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Criminologist David Maimon's research team at Georgia State University has documented extensive criminal activity on the dark web, where organized groups anonymously buy and sell stolen personal information, forged checks, and hacked financial accounts at minimal prices. The research reveals that stolen personal identification data is often more valuable to criminals than cash itself, as it enables them to open fraudulent bank accounts, obtain fake documents, and commit various financial crimes. Dark web criminals also engage in romance scams, mail theft using stolen postal keys, and bank fraud, operating through sophisticated networks that steal billions of dollars annually.

A Nigerian citizen, Efe Egbowawa, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in an international romance scam ring that defrauded victims across the United States, including Tennessee, from 2017 to 2021. The conspiracy involved members using fake identities on dating sites and social media to build romantic relationships with victims before requesting emergency financial assistance in escalating amounts, with money then laundered through shell companies and bank accounts. Two co-conspirators, Igocha Mac-Okor and Kay Ozegbe, also face charges in connection with the scheme, with one awaiting sentencing and the other scheduled for trial.

The FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report found that seniors over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scammers, representing a 14% increase in complaints, with Georgia accounting for approximately $92 million in losses. Tech support scams remain the most common fraud type targeting this age group, while investment scams cause the greatest financial damage; one victim, Joan Stone, lost $350 to an impersonation scam claiming to be law enforcement threatening license suspension. The FBI emphasizes that these are professional criminals and advises seniors to exercise caution with solicitations for money and report fraud to their bank and the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Georgia seniors lost $92.4 million to online fraud in 2023, representing an 18% increase in cyber crimes and fraud, with investment fraud ($32 million), tech support scams ($12 million), and romance scams ($10 million) being the top offenses affecting more than 2,100 victims. The FBI advises seniors to avoid sending money to unknown individuals, verify requests through legitimate vendors, and report incidents to their banks and trusted contacts, as these scams can cause severe emotional and financial damage.

Two retired law enforcement officers, Joe Gavalis (77) and Dan Flynn (72), volunteer with the North Georgia Elder Abuse Task Force Foundation to combat elder fraud and abuse in Georgia. Through their work with the foundation, they have facilitated over 60 training sessions for law enforcement, distributed consumer education guides to senior centers and community groups reaching approximately 8,000 people, and provide ongoing guidance to active officers on financial crime investigations. Their efforts address a critical gap, as most police officers in Georgia lack specialized training in investigating financial crimes against elderly citizens.

**Summary:** Disability advocates in Georgia are pushing for passage of HB 1123, which would establish an "Elder Justice Coalition" to coordinate a statewide response to elder abuse—a crime affecting at least 10% of adults over 60 nationally and targeting one in five disabled Georgians over 65. The coalition would create regional coordinators, establish data collection systems, coordinate law enforcement training, and enable investigators to identify patterns of abuse across county lines, such as unlicensed care facilities operating in multiple locations. The bill is pending Governor Kemp's signature before the 40-day signing period ends.

The City of Tifton, Georgia fell victim to a cyber scam in which criminals impersonated a vendor and requested an electronic payment of $49,370.65 instead of the usual check payment; the city discovered the fraud only after the vendor notified them that funds were never received. Local and federal law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident, and city officials are urging residents to exercise caution with payment requests and report any cybercrime to law enforcement.

I appreciate you sharing this, but this content doesn't appear to be related to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. The items listed cover public health initiatives (opioid kits), emergency services (warming centers), utility assistance programs, and a criminal investigation unrelated to elder fraud. For Elderus database purposes, please share articles specifically about scams targeting seniors, elder financial abuse, fraud schemes, or elder exploitation cases. I'm ready to summarize those when you have them available.

Georgia disability and aging advocacy organizations are pushing for Governor Kemp to sign HB 1123, which would create an "Elder Justice Coalition" to coordinate a statewide response to elder abuse and fraud. The bill aims to address a significant problem: at least 10% of adults over 60 experience some form of elder abuse annually, with one in five elderly Georgians having disabilities that make them vulnerable targets. If signed, the coalition would establish training programs, coordinate investigations across regions, and collect data on abuse to identify patterns and close loopholes that allow perpetrators to operate multiple unlicensed facilities across county lines.

This AARP podcast episode features romance scam survivor Kate Kleinart discussing how she was deceived by a scammer she met on Facebook who used charm and false affection ("love bombing") to gain her trust before requesting money. Kleinart emphasizes that romance scams can happen to anyone and advises people to trust their instincts and remain vigilant about suspicious online behavior. The episode serves as an educational resource highlighting warning signs of romance scams and encouraging victims to recognize and report such fraudulent schemes.

A 32-year-old Georgia woman, Destiny Magoon, defrauded approximately 200 victims across 25 states through a Facebook business called Romeo and Juliette Keepsakes, collecting hundreds of dollars and irreplaceable breast milk samples intended for keepsake jewelry that was never produced or returned. Magoon was charged with 12 counts of felony theft by deception in April and is currently jailed; victims report significant emotional impact as the stolen items may never be recovered.

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

Georgia resident Malachi Mullings received a 10-year prison sentence for laundering $4.5 million in proceeds from business email compromise (BEC) attacks targeting healthcare providers and romance scams targeting individuals, including numerous elderly victims, between 2019 and July 2021. Mullings used multiple bank accounts under his company name to conceal the fraud, purchasing luxury items including a Ferrari with stolen funds; one romance scam victim alone lost $260,000. He pleaded guilty to eight charges including money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering as part of a larger scheme involving nine other suspects across Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia that defrauded state Medicaid programs

Malachi Mullings, a 31-year-old Georgia man, received a 10-year prison sentence for stealing over $3.8 million from a state Medicaid program through business email compromise (BEC) scams, where he impersonated trusted business associates to redirect payments to accounts he controlled, and an additional $260,000 from romance scams. This conviction is part of a broader federal crackdown on BEC schemes, with multiple recent prosecutions securing convictions for laundering millions in stolen funds, as BEC fraud caused nearly $3 billion in reported losses in 2023 alone.

In a podcast episode, Georgia's Attorney General Consumer Protection Division highlights prevalent scams targeting older Georgians, including imposter scams (criminals posing as utilities, government officials, or law enforcement), romance scams (fake online relationships seeking money), and real estate fraud (fake rental and home-buying schemes using stolen property photos). One Georgia woman lost $40,000 to a romance scam, exemplifying the serious financial impact of these schemes. Experts recommend verifying legitimacy through the Better Business Bureau and AARP Fraud Watch Network, and promptly reporting scams to local law enforcement to prevent further victimization.

Scammers exploit Memorial Day by impersonating military and veteran charities, using high-pressure donation solicitation tactics to target Georgia's large military population. According to the 2024 BBB Risk Report, active-duty military members are 29% more susceptible to scams than the general population, with median losses of $491 per victim in 2022—more than double the general population's median loss of $163. To protect themselves, potential donors should avoid high-pressure calls, ask charities for their mission statement and fund allocation details, and verify organizations through resources like Charity Navigator before donating.

Malachi Mullings, 31, from Sandy Springs, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for laundering over $4.5 million stolen through business email compromise (BEC) scams, romance fraud, and healthcare benefits fraud. Mullings opened approximately 20 shell company bank accounts between 2019 and 2021 to launder the proceeds, which he spent on luxury items including a Ferrari purchased with $260,000 fraudulently obtained from an elderly romance scam victim. His criminal network targeted businesses, healthcare programs, and vulnerable elderly individuals across the United States.

Elderly veterans in Georgia are particularly vulnerable to fraud schemes, with romance scams being the most common type targeting this group, according to the North Georgia Elder Abuse Task Force. Georgia ranks in the top ten states for money lost by those over 60 to scammers, though the actual number of cases is significantly higher than reported since only about 1 in 40 scams is reported to police. The American Legion and law enforcement are working to educate veterans through monthly awareness sessions, providing tips such as never sending money to strangers and recognizing common scam tactics.

Minal Patel, a Georgia man who owned LabSolutions in Atlanta, was sentenced to 27 years in prison for orchestrating a $463 million Medicare fraud scheme involving unnecessary genetic cancer tests. Patel used telemarketing calls to recruit Medicare beneficiaries, paid kickbacks and bribes to patient brokers and telemedicine companies to obtain fraudulent doctor's orders, and submitted claims to Medicare from 2016 to 2019, resulting in $187 million in actual payouts to his company, of which Patel personally received over $21 million. The case was part of a larger federal investigation that charged 35 people involved in billing billions in fraudulent

Malachi Mullings, 31, of Georgia was sentenced to 10 years in prison for laundering over $4.5 million obtained through business email compromise (BEC) schemes targeting healthcare programs and companies, as well as romance scams targeting elderly victims, between 2019 and 2021. Mullings opened 20 fraudulent bank accounts under a fake company name to conceal the proceeds and used funds to purchase luxury items, including a Ferrari bought with $260,000 from a romance scam. The case highlights ongoing efforts to prosecute money launderers facilitating cyber fraud schemes.

A Privacy Journal study analyzing FBI, CDC, FTC, and Internet Crime Complaint Center data ranked U.S. states by danger levels for online dating users, identifying Nevada, Alaska, Georgia, Florida, and Arizona as the five most risky states. The analysis considered romance scams, identity theft, fraud, violent crime, STD rates, and registered sex offender concentrations, with Arizona having the highest romance scam rate (9.2 per 100,000), Nevada the second-highest (8.1 per 100,000), and Georgia leading in identity theft and fraud victimization rates. The findings highlight that geographic location can predict vulnerability to various threats when using dating apps.

This appears to be a news website homepage rather than a single article about elder fraud or scams. The content shown includes various local Alabama news stories (sex offender sentencing, police shootings, sports updates, weather, and traffic information), but none relate to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse that would be relevant for the Elderus database. To provide an appropriate summary for Elderus, please provide a specific article focused on elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse.

A Privacy Journal study analyzing FBI, FTC, and CDC data ranked states by online dating safety risks, including romance scams, identity theft, STIs, violent crime, and registered sex offenders per 100,000 people. South Carolina ranked among the 10 most dangerous states for online dating, alongside Nevada, Alaska, Georgia, and Florida, while Vermont and Maine were identified as safest. The study notes that while dating apps facilitate connections (with 1 in 4 couples meeting online), users should avoid money requests, meet in public locations, and refrain from sharing personal information until after meeting someone in person.

A Privacy Journal study analyzing FBI, FTC, CDC, and Census Bureau data ranked U.S. states by online dating safety, identifying Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire as safest and Nevada, Alaska, and Georgia as most dangerous based on rates of violence, STIs, romance scams, identity theft, and registered sex offenders per 100,000 people. The research highlights that romance scams pose significant fraud risks to online daters, with victims targeted for cash or personal information used for identity theft, and recommends safety precautions including refusing money requests, meeting in public places, and avoiding sharing private information with unvetted contacts.

Georgia ranks among the top ten states targeted by organized scam operators who extract millions of dollars annually from senior citizens through romance scams, jury duty scams, grandparent scams, and identity theft. As law enforcement catches up to scammers' money laundering methods—which have evolved from cash deposits to gift cards to cryptocurrency ATMs—sophisticated criminals continue adapting by using new untraceable methods like gold bullion to hide stolen funds and avoid detection.

A scam-baiter named Jim Browning exposed a cryptocurrency investment scam operation based in Georgia, Eastern Europe, that targets victims worldwide by posing as financial advisors and recovery services. The scammers use fake celebrity endorsements and fraudulent websites to lure victims, then display fake cryptocurrency portfolios to convince them their money is growing, with some victims—including an Australian man Browning monitored in real-time—losing thousands of dollars. Australians reported losing over $2.74 billion to scams in the previous year, with attackers particularly targeting older adults with retirement savings.

An imposter posing as a Coweta County Sheriff's sergeant scammed a 68-year-old Georgia resident out of $7,200 by claiming the victim had a federal warrant and ordering him to deposit money into a Bitcoin machine while keeping him on the phone; this was the third successful scam targeting seniors in Coweta County within one month, totaling approximately $18,000 in losses. Police advise that legitimate law enforcement never requests deposits of any kind and recommend that potential victims verify threats by calling a trusted contact or actual law enforcement before complying.

Peach State Federal Credit Union launched community outreach initiatives to educate seniors about fraud prevention, holding free seminars at senior centers in Summerville and Toccoa with plans to expand across their service area. The credit union, which serves over 70,000 members in Georgia and South Carolina, provides fraud prevention resources through seminars, social media, and their website to help seniors and families identify and avoid financial exploitation. Membership is not required to attend the free educational sessions.

Georgia ranks among the highest states for elder fraud, with seniors losing over $92 million to scams in 2023 alone, as part of a national crisis where the Department of Justice handled over 300 cases recovering more than $1 billion from scammers targeting over 2 million people. The U.S. Attorney for Northern Georgia highlighted common fraud schemes, including jury duty scams that impersonate law enforcement and demand payment via phone, gift cards, or bitcoin. Experts advise seniors to verify requests by calling authorities directly before sending money and to recognize that legitimate law enforcement never demands payment over the phone.

A study by Badcredit.org analyzing Federal Trade Commission data found that 78% of Gen Z and Millennials report receiving fraudulent debt collection calls or emails, with 28% expressing concern about becoming victims. Georgia leads states with the highest rate of debt collection scams (77.8 per 100,000 people), while Atlanta, Georgia has the highest rate among cities (102.9 per 100,000), and Memphis, Tennessee ranks fifth among cities most affected. Legitimate debt collectors must provide valid debt information within five days and cannot harass, threaten, or contact consumers more than seven times weekly, while common scam tactics include phishing, identity theft, and mobile

A Georgia couple lost $49,000 in lifetime savings after receiving fraudulent text messages posing as Chase Bank fraud alerts; though the couple did not authorize the transaction and provided no passwords, Chase Bank initially denied reimbursement and closed their case four times. Following the couple's persistence in seeking a subpoena through the court system, Gwinnett County police investigated and issued an arrest warrant in May for 25-year-old Audrey Michelle Townsend from Texas, who confessed to receiving and distributing the stolen funds as part of a larger scam operation, though Chase Bank has still not reopened the case for reimbursement.

The FBI charged Nigerian tech entrepreneur Kingsley Inegbedion and Efemena Igbe with a 16-count indictment for perpetrating romance scams and business email compromise schemes that defrauded American citizens of $1.5 million between April 2020 and May 2023. The defendants created fake corporate entities and directed victims to wire money into fraudulent bank accounts at institutions including HSBC, Citibank, and Navy Federal Credit Union, then quickly transferred funds to conceal the fraud. Igbe fled to Nigeria before charges were filed, while Inegbedion was arrested and remanded in custody; the FBI is seeking full restit

Two individuals, Kingsley Inegbedion and Efemena Igbe, were indicted on 16 counts of money laundering and internet fraud for operating romance scams and business email compromise schemes that defrauded American citizens of approximately $1.5 million between April 2020 and May 2023. The defendants posed as legitimate businesses, directed victims to wire money into fraudulent accounts at major banks, and quickly distributed the funds to conceal the scheme; Igbe fled to Nigeria before facing charges while Inegbedion remained to defend himself. The FBI is seeking full restitution and forfeiture of all property obtained through the fraud.

Nigerian tech entrepreneur Kingsley Inegbedion was arrested by the FBI on a 16-count indictment for his alleged role in a $1.5 million fraud scheme operating from April 2020 to May 2023. Inegbedion and accomplice Efemena Igbe (still at large) operated fake corporate entities to perpetrate romance scams and business email compromise schemes targeting victims. The FBI is seeking full restitution of funds and forfeiture of all property obtained through the fraudulent operation.

A 10-year-old Georgia girl battling brain cancer and her mother were scammed out of hundreds of dollars when someone sold them fake Taylor Swift Eras Tour tickets. After iHeartRadio's program director learned of the situation, he coordinated with Taylor Swift's record company to surprise Caroline with free concert tickets, flights, and hotel accommodations to see the Eras Tour in New Orleans.

Healthcare fraud costs tens of billions annually in the U.S., with identity theft occurring every 2.2 seconds. While young adults (18-24) are typically the most targeted demographic, seniors are also vulnerable; victims should watch for red flags in official-looking documents like grammatical errors and should independently verify contact information rather than using numbers provided in suspicious communications. Georgia has reduced identity theft cases through stricter felony laws targeting exploitation of senior citizens, and resources like BBB survival kits are available to help victims resolve fraud.

Florida ranks second nationally for fraud incidents with 1,589 cases per 100,000 residents, according to FTC data from April 2023 to March 2024, with scammers taking $171 million from state residents in just the first quarter of 2024. The most common fraud schemes include impostor fraud, online shopping scams, and prize/investment fraud, with romance scams particularly targeting elderly residents in high-senior-population areas like South Florida. A Miami woman was recently arrested for operating a 15-year romance scam that defrauded more than a dozen elderly men of $7 million.

Five men from Alabama and Georgia were arrested on federal money laundering charges for their role in an online sextortion scheme that targeted over 100 teenage boys and young men. The defendants controlled financial accounts used to launder at least $178,658 in extortion proceeds, converting funds to bitcoin and sending them to Nigerian co-conspirators; the scheme resulted in the death of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay from Michigan in November 2022.

Five men from Georgia and Alabama were charged with laundering at least $178,658 for a Nigerian sextortion scheme that targeted over 100 victims, including 17-year-old Jordan DeMay of Michigan, who died by suicide after being blackmailed for $300. The Nigerian scammers posed as females on Instagram, coerced victims into sending nude images, then extorted money by threatening to share the photos with contacts. The U.S. money launderers received victims' funds through cash applications, kept approximately 20 percent, converted the remainder to bitcoin, and funneled it to the Nigerian perpetrators.

Five men from Alabama and Georgia were indicted for money laundering related to a foreign sextortion scheme that resulted in the death of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay from Marquette, Michigan. The defendants allegedly laundered at least $178,658 in proceeds from the sextortion operation, with each facing up to 20 years in prison on conspiracy charges. The case highlights how U.S.-based money launderers facilitate overseas predatory crimes targeting vulnerable populations including minors and seniors.

Five U.S. men from Georgia and Alabama were charged with money laundering conspiracy for facilitating a sextortion scheme that resulted in the suicide of 16-year-old Marquette resident Jordan DeMay. The defendants allegedly received approximately $179,000 from victims, converted funds to bitcoin, and transferred the money to Nigerian co-conspirators, with DeMay sending $300 to one defendant hours before his death. The case involves over 100 sextortion victims and represents a major breakthrough in the two-year investigation into the criminal ring.

Five U.S.-based defendants from Georgia and Alabama were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a sextortion scheme that resulted in the death of teenager Jordan DeMay of Marquette. Sextortion involves extorting money or sexual favors by threatening to expose evidence of sexual activity, and the charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. This case is related to an earlier conviction of two Nigerian men involved in the international sextortion ring that led to DeMay's death.

A Zimbabwe national, Sherlyn Sims, was convicted of laundering approximately $1.2 million obtained through romance scams and other fraud schemes operated from Georgia. Her schemes included romance fraud where victims were deceived into sending money for various fabricated reasons (such as one victim sending $100,000 after being told the scammer needed to pay taxes in Boston), and she also obtained fraudulent COVID relief loans. Sims transferred the stolen funds through third-party countries like China before cashing out, and faces sentencing in November.

Sherlyn Sims, a Zimbabwe national, was found guilty of laundering over $1.2 million obtained through romance fraud and business email compromise schemes, using fake Georgia-registered businesses to collect victim funds before transferring money internationally and to personal accounts. Multiple elderly victims were defrauded through fake online romantic relationships, with one victim sending nearly $100,000 after being deceived, and another losing money intended for a home purchase. Sims faces sentencing in November, while her co-conspirators received prison sentences ranging from five years to later sentencing dates.

Sherlyn Sims, a Zimbabwean national operating in Georgia, was convicted of money laundering from multiple scams including romance fraud schemes where she solicited victims to send money under false pretenses (such as claiming to need tax payments to visit the US), then transferred the funds to third-party countries like China to cash out. Prosecutors documented that Sims diverted approximately $1.2 million through various bank accounts from her scams, including fraudulently obtained COVID relief loans, with one victim losing $100,000. She is scheduled for sentencing in November 2024.

A study by PrivacyJournal.net ranked Nevada as the most dangerous state for online dating based on reported romance scams, fraud, identity theft, and violent crime per 100,000 residents. Nevada ranked second nationally for romance scam reports and third for fraud reports, making it a higher-risk state for online daters seeking to avoid financial and personal victimization. The analysis identified Vermont as the safest state for online dating, while other risky states included Alaska, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, and South Carolina.

The Athens Community Council on Aging is hosting "Scam Jam," a four-hour educational luncheon on August 26 to help senior citizens protect themselves from fraud, featuring presentations from local law enforcement, financial institutions, and government agencies including the FTC and Better Business Bureau. The event comes as the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report documented 101,068 complaints from people aged 60 and over, with tech support scams and fraudulent investments causing the largest financial losses, and Georgia ranking 10th nationally in elder fraud losses.

Romance scammers are increasingly using AI and deepfakes to deceive victims on dating apps and social media, with the FTC reporting median losses around $2,000 per victim and total losses reaching $1.14 billion—the highest for any imposter scam. Fraudsters create fake profiles using stolen images and AI-generated content to build trust before requesting money, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. Experts recommend victims reverse-image search profile photos, never send money to someone met only online, and monitor privacy settings to prevent their own photos and voice from being cloned.

Romance scams cost victims a median of $2,000, with total reported losses reaching $1.14 billion—the highest of any imposter scam category. Scammers are increasingly using AI and deepfakes to create fake profiles on dating apps and social media, stealing images and establishing fictitious identities to build trust before requesting money. Experts recommend victims never send money to online contacts they haven't met in person and use reverse image searches to verify profile photos, while recognizing that shame and embarrassment often lead victims to underreport these crimes.

The FTC reported that romance scams cost victims a median of $2,000 each, with total reported losses reaching $1.14 billion—the highest of any imposter scam. Scammers are increasingly using AI and deepfakes to establish fake profiles on dating apps and social media by stealing images and cloning voices to build trust before requesting money. Experts recommend victims never send money to online contacts they haven't met in person, use reverse image searches to verify photos, and monitor their privacy settings on social media.