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americanbanker.com
· 2025-12-08
FinCen's analysis of elder financial exploitation found that approximately 80% of reported cases involve scams (fraudulent transfers to strangers) while 20% involve theft by trusted individuals, with account takeover being the most common exploitation method. Warning signs include sudden changes in banking practices, unexplained large withdrawals, and abrupt changes to wills or financial documents, with approximately 10% of people aged 65 and older experiencing some form of elder abuse annually. Financial institutions play a critical role in identifying and preventing elder financial exploitation through compliance reporting and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, while research indicates that susceptibility to scams correlates with lower income, reduced cognitive function, and limited financial literacy.
armytimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Former Army Specialist Sanda Frimpong was sentenced to 40 months in prison in April 2022 for money laundering connected to romance scams that defrauded victims of over $350,000 between December 2019 and February 2022. Operating with three co-conspirators from Fort Liberty, North Carolina, Frimpong impersonated romantic interests, military personnel, and customs officials via WhatsApp and Snapchat to convince victims—including seniors and military veterans—to send money under false pretenses such as inheritance releases and asset transfers. He must also pay restitution to victims and serve three years of supervised release.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Laura Kowal, a 57-year-old retired hospital executive from Illinois, was victimized by a romance scam perpetrated by someone posing as "Frank Borg," a Swedish investment adviser, beginning in October 2018; she eventually went missing in 2020 after losing significant money and being manipulated through sophisticated psychological tactics. Her daughter, Kelly Gowe, discovered her mother's disappearance and subsequently learned that over 64,000 Americans were defrauded of more than $1.14 billion through romance scams in a single year, with victims often too ashamed to report the crime. Gowe has since dedicated herself to raising awareness
cryptopolitan.com
· 2025-12-08
The SEC released a comprehensive guide for elderly investors covering strategies to protect assets through education, diversification, regular portfolio monitoring, and fraud prevention. Key recommendations include establishing trusted contacts on brokerage accounts, understanding investment fees, conducting background checks on advisors, using strong security practices, and planning ahead for potential incapacity by organizing documents with trusted family members.
ca.movies.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
"Thelma" is a fictional comedy-drama film featuring actress June Squibb as a 93-year-old woman who becomes the victim of a mail scam in which fraudsters convince her to send $10,000 for a fake bail for her grandson. After losing the money to the scammers, Thelma embarks on a revenge quest across Los Angeles via motorized scooter to locate the criminals and recover her funds, navigating physical and psychological challenges of aging along the way.
law.georgia.gov
· 2025-12-08
Lawrence Montgomery, Jr. pleaded guilty to exploiting his 77-year-old mother, Ruth Montgomery, who had Alzheimer's disease, by diverting her social security checks to himself over five months (October 2019–February 2020) while she was in a nursing home, putting her at risk of discharge. He was sentenced to 10 years of probation, ordered to pay restitution, and barred from serving as a guardian or power of attorney. Georgia's Attorney General emphasized that protecting seniors from family-member exploitation remains a priority and noted that the state's Medicaid Fraud Division has secured 90 convictions for elder abuse and fraud since 2019.
orilliamatters.com
· 2025-12-08
This article announces a new podcast series addressing senior fraud and abuse in Ontario, featuring an OPP officer discussing common scams like grandparent fraud and red flags to watch for. The episode highlights that over 60,000 Ontario residents lost millions of dollars to scammers in 2023, and provides guidance on reporting these crimes and accessing support through victim services organizations.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A couple aged 71 and 68 in Lancaster County, Nebraska lost $115,000 to scammers who used fear tactics after the couple's computer shut down, falsely claiming the FBI had connected them to child pornography and theft. The scammers convinced the couple to withdraw $115,000 from their bank, purchase gold bars, and hand them over to a man in a silver Ford Explorer who promised to deliver them to Washington D.C. for safekeeping; police believe the gold bars have likely left the country. This represents the largest fraud case Lancaster County Police Department handled in 2024, highlighting how sophisticated scams now involve in-person collection of funds rather than traditional wire transfers
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal and Montana aging services are warning Medicare enrollees of a scam where fraudsters impersonate government officials and offer free medical equipment or services in exchange for Medicare numbers. Scammers use phone calls, emails, and social media to solicit personal, medical, and financial information, which they then use to steal money or commit identity fraud. Victims are advised to hang up immediately if offered free medical equipment in exchange for their Medicare number and to report suspected fraud to the HHS OIG Hotline at 1-800-447-8477.
prunderground.com
· 2025-12-08
"Senior Savvy: A Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Scams," authored by retired investment advisor Andy LaPointe, is an educational resource designed to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud targeting them both online and offline. The guide covers scam types ranging from door-to-door schemes to cryptocurrency fraud, and provides practical advice on internet safety, password creation, phishing recognition, and steps for reporting fraud and recovery. Bulk purchase discounts are available for organizations seeking to use the book as an educational tool for community workshops and seminars.
carolinacoastonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Lenna Easter and other Carteret County seniors attended a fraud awareness seminar organized by Carteret County Aging Services to learn how to protect themselves from online scams including cybercrime, mail fraud, reverse mortgages, identity theft, Medicare fraud, and investment schemes. The free educational event featured presentations from local officials and law enforcement who provided advice such as not answering suspicious calls, obtaining second opinions on financial matters, and never sharing personal information like Social Security numbers.
mtpr.org
· 2025-12-08
Organizations in Montana are warning of increased scams targeting Medicare enrollees, where fraudsters solicit victims' Medicare numbers by offering free services, gift cards, or medical equipment. Scammers then use stolen numbers to bill Medicare fraudulently before disappearing. Montana's Senior Medicare Patrol advises Medicare recipients to never share their numbers with unknown callers and to regularly review their Medicare summary notices for unrecognized providers or services.
chicagotribune.com
· 2025-12-08
The city of Aurora is partnering with the FBI to offer a free "Empowering Seniors Against Scams" workshop on May 15 at two locations, designed to help seniors, caregivers, and service providers recognize and avoid scams threatening their financial security. The workshop will focus on common scams such as fraudulent credit card calls rather than complex computer-related issues, and has already generated over 100 applications in its first weekend, indicating strong community interest in fraud prevention education.
wdbj7.com
· 2025-12-08
I don't have access to the full article content. The text provided only shows the website navigation menu and header information for a WDBJ7 news article titled "AGING IN PLACE: Senior Scams" published on April 23, 2024, but the actual article body is not included.
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candgnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Birmingham Police Department is increasing awareness efforts about rising financial scams and identity theft affecting residents, with seniors representing a high percentage of victims. Police Chief Scott Grewe warns that scams involving requests for prepaid debit card payments are fraudulent, and encourages residents to report suspicious calls to law enforcement so cases can be investigated and perpetrators brought to justice.
wdbj7.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraud losses reached a record $10 billion in 2023, representing a 317% increase from $2.4 billion in 2019, with seniors frequently targeted through phone, email, mail, and in-person scams. AARP recommends seniors protect themselves by placing credit freezes with all three major credit bureaus using their social security number, birth date, and past addresses, and recording their PIN for future reference. Those who suspect fraud can contact the Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 to report incidents.
fayobserver.com
· 2025-12-08
Sanda G. Frimpong, a 33-year-old former U.S. Army specialist from Fort Bragg, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for operating a romance scam and unemployment fraud scheme from 2019 to 2022 that defrauded thousands of vulnerable people, including elderly victims and military veterans. Frimpong and his conspirators impersonated romantic interests, diplomats, and military personnel to extract money from victims—including one person who lost $150,000—and laundered hundreds of thousands of dollars through bank accounts and contacts in Ghana, while also fraudulently obtaining over $100,000 in pandemic unemployment
sandhillsexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 57-year-old retired hospital executive from Illinois lost $1.5 million to a romance scam perpetrated by someone posing as a Swedish investment adviser between October 2018 and August 2020. The victim's daughter, Kelly Gowe, discovered her mother had been victimized after a federal investigator's call and subsequently found a suicide note, motivating her to advocate for romance scam awareness. According to the Federal Trade Commission, over 64,000 Americans were defrauded of more than $1.14 billion by romance scammers in a recent year, with victims often reluctant to report due to shame and embarrassment, though law enforcement emphasizes
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Niselio Barros Garcia Jr., a 50-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for laundering over $2.3 million in proceeds from romance scams and business email compromise fraud schemes orchestrated by Nigerian co-conspirators; he used bank accounts and cryptocurrency exchanges to conceal and transfer the funds. Garcia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and was ordered to forfeit $464,923.91. Four additional defendants remain at large in this transnational fraud operation.
highlandcountypress.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides digital safety tips for senior citizens to protect themselves while using technology. Key recommendations include recognizing and avoiding phishing scams, adjusting privacy settings on social media, creating strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication, and staying informed through training programs. Highland County Community Action Agency and County Commissioners are sponsoring free in-person digital literacy training sessions for seniors covering computer basics, internet safety, and social media.
wvua23.com
· 2025-12-08
Tuscaloosa hosted its annual Fraud Awareness Summit to educate seniors about phone scams, social media fraud schemes, and evolving technology-based tactics used by fraudsters to target older adults. The summit is particularly significant given that Tuscaloosa ranks as the No. 1 metro area in the U.S. for fraud reports and identity theft per capita, according to Federal Trade Commission data.
dailyherald.com
· 2025-12-08
I'm unable to summarize this content. The text provided appears to be an error message from Incapsula (a web security service) rather than an article or transcript about elder fraud, scams, or abuse.
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citizennewspapergroup.com
· 2025-12-08
Representatives Robin Kelly and Troy Balderson introduced the Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act, bipartisan legislation directing the Federal Trade Commission to issue a comprehensive report on senior-targeted scams, including their types, frequency, and policy recommendations. The bill also requires the FTC to update its web portal with regional scam information and resources for law enforcement and adult protective services to help seniors and caregivers identify and prevent fraud. The Elder Justice Coalition endorsed the legislation as a commonsense approach to combat financial abuse that can devastate seniors' life savings.
foxrgv.tv
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of an escalating "grandparent scam" targeting senior citizens nationwide, where callers impersonate relatives claiming to need urgent bail money or emergency funds. Scammers use emotional manipulation and request payment through hard-to-trace apps like CashApp or WhatsApp to prevent fund recovery. The BBB recommends seniors verify caller identity by hanging up and calling back on known numbers, avoid sharing personal information over the phone, and report suspected scams to the BBB helpline (969-1804) or scamtracker website.
12news.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI Phoenix detailed a sophisticated "Phantom Hacker" scam targeting elderly Arizonans that has resulted in multiple victims losing their life savings. The scam typically begins with a fake pop-up warning of computer compromise, followed by scammers posing as representatives from legitimate companies and banks who gain remote access to victims' computers, monitor their banking activity, and then direct them to transfer funds to cryptocurrency ATMs. FBI officials indicate the scammers, often operating from overseas locations like Russia and China, are successful in returning victims' funds approximately two-thirds to three-quarters of the time when reports are made within one to two days of the transaction.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A former Nigerian romance scammer named Christopher, who operated fake dating profiles from 2016 to defraud women of large sums of money, was arrested and has since reformed by working for an anti-scam company and sharing his story to raise awareness. Romance scams are a widespread federal crime affecting tens of thousands of Americans annually, with cases often involving multiple victims and complex schemes that are difficult to prosecute; U.S. Attorney Erek Barron's office in Maryland has made scam and fraud cases a top priority through participation in the Justice Department's "Elder Justice Strike Force" and partnerships with organizations like AARP to prevent future victimization.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Between 2013 and 2018, as many as 25-30 percent of new Match.com members were reportedly using the platform to perpetrate romance scams, according to an FTC lawsuit against parent company Match Group. American victims lost over $1 billion to romance scammers in 2023 alone, with dating apps serving as primary "hunting grounds" for scammers targeting vulnerable individuals, including a case where an Illinois widow lost her life savings of $1.5 million to a fake profile. Despite Match Group's reported $125 million annual investment in trust and safety measures, critics argue the company has not done enough to prevent scammers from accessing the platform
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 44-year-old caregiver, Gerald Camposanto Cerillo, was arrested in April 2024 for stealing over $10,600 from an elderly Los Altos Hills couple by using their debit card to make 15 unauthorized ATM withdrawals in December 2023. The theft went unreported for two months until the victims' daughter discovered it while preparing tax documents, and Cerillo was identified through ATM surveillance video and arrested on charges of financial elder abuse and unlawful use of a debit card. Authorities indicate there may be additional victims, as similar fraud allegations involving Cerillo surfaced from another employer in June 2023.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Victoria Zerillo, a 49-year-old general manager in Riverview, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for embezzling over $400,000 from senior citizens between December 2015 and November 2022. Zerillo and co-conspirators created false bank statements and destroyed records to steal funds from a non-profit that provided repair services to a senior residential community, spending the money on personal luxuries including vacations. The court ordered her to forfeit $410,963.78, and senior residents testified about the significant financial harm caused by the fraud.
bluebonnetnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI's Houston field office is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of Regina Lynn Thomas (also known as Nikki Laday), who has been federally charged with over 65 counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Thomas allegedly targeted senior citizens in the Houston area by impersonating a registered nurse at senior care facilities, with suspected ties to Pearland, Sugarland, and the greater Houston metro area.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
Since the pandemic, scams targeting seniors in Ohio have more than doubled according to AARP data. An 81-year-old man was charged with murder after shooting an Uber driver whom he believed was involved in a scam, and legal experts indicate that if the actual scam perpetrator is caught, they could face up to 20 years in federal prison on wire fraud and extortion charges, though locating the suspect may be difficult if they are located outside the United States.
abc13.com
· 2025-12-08
Regina Thomas and her son Isaiah allegedly ran a wire fraud scheme targeting seniors in Houston, stealing over $1 million from an elderly couple by impersonating a nurse and lawyer, respectively, and fabricating stories about FEMA fraud and legal troubles. Regina Thomas is currently a fugitive, prompting the FBI Houston office to offer a $10,000 reward—marking the first time they've offered a reward in an elder fraud case—while Isaiah faces federal wire fraud charges and is out on bond. Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are actively seeking Regina Thomas, also known as Nikki Laday.
pottsmerc.com
· 2025-12-08
The Association of Health Care Journalists reported that elder scams have become increasingly sophisticated through artificial intelligence, making them harder to distinguish from legitimate interactions. The AARP Fraud Watch Network received nearly 100,000 calls in 2023, and the National Council on Aging documented 88,000 fraud victims age 60+ in 2022 alone, losing $3.1 billion collectively. Common schemes include the grandparent scam (impersonation requesting wire transfers), romance scams (nearly 70,000 reported in 2022 with $1.3 billion in losses), government impersonation, tech support fraud, and voice recording scams, with
fox26houston.com
· 2025-12-08
Regina Lynn Thomas, also known as Nikki Laday, is wanted by the FBI on over 65 counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for allegedly posing as a nurse to defraud elderly victims in the Houston area. The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to her arrest, emphasizing the serious community impact of elder fraud.
sunlive.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Eastern Bay of Plenty Police are warning of increasing home maintenance scams, particularly targeting older and vulnerable residents, where individuals request 50% deposits for roofing or painting work that is either never completed or poorly executed. One known perpetrator in Whakatane collects deposits for waterblasting and painting, completes only the initial waterblasting stage, then disappears with the money. Police urge the public to verify credentials before paying any deposits and report suspected scams to help prevent further victims.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The Indian government is planning to establish a Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre under the Cybercrime Coordination Centre to combat the surge in online scams by coordinating real-time responses across banks, telecom providers, IT companies, and law enforcement. The centre will co-locate representatives from major banks, telecom service providers, and police departments to enable seamless cooperation and prevent financial losses, with the project targeted for completion within the government's first 100 days in office.
kingstonpolice.ca
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece provides practical financial and legal safeguarding advice for seniors to prevent elder abuse and fraud. Key recommendations include arranging direct deposit for pension payments, establishing a Power of Attorney with legal guidance, maintaining financial literacy by understanding household finances, appointing accessible executors, and exercising caution when allowing family members to move in, particularly those with histories of substance abuse or financial problems. The guidance emphasizes maintaining independence and ensuring multiple family members can monitor financial care.
lohud.com
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old Bedford resident was scammed out of $28,000 after responding to a pop-up security alert on their computer and calling the number provided, believing they were contacting Microsoft support. The scammer, identified as Jinguan Li, 48, of Brooklyn, posed as a Microsoft employee and convinced the victim that a cash payment was necessary for computer repairs, which the victim then handed over in person; Li was arrested with over $100,000 in cash and charged with grand larceny. The incident highlights the vulnerability of older adults to pop-up scams and authorities recommend scrutinizing pop-ups before clicking and reporting suspicious activity to banks or police.
news.clearancejobs.com
· 2025-12-08
Former Army specialist Sanda G. Frimpong was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution for laundering over $350,000 obtained through romance scams targeting vulnerable victims including seniors and military veterans. Frimpong and at least three conspirators executed multiple scams by impersonating romantic interests, diplomats, and military personnel via encrypted messaging apps, and also fraudulently obtained CARES Act funds and unemployment benefits using stolen identities across multiple states. The money was laundered through various banking systems, across state lines, and through contacts in Ghana while Frimpong remained on active duty at Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
flcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill was arrested and charged with elder abuse and fraud after a 13-month investigation revealed she stole over $100,000 from a 96-year-old woman she represented through power of attorney, using the funds for cosmetic procedures, a home purchase, and personal expenses. Hill faces seven charges including exploitation of an elderly person and mortgage fraud, with potential sentences totaling up to 180 years in prison; her trial is scheduled for July 2024. Following her suspension by Governor Ron DeSantis in April, a special election was set for May 21 to fill her vacant District 5 city commission seat.
ivpressonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Congressman Raul Ruiz held a senior fraud awareness seminar in El Centro after his own mother nearly fell victim to a "grandparent scam" in which a scammer impersonated a relative in Mexico requesting $5,000 for bail. The event highlighted that fraud is a national epidemic affecting seniors, with Ruiz noting that 198 fraudulent cases were reported in the prior year (likely representing only a fraction of actual incidents due to underreporting caused by embarrassment and fear), and emphasized the importance of reporting scams to law enforcement and sharing fraud prevention information within communities.
liherald.com
· 2025-12-08
A 27-year-old Brooklyn man was arrested in April 2023 for defrauding a 94-year-old victim of approximately $250,000 through a Publishers Clearing House prize scam, in which the perpetrator posed as a representative and convinced the victim to pay upfront taxes via cashier's checks. The victim reported the fraud to police after realizing he had been deceived, leading to a multi-agency investigation and the arrest of Jamario Smellie, who was charged with grand larceny.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Birmingham, Alabama woman with medical needs was defrauded of over $200,000 by five individuals employed to care for her, including two live-in caretakers, a house cleaner, and a hairdresser, who were charged with wire fraud and identity theft between December 2020 and February 2022. The perpetrators used the victim's credit card information and banking services to make unauthorized purchases and transfers, with the hairdresser alone charging over $130,000 to her Square account. The case reflects a broader trend of elder financial exploitation in the U.S., with the Treasury reporting approximately $27 billion in suspicious elder fraud activity in a single year.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
ReNew Health Group LLC and two corporate executives settled a $7.08 million civil case with the U.S. Department of Justice and the State of California for knowingly submitting false Medicare Part A claims for nursing home residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendants allegedly exploited a CMS waiver intended to conserve hospital beds by fraudulently billing for skilled nursing care for residents who had no acute illness or injury, merely proximity to COVID-19 cases. A whistleblower organization initiated the investigation under the False Claims Act and received over $1.2 million of the settlement proceeds.
mcknightsseniorliving.com
· 2025-12-08
An Arizona assisted living facility, Heritage Village in Mesa, was placed under court-ordered receivership following allegations of elder abuse and consumer fraud by the Arizona Attorney General. The facility, which houses 150 residents, had been operating under management by real estate companies rather than qualified healthcare providers and faced a license revocation notice after the state identified dozens of violations, including a 2023 incident involving employee sexual assault of a resident. The appointment of a court-appointed receiver was intended to protect residents, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage finances while the current owners are permanently barred from resuming operations.
wbir.com
· 2025-12-08
Tennessee passed legislation (HB 1248) that unanimously approved the creation of a hotline managed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for banks and financial institutions to report suspected financial exploitation of seniors and vulnerable adults. The bill addresses a significant problem in the state where approximately 7,000 elderly residents fall victim to financial abuse annually, with an estimated $500 million stolen, and requires the TBI to establish a 1-800 number and coordinate investigations with law enforcement and adult protective services by October 1, 2024.
timesgazette.com
· 2025-12-08
Highland County Community Action Agency and commissioners are offering free in-person digital literacy training for seniors to address growing online safety risks. The training covers key protective measures including identifying phishing scams, securing social media privacy settings, creating strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication to help older adults safely use technology for connecting with family and accessing services.
ageuk.org.uk
· 2025-12-08
Age UK's Scams Prevention and Support Programme reports that an average of four people aged 50+ are scammed every minute in England and Wales. Working with over 30,000 older people across 16 local partners, the initiative successfully increased scam awareness and confidence through education and one-to-one support sessions, exceeding its targets. Key challenges identified include older people's reluctance to report scams due to shame, highlighting the need for continued collaboration between community members, policymakers, and industry leaders to combat the fraud epidemic.
investmentexecutive.com
· 2025-12-08
Red Rock Secured LLC and its executives defrauded elderly investors by selling overpriced Canadian coins marked up over 100% while falsely claiming low fees (1-5%) and a direct relationship with the Royal Canadian Mint; investors lost approximately US$39 million after liquidating retirement savings for coins worth significantly less than purchase price. A U.S. court ordered the defendants to pay over US$56 million in restitution, disgorgement, and penalties, and imposed permanent trading and registration bans.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Jorrel Tyler Jackson, a 31-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to 6.5 years in federal prison for his role in an international fraud conspiracy that targeted senior citizens across multiple states, causing $1,584,077 in losses to 22 victims. Jackson's role involved collecting cash packages from victims and recruiting others; the scam began with fake virus warning pop-ups that directed victims to call numbers where Indian-based scammers impersonated tech companies or federal agents, then convinced them to surrender money through various ruses including fake bank compromise claims, criminal investigation threats, and technical support fees. Authorities emphasize that victims should never click unsolicited pop-ups,