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# Summary President Trump claims Vice President JD Vance's federal anti-fraud task force has identified "billions and billions" in fraud that could help save Social Security and balance the budget without cuts to the program. Trump cited examples of fraudulent payments to deceased or extremely elderly individuals (claiming some over 115 years old), stating the recovered funds could strengthen Social Security, which is projected to become insolvent by 2032. The task force was launched to combat entitlement fraud, particularly cases involving illegal immigrants, though specific fraud amounts recovered have not been detailed in this statement.

An 80-year-old man and 79-year-old woman in California died in what authorities suspect was a murder-suicide after the woman fell victim to an elaborate "Tom Selleck" romance scam that lasted months and cost her at least $30,000. The scammer, who contacted her through Facebook, used personal details from her profile to build trust and gradually escalated requests from small gift cards to thousands of dollars, despite family members attempting to restrict her access to money. This case highlights how modern scams are evolving—increasingly using AI to create convincing fake photos, videos, and cloned voices—making them harder for families to detect and stop early, particularly among vulnerable elderly individuals.

A new documentary called "Beware Mysterious Mark" tells the true story of an elderly man who loses most of his assets, family relationships, and dignity to a charming newcomer over six to seven years, highlighting the serious problem of elder financial abuse. The documentary, produced by Radio Sidney with support from the New Horizons for Seniors grant, features experts including lawyers, doctors, and psychologists who provide practical advice on protecting seniors through legal safeguards like power of attorney, family transparency, and recognizing signs of predatory relationships. Viewers learn warning signs of elder financial abuse and actionable steps to take if they suspect someone is being exploited, including understanding cognitive vulnerabilities and knowing when to involve authorities.

A new documentary called "Beware Mysterious Mark," presented by Radio Sidney, tells the true story of an elderly man who loses most of his assets and his family relationships to a manipulative person who gradually gains his trust over several years. The film highlights the serious problem of elder financial abuse and features experts discussing warning signs, protective measures, and legal tools—such as power of attorney safeguards and transparent family communication—that seniors and their families can use to prevent such exploitation. Viewers are urged to watch for signs of chronic loneliness in older adults, maintain open family discussions about finances, and know when and how to report suspected elder abuse to authorities.

The Lake Conroe Centennial Lions Club hosted a presentation by banking professionals Julie Leone and Jamie McBee on "Senior Fraud," highlighting that 1 in 10 elder adults experience financial abuse or fraud, with billions of dollars lost annually to scammers. The speakers, who have extensive banking experience, educated the community about how seniors are financially exploited and targeted by fraudsters. While the article doesn't provide specific advice, the presentation emphasized the importance of awareness about senior fraud vulnerabilities, suggesting that community education and engagement with financial institutions are key steps in protecting vulnerable populations.

The Lake Conroe Centennial Lions Club hosted a presentation by two First Financial Bank representatives who educated members about "Senior Fraud," revealing that 1 in 10 senior adults experience financial abuse or fraud, with billions lost annually. Scammers specifically target elderly individuals through various exploitation schemes. While the article doesn't provide specific advice, the presentation highlighted the importance of awareness, suggesting that seniors and their families should learn to recognize and protect themselves from financial fraud schemes.

The House Homeland Security Committee held a hearing on how transnational criminal organizations use cryptocurrency fraud, online scams, and digital extortion to steal billions from Americans, with the FBI reporting 859,532 scam complaints totaling $16.6 billion in losses in 2024. These sophisticated criminal networks—particularly those running "pig butchering" investment fraud schemes from Southeast Asia—operate like industrial enterprises with real estate and banking infrastructure, with elderly Americans (aged 60+) suffering the highest losses. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited romantic or investment contacts online, verify investment opportunities through official channels, and report suspected scams to the FBI's IC3 or local law enforcement immediately.

A House committee heard testimony Tuesday about how transnational criminal organizations are using cryptocurrency and online scams to defraud Americans, with the FBI recording 859,532 scam complaints in 2024 resulting in $16.6 billion in losses—particularly through "pig butchering" investment fraud schemes targeting older adults. Sophisticated criminal networks operating from Southeast Asia use fake romantic relationships and cryptocurrency to steal money while making their activities harder to trace, prompting Congress to examine ways to combat these operations. To protect yourself, be wary of online romance or investment opportunities, verify investment platforms independently, and never send money or share personal information with people you've only met online.

Real estate cybercrime losses surged 59% to $275 million in 2025, driven by criminals increasingly using artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency scams to target homebuyers and investors in transactions. The FBI documented over 12,000 real estate-related cybercrime complaints, including AI voice cloning scams designed to trick victims into wire transfers and cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes. Consumers and industry professionals are advised to verify wire transfer requests through independent phone calls, remain skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, and work with established title insurance professionals who can help protect against fraud and forgery in property transactions.

Ohio reported 302 fraud complaints from older adults in 2024, with the state ranking eighth nationally for scam complaints targeting seniors—a concerning trend affecting over 2.8 million older Ohioans. Common scams include phishing emails, text messages, phone calls requesting financial information, romance fraud, and AI impersonation schemes. To protect yourself, never respond to unsolicited messages requesting personal information, let unknown calls go to voicemail, and always get a second opinion from local police or trusted family members before sharing any sensitive data or making financial decisions.

A 21-year-old Texas woman lost thousands of dollars after finding what appeared to be a legitimate remote job posting on Indeed, only to discover it was an elaborate scam. She was sent a fraudulent check for nearly $5,000, instructed to withdraw the funds and transfer them via cryptocurrency and money orders before the check was flagged as fake by her bank, leaving her responsible for repaying the full amount. Job seekers should be cautious of opportunities that move off legitimate job boards to external communication channels, skip formal interviews, and request upfront deposits or money transfers—legitimate employers don't ask new hires to handle cash transfers.

A 21-year-old Texas woman lost $5,000 after falling victim to a job scam she found on Indeed; the scammers posed as employers, offered her a remote position without a formal interview, then sent her a fraudulent check to deposit and instructed her to withdraw the funds and send money via cryptocurrency and money orders. The scam affected thousands of job seekers annually, particularly those searching for flexible remote work opportunities. To protect yourself, be wary of job listings that move off legitimate platforms quickly, skip formal interviews, offer positions without proper vetting, or ask you to handle money transfers as part of the hiring process—legitimate employers don't ask new hires to deposit checks and send funds back.

Cambodia has passed a strict anti-fraud law targeting online scams, particularly crypto-related schemes and organized cybercrime, with penalties ranging from 2-10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 depending on severity. The law addresses the country's growing problem with scam operations, including fake investment platforms, romance scams, and money laundering schemes that have affected victims across Southeast Asia. People should be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities and romance advances on social media, verify investment platforms independently, and report suspicious activity to authorities.

Investors have flocked to gold IRAs to diversify their retirement savings as the asset soared well above $5,000 an ounce — but with that surge in popularity comes a wave of bad actors who have no busi...

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com. Tax scams rarely stay the same for long. Each filing season brings new tactics designed to trick taxpayers into reveal...

An elderly man with dementia was systematically drained of $337,000 in a sophisticated, Cyprus-based "romance scam" that some banks failed to stop — and instead are retaining high-powered defense lawy...

# Deed Theft Scam Summary Criminals in New Hampshire are stealing home ownership through "quit claim deed fraud," where scammers forge documents to sell properties they don't own, with victims in New England losing over $61 million between 2019-2023. The scam targets homeowners by using forged identification and real estate documents to sell, rent, or take out mortgages on properties without the owners' knowledge, as happened to a New Hampshire couple who discovered their property being marketed for sale without their consent. To protect yourself, homeowners should monitor their property records regularly, place fraud alerts with credit bureaus, and consider title insurance to verify ownership and catch unauthorized transactions quickly.

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Lawmakers are addressing a growing problem of title and deed fraud, where scammers impersonate property owners, forge documents, and quickly sell homes to steal proceeds. The proposals include requiring probate notices to be recorded at county registries to track ownership changes and prevent fraud, as well as launching a study to explore stronger filing requirements and technological safeguards. Property owners and municipalities can protect themselves by verifying deed transfers, monitoring property records, and ensuring probate notices are properly recorded when inheriting real estate.

AARP West Virginia is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation protecting consumers from growing cryptocurrency and real estate scams that are increasingly targeting vulnerable populations, particularly older residents. Criminals are exploiting unregulated cryptocurrency kiosks—machines resembling ATMs found in stores and gas stations—to trick people into transferring funds through non-refundable transactions with hidden fees. To protect yourself, be cautious of unfamiliar money transfer machines in public places, verify the legitimacy of any investment opportunity, and consult trusted sources before sending money, especially to unfamiliar parties.

A Nigerian man was sentenced to over 8 years in prison for leading an international inheritance fraud scheme that targeted over 400 elderly and vulnerable Americans, stealing more than $6 million by falsely claiming they had inherited money and requesting upfront fees. The scammers sent hundreds of thousands of personalized letters impersonating Spanish bank representatives, convincing victims to send money for supposed delivery fees and taxes before receiving their "inheritance." To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited inheritance claims, never send money upfront for inheritances you didn't expect, and verify any financial claims directly with banks or lawyers using contact information you find independently—not information provided in the message.

A Nigerian man was sentenced to over 8 years in prison for leading a multimillion-dollar inheritance fraud scheme that targeted elderly and vulnerable Americans, defrauding more than 400 victims of $6 million over seven years. The scam worked by sending personalized letters falsely claiming recipients had inherited money, then requesting upfront fees for supposed taxes and delivery costs before the victims could access their inheritance. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited inheritance claims, never send money upfront for promised inheritances, and report suspicious communications to the Federal Trade Commission or local law enforcement.

AARP West Virginia is urging lawmakers to pass legislation protecting consumers from cryptocurrency scams, which have been growing in scope and targeting vulnerable populations including older adults. Cryptocurrency kiosks—machines that resemble ATMs and are located in public places like grocery stores and gas stations—are being exploited by criminals to trick people into transferring funds, with transactions often being non-refundable and containing hidden fees. The organization points out that while 17 states have already passed comprehensive legislation to regulate these kiosks, West Virginia currently has no such protections in place, and is calling for stronger consumer safeguards against both cryptocurrency and real estate fraud.

Deed fraud is surging in Detroit, with scammers illegally transferring home ownership by filing fraudulent paperwork at the register of deeds, disproportionately targeting seniors who often only discover the theft after it's already happened. This crime strips families of their homes and the generational wealth they represent, prompting city officials to call for reforms and increased awareness. Homeowners can protect themselves by regularly monitoring their property records, understanding what type of deed they hold, and connecting with local organizations for support and guidance.

Two women—a health center owner and her employee—have been charged with health care fraud for allegedly performing medical procedures without proper licenses at a women's health center in New Jersey. Medicaid patients were affected, as the defendants allegedly billed the program for services provided by unlicensed individuals, diverting resources meant for legitimate medical care. To protect yourself, verify that any healthcare provider treating you is properly licensed, ask about credentials before receiving care, and report suspected unlicensed medical practitioners to your state's health department or attorney general's office.

DESCO Federal Credit Union and The Bridge Church in Vanceburg are hosting a free educational event on March 3 called "In the Know: Spot the Scam, Protect What Matters" to help community members, especially older adults and vulnerable populations, recognize and avoid common financial scams. The lunch-and-learn event will cover topics like deed fraud and other forms of financial exploitation, providing attendees with tools to identify and report scams before they cause financial harm. Interested community members can attend for free from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Bridge Church, or contact Whitney Lowe at (800) 488-0746, ext. 3560 for more details.

The Trump administration announced plans in January 2026 to create a new DOJ division focused on fighting fraud affecting government programs, businesses, and citizens, led by a presidentially appointed Assistant Attorney General reporting directly to the White House. However, officials have provided conflicting details about the division's structure, resources, and how it will avoid duplicating existing DOJ fraud enforcement efforts, leaving significant questions unanswered. While the administration emphasized recent prosecutions of immigrants accused of benefit fraud in Minnesota, consumers should remain vigilant about fraud targeting them directly and report suspected fraud to the FTC or their local law enforcement.

Scammers are increasingly targeting South Dakota residents, particularly elderly people, by posing as government officials or businesses and directing victims to deposit money into cryptocurrency terminals where the funds disappear. A state senator and AARP are now pushing legislation that would require cryptocurrency kiosk operators to be licensed, implement daily and monthly transaction limits, and be responsible for refunding missing money. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contacts claiming financial emergencies and never move money into cryptocurrency based on such requests.

# Scam Summary Scams targeting seniors in Bradenton are increasing rapidly, with people over 60 losing $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023 alone. Police recommend using the "Five Ps" method to identify red flags: watch out for someone pretending to be from a trusted organization, claiming there's a problem or offering prizes, creating pressure to act quickly, or requesting specific payment methods. Seniors should have open conversations with family about scams, learn their phone's security features with help from trusted people or their carrier, and always verify requests before taking action.

A Senate committee is holding a hearing to address the growing problem of international scams targeting seniors, particularly fraud operations linked to China that are costing older Americans significant money. Experts from organizations focused on national security and fraud prevention are presenting evidence on how these scams work and their impact on vulnerable populations. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited calls, messages, or emails requesting personal information or money, and should verify requests through official channels before responding.

The Department of Justice significantly escalated its enforcement efforts against white-collar crime in 2025, with healthcare fraud as the top priority—exemplified by a record-breaking June takedown charging over 300 individuals, including nearly 100 medical professionals, for $14.6 billion in fraudulent claims. Healthcare providers, billing professionals, and compliance officers should expect increased scrutiny of their billing practices and business arrangements, with the DOJ expanding its specialized Strike Force model to nine regions nationwide to investigate and prosecute complex fraud schemes more rapidly. Companies in the healthcare sector are advised to strengthen their compliance programs and review their billing and business practices to mitigate fraud risks.

Grand Island, Nebraska has enacted a new city ordinance requiring cryptocurrency kiosks and ATMs to display fraud warning signs to protect residents—particularly older adults—from scams involving cryptocurrency machines. Businesses operating these machines must comply by displaying standardized warnings with reporting instructions, or face $500 daily fines. If you use cryptocurrency kiosks, look for these warning signs and report any suspected fraud to local law enforcement immediately.

Grand Island, Nebraska has enacted a new ordinance requiring cryptocurrency kiosks and ATMs to display fraud warning signs in an effort to combat scams that increasingly target residents, particularly older adults. The ordinance, which took effect November 20th, mandates clear warnings and fraud reporting instructions on all machines, with businesses facing $500 daily fines for non-compliance. Residents should be cautious when using cryptocurrency machines and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement immediately.

An 87-year-old Mumbai woman successfully had her house gift deed cancelled after she claimed her son fraudulently tricked her into signing it in 2022 by falsely claiming it was related to building redevelopment. The son allegedly moved her out of her home under pretenses, had her sign English-language documents she couldn't understand, and misrepresented her as having no children to a property owner. The civil court ruled in her favor, cancelling the deed based on fraud and misrepresentation, though the son contested all allegations. **Actionable advice:** Be cautious about signing any legal documents, especially those in languages you don't understand or in unfamiliar locations; always consult trusted family members or a lawyer before signing property documents; and if you suspect fraud regarding your assets, document everything and file a police complaint promptly.

A retired Indian police inspector general lost his life savings to a sophisticated online investment scam operating through WhatsApp and Telegram groups that falsely promised high returns on capital market investments. The scam, run by fraudsters posing as DBS Group employees including a fake CEO "Dr. Rajat Verma," targeted educated professionals and convinced victims to gradually increase investment amounts through fake profit updates from group members. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment tips in group chats, verify that investment firms are genuinely registered with regulators like SEBI, and never send money to individuals you haven't met in person or verified through official company channels.

# Fraud Surge in 2024 Americans lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year, with phone-based scams being particularly prevalent as criminals exploit the constant connectivity of mobile devices to target consumers anytime and anywhere. Older adults are disproportionately affected because they hold significant wealth, making them attractive targets for scammers who use texts, emails, social media, and even fake QR codes to deceive victims. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact on your phone or other devices, verify requests through official channels before sharing information or money, and report suspected scams to the FTC or local authorities.

Property deed fraud cases in Palm Beach County have skyrocketed from four to 180 over two years, with senior citizens being particularly vulnerable targets. If you fall victim to fraud, authorities recommend reporting it to law enforcement within 48 hours to maximize your chances of recovering lost funds. Residents can protect themselves by enrolling in the free property fraud alert system available on the county website.

Designers Bill Brockschmidt and Courtney Coleman lost $6,900 in a sophisticated online antiques scam after a criminal hacked into a seller's email account on Proantic (a European antiques marketplace), impersonated the seller, and fabricated fake shipping company communications to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, verify sellers through multiple independent sources beyond the marketplace listing, be wary of requests for wire transfers or additional fees after initial payment, and contact sellers directly through phone numbers or addresses you independently confirm rather than relying solely on email. This scam was notably more convincing than typical fraud because the communications used proper grammar, official-looking headers, and realistic transaction details rather than obvious red flags.

Austrian authorities are warning of a surge in internet investment fraud, particularly during the Christmas season, with organized criminal gangs stealing an average of €53,000 per victim—totaling €110 million last year alone. Victims are targeted through fake financial websites, AI-generated content, and cryptocurrency schemes that promise unrealistic returns, often after fraudsters build trust through social media or dating apps in schemes known as "Pig Butchering." To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited investment offers with guaranteed returns, verify websites independently, and never send money to contacts you haven't met in person, especially if they're pushing financial or crypto investments.

Financial fraud in Oregon resulted in an estimated $201 million in reported losses and $1.2 billion in unreported losses in 2025, with the FBI and FTC reporting significant increases in fraud cases nationwide. The state's economy faces a projected $3.9 billion reduction in GDP, $2.6 billion reduction in personal income, and approximately 15,000 job losses due to all financial fraud (reported and unreported). Oregon ranks 26th-28th among states for cyber-enabled crime losses and elder fraud complaints, with fraud cases up 3,336 since 2022 and total losses up 285% since 2020.

James L. Townes Jr., 50, of Berkeley, Missouri, and accomplice Charnay Bartlett, 29, were indicted on multiple counts for orchestrating a property fraud scheme in which they fraudulently transferred ownership of 16 homes and a duplex between September 2018 and April 2025 by stealing identities, forging signatures, and creating fraudulent notarized deeds. In a separate indictment, Townes was charged with falsely claiming disability benefits while simultaneously operating multiple businesses and managing investment accounts and notary commissions from February 2017 through August 2025. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the combine

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**Real Estate Wire Fraud Alert:** Scammers increasingly impersonate real estate agents, lenders, and title companies to deceive homebuyers into wiring money to fraudulent accounts, with first-time homebuyers being three times more likely to fall victim and 1 in 20 consumers expected to be scammed according to a 2025 CertifID report. Experts recommend verifying all wire instructions directly with verified phone numbers, remaining skeptical of urgent requests, and avoiding clicking unknown links in purchase-related communications.

Mark Janbakhsh, CEO of auto dealership Auto Masters, was convicted of bank fraud, conspiracy, and related crimes after submitting false documentation to Capital One and First Tennessee Bank between 2013 and 2017 to fraudulently obtain approximately $26.4 million in credit. When auditors discovered discrepancies, Janbakhsh directed employees to destroy evidence and later lied under oath during bankruptcy proceedings, additionally attempting to bribe a co-conspirator with over $300,000 to flee and obstruct the federal investigation. He faces up to 30 years in federal prison and $1 million in fines at sentencing.

**Incident:** A wildfire survivor in Ventura County filed a lawsuit against ServPro Global DRT alleging fraud, elder abuse, and property destruction following the November 2024 Camarillo Mountain Wildfire. The contractor allegedly performed unauthorized restoration work on the plaintiff's property, caused significant damage to HVAC systems and structural components, then demanded over $62,000 and filed a fraudulent mechanic's lien against the property when challenged. The California Contractors State License Board identified multiple violations including lack of proper contracts, failure to provide required senior cancellation rights, and use of unregistered sales personnel, supporting allegations of predatory fraud targeting vulnerable disaster survivors.

Email payment scams involving last-minute changes to payment methods and destinations cost parties significant sums, including a $475,000 settlement in Thomas v. Corbyn Rest. Dev. Corp where defendants' attorney wired funds to an imposter's account after receiving a fraudulent email requesting a change from check to wire transfer. Courts have held the party in the best position to prevent fraud—typically through verifying requests via independent phone contact and scrutinizing suspicious email addresses and sudden payment term changes—liable for losses. The key defense against these schemes is to assume the worst when receiving unexpected payment modification requests and verify all changes through established, verified communication channels rather than relying on email alone.

Sam responded to an unsolicited text about a marketing job opportunity and was drawn into a task-based scam after being contacted via WhatsApp by scammers posing as recruiters. The scammers lured him with promises of $900+ weekly wages for easy work, daily payments, and a paid trial, ultimately resulting in Sam losing thousands of dollars before he ended contact. The article identifies multiple red flags Sam missed, including error-riddled messages, unrealistic wages for unskilled work, requests to move communication off legitimate platforms, and pressure to proceed without standard employment verification procedures.

Legal experts from LSC-funded organizations discuss how civil legal services address critical needs of aging Americans, with LSC programs assisting over 312,000 seniors age 60+ annually with issues including wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives. Seniors face particular vulnerability to scams and fraud, and these legal crises compound other challenges like housing costs and medical issues that threaten their safety, stability, and ability to age independently with dignity.

Ehis Lawrence Akhimie, a Nigerian national, pleaded guilty to operating a transnational inheritance fraud scheme that defrauded over 400 elderly and vulnerable U.S. victims of more than $6 million. The scheme involved sending personalized letters falsely claiming victims were entitled to multimillion-dollar inheritances and requesting upfront payments for delivery fees and taxes, with funds collected through a network of U.S.-based money mules. Akhimie faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, and seven co-conspirators from the United Kingdom, Spain, and Nigeria have also been convicted in connection with this international fraud operation.

Sophisticated fraudsters in Kerala are targeting elderly pensioners through phone scams impersonating government officials, using stolen personal data (pension details, Aadhaar numbers, nominee information) to build trust before requesting OTPs to access bank accounts. Kerala's Cyber Operations Division reports 2,000-2,500 daily fraud complaints with approximately 125 resulting in cases, causing an estimated loss of ₹1-1.5 crore daily, though 90% of losses are under ₹1 lakh per victim. The Pension Directorate has warned pensioners that legitimate government officials never contact them by phone or online to update life certificates, and victims should report frau