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themiamihurricane.com
· 2026-09-23
Scammers are targeting University of Miami students through GroupMe chats using fake identities to sell concert and sports tickets, cameras, and other items, with one student losing money on a World Cup ticket scam after receiving a fake ticket via a phishing link. The scammers typically build trust by impersonating real students and using stolen identities, then pressure victims to make quick payments before revealing the fraud. Multiple students have been victimized through various GroupMe channels, including official-sounding ticket swap groups and club chats that require admin approval.
mountain-news.com
· 2026-09-23
Inland Counties Legal Services representatives presented information on scams targeting older Americans, noting that seniors lose over $3 billion annually with those over 80 experiencing the highest median losses. The presentation covered multiple scam types including phone fraud, caller ID spoofing, phishing text messages, social media scams (which grew from $19 million in 2019 to $380 million in 2023), and tech support scams that stole $587.8 million from victims over 60 in 2022. Attorneys emphasized that many scams go unreported due to seniors' reluctance to admit victimization, and advised the audience to pause before responding to suspicious contacts, avoid clicking links, and
local21news.com
· 2026-09-22
Two individuals were arrested on September 10 for orchestrating a gold bar scam targeting a 74-year-old woman in Pennsylvania, stealing over $250,000 across multiple transactions. The scammers impersonated federal law enforcement officers and convinced the victim that her identity had been stolen, instructing her to withdraw savings and purchase gold bars to hand off to couriers in out-of-state vehicles. Police recovered gold bars during a traffic stop and are seeking additional victims, as they believe at least two other people may have been targeted by the same fraud organization.
cnhinews.com
· 2026-09-22
The Lions Club of Tahlequah and Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma hosted a fraud protection event where seniors learned about scams targeting older adults and younger generations alike. Presenters discussed how artificial intelligence is increasingly used in scams, common tactics like fraudulent bank texts and phishing emails, and recommended a three-step prevention method: stop, think, and verify by contacting the source independently. The event emphasized reporting any suspected fraud to law enforcement and the FTC, and encouraged attendees to avoid giving personal information over the phone or to unsolicited contacts.
pymnts.com
· 2026-09-22
In July 2026, 21% of consumers reported being scam victims in the past five years, with romance scams rising 22% and identity theft remaining the costliest at an average loss of $6,050, though travel scams top individual losses at $35,272 per victim. Scammers are shifting tactics, increasing SMS/text contact by 35% while reducing emails, and tailoring approaches by generation—Gen Z faces more text and social media scams while seniors are targeted through fraudulent links and fake ecommerce schemes. Millennials and Gen Z experience the highest victimization rates at 26% and 24% respectively, with these younger generations accounting for an estimated $314
amac.us
· 2026-09-22
Social media scams exploit trusted platforms and personal details shared online to deceive users into sending money, revealing personal information, or downloading malware, with older adults facing heightened risk due to unfamiliarity with newer tactics and accumulated savings. Common scams include impersonation schemes like the "grandparent scam," where fraudsters pose as family members in distress requesting urgent money, and fake product offers within trusted community groups. Users can protect themselves by creating strong, unique passwords, being cautious about what personal details they share online, and verifying requests through independent contact with known family members or organizations.
foxnews.com
· 2026-09-21
A 75-year-old South Carolina man with Parkinson's disease and a brain injury allegedly had his home transferred to his caregiver for $5 through a quitclaim deed after the caregiver obtained power of attorney, with the daughter claiming the vulnerable father may not have understood what he signed and that money subsequently moved from his bank account to the caregiver even after his death. The case highlights elder financial exploitation and the importance of monitoring property records and financial accounts for unauthorized changes, as the allegations involve potential undue influence rather than forged documents. Conway police are investigating the matter, though the allegations have not been proven in court.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-21
Gen Z (ages 14-29) faces significantly higher rates of online scams and identity theft than baby boomers, with the FTC reporting that social media scams alone cost consumers $2.1 billion in 2025. Those under 20 reported over 31,000 complaints resulting in $67.1 million in losses, while those aged 20-29 reported over 112,000 complaints totaling $563.1 million in losses. Gen Z's constant social media presence, prioritization of convenience over security, and assumption that online protection efforts are futile make them prime targets for cybercriminals.
usatoday.com
· 2026-09-20
Alison Walsh booked an Airbnb vacation rental in San Diego for spring break that drastically differed from the listing photos—featuring safety hazards like rusty nails and duct tape—which she suspected were AI-generated, and she had to scramble to find alternative accommodations while waiting a month for a full refund. A 2026 survey found that 52% of American travelers have booked rentals that looked significantly different from their listing images, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated photos, fake reviews, and bait-and-switch tactics to deceive guests.
mcknightsseniorliving.com
· 2026-09-20
The PROOF Act (HR 10326), which recently passed the House, would grant federal investigators access to state records—including identity verification, benefit disbursement logs, and provider billing statements—to investigate fraud in federally funded programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, and unemployment benefits. Senior living organizations like Argentum and the National Center for Assisted Living support fraud prevention efforts but are concerned the bill could create additional administrative burdens and reporting requirements for providers already subject to extensive regulation. The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration and would require the US Attorney General to submit annual reports on information requests, target programs, and resulting convictions.
wbrc.com
· 2026-09-19
Card skimming scams are evolving as criminals develop new technologies to steal payment information without physical contact, including insert-style skimmers for chip cards and RFID skimming that targets tap-to-pay transactions; the FBI reports skimmer fraud costs Americans over $1 billion annually. Two individuals were recently arrested in Mississippi with skimming devices, fake cards, and over $10,000 in cash after planting skimmers at three Jefferson County businesses. Experts recommend using digital wallets with biometric security, RFID-blocking sleeves, inspecting card readers before use, and monitoring statements for unauthorized charges to protect against these evolving threats.
thetravel.com
· 2026-09-19
Global Affairs Canada issued a travel advisory warning Canadians about a surge in drugging and robbery incidents in Mexico involving travelers who met acquaintances through online dating apps and invited them to private accommodations. The advisory urges travelers to meet new online contacts only in secure, familiar locations and warns against sharing personal information, explicit photos, or leaving drinks unattended, as criminals have exploited dating apps to conduct romance scams, theft, and assault. Multiple Canadian tourist destinations in Mexico, including Cancún and the Riviera Maya, remain popular but require heightened vigilance against online dating-related crimes and other petty theft.
wilcosun.com
· 2026-09-19
In 2025, approximately 560,000 scams were reported across the U.S., resulting in $20.9 billion in losses, with Georgetown residents falling victim weekly to fraud ranging from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Common scams affecting residents include phishing, romance scams, tech support fraud, government impersonation, investment schemes, and sweepstake scams, often initiated through unsolicited contact via phone, text, or email. Legitimate agencies typically do not request payment via phone or text and never accept gift cards or cryptocurrency as payment methods.
cyberguy.com
· 2026-09-19
Criminals purchased Google and Bing sponsored search ads mimicking legitimate banks to redirect customers to fake login pages, stealing credentials to access real accounts and initiate unauthorized transfers; a Russian web developer was extradited for his role in the operation, which resulted in approximately $14.6 million in actual losses across at least 19 identified U.S. victims by December 2025. The FBI warns this "SEO poisoning" tactic is effective because fraudulent ads appear high in search results alongside legitimate ones, and recommends using bookmarks instead of clicking search results to access banking sites.
amac.us
· 2026-09-18
In 2025, elder fraud complaints from adults aged 60 and older exceeded 200,000 with losses surpassing $7.7 billion, with government imposter scams—particularly those falsely claiming Social Security issues—nearly doubling and becoming the leading fraud source among seniors over 80. Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence and generative AI to create convincing cloned voices and realistic messages impersonating government agencies, making scams harder to detect than previous versions with obvious warning signs. The Social Security Administration and AMAC are promoting resources including "my Social Security" accounts and scam awareness materials to help seniors verify communications through official channels and reduce vulnerability to impersonation fraud.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-18
Senior Americans lost $7.7 billion to fraud in 2025, a 59% increase from the previous year, prompting Aura to launch Trusted Family Access, a consent-based monitoring tool that allows caregivers to track identity theft, financial fraud, and compromised personal information while preserving the older adult's privacy and control. Research shows 65% of aging adults experienced a scam or fraud attempt in the past year, with nearly half losing money or personal information, while 70% of middle-aged caregivers view protecting their elderly loved ones online as part of their caregiving responsibility. The new feature addresses AI-driven scams that are increasingly sophisticated, with 81% of caregivers
thecyberexpress.com
· 2026-09-18
A cyberattack on Thinkng Bull, a Seoul-based math academy with 80 branches, exposed personal information of students and parents who used the exam reservation website, including names, schools, grade levels, dates of birth, and parental phone numbers. The breach was disclosed on September 17, and the academy warned families about potential follow-on scams and voice phishing attempts while taking the reservation site offline and filing a police report. The exact number of affected individuals had not been determined as of the latest update, with South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission still investigating whether legal violations occurred.
dallasobserver.com
· 2026-09-18
A Texas family of four was indicted for operating unlicensed boarding homes where they exploited elderly and disabled residents, including orchestrating the fraudulent sale of a 79-year-old woman's home and stealing over $156,000 that they misrepresented as a family gift to purchase their own property. The defendants face up to 30 years in federal prison on charges of conspiracy and making false statements to financial institutions. The case reflects a broader surge in elder fraud, with adults over 60 reporting 201,266 fraud complaints totaling $7.7 billion in losses last year, and AI-powered scams accounting for $900 million in reported losses.
nbcconnecticut.com
· 2026-09-18
A months-long investigation by Thomaston Police, with assistance from federal agencies, uncovered an elaborate fraud scheme involving a 31-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man charged with multiple counts of identity theft, forgery, larceny, and fraudulent use of payment cards. The investigation began after reports from Thomaston Savings Bank's Fraud Department and resulted in the arrests of both suspects, who face charges related to forgeries, identity thefts, impersonations, and unauthorized ATM use. The woman was released on a $100,000 surety bond and is scheduled to appear in court.
attorneygeneral.gov
· 2026-09-18
Fourteen individuals, led by 27-year-old Savannah Sperduto of Philadelphia, were charged in a stolen check fraud scheme that netted approximately $170,000 in actual proceeds while attempting thefts exceeding $1 million across Pennsylvania. The conspiracy involved obtaining checks from individuals, school districts, and businesses, then forging and altering them before depositing or cashing them at multiple banks. The defendants face charges including corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, forgery, theft, and identity theft.
valdostatoday.com
· 2026-09-18
Ogechi Urenna Udunka of Decatur, Georgia was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in laundering $158,000 stolen through a Business Email Compromise (BEC) scam targeting an agricultural company. The scam occurred when criminals sent fraudulent emails impersonating an Oregon seed company, tricking the victim into wiring funds that Udunka then received and disbursed to conceal their origin. Udunka was ordered to pay full restitution and perform 200 hours of community service.
kalb.com
· 2026-09-18
Grant Parish Sheriff's Office warns residents about increasingly sophisticated scams that stole approximately $400 million from Americans in 2024, with common tactics including impersonation of banks through spoofed caller IDs and romance scams that build trust over weeks or months before requesting money. The sheriff advises residents to hang up on suspicious calls, verify requests directly with their bank using official numbers, avoid sending money to unknown individuals, and be aware that Cash App transfers lack FDIC protection.
cyberguy.com
· 2026-09-17
A 75-year-old South Carolina man with Parkinson's disease and a brain injury had his home transferred to his caregiver via quitclaim deed for $5, along with significant unauthorized bank transfers, after the caregiver obtained power of attorney and allegedly isolated him from family. This case of alleged elder financial exploitation highlights the risks of undue influence and coercion targeting vulnerable seniors, where a caregiver exploited the victim's cognitive decline. The FBI warns that such quitclaim deed fraud can involve forged documents or manipulation by close associates, and recommends families monitor property records and enroll in free county title alerts to detect suspicious ownership changes early.
yahoo.com
· 2026-09-17
Five alleged leaders of the Black Axe organization were extradited from South Africa to the United States in September 2024 to face charges related to years of online romance scams, advance fee schemes, and money laundering spanning 2011-2021. The conspirators used fake identities on dating websites and social media to target U.S. victims with fabricated stories—such as romantic partners stranded in South Africa needing money—and pressured victims to send cash, electronics, and personal information, with some victims coerced through threats to distribute sensitive photographs. The scheme involved laundering proceeds through U.S. bank accounts controlled by victims and shell companies before transferring funds to South Africa.
hoodline.com
· 2026-09-17
Four North Texas boarding-home operators were indicted on federal charges for allegedly exploiting vulnerable residents through two schemes: the unauthorized sale of a 79-year-old woman's home for over $156,000 and the diversion of more than $50,000 in Social Security benefits from another resident. The defendants—Donella Locke, Suekya Whitney, Shakoya Crenshaw, and Krystle Locke—are accused of abusing their positions of trust by obtaining power of attorney and using residents' identities and resources for personal gain.
vladtv.com
· 2026-09-17
DJ Vlad's 80-year-old mother was defrauded of $200,000 in an FBI impersonation scam where fake federal agents gained remote access to her computer, claiming her Social Security and bank account were compromised, then directed her to purchase gold coins and transfer them in a parking lot exchange. The scam utilized tactics including fake pop-ups, authority impersonation, isolation from family, and manipulation through fear, with former CIA officer Charles Finfrock explaining how such schemes exploit vulnerable seniors. The case highlights the growing prevalence of elder fraud and gold-based scams targeting seniors.
whec.com
· 2026-09-16
Nahtahla Castner, 46, of Dansville, New York, was sentenced to 4 years in prison for stealing over $252,673 from an elderly neighbor between July 2020 and February 2023. Working with an accomplice, Castner gained the victim's trust to obtain bank information, then conducted unauthorized ATM withdrawals, money transfers, and debit card purchases, while also committing identity theft by opening three fraudulent credit cards in the victim's name. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
foxnews.com
· 2026-09-16
A woman lost nearly $1 million over two years in a LinkedIn romance scam involving a man using the stolen identity and photos of a real person named Brian Haugen. The scammer built trust gradually through compliments and conversation before requesting money, and crucially returned some initial payments to establish credibility before escalating to larger financial demands. The scammer exploited the victim's connection to a mutual LinkedIn contact to lower her guard and used information from her social media to craft a convincing approach.
madamenoire.com
· 2026-09-16
Six Nigerian nationals affiliated with the Black Axe crime network were extradited from South Africa to the United States in September 2026 to face wire fraud and money laundering charges related to romance scams targeting over 100 American women. The defendants allegedly defrauded victims of approximately $6 million through sophisticated schemes in which they posed as romantic interests claiming emergencies and requesting money or electronic devices. The criminal conduct spanned from 2011 through 2021, with the defendants operating from Cape Town as regional leaders of the international crime organization.
tvsourcemagazine.com
· 2026-09-16
This article contains entertainment news about television and streaming releases, premieres, and renewals—not information about scams, fraud, or elder abuse. It is not appropriate for an elder fraud research database summary.
surfshark.com
· 2026-09-16
Users reported losing $425 million to WhatsApp scams in 2025, according to FTC data, as scammers exploit the app's intimate nature and direct messaging capabilities to conduct social engineering attacks. Common scams include verification code theft (risking full account takeover), wrong number schemes that build trust before promoting fake investments or cryptocurrency trading, and family emergency impersonations requesting urgent money transfers. Red flags include suspicious links, requests for verification codes or personal information, and unsolicited messages from unknown contacts claiming urgent situations or investment opportunities.
ghanaiantimes.com.gh
· 2026-09-16
This article discusses the psychological and environmental factors that motivate employees to commit occupational fraud within organizations, identifying perceived pressure, opportunity, rationalization, perceived unfairness, and greed as key drivers. The piece emphasizes that Ghana faces significant fraud risks including investment scams, romance scams, identity theft, embezzlement, and misappropriation of public funds, which pose major threats to economic growth and organizational reputation. The article argues that management can prevent internal fraud by creating favorable work environments with strong ethical cultures, robust internal controls, and fair treatment of employees.
ntd.com
· 2026-09-15
Venkateswara Chagamreddy, a 37-year-old Indian student visa holder in Texas, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for defrauding a 79-year-old Vietnam veteran through a tech support and impersonation scam. Chagamreddy convinced the victim his identity had been stolen and instructed him to convert money into gold; the victim lost money before a family member recognized the scam and authorities arrested Chagamreddy with $500 and 23 ounces of gold in his vehicle. Evidence connected Chagamreddy to similar gold collection schemes targeting an 87-year-old North Carolina woman and a
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2026-09-15
Five alleged leaders of the Black Axe cybercrime syndicate have been extradited to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges for orchestrating a decade-long international fraud campaign involving advance fee schemes and romance scams from 2011 to 2021. The defendants used fake identities, social media, and VoIP numbers to deceive victims into sending money by posing as romantic partners, and used coercion tactics including threats to publish intimate photos when victims refused payment. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and money laundering charges.
unite.ai
· 2026-09-15
The article discusses how AI-generated deepfakes have made traditional dating safety advice obsolete, with a 2025 study showing 99.9% of people cannot reliably distinguish real from synthetic images and deepfaked selfies rising 58% in 2025. Rather than relying on users to spot fakes, platforms should use AI to analyze patterns of user behavior across multiple signals—device information, location, account activity—since while individual elements can be faked, maintaining consistency across all signals simultaneously becomes prohibitively expensive for fraudsters. Romance scams alone cost $1.5 billion in 2025, with global online-scam losses estimated between $88.3-114.1 billion,
leadership.ng
· 2026-09-15
Five Nigerians based in South Africa were extradited to the United States and charged with defrauding American women of over $6 million through online romance scams between 2011 and 2021. The defendants, identified as leaders of the Black Axe criminal organization, used fake identities on social media and dating platforms to trick victims into sending money and valuables, and allegedly laundered proceeds through U.S. bank accounts and shell entities. If convicted on all conspiracy charges, the five men could face up to 100 years in prison combined, with individual charges carrying maximum sentences of 20 years for wire fraud and money laundering, plus mandatory consecutive sentences for aggravated identity theft.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-15
Scammers are using AI to identify widows from publicly available obituaries and targeting them with tax evasion scams, with one widow losing $7,000 after being told she needed to pay to preserve her inheritance from her late husband's alleged tax scheme. The FBI reports that Americans aged 60+ lost $7.7 billion to internet and cyber-enabled crimes in 2025, up 59% from 2024, with an average loss of $38,500 per case. AI enables fraudsters to quickly extract personal information from obituaries, create convincing fake communications, and target grieving widows who are vulnerable while managing financial and administrative tasks following their spouse's death.
amac.us
· 2026-09-14
Patients using MyChart and other healthcare patient portals are being targeted by phishing emails and text messages designed to steal login credentials, with scammers also impersonating healthcare providers to trick users into downloading malware or revealing personal health information. While the MyChart system itself has not been breached, successful attacks could expose sensitive medical records, insurance details, and personal identifying information that criminals could use for medical identity theft, fraudulent insurance claims, or sale on the dark web. Patients are advised to access their accounts only through official apps and to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, even if they appear legitimate.
fincrimecentral.com
· 2026-09-14
Six Nigerian nationals affiliated with the Black Axe organization were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face charges for defrauding over 100 victims of more than R100 million (approximately $6 million) between 2011 and 2021. The organized scheme involved online deception, identity theft, manipulated payment instructions, and international fund transfers routed from the United States through South African accounts. The defendants face conspiracy and wire fraud charges, with potential sentences of up to 20 years imprisonment.
dallasexpress.com
· 2026-09-14
Four North Texas boarding home operators were indicted in federal court for exploiting elderly and vulnerable residents through two separate fraud schemes: one involving the fraudulent sale of a 79-year-old woman's home for over $156,000, and another involving the theft of more than $50,000 in Social Security benefits from a deceased resident. Donella Locke, Suekya Whitney, and Shakoya Crenshaw face conspiracy and false statement charges in the first case, while Krystle Locke faces theft of government money and identity theft charges in the second case. The defendants allegedly used positions of trust and power of attorney to carry out the schemes involving unlicensed boarding homes.
retailnews.asia
· 2026-09-13
Nearly half of all scam cases across six Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) remain unresolved, with 82% of victims recovering no money and only 10% achieving full reimbursement. Messaging applications account for 41% of fraudulent outreach, with AI-enabled schemes including deepfakes and voice cloning accelerating scams targeting investment, cryptocurrency, job opportunities, and fake e-commerce. The high fraud rates are causing consumers to abandon digital service providers at twice the rate of unaffected users, creating significant commercial losses for merchants and operators.
moneywise.com
· 2026-09-13
Scammers are targeting veterans with fraudulent postcards claiming enrollment in a nonexistent "Veterans Savings Program" that promises additional monthly payments of up to $185, then attempting to extract personal information like Social Security numbers and bank account details when victims call. Veterans should discard any postcards mentioning this program and instead contact the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 to verify benefit information. The FTC and VA recommend using the vsafe.gov website and VSAFE Fraud Hotline (833-38V-SAFE) to report suspected fraud and protect against scams.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-13
A 70-year-old retiree lost over $2,400 (1,800 pounds) in an Amazon impersonation scam after fraudsters called claiming suspicious activity on his account and used social engineering tactics, including a fake verification call and warnings about a compromised IP address, to convince him to authorize 12 separate bank transfers. According to the Federal Trade Commission, nearly 96,000 consumers reported being targeted by Amazon impersonators over one year, with almost 6,000 reporting losses totaling over $27 million, and adults 60 and older being four times more likely than younger people to lose money with a median loss of $1,500. The scammers explo
americanpress.com
· 2026-09-12
Senior citizens are frequent targets of illegal robocalls and text message scams involving government imposters, fake utility threats, package delivery issues, romance scams, virus warnings, and bank fraud schemes. The author describes personal experiences with scams that cost him $500 and nearly cost him another $500, and recommends verification strategies such as independently calling verified numbers and utilizing resources like AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) to combat these schemes.
africa.businessinsider.com
· 2026-09-12
Six Nigerian nationals were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face charges in connection with a romance scam that defrauded over 100 American women of more than $6.2 million between 2011 and 2021. The defendants operated from Cape Town using fake identities on social media and dating websites, claiming to need emergency money for construction accidents, taxes, and legal issues, while victims sent money, phones, computers, and valuables. The men, allegedly members of the Black Axe criminal organization, face charges including wire fraud, money laundering, and identity theft.
hoodline.com
· 2026-09-12
A 37-year-old Indian student visa holder was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for acting as a courier in a gold fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans, including a Delaware County, Oklahoma veteran who lost nearly $100,000 after being tricked by fake Microsoft support and federal officer impersonators into converting cash to gold. Venkateswara Chagamreddy was arrested during an undercover sting after collecting gold from multiple victims across three states within 48 hours, with evidence showing he received real-time instructions and victim photos from co-conspirators. The case reflects a national surge in elder fraud, with gold courier scams alone causing $311.8 million in losses across approximately
okcfox.com
· 2026-09-11
An Indian national on a student visa was sentenced to 30 months in prison for orchestrating a tech support scam targeting a Vietnam veteran in Oklahoma in August 2025. The suspect, Venkateswara Chagamreddy, posed as Microsoft support and a federal officer to convince the elderly victim that his identity had been stolen and connected to federal crimes, ultimately defrauding him into transferring money converted to gold. Chagamreddy was arrested when he arrived to collect the package, and investigators indicate he worked with another individual to defraud multiple victims over a 48-hour period; he was ordered to pay nearly $100,000 in restitution.
oig.hhs.gov
· 2026-09-11
Susanne Kee and her daughter Bethanne Kee were sentenced to four and a half years in prison for operating a $6.6 million Medicaid fraud scheme through a Silver City afterschool program, where they stole children's identities, fabricated psychological diagnoses, and billed Medicaid for services never provided. In addition to their prison sentences, the pair was ordered to pay $6.6 million in restitution.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2026-09-11
Venkateswara Chagamreddy, a 37-year-old Indian man on a student visa in Texas, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for defrauding an elderly Vietnam veteran in a tech support scam that resulted in the loss of gold and cash. The scheme involved fake Microsoft support, federal officer, and Treasury Department impersonators who convinced the victim to convert money to gold, which Chagamreddy collected in person; he was arrested during a second pickup arranged by law enforcement. Chagamreddy was ordered to pay $99,496 in restitution and evidence showed he targeted multiple elderly victims across multiple states within 48 hours, collecting gold
hindustantimes.com
· 2026-09-11
Indian student visa holder Venkateswara Chagamreddy, 37, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in an elder fraud scheme targeting elderly people through impersonation scams, including one against a Vietnam veteran from whom he defrauded $99,496. Chagamreddy posed as various officials including Microsoft support, federal officers, and Treasury Department representatives to convince victims to purchase gold and hand over their money, and he traveled across multiple states to collect payments from victims. He was ordered to pay $99,496 in restitution and faces removal proceedings after completing his sentence.