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An 83-year-old Maryland woman named Mae fell victim to a tech support scam when a fake Apple alert prompted her to contact fraudsters posing as Apple and bank employees, who ultimately convinced her to purchase gift cards totaling thousands of dollars over a 10-hour period. The case illustrates a broader problem: an estimated $8 billion is stolen annually from seniors age 60 and older through fraud, with gift cards increasingly becoming the payment method of choice for criminals because they lack consumer protections afforded to credit and debit cards. Federal regulators have failed to adequately protect consumers from gift card fraud despite it being a growing problem, while technology companies and retailers benefit financially from these crimes due to

An 83-year-old Maryland woman named Mae fell victim to tech support fraud after clicking a malicious link on her frozen laptop, leading fraudsters to convince her to purchase gift cards worth thousands of dollars over a 10-hour period. The case illustrates a broader problem: an estimated $8 billion is stolen annually from seniors age 60 and older through fraud, with gift cards increasingly becoming the preferred payment method for criminals due to minimal consumer protections and difficulty in tracing funds. Federal regulators have failed to provide gift cards with the same protections as credit and debit cards, while retailers, technology companies, and fraudsters all profit from the scheme at victims' expense.

An 83-year-old Maryland resident named Mae fell victim to a tech support scam that ultimately resulted in fraudsters convincing her to purchase gift cards as payment. The article documents how gift card fraud has become a leading payment method in elder fraud schemes, with an estimated $8 billion stolen annually from seniors age 60 and older, yet federal regulators have failed to implement consumer protections for gift cards comparable to those for credit and debit cards. The investigation reveals that while fraudsters, gift card companies, and retailers profit from these schemes, the privately-held technology companies managing the gift card infrastructure are best positioned to prevent fraud but lack legal requirements to do so.

An 83-year-old Maryland woman named Mae fell victim to tech support fraud when she clicked a malicious link claiming to be from Apple, leading scammers posing as tech support and bank fraud personnel to convince her to purchase gift cards totaling thousands of dollars over a 10-hour period. The case illustrates a larger problem: an estimated $8 billion is stolen annually from seniors age 60 and older through stranger fraud, with gift cards increasingly becoming the preferred payment method for scammers because they lack consumer protections afforded to credit and debit cards and are easily converted to untraceable purchases or resold on dark web marketplaces. The investigation reveals that federal regulators have consistently

Seven Maryland residents lost a combined $6.3 million in a gold bar scam where fraudsters posed as federal agents and claimed to be safeguarding assets from identity theft or foreign threats, directing victims to convert cash into gold bars for courier pickup by fake "FBI agents." The Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office believes approximately 20 victims total were targeted in what officials describe as organized crime with international links to India and China, with scammers able to transport the untraceable gold across borders. Seniors are particularly vulnerable, with people over 60 reporting $3.4 billion in cyber fraud losses nationally in 2023.

**Olusegun Samson Adejorin, a Nigerian national, was extradited from Ghana in August 2024 to face federal charges for a $7.5 million business email compromise scheme targeting two charitable organizations—one in Maryland and one in New York. Between June and August 2020, Adejorin gained unauthorized access to employee email accounts, impersonated staff members, and fraudulently requested fund withdrawals, successfully diverting over $7.5 million from Victim 2's investment funds. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison on wire fraud charges, plus additional penalties for identity theft and unauthorized computer access.**

An 83-year-old Maryland woman named Mae was targeted by scammers who used a fake Apple security alert to trick her into believing her bank account was compromised, then pressured her to withdraw cash and purchase gift cards (Target, Apple, Amazon) to "secure" her funds. Gift card fraud has become a leading payment method used by fraudsters against seniors, with an estimated $5.5 billion to $27.5 billion stolen annually through this method, as the cards are highly portable, anonymous, and easily converted to cash on the dark web or resold illegally. The article reveals that federal regulators have failed to adequately protect consumers from gift card fraud, while retailers, gift car

Three individuals—Chidi Olujie, Jennifer Chibueze, and Jessica Nortey—were charged with conspiring to launder over $1 million in proceeds from romance scams and other online frauds between 2016 and 2019, allegedly using shell companies and fraudulent bank accounts to move stolen money. The defendants face up to 20 years in prison on money laundering conspiracy charges plus an additional two years for aggravated identity theft. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and investigated by the FBI's Washington Field Office.

The Maryland Board of Elections warned voters about text message scams targeting registered voters with false claims that they are not registered to vote, directing them to click malicious links to "re-register" before a deadline. The scammers aim to steal personal information, spread election disinformation, and undermine confidence in the electoral process. To protect themselves, voters should verify voter registration status only through official state websites (`.gov` domains) and report suspicious election-related messages to the Board of Elections.

An 83-year-old Maryland woman named Mae fell victim to tech support fraud when she clicked on a fake Safari warning, which led scammers to manipulate her into purchasing gift cards worth thousands of dollars over 10 hours. The case illustrates a broader problem: an estimated $8 billion is stolen annually from seniors age 60 and older through stranger fraud, with gift cards becoming an increasingly common payment method for criminals because they lack consumer protections similar to credit and debit cards. The article reveals systemic failures in federal regulation, inadequate retailer safeguards, and the profitable role that technology companies and retailers play in the gift card fraud ecosystem, where "everybody but the victim makes money."

In 2023, cryptocurrency scams cost Marylanders nearly $94 million, with the state ranking 13th worst hit nationally among approximately 58,000 U.S. complaints, according to an FBI report. These scams frequently use emotional manipulation and romance tactics to lure victims into fraudulent investment schemes, with perpetrators collecting personal and financial data to facilitate theft. Experts recommend verifying online contacts, protecting cryptocurrency wallets, and remaining cautious of quick-return investment pitches, particularly when emotionally vulnerable.

California experienced a slight 2 percent decline in elder fraud complaints from 2022 to 2023, dropping from 145 to 142 complaints per 100,000 adults aged 60 and older, according to FBI data analyzed by All About Cookies. However, California remains among the top 10 U.S. states for elder fraud complaints per capita, ranking tied for ninth place with Maryland at 142 complaints per 100,000 seniors, while the nationwide rate of elder fraud reports increased 14 percent in 2023 with associated losses rising 11 percent.

Tavoy Farquharson, a 32-year-old Jamaican national, was charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud for operating a lottery scam that defrauded victims of at least $9.5 million between March and July 2023. Farquharson and his co-conspirators contacted victims by mail and phone, falsely claiming they had won lottery prizes and requesting advance payment for taxes and fees via wire transfer, gift cards, cash, checks, and other methods. If convicted, Farquharson faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

Tavoy Farquharson, a 32-year-old Jamaican national, was charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud in connection with a lottery scheme that defrauded victims of at least $9.5 million between March and July 2023. Farquharson and his co-conspirators contacted victims by mail and phone, falsely claiming they had won lottery prizes and demanding advance payments for taxes and fees via wire transfer, gift cards, cash, checks, or other methods. If convicted, Farquharson faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.

Maryland State Police warned residents of an active scam targeting Gmail accounts in which fraudsters send photos of victims' homes obtained from Google Maps and demand Bitcoin payments, threatening to release personal information if payment is not made. Authorities advised residents to avoid clicking suspicious links, refrain from sharing personal information, and avoid making hasty decisions under pressure from scammers.

Maryland State Police warned residents about a sextortion scam in which victims receive threatening emails containing their names, Google Street View photos of their homes, and false claims of spyware installation and pornography viewing, demanding $2,000 in Bitcoin within 24 hours or threatening to expose them to contacts. The scam uses publicly available information to intimidate victims; authorities recommend deleting suspicious emails without clicking links and reporting to local police or the FBI rather than paying.

Marylanders lost approximately $69 million in cryptocurrency investment scams, where fraudsters contact victims randomly, build trust, and convince them to invest savings or retirement funds into fake trading accounts showing false returns before blocking withdrawals. Scammers typically encourage victims to liquidate retirement accounts and take loans for larger investments, with some victims losing over $1 million while being charged hundreds of thousands in fees to access their funds; cryptocurrency-related fraud comprises about half of all reported fraud cases, and FBI officials warn that peer-to-peer crypto transactions cannot be reversed once completed.

Dolapo Lawal, a 34-year-old Baltimore man, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft targeting elderly victims through a stolen identity tax refund scheme. Lawal fraudulently obtained over $3 million in tax refunds using the identities of elderly victims, loaded the refunds onto debit cards opened in their names, and withdrew cash at ATMs; law enforcement discovered 24 fraudulent debit cards with over $80,000 in cash during an April 2022 traffic stop and over 300 additional cards during a June 2023 home search.

Haotian Sun and Pengfei Xue, Chinese citizens living in Maryland, were convicted of submitting over 6,000 counterfeit iPhones with spoofed serial numbers to Apple for repairs between 2017 and 2019, resulting in $2.5 million in losses. Sun was sentenced to 57 months in prison with over $1 million in restitution, while Xue received 54 months with $397,800 in restitution. The case reflects broader returns fraud challenges, with American merchants losing an estimated $101 billion in 2023 to fraudulent returns and returns policy abuse.

An 81-year-old Maryland woman, Gladys Baxley, lost nearly $100,000 to a social security impersonation scam in which fraudsters posed as the Social Security Administration and sent a fake Supreme Court certificate to convince her to transfer funds to shell companies. Over several transactions, Baxley transferred $36,000 to Yongri Trading Inc., $58,000 to Shengya WS Inc., and $15,000 in cash before her son discovered the scam contained numerous grammatical errors. The fraud has left Baxley unable to afford her 30-year family home, though her bank is attempting recovery efforts.

Four suspects from Alabama and Tennessee were arrested in Maryland after defrauding an elderly woman of nearly $40,000 through a "pigeon drop" scam, in which they falsely claimed to have found cash and convinced her to withdraw her own money as "collateral" for a charitable donation. Police apprehended James Davis, Connie Williams, Kenneth Gooden, and Mary Daniel on October 24 just as they attempted to target a second victim at a shopping center in Clinton. The Financial Crimes Unit tracked the suspects following the initial incident on October 21 and encourages anyone with information to contact them.

Four suspects were arrested in Prince George's County, Maryland on October 25 after scamming a 74-year-old woman out of over $30,000 in a "pigeon drop" scheme, where they posed as people who found money and convinced the victim to deposit funds into an account to avoid tracing. The suspects, with addresses in Alabama and Tennessee, allegedly approached elderly victims alone in parking lots claiming they had found cash and needed help laundering it through the victim's bank account before splitting the proceeds. Police warn that this scam targets seniors with promises of quick financial gain or threats of legal trouble, and urge families to discuss such schemes with elderly relatives.

Four suspects from Alabama and Tennessee were arrested in Maryland after scamming a 74-year-old woman out of over $30,000 in a "pigeon drop" scam, where they approached her in a parking lot claiming to have found money that needed to be deposited into an account to avoid tracing before being returned to her. The suspects, ranging in age from 36 to 77, may be connected to similar frauds across multiple states, and police emphasize that elderly citizens should be wary of unsolicited interactions involving monetary gain or urgent requests for money or account information.

Holiday scams increase during the Christmas season as consumers shop for decorations and hire services like professional light installation. Common scams include contractors collecting down payments and failing to show up, online retailers not delivering ordered items or sending wrong products, and uninsured or untrained workers accessing homes. Consumers can protect themselves by researching service providers thoroughly, verifying insurance and experience, using credit cards for online purchases to enable fraud disputes, and avoiding unfamiliar or unprofessional operations.

This article provides reporting resources for individuals who suspect or have experienced scam activity, particularly related to gift card fraud. It directs victims to contact the Federal Trade Commission (1-877-382-4357) and their state's Attorney General office, with specific contact numbers listed for Maryland, New York, and New Jersey. The piece emphasizes that reporting scams to these agencies enables law enforcement to investigate and prevent future fraud.

Scammers are targeting Baltimore residents by impersonating utility company BGE, using threats of service shutoffs and requesting payment via phone calls, texts with QR codes, emails, or payment apps like Cash App and Zelle. BGE clarified they never call customers demanding money or requesting personal information like Social Security numbers or driver's licenses. Maryland's deregulated energy market also allows bad actors to pose as third-party energy providers offering lower rates that later increase, though new regulations taking effect January 1st will cap charges to prevent predatory pricing.

Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees warns that senior citizens are increasingly targeted by scammers, particularly during the holidays, due to their substantial savings, home ownership, and good credit. Recent scams affecting Maryland seniors include a gold bar scheme that cost seven residents $6.3 million, as well as fake check and phishing scams, with the FBI reporting that people over 60 lost more than $3.4 million to fraud in 2023, an 11 percent increase from 2022. DeWees recommends seniors verify unsolicited communications independently, never share personal information, stay informed about scam tactics through trusted sources, and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement.

Kamila Horakova Dudley, a 43-year-old Maryland woman, was sentenced on December 10, 2024, to 3 years probation and ordered to pay $473,702.43 in restitution for her role in a million-dollar wire fraud scheme targeting a New Orleans Marine Forces Reserve facility. As an office manager for a contractor from March 2017 through November 2018, Dudley knowingly prepared and submitted false invoices billing the U.S. government approximately $1.3 million for services never provided, including charges for executives and employees who worked at separate facilities. Despite learning in October 2017 that the invoices contained fraudulent

Scammers are increasingly using cryptocurrency across multiple fraud schemes including investment scams, tech support fraud, romance scams, and employment schemes, exploiting victims' fear of missing out and unfamiliarity with the technology. In Maryland, reported losses from cryptocurrency-related employment scams surged dramatically from $32,033 in 2023 to $3.8 million between January and October 2024, with victims losing an average of $15,000–$20,000 each; scammers use fake cryptocurrency exchanges and work-from-home schemes requiring deposits to "unlock" higher-paying work that victims cannot ultimately access. While cryptocurrency transactions are instant and irreversible, the FBI

**Summary:** Stephanie Mobley, owner of ComfortZone Home Health Care in Pennsylvania, her daughter Naya Campbell, and 18 others were charged in a $12 million Medicaid fraud scheme that operated from 2020 to 2023. The defendants allegedly filed false reimbursement claims for services never provided, diverting millions in funds intended for vulnerable Medicaid recipients. All 20 defendants face charges including Medicaid fraud, theft by deception, and conspiracy, with the case uncovered following a two-year investigation by the Pennsylvania Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, FBI, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Two Maryland men were sentenced for operating a romance fraud scheme targeting elderly women on social media, where they posed as U.S. military members deployed overseas and convinced victims to send money for fake emergencies. Chinedu Ikenna Nwafor received 25 months in prison and ordered to pay $180,000 in restitution, while Vitus Uzoma Uzowuru received 10 months time served and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution; one North Dakota victim alone lost $200,000 ($150,000 and $50,000 in separate incidents), and another victim from Tioga lost $800,000. A third defendant

An elderly woman in New Town, North Dakota lost $200,000 in a romance fraud scheme where perpetrators posed as high-ranking U.S. military members on fake social media profiles to build false romantic relationships. Two men were sentenced in December 2024: Chinedu Ikenna Nwafor received 25 months in federal prison and must pay $180,000 in restitution for organizing the scheme, while Vitus Uzoma Uzowuru received time served (approximately 10 months) and must pay $50,000 in restitution for receiving victim payments; a third defendant's trial is scheduled for July 2025.

On December 17, 2024, Chinedu Ikenna Nwafor was sentenced to 25 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $180,000 in restitution for his role as a U.S.-based middleman in a romance fraud scheme targeting elderly women, while his codefendant Vitus Uzoma Uzowuru received approximately 10 months imprisonment and $50,000 in restitution. The scheme involved foreign actors posing as U.S. military members on fake social media profiles who built romantic relationships with elderly victims and convinced them to send money for fabricated emergencies, with victims including a New Town, North Dakota resident who

A Maryland man's family member lost $10,000-$20,000 to a romance scam involving a woman he met online over nearly a year, despite family efforts to convince him the relationship was fraudulent. According to the FBI Baltimore field office, romance scams are widespread, with 17,823 complaints reported last year resulting in losses exceeding $652 million, with victims typically losing $50,000-$100,000 on average. Scammers build trust over months before requesting money and often isolate victims; red flags include thick accents, unavailability by phone, and pressure to move conversations off dating platforms to apps like WhatsApp.

Two Maryland men were sentenced for operating a romance fraud scheme targeting elderly women on social media, where they impersonated U.S. military members deployed overseas to convince victims to send money for fabricated emergencies. Chinedu Ikenna Nwafor received 25 months in prison and was ordered to pay $180,000 in restitution, while Vitus Uzoma Uzowuru received 10 months time served and $50,000 in restitution; one North Dakota victim lost $200,000 across two transfers to the co-conspirators. A third defendant faces trial for similar wire fraud charges involving an $800,000 loss to another North Dakota

An 80-year-old retired therapist in Washington, DC was defrauded by scammers posing as FBI agents and police officers who convinced her that her Social Security number was involved in criminal activity. Over several months in 2023, she withdrew $595,000 from her 401(k) to assist in a fake investigation, resulting in a $180,000+ tax liability she now owes to the IRS and Maryland. The scam traces to a call center in India, and while she may have limited recourse for the stolen funds, potential Congressional legislation could restore tax deductions for fraud victims that were eliminated in 2017.

Patrick Wall, a homeless man posing as a masonry worker, scammed elderly victims in Nassau County from September 2023 to January 2025 by offering home repair services, then intentionally causing additional damage to increase costs. Wall was arrested and faces multiple felony charges including grand larceny, scheme to defraud, and conspiracy; police are urging additional victims to contact detectives at 516-573-6354.

Judith Boivin, an 80-year-old Maryland retiree, lost $600,000 of her life savings in an elaborate government impersonation scam in September 2023. Scammers posing as FBI and local police officers convinced her that her Social Security number was being used for drug trafficking and money laundering, then persuaded her to withdraw her retirement funds in cash under the guise of assisting a federal investigation. This case exemplifies a broader trend of sophisticated scams targeting well-meaning Americans, particularly those with caregiving backgrounds and strong civic values.

A Maryland senior lost nearly $600,000 to a government impersonation scam after receiving a spoofed call from someone claiming to be an FBI agent investigating alleged drug cartel activity involving her Social Security number. Over months of contact, the scammer convinced her to withdraw cash for a "government safety locker" while maintaining her silence. Government impersonation scams remain common and cost consumers $76 million in 2023; protection involves knowing that legitimate agencies do not call unsolicited, threaten immediate payment, or request personal information over the phone.

A Maryland senior, Judith Boivin, lost nearly $595,000 to a government impersonation scam in which fraudsters posed as FBI agents and Rockville Police, claiming her Social Security number was involved in a federal drug investigation and asking her to move funds to a "government safety locker" for protection. The scammers used spoofed caller IDs, fake FBI email addresses with .com domains, assigned case IDs, and maintained contact over months to build trust and credibility. Government impersonation scams—where criminals pose as FBI, IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or other agencies to pressure victims into immediate payments or asset transfers—are widesprea

A smishing scam targeting drivers across the DMV region (Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) uses text messages impersonating toll agencies to trick recipients into sharing personal information through fraudulent links. The FBI recommends recipients report the scam to IC3.gov, verify accounts through official toll service websites, contact legitimate customer service, and secure their financial accounts if they clicked any links or shared information.

Duane Dixon, Jr., a 35-year-old Maryland man, was convicted of wire fraud conspiracy and three counts of wire fraud for his role in a real estate impersonation scheme targeting a Virginia realtor. The fraud involved a co-conspirator impersonating a property owner to fraudulently list a Hampshire County, West Virginia parcel for sale, with Dixon providing his bank account to receive the sale proceeds; Dixon lied to an undercover FBI agent about his involvement in the scheme. Dixon faces up to 20 years in federal prison per count.

Austin Michael Taylor, founder of the cryptocurrency project CluCoin based in Miami, was sentenced to 27 months in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud for misappropriating approximately $1.14 million in investor funds raised through an initial coin offering. Taylor used his social media following to promote the CluCoin token and its promised charitable focus, but subsequently diverted investor funds to his personal account and lost them gambling at online casinos between May and December 2022. He was ordered to pay full restitution and forfeit assets totaling $1.14 million, with three years of supervised release to follow his prison term.

Vipul Thakkar, 53, of Owings Mills, Maryland, pleaded guilty to theft and conspiracy after orchestrating a gold bar scam targeting elderly residents in Montgomery County that defrauded victims of over $1.1 million between March and June 2024. Thakkar convinced victims, including a 74-year-old Bethesda man and an 82-year-old woman, to convert their bank deposits into gold bars under the false pretense of protecting their assets, then arranged pickups by accomplices; he was arrested in July 2024 during an undercover operation and faces up to 60 years in prison at sentencing schedule

**Summary:** Etienne Jackson, 39, of Menands, New York, was arrested on March 1, 2025, after attempting a "grandparent scam" targeting an elderly woman by calling and claiming her grandson needed $9,800 for bail. The victim contacted police instead of paying, and officers arrested Jackson without incident when he arrived at her home to collect the money. Jackson was charged with Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd Degree.

Ambrose A. Obinna Warrior, 44, of Maryland, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business that facilitated romance, business email compromise, and investment scams from March 2018 through August 2021. Warrior transmitted or attempted to transfer over $700,000 in fraudulent proceeds by depositing victims' funds into bank accounts and shell companies, retaining approximately 20% in fees while distributing the remainder to other scheme participants, with documented victim losses of at least $467,912.

**Summary:** A Baltimore County man, Ambrose A. Obinna Warrior, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for operating as an unlicensed money transmitter in romance, business email compromise, and investment scams from March 2018 through August 2021. Warrior transferred or attempted to transfer over $700,000 in victims' funds, with confirmed losses of at least $467,912, receiving a percentage of each transaction.

Charles Anthony Keemer, a 64-year-old Maryland resident, pleaded guilty to preparing and filing hundreds of false federal tax returns for clients between 2013 and 2016 without being a registered tax preparer. Keemer added fictitious business expenses and fake Schedule C businesses to client returns to fraudulently inflate tax refunds, resulting in approximately $128,691 in losses to the IRS. He faces a maximum sentence of three years in federal prison.

The Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General warned the public about fraudulent emails with the subject line "Claim Benefits!" that impersonate SSA and direct recipients to fake websites designed to steal personal information. Red flags include sender email addresses from "Social Administration" rather than legitimate ".gov" addresses, and SSA will never request personal information or direct users to click links via unsolicited email. Victims should stop engaging with scammers, secure their accounts, and report the fraud to SSA OIG, local law enforcement, the FBI, and the FTC.

Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages impersonating toll agencies like E-Z Pass, claiming recipients owe outstanding tolls and threatening legal action or additional fees to pressure quick payment. The Federal Trade Commission and state departments of motor vehicles warn residents not to click links or provide personal information, and instead recommend verifying messages directly with official agency contact information, reporting the texts as spam, and freezing credit cards if personal data was compromised. To combat the scam, consumers can report suspicious texts to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and watch for red flags such as misspelled words, awkward phrasing, and links to unofficial websites.