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Scammers exploit personal data found on data broker websites to create convincing healthcare and Medicare fraud schemes using QR codes that disguise their malicious destinations. Criminals can place fake QR codes in doctor's offices, pharmacies, and hospitals to trick patients into visiting fraudulent websites and surrendering sensitive information like Medicare numbers, login credentials, and credit card details. Protecting yourself requires both recognizing suspicious QR codes and limiting your personal information available online through data brokers and people-search websites.

Older Americans aged 60 and over filed over 201,000 fraud complaints in 2025 with losses exceeding $7.7 billion—a 37% increase from the previous year—as scammers increasingly target seniors through phone calls, texts, emails, and social media impersonating banks and government agencies. Sherman J., a 67-year-old, avoided losing money by trusting his instincts when a caller claiming to be from his bank requested sensitive information, and later found support through a community scam awareness workshop at his local senior center. Community-based prevention programs are helping older adults recognize common scams including romance fraud, fake lottery winnings, and contractor fraud, while newer AI

This transcript from an August 2026 FBI interview does not contain information about elder fraud, scams targeting seniors, or fraud cases suitable for an elder fraud research database. The content focuses on FBI Director Kash Patel discussing World Cup security operations, counter-drone systems, and mentions Operation Blackout only in passing without substantive details about scam victims or fraud amounts.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday addressed legislators about crime trends, highlighting that violent crime is generally down but drug offenses are increasing, with his office removing 56.5 million fentanyl doses from streets. He emphasized growing concerns about senior scams, noting Pennsylvania's large elderly population is at high risk, and revealed his office's newly created elder exploitation unit is already overwhelmed with cases. Sunday advocated for legislative action to empower financial institutions to place holds on potentially fraudulent transactions to prevent elder fraud, as stolen money is rarely recovered.

A certified nursing assistant named Arian Mojaddidi was arrested and charged with felony sexual abuse of an 86-year-old resident with diminished capacity at Concord Post Acute skilled nursing facility in California. The alleged inappropriate contact was reported to the California Department of Public Health, which referred the case to the Division of Medi-Cal Fraud & Elder Abuse for investigation. The defendant faces charges of lewd acts by a caretaker upon a dependent adult and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

A certified nursing assistant at Concord Post Acute skilled nursing facility in Concord, California was arrested and charged with felony sexual abuse of an 86-year-old resident with diminished capacity. The case was referred to the California Division of Medi-Cal Fraud & Elder Abuse by the Department of Public Health, and the nursing assistant faces charges of lewd acts by a caretaker upon a dependent adult.

Antonio Franklin, age 47, from Milwaukee County was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for wire fraud involving the concealment of over $1 million in undisclosed bank account activity from January 2020 through March 2025. Franklin fraudulently received nearly $300,000 in disability and supplemental security income benefits from federal and state programs by failing to disclose information about his assets that would have affected his eligibility. In addition to imprisonment, the court ordered Franklin to pay full restitution of the fraudulently obtained benefits.

Multiple Social Adult Day-Care centres in Flushing, Queens billed New York's Medicaid programme approximately $733 million between 2018 and 2024, with journalists discovering locked doors and empty facilities despite claims of serving tens of thousands of seniors. The 77 centres within a one-mile radius account for roughly 14 percent of the state's entire social adult day-care spending, prompting investigations from state and federal authorities into allegations of illegal kickbacks and Medicaid fraud. While no centres have been officially charged, the scandal reveals severe oversight vulnerabilities, with evidence suggesting taxpayer money may be siphoned off using vulnerable seniors as billing cover.

The Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services is hosting a Fraud and Scam Prevention Program on August 27, 2026, to educate older adults about increasingly sophisticated scams targeting seniors through phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media. Common scams affecting older New Yorkers include impersonation scams, fake government agency calls, romance scams, Medicare fraud, tech support scams, and grandparent scams, with criminals often requesting payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency. The program will teach participants to recognize warning signs and follow the "Stop. Verify. Protect." rule: never act under pressure, independently verify callers using trusted phone numbers, and never share personal

Four home care workers at Hickory Creek Home Care in Warren County have been charged with felony neglect and Medicaid fraud after a care-dependent resident died in deplorable conditions, confined to a reclining chair for approximately 40 days. The defendants—Gregory Stanbro, Michelle Chapin, Katrina Burgeson, and Kimberly Hogan—allegedly failed to provide basic hygiene assistance while the Pennsylvania Medicaid program was fraudulently billed $6,873.60 for services never rendered. Each defendant was arraigned with bail set at $50,000 unsecured.

The East Lansdowne Police Department issued a warning alert about common scams targeting senior citizens, including phantom hacker scams, grandparent scams, government impersonation schemes, tech support fraud, lottery scams, and romance scams. The department emphasized that legitimate organizations never demand payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps, and advised seniors to hang up on suspicious callers, protect personal information, and report suspected scams to local law enforcement.

Minnesota enacted a ban on cryptocurrency ATMs that took effect Saturday after residents reported losing nearly $1 million in scams involving the machines since 2023, with criminals impersonating law enforcement to pressure elderly victims into sending money through the kiosks. In 2025 alone, there were 70 reported cases resulting in over $540,000 in losses with an average loss of nearly $6,800 per transaction, as crypto transactions cannot be reversed once sent to a scammer's digital wallet. The ban requires removal of all existing machines by December 31, addressing a scam disproportionately targeting seniors who are often too embarrassed to report their losses.

The Democratic National Committee was defrauded of nearly $29,000 in February 2025 when a staffer fell for a phishing email impersonating Chair Ken Martin and processed an unauthorized disbursement. Only $7,000 of the $28,860.92 has been recovered, and the incident adds to the DNC's existing financial troubles, including an $18.5 million debt and recent internal dysfunction. The scam occurred amid growing calls for Martin's resignation following reports of poor financial management and organizational chaos within the committee.

The New Bern Police Department is warning of a rising trend in scam calls targeting seniors, where fraudsters impersonate Medicare and IRS officials to create panic and extort personal information or immediate payment. Legitimate government agencies will not threaten, demand payment, or request Social Security or Medicare numbers over the phone.

California's Attorney General secured a $15 million settlement with Sweetwater Care Resource, a skilled nursing facility chain that systematically understaffed its 17 facilities in violation of state law from 2021 to 2024 while accepting tens of millions in Medi-Cal funds. The investigation found over 14,000 instances where Sweetwater nursing homes fell below California's mandatory minimum staffing requirements of 3.5 direct care hours per resident day. The settlement includes $12.5 million in penalties and $2.5 million toward staffing improvements, plus a three-year independent compliance monitor for all Sweetwater facilities.

Fraud targeting older Americans has become a critical retirement security issue, with reported property crimes against seniors jumping 62% between 2015 and 2025, and the FBI receiving over 201,000 fraud complaints from people 60+ in 2025 alone—with average losses exceeding $38,000 per victim. Common scams affecting retirees include investment fraud, romance scams, fake tech support, government impersonation, and "grandparent scams" where criminals pose as family members in distress. To protect themselves, seniors should verify requests for money through independent contact with family members, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, never give remote access to their computer to unknown callers, and report suspicious activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

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Older adults in South Florida are increasingly targeted by scams—including romance schemes, fake tech support calls, government impersonation, and cryptocurrency fraud—which can devastate those living on fixed incomes where even small losses affect their ability to afford housing, food, and medications. A Palm Beach woman fell victim to a classic romance scam where a fraudster posed as a Hallmark actor to gain her trust and money. Experts recommend that seniors and their families take preventive steps to protect themselves, such as watching for common scam tactics and being cautious about unfamiliar technology and unsolicited contacts.

# Summary A 39-year-old Chinese national, Didi Zou, was arrested in June for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated internet fraud scheme that defrauded an elderly Buffalo-area woman of $360,000 in life savings and inherited assets. Using fake Microsoft security alerts and posing as an IRS agent, Zou tricked the victim into transferring $20,000 in cash and gold coins/bullion to "protect" her funds from supposed hackers. Zou faces federal charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering and was ordered held in custody pending trial.

About 2 million people fall victim to medical identity theft annually, but Medicare beneficiaries can protect themselves through awareness and vigilance. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program offers free education, counseling, and assistance to help people prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse. If you suspect you've been scammed or want to get involved, contact your local Connecticut SMP at 800-994-9422 or visit their website for resources and information.

A Palm Beach woman fell victim to a classic romance scam in which a fraudster posed as a Hallmark actor and eventually separated her from money—a scheme emblematic of the growing threat seniors face across South Florida. Older adults living on fixed incomes are increasingly targeted by various scams including tech support fraud, government impersonation, Medicare fraud, and romance schemes, with even small financial losses potentially jeopardizing their ability to afford housing, utilities, medication, and care. Experts recommend that seniors and their families take protective steps such as staying alert to common scam tactics, being cautious with technology, and verifying the identities of people requesting money or personal information.

Federal prosecutors in Indiana have established a new Fraud Task Force and convened 20 law enforcement agencies to crack down on fraud targeting taxpayer-funded programs, cybercrime, and predatory schemes across the state. The initiative, part of a nationwide White House effort, has already resulted in charges or prison sentences against 19 individuals in 2026, including convictions in a $1.2 million travel insurance scheme and a $500,000 elder fraud case. Citizens should be aware that fraud investigations and prosecutions are expected to increase, and they can protect themselves by reporting suspicious activity involving federal benefit programs or targeting vulnerable populations like the elderly.

The National Probate Reform Coalition will present at Washington's 2026 Whistleblower Summit to raise awareness about adult guardianship abuse, a widespread problem where vulnerable seniors and adults are exploited financially through the guardianship system. The event will feature a screening of the documentary "The Bad Guardian," panel discussions with advocates and journalists, and aims to shift public perception of guardianship issues from private family matters to serious public policy concerns. If you or a family member is subject to a guardianship, experts recommend seeking legal counsel and contacting organizations like the Center for Estate Administration Reform to ensure proper oversight and protection against financial exploitation.

Scammers targeting older Americans aren't calling randomly—they're purchasing personal data from "data brokers" before reaching out, which makes their pitches unnervingly personalized and effective. Americans 60 and older lost $3 billion to fraud in 2025, up from $600 million in 2020, with exposed personal information playing a role in 72% of reported elder fraud cases. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls regardless of how convincing they sound, and consider limiting your personal information online by opting out of data broker services when possible.

Dr. Sanjoy Banerjee and two other medical directors at Fountain Hospice in Los Angeles were arrested for defrauding Medicare and Medi-Cal of over $3.2 million by falsely certifying ineligible patients for hospice care without their knowledge between 2016 and 2024. Patients were harmed when they were later denied hospice services at the end of life after their information was misused to submit fraudulent claims. To protect yourself, verify that any hospice care recommendations come directly from your healthcare provider and confirm your eligibility before enrollment.

Two members of a Chinese money laundering network, Zhuoying Chen and Haojie Zhang, have been charged with laundering over $40 million in funds stolen from victims through "pig butchering" investment scams. These scams typically target vulnerable people who are deceived into investing money that fraudsters steal and move through the network to China. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious about unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those from people you've met online, and verify any investment opportunity through official channels before sending money.

U.S. prosecutors charged two New York residents, Zhuoying Chen and Haojie Zhang, for laundering at least $43 million stolen from victims of "pig butchering" investment scams—elaborate online fraud schemes where scammers pose as romantic interests or investment advisors to trick people into sending money. The operation, which ran from 2020 to 2022, involved a network of shell companies and bank accounts used to move stolen funds to China. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities or romantic connections online, verify investment opportunities through official channels, and report suspicious financial activity to authorities immediately.

Ohio seniors face widespread exploitation through various forms of elder abuse, including phone scams, financial exploitation by caregivers or family members, and schemes that drain lifetime savings, often going unreported due to shame or fear. Law enforcement and prosecutors report these crimes are neither rare nor isolated, with victims often discovered too late after significant financial, physical, or emotional damage. Residents and officials are being urged to support stronger law enforcement measures, improved prosecutions, and accountability systems to protect vulnerable seniors from predators who exploit trust and isolation.

An elderly woman in Madison County nearly lost $25,000 after scammers convinced her to seal cash in magazines and ship it as a "gift," but her son discovered the scheme and recovered the package in time. According to the FBI, seniors over 60 lost over $7.7 billion to scams in 2025, with complaints from this age group jumping 37% year-over-year. Authorities urge people to check on elderly loved ones regularly and advise never mailing cash, being wary of demands for secrecy or quick action, and calling trusted family members or local police before sending money in unusual ways.

Imposter scams—where criminals pose as trusted family members, government agencies, or businesses to steal money or personal information—affected victims who lost $3.5 billion in 2025 alone, with seniors being particularly targeted through schemes like the "grandparent scam" where callers claim a relative needs emergency bail money. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unexpected calls that create urgency, ask for money or personal details, or pressure you not to verify the caller's identity by contacting family or authorities directly. Always take time to independently confirm the caller's identity through official phone numbers or by reaching out to the person they claim to be before sending any money or sharing sensitive information.

A 73-year-old retired social worker lost her entire $300,000 retirement savings to scammers who impersonated Microsoft Tech Support and her investment firm, using psychological manipulation and fear tactics about hacking and child pornography to convince her to transfer funds. Fraud targeting seniors has surged 300% since 2020, with gold courier scams becoming so prevalent they're now their own FBI crime category, and victims should remember that no legitimate government agency will ever request payment via gold, cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, verify unexpected calls independently by hanging up and calling official numbers directly, and work only with certified fiduciary financial advisors who are legally required to put your interests first.

A 73-year-old retired social worker lost her entire $300,000 retirement nest egg to an elaborate scam that began with a fake Microsoft security warning and escalated through coordinated psychological manipulation by fake tech support and investment fraud representatives. The scammers used fear tactics—falsely claiming she was involved in illegal activity—to coerce her into liquidating her assets, buying gold coins, and handing them to a courier, with her bank failing to intervene despite the highly unusual transactions. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited pop-ups or calls claiming security issues, never transfer large sums based on phone conversations alone, and always verify requests directly with your financial institution using official contact numbers rather than those provided by the caller.

# Summary The Trump administration's Department of Labor Inspector General has launched an investigation into alleged H-1B and PERM visa fraud, issuing dozens of subpoenas to examine potential labor trafficking, human trafficking tied to cartels, and displacement of American workers across industries including tech, healthcare, and consulting. The probe focuses on fraudulent visa schemes involving both factory workers and skilled professionals in medical facilities, with investigators alleging that perpetrators are exploiting the visa system and putting people at risk. No specific dollar amounts or victim counts have been disclosed in this announcement of the ongoing investigation.

Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, known as "Dada Joe Remix," pleaded guilty to leading a $4.4 million romance and inheritance scam that targeted elderly people in Arizona and across the United States from 2013 to 2023. The scheme involved perpetrators posing as romantic interests online and falsely claiming victims had inherited gold and jewels, then demanding payment for taxes or fees before releasing the assets. Seniors and their families are urged to be cautious about online dating profiles and unsolicited messages from strangers, and to verify any inheritance claims through official channels before sending money.

Utah seniors aged 60 and older lost nearly $66 million to fraud last year, with criminals using common tactics like impersonating government agencies, family members, or businesses to pressure victims into sending money or sharing personal information. U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak is conducting statewide presentations to help older adults recognize scams before becoming victims, noting that many cases go unreported due to embarrassment or fear of losing independence. To protect yourself, be suspicious of urgent demands for payment, unexpected prizes, and unsolicited contact claiming to represent trusted organizations—always verify requests independently before sending money or sharing personal details.

Seniors nationwide lost $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023, with Florida ranking second among states for elder fraud cases, affecting an estimated one in 10 to 14 older adults—and those with dementia face even higher risk. Local authorities and organizations like Elder Options are raising awareness about these scams, which are often perpetrated by family members the victims trusted with their finances, causing both financial and emotional damage. Experts recommend seniors stay vigilant about financial decisions, work with trusted community partners and law enforcement when suspicious activity occurs, and encourage open communication with family members about financial matters.

A Manatee County fraud investigation targeting elderly residents through phone calls and in-person cash collection schemes has resulted in multiple arrests and a 27-month federal prison sentence for suspect Xin Liu, who attempted to collect over $95,000 from more than 40 victims across Florida. The scammers impersonated government officials like FTC representatives to trick seniors into handing over cash, with one victim losing over $200,000 and being targeted repeatedly. Authorities advise elderly residents to be suspicious of unsolicited calls or visitors requesting money, verify identities independently through official channels, and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement immediately.

Florida authorities arrested two suspects, Ronald Keith Pack and Marie Carenan, for operating a multiyear fraud and abuse ring targeting elderly and disabled adults across eight unlicensed facilities in Central Florida. The defendants allegedly stole Social Security benefits, confiscated identification and debit cards, denied residents food and medicine, and restricted their movement by locking doors and windows. If you or a loved one is in assisted living, watch for warning signs like restricted access to money, isolation from family, missing medications, or poor living conditions—and report concerns immediately to local law enforcement or Florida's Department of Elder Affairs.

The IRS Criminal Investigation division is warning of a sharp rise in fraud targeting elderly Americans, with 161 new cases opened in the past 18 months and over $885 million in alleged fraud from 2021-2026. Common schemes involve criminals using deceptive tactics to steal money and personal information from seniors, with nearly 97% of prosecuted cases resulting in convictions and average prison sentences of four years. Older adults and their family members are encouraged to stay vigilant, report suspected fraud to their local IRS Criminal Investigation office, and not feel embarrassed about falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.

Financial scam advertisements are proliferating on major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, prompting formal complaints from European consumer groups against Google, Meta, and TikTok for failing to remove fraudulent ads that reach millions of users. Between December 2025 and March 2026, regulators reported nearly 900 suspected fraudulent ads, but platforms removed only 27% of them—with TikTok performing worst at 21%—suggesting potential financial incentives to overlook scams since Meta earned millions in ad revenue from Medicare-related fraud alone. To protect yourself, scrutinize financial ads on social media carefully, verify claims through official sources rather than links in ads, and report suspected fraudulent content to the platforms immediately.

A North Jersey financial adviser was convicted of stealing over $300,000 from an elderly client whose finances he was managing, facing up to 10 years in prison. The case highlights the vulnerability of seniors living on fixed incomes who rely on trusted professionals to manage their money. To protect yourself, elderly individuals and their families should monitor account statements regularly, use advisers who are registered and regulated, and consider having a trusted family member or independent party review financial arrangements.

Many people receive numerous scam and spam texts daily, often from numbers obtained through data breaches and sold on the dark web. The article recommends enabling built-in message filtering features on both iOS and Android phones—which automatically sort unknown senders into separate folders—and remaining skeptical of any unsolicited messages, especially those containing links or requests for money or personal information. Users should only trust messages from saved contacts and be particularly wary of "wrong number scams" where scammers pose as acquaintances or romantic interests to build trust before requesting money or pushing investments.

Americans over 60 lost more than $7.7 billion to fraud in the past year—a 37% increase—with the FBI and FTC identifying seven major scams targeting seniors, including AI voice-cloning schemes, government impersonation, tech support fraud, romance scams, investment fraud, and Medicare phishing. To protect yourself, experts recommend creating a family safe word to verify callers' identities and independently confirming any suspicious contacts by calling the person directly using known contact information rather than numbers provided by the potential scammer.

Medicare beneficiaries should be alert to durable medical equipment fraud, where vendors offer items for free at health fairs but then bill Medicare for expensive equipment that doesn't match what was actually provided. The article advises seniors and their families to carefully review their Medicare Explanation of Benefits statements and report suspicious billing discrepancies to the Senior Medicare Patrol, as this type of fraud can indicate a compromised Medicare number. If you encounter this situation, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Medicare directly rather than ignoring unexpected charges.

A comprehensive study found that Americans aged 60 and older lost $7.748 billion to internet fraud in 2025—a 59% jump from the previous year—with actual losses potentially reaching $10 billion to $81 billion when accounting for underreporting. The most common scams targeting seniors include investment fraud, tech support scams, romance scams, and government impersonation schemes, with artificial intelligence now playing an increasing role in perpetrating these crimes. Seniors should verify unexpected contacts independently, never share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers, consult trusted family members or financial advisors before making decisions, and report suspected fraud to the FTC or local law enforcement.

The FBI released an updated list of most-wanted fraudsters accused of schemes costing victims tens of millions to over $1 billion, including healthcare fraud, investment scams, mortgage fraud, and money laundering. Notable cases include Herbert Leon Kimble, who allegedly orchestrated a $1.2 billion Medicare fraud scheme using call centers to push unnecessary orthopedic braces, and Michael Lizaso Marasigan, accused of stealing over $10.7 million from a charitable bingo operation meant to fund children's medical programs. The FBI is asking the public to report any information about these suspects, emphasizing that citizens are crucial to locating fugitives and that even small details can help investigators.

Following the Nippon Dynawave paper mill disaster in Longview, Washington's Attorney General is warning residents about fraudulent charity scams that criminals may use to exploit people's desire to help victims. Donors should research charities before giving, verify they have a legitimate history of disaster relief work, and be cautious of suspicious solicitations—reporting any suspicious activity to the Attorney General's Office. Taking time to vet organizations and using official crowdfunding platforms can help protect donors from becoming victims of charity scams.

Federal officials announced a major crackdown on fraud in Ohio, charging 14 people in cases involving over $57 million in alleged Medicaid fraud, COVID-19 relief fraud, and romance scams. The cases include a $30 million behavioral health fraud scheme with false Medicaid billing, a $12 million individual fraud case, a $15 million romance scam, and other schemes, with authorities seizing hundreds of thousands in cash and vehicles. To protect consumers, officials are establishing task forces and suspending high-risk healthcare providers, while the public should remain vigilant about unsolicited financial requests and verify healthcare billing legitimacy.

Tennessee's Department of Disability and Aging and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have partnered to distribute educational magnets and information cards about common scams to older adults through meal delivery services, recognizing that homebound seniors are particularly vulnerable targets for fraud and elder abuse. The initiative will use meal delivery programs to reach seniors with information about the SafeSeniorTN website and resources that help them identify and avoid scams. Older adults receiving meals at home should watch for the educational materials and visit SafeSeniorTN to learn about common scams and where to report suspected fraud.

A Jamaican national named Jordan Trought has pleaded guilty to leading an international sweepstakes scam that defrauded over 200 elderly American victims of more than $9 million between 2015 and 2025. The scheme involved scammers calling or texting victims claiming they had won money and prizes, then convincing them to pay "taxes" or "fees" upfront and in some cases gaining access to their bank accounts to steal additional funds. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited calls or texts about sweepstakes winnings, never pay upfront fees to claim a prize, and verify any legitimate prize claims by contacting the official company directly.