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irs.gov
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning on June 12, 2024, about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors who are deceived by fraudsters posing as IRS or other government agency representatives. Scammers use manipulated caller IDs, fabricated urgent scenarios, and pressure victims to make immediate payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to steal personal information and money. The IRS recommends that anyone receiving unsolicited calls from alleged IRS representatives should hang up immediately and verify legitimacy by calling the official IRS customer service line at 800-829-1040.
newarkadvocate.com
Fraud cases are rising significantly across Ohio, with the Ashland Police Department reporting a 62% increase in fraud and forgery cases, while the FBI documented a 14% increase in fraud allegations against older adults in 2023, resulting in average losses of $33,915 per victim and over $3.4 billion in total losses. Scammers target all demographics—including business professionals and online daters—using tactics such as requesting gift card payments, threatening account hacks, and romance manipulation. Police recommend avoiding unsolicited money transfers to unknown individuals, using buyer-protected payment services, recognizing deals that seem too good to be true, and contacting local police if feeling uneasy
katc.com
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors nationwide, particularly in Louisiana, where fraudsters pose as government officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Scammers use advanced tactics including spoofed caller IDs, fabricated debt claims, and pressure for immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers to exploit victims. The IRS recommends hanging up on unexpected calls about tax issues and verifying legitimacy by calling official IRS customer service at 800-829-1040.
wcbcradio.com
During Maryland's "Protect Week" in June 2024, state officials highlighted that one in five seniors over 65 have been victims of fraud, with the elderly losing nearly $3 billion annually to identity theft and scams perpetrated by both external criminals and family members. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown emphasized his office's commitment to combating elder fraud and abuse through enforcement efforts.
justice.gov
Attorney General Merrick Garland addressed the Elder Justice Coordinating Council at the Department of Justice, highlighting the agency's commitment to combating elder abuse and fraud. Over the last five years, the Justice Department has pursued more than 1,500 criminal and civil cases targeting older adults, provided services to over 1.5 million elder victims, and recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in restitution. Garland emphasized the critical role of interagency coordination and partnerships in addressing evolving threats to elders, including emerging challenges from artificial intelligence and transnational fraud schemes.
wcpo.com
Phishing scams are increasingly prevalent, with the Better Business Bureau reporting over 9,000 phishing scam reports in the past year—nearly double the previous year. One woman nearly fell victim to a scam posing as her cable company offering a discount, only to be asked to purchase a Target gift card and read the numbers aloud. Key warning signs include unsolicited messages creating panic, unexpected account issues, payment links, suspicious typos, and urgent language; consumers are advised to slow down and verify messages before responding, especially text messages which scammers increasingly exploit.
blackhillsfox.com
The Pennington County Sheriff's Office warned of a delivery app scam in which fraudsters cancel orders, then impersonate company support staff and call drivers requesting bank account information or personal details. A DoorDash driver in Rapid City nearly fell victim to this scheme when she received a call claiming to be from "DoorDash Support," but she hung up before providing any information. Law enforcement advises delivery app users to immediately disconnect calls requesting account or personal information and report suspicious activity to the FTC or local police.
stltoday.com
I cannot provide a summary of this submission. This appears to be a list of country names rather than an article about elder fraud, scams, or abuse.
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yahoo.com
A 91-year-old Rockland woman became a victim of credit card fraud when over $3,000 in fraudulent charges from Texas energy companies appeared on her statement in late 2022, shortly after she vacationed in Florida. Her daughter spent more than a year attempting to dispute the charges with Citibank, but the case was closed due to insufficient information, highlighting challenges elderly fraud victims face in resolving disputes. The incident reflects a broader trend in Massachusetts, where residents over 60 lost over $70 million to fraud in 2022, with seniors being significantly more vulnerable to online scams, investment fraud, and imposter schemes.
azfamily.com
This article does not contain content related to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. The news briefs cover unrelated topics including a body found in a canal, a dog shooting incident, school funding decisions, and a bicycle crash. It is not suitable for the Elderus fraud research database.
highlandcountypress.com
**Article:** "Raising awareness about fraud targeting seniors"
The FBI reported seniors lost $3.4 billion in 2023, an 11-percent increase from 2022, through scams including romance fraud, fake tech support, cryptocurrency schemes, and investment fraud. The article outlines six warning signs of scams and provides guidance on prevention measures and reporting channels, including contacting local police, the FTC, FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
supertalk.fm
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting senior citizens nationwide, including in Mississippi, where fraudsters pose as government officials to steal personal information and money. These scams use tactics such as fabricating urgent debts or prize claims, threatening arrest or deportation, and demanding payment through untraceable methods like gift cards and cryptocurrency. The IRS advises seniors to hang up on unexpected calls claiming to be from the agency and to report suspected scams to the IRS at 1-800-366-4484.
abcnews.go.com
Travel expert Katy Nastro advises travelers to protect themselves from summer travel scams, particularly frequent flyer mile theft, which she personally experienced when hackers accessed her American Airlines account and redeemed a large portion of her accumulated miles for an unauthorized Asia ticket. To prevent fraud, travelers should use strong passwords with password managers, regularly monitor account balances, avoid clicking suspicious links even if branded by airlines, and contact airlines directly rather than through social media customer service numbers. The scams are increasing because many people have accrued substantial points during the pandemic while using outdated passwords, making their accounts vulnerable to hacking.
steinbachonline.com
**Jewelry Scam Alert - Southern Manitoba**
Steinbach RCMP is warning the public about a resurgent roadside jewelry scam where fraudsters pose as stranded motorists selling jewelry at discounted prices, claiming car trouble or financial hardship. One victim purchased a gold ring for $200 from a scammer claiming to be a stranded traveler from Dubai along Provincial Road 311; similar incidents have been reported across southern Manitoba with vehicles bearing out-of-province license plates, and authorities advise the public never to purchase items roadside or feel pressured into transactions.
cointelegraph.com
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission issued a consumer warning about romance scams involving cryptocurrency, in which scammers build emotional relationships with victims over time before convincing them to invest in crypto schemes with false promises of guaranteed profits and expert guidance. The FTC noted these scammers have stolen millions of dollars and advised consumers to watch for warning signs such as promises of large returns, guaranteed risk-free investments, and requests to send money. Canada's Anti-Fraud Centre similarly reported a surge in crypto romance scams on dating apps and social media, urging consumers to be cautious of online contacts promoting cryptocurrency investments.
wgal.com
Romance scammers are increasingly targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly widows and widowers, through social media by building emotional connections before requesting money for investments, emergencies, or other financial needs. The Federal Trade Commission reports these scams stole billions of dollars last year, with recent victims in the Susquehanna Valley losing up to $40,000 or more. To protect themselves, people should verify online profiles, move slowly in relationships, avoid sending money to online contacts, and be suspicious of those who avoid meeting in person or push for isolation from friends and family.
crypto.news
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission issued a warning about the rise of "romance scams" (also called "pig butchering scams"), in which scammers pose as romantic interests to trick victims into making fraudulent cryptocurrency investments, with over $75 billion lost to these schemes between January 2020 and February 2024. The FTC advised that scammers establish emotional connections, conduct background checks on victims, promise unrealistic risk-free returns, and disappear after obtaining funds, and recommended that victims cut off contact and report incidents to the FTC. Notable cases include a Philadelphia woman who lost $450,000 in 2024 and crypto exchange Debiex, which allegedly solicite
blockonomi.com
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission warns about cryptocurrency romance scams in which fraudsters pose as romantic partners online, build emotional trust, and convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes promising high returns with no risk. Over $75 billion was lost to these scams between January 2020 and February 2024. The FTC advises victims to cease communication immediately if an online love interest requests money via gift cards, payment apps, or cryptocurrency, and to report suspected scammers to both the social media platform and the FTC.
cryptobriefing.com
The Federal Trade Commission has warned consumers about crypto romance scams, where fraudsters pose as romantic interests on social media, build emotional connections, and then pressure victims to invest in cryptocurrency with promises of guaranteed high returns. Scammers use untraceable payment methods like gift cards and crypto transfers, with victims reporting losses ranging from thousands to millions of dollars. The FTC advises people to disconnect from suspected scammers immediately and report them to both the social media platform and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
weareiowa.com
According to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report, elderly people lost more than $3 billion to scams in 2023, with common schemes including romance scams (one victim lost over $300,000), lottery scams, and impersonation scams involving fake law enforcement or family members in distress. Clive Police Detective Maurio Coleman advises victims to establish code words with loved ones, verify claims by calling the person directly, avoid paying through gift cards or cryptocurrency, and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement or ic3.gov to help identify patterns across jurisdictions.
yahoo.com
A 91-year-old Rockland woman became a victim of credit card fraud in late 2022 when over $3,000 in unauthorized charges from Texas energy companies appeared on her statement after a Florida vacation, though her family's dispute with Citibank was closed due to insufficient information. The case highlights a broader problem: Massachusetts residents over 60 lost over $70 million to fraud in 2022, with seniors 517 percent more likely to fall victim to online tech support scams than younger adults. Experts recommend families monitor elderly parents' financial accounts closely and discuss common scam tactics, including requests for unusual payment methods and pressure to act quickly.
newportnewstimes.com
Social media scams are currently the most prevalent fraud type, surpassing phone and text fraud. The article identifies four common tactics: giveaway scams requiring personal information or suspicious link clicks, investment scams promising unrealistic returns, fake shopping deals with pressure tactics and unusual payment requests, and impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as trusted contacts requesting urgent financial assistance. Protection strategies include verifying account authenticity, avoiding unsolicited offers, using secure payment methods, enabling two-factor authentication, and confirming unexpected requests through independent contact channels.
nbclosangeles.com
Consumer protection agencies are warning about a shift in social media scam tactics, where impostors now impersonate major brands like Best Buy's Geek Squad (52,000 reports), Amazon (34,000 reports), and PayPal (10,000 reports) rather than federal agencies to steal money and personal information. Key protective measures include ignoring unsolicited calls, texts, and emails requesting financial or account information; monitoring credit reports regularly; and verifying communications directly with known company phone numbers or websites. Organizations including the FTC, AARP, and Better Business Bureau are providing resources in multiple languages to combat these increasingly sophisticated impersonation scams.
kentuckytoday.com
Following the April 2 storms in Kentucky, FEMA warns disaster survivors in 11 affected counties that criminals are targeting them by fraudulently applying for FEMA assistance using stolen personal information like names, Social Security numbers, and addresses. Survivors should verify they did not apply if FEMA inspectors visit unsolicited, avoid anyone demanding payment for disaster grants, never provide banking information to FEMA representatives, and report suspected fraud to FEMA, local law enforcement, or the Kentucky Attorney General.
turnto10.com
A survey by MedicareFAQ.com found that nearly 40% of seniors have fallen victim to scams, with victims losing an average of $3,500, though most never report the crimes due to not knowing where to report, embarrassment, or believing losses were too small. Common scam methods include phishing emails, fake tech support, phony shopping offers, phone calls, and text messages, and experts recommend seniors ignore unsolicited communications, monitor financial accounts closely, and set up transaction alerts to protect themselves.
katc.com
A Lafayette, Louisiana resident lost $50 to a rental scam after finding a fake apartment listing on Facebook and sending an application fee to a fraudster posing as a landlord. According to FBI data, 11,500 people nationwide reported rental and real estate scams in 2021, resulting in $350 million in collective losses. Experts recommend meeting landlords in person, viewing properties before payment, researching landlords' legitimacy, and avoiding wire transfers to strangers.
kare11.com
A Maple Grove senior lost $20,000 in a phone scam after accidentally dialing an incorrect number and reaching scammers posing as Xfinity customer service. The scammer convinced the victim that his accounts had been hacked and pressured him to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM; a gas station clerk intervened during the final transaction, preventing the loss of an additional $5,000. Brooklyn Park police report that residents lost over $1 million to cryptocurrency scams in 2024, with recovery being nearly impossible once funds are transferred between digital wallets, particularly when scammers operate overseas.
nowhabersham.com
Peach State Federal Credit Union launched community outreach initiatives to educate seniors about fraud prevention, holding free seminars at senior centers in Summerville and Toccoa with plans to expand across their service area. The credit union, which serves over 70,000 members in Georgia and South Carolina, provides fraud prevention resources through seminars, social media, and their website to help seniors and families identify and avoid financial exploitation. Membership is not required to attend the free educational sessions.
denver7.com
A Commerce City woman fell victim to a loan scam when fraudsters impersonated her bank (Navy Federal Credit Union), obtained a loan in her name, and then called her claiming suspicious activity on her account—instructing her to transfer $12,000 back through Zelle transfers, which she did before verifying the call. Despite her attempts to dispute the loan, Navy Federal is holding her responsible for the $400-monthly payments on the fraudulently obtained loan, leaving her facing potential bankruptcy.
says.com
Deepfake videos featuring former Malaysian badminton champion Datuk Lee Chong Wei are circulating on social media promoting fake investment schemes. Lee warned the public to verify claims through his official social media accounts and advised remaining vigilant against "too good to be true" offers, noting that fellow shuttler Lai Pei Jing lost most of her life savings to a similar bogus investment scheme. Lee is collaborating with Malaysian authorities to combat scams, which resulted in RM1.218 billion in losses from 34,497 reported cases in 2023.
finextra.com
Santander's fraud protection measures implemented in December 2023 to prevent bank transfers for unseen Facebook Marketplace purchases stopped 1,899 transactions, but 263 customers who bypassed the warnings by falsely claiming they had seen items in person subsequently fell victim to scams, losing a total of £284,000 (averaging £647 per person). The findings reveal that fraudsters are pressuring victims to circumvent safety measures, with nearly 60% of scam victims having initially been flagged by the bank's protective system. This represents a response to a 50% year-over-year increase in Facebook Marketplace scam losses reported to Santander, which totaled nearly £
capitalgazette.com
Maryland policymakers held a public awareness event warning older residents about financial fraud, which affected 1,985 adults age 60+ in the state last year. A 79-year-old Montgomery County woman lost over $500,000 to an FBI imposter scam involving fake fentanyl trafficking investigations, experiencing severe physical and psychological health consequences. State officials announced expanded protections for seniors and encouraged fraud victims to report incidents to law enforcement at 833-372-8311, emphasizing that reports help build cases against scammers targeting vulnerable populations nationwide.
thethaiger.com
Twenty-one victims reported losing over 12 million baht to an online toy scam involving a Facebook seller who took payment for Labubu and Art Toys collectibles but never delivered the goods. The scammer, who operated a physical store at Mega Sapanlek that was subsequently put up for sale, exploited victims' trust built through prior successful transactions, with some victims like one reseller losing 1.5 million baht and being forced to use children's tuition fees for the fraudulent purchases. Thai police have taken statements and forwarded the case to higher authorities for investigation and arrest.
crapo.senate.gov
In 2023, seniors lost $3.4 billion to scams, an 11 percent increase from 2022, prompting Senator Mike Crapo to co-sponsor a unanimously passed Senate Resolution to combat elder fraud. Common scams targeting older Americans include romance schemes, fraudulent tech support, cryptocurrency conversion fraud, and investment scams, with warning signs including unexpected contact with pressure to act quickly, requests for personal information, and demands for untraceable payments. The Idaho Attorney General's office and other agencies provide educational resources and encourage seniors to report fraud without shame, noting that scammers are sophisticated and victims should contact law enforcement, their financial institutions, and relevant agencies rather than remaining silent due to
publicnewsservice.org
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and AARP Maryland's PROTECT Week highlight the rising threat of elder financial abuse, with FBI data showing Americans age 60+ lost over $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, an 11% increase from the prior year. Common fraud schemes targeting seniors include tech support scams, phishing via email and text, and the "grandparents scam"—increasingly sophisticated with AI-generated voice mimicry and caller ID spoofing—with Maryland seniors alone reporting nearly $72 million in losses from nearly 2,000 complaints in 2023. Advocates stress that fraudsters often pose as trusted individuals like caretakers or neighbors
uppermichiganssource.com
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), hosted by United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula, received $920 in funding to host educational sessions called "Financial Empowerment for Everyone" aimed at seniors in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The presentations will teach participants how to recognize and avoid scams, spot signs of financial abuse, report fraud, protect financial documents, and practice technology safety.
justice.gov
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina recognized World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) by partnering with law enforcement agencies, AARP, Meals on Wheels, and the FBI to combat elder fraud through community education. The office hosted three public outreach events in Raleigh, Wake Forest, and Supply to help seniors recognize signs of financial scams and connect them with resources and support services. U.S. Attorney Michael Easley emphasized that seniors are frequently targeted by fraudsters and prioritized prosecuting cases involving elderly victims as part of broader efforts to protect vulnerable populations.
justice.gov
On June 15, 2024, U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref recognized World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and highlighted that financial exploitation is the most common form of elder abuse, costing older adults an estimated $23 billion annually. The U.S. Attorney's Office has expanded efforts to combat elder fraud through initiatives including the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, which targets foreign-based schemes, the Money Mule Initiative to disrupt fraud networks, and Senior Scam Alerts educating the public about common schemes such as Social Security impostor scams, tech support fraud, and lottery scams.
mcall.com
The Lehigh County District Attorney's Office is hosting a free "Safeguarding Seniors" symposium on June 25 to educate older residents and caregivers about recognizing fraud, abuse, and neglect. The event will feature personal stories from families affected by elder abuse, training on identifying scam red flags from the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Elder Abuse Unit, and interactive "Fraud Scam Bingo" sessions to help attendees detect financial fraud.
mageenews.com
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15, 2024) was recognized by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Mississippi to promote awareness of elder fraud and abuse. The Justice Department highlighted common scams targeting seniors—including Social Security impostor schemes, tech support fraud, and lottery scams—and emphasized that information and vigilance, along with partnerships between law enforcement and the public, are key to prevention. Resources like the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force and Senior Scam Alerts are available to help older individuals and families identify and avoid fraudulent activity.
953mnc.com
The Better Business Bureau warns that text-based phishing scams are increasing in 2024, with scammers employing new technology tactics. Red flags include unsolicited messages claiming account problems, requesting financial information, containing suspicious links, or filled with typos. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unexpected texts or emails, don't open messages from anonymous senders, and ignore urgent action demands.
actionnews5.com
The FBI reported an 11% increase in elder fraud losses in 2023 compared to 2022, with people over 60 losing $3.4 billion nationwide and $43 million in Tennessee alone. Common scams targeting seniors include cryptocurrency investments, tech support fraud, business scams, and romance scams, with scammers exploiting older adults' disposable income and lower proficiency with online services. The FBI advises victims to stop sending money, cut off contact with scammers, and file complaints with the Internet Crime Complaint Center immediately.
wmdt.com
During Maryland's PROTECT Week, state officials highlighted efforts to combat elder financial abuse, which affects one in five adults over 65 and costs seniors $2.9 billion annually, despite younger Americans being more frequent targets. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown and Comptroller Brooke Lierman announced that their offices are working through Project SAFE and other initiatives to educate seniors and pursue asset recovery, emphasizing that scammers—including trusted family members and neighbors—specifically target seniors' life savings. The officials provided protective tips including letting unknown calls go to voicemail, guarding personal information, and regularly monitoring financial statements, while encouraging victims to seek help without shame.
local12.com
Scams targeting people 60 and older have increased 14 percent, with victims collectively losing $3.4 billion, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. The most common scam involves fraudsters calling or emailing victims claiming they've won a prize or contest, then requesting payment for taxes before disappearing with the money. Protection strategies include being skeptical of unknown callers, consulting trusted contacts before responding, verifying suspicious communications, contacting police if necessary, and using data removal services to reduce exposure of personal information.
wifr.com
The Better Business Bureau reported that phishing scam reports nearly doubled in 2023, with scammers impersonating legitimate companies via links and messages to trick victims into sharing personal or financial information. Both individuals and businesses have been targeted, with the FBI indicating businesses have lost billions over the past three years. The BBB advises consumers to be cautious of red flags including unsolicited payment requests with embedded links, suspicious activity claims, and generic messages using well-known company logos.
abc.net.au
A sophisticated romance scam operation based in the Dubai desert targeted tens of thousands of people through fake text messages and WhatsApp messages, with scammers posing as wealthy Eastern European women and models to lure victims into cryptocurrency investment schemes. An insider named Evan, who took a job at the facility out of desperation, discovered the operation involved a three-stage "pig-butchering scam" where workers messaged 40-50 potential victims daily using stolen photos and video call actors. The syndicate was eventually exposed through the collaboration of an Australian victim (Murray Sargant), a private detective, a YouTube scam-baiter, and Evan himself, who worked from within to help
wymt.com
FEMA issued a warning to survivors of April 2 storms in Kentucky about fraudsters using stolen personal information (names, addresses, Social Security numbers) to apply for disaster assistance on their behalf. Officials advise disaster survivors to verify FEMA communication through the official helpline (800-621-3362), avoid anyone demanding payment for disaster grants, and never share banking information with individuals claiming to be FEMA housing inspectors, as legitimate inspectors never request personal financial data.
kiiitv.com
A 2023 Better Business Bureau report shows phishing scam reports nearly doubled compared to 2022, with first quarter 2024 numbers on track to exceed last year's totals. U.S. consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with a couple billion attributed to imposter and phishing scams, including losses exceeding $1 million in Corpus Christi alone (though only 3-5% of victims report scams). Experts advise verifying unsolicited contacts by calling official business numbers independently and avoiding urgent pressure tactics and threats commonly used by scammers to extract personal information.
wsaz.com
Following severe weather in Kentucky on April 2, scammers targeted disaster survivors by fraudulently applying for FEMA assistance using stolen personal information including names, addresses, and Social Security numbers. FEMA warned survivors to verify their own applications and contact authorities if they receive unsolicited FEMA correspondence or inspectors, and advised that legitimate FEMA representatives carry official identification, never charge fees, and do not collect banking information. Survivors should report suspected scams to local law enforcement, the Kentucky Attorney General, or FEMA's fraud hotline.
moneymarketing.co.uk
Fraud affects one in 17 people in the UK and comprises 38% of all crime, according to an Anti-Money Laundering Professionals Forum. The article outlines seven increasingly sophisticated fraud types targeting victims: impersonation fraud (posing as banks or authorities), social media fraud (fake websites and phishing), cryptocurrency investment scams (promising false high returns), courier fraud (impersonating officials to extract money), romance fraud (building fake relationships to steal assets), investment fraud (promoting worthless overseas properties or shares), and payment diversion (using nearly-identical email addresses to redirect payments). Pension providers and authorities must work together to combat these scams through reporting and vigilance.