Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
14,184 results
in Scam Awareness
wmbfnews.com
The Better Business Bureau's annual Scam Tracker identifies investment scams, romance scams, and home improvement scams as the top threats to older adults, with those aged 55-64 most frequently paying scammers via credit cards, prepaid gift cards, and checks. Home improvement scams are particularly prevalent in the Grand Strand area, especially following natural disasters when fraudulent contractors pose as legitimate businesses. The report provides guidance on scam avoidance and victim resources.
aarp.org
A 77-year-old Seattle college professor was defrauded of over $400,000 after scammers impersonating an FTC official convinced her that her accounts had been hacked and she needed to liquidate her assets into gold bars and cash to avoid arrest. The scam, which represents a growing trend of criminals requesting payment in precious metals or cash, resulted in collective losses exceeding $55 million from May to December 2023, according to FBI reports, with fraudsters increasingly using real government employees' names to establish credibility.
paymentsdive.com
Cash payment losses to government impersonation scammers nearly doubled in 2023, reaching $76 million compared to $40 million in 2022, with the trend accelerating in early 2024 at $20 million in first-quarter losses with a median loss of $14,740 per victim. Overall losses to government impersonation scams across all payment types totaled $618 million in 2023, as scammers increasingly exploit cash's difficulty to trace and recover. The FTC warns consumers to be cautious of government impersonation requests for cash payments and encourages financial institutions to monitor large cash withdrawals as a potential fraud prevention measure.
kwch.com
A Kansas grandparent received a phone call from a scammer impersonating their grandson in Hope, Kansas, claiming he needed $10,000 due to an accident, but the grandparent avoided the scam by verifying the grandson's actual location. The Better Business Bureau warns that "grandparent" scams use high-pressure tactics to manipulate seniors into sending money quickly without consulting others, and recommends taking time to verify requests before responding, regardless of the claimed urgency.
cbsnews.com
Unsolicited packages from major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Temu have been delivered to consumers nationwide as part of "brushing scams," where third-party sellers send random items to addresses obtained online to create fake verified-buyer reviews and artificially inflate product ratings. Affected consumers across Minnesota, Illinois, Massachusetts, and other states received unwanted items ranging from baby balloons to military hats and electronics. The Better Business Bureau recommends recipients document incidents, contact retailers to stop deliveries, monitor their accounts for fraudulent reviews and orders, and check credit reports, as the FTC has warned about this deceptive practice for at least a decade.
timeout.com
This article outlines five common travel scams and protective measures recommended by McAfee. The scams include impersonation fraud (posing as hotel staff or tour guides), phishing emails from fake travel companies, public WiFi vulnerabilities, and risks of sharing real-time vacation information on social media that can expose your location and home to theft. The article advises travelers to verify identities independently, avoid clicking suspicious links, use VPNs on public networks, delay posting vacation photos until returning home, and strengthen account security with two-factor authentication and unique passwords before traveling.
uspis.gov
This is an educational awareness piece from the Postal Inspection Service highlighting common mail-related scams and fraud prevention tips. Key advice includes: never sending money to claim lottery prizes, recognizing suspicious mail indicators (excessive postage, unknown senders), protecting children's online communications, signing credit cards immediately upon receipt, and recognizing that social isolation increases vulnerability to scams among older Americans. The piece encourages reporting mail-related crimes to postal inspectors.
1011now.com
The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office and Nebraska Attorney General's Office reported an increase in government imposter scams in the county, where scammers impersonate local law enforcement or court officials and threaten arrest or jail time unless victims pay immediately, sometimes using fake employee IDs or badge numbers to appear credible. The sheriff's office received 20 calls in one week alone of scams impersonating Captain Jon Vik. Both agencies advise residents to hang up on unsolicited government contacts, never send money through wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps, and instead call government agencies directly at known numbers to verify claims.
yen.com.gh
Ghanaian musician Hajia4Reall pleaded guilty to romance scams totaling over $2 million and was arrested in the UK in November 2022, subsequently extradited to the US for prosecution. In her sentencing plea, she named the father of her daughter as the person who introduced her to the scam scheme and requested a three-month sentence instead of the potential five-year term, citing the impact on her child's welfare. She was prosecuted in the US and faced sentencing after her February 2024 guilty plea.
mk.co.kr
A South Korean victim lost 70 million won to an international romance and investment scam that used AI-generated deepfakes of Elon Musk to establish trust before soliciting cryptocurrency transfers. The "pig slaughter" scam is part of a global criminal operation involving 120,000-220,000 forced workers across Myanmar and Cambodia who perpetrate phishing, romance, investment, and shopping scams targeting victims worldwide, with Chinese authorities blocking $157 billion in fraud since 2021—larger than Ethiopia's GDP.
businessghana.com
Recruitment scams involve fraudsters impersonating legitimate recruiters via social media or posting fake job listings to extract money or personal information from job seekers. Common tactics include posing as government employment departments and charging upfront fees for background checks or training, with recent victims in South Africa paying R250 or transportation costs for non-existent positions. Job seekers should avoid offers with red flags such as unsolicited contact, unprofessional communication, requests for payment or sensitive personal details, and salaries that seem too generous, as legitimate employers follow formal recruitment processes and never charge applicants for employment services.
wokv.com
A 79-year-old Central Florida woman missed her husband's funeral in Wisconsin after falling victim to an airline scam while attempting to book a last-minute flight from Orlando-Sanford International Airport. The scam was sophisticated enough to initially deceive the airline itself as well. The woman had to rebook her travel separately after a medical emergency prevented her from joining her family on their originally scheduled June 1 flight to attend her late husband's funeral service.
wkyt.com
AARP Kentucky hosted a "Scam Jam" educational event at the Lexington Senior Center that attracted over 200 attendees to learn about fraud prevention tactics. The event featured presentations from law enforcement agencies and emphasized that over 141 million adults have been affected by fraud, with seniors being particularly targeted due to their larger savings and retirement accounts. One documented case involved a woman who lost $1.7 million to a scam, highlighting the devastating financial impact these crimes can have.
spectrumnews1.com
Elder fraud cases in the United States increased significantly in 2023, with over 100,000 scam complaints resulting in nearly $3.5 billion in losses—an 11% increase from the prior year. Kentucky residents reported over 900 instances of elderly scams in 2023 totaling $13 million, with 2024 tracking at $12.7 million already. The FBI advises seniors to review financial statements, shred personal documents, avoid clicking unknown links, and contact authorities or trusted family members if contacted by unfamiliar people, as scammers increasingly use tech support schemes, romance fraud, and data breaches.
kqed.org
An 81-year-old Alhambra woman lost her life savings in a text-based romance scam after making seven bank withdrawals over three weeks, prompting her to sponsor Senate Bill 278 with California Sen. Bill Dodd. The bill would require financial institutions to delay transactions over $5,000 by at least three days if elder fraud is suspected, mandate employee training on fraud red flags, and require banks to notify designated emergency contacts or joint account holders of suspicious activity. With annual elder fraud losses exceeding $23 billion, the bill passed the California Senate with support from major senior advocacy groups, though initially faced opposition from banking and business lobbies over concerns about liability
justice.gov
**Summary:**
The U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI in San Diego recovered over $3.3 million for elderly fraud victims through a data-driven operation launched in January 2024, obtaining more than 40 seizure warrants for $5.6 million in total. The effort targets sophisticated scams affecting seniors, particularly cryptocurrency investment schemes and tech support/government impersonation scams, with California leading the nation in both number of victims (77,000+) and losses ($2.1 billion) in 2023. Authorities emphasize that early reporting is critical to interrupting transactions and recovering victims' funds before scammers disappear with the money.
lexingtonchronicle.com
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting senior citizens in South Carolina, where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) to steal personal information and money. Scammers use tactics such as caller ID spoofing, fabricated urgent debts or prize claims, threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to pressure victims into immediate action. The warning is part of broader World Elder Abuse Awareness Day efforts and the IRS's ongoing Security Summit partnership to educate seniors and protect them from these schemes.
postandcourier.com
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors in South Carolina, where fraudsters pose as IRS or other government officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use tactics including spoofed caller IDs, false claims of tax debts or prizes, pressure for immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers, and threats of arrest or deportation. The IRS advises that it does not initiate contact via phone, email, or text about tax issues, and victims should hang up immediately and verify communications by calling 800-829-1040.
mainepublic.org
In 2023, adults aged 50 and older lost at least $28 billion to fraud according to FTC data. AARP Maine hosted an educational event featuring expert panelists to discuss the prevalence of financial elder abuse, methods to identify it, and resources for seeking help. The free public program aired from Husson University and included speakers specializing in elder law, justice advocacy, and fraud prevention.
lexingtonchronicle.com
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors in South Carolina, where fraudsters pose as IRS or other government agency representatives to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Scammers use tactics such as caller ID spoofing, fabricated urgent scenarios (false tax debts or refunds), threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to pressure victims into immediate action. The IRS advises that legitimate tax issues are initiated by mail, and anyone receiving unexpected calls from alleged IRS agents should hang up immediately and report the incident.
northernvirginiamag.com
Scammers stole more than $3 billion from older Americans last year, with fraud targeting seniors rising due to larger senior populations, artificial intelligence capabilities, and Medicare system complexity. Scams range from romance and investment schemes to "grandparent" scams using voice cloning technology and impersonators posing as Medicare specialists seeking personal information to order medical equipment fraudulently. Protection strategies include treating Medicare cards as securely as credit cards, being wary of pressure to act quickly, limiting social media sharing of personal information, and verifying the identity of callers and online contacts.
messagemedia.co
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors, where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) to steal personal information and money through pressure tactics and threats of arrest or deportation. Scammers demand immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps while manipulating caller IDs to appear legitimate; the IRS emphasizes it never demands immediate payment through these methods and advises recipients of suspicious calls to hang up and contact IRS customer service directly at 800-829-1040 to verify legitimacy.
sctonline.net
The IRS issued a warning about a surge in impersonation scams targeting seniors nationwide, particularly in Mississippi, where fraudsters pose as government officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use sophisticated tactics including spoofed caller IDs, false claims of tax debt or lottery winnings, and pressure for immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers. The IRS advises seniors to hang up on unexpected calls, verify contact through official channels at 800-829-1040, and report suspicious communications to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
abc15.com
Multiple viewers reported receiving unsolicited phone calls from scammers impersonating Publishers Clearing House, claiming they had won between $5.2 million and $8.5 million and demanding upfront payments (ranging from $99 to $9,000) via gift cards or money packs to cover taxes or shipping before releasing winnings. One victim did pay money before being hit with additional demands, while others recognized the red flags—including callers with accents, requests for prepaid cards, and the fact that they never entered a sweepstakes—and reported the fraud to authorities. The legitimate Publishers Clearing House emphasized that it never contacts winners in advance or requests payment to claim prizes.
krmsradio.com
Lake area residents are being targeted by scammers who spoof law enforcement caller ID and claim victims have unpaid warrants, missed jury duty, or failed court appearances, demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest. The Camden County Sheriff's Office advises residents to hang up on suspicious calls and report details to local law enforcement rather than complying with payment demands.
6abc.com
"Crash for Cash" is a growing insurance fraud scheme in the United States where perpetrators intentionally cause vehicle accidents by running into drivers or slamming on brakes, then file fraudulent injury claims against the victims and insurance companies. This scam costs Americans an estimated $45 billion annually in property and casualty fraud, raising insurance premiums by approximately $900 per consumer per year. Experts recommend installing high-quality dash cameras as a deterrent and practicing attentive driving to protect against becoming a victim of these staged accidents.
cointelegraph.com
A White Settlement, Texas police officer stopped a scam targeting an elderly woman who had been tricked by a Chase Bank impersonator into withdrawing $40,000 and depositing $23,900 into a Bitcoin ATM machine. The scammer used spoofed caller ID and threats of arrest—tactics common in pig butchering scams—before arranging transportation to a bank and convenience store. Authorities intervened before further losses occurred and are working to recover the deposited funds.
mocoshow.com
A ticket resale scam is circulating on local Facebook groups where fraudsters pose as sellers offering concert and event tickets at discounted prices, claiming to have personal or medical emergencies. Scammers use fake ticket screenshots to appear legitimate, request private messages to avoid scrutiny, and block victims after receiving payment. Users are advised to verify sellers through Facebook group administrators and exercise caution when purchasing from unfamiliar accounts, as some fraudulent profiles appear authentic.
wxxv25.com
The Wiggins Police Department reported an increase in electronic scams targeting community residents, including finance, romance, credit card, and internet fraud schemes conducted via phone calls, emails, and social media. Scammers typically request personal information and demand payment through bank transfers, credit cards, or postal services, though legitimate federal agencies and government entities never solicit money through these channels. Residents are advised to contact the Wiggins Police Department at (601) 928-5444 before responding to suspicious requests or sending money.
tbrnewsmedia.com
**Type:** Educational Event/Awareness Program
State Senator Anthony Palumbo and Assemblyman Ed Flood are hosting a Senior Scam Prevention Program at Brightview Port Jefferson Senior Living on June 20 to educate seniors and caregivers about fraud prevention. According to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report, over 101,000 seniors reported fraud with average losses of $33,915 per person, and those over 60 lost $3.4 billion total in 2023, with tech support scams, data breaches, romance scams, and investment scams being the most common types. The program, developed in collaboration with the
lakeonews.com
This article provides an overview of common scams affecting Okeechobee residents, including account hacking, impersonation fraud, and romance scams. A local man reported his Facebook and Instagram accounts were hacked in June, with the perpetrator attempting to solicit money from his contacts, while another victim lost approximately $200 to someone impersonating a bank employee. The article outlines warning signs and protective measures recommended by the FBI and Federal Trade Commission, emphasizing that scammers use urgency, impersonation, and pressure tactics to obtain personal information and money.
hive.rochesterregional.org
Healthcare scams are proliferating across text messages, emails, and phone calls, targeting patients, staff, and executives alike through phishing links, voice imitation AI, and spoofed domains designed to mimic legitimate healthcare providers. Common tactics include malicious QR codes, fake multifactor authentication prompts, and business email compromise schemes where scammers build relationships with executives to request unauthorized payments. To protect yourself, verify sender domains carefully, question unexpected messages, and be wary of urgent requests containing links or attachments.
calmatters.org
Governor Newsom vetoed California Senate Bill 278, which would have required banks to delay transactions over $5,000 for at least three days if they suspected elder fraud and to notify designated emergency contacts. The veto came despite the bill's passage through the Senate with support from senior advocacy groups like AARP, after 81-year-old Alice Lin lost her entire $720,000 life savings to a cryptocurrency scam despite multiple red flags at her bank. Newsom cited concerns that the bill could prevent legitimate access to funds and stated it needs further legal review to balance consumer protection with individual rights.
cbs19news.com
Elder fraud has reached epidemic proportions, with the FBI reporting $1.6 billion in losses between January and May of this year—a $300 million increase from the previous year—and a 14% surge in elder fraud complaints in 2023. Criminal actors increasingly target older adults because they perceive them as vulnerable and trusting, with the most common schemes being tech support, romance, investment, and government impersonation scams. Geriatrician Dr. Laurie Archbald-Pannone recommends seniors verify unsolicited offers through online searches and report scams immediately without shame, as victim numbers rose 209% and financial losses surged 419% between 2
cobbcountycourier.com
Americans age 60 and older lost more than $3 billion to scammers in 2023, with elder fraud complaints to the FBI increasing 14% that year, though actual losses are likely underreported due to embarrassment and incomplete age data. Older adults are particularly vulnerable because they tend to be more trusting, have financial assets, and may be less comfortable with technology; tech-support scams are most common, while investment scams cause the largest losses. Prevention through education on identifying scams, reporting crimes, and building awareness is critical to combating this growing epidemic and mitigating its traumatic psychological effects on victims.
theitem.com
The Internal Revenue Service warned South Carolina seniors about a rising trend of impersonation scams targeting older adults who are deceived by fraudsters posing as government officials or IRS agents. Scammers use manipulated caller IDs, fabricated claims of tax debts or lottery winnings, and pressure tactics demanding immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to steal personal information and money. The IRS advises recipients of suspicious calls to hang up immediately and verify legitimacy by calling official IRS customer service at 800-829-1040 rather than returning the scammer's call.
midhudsonnews.com
During Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June, Sullivan County officials warned of increased fraud incidents since COVID-19, highlighting common scams including romance scams, lottery schemes, and impersonations of Social Security, the IRS, and banks that pressure victims to send money via prepaid gift cards. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, elder fraud losses reached $1.6 billion from January to May 2024 (up nearly $300 million year-over-year), with 2023 reporting $3.4 billion in total losses and a 14 percent increase in elder fraud complaints. Officials advised recognizing warning signs such as isolated elderly individuals engaging in frequent online or phone
thesylvaherald.com
North Carolina's fraud watchdogs warned of rising scams targeting seniors, with particular focus on financial elder abuse during World Elder Abuse Month in June. The N.C. Senior Consumer Fraud Task Force released a 23-minute fraud prevention video and streamlined reporting resources, including a new 2-1-1 hotline for victims to access appropriate assistance and a Department of Justice no-scam line (1-877-5-NO-SCAM) for reporting fraud. Officials emphasized that scammers impersonate government, law enforcement, and family members to steal money and information, and urged older adults to verify identities before sharing information over phone, email, text, or
cbs8.com
A 79-year-old Navy veteran in Poway, California, lost $15,000 in a door-to-door landscaping scam in which fraudsters quoted him $10 per bag of mulch, then inflated the invoice to $19,000 (claiming 1,900 bags) after completing the work and pressuring him into payment. The victim reported the incident to law enforcement and the Contractors License Board, and later discovered through community posts that the same scam operation, operating under the name "Danilo Martinez Landscaping," had targeted other residents in the area with identical tactics.
caswellmessenger.com
**Summary:**
Moving scams, primarily conducted by rogue online operators, target seniors during peak moving season by offering unrealistically low estimates without inspecting goods, demanding advance deposits or full payment, and then either failing to appear, raising prices last-minute, or holding belongings hostage for additional fees. To protect yourself, obtain multiple quotes, verify company references, and remember that the cheapest option is not always the safest choice for moving valuable personal belongings.
sandmountainreporter.com
**Summary:**
The Alabama Securities Commission released guidance on identifying and reporting elder financial abuse in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The FBI estimates seniors lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, and Alabama has seen a significant increase in reported cases, rising from 90 in 2022 to 215 in the current year. The ASC advises staying connected with elderly relatives, watching for warning signs such as sudden isolation or new acquaintances interested in finances, and contacting authorities at 800-222-1253 to report suspected exploitation.
foxreno.com
The Reno Police Department reported an uptick in scams targeting local residents and hosted a senior awareness session covering various fraud types, including ATM skimmers, fraudulent checks, and impersonation schemes that have resulted in losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The session provided protective measures such as monitoring credit card statements, inspecting currency and checks for signs of fraud, and remembering that legitimate law enforcement never requests payment information over phone, text, or email.
wlbt.com
The Federal Trade Commission reported over 170,000 imposter scam reports totaling more than $645 million in losses as of mid-2024, with an average loss of $780 per victim. Pennsylvania's assistant chief deputy attorney general highlighted that wire transfers account for 75% of scams in the state and stressed the need for banks to implement stronger fraud prevention measures similar to those used in credit card protection. Officials urged scam victims to immediately report incidents to their state attorney general's consumer protection division and the FTC to freeze funds and prevent further fraud.
kbtx.com
The Federal Trade Commission reported over 170,000 imposter scam cases in the current year, resulting in losses exceeding $645 million with an average loss of $780 per victim. Pennsylvania's Attorney General's office has established a dedicated team to respond to scam reports by contacting victims, freezing funds, and working with law enforcement to shut down fraudulent communications, while urging consumers to report scams immediately to their state attorney general's office and the FTC. Officials are also pushing banks to take greater responsibility for preventing wire and check fraud, similar to their established fraud prevention practices in the credit card industry.
news4jax.com
Government imposter scams resulted in $76 million in losses last year, nearly doubling from $40 million in 2022, according to data presented on the morning show. These scams involve fraudsters posing as government officials to trick victims into sending money or personal information.
nbcboston.com
Financial fraud cost Essex County victims approximately $10 million last year, with cryptocurrency scams emerging as an increasingly common threat, particularly targeting older adults. District Attorney Paul Tucker warned citizens about crypto scams' tactics, including pressure to use crypto ATMs, send funds to scammers' digital wallets instantaneously (preventing transaction reversal), and keep transactions secret. Warning signs include being told to remain on the phone during transactions and that cryptocurrency is the only payment method accepted.
weareiowa.com
Elderly Iowans lost over $16 million to scams in the past year, with FBI data showing this is likely underreported and mirrors rising national trends among seniors. Investment scams pose the greatest financial threat to older adults, while newer schemes like phantom hacker scams convince victims to convert assets to precious metals and cash for supposed protection. The FBI advises victims to contact their financial institutions immediately to freeze assets, avoid clicking unsolicited links, verify government officials independently, and report incidents to law enforcement.
kshb.com
A Kansas City woman lost $15,000 in a grandparent scam when a caller impersonating her daughter claimed to be in jail and needed bail money; Lucia Hanna withdrew the cash from her bank after being instructed not to answer questions, only discovering the fraud when she called her actual daughter. Clay County authorities report that such scams are occurring daily and increasingly targeting vulnerable individuals, with law enforcement urging victims to report incidents immediately to help track and deter scam activity.
capitalethiopia.com
Job recruitment scams are proliferating in South Africa, where high unemployment (32%) makes job seekers vulnerable to fraudsters who impersonate recruiters on social media or post fake job listings to extract money or personal information. Common tactics include fake Department of Employment and Labour schemes demanding R250 for background checks and requiring upfront payments for transportation or training, with victims reporting non-existent job offers. Red flags include unsolicited offers via social media, unprofessional communication, unusually high remote salaries, and requests for payment or sensitive personal data—legitimate employers never charge jobseekers for recruitment services or request ID numbers and bank details early in the process.
indiatoday.in
A 52-year-old businessman in Noida lost Rs 5 lakh to a digital arrest scam in June when a fraudster posing as a Mumbai crime branch official threatened him with arrest for alleged drug smuggling and money laundering, keeping him on a video call while demanding he transfer funds as a temporary "Supreme Court audit" measure. The victim complied under fear of legal consequences but never received the promised return of funds. The case highlights how scammers impersonating law enforcement target even educated individuals, and authorities recommend verifying claims by independently contacting official agencies, never sharing financial information with unknown callers, and reporting suspicious calls to police.