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tech-ish.com
· 2026-06-12
Kenyan consumers lost significant money to digital fraud in 2025, with nearly 40% of reported losses coming from scams on legitimate shopping platforms where fraudsters pose as third-party sellers and disappear after taking payment. While Kenya's overall fraud rate (2.3%) is below the global average, victims here suffer the highest median losses in Africa at over 108,000 Kenyan shillings. Consumers should be cautious when buying from individual sellers on trusted platforms—verify seller credentials, use secure payment methods, and check reviews before completing transactions.
thedailynews.cc
· 2026-06-11
Social Security scams targeting elderly Americans are widespread and increasingly sophisticated, with scammers using evolving tactics to steal sensitive information and money. The article highlights that World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) emphasizes the need for communities and organizations to protect seniors from such fraud. The resource recommends sharing information about Social Security imposter scams with friends and family to raise awareness and help prevent victimization.
newsnationnow.com
· 2026-06-11
A registered nurse in California was charged with 77 felonies for operating an unlicensed in-home care business where she allegedly stole over $100,000 from elderly and vulnerable clients, including a veteran, while also evading taxes and employee payments. Rosanne Marquis, 71, exploited her position of trust as a healthcare provider to defraud seniors who depended on her care services. Families should carefully vet in-home care providers by verifying licenses, checking credentials, monitoring financial statements, and establishing oversight mechanisms to protect vulnerable relatives from similar exploitation.
newsargus.com
· 2026-06-11
North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall visited a senior center to warn older residents about the most common scams targeting them, particularly romance fraud where scammers build emotional connections to extract money from victims. Other prevalent scams include emergency impersonation calls claiming a family member needs immediate financial help and cryptocurrency ATM fraud. Seniors should protect themselves by never sharing personal financial information over the phone, being skeptical of unsolicited requests for money, and listening to concerns raised by family members about suspicious contacts.
thespec.com
· 2026-06-11
A Hamilton woman in her 70s lost $6,000 in a "grandparent scam" where a fraudster impersonated her grandson, claimed he was arrested and needed bail money, and sent a courier to collect the cash from her home. The scammer, 37-year-old Waldina Aranky, was caught after doorbell camera footage identified her and she pleaded guilty to fraud; she claimed financial desperation drove her to commit the crime. To protect yourself, be skeptical of urgent calls from family members asking for money, verify the caller's identity through independent contact information, and never wire money or give cash to couriers without confirming the story through official channels.
2urbangirls.com
· 2026-06-11
Adults aged 60 and older are filing more fraud complaints with the FBI than any other age group, highlighting a growing digital security threat targeting seniors. AARP, Verizon, and Senior Planet are responding by offering free, hands-on workshops at local Verizon stores to help older adults learn how to protect themselves from online scams and improve their digital security skills. If you're a senior in Southern California, you can sign up for these one-hour workshops to gain practical knowledge about staying safe online.
glasgowlive.co.uk
· 2026-06-11
Elderly residents in East Renfrewshire are being targeted by an "alarming" number of scams, with criminals posing as bank staff, police officers, and utility company representatives to steal money and bank cards, according to the area's police chief. Beyond traditional fraud, scammers are also running sophisticated romance scams that manipulate vulnerable seniors into sending cash. Police are responding by conducting awareness sessions in care homes and sheltered housing, and urge families to monitor their elderly relatives' phone contacts and stay alert to suspicious requests for money or financial information.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-06-11
Scammers are increasingly targeting elderly people in East Renfrewshire, Scotland, using phone and online schemes where they impersonate bank staff, police, or utility companies to steal money and bank cards. Police Chief Inspector Paul Daley described the situation as "quite alarming," noting he has rarely seen such a high volume of elder fraud in over 20 years of policing, with romance scams being particularly sophisticated and manipulative. Families are advised to monitor who elderly relatives communicate with, and police are conducting awareness sessions at sheltered housing and care homes to help seniors recognize and avoid these scams.
foxnews.com
· 2026-06-10
Criminals are using AI technology to clone people's voices from brief social media clips or voicemails, then impersonating family members in fake emergency scams to trick victims into sending money—with one in four adults already reporting they've experienced such a scam. These attacks are particularly effective because scammers combine the voice cloning with personal information obtained from data brokers, making the calls sound more convincing, and AI scams surged 1,210% in 2025 with potential losses reaching $40 billion by 2027. To protect yourself, be cautious about what audio you share online, verify urgent requests by calling back through a known number, and be skeptical of sudden emergencies requiring immediate money transfers.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-06-10
A comprehensive study found that Americans aged 60 and older lost $7.748 billion to internet fraud in 2025—a 59% jump from the previous year—with actual losses potentially reaching $10 billion to $81 billion when accounting for underreporting. The most common scams targeting seniors include investment fraud, tech support scams, romance scams, and government impersonation schemes, with artificial intelligence now playing an increasing role in perpetrating these crimes. Seniors should verify unexpected contacts independently, never share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers, consult trusted family members or financial advisors before making decisions, and report suspected fraud to the FTC or local law enforcement.
fox13news.com
· 2026-06-10
A Dollar Tree manager in Clearwater, Florida, received a police commendation after stopping an elderly customer from losing $1,000 to a gift card scam where a fraudster impersonated Publishers Clearing House and promised a free truck in exchange for gift cards. The manager, Theresa Harmon, noticed red flags when the customer tried to buy multiple cards in quick succession, refused the second sale, and convinced him to hang up on the scammer and refund the first $500 purchase. The incident highlights a common tactic targeting seniors, and authorities recommend being skeptical of unsolicited calls promising prizes in exchange for gift cards.
wktv.com
· 2026-06-10
Oneida County, New York is holding free scam prevention workshops in June to help seniors protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated financial schemes that target older adults. The sessions will feature expert speakers discussing common scams, credit protection, and how to recognize and report suspicious activity, with resources like the free SilverShield service available to verify questionable calls and messages. Since implementing SilverShield in May, the county has already identified 23 scams and prevented approximately $20,700 in losses—seniors interested in the free service can call 315-798-5456.
romesentinel.com
· 2026-06-10
Oneida County is hosting two free awareness events on June 15 to help seniors recognize and avoid scams, featuring experts from the Better Business Bureau and financial institutions who will discuss common fraud tactics and protection strategies. Seniors aged 60 and older can also sign up for a free SilverShield service that allows them to send suspicious messages for verification, which has already helped identify scams saving residents an estimated $20,700 since May. With the FBI reporting over 859,000 scam complaints in 2024 resulting in $16.6 billion in losses, these educational resources and protective services are designed to help vulnerable populations defend themselves against increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.
wilcosun.com
· 2026-06-10
Anne Marshall lost her life savings to a tech support scam that began with a fake pop-up warning about expired Geek Squad support, which she called to dispute—giving scammers remote access to her computer and leading to escalating demands for money. Her story, shared at a Sun City community fundraiser breakfast, highlights a widespread problem affecting approximately 50,000 Americans annually, with victims over 50 accounting for more than half of all scam losses totaling $20.9 billion in 2025. Residents should be cautious of unsolicited pop-ups and calls, avoid granting remote access to their computers, and remember that scammers deliberately target people when they're tired or busy—falling victim doesn't mean you're stupid, according to law enforcement.
techxplore.com
· 2026-06-10
Hundreds of thousands of job seekers are being lured across borders into Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia under false employment promises, only to be trapped in heavily guarded compounds where they're forced to operate romance and investment scams targeting unsuspecting people online. Researchers analyzed social media posts from victims and their families to expose how these operations work, revealing that victims are coerced into long hours of fraudulent work with violence used as punishment. To protect yourself, be skeptical of job offers requiring you to relocate abroad, verify employment opportunities through official channels, and be cautious of romantic relationships that quickly lead to investment opportunities online.
prnewswire.com
· 2026-06-10
A new study found that Americans aged 60 and older lost $7.748 billion to internet-enabled fraud in 2025—a 59% jump from the previous year—with the average victim losing about $38,500 and over 12,000 people losing more than $100,000 each. The actual total losses are likely much higher, potentially between $10.1 billion and $81.5 billion when accounting for unreported cases, and scams targeting seniors include investment fraud, tech support scams, romance schemes, and government impersonation. Older adults should be cautious about unsolicited contacts, verify requests for money independently, and report suspected fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center or the Federal Trade Commission.
drydenwire.com
· 2026-06-10
An Illinois man has been sentenced to prison for defrauding an elderly victim of approximately $47,000 in Rusk. The perpetrator was apprehended during a law enforcement operation that caught him outside the victim's home, likely attempting to continue the scheme. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited contact from strangers requesting money or personal information, and family members are encouraged to monitor elderly relatives' financial accounts and maintain regular communication to help prevent similar fraud schemes.
fox13news.com
· 2026-06-09
A Dollar Tree manager in Clearwater, Florida received a police commendation after stopping an elderly customer from losing $1,000 to a gift card scam where a fraudster impersonated Publishers Clearing House and promised a free truck in exchange for gift cards. The manager, Theresa Harmon, noticed warning signs when the customer tried to buy multiple cards in quick succession, refused the second sale, and convinced him to hang up on the scammer and accept a refund. Police warn that elder fraud involving gift card schemes are common, and consumers should be suspicious of unexpected callers promising prizes in exchange for gift card purchases.
256today.com
· 2026-06-09
The Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council is hosting a free public forum on June 10 to educate residents about financial scams and abuse targeting seniors, featuring experts from the Huntsville Police Department and FBI who will explain warning signs and prevention strategies. Older adults are increasingly vulnerable to evolving fraud schemes and exploitation, and the forum aims to help community members protect themselves and their family members by learning how to recognize these crimes and report them. Attendees can attend the event at the Mark Russell Recreation Center from 6-8 p.m. to access practical information and resources directly from law enforcement experts.
thespec.com
· 2026-06-09
Cold Lake seniors attended a free educational session called Wise Owls Fraud Prevention to learn how to recognize and avoid scams, particularly those using new technology and artificial intelligence. The program, delivered by the Alberta Rural Crime Watch Association and RCMP, was created in response to local seniors losing significant money to fraud. Rather than trying to memorize every scam type, seniors were taught to recognize warning signs and suspicious situations, since fraud tactics constantly evolve.
miamitimesonline.com
· 2026-06-09
Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announced his "Live Florida" initiative at a news conference to address financial security for Florida seniors, including plans to combat fraud and cybersecurity threats targeting retirees. Collins highlighted rising costs for housing, healthcare, and insurance as major challenges for seniors and referenced his previous work launching Operation Senior Shield, which sends alerts to help older adults avoid scams. The initiative aims to provide seniors with timely information about emerging threats to protect them from fraudsters and boost consumer protections.
mpg.de
· 2026-06-09
Hundreds of thousands of job seekers, particularly those with language skills or vulnerable family situations, are being trafficked across borders to Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia under false employment promises, where they're forced to operate online fraud schemes like "pig-butchering" scams while held captive through wage theft, document confiscation, and violence. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute analyzed social media posts from victims and their families to expose recruitment tactics and control methods used by scam operators. People should be extremely cautious about unsolicited job offers promising high pay abroad, verify employment opportunities independently, and report suspected trafficking to authorities immediately.
miragenews.com
· 2026-06-09
Hundreds of thousands of job seekers in China have been trafficked across borders to Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia under false employment promises, where they are forced to operate online fraud schemes—including "pig-butchering" scams that target romantic relationships—while held captive in guarded compounds with withheld wages and threats of violence. Researchers analyzing social media posts from victims and families identified that scammers specifically target vulnerable people with language skills or weak social networks, using control tactics like location tracking and document confiscation to prevent escape. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited job offers from abroad, especially those promising unusually high pay, and verify employment opportunities through official channels before accepting positions or crossing borders.
yahoo.com
· 2026-06-08
An 85-year-old Pennsylvania woman lost over $154,000 after scammers falsely claimed her Amazon account was hacked and impersonated the Federal Trade Commission to convince her to send money via cash and certified checks. The scam exploited a common tactic where criminals contact victims about suspicious account activity to create urgency and fear, eventually escalating payment requests. To protect yourself: ignore unsolicited messages about account hacks, remember that Amazon and the FTC never demand payment to resolve issues, and verify any claims by contacting companies directly through official channels rather than using contact information provided in suspicious messages.
shorenewsnetwork.com
· 2026-06-08
New Jersey lawmakers are advancing legislation that would increase criminal penalties for identity theft and fraud targeting seniors and military veterans, with some offenses potentially upgraded to first-degree crimes carrying up to 20 years in prison. The bill was prompted by a case where a man fraudulently used a combat veteran's military discharge documents for personal gain, highlighting gaps in current protections. If you're a senior or veteran, protect yourself by monitoring your credit reports regularly, safeguarding your personal documents (especially military discharge papers), and reporting suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
realtor.com
· 2026-06-08
A woman in Utah lost nearly $850,000 in a sophisticated romance scam that began with a fake LinkedIn message from someone posing as an oil rig engineer named "Pedro." The scam is part of a larger trend called "pig butchering" where international fraud rings (often based in Nigeria and Ghana) use stolen photos or AI-generated faces to build trust with victims before manipulating them into fake investments. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic advances on professional platforms, verify identities independently, and never send money to people you've only met online.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-06-08
An 85-year-old Florida woman fell victim to a "lonely scam" where she was convinced she had won $7 million but needed to send money upfront—she had already lost $3,500 and was planning to give more when police intervened. These scams, which also include robocalls, fake lottery winnings, and computer support schemes, continue to target older Americans despite years of warnings from police and the FBI. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming you've won prizes or need to send money first, verify unexpected winnings through official channels, and consider having trusted family members help monitor suspicious financial requests.
businesstimes.com.sg
· 2026-06-08
Despite a government crackdown claiming to eliminate Cambodia's online scam industry, an Amnesty International report found that scam compounds actually increased from 53 to 86 between April of the previous year and April of the current year, with evidence of state action at only 24 sites despite official claims of over 250 interventions. These compounds exploit trafficked workers forced to conduct fraud schemes targeting victims worldwide, generating billions of dollars annually across Southeast Asia. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited online contact, verify contact information independently through official channels, and report suspected scams to local authorities and platforms immediately.
foxnews.com
· 2026-06-07
Scammers specifically target retirees during the six-week summer window between Memorial Day and July Fourth, exploiting vacation travel, public Wi-Fi usage, and family distractions through schemes like fake rental listings and grandparent scams. The timing is strategic—retirees are away from home using unsecured networks while adult children are busy and less likely to notice fraudulent activity quickly. To protect yourself, avoid posting vacation photos until after you return home, use secure Wi-Fi connections, verify rental listings carefully, and stay alert to urgent family requests for money.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-06-07
Federal prosecutors charged five defendants with operating a romance scam that defrauded over 130 older Americans of more than $15 million between July 2024 and April 2026 by using AI-generated videos and fake female personas on dating websites to build trust before requesting wire transfers. The victims were targeted on dating and social media platforms with fabricated stories, and the stolen money was funneled to accounts controlled by the defendants, primarily based in Ghana. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating matches who quickly profess feelings, refuse video calls with real-time interaction, or ask for money—especially wire transfers—and verify identities through independent means before sending any funds.
ourmidland.com
· 2026-06-07
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create more convincing fraud schemes—including realistic emails, voice mimicry, and fabricated images—making it harder for older adults to detect deceptive messages. To protect yourself, learn AI basics, start with small uses like smartphone voice assistants, treat AI as a helpful tool rather than a decision-maker, and always verify important information about health, finances, or legal matters through trusted sources like your doctor, bank, or government websites. If something online seems unusual or too good to be true, take time to look more closely before responding or sharing personal information.
newsargus.com
· 2026-06-07
This community calendar lists educational events at the Peggy M. Seegars Senior Center aimed at protecting vulnerable populations from fraud and scams. Notably, an Elder Abuse, Scam and Fraud Awareness Symposium on June 9 will feature North Carolina's Secretary of State discussing how to recognize and prevent these crimes, and a June 25 session will cover insurance marketing violations. The free and low-cost programs are open to the public and offer actionable advice on personal safety and fraud prevention for seniors and their families.
the-independent.com
· 2026-06-07
Americans lost nearly $900 million to AI-powered scams in 2025, with the FBI receiving over 22,000 complaints about schemes involving deepfakes, impersonation, and fraudulent communications that appear legitimate even to trained individuals. Victims have ranged from individuals losing thousands to AI-generated voice impersonations to people losing over a million dollars to fake authority figures, with cybersecurity experts warning that losses will likely increase as AI technology becomes more sophisticated. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unexpected communications requesting financial information or urgent action, verify requests through independent channels (calling known numbers rather than using provided contact info), and be particularly cautious of voice or video communications that seem unusual.
yahoo.com
· 2026-06-07
A woman named Anola Johnson fell victim to a sophisticated romance scam in 2023 after being contacted by a fake person on LinkedIn, ultimately losing nearly all her savings—approximately $850,000—after being manipulated into making fraudulent investments over nine months. Romance scams, which often blend with investment schemes and are perpetrated by organized teams primarily operating from countries like Nigeria and Ghana, steal at least $2.1 billion annually and are vastly underreported because victims feel ashamed. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited messages from strangers on professional platforms like LinkedIn, verify the identity of people you meet online before discussing finances, and never invest money based on advice from someone you've only met digitally.
technobezz.com
· 2026-06-07
Millions of people fall victim to crypto investment scams engineered by professionals, and if you've lost money, the most critical immediate action is preventing additional losses by refusing requests for fees or taxes to "unlock" funds. You should quickly report the scam to your bank, wire transfer services (MoneyGram: 1-800-666-3947, Western Union: 1-800-325-6000), and official channels like the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, keeping copies of all confirmation numbers, though wired money is rarely recoverable once collected. The article emphasizes that reporting is free and important even if recovery seems unlikely, as it helps law enforcement track criminals, and seniors age 60+ can get assistance through the National Elder Fraud Hotline (833-372-8311).
abqjournal.com
· 2026-06-07
New Mexico is experiencing a surge in fraud cases, with over 13,000 reported in 2025 totaling $66.6 million in losses, prompting credit unions across the state to launch a public awareness campaign. One victim, a 70-year-old Albuquerque resident, lost over $200 after falling for a scam where a caller impersonated a credit union agent and tricked him into revealing his account PIN. Experts recommend that if you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from your bank or credit union, hang up and call the institution directly, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor your accounts regularly through mobile alerts.
theglobeandmail.com
· 2026-06-06
Sophisticated scammers are targeting Canadians using tactics like spoofing bank phone numbers and impersonating financial institutions to trick victims into handing over banking information and physical cards, resulting in thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges. One 78-year-old victim lost nearly $14,000 in a four-hour con that caused severe physical and emotional stress, and banks are often refusing to cover losses by claiming customers willingly shared their information. To protect yourself, verify caller identity through official bank channels rather than callback numbers provided by the caller, be suspicious of urgent threats about compromised accounts, and never hand over physical cards or banking credentials to anyone claiming to be from your bank.
fox10phoenix.com
· 2026-06-06
A Sedona woman in her 90s nearly fell victim to a sophisticated scam where a caller impersonating Wells Fargo convinced her that her banking information had been compromised and instructed her to purchase gift cards. She was saved by chance when an Uber driver—a retired police officer—accidentally pulled into her driveway looking for a different passenger and recognized the telltale signs of fraud, including her being directed to give gift cards and feeling bound by "confidentiality." The incident highlights how seniors are targeted by high-pressure financial scams and underscores the importance of being skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from banks and refusing requests for gift cards or wire transfers.
losbanosenterprise.com
· 2026-06-06
A Los Banos man was arrested in Sonoma County after showing up to collect cash from an elderly couple who had already lost $28,000 in a "courier scam"—a fraud scheme where criminals impersonate government officials and claim a family member has been detained, demanding immediate wire transfers and cash payments. The elderly victims received repeated calls from someone posing as a U.S. Customs officer, and deputies were able to catch the suspect, 40-year-old Marco Antonio Garcia-Hernandez, when he arrived to pick up cash at their home. To protect yourself: be skeptical of unsolicited calls from officials demanding immediate payment, never wire money or withdraw cash for unknown parties, and always verify such claims by contacting your family members directly or calling official agencies through their published phone numbers.
contentmediasolution.com
· 2026-06-06
Older Americans are losing billions to increasingly sophisticated scams involving fake tech support, impersonation schemes, and romance fraud, with reported losses reaching $2.4 billion—four times higher than four years ago. Attorneys recommend that families use estate planning tools like durable powers of attorney, trusts, and health care proxies not just for after death, but as a proactive defense during seniors' lifetimes to help detect fraud early and authorize trusted individuals to monitor financial activity. Setting up these legal documents and having family conversations about finances before problems arise can help prevent substantial financial damage when scammers target vulnerable older adults.
royalexaminer.com
· 2026-06-06
Warren County Adult Protective Services is warning residents to watch for signs of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation targeting older adults and incapacitated individuals, with financial scams being a significant concern. Between 2023 and 2026, the county received over 1,200 reports of potential abuse or exploitation, resulting in hundreds of investigations, with self-neglect and financial exploitation among the most common founded cases. Residents are encouraged to report suspected elder abuse or financial exploitation to their local APS office, which investigates reports and works to protect vulnerable adults from further harm.
tn.gov
· 2026-06-06
Tennessee's Department of Disability and Aging and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have partnered to distribute educational magnets and information cards about common scams to older adults through meal delivery services, recognizing that homebound seniors are particularly vulnerable targets for fraud and elder abuse. The initiative will use meal delivery programs to reach seniors with information about the SafeSeniorTN website and resources that help them identify and avoid scams. Older adults receiving meals at home should watch for the educational materials and visit SafeSeniorTN to learn about common scams and where to report suspected fraud.
yahoo.com
· 2026-06-06
An alert Uber driver in Sedona stopped a scam targeting a woman in her 90s who had been deceived by someone posing as a Wells Fargo representative and instructed to hand over her debit cards to a courier. The driver, Michael, recognized the fraud scheme and convinced the woman not to proceed, likely saving her from significant financial loss. Authorities warn the public to be vigilant against similar scams by hanging up on suspicious calls, contacting banks directly to verify claims, and reporting fraudulent activity to law enforcement rather than keeping such situations confidential.
thelinkpaper.ca
· 2026-06-06
Scams targeting seniors in Canada are on the rise, with elderly people increasingly victimized by online and telephone fraud, yet many cases go unreported due to language barriers and vulnerability. Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers is working to raise awareness through presentations at senior centers and community spaces, offering multilingual support in over 115 languages to help seniors report abuse anonymously. To protect themselves, seniors should avoid high-pressure sales tactics, research offers thoroughly before responding, and remember that legitimate organizations won't demand immediate payment or personal information over the phone.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-06-05
An elderly San Francisco Bay Area couple lost $28,000 in a "courier scam" where criminals impersonated U.S. Customs officers and falsely claimed a family member had been detained, pressuring them to wire money and withdraw cash for fake legal fees. A 40-year-old man was arrested after authorities caught him arriving at the victims' home to collect the money, revealing he was part of a larger organized fraud ring targeting seniors. Authorities warn that if someone calls claiming a family member is in legal trouble and demanding immediate payment, it's a scam—verify the claim independently by contacting law enforcement or your family member directly before sending any money.
irs.gov
· 2026-06-05
A Jamaican national named Jordan Trought has pleaded guilty to leading an international sweepstakes scam that defrauded over 200 elderly American victims of more than $9 million between 2015 and 2025. The scheme involved scammers calling or texting victims claiming they had won money and prizes, then convincing them to pay "taxes" or "fees" upfront and in some cases gaining access to their bank accounts to steal additional funds. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited calls or texts about sweepstakes winnings, never pay upfront fees to claim a prize, and verify any legitimate prize claims by contacting the official company directly.
americascreditunions.org
· 2026-06-05
Older adults lost over $7.7 billion to fraud in 2025, with investment scams and tech-support fraud being the most common schemes targeting people age 60 and older. Credit unions are fighting back by developing and sharing free educational resources, like the new Elder Exploitation Prevention Toolkit, and working closely with law enforcement to stop fraudulent transactions before they happen. To protect yourself, stay skeptical of unsolicited investment offers and tech-support requests, and report suspicious activity to your financial institution and local police immediately.
tn.gov
· 2026-06-05
Tennessee's Department of Disability and Aging and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have partnered to distribute scam-awareness materials to vulnerable older adults through meal delivery services, recognizing that homebound seniors are frequent targets for fraud and elder abuse. The initiative will place magnets and information cards about the SafeSeniorTN website—which offers guidance on technology, financial, and personal safety scams—directly into meal packages delivered to seniors across the state. Older adults receiving these services should review the materials provided and visit SafeSeniorTN to learn how to recognize and report scams targeting seniors.
nypost.com
· 2026-06-05
Federal authorities arrested five suspects accused of running a "romance scam" that defrauded over 100 elderly Americans of $15 million through dating sites, using AI-generated videos and fake personas to build trust before convincing victims to finance bogus legal proceedings in Ghana. One victim, a 74-year-old man, lost $1.1 million after being tricked into trying to help his fake love interest obtain inherited gems. The suspects brazenly posted about their ill-gotten gains on social media, and three are now in federal custody while two others face extradition from Ghana—with their own social media posts serving as evidence against them.
cnet.com
· 2026-06-05
Consumers lost over $12.5 billion to fraud last year—a 25% increase from the previous year—with social media account takeovers being the top threat, affecting an estimated 35% of the public in 2025. Fraudsters use increasingly sophisticated tactics including password theft, impersonation scams, and identity theft to steal money and personal information from victims and their contacts. To protect yourself, experts recommend being alert to suspicious messages from contacts who seem "off," verifying requests through alternative channels before sharing personal information, and reporting compromised accounts immediately to the platform.