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aol.com
· 2026-05-29
# Gold Bar Scam Targets Seniors Nationwide
A Bradenton, Florida police investigation in 2024 exposed a widespread gold bar scam that has been defrauding older adults across the country out of millions of dollars. The scheme, which appears to be part of a coordinated nationwide conspiracy, specifically targeted vulnerable senior citizens who were convinced to purchase fake or overpriced gold bars. To protect yourself or elderly relatives, be wary of unsolicited offers to buy precious metals, verify any deals through independent sources before committing money, and report suspicious precious metals sales pitches to local law enforcement.
patch.com
· 2026-05-29
A California man was convicted of attempted theft by deception after trying to steal $50,000 from a 92-year-old New Hampshire resident through a tech support scam that used a fake computer pop-up alert to convince her that her bank accounts were compromised. The victim was manipulated into believing she needed to pay a supposed bank agent to protect her money, and the suspect traveled to her home to collect the cash. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited tech support alerts and unexpected requests for payment, and anyone experiencing or witnessing elder fraud should contact local police or New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services at nheasy.nh.gov.
mace.house.gov
· 2026-05-29
Congresswoman Nancy Mace has focused her work in Congress on protecting South Carolina seniors through legislation against fraud and exploitation, tax relief measures, and resolving over 1,000 constituent cases that recovered more than $1.5 million in benefits. Senior citizens affected by bureaucratic delays or benefit issues can contact their congressional representative's office for assistance in navigating federal agencies and recovering owed funds. The article emphasizes the importance of having responsive representation to address seniors' concerns and ensure they retain the benefits and tax advantages they've earned.
dutchessny.gov
· 2026-05-29
Dutchess County is offering free workshops in June to teach seniors and caregivers about SilverShield, an AI-powered tool designed to help older adults identify and respond to increasingly sophisticated scams in real time. Scammers are using technology to make their schemes feel personal and urgent, leaving victims feeling shaken or embarrassed, which is why county officials are providing this resource to help seniors stay safe and confident. Interested residents can register for workshops at multiple locations throughout the county by contacting their local senior centers or the Office for the Aging.
wsbradio.com
· 2026-05-28
Scammers are using artificial intelligence to create fake vacation rental listings and phishing emails that look increasingly legitimate, targeting summer travelers with unrealistic deals and AI-generated photos that lack real-world details. Cybersecurity experts warn that if a rental seems too cheap or looks suspiciously perfect (like a magazine cover with no neighbors visible), it's likely a scam, especially since fraudsters are harvesting personal information from data breaches to make their schemes more convincing. To protect yourself, carefully verify listings through official booking websites, scrutinize unusually discounted deals, and never share payment or personal information without thoroughly reviewing the listing and sender's legitimacy.
yahoo.com
· 2026-05-28
A Jamaican man known as "Ice Man" pleaded guilty to orchestrating a romance and lottery scam that defrauded an 85-year-old Arizona woman of over $469,000 between 2015 and 2019. The scheme involved sending fake love messages and flowers, then convincing the victim she had won the lottery and a car, but needed to pay taxes and fees to claim her prizes. Elderly residents should be cautious of unsolicited romantic contact online, lottery winnings they didn't enter, and any requests to pay upfront fees or taxes—legitimate lotteries never require payment to claim prizes.
fox13news.com
· 2026-05-28
A nationwide gold bar scam targeting senior citizens defrauded at least 12 older adults of over $6 million, with one 80-year-old veteran losing $1.4 million after scammers impersonated federal marshals and convinced him to buy gold bars for a fake sting operation. The investigation, which began in Bradenton, Florida, led to the arrest of multiple conspirators including Syed Makki, who was sentenced to 15.5 years in prison for overseeing the scams across the country, with the larger operation believed to be based in India. Older adults should be skeptical of unsolicited visits from government officials claiming to have arrest warrants and should verify any such claims directly with official agencies before handing over money or assets.
mysuncoast.com
· 2026-05-28
Scammers posing as federal law enforcement agents defrauded an 80-year-old Bradenton veteran of $1.4 million by convincing him to purchase gold bars as part of a fake investigation. The scheme was part of a nationwide elder fraud conspiracy; one perpetrator was sentenced to 15.5 years in prison and ordered to pay $4.7 million in restitution. Elderly people should be wary of unsolicited contact from supposed government agents demanding immediate financial action, and should independently verify any claims by contacting official agencies directly.
ocnjsentinel.com
· 2026-05-28
Elder financial fraud is rapidly increasing, with criminals specifically targeting people over 65 who have money, according to an FBI presentation in New Jersey. Common scams exploit this vulnerable population, but authorities stress that victims should report suspicious activity to police without shame, as community awareness and vigilance are key to prevention. If something feels amiss—unusual calls, requests for money, or suspicious transactions—residents should contact their local police department immediately rather than keeping it private.
thenews.com.pk
· 2026-05-28
Investment fraud has surged 87% over two years, with losses nearly doubling from $4.6 billion to $8.6 billion, making it the most lucrative crime for hackers according to the FBI's latest report. Seniors over 60 are particularly vulnerable, losing over $3.5 billion to investment scams last year, though younger investors are increasingly targeted as criminals refine their tactics using AI-generated impersonations and deepfakes. To protect yourself, verify any unsolicited investment opportunities through official regulatory channels, consult a licensed financial advisor before investing, and be wary of promises of unrealistic returns or pressure to act quickly.
aol.com
· 2026-05-28
An 80-year-old Florida veteran lost his entire life savings of $1.4 million in a nationwide gold bar scam where fraudsters impersonated law enforcement officials and claimed he had a warrant, convincing him he was assisting in an investigation. The scheme involved multiple perpetrators across several states who used fake government agents and supervisors to gain victims' trust, ultimately directing them to purchase gold bars and deliver them to predetermined locations. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited contact from government agencies claiming you have legal issues, verify any such claims directly with official government offices using independently confirmed phone numbers, and remember that law enforcement will never ask you to purchase items or deliver cash/valuables as part of an investigation.
patch.com
· 2026-05-28
An 80-year-old Bradenton veteran lost $1.4 million in a gold bar scam where fraudsters impersonated law enforcement officials, convincing him he was assisting with an investigation while pressuring him to convert his life savings into gold bars and hand them over at predetermined locations. The scam has been linked to a nationwide conspiracy involving multiple victims across several states, with one perpetrator sentenced to over 15 years in prison and ordered to pay $4.75 million in restitution. Seniors should be wary of unsolicited visits or calls from people claiming to be government agents, especially those requesting immediate financial transactions or unusual forms of payment like gold bars.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-05-27
Brett Blackman, founder of HealthSplash, was convicted of orchestrating a $1 billion Medicare fraud scheme that operated from 2015 to 2020 across Florida, Kansas, and Arizona by billing Medicare for unnecessary medical equipment that vulnerable elderly and sick patients were coerced into purchasing. His co-conspirator Gary Cox received a 15-year sentence, while Blackman faces up to 30 years in prison for his role in what prosecutors called "cold, calculated, industrial-scale theft." To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited offers for medical equipment, verify that any recommended medical devices are actually prescribed by your doctor, and report suspicious billing or pressure from medical companies to your insurance provider or local authorities.
multco.us
· 2026-05-27
Multnomah County is hosting a free document shredding event on May 30, 2026, to help protect community members—especially seniors and Medicare beneficiaries—from identity theft and fraud, which costs Medicare an estimated $60 billion annually and is the most common form of elder abuse. The event, held in partnership with the Senior Medicare Patrol during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, allows residents to safely destroy sensitive documents that could be used for fraudulent purposes. To protect yourself, securely dispose of personal documents containing financial or health information, and learn more about Medicare fraud prevention resources in your community.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-27
An elderly California couple, Donald and Karen Whitaker, were found dead in their home on May 15 in what authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide. Karen had been a victim of a romance scam in which someone impersonated actor Tom Selleck and defrauded her of hundreds of dollars over time. While investigators have not found evidence linking the scammer directly to the deaths, the case highlights the serious psychological and financial toll that elder fraud can take on vulnerable victims and their families.
deseret.com
· 2026-05-27
A caretaker in Minnesota was indicted for Medicaid fraud after allegedly providing no services to an elderly man he was supposed to care for, who died neglected while the fraudster continued billing the government—a case Vice President JD Vance highlighted to demonstrate how fraud harms vulnerable populations, not just taxpayers. The federal government's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, created in March, is intensifying efforts to prosecute fraud cases across the country and has called for bipartisan cooperation among state attorneys general. Vulnerable Americans, particularly the elderly, should be aware of who is providing their care services and verify that providers are actually delivering promised assistance.
aol.com
· 2026-05-27
A 60-year-old St. Clair Shores man has been charged with defrauding multiple elderly women through home improvement scams, obtaining approximately $4,600 from one victim and over $30,000 from another by posing as a painter, collecting deposits, and never performing the work. The suspect faces multiple felony charges and could receive up to life in prison given his prior criminal history. Seniors should be cautious when hiring contractors, verify credentials and references, avoid paying large upfront deposits, and consider having trusted family members involved in hiring decisions for major home projects.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-05-27
An 80-year-old man and 79-year-old woman in California died in what authorities suspect was a murder-suicide after the woman fell victim to an elaborate "Tom Selleck" romance scam that lasted months and cost her at least $30,000. The scammer, who contacted her through Facebook, used personal details from her profile to build trust and gradually escalated requests from small gift cards to thousands of dollars, despite family members attempting to restrict her access to money. This case highlights how modern scams are evolving—increasingly using AI to create convincing fake photos, videos, and cloned voices—making them harder for families to detect and stop early, particularly among vulnerable elderly individuals.
needtoknow.co.uk
· 2026-05-26
An elderly couple in California were found dead in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide, following an investigation that revealed the wife had been scammed out of thousands of dollars by someone posing as actor Tom Selleck online. Karen Whitaker, 79, had been victimized by financial elder abuse when she believed she was communicating with the Hollywood star and sent money to the scammer. While investigators are continuing to examine all evidence, they currently have no connection between the scam perpetrators and the couple's deaths, and they do not believe there is any threat to the public.
amac.us
· 2026-05-26
American consumers lost $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, with older adults particularly targeted because they often have savings and may be less familiar with modern technology. Scammers use unsolicited contact via phone, email, or social media to create false urgency and manipulate people into sending money or revealing personal information. To protect yourself, treat unexpected outreach with caution, verify callers' identities before sharing information, and report suspected scams to the FTC or other authorities to help stop fraudsters and protect others.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-26
Scammers are systematically targeting veterans by mining military records, VA databases, and public data sources to build detailed fraud profiles for identity theft and financial crimes. Veterans are particularly vulnerable because much of their sensitive information—including Social Security numbers, discharge papers, and service details—is scattered across semi-public federal databases and sold by data brokers. To protect yourself, be cautious about sharing personal information, monitor your credit reports regularly, verify requests from VA or military-related organizations directly, and consider a credit freeze if you believe your information has been compromised.
kiro7.com
· 2026-05-26
Scammers are increasingly difficult to detect online because they're using advanced technologies like AI, deepfakes, and voice cloning to create convincing deceptions that bypass traditional warning signs. In 2025 alone, the Federal Trade Commission received over one million reports of imposter scams, with reported losses reaching $3.5 billion—a 20% increase. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited demands for money, verify requests through official channels before sharing sensitive information, and be cautious of investment opportunities promising high returns with little risk.
winknews.com
· 2026-05-26
A Cape Coral senior lost nearly $4,000 to scammers who impersonated her bank, tricked her into sharing personal information, and fraudulently transferred the money via Zelle—a problem affecting thousands of Florida seniors, who lost over $700 million to fraud last year according to the FBI. After the victim's initial complaints were denied by her bank, media investigation prompted the bank to refund her money, highlighting how persistence can help recover losses. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited phone calls claiming to be from their bank, verify caller identity independently, and report suspicious activity immediately to both their financial institution and law enforcement rather than relying solely on initial denials.
aol.com
· 2026-05-25
A Southern California man has been accused of defrauding an elderly woman out of more than $1.5 million through a romance scam between 2022 and 2023, in which he posed as a successful businessman and falsely promised investment returns while actually using her money for luxury cars, gambling, and other personal expenses. The defendant, a 10-time convicted felon, allegedly created fake business deals including a fabricated contract with Lotus Cars to make his schemes appear legitimate, and violated his federal probation by failing to disclose these activities. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic partners who quickly ask for money, verify business opportunities independently, and never send large sums to someone you haven't met in person—especially if they claim to be in distress or need investment capital.
aol.com
· 2026-05-24
A Kentucky woman lost tens of thousands of dollars to a Nigerian romance scam where she believed she was dating a wealthy man named "Michael Oliver," who was actually a scammer operating from New Jersey. Federal investigators discovered the operation had defrauded at least 23 victims across the U.S. of over $700,000 through multiple schemes including romance scams, lottery fraud, and inheritance fraud, with money laundered through numerous bank accounts. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly involve requests for money, verify identities through video calls, and never send cash or valuables to people you've only met online.
newsnationnow.com
· 2026-05-24
An elderly couple in Riverside County, California, was targeted by a scammer posing as actor Tom Selleck on Facebook, who convinced them to send thousands of dollars over several months despite warnings from friends and family. The couple, Donald and Karen Whitaker (both in their late 70s/early 80s), were later found dead in what investigators believe was a murder-suicide, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation. To protect yourself: be suspicious of unsolicited messages from celebrities or strangers online, verify identities through official channels before sending money, and report suspected scams to authorities and adult protective services if they involve vulnerable individuals.
agrinews-pubs.com
· 2026-05-24
The Federal Trade Commission offers guidance to help protect yourself from online scams and data breaches, recommending steps like keeping your software updated, securing your Wi-Fi network, and creating strong passwords that are at least 15 characters long and mix letters, numbers, and symbols. The article emphasizes avoiding easily guessable passwords based on personal information and suggests using memorable phrases with added complexity. For detailed protection strategies and resources on what to do if you become a victim of fraud, visit consumer.ftc.gov/node/77479.
pymnts.com
· 2026-05-24
Visa reports that scams have become the fastest-growing payment security threat, with nearly $1 billion in scam-related activity identified in the second half of 2025, as criminals increasingly target people through deception rather than exploiting technical vulnerabilities. Fraudsters are using AI-powered tools like deepfakes, voice impersonation, and AI-generated content to increase the credibility and reach of their schemes. To protect themselves, consumers should stay alert to urgent requests and verify identities through trusted channels, while financial institutions should implement stronger identity verification, intent assessment, and manipulation detection systems.
newser.com
· 2026-05-24
A California couple in their late 70s and 80s died in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide after the wife became a victim of a romance scam involving someone impersonating actor Tom Selleck on Facebook. The woman, Karen Whitaker, lost at least $30,000 to the scammer over approximately a year, and despite warnings from family, friends, and authorities, continued sending money—possibly due to early dementia. Her husband, Donald, reportedly became deeply distressed over the situation and the couple was found dead in their home in May, highlighting the serious vulnerability of elderly people to financial scams and the devastating consequences they can have.
mexc.co
· 2026-05-24
Members of the New Jersey Auto Owners Association have staged sustained protests since April against Samuel Polyak and David Gutwill, accusing them of scamming 90-year-old stroke survivor Robert Kerekes by initially refusing to return his classic car and then allegedly returning it stripped of valuable original parts after an EV conversion project. The case involves claims of fraud, missing auto parts valued at significant amounts, and the installation of unsafe batteries, with protesters demanding accountability and return of the stolen components. Consumers should be cautious when leaving valuable vehicles with repair shops, ensure all work is documented in writing with detailed parts lists, and consider having an independent inspector verify completed work before taking possession.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-05-24
Media outlets, healthcare organizations, and advertisers are shifting away from terms like "elderly" and "senior citizen" in favor of more neutral language such as "older adults" and generation-specific labels like "Generation Jones," reflecting growing awareness that people over 55 are diverse, active, and don't fit outdated stereotypes. The change stems from research showing that "elderly" carries negative associations with frailty and decline, while generation-based labels feel more empowering to older audiences by emphasizing shared experiences and lifestyle rather than age-related limitations. For readers, this linguistic shift signals a broader cultural recognition that older adults deserve respectful, inclusive language that reflects their actual lives—and it's worth being mindful of similar language choices in your own communications.
the-independent.com
· 2026-05-24
An elderly California couple was found dead in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide, but prior to their deaths, the wife had been targeted by a scammer posing as actor Tom Selleck on Facebook who convinced her to send money via gift cards over the course of about a year. While investigators confirmed financial elder abuse occurred, they stressed there is no evidence the scammer was directly involved in the couple's deaths. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact from celebrities on social media, never share personal information or send money via gift cards to unverified contacts, and report suspicious activity to authorities or the FTC.
tampafp.com
· 2026-05-24
A North Carolina woman was arrested after defrauding a 66-year-old Florida man of over $100,000 through a two-layer scam involving fake investment opportunities and a fabricated romance with "Elon Musk." Elizabeth Ann Hildbrand posed as a financial broker while also claiming to be romantically involved with the billionaire, convincing the victim to wire money, purchase gift cards, and mail cash that she converted into cryptocurrency. To protect yourself: verify investment opportunities through official channels, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited romantic relationships online (especially with famous figures), never send money or gift card codes to people you haven't met in person, and contact authorities immediately if you suspect fraud.
inkl.com
· 2026-05-24
Inheritance theft is increasing as criminals target aging Americans' substantial assets through forged wills, fake loans, and abuse of power of attorney documents, with victims often unaware of the fraud until after assets have already been transferred. Both strangers using fraudulent paperwork and trusted insiders like caregivers and relatives exploit vulnerable seniors and grieving families who lack the resources or knowledge to verify claims. To protect yourself, verify all wills and financial documents through official channels, maintain detailed records of any loans or promises made to seniors, and consult an estate attorney if anything seems suspicious after a loved one's death.
aol.com
· 2026-05-24
# Summary
A woman defrauded a Bradenton man out of $100,000 in a scheme involving a Tesla vehicle, according to police reports. Detectives from the Bradenton Police Department's Elder Fraud Unit have outlined common tactics used to target vulnerable individuals and provided guidance on how to protect yourself, including being cautious about unsolicited offers and verifying the legitimacy of transactions before sending money or personal information.
streamlinefeed.co.ke
· 2026-05-24
A retired teacher in Meru County lost her entire KES 7.5 million pension to a sophisticated fake gold investment scheme run by an international syndicate that used forged documents, fake assay certificates, and corporate office fronts to convince her the investment was legitimate. The scam is part of a broader pattern of gold fraud operations based in Nairobi that has drawn scrutiny from international financial watchdogs and contributed to Kenya's presence on financial crime watchlists. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities promising high returns, verify the legitimacy of any company through official channels before sending money, and never trust deals that pressure you to act quickly or bypass normal banking procedures.
nbcnews.com
· 2026-05-23
An elderly California couple was found dead in a suspected murder-suicide in May, with investigators determining that the wife had been victimized by a romance scam in which someone impersonated actor Tom Selleck over Facebook and eventually convinced her to send thousands of dollars via gift cards. The scammer initially gained the victim's trust by claiming to have known a deceased high school friend of hers, then gradually requested money for various reasons starting in November. Authorities advise seniors to be cautious of unsolicited contact on social media, verify identities independently before sharing personal information, and never send money via gift cards or wire transfers to people they haven't met in person.
newsindiatimes.com
· 2026-05-23
An Indian national named Syed M. Makki was sentenced to 15½ years in prison for his role in an elder fraud conspiracy that defrauded 12 victims of over $6 million. Between 2023 and early 2024, scammers installed malware on victims' computers and impersonated Microsoft employees, bankers, and government officials to convince elderly people (ages 61-80) that their money was unsafe in banks, then tricked them into liquidating their savings to buy gold bars and coins, which Makki and others collected and transported across state lines. To protect yourself: be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from major companies or government agencies, never buy precious metals based on pressure from callers, and verify any urgent claims by hanging up and calling official numbers directly.
actionnewsjax.com
· 2026-05-23
A 61-year-old caregiver in St. Johns County, Florida was arrested for allegedly defrauding an elderly person in her care, including stealing jewelry, misusing personal information to open fraudulent credit accounts, and spending over $8,000 on a forged credit card between 2022 and January 2026. The victim's family delayed reporting the crimes, allowing the scheme to continue for years while the caregiver had trusted access to the victim's home and personal information. Authorities warn that additional victims may exist and urge anyone with information to contact the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, emphasizing the importance of monitoring elderly relatives' financial accounts and credit activity for suspicious activity.
yahoo.com
· 2026-05-23
Five suspects have been arrested for a fraud scheme that targeted at least 150 senior citizens in Philadelphia, defrauding them of over $500,000 since June 2024. The scammers impersonated employees from utilities like PECO, PGW, and the Philadelphia Water Department to trick victims—primarily Black women—into giving access to their bank accounts, with stolen funds used for personal purchases and money transfers. If you or someone you know was victimized by this scheme, contact the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office Elder Justice Unit at 215-686-5710.
insurancenewsnet.com
· 2026-05-23
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mysuncoast.com
· 2026-05-23
A 51-year-old North Carolina woman was arrested for her role in scamming a 66-year-old Bradenton man out of at least $100,000 through a fake investment scheme called "Tesla 1." The victim transferred money via wire transfers, cashier's checks, and Apple gift cards over two years before realizing the scam when he couldn't withdraw funds; the suspect then moved the stolen money into cryptocurrency accounts. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities, avoid sending money through untraceable methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency, and verify investment companies through official channels before committing funds.
patch.com
· 2026-05-23
An elderly couple in California, Don and Karen Whitaker, were found dead in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide after Karen fell victim to a romance scam where a fraudster impersonating actor Tom Selleck convinced her to send thousands of dollars. Karen, who was in early stages of dementia, initially met the scammer on Facebook and despite warnings from family and friends, continued sending money as the scam escalated from $80 donations to much larger sums. To protect yourself from similar scams, be especially vigilant with elderly relatives—verify requests for money through independent channels, be skeptical of celebrity contact on social media, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
delawarevalleynews.com
· 2026-05-23
Five Philadelphia residents orchestrated a scam targeting senior citizens by impersonating utility companies (PGW, Water Department, PEECO) and convincing victims to hand over bank account information and debit cards, ultimately stealing at least $500,000 from at least 35 people. The suspects used the stolen funds for money orders, personal purchases, and transfers to their own accounts before being arrested; police recovered cash, firearms, and financial records, with most defendants held on bail ranging from $1.8 million to $5.4 million. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited calls or visits from utility companies and never provide banking information or PIN numbers to anyone claiming to need account access—legitimate companies will never ask for this information in person or over the phone.
indianexpress.com
· 2026-05-23
The FBI shut down a call center operation in India that defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans and people in other countries out of millions of dollars through tech support scams. Two senior executives of a telecommunications company that enabled these operations—former CEO Adam Young and former CSO Harrison Gevirtz—pleaded guilty to knowingly profiting from the scammers and face sentencing in June 2026. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited tech support calls, verify requests through official company channels, and report suspicious activity to authorities, as the FBI emphasizes protecting vulnerable populations from these predatory schemes.
english.publictv.in
· 2026-05-23
The FBI shut down a major scam call center operation based in India that defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans out of millions of dollars through fake tech support schemes, with two U.S. executives pleading guilty to knowingly providing telecommunications services to support the fraudulent operation. Elderly Americans were the primary victims, targeted by scammers posing as tech support representatives to steal their money. The FBI urges people to check on elderly loved ones, watch for suspicious activity, and report any suspected scams to law enforcement at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
rafu.com
· 2026-05-23
A Covina couple lost nearly $850,000 in life savings and retirement funds after falling victim to an elaborate FBI impersonation scam that lasted over a year. Scammers used spoofed phone numbers, fake video calls with actors dressed as FBI agents, and intimidation tactics claiming the couple was under investigation to coerce them into converting their savings to cryptocurrency. Experts advise that legitimate law enforcement will never call demanding money or ask you to keep investigations secret, and people should always verify by calling official agency phone numbers directly rather than using contact information provided by callers.
knoxradio.com
· 2026-05-23
Emergency alert systems in the U.S. and Canada are based on outdated assumptions about older adults: while planners long assumed seniors relied on landlines, new federal data shows that roughly 75% of American seniors and 83% of Canadian seniors now primarily use cell phones and the internet. This disconnect means many emergency alerts—which still rely on reverse 911 systems tied to physical addresses—may fail to reach older residents effectively during severe weather or other crises. To stay safe, seniors should ensure their cell phone numbers are registered with local emergency services, opt into mobile alert systems, and verify they can receive emergency notifications on their devices.
dailymail.com
· 2026-05-23
An elderly California couple, Donald and Karen Whitaker (ages 80 and 79), were found dead in their home in an apparent murder-suicide after Karen spent months sending thousands of dollars to an online scammer posing as actor Tom Selleck. Authorities believe this was a case of financial elder abuse that may have contributed to the tragic outcome, though they have not confirmed whether the scammer was directly involved in the deaths. The case underscores the danger of romance and celebrity impersonation scams targeting seniors—people should verify the identity of online contacts independently, never send money to strangers online, and discuss unusual online relationships with trusted family members.
news.meaww.com
· 2026-05-23
A 79-year-old California woman was allegedly victimized by a romance scammer impersonating actor Tom Selleck who convinced her to send hundreds of dollars over an extended period before she and her 80-year-old husband were found dead in their home in May 2024. The scammer contacted Karen Whitaker after she posted on Facebook and developed a fake intimate relationship with her, gradually increasing requests for money from $80 to $800, despite friends and even someone connected to Tom Selleck trying to convince her of the fraud. To protect yourself: be skeptical of unexpected romantic contact from celebrities online, never send money to people you haven't met in person, verify claims independently, and report suspected elder fraud to local authorities immediately.