Explore the Archive

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.

Kari Melissa Morales, a 51-year-old Michigan woman, was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for her role in an IRS/FBI impersonation scam targeting at least one victim. Morales and co-conspirators attempted to extort $60,000 by presenting fake FBI arrest warrants and IRS receipts, with Morales carrying a loaded firearm and fraudulent badge during the money exchange; the scheme was discovered when a text meant for the victim was accidentally sent to a Kent County officer. If convicted, Morales faces up to 20 years in prison.

McKhaela Katelynn McNamara (28, Flint) and Jmyla Elaine Sha'Taria White (29, Florida) were sentenced to 51 and 97 months in federal prison respectively for operating a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme targeting senior citizens. The scam involved fake virus warnings and compromised bank account alerts designed to trick victims into withdrawing cash and handing it over; one West Michigan victim lost nearly $400,000, and the perpetrators were ordered to pay over $3.8 million combined in restitution.

A 28-year-old Flint woman was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for her role in an international fraud scheme that targeted senior citizens across multiple states, including Michigan. The scammers used fake tech support warnings to convince victims to call numbers where operators posing as Microsoft or Apple employees intimidated them into transferring money through various methods including wire transfers, cash deliveries, and gift cards. One Michigan victim lost $398,000, and McNamara was ordered to pay over $693,000 in restitution to victims.

Two Florida and Michigan residents were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in an international fraud conspiracy that defrauded senior citizens of millions of dollars. The scheme involved fake tech support warnings that led victims to surrender cash, wire transfers, and gift cards through various ruses, including impersonation of federal agents and false claims of compromised bank accounts; White was sentenced to 97 months and ordered to pay $3.2 million in restitution, while McNamara received 51 months and must pay $693,073 in restitution. One West Michigan victim lost $398,000 to the conspiracy, which operated with scammers based in India and used U.S.-based oper

McKhaela McNamara (Flint, Michigan) and Jmyla White (Florida) were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in an international wire fraud conspiracy targeting senior citizens across multiple states, with McNamara receiving 51 months and ordered to pay $693,073 in restitution, while White received 97 months and was ordered to pay $3.2 million. The scam began with fake virus warnings on victims' computers, prompting them to call numbers where perpetrators impersonated tech company representatives or federal agents, then convinced victims to withdraw cash, make wire transfers, or purchase gift cards through various ruses involving compromised bank accounts, infected computers, or criminal

Two elderly Troy, Michigan residents lost over $1 million combined to online scams between October 2023 and February 2024—an 81-year-old man lost $460,000 to a fake gold investment scheme, and another senior lost $700,000 to a Publishers Clearing House tax scam. Police are investigating both cases and note these scams are becoming more frequent, with scammers using convincing tactics, urgency, and increasingly AI-generated voices to pressure victims into sending money or personal information. Experts recommend seniors verify requests with family members, be cautious of rushed decisions, and trust their instincts when something feels suspicious.

Job scams targeting college students and recent graduates are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers impersonating professors and university staff through spoofed emails to pitch fake internships or remote work opportunities. A common tactic involves sending counterfeit checks to cover supposed home office setup costs, which the victim deposits but don't bounce until after they've spent or transferred money to scammers, leaving them financially responsible for losses. Universities including University of Michigan and Oakland University have reported rising incidents of these highly customized scams, particularly at the beginning and end of academic years, with scammers conducting detailed online research to make their pitches appear credible and realistic.

In 2022, Michigan seniors aged 60 and older lost $52.5 million to fraud, with 2,243 victims averaging $23,416 in losses per person—a rate of 87.2 victims per 100,000 residents. Tech support scams disproportionately affected seniors, who are 517% more likely to fall victim to these schemes than younger people. Online scams were the primary method of fraud targeting Michigan's elderly, with investment scams, business impostor schemes, and romance scams representing the largest fraud categories nationally.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel presented consumer protection information to seniors at the Frenchtown Center for Active Adults, covering common scam tactics including urgent requests, fake personal connections, financial demands, and unusual payment methods like gift cards. Nessel highlighted emerging threats such as spoofing technology that uses AI to impersonate friends and family, and rising check fraud, while recommending protective measures including strong privacy settings, password changes, two-factor authentication, credit card use, and reporting suspicious communications. The presentation emphasized that seniors are vulnerable targets and encouraged attendees to stay informed rather than fearful by asking verification questions and remembering that legitimate government agencies contact citizens by mail, not phone.

Romance scams cost consumers $1.3 billion in 2022, with cybercriminals cultivating online relationships for months before requesting money. Experts recommend moving relationships slowly, watching for red flags (requests to move off dating apps, refusal to video call, generic terms of endearment), conducting reverse image searches on profile photos, and avoiding any money transfers or financial exchanges with people you have not met in person.

Two members of an international fraud conspiracy targeting senior citizens were sentenced to federal prison: Jmyla Elaine Sha'Taria White received eight years, one month and was ordered to pay $3.2 million in restitution, while McKhaela Katelynn McNamara received four years, three months and $693,073 in restitution. The scheme used fake tech support warnings and fake federal agents to deceive elderly victims into sending money, with one West Michigan resident losing $398,000 and total losses reaching millions of dollars. Victims can report suspected elder fraud at ic3.gov or contact the FBI at 313-965-2323.

A 72-year-old Michigan woman lost $40,000 after scammers posing as federal agents convinced her that her money was at risk due to identity theft and bank insolvency, then persuaded her to withdraw her life savings for "safekeeping." When the two men from Illinois attempted to return a week later for more money, an alert neighbor reported the activity to authorities, leading to their arrest. Authorities urge the public to verify the identities of anyone claiming to be law enforcement or government officials before providing personal information or transferring funds.

A 72-year-old Michigan woman lost $40,000 after scammers posing as federal agents convinced her that her life savings were at risk due to identity theft and bank insolvency, then persuaded her to withdraw the cash for "safekeeping." When the perpetrators returned a week later seeking additional funds, an alert neighbor reported them to authorities, leading to the arrest of two men from Illinois. Authorities stress the importance of verifying the identities of anyone claiming to represent law enforcement or government agencies before transferring funds or sharing personal information.

A 70-year-old Jackson resident agreed to a civil court order permanently prohibiting her from participating in romance scams after acting as a money transmitter for an international fraud ring. Holly Locke received packages of money from multiple victims and forwarded the funds to her online romantic partner, unknowingly facilitating fraud against people who believed they were helping their own romantic partners. This civil consent decree marks the first of its kind in the Eastern District of Michigan and is part of a broader Department of Justice effort to disrupt international romance scam operations targeting U.S. citizens.

A 70-year-old Jackson, Michigan woman was barred by federal court order in May 2024 from participating in romance scams after repeatedly serving as a "money transmitter" for fraudsters while also being victimized herself. Holly Locke received packages of money from scam victims and forwarded them to fraudsters she met online, beginning with someone in Ghana in 2022 who claimed to need funds for an orphanage; despite being warned by postal inspectors and signing a cease-and-desist order, she resumed the activity in May 2023 with new scammers met on Facebook. The consent decree, approved by U.S. District Judge Paul D.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a consumer alert regarding a widespread Venmo scam in which fraudsters "accidentally" send stolen funds to users and then request the money be returned, ultimately causing financial loss when the fraudulent charges are reversed. The alert advises consumers never to return such transfers and to contact the payment service instead, and outlines additional P2P payment scams including impersonation of banks, phishing for personal information, fake business payment requests, and stolen credit card schemes. Victims can file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission or Michigan's Attorney General office.

Scammers in Michigan are using Venmo and other peer-to-peer payment apps to defraud users by "accidentally" sending stolen money and then requesting it back; when Venmo's fraud detection catches the transaction, the recipient's account is charged back, leaving them liable for the loss. Michigan's Attorney General Dana Nessel advises recipients not to return such funds but instead contact Venmo support directly, and warns residents to avoid other P2P scams including fake fraud department calls and fraudulent bank alerts requesting personal information like Social Security numbers.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned consumers about a widespread Venmo scam where fraudsters "accidentally" send money to users and then request repayment, exploiting stolen funds that are later reversed. The AG advised consumers never to return such funds and instead report the error to Venmo, as refunding money linked to fraudulent charges results in the innocent user bearing the financial loss. The alert also detailed other P2P payment app scams including impersonation of banks and merchants, and recommended consumers never share personal information and treat P2P payments like cash.

The Ishpeming Multi-Purpose Senior Center hosted a free scam awareness presentation featuring Michigan's Assistant Attorney General Kristen Stinedurf, who addressed phishing, AI scams, and fraud warning signs across calls, texts, mail, and email. The presentation, held in partnership with the Tri-County Office on Aging, targeted seniors new to Medicare and technology who receive frequent scam-related communications, aiming to help attendees recognize and avoid fraud.

The Ishpeming Multi-Purpose Senior Center, in partnership with the Tri County Office of Aging, is hosting a free educational event to teach seniors and caregivers how to prevent fraud and scams targeting phone, text, and email. The event includes trained staff who help identify fraud, prevention strategies, and reporting procedures, with the center extending outreach to seniors with limited technology access throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Michigan's Assistant Attorney General Kristen Stinedurf held a Zoom presentation at the Ishpeming Senior Center to educate seniors about evolving scam tactics, including urgency tactics, secrecy demands, and gift card scams. Attendee Joe Ellen Yeadon reported her bank account had been targeted three times, reflecting a broader community problem. Stinedurf advised seniors to hang up calls or delete texts when offers seem too good to be true.

Medicare fraud costs the nation $60 billion annually, with Michigan experiencing a rise in scams targeting the 22% of its population enrolled in Medicare. Common scams include imposters claiming to be from Medicare calling to verify personal information and healthcare providers billing for unnecessary services; seniors are advised to hang up on any calls claiming to be from Medicare, monitor their Explanation of Benefits monthly, and report suspicious charges. Last year, 23 Michigan home health-care operators were charged with Medicare fraud totaling over $61 million in fraudulent billings.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), hosted by United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula, received $920 in funding to host educational sessions called "Financial Empowerment for Everyone" aimed at seniors in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The presentations will teach participants how to recognize and avoid scams, spot signs of financial abuse, report fraud, protect financial documents, and practice technology safety.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan recognized World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by announcing a partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat fraud targeting older citizens. The agencies will hold a public town hall on June 20, 2024, to educate seniors about recognizing and preventing fraud schemes, including tech support scams, romance scams, and Social Security impostor fraud. The Justice Department emphasizes that awareness and information are key to protecting vulnerable populations from financial, physical, and psychological harm.

Michigan State Police reported an uptick in phone scams targeting elderly residents in mid-Michigan, with victims losing thousands of dollars in recent incidents. The scams employed various deceptive tactics to trick seniors out of their money. Police are urging the community to remain vigilant and exercise caution with unsolicited phone calls.

I cannot provide a summary of this content. The text appears to be a list of news headlines and updates from FOX Carolina covering various local topics (personnel changes, health information, sports, and a police inquiry), but it does not contain any article about scams, fraud, or elder abuse. Please provide an article related to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse for summarization.

North Rockford Middle School students participated in "Scambusters," an educational program by the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan, where they learned to identify scam red flags, recognize warning clues, and avoid sharing personal information with potential fraudsters. The program used a game show format to teach fraud prevention strategies to students in an engaging manner.

Irfan Gill, a 62-year-old from Portage, Michigan, was convicted of seven counts of mail fraud and 11 counts of money laundering for operating an international telemarketing scheme with a Pakistan call center from June 2018 through March 2022. The scheme victimized over 1,400 people nationwide by using fake business names to solicit payments for nonexistent cable, satellite, and internet service upgrades, with Gill depositing victim payments into his accounts and routing portions to Pakistan-based solicitors. He faces up to 50 years in prison at sentencing, which is expected within three to four months.

Irfan Gill, a 62-year-old from Portage, Michigan, was convicted of seven counts of mail fraud and 11 counts of money laundering for operating an international telemarketing scheme in conjunction with a Pakistan call center from June 2018 to March 2022. The scheme defrauded over 1,400 elderly and other U.S. victims by cold-calling them with fake offers for cable, satellite, and internet service upgrades, then directing payments to Gill's post office boxes, which he deposited into bank accounts and partially transferred to Pakistan-based solicitors. Gill faces up to 50 years in prison at sentencing, scheduled within three

Irfan Gill, 62, of Portage, Michigan, was convicted of seven counts of mail fraud and eleven counts of money laundering for operating an international telemarketing scheme from June 2018 through March 2022 that defrauded over 1,400 elderly victims nationwide. Working with a call center in Pakistan, Gill posed as multiple cable and satellite companies, collecting victim payments via post office boxes and money transfer services like Western Union and Remitly. He faces up to 30 years in prison on the mail fraud charges and up to 20 years for money laundering.

Irfan Gill, 62, of Portage, Michigan, was convicted of seven counts of mail fraud and 11 counts of money laundering for operating an international telemarketing scam in partnership with a Pakistani call center from June 2018 to March 2022 that targeted over 1,400 elderly Americans. The scheme involved cold calls offering fake cable, satellite, and internet service upgrades; victims sent payments to Gill's post office boxes, which he deposited and partially transferred to the Pakistani solicitors via money transfer services. Gill faces up to 30 years in prison for the mail fraud charges and up to 20 years for money laundering, with

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned residents about a government imposter scam in which fraudsters pose as government officials claiming to offer "free government money from the CARES Act" to steal personal information. The alert advises consumers to block contact attempts, avoid clicking links or opening attachments, and report suspicious communications to the Federal Trade Commission and Attorney General's office, while noting that legitimate government agencies will never demand payment via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or threaten immediate arrest.

Indiana Michigan Power reported 240 scam attempts targeting its customers through June of this year, an increase from the previous year, with scammers using spoofed caller IDs and claiming customers owe money requiring immediate payment. The company warns customers that legitimate I&M representatives will never demand payment via gift cards or third-party apps, will carry company ID and wear I&M logos, and the company always offers multiple payment notices and plan options before service disconnection. Customers should hang up on suspicious calls and report them to I&M or local police.

Indiana Michigan Power reported a significant surge in utility scams during the first half of 2024, receiving 240 reports by the end of June—125 more than all of 2023 combined. Scammers impersonated I&M using spoofed caller IDs and phone/text messages to demand immediate payment through various methods (prepaid cards, wire transfers, mobile apps) while threatening disconnection, requesting overpayment refunds, or claiming customers needed to pay for meter installations; some scammers also approached customers in person. The Better Business Bureau recommends verifying callers by hanging up and calling the official utility number on your actual bill, avoiding payment through prepaid cards or

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will speak at a town hall in St. Joseph on August 4, 2024, to educate seniors about avoiding scams, following FBI data showing that elder fraud caused over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, with an average victim loss of $33,915. The event, hosted by Region IV Area Agency on Aging, will address the most common scams targeting people aged 60 and older, including tech support scams (nearly 18,000 reported cases), romance scams, investment scams, and non-delivery scams. The free community event will provide consumer protection tips and scam prevention strategies.

**Summary:** Nickson General Contractors sued Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) for sending nearly $400,000 to a scammer instead of the contractor in 2020 after hackers compromised the contractor's email and requested a wire transfer to a Michigan bank instead of the usual paper checks. MRPP claimed they discussed the payment change during multiple status calls, but the hacker had set up email rules that diverted payment-related messages to a separate folder, preventing the contractor from seeing the communications. The case highlights the importance of verifying unusual payment change requests through multiple channels, and both parties are scheduled for court in September 2024.

Four individuals pleaded guilty to federal charges for operating a Nigeria-based international mail and wire fraud scheme that targeted elderly and vulnerable victims through fake online identities posing as romantic interests, buyers/sellers, and loan officers. The defendants used social media, text messages, and phone calls to convince victims to send money, with some victims losing retirement savings or taking out home loans as a result. All four defendants face sentencing on January 14, 2025, with potential prison time and restitution orders.

Four individuals pleaded guilty to federal charges for operating an international mail and wire fraud scheme originating in Nigeria that targeted elderly and vulnerable U.S. victims for years across West Michigan and throughout the country. The defendants created fake online personas posing as romantic interests, business partners, and loan providers to defraud victims, who lost retirement savings, took home loans, and suffered financial distress; the money was funneled through bank accounts and money transfer services before being sent overseas or used to purchase vehicles for export to Nigeria. Fatai Okunola also pleaded guilty to money laundering and making false statements on his naturalization application, while Ijeoma Adeola pleaded guilty to mispr

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.-based defendants were indicted on conspiracy to commit money laundering charges for facilitating a foreign sextortion scheme that resulted in the death of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay from Marquette, Michigan and targeted over 100 other victims. The defendants allegedly knowingly conducted financial transactions to conceal proceeds from the underlying sextortion crimes, which carries a maximum 20-year sentence. This case is related to the November 2022 indictment of three Nigerian nationals involved in the scheme, two of whom were extradited and pleaded guilty in 2024.

Five U.S.-based men have been charged with money laundering in connection to an international sextortion ring that led to the 2022 suicide of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay from Michigan. The scheme, run by two Nigerian nationals who posed as a woman and extorted victims after obtaining intimate images, involved the U.S. suspects controlling financial accounts, retaining 20% of victim funds, and converting the remainder to bitcoin.

Five U.S. citizens were indicted for money laundering in connection with a Nigeria-based sextortion scheme that resulted in the suicide of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay of Marquette, Michigan in March 2022. The defendants allegedly collected payments from over 100 sextortion victims totaling $179,000, keeping 20 percent and converting the remainder to Bitcoin sent to Nigeria; DeMay himself paid $300 to one defendant after being blackmailed by Nigerian scammers posing as young women. Two Nigerian co-conspirators have pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting teens and face mandatory sentences of 15 to 30 years, while the five

Five U.S.-based defendants were charged with money laundering conspiracy for facilitating a foreign sextortion scheme in which Nigerian nationals posed as young women online to extort sexually explicit images from teenage boys and young men, then blackmailed victims for money. The defendants controlled bank accounts receiving victim funds, kept 20% as commission, and converted the remainder to bitcoin for transfer to Nigerian co-conspirators, laundering at least $178,658 in proceeds—including funds from 17-year-old Jordan DeMay of Michigan, whose death resulted from the scheme.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel conducted a senior fraud awareness presentation in St. Joseph, educating nearly 70 Southwest Michigan seniors on protecting themselves from increasingly sophisticated scams including spoofing, phishing, romantic scams, and AI-enhanced fraud schemes. Nessel emphasized the importance of verifying sources before making payments, never sharing personal information without fact-checking, and reporting scams to authorities—noting that Michigan seniors lose millions annually to fraud and that reporting helps protect both victims and future potential targets.

St. Joseph held a town hall meeting hosted by the Region 4 Area Agency on Aging, State Representative Joey Andrews, and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to educate seniors about scams targeting older adults across Michigan. The event provided information to help seniors recognize common scams and learn prevention strategies to avoid becoming victims of fraud and identity theft.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel conducted an educational presentation for approximately 70 seniors in Southwest Michigan to raise awareness about common scams targeting older adults, including romantic scams, spoofing, phishing, and AI-enhanced fraud schemes. Nessel advised seniors to verify sources before making payments, never share personal information without confirming facts, and report suspected scams to authorities so others can be warned, noting that Michigan seniors lose millions annually to fraud. The event was organized by the Area Agency on Aging in St. Joseph to help seniors protect themselves and maintain their independence and dignity.

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.