI voice-cloning technology to enhance authenticity. Elderly Americans lose approximately $28.3 billion annually to such financial exploitation, with scammers deliberately targeting victims' emotions to prevent them from questioning the requests. Law enforcement emphasizes the importance of public education about these evolving scams as AI technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and accessible.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Two separate scam incidents were reported on Monday: a person lost over $1,200 on 325th Street in Ellendale, and another person was scammed via Facebook on the 800 block of Troy Road. The reports indicate ongoing fraud activity targeting residents in the area.
wlox.com
· 2025-12-08
A Gulfport woman was targeted in a "warrant for arrest" phone scam where con artists impersonated the Harrison County Sheriff's Office and demanded up to $14,000 in bond payments, claiming she had missed a court hearing. The scam affected at least three victims in the area, with two others losing up to $28,000 total at the Biloxi Courthouse before the fraud was discovered. A 24-year-old suspect from Georgia was arrested on felony charges, and authorities are investigating additional suspects believed to be operating the scam across multiple states.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Brick Township police warn residents, particularly seniors, about active scams in their community, including gift card/cryptocurrency fraud, grandparent scams, email phishing, tech support fraud, and romance scams. The department urges residents to verify caller identities, avoid unsolicited payment requests, maintain strong cybersecurity practices, and report suspected fraud to local police immediately.
nevalleynews.org
· 2025-12-08
Scottsdale Community College hosted a cyber security awareness event featuring speakers from the U.S. Secret Service and Scottsdale Police Department who educated students and community members about online scams, including AI-voice impersonation schemes, cryptocurrency fraud, and romance scams targeting vulnerable populations. The presentation emphasized protective measures such as staying calm during suspicious calls, verifying caller identity through questions only loved ones would know, and strengthening passwords and security practices, noting that seniors and widows are particularly targeted by romance scammers who exploit loneliness and unfamiliarity with social media.
thetimesherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Marysville United Methodist Church is hosting Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on April 27 for a community presentation on senior scams, part of the church's "Lunch and Learn" series. According to a University of Michigan study cited in the event announcement, more than two-thirds of older Michigan residents have reported scam attempts in the past two years, with seniors particularly vulnerable to phone, mail, and online fraud. The free event will provide information on how seniors can avoid scams and reduce their victimization risk.
grandrapidsmn.com
· 2025-12-08
The Senior LinkAge Line® offered two educational classes on May 8, 2024, teaching older adults how to detect, prevent, and report healthcare fraud, waste, and abuse. Participants learned to identify potential Medicare scams, protect their beneficiary numbers, and review suspicious Medicare paperwork through online instruction via Microsoft Teams.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Remote access scams initiated by phone, text, email, or social media cost Australians $15 million in 2023, with nearly half of 8,975 reported cases beginning via phone calls impersonating banks or service providers. Scammers use increasingly sophisticated tactics—including spoofed numbers, fake social media profiles, and urgent requests for personal information or device access—to install malware, steal data, or make unauthorized purchases. Protection requires verification through official channels, refusing unsolicited requests, and immediately contacting your bank and reporting to Scamwatch if compromised.
ncwlife.com
· 2025-12-08
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office received multiple reports of scam phone calls impersonating deputies who claimed callers owed money for failing to respond to jury duty summons or court dates, attempting to extort payment. The agency warns the public not to give personal information or money to unknown callers over the phone. Cashmere Valley Bank is hosting a free "Scam Prevention" seminar on April 16 to educate the community on fraud prevention strategies.
inews.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Cyber crime expert Jake Moore discusses rising online fraud threats in the UK, where online fraud doubled in 2023 to cost £2.3 billion, with romance scams and identity theft among the fastest-growing categories affecting 1.4 million people. Moore advises individuals on essential security practices including using encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal instead of SMS texts, keeping software and apps updated automatically to patch vulnerabilities, and being cautious about downloading apps like TikTok that pose data privacy risks. He emphasizes that consistent application of basic cybersecurity habits is the most effective defense against increasingly sophisticated scams and hacking attempts.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued a cryptocurrency alert during Financial Literacy Month, warning consumers about investment fraud risks. According to the FTC, over 46,000 people reported losing more than $1 billion to cryptocurrency scams (60 times the 2018 figure), with $575 million involving fraudulent investment schemes that promise unrealistic returns and use fake tracking websites or demand additional "fees" to withdraw funds. The alert advises potential investors to research thoroughly, avoid high-pressure sales tactics, never invest more than they can afford to lose, and be wary of anyone demanding cryptocurrency payments or guaranteeing profits.
9news.com
· 2025-12-08
A Colorado woman lost $158,162 in Ethereum cryptocurrency in a 2022 scam after being deceived by a fake Instagram account impersonating Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin, which promised to double any cryptocurrency sent to it. Federal Secret Service agents, assisted by a private cryptocurrency forensics firm, were able to freeze an account containing approximately $17,000 of the stolen funds, though the suspected scammer is believed to be located in Kazakhstan and the case is not prosecutable locally. Experts note that such scams typically target people unfamiliar with cryptocurrency and that cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed once completed.
wisbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies common scams targeting small businesses, which are particularly vulnerable due to limited cybersecurity resources and accounting processes compared to larger organizations. Key scams include Business Email Compromise (BEC), phony invoices, directory fraud, identity theft, fraudulent charity solicitations, phishing attacks, and office supply scams. The article emphasizes that knowledge and awareness are the best defenses and recommends businesses stay informed about these threats and report incidents when targeted.
wilx.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams are a growing threat, with approximately 14 million people exposed to employment scams annually, according to the Better Business Bureau. Scammers use legitimate job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to pose as real companies and recruiters, commonly offering work-from-home reshipping jobs, fake check schemes, and caregiver positions that leave victims unpaid. Red flags include requests for upfront fees, bank account information before employment, vague job descriptions, unusually high pay, and pressure to accept quickly—victims should verify company websites directly, communicate via video chat, and report suspected scams to BBB.org/scamtracker.
cbs12.com
· 2025-12-08
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody warned of direct deposit refund scams during the 2024 tax season, in which fraudsters impersonate IRS agents and contact victims claiming a tax return error, then demand immediate payment via wire transfer or gift cards. The IRS will never contact taxpayers by text or email about refunds, demand payment through untraceable methods, or require specific payment forms like gift cards. Victims should verify IRS communications through the official IRS website and report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission.
wired.com
· 2025-12-08
This article explains the emerging threat of AI-powered voice cloning scams, where fraudsters use artificial intelligence to impersonate family members or trusted contacts in urgent calls requesting money. The article provides expert advice on protection strategies, including hanging up and calling the person back using a verified number, establishing pre-agreed safe words with loved ones, and asking personal questions that only the real person would know to verify authenticity.
mychesco.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP Pennsylvania is launching an educational campaign to combat Social Security fraud, which affected approximately 360,000 people through impersonation scams in 2021. The organization recommends protective measures including robocall-blocking applications, online account monitoring, and reporting suspicious activities to authorities, emphasizing that genuine unsolicited Social Security Administration contact is extremely rare. Victims of these scams face risks including identity theft, financial loss, and long-term challenges accessing credit and services.
azfamily.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational podcast series covering consumer protection topics rather than a specific fraud or elder abuse incident. Key episodes address red flags in standard contracts, risks associated with rewards credit cards that can lead to debt, vehicle recalls affecting safety, and credit denial trends affecting consumers. The podcast provides advice on identifying problematic contract clauses, understanding credit card pitfalls, and navigating consumer financial decisions.
scoop.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
A 28-year-old Kaikōura man was formally charged for his alleged role in large-scale SMS scams targeting New Zealanders as part of Operation Cargo, a joint investigation by the Department of Internal Affairs and New Zealand Police that uncovered a transnational criminal network responsible for most SMS scams in New Zealand during 2023. The investigation recovered multiple SIM cards, electronic devices actively used to spread scams, and a large amount of cash through a coordinated search warrant. The successful prosecution demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation between telecommunications providers, banks, and police in combating evolving SMS scam methods.
hamlethub.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
This educational piece outlines key strategies for protecting against hacking and scams. It advises securing internet-connected devices against malware, recognizing common scam tactics (phishing, romance scams, fake tech support, and demands for wire transfers or cryptocurrency), and reporting suspected fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
cryptotimes.io
· 2025-12-08
Millions of dollars in fraudulent funds were seized at Evolve Bank and Trust after the bank discovered that entities including Parallel Design Limited, Gatcha Pictures Limited, and Bytechip LLC were facilitating crypto scams and pig-butchering schemes operated by a network of 26 Chinese nationals. Evolve froze over $15 million in virtual accounts linked to these fraudulent activities and subsequently severed relationships with the implicated firms due to unsatisfactory banking practices.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost over $1 million to online puppy scams in the past year, with the Better Business Bureau receiving thousands of reports primarily from Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, where approximately 80% of sponsored pet advertisements are potentially fraudulent. A North Carolina grandmother lost her life savings when she sent $5,000 in gift cards to a scammer on Facebook Marketplace while attempting to purchase a Yorkshire terrier. The FTC recommends consumers adopt from local shelters, reverse image search photos, request in-person meetings, and avoid unusual payment methods like gift cards, while law enforcement has begun prosecuting perpetrators with felony charges carrying substantial prison sentences.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A 68-year-old San Francisco woman lost $50,000 in gold and over $1,000 in cash to a "blessing scam" in which three Cantonese-speaking women approached her on the street, convinced her she was cursed, and swapped her valuables bag with one containing water bottles and baby wipes during a fake ceremony. The scam, which targeted vulnerable elderly Chinese immigrants in the Sunset District, is part of an increasing pattern of fraud in Chinese-American communities perpetrated by scammers with visas who exploit monolingual and superstitious victims; the case remains under investigation and city officials are working to increase community awareness through forums and increased police presence
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
A businessman from Mumbai was defrauded of approximately Rs 3 lakhs after receiving a fake text message directing him to download a malicious app ("vahanpalivahann.apk") to pay pending e-challan traffic fines. The scam works by tricking drivers into installing fake e-challan apps via SMS or WhatsApp links, which grants scammers access to their bank account information and enables fraudulent transactions. Security experts advise against downloading APK files from third-party sources and recommend using apps from official app stores and paid antivirus software for protection.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Between January 2020 and December 2023, investment fraud cost UK victims more than £2.6 billion across 98,525 cases, with an average loss of £26,773 per victim. Boiler Room fraud and Ponzi schemes were the most prevalent scams, stealing £553 million and £499 million respectively, with 2023 recording the highest number of victims (26,740) losing £527 million that year alone. The FCA recommends vigilance against red flags including unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, and promises of unusually high returns.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting vehicle owners with fraudulent e-challan (traffic fine) notifications via text messages, tricking them into downloading malicious APK files that compromise their phones and financial data. A businessman from Mumbai lost Rs 3 lakh through unauthorized credit card charges after installing a fake app called 'vahanpalivahann.apk' to pay counterfeit traffic fines. Experts recommend downloading apps only from official sources like Google Play Store, using reputable antivirus software, and verifying the authenticity of unsolicited messages before taking action.
candid.technology
· 2025-12-08
This educational article describes common Apple Pay scams and protection strategies. The scams detailed include: fake customer support calls seeking personal information, overpayment schemes using stolen cards, phishing texts claiming account compromise, gift card extortion via fake emergencies, and man-in-the-middle attacks through insecure WiFi networks. The article advises users to never share sensitive information with unsolicited callers, verify suspicious links directly with Apple, avoid refunding overpayments, and use secure internet connections when making transactions.
silive.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers have stolen tens of millions of dollars in SNAP benefits from EBT cardholders nationwide using card skimming devices placed on payment terminals and phishing scams. To protect themselves, users should inspect card readers for loose or mismatched faceplates, never share their PIN, and utilize the new ConnectEBT app feature that allows them to lock their cards when not in use. New York has approved nearly 12,000 stolen benefit claims and reimbursed over $6.1 million to victims through its benefit recovery program since August 2022.
paturnpike.com
· 2025-12-08
The PA Turnpike alerted customers to a smishing scam in which fraudulent text messages impersonating "PA Turnpike Toll Services" requested personal financial information by warning of outstanding tolls and late fees. The agency advised customers not to click links in unsolicited messages and to verify account information only through official channels like the PA Turnpike website or approved mobile apps, with victims able to report fraudulent texts to the FTC or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
columbian.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides educational guidance on protecting yourself from tax season scams. Common scams include identity theft (where scammers file false returns in victims' names to claim refunds) and IRS impersonation schemes that use fear, urgency, and promises of money to trick people into sharing personal information. To protect yourself, verify that communications are genuinely from the IRS (which contacts people only by mail), research tax professionals through official directories, and avoid sharing information with unknown callers.
foxreno.com
· 2025-12-08
A Reno resident lost $17,000 in an elaborate phone scam after searching online for Amazon Prime support and being redirected to scammers impersonating the FTC and Wells Fargo, who threatened legal action and demanded cryptocurrency deposits. Washoe County residents lost over $500,000 to bitcoin scams in 2023, prompting the sheriff's office to warn the public that legitimate businesses and government agencies never request payment in cryptocurrency and that scammers increasingly use personal information and threatening tactics to manipulate victims.
nola.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP highlights that fraud schemes targeting older Americans persist in the digital age, with scammers continually developing new tactics to impersonate legitimate entities and access personal financial information. The organization provides comprehensive protective measures including securing sensitive documents, monitoring credit reports, using strong passwords, and verifying businesses before sharing personal information. In 2023 alone, Louisiana residents lost nearly $47 million to fraud with identity theft being the most common type, reflecting a broader national problem where known fraud losses reached between $10-43 billion.
cbs19news.com
· 2025-12-08
Virginia experienced 491 tax scam victims in 2023 who lost over $12 million to government impersonation schemes, ranking the state 11th nationally. Scammers primarily target older adults by impersonating the IRS through fake websites (using .com or .net instead of .gov) to steal login credentials and redirect tax refunds within minutes, with potential access to accounts lasting years. The article features a reformed scammer who warns that verifying URLs and protecting IRS account information are critical defenses against these schemes.
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-08
Mumbai Police released guidelines addressing a surge in online investment fraud schemes targeting residents through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, where fraudsters pose as trading "experts" and lure victims into fake stock and IPO investment classes via video apps, ultimately freezing their funds and demanding additional payments to release them. Over the past year, police recovered Rs. 8.3 crores from victims and arrested multiple individuals involved in these schemes, with cases continuing to rise. Citizens are advised to verify investment platforms independently, avoid downloading unauthorized applications, refrain from sharing financial information online, and report suspicious activity to Mumbai Police at 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
thestar.com
· 2025-12-08
British Conservative MP William Wragg admitted to handing over colleagues' personal phone numbers to an unknown man he met on the gay dating app Grindr after being manipulated with intimate photos the man possessed, in what authorities describe as a "spear phishing" sexting scam targeting lawmakers. Multiple current and former parliamentarians were contacted via WhatsApp with compromising information, and police urged those affected to report the incidents immediately. Leicestershire Police confirmed they are investigating reports of malicious communications related to the scam.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
An 81-year-old Cleveland woman fell victim to a tech support scam after clicking on a fake news story that triggered pop-ups impersonating Microsoft, resulting in an initial $200 loss and subsequent threatening calls demanding $6,800. The scammers gained remote access to her computer and obtained her driver's license and credit card information before she realized the fraud. Federal Trade Commission officials advise that legitimate companies never request personal or financial information unsolicited, and recommend deleting suspicious pop-ups, hanging up on scam calls, and restarting devices; the FTC recently secured a $26 million settlement against tech support scammers.
nbcchicago.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece advises consumers on staying safe while buying items through social media marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, which have largely replaced traditional flea markets and yard sales. Consumers have lost over $2.7 billion to social media scams since 2021, so the article recommends protecting personal information, meeting in public locations (ideally police stations with security cameras), using secure payment methods instead of cash, and sending test payments before full transactions. For major purchases like vehicles, buyers should use cashier's checks and conduct thorough research on sellers.
foxreno.com
· 2025-12-08
A Reno resident lost $17,000 in a phone scam that began with a fake Amazon Prime support call and escalated when scammers impersonating the FTC and Wells Fargo threatened legal action and convinced the victim to withdraw cash and convert it to cryptocurrency. Washoe County residents lost over $500,000 to bitcoin scams in 2023, and authorities warn that legitimate businesses and government agencies never request cryptocurrency payments, while scammers increasingly use personal information and threatening tactics to pressure victims.
fool.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies five common Medicare scams targeting seniors: unsolicited contact from fake Medicare representatives, false claims that Medicare plans have been canceled, offers of free products or services not covered by Medicare, requests to replace or activate Medicare cards, and pressure to switch to alternative plans during enrollment periods. The article advises seniors to verify information independently through Medicare.gov, never respond to unsolicited contact, protect personal information like Medicare and Social Security numbers, and call Medicare directly with questions rather than trusting solicitors.
gobankingrates.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies six common scams targeting Walmart shoppers: bogus job offers that steal personal information, gift card schemes impersonating authorities or charities, phishing emails and fake giveaways designed to harvest data or install malware, fraudulent delivery notifications requesting payment, counterfeit discounted gift cards sold on secondary markets, and spoofed surveys collecting sensitive financial information. The article advises consumers to verify offers through official Walmart channels, avoid upfront payments or gift card demands, and maintain skepticism toward offers that seem too good to be true.
startribune.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission warns that fraud losses exceeded $10 billion in 2023, with common scams targeting older adults including investment, grandparent, romance, tech-support, tax, and business impersonation schemes. The article emphasizes that anyone can fall victim to sophisticated fraud and recommends slowing down and resisting pressure to act immediately as a key protective measure against scammers.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
In Greater Manchester, 15,623 fraud cases were reported to Action Fraud in the past year, with online shopping/auction fraud being most common (3,100 cases), followed by advance fee fraud (1,500 cases). Notable cases included serial fraudster Cieran McNamara, who manipulated four women into sending over £300,000 through romance scams before being sentenced to seven years in prison, and a separate case where a man defrauded a woman of £50,000 on a widows' dating site. Other scams included pet fraud, concert ticket fraud, and designer goods schemes targeting victims through emotional manipulation and online platforms.
countryherald.com
· 2025-12-08
An 81-year-old Chesterton resident was targeted in a cash-by-mail scam that nearly cost him $20,000 in March. Police Corporal Alexis DeJesus and a UPS store owner collaboratively intercepted the package and prevented the funds from reaching the scammer. The Chesterton Police Department is now conducting community awareness campaigns to educate residents about similar scams and the importance of reporting suspicious financial requests.