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in General Elder Fraud
kitv.com
· 2025-12-08
A Honolulu resident received a scam call from someone impersonating an HPD officer claiming she had a bench warrant for missing jury duty, using spoofed caller ID to appear legitimate. The Hawaii State Judiciary warned that scammers are posing as law enforcement and judiciary employees to threaten arrests and demand upfront fees, though courts never contact people about jury duty bench warrants by phone or email. The victim avoided becoming a victim by independently researching the scam, highlighting the importance of verification, especially for vulnerable older adults who may lack computer access or live alone.
theoaklandpress.com
· 2025-12-08
An 81-year-old Troy man lost $460,000 in a fake gold exchange scam between October 2023 and February 2024, after being contacted by a woman online posing as a legitimate exchange representative. The victim only discovered the fraud in April when asked to pay a tax penalty to withdraw his supposed earnings, prompting a family member to alert him to the scam. Police recommend verifying investment opportunities through research and having family members review large financial commitments before proceeding.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Two Florida and Michigan residents were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in an international fraud conspiracy that defrauded senior citizens of millions of dollars. The scheme involved fake tech support warnings that led victims to surrender cash, wire transfers, and gift cards through various ruses, including impersonation of federal agents and false claims of compromised bank accounts; White was sentenced to 97 months and ordered to pay $3.2 million in restitution, while McNamara received 51 months and must pay $693,073 in restitution. One West Michigan victim lost $398,000 to the conspiracy, which operated with scammers based in India and used U.S.-based oper
michigansthumb.com
· 2025-12-08
McKhaela McNamara (Flint, Michigan) and Jmyla White (Florida) were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in an international wire fraud conspiracy targeting senior citizens across multiple states, with McNamara receiving 51 months and ordered to pay $693,073 in restitution, while White received 97 months and was ordered to pay $3.2 million. The scam began with fake virus warnings on victims' computers, prompting them to call numbers where perpetrators impersonated tech company representatives or federal agents, then convinced victims to withdraw cash, make wire transfers, or purchase gift cards through various ruses involving compromised bank accounts, infected computers, or criminal
vindy.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, scams targeting American seniors increased 11% with reported losses reaching $3.4 billion, according to the FBI's Elder Fraud Report. Tech-support scams were the most common type, while investment scams resulted in the largest financial losses; Ohio ranked eighth nationally for senior scam complaints with residents losing over $64 million. The article advises seniors to educate themselves about scams, avoid high-pressure situations involving payments, and consult trusted family members before sending money.
foxsanantonio.com
· 2025-12-08
Texas ranks third nationally for elder fraud, with 7,035 complaints from people over 60 resulting in losses exceeding $278 million in 2023, involving scams such as phishing, romance schemes, and cryptocurrency fraud. The article features Dennis and Joy Shockey, an elderly couple who lost nearly $170,000 to a pop-up computer scam and recovered only about one-third through crowdfunding, illustrating how swift action is critical for potential fund recovery. Experts note that elderly Texans are particularly vulnerable targets, with scammers often funneling stolen money through fake accounts near the Mexican border.
localnews8.com
· 2025-12-08
Idaho's Department of Finance is warning residents about an uptick in precious metals scams where fraudsters convince victims their identities or accounts have been compromised, then direct them to purchase gold or precious metals and hand them over to fake couriers posing as government officials or financial professionals. According to the FBI, victims lost over $55 million to these cash and precious metals courier scams during the last eight months of 2023, with seniors being disproportionately targeted. The advisory urges Idahoans to be skeptical of unsolicited requests to purchase precious metals for "protection" and to report suspected scams immediately to authorities.
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Home improvement scams disproportionately target older adults and can cost homeowners thousands of dollars through shoddy workmanship, unfinished projects, or property damage. To protect against contractor fraud, homeowners should obtain multiple estimates and references, avoid paying full costs upfront, and proactively seek reputable contractors rather than responding to unsolicited solicitations. Those who suspect fraud can report it to local law enforcement or contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 877-908-3360.
ksal.com
· 2025-12-08
According to 2022 FBI and FTC data analyzed by VPNPro, Kansas experienced $24.4 million in losses to elderly fraud affecting an average of 68.6 victims per 100,000 residents aged 60 and over. Nationally, investment scams caused the largest losses ($404 million), followed by business imposters ($271 million) and romance scams ($240 million), with seniors being 517% more likely to fall victim to tech support scams than younger adults. Online fraud and bank transfers were the most common contact methods and payment methods respectively, resulting in $564 million and $570 million in losses to elderly victims in 2022.
cachevalleydaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers stole over $3.4 billion from Americans over 60 last year, with the FBI receiving more than 100,000 complaints and nearly 6,000 victims losing over $100,000 each. The most common schemes include tech support scams, romance fraud, investment fraud, and account-compromise scams where criminals impersonate officials and either pressure victims to transfer funds electronically or arrange in-person courier pickups of cash and precious metals. The FBI warns that families should conduct "tech check-ins" with elderly parents and implement preventive measures, as scammers increasingly use sophisticated and brazen tactics that can leave victims financially devastated.
highlandcountypress.com
· 2025-12-08
The Highland County Health Department is offering free online safety and privacy training sessions for seniors throughout May and June, covering topics such as identifying scams, phishing attempts, and protecting personal information online. Each session includes hands-on technical support from experts who will provide one-on-one assistance to help seniors navigate the digital world safely. The program is funded through an Ohio Healthy Aging Grant and a partnership between Highland County Commissioners and the Community Action Organization.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
A 37-year-old Illinois man, Ligneshkumar Patel, was charged with stealing $148,000 in gold Krugerrand coins from a 73-year-old Edwardsville woman in March 2024 after scammers posing as PayPal convinced her to purchase the coins with her retirement funds and hand them over to him. Patel, arrested in Wisconsin while attempting to scam another victim, served as the middleman in the scheme and faces two felony counts. Police Chief Michael Fillback warned that such scams targeting vulnerable individuals through fake identity fraud alerts and high-pressure tactics demanding immediate payment have become increasingly common, and advised victims
kvnutalk.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, scammers stole over $3.4 billion from older Americans through increasingly sophisticated schemes, with the FBI receiving more than 100,000 complaints from victims over 60, nearly 6,000 of whom lost over $100,000 each. Common tactics include tech support scams, romance fraud, investment schemes, and impersonation of officials who convince victims their accounts are compromised and direct them to move funds to secret accounts or arrange in-person courier pickups of cash or gold. The FBI warns that losses have risen sharply since the pandemic as organized criminal enterprises target vulnerable older adults, and recommends grown children conduct "tech check-ins" with aging parents to
krforadio.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 study by Incogni found that U.S. residents over age 60 lost $3.4 billion to fraud—a 10.6% increase from 2022—with 101,068 reports filed, up 14.5% from the prior year. Minnesota elderly were among the hardest hit nationally, with victims over 60 losing an average of $44,623 each, ranking third-highest per-victim loss behind only DC and Hawaii. The article advises protecting against scams by scrutinizing emails for misspellings, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and verifying requests directly with companies' official websites or customer service.
news4sanantonio.com
· 2025-12-08
Texas ranks third in the nation for elder fraud, with 7,035 complaints from seniors over 60 resulting in losses exceeding $278 million in 2023, according to the FBI report. Scams include phishing, romance schemes, investment fraud, and cryptocurrency theft, with one couple in their 80s losing nearly $200,000 through a pop-up computer scam. Experts note that quick reporting is critical for potential fund recovery, though victims like the Shockeys have had limited success retrieving losses.
wxyz.com
· 2025-12-08
Two elderly Troy, Michigan residents lost over $1 million combined to online scams between October 2023 and February 2024—an 81-year-old man lost $460,000 to a fake gold investment scheme, and another senior lost $700,000 to a Publishers Clearing House tax scam. Police are investigating both cases and note these scams are becoming more frequent, with scammers using convincing tactics, urgency, and increasingly AI-generated voices to pressure victims into sending money or personal information. Experts recommend seniors verify requests with family members, be cautious of rushed decisions, and trust their instincts when something feels suspicious.
smartphonemagazine.nl
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary because the text provided is not an article about scams, fraud, or elder abuse. The content is a generic "Account Suspended" hosting error message with no substantive information about a fraud case, scam, or elder abuse incident.
Please provide the actual article or transcript you'd like summarized.
lewistownsentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A Senior Fair and scam prevention seminar will be held on May 23 at Centre Care in Benner Township, Pennsylvania, featuring representatives from state agencies including the Departments of Banking and Securities, and Aging, and the Office of Attorney General to educate attendees on identifying and preventing current scams. Additionally, Congressman John Joyce will host a telephone town hall on May 22 to answer questions about Social Security and Medicare with assistance from CMS and Social Security Administration officials.
globalnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
Michael O'Reilly, a Calgary senior, received a call from a scammer impersonating his nephew who claimed to be in jail and needed $6,000 for bail; O'Reilly grew suspicious and recorded the call, ultimately preventing any financial loss. According to Calgary Police Service, since January there have been approximately 32 reported incidents targeting seniors in the area, resulting in $180,250 in fraudulent losses across 21 cases, though 9 incidents were stopped before money was lost. Experts recommend verifying requests by calling the person back directly and asking specific questions that scammers cannot easily answer.
statecollege.com
· 2025-12-08
State Rep. Paul Takac hosted a free educational event on May 23 at Centre Care in College Township to help seniors protect themselves against scams. The Scam Seminar & Senior Fair featured representatives from Pennsylvania state agencies including the Department of Banking and Securities, Department of Aging, and the Office of Attorney General, who provided information and tools to help attendees identify and prevent fraud targeting older adults.
kool1079.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article highlights five emerging scams targeting Colorado seniors and emphasizes the importance of awareness to prevent fraud. The piece stresses that as technology evolves, criminals develop increasingly sophisticated tactics that exploit older adults' unfamiliarity with digital schemes, and recommends that seniors and their families stay informed about these threats rather than avoiding technology altogether.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
AI voice cloning scams use just a three-second voice clip from social media to impersonate victims and deceive their family and friends into sending money. Nearly a quarter of British adults have experienced or witnessed such scams, with 78 percent losing money, as criminals exploit emotional manipulation and high-pressure scenarios (like fabricated accidents or emergencies) to bypass victims' logic. The technology is readily available online through free and paid tools, making it increasingly accessible to scammers.
bibbvoice.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines six major types of financial fraud—check fraud, romance scams, job scams, utility bill scams, investment scams, and QR code scams—that target vulnerable individuals through increasingly sophisticated methods. First US Bank recommends protective measures including account monitoring, positive pay enrollment, social media caution, caller verification, and consulting with financial professionals to combat these threats. The bank emphasizes that victims should never send money to strangers online, verify job offers and investment opportunities, and always use official channels for payments.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Pasco man won $1,000 in the lottery in March but had his winnings withheld when told he owed $3,000 in overpaid unemployment benefits from the pandemic. After contacting a consumer investigator, the state determined the debt claim was a computer-generated error affecting hundreds of lottery winners and released his full winnings with a letter confirming he owed nothing.
winonapost.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** U.S. Department of Justice - Elder Fraud Overview
Millions of elderly Americans lose over $3 billion annually to financial fraud schemes including romance, tech support, grandparent, government impersonation, sweepstakes, home repair, and caregiver scams. Seniors are frequently targeted because they tend to be trusting, have savings and good credit, and are often reluctant to report fraud due to shame or concerns about losing independence. The DOJ recommends protection strategies including recognizing scam attempts, verifying contact information online, resisting pressure to act quickly, avoiding unsolicited offers, never sharing personal information with unverified sources, maintaining updated security
continentalenews.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational event announcement, not a news report of a scam. The Council on Aging is hosting two "Lunch and Learn" sessions on senior scams and banking safety—one on July 23, 2024 in Continental and another on July 30, 2024 in Ottawa, both at 10:00 am, with free lunch provided to attendees who RSVP by July 15, 2024. The sessions aim to educate seniors about current scams targeting their population and provide protective strategies for themselves and their families.
timesgazette.com
· 2025-12-08
Highland County is offering free educational training sessions for seniors on online safety, covering how to identify scams, phishing attempts, and privacy threats in the digital world. The sessions, scheduled across multiple locations from May through June, include hands-on technical support from experts to help participants protect themselves online. The program is funded through an Ohio Healthy Aging Grant and a partnership between local county and community organizations.
globalnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
I apologize, but the content provided appears to be only a webpage header/navigation listing rather than the actual article text. The title indicates the story is about a Calgary senior who was targeted by a scammer impersonating a loved one to solicit money, but the full article content needed to write an accurate summary is not included.
To provide a proper 2-3 sentence summary for the Elderus database, please share the actual article text or transcript content.
ca.sports.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Los Angeles retirees, both in their late 70s/early 80s, lost approximately $79,500 and $75,000 respectively to tech support and cryptocurrency scams in early 2024. Neal was duped into allowing remote computer access after a fake software subscription email, while Mrs. K. was tricked by a pop-up virus alert into withdrawing cash and depositing it into bitcoin machines at multiple locations. The article notes that elder fraud is widespread and sophisticated, with the FBI reporting that victims over 60 lost $3.1 billion in 2022, and recommends disconnecting from the internet when encountering suspicious pop-ups and being cautious of uns
thv11.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Court contacted residents claiming they owed money for missed jury duty and threatening arrest warrants, with at least one victim attempting to pay $7,500 before realizing the fraud. Pulaski County officials reported receiving approximately 20 such calls daily and identified red flags including spelling errors, spoofed official phone numbers, and demands for immediate payment, warning that legitimate court payment procedures involve letters and arrangements through the accounting office rather than direct phone calls.
mcall.com
· 2025-12-08
Losses from scams targeting adults age 60 and older reached $3.4 billion in the previous year, representing an 11% increase from the year prior. The article discusses why financial scams disproportionately target older adults and provides protective measures, though specific details and recommendations are not included in the provided excerpt.
itechpost.com
· 2025-12-08
**Cryptocurrency scams targeting seniors have become a billion-dollar crisis, with victims over 60 losing $3.4 billion in 2023—including $1.6 billion specifically through cryptocurrency transactions—according to FBI data.** Common schemes include investment fraud, romance scams, and tech support impersonation, where scammers exploit older adults' unfamiliarity with digital assets to pressure them into sending money via crypto platforms. Companies like Lionsgate Network are developing blockchain forensics technology to trace and freeze stolen crypto assets and recover funds through legal channels.
wlos.com
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated scam in Asheville, North Carolina defrauded two residents of $50,000 total, in which suspects posed as Microsoft employees after displaying pop-up warnings on victims' computers, then convinced them to withdraw cash and sent an in-person courier to collect it from their homes. The scam is notable for its rare in-person component, involving a suspect driving a dark silver or gray Toyota Highlander with possible front-right quarter panel damage. Police are warning residents to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent Microsoft or other companies before providing money or access to their homes.
noozhawk.com
· 2025-12-08
Brett Edward Lovett, a 53-year-old Camarillo man, was convicted in March 2018 of 29 felony counts including investment fraud, elder theft, grand theft, and money laundering for defrauding at least five victims of over $500,000 between 2010 and 2016. Lovett befriended vulnerable individuals, including elderly members of a Carpinteria church, and persuaded them to invest their money with false promises of high returns, leaving some victims homeless and destitute. He faced sentencing in June 2018 with prosecutors requesting over 28 years in prison, following a 15-month investigation by the California Department
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A mother-daughter duo and three co-conspirators were sentenced to federal prison for stealing personal information from two elderly residents in Miami-Dade County and using it to fraudulently purchase over $500,000 in vehicles and obtain credit cards and pandemic relief loans (EIDL and SBA) between May-June 2020. Aisladys Diaz, a home health aide, stole the identities and shared them with her daughter Ailensy Buron Diaz and three others who executed the fraud scheme; sentences ranged from 30 to 52 months in prison with restitution hearings pending.
lockhaven.com
· 2025-12-08
State Representative Paul Takac hosted a Scam Seminar & Senior Fair on May 23 at Centre Care in Benner Township, Pennsylvania, designed to educate seniors about recognizing and preventing fraud schemes. The event featured representatives from state agencies including the departments of Banking and Securities, Aging, and the Office of Attorney General who provided information and tools to help attendees identify and protect themselves against scams. This educational initiative underscores the growing threat of fraud targeting older adults and aims to empower seniors with knowledge to defend against deceptive practices.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
State Representative Jeff Keicher partnered with the Town of Cortland and the Illinois Attorney General's Office to host a free Senior Fraud Protection Event on May 29 at the Cortland Lions Club. Experts from the Attorney General's Office presented information on recognizing scams, stopping targeted fraud, and obtaining assistance for victims of scams or identity theft. The event was designed to educate seniors and their caregivers about protecting themselves from the growing threat of fraud and identity theft in the digital age.
weareiowa.com
· 2025-12-08
I appreciate you sharing this, but this appears to be a technical instruction or navigation text for a streaming platform rather than an article about elder fraud, scams, or abuse. There's no information about fraudulent activity, victims, scam types, or elder-related incidents to summarize.
If you have an actual article about elder fraud or scams you'd like me to summarize for the Elderus database, please share that content and I'll be happy to help.
gulflive.com
· 2025-12-08
Florida's seniors lost nearly $300 million to scams in 2023, with the state ranking second nationally for elder fraud complaints. Major schemes included investment fraud ($90 million), tech support scams ($51 million), and romance scams ($40 million), often resulting in devastating consequences such as foreclosed homes and emptied retirement accounts. Nationally, people over 60 lost approximately $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023, representing an 11% increase from the previous year.
vanhollen.senate.gov
· 2025-12-08
U.S. Senators Van Hollen and Warnock introduced bipartisan legislation, the Empowering States to Protect Seniors from Bad Actors Act, to combat financial fraud targeting seniors, who lose approximately $28 billion annually to financial exploitation. The bill would establish a $10 million annual grant program administered by the SEC to fund state regulators' investigation, prosecution, technology, training, and public awareness efforts against senior financial fraud. The legislation is supported by numerous financial industry and consumer protection organizations.
itechpost.com
· 2025-12-08
**Cryptocurrency scams targeting seniors have become a billion-dollar problem, with victims over 60 losing $3.4 billion in 2023—including $1.6 billion specifically through cryptocurrency transactions like Bitcoin and Ethereum.** Common fraud schemes include investment scams and romance/tech support impersonation scams that exploit seniors' unfamiliarity with digital assets and manipulate them into sending money via crypto platforms. Companies like Lionsgate Network are working to combat the issue through blockchain forensics and asset recovery, while emphasizing that public awareness and education in senior communities are critical to prevention.
thecyberexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Malachi Mullings, 31, from Georgia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for money laundering and conspiracy related to a fraud network that defrauded over $4.5 million from victims through business email compromise attacks, romance scams, and healthcare benefits fraud, including $310,000 diverted from a state Medicaid program and $260,000 from romance scam victims. Mullings was part of a 10-person conspiracy that caused more than $11.1 million in total losses by targeting Medicare, Medicaid programs, private health insurers, and vulnerable individuals. FBI data shows elder fraud complaints increased 14% in 2023
cbs12.com
· 2025-12-08
A Miami mother and daughter were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a $500,000 elder fraud scheme in which they stole personal information from elderly clients and used it to fraudulently purchase vehicles and obtain loans. Aisladys Diaz, a home health aide, obtained the identifiable information from two elderly residents under her care and shared it with her daughter Ailensy Buron Diaz and three accomplices, who then used the stolen information to buy over $500,000 in vehicles and apply for credit cards and pandemic relief loans. Aisladys Diaz received a sentence of four years and four months while her daughter received four years in prison, with both subject to three
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
**Scam Type:** Elder fraud (various types)
**Key Facts:** The FBI reported a 14% increase in elderly scams nationally, with over 101,000 complaints in 2023 resulting in $3.4 billion in losses. In Kentucky specifically, 908 elder scam cases led to $12.8 million in losses. Authorities attribute the rise to elderly individuals' greater trust, lower digital literacy, and scammers operating as organized full-time operations, recommending family members educate and monitor seniors to prevent victimization.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
The Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Securities reported a surge in investor scams, receiving approximately 250 fraud complaints in 2023, with Ohio residents losing over $150 million to financial scams that year. Scams ranged from $100 to $100 million and primarily targeted retirees seeking investment returns; victims should avoid unsolicited social media investment offers, overly complex opportunities, and verify companies before investing. Ohio offers a recovery fund for defrauded investors, and victims should report incidents to local police, the Division of Securities, or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
theregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Georgia resident Malachi Mullings received a 10-year prison sentence for laundering $4.5 million in proceeds from business email compromise (BEC) attacks targeting healthcare providers and romance scams targeting individuals, including numerous elderly victims, between 2019 and July 2021. Mullings used multiple bank accounts under his company name to conceal the fraud, purchasing luxury items including a Ferrari with stolen funds; one romance scam victim alone lost $260,000. He pleaded guilty to eight charges including money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering as part of a larger scheme involving nine other suspects across Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia that defrauded state Medicaid programs
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Malachi Mullings was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for laundering over $4.5 million obtained through romance fraud scams and business email compromise schemes that targeted elderly victims and companies from 2019 to July 2021. Operating under the fake company name "The Mullings Group LLC," Mullings opened 20 bank accounts to conceal fraud proceeds, including $310,000 diverted from a state Medicaid program and $260,000 obtained from an elderly romance scam victim, which he used to purchase luxury items including a Ferrari. The case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice's Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force and involved investigation by
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains that modern scams are sophisticated operations run by international fraud gangs targeting victims across all ages and education levels, with common types including investment, romance, banking, cryptocurrency, and identity theft scams. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority recommends the "Stop, Think, Check" approach to protect yourself, advising people to question suspicious messages, think critically, and act quickly if something feels wrong. AFCA, along with other organizations, offers resources and free webinars to help consumers understand scams and learn protective measures.
m.independent.ie
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters are impersonating Neil Whoriskey, a senior official at Ireland's Central Bank, in an email phishing scam requesting money under the pretense of releasing an inheritance, using spoofed email addresses resembling the bank's official domain. This marks the second impersonation of a Central Bank staff member in recent months, following a similar scam in March using the name of the bank's chief information officer. The Central Bank warned the public via social media that the scam is in circulation, though it did not disclose the number of victims or confirm whether authorities have been notified.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
In a podcast episode, Georgia's Attorney General Consumer Protection Division highlights prevalent scams targeting older Georgians, including imposter scams (criminals posing as utilities, government officials, or law enforcement), romance scams (fake online relationships seeking money), and real estate fraud (fake rental and home-buying schemes using stolen property photos). One Georgia woman lost $40,000 to a romance scam, exemplifying the serious financial impact of these schemes. Experts recommend verifying legitimacy through the Better Business Bureau and AARP Fraud Watch Network, and promptly reporting scams to local law enforcement to prevent further victimization.