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readingeagle.com
Elder fraud targeting older adults has significantly worsened, with reported losses from investment scams reaching $147 million in 2022—a 213% increase compared to 2020, according to FTC data. Scammers continue to exploit seniors by attempting to steal personal and financial information for fraudulent purposes.
srilankamirror.com
Tamim Rahman, a British-Bangladeshi former owner of the Dambulla Thunders cricket team, faces charges in Colombo High Court for allegedly attempting to bribe a cricketer to fix a match during last year's LPL tournament. Rahman's counsel indicated willingness to plead guilty, and the case was scheduled for January 7 for further proceedings.
politiko.com.ph
This article is not relevant to elder fraud research. It is an "about" page describing POLITIKO, a Philippine political news outlet, and the ABANTE-BILYONARYO GROUP media conglomerate that owns it. The content covers the organizations' journalistic mission, media portfolio, and audience reach, but contains no information about scams, fraud, elder abuse, or related topics that would be appropriate for the Elderus database.
jamaica-gleaner.com
A Jamaican banking fraud expert called for harsher prison sentences (at least 10 years) for bank employees who steal, citing a case where former National Commercial Bank employee Khadene Thomas stole $74.5 million from three customers but received only a 2-year sentence. The expert also highlighted various fraud schemes affecting the public, including a romance scam where a school vice-principal sent her life savings to an online "fiancé" and attempted to secure a $3 million loan before the bank intervened.
fashionjournal.com.au
This article provides dating safety advice from a dating expert for travelers using dating apps during holidays. The piece covers 11 essential tips for avoiding romance scams, catfishing, and harassment—including not oversharing personal information, verifying matches, avoiding suspicious links, video calling before meeting, and meeting in public places while keeping friends informed of plans.
mk.co.kr
A sophisticated scam operation with call centers in Seoul and Incheon targeted victims of previous investment fraud by posing as government compensation agents, then resold their personal information to accomplices who impersonated securities employees to solicit cryptocurrency purchases, resulting in 5.4 billion won in stolen funds. Investment scams are evolving to circumvent new capital market regulations by operating through encrypted messaging platforms and creating fake trading systems (HTS) that display fabricated profits; one victim lost 250 million won after depositing funds into a fraudulent trading platform, and police arrested nine members of a virtual asset exchange operation that stole 9 billion won from 133 people.
mk.co.kr
A sophisticated investment scam organization operating call centers in Seoul and Incheon targeted previous fraud victims by posing as government compensation agents, then pivoted to selling them worthless cryptocurrency after building trust. The scheme, which stole 5.4 billion won from victims, exemplifies evolving fraud tactics that now include fake trading platforms, purchased victim databases from dark markets, and manipulation through social media channels like Telegram and KakaoTalk to circumvent new financial regulations taking effect in August.
theindependent.sg
Cybersecurity has become a household concern in Singapore as digital device usage increases, with common scams including phishing, tech support fraud, grandparent scams using deepfakes, romance scams, and charity fraud targeting everyday users. Industry expert Vishak Raman recommends adopting strong passwords, two-factor authentication, regular software updates, separate networks for smart devices, and household education to mitigate risks. The advice emphasizes verifying authenticity of communications, never granting remote access to unsolicited callers, and confirming identities before sending money or sharing personal information.
trib.com
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techbullion.com
A retired engineer from Düsseldorf, Hans Müller, invested a substantial portion of his retirement savings in a fraudulent pig farming investment scheme that promised high returns but ultimately ceased all communications when he attempted to withdraw funds. With assistance from Midwessex Investigations, a private investigation firm specializing in fraud recovery, authorities conducted forensic analysis, cybersecurity tracking, and international law enforcement collaboration to identify the scammers and successfully recover Müller's financial losses.
sandiegouniontribune.com
This is a community events calendar for the Poway, California area (July 11-13) listing various public activities and services, including a veterans resource fair, educational programs, craft activities, a blood drive, barrel racing, food collection, and musical performances. The content does not relate to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse and is therefore not relevant to the Elderus database.
mypunepulse.com
A 63-year-old man in Pune was arrested after operating an illegal clinic for five years, posing as a doctor despite having no medical qualifications or credentials. The suspect charged patients 75-100 rupees per consultation at "Janseva Clinic" before authorities raided the facility, seized medical equipment and medications, and sealed the clinic. Authorities are urging the public to verify healthcare providers' credentials to prevent similar fraud.
theguardian.com
**Type:** SIM Swap/Mobile Account Takeover Fraud
Multiple Guardian Money readers had their mobile phone accounts hijacked by fraudsters who then accessed their bank accounts and stole thousands of pounds. Fraudsters typically compromised victims' email accounts first, then impersonated them to mobile providers to obtain replacement SIM cards, allowing them to intercept two-factor authentication codes and drain bank accounts—with reported losses including £6,000 and £3,500. While some banks like RBS refunded victims, the article emphasizes that strong unique passwords, enabling two-step verification on email and banking accounts, and immediately reporting compromised emails are critical defenses against this increasingly common
wthr.com
The Indiana Toll Road Concession Company (ITRCC) is warning the public about smishing scams in which fraudsters send text messages falsely claiming users have unpaid tolls and directing them to click malicious links to avoid late fees. The ITRCC reminds customers that it does not send text messages requesting sensitive information and advises recipients of suspicious messages not to respond or click links, instead verifying messages through the legitimate customer service number (574-675-4010) or filing complaints with the IC3.
my.uq.edu.au
This educational guide provides steps for victims of cybercrime, hacks, scams, and data breaches to contain risks and recover. Key actions include: immediately contacting your bank, changing passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, reporting the scam, and seeking support through services like IDCARE or employee assistance programs. The resource also outlines warning signs of compromised accounts (unauthorized login attempts, suspicious charges, device performance issues) and specific recovery procedures for work accounts, personal accounts, and situations involving organizational data breaches.
dailyprogress.com
Sophisticated overseas scammers are stealing tens of billions of dollars annually from Americans, with the crime wave projected to worsen as the U.S. population ages and technology advances, yet law enforcement agencies lack resources to catch perpetrators and most victims never recover their money. Common scams targeting Americans include romance schemes, grandparent fraud, technical support fraud, and other confidence schemes, with particular vulnerability among older adults who have lost life savings. The challenge is compounded by the ease of committing fraud without consequences, the difficulty of investigating international crimes and cryptocurrency transfers, and the overwhelming volume of cases that stretch thin police and prosecutorial resources.
nptelegraph.com
Sophisticated overseas criminals steal tens of billions of dollars annually from Americans through internet and telephone scams, with the problem projected to worsen as the U.S. population ages and technology advances, yet most perpetrators evade capture and conviction. Victims—particularly older adults—rarely recover their money, losing life savings to romance scams, grandparent scams, technical support fraud, and other schemes, while law enforcement agencies lack sufficient resources to investigate and prosecute the overwhelming volume of cases. The challenge is compounded by difficulty tracking stolen funds converted to cryptocurrency or transferred to foreign bank accounts, leaving authorities struggling to keep pace with what experts describe as a "crisis level" crime wave.
paturnpike.com
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is warning of a resurgent smishing scam in which fraudulent text messages claiming to be from "Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Services" trick recipients into clicking links and sharing personal financial information by threatening additional charges for overdue tolls. The scam targets random individuals and mirrors similar schemes reported by toll agencies nationwide. Consumers should verify account information only through official channels like the PA Turnpike website or app, and report suspicious messages to the FTC or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
cbsnews.com
Pennsylvania State Police issued an alert about a rental scam in which a woman was defrauded after being instructed to pay with gift cards. The scam involved requests for multiple gift cards and sharing of gift card numbers. AARP identifies these red flags—requests for multiple cards or to share card numbers—as key warning signs of gift card scams.
yen.com.gh
**Hajia 4Reall Sentenced in Romance Scam Case**
Ghanaian musician Hajia 4Reall received a one-year-and-one-day prison sentence on June 28, 2024, for her involvement in a $2 million romance scam case in the United States. The article documents her dining with friends in the US shortly after her verdict, showing her in good spirits despite the conviction.
forbesindia.com
Fake job offer scams powered by generative AI have surged 118% between 2022 and 2023 in the US, with scammers using AI to create convincing job postings and communications on legitimate platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed to steal jobseekers' personal data. Similar AI-driven fraud tactics are also being employed by romance scammers using deepfake technology to deceive victims during video calls. Jobseekers should verify company details before applying, never share personal information without meeting someone in person, and remain skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
centraloregondaily.com
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation issued a holiday season alert warning consumers about gift card scams, where criminals contact victims via phone, text, email, or social media to trick them into purchasing gift cards and surrendering the card numbers and PIN codes. Common scammer tactics include creating false urgency, impersonating government agencies, tech companies, family members, or utility providers, and remaining on the phone while victims purchase cards to prevent discovery. Consumers are advised to ignore pressure to act quickly, never share gift card numbers or photos, and verify emergency claims by contacting the person directly.
thestar.com.my
Fake job offer scams using generative AI have surged 118% in the US between 2022 and 2023, with scammers creating convincing job ads on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter to steal applicants' personal data. To protect yourself, verify company details before applying, never share personal information (address, Social Security number, bank details) with unverified contacts, and be suspicious of offers that seem too good to be true; scammers are also using AI deepfakes in romance scams to appear authentic during video calls.
technobezz.com
Text message scams, or "smishing" attacks, are rising in sophistication and include fake bank alerts, fake prize notifications, impersonation of friends/family requesting money, and fraudulent delivery notices. These scams exploit urgency and emotional triggers to steal personal information and funds. Protection strategies include never clicking suspicious links or providing sensitive information via text, verifying requests through official channels, enabling two-factor authentication, and contacting companies directly using verified contact information.
nsjonline.com
Overseas criminal networks are stealing tens of billions of dollars annually from Americans through sophisticated internet and telephone scams, with losses to those over 60 estimated between $28.3 billion and $137 billion per year. Law enforcement agencies are overwhelmed and under-resourced to investigate these crimes, particularly those originating overseas where stolen funds are quickly converted to cryptocurrency or transferred to foreign accounts, allowing perpetrators to escape prosecution. The problem is projected to worsen as the aging population increases and AI technology makes fraud easier to execute, while many victims remain unreported due to shame and police departments that fail to treat financial fraud with appropriate seriousness.
wxyz.com
Overpayment scams—in which fraudsters send fake checks or donations and pressure victims to return the "excess" amount—continue to evolve beyond job offers to target non-profits, according to consumer advocates and Better Business Bureau experts. Recent victims include job seekers who were asked to purchase equipment with fraudulent checks and wire refunds via Bitcoin, and a Detroit non-profit that received a fake $7,000 donation with a request to return funds via wire transfer. Red flags include unsolicited job offers, requests for payment through cryptocurrency or specific accounts, and pressure to refund money quickly before checks clear.
mycentraloregon.com
The IRS and Security Summit warned tax professionals to guard against evolving identity theft schemes targeting their businesses and clients, including fraudsters posing as new clients via phishing emails, fake calls and texts, and attempts to steal sensitive tax information like Central Authorization File (CAF) numbers and practitioner credentials. These scams threaten both tax professionals and their elderly and vulnerable clients who may be victims of fraudulent tax return filings. The warning is part of an annual awareness campaign called "Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself" aimed at educating tax professionals on security threats and identity theft prevention.
autoremarketing.com
The IRS warned car dealerships to remain vigilant against phishing and smishing scams where fraudsters impersonate IRS representatives to trick recipients into clicking malicious links, downloading malware, or providing personal and financial information. The agency advised businesses to avoid clicking unsolicited email and text links, enable multi-factor authentication, and verify sender identity through independent contact methods to protect against these attacks and potential ransomware infections.
postandcourier.com
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs warns consumers about four types of summer scams: fake toll charge texts claiming overdue payments, travel scams including fraudulent vacation offers and hijacked rental listings, disaster relief scams where imposters pose as repair workers or FEMA employees, and job scams requesting cryptocurrency payments or personal information. The agency advises consumers to verify contacts independently, never pay for free services or government relief, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, and be wary of unannounced repair workers or unsolicited job offers.
justice.gov
**Summary:**
Sebastian Chelemen, a 38-year-old Canadian national, was sentenced to 50 months in prison on July 11, 2024, for his role in a grandparent scam targeting elderly Americans between April and June 2023. Operating as a fake bail bondsman, Chelemen and co-conspirators in Canada called seniors posing as arrested grandchildren and collected over $380,000 directly, with co-conspirators obtaining an additional $78,000 through mailed funds, while attempting to fraudulently obtain at least $290,000 more. Chelemen was ordered to pay $460,350 in restitution and was found with over $
mlive.com
Irfan Gill, 62, of Portage, Michigan, was convicted of seven counts of mail fraud and 11 counts of money laundering for operating an international telemarketing scam in partnership with a Pakistani call center from June 2018 to March 2022 that targeted over 1,400 elderly Americans. The scheme involved cold calls offering fake cable, satellite, and internet service upgrades; victims sent payments to Gill's post office boxes, which he deposited and partially transferred to the Pakistani solicitors via money transfer services. Gill faces up to 30 years in prison for the mail fraud charges and up to 20 years for money laundering, with
elizabethton.com
A 50-year-old man from Brooklyn seeking asylum in the U.S. was arrested and charged with fraud and financial exploitation of a Carter County woman in a tech support scam scheme. The victim was deceived by a fake virus notification that led her to withdraw $30,500 from her bank account and hand the cash to the suspect at her residence. The arrest was aided by photographs and identification information the victim provided to authorities, and investigators coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security after discovering the suspect's temporary visitor status and pending asylum application.
nationalseniors.com.au
Between December 2023 and May 2024, Australian scammers targeted victims of previous scams with false promises to recover their stolen funds for upfront fees, with Scamwatch receiving 158 reports totaling over $2.9 million in losses—a 129% increase in reports compared to the prior six months. Australians aged 65 and older were the largest affected group, suffering the highest average losses, prompting National Seniors Australia to urge seniors to be suspicious of money recovery schemes and to report scams immediately to their banks and the National Anti-Scam Centre. The organization advocates for increased digital literacy training and online safety education to help older Australians protect
rock929rocks.com
A 42-year-old man, Weikai Zhang, was arrested in Florida after attempting to defraud a 74-year-old woman through a phone scam where he convinced her that her bank account was at risk and persuaded her to purchase over 13 pounds of gold (valued at approximately $500,000) for delivery to her home, which he then planned to steal. Law enforcement officers learned of the scheme before the package arrived and apprehended Zhang near the victim's residence, preventing the loss of her life savings.
wxxv25.com
Scammers are targeting Mississippi residents with fraudulent phone calls and emails impersonating federal court officials, threatening prosecution, fines, and jail time for allegedly missing jury duty in the Southern District of Mississippi. The U.S. Courts do not contact citizens via phone or email to request sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers or driver's license numbers. Citizens are advised to be vigilant against these recurring scams and avoid providing confidential information to unsolicited callers or emails.
paymentsjournal.com
Financial advisors play a critical role in protecting affluent clients from rising cyber fraud and scams that target investment and retirement accounts. The article advises advisors to take a proactive approach by educating clients about common scams (particularly romance and wealth management scams), positioning themselves as trusted first contacts for victims, and helping remove the shame that prevents people from reporting fraud. Advisors should also leverage their multi-generational relationships to safeguard both younger and older clients from cyber threats.
kdhlradio.com
A text and phone scam impersonating the Minnesota Department of Transportation is circulating in Grand Marais and Cook County in northern Minnesota, falsely claiming victims owe $35 in late fees for express lane usage and directing them to fraudulent payment links. The Minnesota Department of Transportation had previously warned about this scam in June, and officials note the messages appear convincing; scammers have also made multiple follow-up calls to victims even after being blocked. Residents are advised to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages and to verify urgent notifications through official channels.
techzim.co.zw
MetaMax was a global Ponzi scheme that promised cryptocurrency-based returns through a fake "media manipulation" service where members would supposedly earn money by rating YouTube videos and social media posts. The scheme collapsed after swindling people from multiple countries, including Zimbabweans who invested approximately US$146,396, using a compensation structure that relied on recruiting new members rather than actual product services. The fraud operated similarly to the previous E-creator scam, offering daily returns of 3-20 USDT and fixed investment plans with daily returns up to 1.2%, with an arrest reported in Cyprus.
kkco11news.com
The Mesa County Sheriff's Office warned the public about a phishing scam in which drivers receive fraudulent text messages claiming they have outstanding express toll charges and requesting personal information. The scam messages do not originate from ExpressToll or the E-470 Public Highway Authority, and legitimate toll fees are never collected via text message or unsolicited requests. Authorities advise recipients not to click links or provide personal information if they receive such messages.
thomsonreuters.com
Elder financial abuse has escalated dramatically, with fraud losses jumping from $2.4 billion in 2019 to over $10 billion in 2023, with those aged 60 and older experiencing disproportionately high victimization rates (101,000+ reported victims in 2023 versus 18,000 for those under 20). Scammers target elderly individuals because they typically have accumulated savings, are often less technologically sophisticated, may be lonely or seeking companionship online, and are reluctant to report fraud due to privacy concerns. Financial abuse extends beyond theft by close acquaintances to include complex fraud schemes involving dating apps, digital currency platforms,
nbcsandiego.com
San Diego County has tracked nearly $98 million in elder-related scams, with a 70% increase in tax support scams, according to the District Attorney's office. Scammers commonly use pop-up warnings claiming computer compromise to trick seniors into calling fraudulent support numbers and withdrawing cash. Authorities recommend seniors close suspicious pop-ups, seek help from trusted contacts or professionals, and report scams to law enforcement to enable recovery efforts and prevent further victimization.
justice.gov
Irfan Gill, 62, of Portage, Michigan, was convicted of seven counts of mail fraud and eleven counts of money laundering for operating an international telemarketing scheme from June 2018 through March 2022 that defrauded over 1,400 elderly victims nationwide. Working with a call center in Pakistan, Gill posed as multiple cable and satellite companies, collecting victim payments via post office boxes and money transfer services like Western Union and Remitly. He faces up to 30 years in prison on the mail fraud charges and up to 20 years for money laundering.
wwmt.com
Irfan Gill, a 62-year-old from Portage, Michigan, was convicted of seven counts of mail fraud and 11 counts of money laundering for operating an international telemarketing scheme in conjunction with a Pakistan call center from June 2018 to March 2022. The scheme defrauded over 1,400 elderly and other U.S. victims by cold-calling them with fake offers for cable, satellite, and internet service upgrades, then directing payments to Gill's post office boxes, which he deposited into bank accounts and partially transferred to Pakistan-based solicitors. Gill faces up to 50 years in prison at sentencing, scheduled within three
midmichigannow.com
Irfan Gill, a 62-year-old from Portage, Michigan, was convicted of seven counts of mail fraud and 11 counts of money laundering for operating an international telemarketing scheme with a Pakistan call center from June 2018 through March 2022. The scheme victimized over 1,400 people nationwide by using fake business names to solicit payments for nonexistent cable, satellite, and internet service upgrades, with Gill depositing victim payments into his accounts and routing portions to Pakistan-based solicitors. He faces up to 50 years in prison at sentencing, which is expected within three to four months.
krcu.org
Older adults with Alzheimer's disease and dementia are particularly vulnerable to scams due to cognitive changes affecting memory, decision-making, and judgment, with research suggesting financial difficulties and scam susceptibility may be early warning signs of cognitive decline. Loneliness, isolation, and social trust increase risk, making extra protective support essential. The BBB recommends caregivers watch for warning signs (frequent unsolicited calls, unfamiliar payments, secretive behavior), educate loved ones about common scams, reduce solicitations through registry opt-outs, and discuss financial security measures and account monitoring.
thesenior.com.au
Money recovery scams are targeting previous fraud victims with offers to retrieve lost funds for upfront fees or percentages. Between December 2023 and May 2024, Australia's Scamwatch received 158 reports totaling over $2.9 million in losses, with adults aged 65 and older representing the largest victim group and suffering the highest average losses. Scammers impersonate government agencies, lawyers, and recovery services via multiple channels, requesting personal information and device access, while legitimate recovery is difficult since only law enforcement can seize criminal assets.
khou.com
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mainlinemedianews.com
This educational article highlights the vulnerability of seniors to fraud and emphasizes the importance of ongoing vigilance. Common scams targeting older adults include check washing (altering stolen checks), grandchild impersonation schemes, raffle ticket scams with sold contact lists, phone scams, and online fraud, with fraudulent reports reaching a record $10 billion in 2023 according to the FTC. The Phoenixville Area Senior Center and other organizations offer regular fraud prevention education, stressing that while seniors are increasingly aware of basic scam tactics, emerging schemes and seemingly innocent situations—like entering raffles at retail stores—continue to expose them to risk.
cbsnews.com
**Amazon Prime Day Scam Spike (July 16-17)**
During Amazon Prime Day, scam reports to Amazon spike dramatically—last year rising from approximately 5,000 to over 14,000 per week—as cybercriminals exploit shoppers' eagerness for deals through phishing emails, text messages (smishing), fake product reviews, and counterfeit merchandise posed as legitimate third-party seller listings. Criminals also create lookalike websites to steal personal information, and the psychological urgency of time-limited deals makes consumers more vulnerable to fraudulent activity, with abnormally low prices on expensive items serving as a red flag for counterfeit products that
schoolnewsnetwork.org
North Rockford Middle School students participated in "Scambusters," an educational program by the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan, where they learned to identify scam red flags, recognize warning clues, and avoid sharing personal information with potential fraudsters. The program used a game show format to teach fraud prevention strategies to students in an engaging manner.