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in Scam Awareness
wvnews.com
· 2025-12-07
The Vandalia CEOS Club held an educational meeting where members learned about scams targeting seniors, including telephone, internet, financial, and homeowner scams, with discussion led by Helen McClain on identifying and avoiding these frauds. Club members shared personal experiences and fraud prevention tips during the session.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-07
**Title:** As Medicare open enrollment starts, beware health care cons coming your way
During Medicare open enrollment periods (Oct. 15-Dec. 7 for Medicare; Nov. 1-Jan. 15 for Healthcare.gov), scammers make unsolicited calls and texts impersonating Medicare or healthcare brokers, pressuring callers to provide Social Security numbers and Medicare ID numbers under the guise of enrolling them in cheaper plans with better coverage. The article advises consumers to avoid unsolicited contacts, never share government-issued numbers with unknown callers, access plans only through official websites (Medicare.gov or Healthcare.gov), and report suspected fraud to
wnegradio.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers use fake social media ads and websites to sell holiday decorations at suspiciously low prices, but deliver either tiny, poorly-made versions of advertised items or nothing at all, making refunds and customer contact impossible. The BBB advises consumers to research unfamiliar sellers, verify contact information, be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and always use credit cards for online purchases to enable fraud disputes. One reported victim lost $55 after ordering large animated skeleton decorations only to receive 8-inch figurines with minimal functionality.
abc7.com
· 2025-12-07
Event planner Juan Martin Gaspar of "VIP Eventss" in San Jose, California faces felony grand theft charges after scamming at least seven families out of tens of thousands of dollars between 2023 and 2024 for quinceañera planning services. Families paid upfront fees ranging up to $4,500 for vendors and venue reservations, but Gaspar failed to make the bookings or pay vendors, leaving families with ruined events and unreturned money. The District Attorney's office suspects additional victims beyond the seven reported cases and has ordered Gaspar to cease operations while his criminal case proceeds.
afp.gov.au
· 2025-12-07
More than 40 percent of Australian cybercrime victims experience multiple types of cybercrime within a single year, with fraud and scam victims being the most vulnerable—80 percent likely to experience another type of cybercrime. Victims who experience three or more cybercrime types are at least three times more likely to report health, financial, and legal impacts compared to single-type victims, with social impacts rising from 20 percent for single-type victims to nearly 50 percent for those experiencing all four types. The Australian Federal Police and Australian Institute of Criminology recommend prevention measures including multi-factor authentication, software updates, and reporting suspicious activity to ReportCyber, while noting that sc
nbcrightnow.com
· 2025-12-07
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office warned residents of a phone scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement officials, sometimes using real deputies' names, and demand Bitcoin, PayPal, CashApp, or gift card payments by falsely claiming residents owe money for missed jury duty or outstanding warrants. The sheriff's office advises victims to hang up immediately, block the number, and never provide personal information or confirm details to such callers, emphasizing that legitimate law enforcement will never solicit payment by phone.
unionprogress.com
· 2025-12-07
Pennsylvania residents are on track to lose more money to fraud in the current year than in the previous year, with Pennsylvanians having lost approximately $400 million to scams last year and ranking eighth nationally in total fraud losses. Artificial intelligence is enabling increasingly sophisticated scams—including the "grandparent scam" where criminals use AI voice technology to impersonate family members—making traditional detection methods like spotting typos ineffective, and most scams originate from organized networks outside the U.S., making investigation and prosecution difficult. The National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, launched this year with analysts based in Pittsburgh, is working to address this growing epidemic through coordination between private and public sector partners.
thenigerianvoice.com
· 2025-12-07
A BBC Three documentary documents the growing epidemic of sextortion scams, particularly targeting teenage boys through social media, with unprecedented filmed access to a Nigerian scam operation ("hustle kingdom") where criminals use AI deepfake technology to impersonate victims. The UK's National Crime Agency reports approximately 110 sextortion cases monthly, while the FBI recorded 55,000 cases in 2024—more than double the number from three years prior. The documentary highlights the tragic case of 16-year-old Evan Boettler, who died by suicide in January 2024 after being blackmailed by a scammer using a fake female profile, and reveals that scammers are investing
richmondsunsetnews.com
· 2025-12-07
This is an educational awareness piece in which California Assemblymember Catherine Stefani announces two free "Senior Scam Stopper" workshops designed to help seniors and their families recognize and prevent fraud. The events, held in partnership with the California Department of Consumer Affairs and featuring experts from state agencies and law enforcement, will cover common scams including fraudulent contractors, identity theft, Medicare fraud, lottery schemes, and mail fraud.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-07
The Placer County Sheriff's Office warned local businesses about a credit card fraud scheme where scammers purchase items using fraudulent or stolen credit cards, have them picked up by couriers, and then initiate chargebacks weeks later—leaving businesses without product or payment. Businesses are advised to scrutinize large or unusual purchases from new customers, verify the identity of pickup persons, and trust their instincts when transactions seem suspicious.
lbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-07
Approximately 16% of UK adults serve as "financial carers" for older or vulnerable relatives, typically beginning this role in their 30s to help manage bills, track accounts, and protect against scams. Financial carers often experience personal financial strain, with over one-fifth using their own money to cover relatives' expenses and many reducing work hours, while facing knowledge gaps about pensions and financial management. The research highlights the need for better financial education and support tools to help carers manage their dual responsibilities effectively.
news18.com
· 2025-12-07
A middle-class man in Rajkot, Gujarat, lost Rs 8.85 lakh to a loan scam after transferring funds to a fraudster posing as a lender who promised loan approval and only received Rs 50,000 in refund. The article outlines five key warning signs of loan fraud: illegitimate upfront processing fees, unauthorized commission requests, unofficial WhatsApp communications from individuals rather than banks, unrealistic loan disbursal timelines requiring advance payments, and dealing with third-party agents instead of contacting banks directly. Borrowers are advised to work only with legitimate lenders who deduct fees from loan amounts and disburse funds promptly after document verification.
thetimes.com
· 2025-12-07
Kylee Dennis, a 55-year-old former Australian police officer, founded Two Face Investigations in 2023 after her own mother nearly fell victim to a romance scam, and now poses as "Samantha," a fake online persona, to identify and report romance scammers who target vulnerable adults. Romance scams have surged globally, with Australians losing A$23.6 million in 2024 and the UK reporting a 20 percent increase, with victims over 61 being particularly susceptible due to financial stability combined with loneliness and lower digital literacy. Notable cases include a 64-year-old retiree who lost $57
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-07
A man named Kent encountered a web injection scam when a fake bank login pop-up appeared during an online financial transaction, successfully tricking him into providing his email and phone number before he recognized the "Credit Donkey" redirect as suspicious and closed his browser. Web injection scams hijack browser sessions to overlay fraudulent verification screens that feel authentic because they appear while users are already logged in, with the goal of capturing login credentials or two-factor authentication codes. To protect against such scams, individuals should monitor accounts daily with login alerts enabled, change passwords using a password manager, check for personal data exposure in breaches, and consider using data removal services to limit scammers' access to personal information.
ncdoj.gov
· 2025-12-07
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson warns that scammers are exploiting the federal government shutdown by impersonating agencies like Social Security Administration, Medicare, and SNAP to steal personal information and money through unsolicited calls, texts, and emails. Residents should never provide personal information, make payments, or wire money in response to these contacts, and should instead hang up and call agencies directly to verify legitimacy. Complaints can be filed with the North Carolina Department of Justice at ncdoj.gov/complaint or 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.
wxyz.com
· 2025-12-07
Hundreds of Medicaid and Medicare recipients in Michigan received fraudulent text messages claiming their insurance coverage was terminated, with scammers exploiting federal government shutdown fears to pressure victims into clicking malicious links and surrendering personal information. At least 200 patients of EPIC Health fell victim to the scam, which caused significant disruptions to healthcare delivery and delayed medical care for vulnerable populations with chronic conditions. The Michigan Attorney General issued a warning advising recipients to block messages, avoid clicking links, and report the fraud.
fox61.com
· 2025-12-07
The Better Business Bureau is warning Connecticut residents about a "relief check" phone scam that has generated over 800 reports nationally in less than two months. Scammers call, text, or leave voicemails claiming victims have an unclaimed relief payment and direct them to fraudulent websites that steal personal and financial information, install malware, or enroll victims in unwanted services. The BBB advises residents to hang up on such calls, never visit caller-provided websites, verify information directly with government agencies using official contact details, and avoid sharing personal or financial information with strangers.
shorelinemedia.net
· 2025-12-07
This article is not a fraud case itself, but rather a community announcement about senior center activities in Ludington. The relevant section notes that elder fraud cases have increased 84% since 2021, with three out of four adults aged 50+ targeted by scams at some point; the center is offering a fraud prevention educational session with Detective Sergeant Michael Kenney on October 20 to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud schemes.
wtip.org
· 2025-12-07
Minnesota Aging Pathways representatives will present an educational session on detecting and reporting fraud and scams on October 22, noon to 1 pm, available in-person at Cook County Higher Education in Grand Marais or via Zoom. The Lunch & Learn aims to equip participants with knowledge to identify fraudulent schemes and appropriate reporting procedures.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
This opinion piece argues that Canada lacks adequate community-level protections against online scams, despite strong workplace defenses. The authors advocate for bringing scam awareness into homes through family conversations, simple verification habits (such as confirming suspicious messages with a quick call), and normalizing discussion about fraud to reduce victim shame and reporting barriers. They contend that scams exploit human psychology rather than just technical vulnerabilities, making education and behavioral change essential to closing this protection gap.
kroc.com
· 2025-12-07
A fake permit invoice scam has been circulating across Minnesota, where fraudsters send convincing emails with forged letterhead, legal language, and signatures requesting payment via PDF instructions in an attempt to obtain banking information. Red flags include use of free email domains (such as USA.COM), requests for online payment, and instructions stating "no calls," and residents are advised to verify any suspicious invoices directly with the government agency rather than responding to the email.
wcax.com
· 2025-12-07
An Upper Valley resident nearly became a victim of a check scam that state authorities have warned residents to avoid. The scam appears to involve fraudulent checks, though specific details about the scheme and any financial loss are not provided in this excerpt.
wpbf.com
· 2025-12-07
A rise in pet scams targeting vulnerable buyers on social media has been reported by the Martin County Sheriff's Office, with scammers posing as puppies and kitten breeders to steal deposits. One victim, Carmen Weinand, lost approximately $500 after sending money to a scammer who claimed her puppy had health issues and needed money for veterinary care, transportation, and fines, but never delivered the animal. Scammers typically initiate contact through social media, request deposits and additional funds through various pretexts, and may escalate to requesting gift cards before disappearing with victims' money.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-07
According to a 2025 report by KHOU, Generation Z and young adults aged 20-29 in Texas are losing more money to scams than seniors aged 70-79, driven by their high daily online activity and vulnerability to phishing, fake job, and rental scams when facing time pressure. The Federal Trade Commission findings highlight that young people's desperation during job or housing searches makes them susceptible to sophisticated scams, including those using AI. The article advises Texans of all ages to avoid sharing personal information online, verify trusted retailers and contractors, and research charitable organizations before donating to prevent falling victim to common scams circulating in the state.
theindependent.sg
· 2025-12-07
A Punggol resident paid $50 for a Cash-on-Delivery (COD) parcel he assumed a family member had ordered, only to discover no one in his household had made the purchase and the package contained only a plain T-shirt. This is part of a COD scam scheme where fraudsters send unwanted packages to addresses, relying on delivery personnel to collect payment that ultimately returns to the scammers. J&T Express and authorities recommend verifying all COD orders before payment, rejecting suspicious deliveries, and reporting suspicious activity to prevent falling victim to these scams targeting vulnerable recipients.
gizmodo.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are impersonating Elon Musk to defraud victims through cryptocurrency investment schemes, using tactics including fake livestreams during SpaceX/Tesla events, AI-generated videos, and fake endorsements from family members or political figures. FTC complaints reveal multiple victims, primarily elderly individuals, losing substantial sums ranging from $10,000 to $225,000, with some victims remaining confused about whether they interacted with the real Musk or impersonators. The scams exploit vulnerable populations, including those with serious illnesses or cognitive impairment, and often target victims through YouTube, Facebook, and fake cryptocurrency matching schemes.
ktnv.com
· 2025-12-07
The FBI is warning about a sophisticated "Phantom Hacker" scam that has stolen over $1 billion nationwide since last year, targeting older Americans. The three-phase scam uses fake pop-ups or calls impersonating banks and government agencies to trick victims into voluntarily transferring their money to fraudulent accounts, with many victims losing their entire savings. Protection requires refusing unsolicited links, hanging up on unexpected calls, and remembering that legitimate institutions never ask you to move money "to protect it."
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-07
This article discusses how scammers exploit legitimate class action settlement notifications by creating fake settlement websites that harvest personal data from victims seeking payouts. The piece provides broader privacy protection advice, including being cautious of app permissions, using passkeys instead of passwords, and understanding emerging security threats like post-quantum encryption vulnerabilities.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
During Medicare's open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), scammers impersonate insurance providers through calls, emails, and in-person contact to steal beneficiaries' money, Medicare information, and personal identity using tactics like free gifts and limited-time offers. Beneficiaries should protect themselves by never sharing personal information with unsolicited contacts, only using official channels like medicare.gov or 1-800-633-4227 to compare plans, and being cautious of unapproved medical devices. To report suspected fraud, individuals can contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 1-877-908-3360.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
Scammers exploited the Camp Lejeune Justice Act by posing as attorneys and claims administrators, sending phishing emails with malware to steal personal information and demanding upfront administrative fees for payouts. The Better Business Bureau warned that criminals used these tactics to commit identity theft and disappear with victims' money and data, even as law firms spent over $145 million legitimately advertising the settlement opportunity that generated more than 400,000 claims by end of 2022.
studyfinds.org
· 2025-12-07
Americans face approximately 100 scam attempts monthly—significantly more than any other surveyed country—encountering roughly 25 separate fraudulent messages weekly through calls, emails, and texts. Only 23% of people feel confident in spotting fraud, with financial scams cited as the top concern by 46% of respondents, while emerging threats like AI-driven phishing, deepfakes, and fake apps pose increasing risks. Experts attribute heightened vulnerability to weak password practices and urge adoption of stronger authentication methods like passkeys to combat the growing "trust nothing era."
news.met.police.uk
· 2025-12-07
The Met Police, in collaboration with regional partners, launched a campaign to raise awareness of Romance Fraud, a crime that cost victims an estimated £106 million last year. The campaign features three victim testimonials in videos released for World Romance Fraud Prevention Day (October 3rd), highlighting the tactics criminals use, the financial losses involved, and the emotional impact on victims. The initiative emphasizes that awareness and verification of online contacts are key defenses, and encourages reporting to prevent further victimization.
berkshireeagle.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece explains why fraud and scam victims deserve compassion rather than shame, contrasting them with armed robbery victims who typically receive community support. The article emphasizes that scams—particularly romance and relationship scams targeting lonely or recently bereaved individuals—are methodical crimes where criminals build trust over time, repeatedly extract money, and compromise personal information that can be exploited for years. Key warning signs include requests to move communication off dating platforms, claims of inability to meet in person, and repeated requests for money, with intervention best approached through trusted third parties when direct intervention may be rejected.
cmscritic.com
· 2025-12-07
This article discusses the rising threat of romance scams enhanced by AI technology, particularly targeting vulnerable populations. Romance scam losses in the United States increased dramatically from $547 million in 2021 to over $1.3 billion in 2024, with victims averaging $15,000 in losses, and the problem is expected to worsen as AI-generated avatars and voice cloning become more convincing. The article emphasizes that seniors aged 50-80 are especially at risk due to widespread loneliness and isolation, and advocates for education and awareness as primary defenses against this emotionally and financially devastating crime.
cknxnewstoday.ca
· 2025-12-07
A Hanover resident lost approximately $117,000 in an online romance scam that began in 2021, prompting police to warn the community about the growing frequency of such fraud. Romance scammers pose as romantic partners on dating platforms and social media, building emotional connections before fabricating emergencies or business opportunities to extract money from victims. Police note that investigating these crimes is challenging due to offshore perpetrators operating outside Canadian jurisdiction, and urge residents to report suspicious online interactions and remember that legitimate relationships should never require secrecy or repeated financial requests.
timesandstar.co.uk
· 2025-12-07
Cumbria Police warned the public about romance scams, where fraudsters use fake identities to build online relationships and extract money from victims. In the 12 months to October 1, there were 74 reports of dating scams in Cumbria resulting in losses exceeding £630,000, with victims predominantly aged 50-79. Key protective measures include never sending money to online contacts, verifying identities through reverse image searches, and reporting incidents to Action Fraud.
facebook.com
· 2025-12-07
This is a personal complaint rather than a documented scam or fraud case. An individual reports outstanding debts totaling PHP682,743.01 across multiple Philippine financial institutions and alleges they have been blacklisted for credit unworthiness, claiming a broker continues employing someone involved in the debt situation despite reports to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
**Note for Elderus database:** This entry lacks corroborating documentation, specific details about elder fraud or abuse, and details about victim impact. It may not meet criteria for inclusion in an elder fraud research database without additional verified information.
shorenewsnetwork.com
· 2025-12-07
A 92-year-old Brooklyn man lost $10,000 in a phone scam on September 18 when multiple callers impersonating Amazon representatives convinced him his account was compromised and instructed him to withdraw cash for "safeguarding." The victim placed the money in a box and handed it to an in-person collector who fled the scene; the suspect remains at large and police warn seniors to be cautious of similar unsolicited phone calls.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-07
Digital literacy programmes in Malaysia are helping seniors bridge the "grey digital gap" and reduce their vulnerability to online scams and fraud. Participants aged 73-83 reported gaining practical skills in smartphone usage, cybersecurity awareness, fact-checking, and e-wallet management, enabling them to independently access government services, identify fraudulent schemes (including impersonation of banks and tax authorities), and navigate the cashless economy. A 2024 study found that elderly Malaysians, particularly those 75 and above, remain highly vulnerable to cyber victimization and financial loss, highlighting the critical need for such protective education.
patch.com
· 2025-12-07
Passaic County Sheriff Thomas Adamo's office is conducting a Fall Senior Scams Tour educational program at the Wayne Public Library to help seniors recognize and prevent fraud. The event provides practical advice on identifying scams and protecting retirement savings, with registration available online.
wkrg.com
· 2025-12-07
During government shutdowns, scammers exploit public confusion by impersonating government agencies and financial institutions to steal money and personal information, particularly targeting vulnerable populations like seniors who rely on government services. Regions Bank advises the public that essential payments like Social Security and Medicare continue uninterrupted during shutdowns, and recommends verifying contact by independently calling known phone numbers rather than responding to unsolicited communications. The bank emphasizes using their "Stop, Call, and Confirm" protocol: stop and review messages for red flags, call the requestor using a verified number, and confirm legitimacy before providing any information.
onlineathens.com
· 2025-12-07
An Athens man was threatened in a sextortion scam involving a fake prostitution site, while an elderly Athens woman was defrauded after being told she had won a Publishers' Clearing House prize. Both incidents were reported to Athens-Clarke police in September 2025, though no suspects have been identified in either case.
thecourier.com.au
· 2025-12-07
A Ballarat grandmother lost money intended for her granddaughter's kindergarten expenses to a Facebook shopping scam in September 2025 when she rushed to purchase furniture and was pressured into sending a $100 deposit by the fraudster, who then demanded additional payments and refused refunds. The incident reflects broader trends showing that shopping scams were the most common fraud type in Australia in the first half of 2025, with reported losses reaching $174 million—a 26 percent increase despite fewer overall scam reports—as scammers increasingly target people on social media and e-commerce platforms.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-07
New York State announced inflation refund checks ranging from $150-$400 for over 8 million eligible residents, but scammers have begun targeting recipients with fraudulent text messages impersonating the Department of Revenue and requesting payment information. Red flags include non-U.S. area codes, non-dot-gov links, and threats of disqualification; legitimate inflation checks require no action from recipients, and the state will not contact citizens via unsolicited text messages.
freep.com
· 2025-12-07
Criminals are impersonating banks via fake texts and calls to convince customers their debit cards have been compromised, then intercepting replacement cards sent by mail or hiring accomplices to steal them from porches. In a metro Detroit case, David Andrew Williams was arrested in September 2024 after attempting to steal a Chase Bank customer's replacement debit card from a UPS delivery, and was charged with identity theft and theft of financial transaction devices. Debit card fraud ranked as the top payment method for both attempted fraud and actual dollar losses in 2024, with criminals using various tactics including card skimming and exploiting information obtained through spoofed communications to drain bank accounts.
theleafchronicle.com
· 2025-12-07
Consumers lost $470 million to text message scams in 2024, with fake package delivery notifications being the most common type, followed by phony job offers, fraudulent fraud alerts, fake toll notices, and romance scams. The FTC and BBB recommend never clicking links or replying to unexpected texts, not assuming messages from known companies are legitimate, and reporting suspicious messages using the phone's spam reporting feature.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers targeted Amazon user Kate Rudy with a fake account lock message claiming suspicious activity and a fraudulent $500 iPhone purchase, then attempted to trick her into sending $200 by falsely claiming it would verify her identity. Rudy recognized the scam and avoided financial loss by ending contact with the fraudsters. Amazon advises customers never to provide payment information via third-party gift codes and recommends verifying account issues by logging in directly rather than responding to unsolicited messages.
northjersey.com
· 2025-12-07
During government shutdown periods, fraudsters target federal employees, contractors, and benefit recipients with scams impersonating Social Security, Medicare, and food assistance officials, falsely claiming benefits are suspended and demanding fees or personal information to restore them. Common tactics include phishing emails with subject lines like "Government Shutdown Notice," requests for upfront payments via wire transfer or cryptocurrency for fake "relief programs," and malware-laden links designed to steal credentials. Authorities emphasize that most federal benefits are not actually cut off during shutdowns and that legitimate government agencies will never demand money or sensitive information via phone or email.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-07
Impostor scams in Ohio surged 47% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with scammers impersonating government and business officials. A Sheffield Lake business owner received a voicemail from someone claiming to be a Lorain County Sheriff's sergeant threatening arrest warrants and demanding payment, but he avoided the scam by contacting law enforcement directly. Law enforcement advises that legitimate government agencies contact residents by mail, not phone, and warns people not to provide personal information or make payments over the phone.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
In 2023, scammers stole approximately $158.3 billion from Americans ($434 million daily), making fraud prevention a critical concern for older adults. AARP's Fraud Watch Network combats this epidemic through community education, a free helpline (877-908-3360), podcasts, and legislative advocacy including the cofounding of the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center and passage of state laws targeting cryptocurrency ATM and gift-card scams. The organization emphasizes that victimization is not the victim's fault and encourages public participation in fraud prevention awareness campaigns.