Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
14,174 results
in Scam Awareness
▶ VIDEO
CBS Philadelphia
· 2025-06-09
Scammers are impersonating customer service representatives to steal money from consumers who search for legitimate company support numbers online. Helen Knop lost over $3,000 from her checking account after calling what she believed was a Walmart customer service number found through Google; the fraudsters collected her personal and banking information under the guise of resolving a dishwasher installation issue. To protect yourself, verify customer service numbers directly through official company websites rather than relying on search results, and be cautious about sharing banking information over the phone.
▶ VIDEO
Island News
· 2025-06-08
During Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, Hawaii advocates warned seniors—a particularly vulnerable population—about scams targeting the state. In 2023, Hawaii residents reported losing more than $52 million to internet scams, with impostor scams and identity theft identified as the most common fraud types. Advocates emphasized awareness and prevention efforts to protect seniors and safeguard Medicare's financial integrity as Hawaii's aging population continues to grow.
▶ VIDEO
FOX5 Las Vegas
· 2025-06-04
Cyber criminals use phishing emails impersonating Facebook to steal login credentials by falsely warning users that their page violates copyright laws and threatening immediate account loss. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited emails, only log in through official websites or apps, avoid clicking links in emails claiming to be from social media platforms, and watch for spelling and grammar errors in impostor emails.
▶ VIDEO
CTV News
· 2025-06-03
Employment scams are rising dramatically, with reported losses reaching nearly $23 million in the first three months of 2025, up from $7 million in 2022. Job seekers like Kelsey Burgess fall victim after being recruited through social media for work-from-home positions, where scammers send fake checks and ask victims to purchase gift cards, resulting in personal financial losses when the checks don't clear. These scams target job seekers broadly by offering unrealistic salaries and legitimate-appearing opportunities, with no specific demographic being singled out.
▶ VIDEO
FTCvideos
· 2025-06-03
This educational piece advises consumers preparing for hurricane season to incorporate fraud prevention into their emergency planning. Key recommendations include reviewing insurance coverage, documenting household inventory with photos, securing important documents and cash in a fireproof box, and vetting home repair contractors in advance by requesting referrals and searching online for complaints or scams.
▶ VIDEO
WFRV Local 5
· 2025-06-03
The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau warns that investment and cryptocurrency scams are the most prevalent frauds targeting adults 55 and older. The BBB recommends being cautious of phone fraud with spoofed caller IDs, avoiding pressure to act immediately, and verifying unusual claims by calling official sources directly rather than trusting the caller's information.
▶ VIDEO
CBS Evening News
· 2025-06-01
A 26-year-old U.S. Navy electrician named Thomas Xiao admitted to passing sensitive military documents to a Chinese intelligence officer who posed as an investor and researcher on the Chinese social media app WeChat between 2021 and 2023. Chinese intelligence operatives are increasingly using social media and virtual contact to recruit U.S. military personnel and extract classified information, as traditional in-person espionage has become more difficult.
▶ VIDEO
Forbes Breaking News
· 2025-05-30
Congressman Sanford Bishop questioned SEC Commissioner Atkins about investor protection for elderly Americans, noting that investor advocacy legal clinics assisting seniors defrauded by brokers and advisors have declined from 24 clinics to only 10 across the country due to depleted funding from FINRA and state regulators. Bishop asked what the SEC can do to prevent further clinic closures and promote resources to at-risk populations, with Atkins indicating support for expanding these consumer protection initiatives.
▶ VIDEO
NBC10 Boston
· 2025-05-23
Massachusetts consumer protection officials warn residents to stay alert against increasingly common scams, noting that older Americans lost nearly $5 billion to fraud in the past year. Key red flags include social media scams that create urgency, unsolicited phone calls, tech support scams, romance scams, and cryptocurrency schemes, with protective measures including ignoring unknown callers, using two-factor authentication, and regularly changing passwords.
▶ VIDEO
TMJ4 News
· 2025-05-21
AARP hosted a "Scam Jam" educational event at Oak Creek Community Center in Wisconsin to help residents identify and prevent fraud. The event featured Tony Lup sharing his personal experiences being targeted by multiple scams including prize/trip offers and fake emergencies, emphasizing that anyone can be victimized but everyone can protect themselves by following advice like verifying unexpected calls and hanging up on suspicious requests.
▶ VIDEO
therhodeshow
· 2025-05-20
This educational segment discusses common senior scams affecting millions of Americans annually, including identity theft schemes, grandparent scams (falsely claiming a relative needs bail money), tech support scams, and romance scams. Key prevention strategies include educating seniors about scam tactics, maintaining regular involvement in their financial affairs, and reporting suspected fraud to state police or adult services, while noting that many scams go unreported due to victim embarrassment.
▶ VIDEO
News 5 Cleveland
· 2025-05-19
According to FBI figures, scammers defrauded seniors of $4.8 billion in 2024. The Mentor Police Department in Northeast Ohio is increasing scam prevention outreach through workshops at senior centers and assisted living facilities in response to rising fraud targeting older adults. One victim, Jack Hines, nearly fell for a phishing email scam but caught himself before losing money.
▶ VIDEO
FOX59 News
· 2025-05-16
Indiana State Police are reporting a sharp increase in romance scams on dating websites where criminals use artificial intelligence to create more convincing fake profiles and messages, with victims losing up to $200,000 in some cases. The AI technology allows scammers to improve their English and create realistic photos, making it harder for people to detect fraudulent accounts, and perpetrators typically spend weeks or months building relationships before requesting money through untraceable payment methods like gift cards. Police advise potential dating app users to watch for red flags such as requests for money, unusual photo details (asymmetrical faces, incomplete glasses, odd fingers), and to verify profiles independently before engaging with matches.
▶ VIDEO
CBS4 Indy
· 2025-05-16
Indiana State Police report a surge in AI-enhanced romance scams targeting Hoosiers, with victims losing up to $200,000 per case. Scammers use artificial intelligence to improve their language skills and create realistic profile photos, making them harder to detect as they build relationships over weeks or months before requesting money through untraceable payment methods. Police advise victims to watch for red flags such as requests for gift cards, scrutinize AI-generated photos for imperfections, and trust their instincts, as romance scams have become the third riskiest scam type according to the Better Business Bureau.
▶ VIDEO
NBC 7 San Diego
· 2025-05-16
Carlsbad Police shut down an elaborate fraud scheme targeting elderly residents that stole over $145,000 in cash and gold bullion. Scammers used fake computer popups and impersonated Apple and Wells Fargo representatives to convince victims to liquidate assets, which were then packed into shoebox parcels for courier pickup; in one case, a victim lost $130,000 before police made an arrest during a second pickup. A separate incident involved an elderly resident losing $10,000 to someone impersonating an FTC investigator using authentic-looking agency letterhead and logos.
▶ VIDEO
FOX5 Las Vegas
· 2025-05-14
Scammers are targeting Medicare patients by posing as durable medical equipment companies or pharmacies and enrolling them in unwanted remote patient monitoring devices and services, often unapproved by the FDA, then billing them monthly fees. Victims may receive no equipment at all, unauthorized equipment, or have their Medicare information stolen for additional fraud. The Department of Health and Human Services advises seniors to consult their doctor before enrolling in any healthcare services, hang up on unsolicited medical device offers, refuse unordered deliveries, and report scams to the HHS hotline.
▶ VIDEO
Spectrum News
· 2025-05-13
A widow named Kathy Stevens (pseudonym) lost $500,000 to a romance scam after meeting a man on a dating app who claimed to be an Italian-Australian scuba diver and oil rig worker with properties in Florida and Wisconsin. Over the course of their online relationship, the scammer built trust through daily conversations and a video call before requesting money, exploiting Stevens's loneliness following her husband's death. The case illustrates the vulnerability of grieving seniors to romance fraud schemes that use fabricated personas and emotional manipulation.
▶ VIDEO
Dayton 24/7 Now
· 2025-05-13
Millions of elderly Americans fall victim to financial scams annually, with the most common targeting seniors being investment/cryptocurrency scams, home improvement scams, romance scams, and online purchase scams. Phone fraud is also prevalent, where scammers impersonate government agencies or bank officials, using either polite or threatening tactics to manipulate victims into sending money. To protect seniors, awareness of these common scam types and verification tactics is essential.
▶ VIDEO
wgaltv
· 2025-05-10
This educational piece advises scam victims to overcome shame and seek help by reporting the crime to police and using the Better Business Bureau's Scam Survival Toolkit, which creates personalized recovery plans. The article emphasizes that National Scam Survivor Day (second Thursday in May) aims to reduce stigma around reporting scams, particularly romance scams affecting older adults, and notes that reporting can prevent further losses.
▶ VIDEO
WFMY News 2
· 2025-05-09
Scammers send fake toll payment notices via text claiming vehicle registration will be suspended and credit scores damaged if payment isn't made, with the goal of obtaining credit card numbers rather than the small fee itself. If victims provide credit card information, scammers use it for unauthorized charges such as internet gambling, potentially costing thousands of dollars. Legitimate toll texts come from non-phone number sources, while fraudulent texts originate from 10-digit phone numbers or email addresses and include links or phone numbers for payment.
▶ VIDEO
CBS Pittsburgh
· 2025-05-09
This educational piece highlights key strategies to protect against increasingly sophisticated scams that target people of all ages. Common scams include grandparent scams, fake tech support, and gift card scams, all designed to steal money or personal information. Experts from law enforcement and the FBI recommend pausing before acting on urgent requests, verifying caller identity through independent family contacts, and remembering that legitimate creditors never demand payment via gift cards.
▶ VIDEO
FOX5 Las Vegas
· 2025-05-07
The Silera Community Center in Henderson hosted a fraud prevention seminar called "Robbery Not Reported" to educate Las Vegas Valley seniors on protecting themselves from scams targeting their money, data, and identity. Attendee Paul Block shared that he lost $3,000 to a cryptocurrency scam and knows someone who lost $100,000 to a romance scam, emphasizing the importance of seniors openly discussing their experiences with fraud to reduce shame and help others learn from these mistakes.
▶ VIDEO
KTVN 2 News Nevada
· 2025-05-07
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office and Better Business Bureau are hosting a free senior scam awareness seminar on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Douglas County Community and Senior Center in Gardenerville. The seminar is open to seniors, caregivers, friends, and families and will provide tips on avoiding scams and protecting seniors from fraud.
▶ VIDEO
KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas
· 2025-05-07
A Sun City Anthem senior was scammed over nearly two years after initially being defrauded while purchasing light bulbs online, ultimately losing approximately one-quarter of her net worth. When the victim stopped making payments, scammers escalated their tactics by harassing her with incessant calls and threats of bodily harm, eventually threatening her granddaughter's safety to extort additional payments. While the district attorney intervened to prevent further losses, the stolen funds were never recovered, reflecting a broader national crisis in which seniors lost $12.5 billion to scams in the previous year according to the Federal Trade Commission.
▶ VIDEO
KSHB 41
· 2025-05-02
Kansas City seniors are participating in the "Show Me Seniors Digital Literacy Cohort," a new educational program designed to teach them computer skills and how to recognize digital scams. According to the FTC, the number of older adults losing $100,000 or more to fraud has tripled since 2020, with investment scams being the most common type targeting seniors. The program aims to protect seniors' financial security while improving their overall digital literacy and quality of life.
▶ VIDEO
10 Tampa Bay News
· 2025-05-02
**Summary:**
A 92-year-old Tampa Bay-area man was defrauded of $800,000 in an elaborate romance scam involving 37-year-old Otis Swinton Jr., who posed as a woman online to gain the victim's trust before manipulating him into transferring funds to accounts under the scammer's control. The stolen funds were accessed through forged checks, ATM withdrawals, credit cards, cryptocurrency, and identity theft. Swinton Jr., a career criminal recently released from prison in March after serving seven years for similar crimes targeting over 50 people, was arrested in Orlando and now faces fraud charges; authorities indicate there may be additional victims.
▶ VIDEO
KPRC 2 Click2Houston
· 2025-04-29
**Article Type:** Educational/Protective Advice
Seniors aged 60 and older lost nearly $3.5 billion to scams in 2023, with impersonation fraud (such as fake bank calls and text messages) being the most common type. The article recommends three protective measures: set up bank alerts for transactions over a certain amount, avoid writing checks and verify check images online if necessary, and establish direct contact information with your bank before a problem occurs.
▶ VIDEO
ABC News
· 2025-04-23
The FBI reported that Americans lost a record $16.6 billion to scams last year, a 33% increase from the previous year, with seniors aged 60 and older being disproportionately targeted and losing nearly $5 billion. Scams targeting seniors included impersonation schemes (fake coworkers, tech support), with criminals posing as tech support claiming to remove viruses for a fee. The FBI urged consumers to "check, call, and wait"—verify email addresses and phone numbers, confirm authenticity by calling, and wait before sending money to verify legitimacy.
▶ VIDEO
WATE 6 On Your Side
· 2025-04-20
Multiple law enforcement agencies across Tennessee reported a rise in phone scams where callers impersonated police and sheriff's offices, threatening victims with jail time unless they paid money. Government agencies never call to demand payment or personal information; residents should hang up on suspicious calls and independently verify by contacting the agency directly.
▶ VIDEO
WBNS 10TV
· 2025-04-20
**Summary:**
Ohio seniors received scam prevention training as scammers become increasingly sophisticated, particularly targeting older adults over 65 who are less digitally savvy. According to the National Council on Aging, seniors aged 60 and over lost $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023, with attorney Carlos Crawford advising people to watch for red flags like misspelled words, suspicious email addresses (such as Gmail addresses impersonating government agencies), and to trust their instincts when something feels off.
▶ VIDEO
CNA Insider
· 2025-04-19
Chinese exchange students studying abroad have become targets of a "cyber kidnapping" scam in which scammers send fake images of tied-up or injured victims to families and demand ransom payments—sometimes exceeding $1 million—while threatening to harm or sell the student's organs. The scam uses internet-based psychological manipulation rather than physical abduction, and has affected multiple Chinese international students globally, including cases like 17-year-old Kai Chuang who went missing in Utah in December 2023. Law enforcement warns that these crimes are difficult to prevent or resolve, as scammers operate with little accountability and families face impossible decisions when unable to verify their loved one's actual location or safety
▶ VIDEO
CBS Chicago
· 2025-04-18
The Better Business Bureau warns of a surge in Real ID scams targeting consumers rushing to meet the May 7th federal deadline. Scammers impersonate government officials through fraudulent alerts and emails, claiming problems with applicants' Real IDs or warning about the deadline to steal personal information, a tactic previously seen during the 2021 deadline extension.
▶ VIDEO
Al Jazeera English
· 2025-04-18
Romance scams are rising significantly, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting that approximately 70,000 people across the US fell victim to fake virtual romances in 2022 alone, resulting in $1.3 billion in losses. Scammers use fake profiles with AI-generated images to pose as attractive individuals on social media platforms like Facebook, targeting victims emotionally before requesting money. Gen Z is among the biggest targets of these scams, yet victims are often blamed and reluctant to speak openly about their experiences.
▶ VIDEO
CTV News
· 2025-04-15
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre unveiled a proposed crackdown on senior fraud, noting that Canadian seniors are 33% more likely to lose money in scams than other age groups. His proposed measures include requiring banks and telecom providers to detect and block fraud in real-time, implementing 24-hour delays on high-risk transactions from senior accounts, creating new criminal offenses for executives who enable senior scams, and imposing harsher penalties for fraudsters. The proposal responds to thousands of Canadian seniors losing millions to scams in recent years, including phishing texts and robocalls targeting those over 65.
▶ VIDEO
FOX 4 Now
· 2025-04-14
According to a Better Business Bureau report, scams in the U.S. have dramatically increased since 2021, with over 16,600 scams reported to the BBB scam tracker, costing Americans millions of dollars and increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence. Nearly all scams involve personal information theft, and many victims are unaware their data has been compromised. Experts recommend monitoring accounts for unauthorized activity and placing credit freezes to prevent fraudsters from opening accounts in victims' names.
▶ VIDEO
News4JAX The Local Station
· 2025-04-14
This article warns pet owners about counterfeit pet product scams flooding online markets, where scammers sell low-quality or unsafe items like collars, toys, and treats at suspiciously discounted prices on unfamiliar websites. The Better Business Bureau reports a significant spike in these scams targeting pet parents, with some customers never receiving ordered items despite being told they were shipped. To avoid fraud, consumers should purchase only from reputable retailers with secure websites, physical addresses, verified reviews, and be skeptical of deals that seem too cheap compared to prices elsewhere.
▶ VIDEO
CTV News
· 2025-04-14
Identity theft is increasing due to advanced AI tools and dark web activities, with the Canadian Anti-fraud Task Force receiving over 40,000 reports of attempted identity theft over the past three years. Stolen personal information is being extracted using AI and screen-scraping technology, then sold on the dark web. Red flags include unsolicited emails and texts from unknown numbers requesting personal information or account access.
▶ VIDEO
CTV News
· 2025-04-14
Police in Ontario are warning of a fake gold investment scheme that has defrauded at least three elderly residents of approximately $1.3 million. Scammers impersonate bank or security officials, claiming victims' bank accounts have been compromised, then convince them to purchase large quantities of gold as a security measure—gold that is never actually picked up. Police emphasize that legitimate banks never ask customers to withdraw funds and buy gold, nor do they request customer participation in investigations.
▶ VIDEO
8 News Now — Las Vegas
· 2025-04-12
Experts and law enforcement in Nevada are warning seniors about a surge in scams targeting the state's 480,000 Social Security recipients, with seniors losing a record $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024. Key protective measures include ignoring unsolicited calls, texts, and emails requesting personal information; changing passwords regularly; and verifying links before clicking. One senior shared her experience with an email impersonation scam attempting to solicit Apple gift cards, highlighting the importance of verifying sender information.
▶ VIDEO
NBC10 Philadelphia
· 2025-04-11
Scammers are increasingly impersonating government agencies—particularly the Social Security Administration, Health and Human Services, Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Postal Service—to steal personal information and money through unsolicited calls. Losses from government impersonation scams rose from $618 million in 2023 to $789 million in 2024, with over 265,000 reports filed, and victims should know that legitimate government agencies never demand money, make threats, or ask people to move funds over the phone.
▶ VIDEO
KJRH -TV | Tulsa | Channel 2
· 2025-04-10
Phony toll bill scams have surged dramatically, increasing 600% in the first quarter of the year and 98% in a single week in March, according to Guardio's scam report. These fraudulent messages, sent via email and text, falsely claim unpaid tolls are due and threaten license suspension, court action, and credit damage; they also attempt to steal personal information through malicious links. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in suspicious messages, delete and report them as junk, and report any incidents to the FTC.
▶ VIDEO
THV11
· 2025-04-08
Modern scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics that are difficult to distinguish from legitimate contacts, including impersonating law enforcement and court officials through voicemails claiming victims have missed court dates or been served papers. These emotionally manipulative scams attempt to pressure victims into providing sensitive information or money by creating a false sense of urgency and legal jeopardy. Authorities recommend vigilance in verifying the legitimacy of unexpected calls and texts before responding with personal or financial information.
▶ VIDEO
News Channel 3-12
· 2025-04-08
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department held a community presentation in Carpinteria to warn residents about a dramatic increase in scams, including prize/giveaway scams, romance fraud, and other schemes designed to extract money or personal information from victims. While scams affect people across all demographics, seniors are disproportionately targeted, and attendees learned to recognize red flags and protect themselves from various fraud tactics.
▶ VIDEO
Click On Detroit | Local 4 | WDIV
· 2025-04-08
A Macomb County senior citizen lost over $30,000 in a Bitcoin internet service scam after receiving an email about home internet security protection she did not sign up for. When she called to cancel, scammers posing as customer service representatives gained access to her personal and banking information, ultimately tricking her into sending money via Bitcoin. The scam targeted seniors looking to save money and appears to have affected multiple victims in the local area.
▶ VIDEO
wpsu
· 2025-04-05
This educational piece outlines two major categories of scams that affect consumers: illegal scams that attempt to steal personal information (like social security numbers and credit card details) to access accounts and money, and predatory scams that are typically legal but equally deceptive and financially damaging. The article advises that legitimate companies never request account information via unsolicited texts, emails, or calls, and viewers should be cautious of suspicious communications and fraudulent links.
▶ VIDEO
FOX5 Las Vegas
· 2025-04-05
Scammers send fraudulent text messages impersonating the U.S. Postal Service, claiming recipients have undeliverable packages and requesting they click a link to verify their address; the link directs victims to a fake website that steals personal and financial information. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts, do not reply to suspicious messages, and contact the postal service or retailer directly if unsure about a package delivery.
▶ VIDEO
4 News Now
· 2025-04-04
The Spokane County Sheriff's Office and Spokane Valley Police Department warned of a scam in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials and contact family members of recently arrested individuals, claiming they can secure early jail release in exchange for immediate payment. Authorities advise recipients of such calls to verify the caller's identity independently by hanging up and calling the agency directly before providing any payment.
▶ VIDEO
ABC News (Australia)
· 2025-04-04
Cyber criminals targeted multiple Australian superannuation funds using stolen usernames and passwords obtained from the dark web, successfully stealing at least half a million dollars from four members of Australian Super after compromising 600 passwords. Other funds including Rest Host Plus, Insignia, and Australian Retirement say they stopped the attacks before funds were taken, though the incident highlighted security vulnerabilities in retirement savings systems protecting Australia's $4.2 trillion in superannuation assets.
▶ VIDEO
CNN-News18
· 2025-04-02
The Delhi High Court ruled that mandatory service charges imposed by restaurants and hotels are illegal and constitute deceptive trade practices. The court clarified that service charges cannot be automatically added to bills, disguised as tips or voluntary contributions, or bundled with GST—they must be entirely left to the consumer's discretion. Establishments violating this ruling face enforcement action, and consumers have the right to refuse payment of these charges without penalty.
▶ VIDEO
13 ON YOUR SIDE
· 2025-03-31
The Better Business Bureau warns that storm damage creates opportunities for scams and fraud, as homeowners in urgent need of repair and cleanup services become vulnerable to unscrupulous contractors with poor intentions. Consumers should exercise caution when hiring services after severe weather events to avoid being taken advantage of by fraudulent service providers.